Dear Friends,

It can be difficult to find comfort when we are all feeling discouraged by the suffering and conflict happening around the world. And yet, philanthropy (which, after all, means "love of mankind") reminds us that individuals - and societies - can bring about transformative healing and change.

On National Philanthropy Day, I invite you to take inspiration from the incredible acts of kindness and generosity in our City of Hope® community. As donors and volunteers, you are part of a powerful movement, and I am thrilled to relaunch HopeConnection to share all the ways this movement is saving lives and advancing cures for cancer and diabetes.

All the stories in HopeConnection are reasons for optimism. I was particularly uplifted by the words of Tom Hanchette. Though Tom recently lost his wife, Bridget, he is still finding a way to express gratitude and connect others to our mission. He and his kids had 12 precious years with Bridget following her glioblastoma diagnosis, thanks to surgery and innovative treatment at City of Hope. As Tom says, "I've learned the hard way that you can't just wall things off. I want to be part of figuring it out and making the journey better for other people."

As we continue to hope for peace in the world, I am so thankful to Tom and to all of your for what you are doing to create a brighter future for patients and families everywhere.

With gratitude,

Kristin J. Bertell

Chief Philanthropy Officer