I come from a crazy sports-oriented family. My father played professional baseball. My husband, professional tennis. My sister was on the national women’s soccer team. The list goes on.
My family life — and my role as the head of a 220-person department in a national cancer organization — means that I think a lot about what it means to be part of a team.
In sports, every player has a special role and skills that contribute to a greater whole. Games aren’t won alone. They are won together. The same premise holds true when the competition is cancer. Teamwork is essential.
Cancer is a formidable opponent, and we need everyone working together to defeat it. We need researchers, data scientists, geneticists and clinicians. We need cancer centers, universities and life science companies. We need patient advocates, policy makers and community leaders. We need public sector, private sector and philanthropy. We can’t afford for anyone to stand on the sidelines.
City of Hope® philanthropy is known for bringing people together to save lives. We are so fortunate to enlist a powerful community of donors and volunteers — from passionate individuals and foundations to corporate partners and celebrities. Everyone brings something special to the table. Together, we can usher in a new era of hope, innovation and speed when it comes to shaping a healthier future for all.
Here are just a few of many recent highlights that exemplify teamwork and collaboration at City of Hope:
- A historic gift to City of Hope will create the Stephenson Prize for Innovation in Pancreatic Cancer. This prize and other grants will unite top minds across diverse organizations and industries toward a common goal to defeat one of the world’s deadliest cancers.
- Similarly, a transformative gift from Norman and Melinda Payson is accelerating research and treatment for pancreatic diseases, including pancreatic cancer and diabetes, which threaten the lives and wellbeing of millions of people worldwide.
- Our very first national Walk for Hope brought together thousands of participants across four locations — Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Orange County, CA — all united in a powerful display of solidarity to end cancer for all. Next up, we walk in Phoenix on November 9!
- See how City of Hope, the National Marrow Donor Program and a stranger living 1,500 miles away gave a 26-year-old with leukemia a new shot at life and a new best friend.
- City of Hope received a grant to support pediatric cancer research thanks to our friends at the Hyundai Hope on Wheels campaign.
- Plus, global superstars like Christina Aguilera are lending their time and talent to support our fundraising efforts.
A vision as big as curing cancer requires others to dream big with us. Thank you for being part of our “dream team.”
In gratitude,
Kristin J. Bertell
Chief Philanthropy Officer