I was in my 30s when I lost my mom to complications from breast cancer. For years, she faced challenges from cancer and lupus, an autoimmune disease that still has no cure.
Her experience shaped the course of my life. It made me want to help people like her live longer and better. It led me to a career in philanthropy, and it is one of the reasons I am so proud to be part of the City of Hope community today.
Back then, I learned how grief can be a powerful force for good when it is paired with action. I often say that "hope is not a word, it's a verb." It means that we can't just wait for good things to happen. We have to do something.
So, when I think about hope in action today, I think about the Brinkenhoff family.
Gayle Brinkenhoff was just 32 years old when she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. She received much of her care at City of Hope and was able to live another 25 years. During her treatment, her husband, ophthalmologist Michael Brinkenhoff, M.D., created an eyelash conditioning serum to help her feel more confident and beautiful. That product, now known as RevitaLash®, became the foundation of a global cosmetics brand and an extraordinary legacy of giving.
Since 2008, Revitalash Cosmetics has donated more than $14 million for breast cancer initiatives, with a significant portion directed to City of Hope. The company also participates in Walk for Hope, donates products for patients, and participates in City of Hope's City of Hope's National Beauty Industry group.
Revitalash Cosmetics also sponsors the annual Gayle Brinkenhoff Women's Cancer Symposium at City of Hope. Now entering its 11th year, the symposium has grown into one of the nation's premier women's cancer research events, bringing together experts to share discoveries, foster collaboration and accelerate progress.
In recognition of the family's 20+ years of support, City of Hope will honor Dr. Brinkenhoff with the 2027 Spirit of Life® Award, our highest honor for philanthropy and volunteer service.
I know what it means to lose someone you love too soon. That is why I am especially grateful to the Brinkenhoff family and Revitalash Cosmetics for their incredible partnership over all these years. They have transformed their loss into an incredible movement of friends, colleagues and beauty industry leaders who are shaping the future of cancer care.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I invite you to join that progress. You can participate in Walk for Hope, tell your friends about our mission or make a gift in honor of someone special. No matter how you choose to help, you can turn hope into action and create a healthier future for patients and families everywhere.
In gratitude,
Kristin J. Bertell
Chief Philanthropy Officer