After two decades working at the intersection of philanthropy and health care, I’ve learned that the most meaningful giving rarely starts with a check. Instead, it starts with understanding what patients and communities need next — then working with committed partners to deliver it sooner.
To me, there is no greater privilege than connecting people to a meaningful mission. Yet, philanthropy is often misunderstood.
Even my closest friends will say, "I could never ask people for money." But that's not really what I do.
At City of Hope®, philanthropy isn't a transaction. It's an invitation to partner. It’s about coming together to change people’s lives and to take care of one another. Here, donors are not simply keeping the lights on. They are helping us identify the problems worth solving and the opportunities that could change what is possible for patients.
In the past few months alone, we've seen how generous philanthropy has contributed to one of the biggest pancreatic cancer breakthroughs — with more on the horizon. It is advancing the field of precision oncology by integrating microbiome science, genomics and artificial intelligence into one comprehensive approach to personalized care. It is bringing leading-edge research and care to families when they need it most. And as Alberto Pugliese, M.D., noted in a recent interview, philanthropy is essential to early-stage research and clinical trials.
Curing cancer and diabetes is about as big, complex and impactful a mission that you could have. In this high-stakes environment, philanthropy is a gamechanger. It allows our physicians, scientists and care teams to pursue bold ideas that not only save lives but transform entire systems and standards of care.
That's why I love this work. It's about people, partnership and making a difference together.
During this season of giving and gratitude, I am especially thankful for our extraordinary supporters and employees. Your ideas, passion and generosity are helping more people live longer, healthier lives.
As we look ahead, I invite you to continue working alongside us to create a healthier future for all...because that's what philanthropy is all about.
With thanks,
Kristin J. Bertell
Chief Philanthropy Officer
P.S. Giving Tuesday is December 1, 2026. More people give to City of Hope on #GivingTuesday than any other day of the year — so mark your calendars and join the global giving movement in support of our mission.