Dear Friends,

World Cancer Day was Feb. 4. It’s our annual opportunity to recognize how far we've come with cancer innovation, and how far we still need to go. While new therapies are allowing patients to live longer and better, the best outcomes and the most advanced care remain out of reach for too many people.

Thanks to you and the support of our dedicated donor community, City of Hope is at the forefront of addressing the care gap. Our teams are working to uncover reasons behind disparities in prostate and breast cancer among underserved groups and especially people of color, we're increasing diversity in clinical trials to ensure greater representation and the development of therapies that work for more people and we're offering genetic testing to all City of Hope patients to increase detection and prevention. You can read more about the work of our researchers and clinicians to advance health equity on our website, including a video message from genomics expert John Carpten, Ph.D., director of the comprehensive cancer center and Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, chief scientific officer, the Irell & Manella Cancer Center Director’s Distinguished Chair and the Morgan & Helen Chu Director’s Chair of the Beckman Research Institute.

We are also excited to announce the opening of registration for Walk for Hope. Whether you are walking for yourself or someone else, we hope you’ll join our volunteer movement to end cancer for all.

None of these efforts would be possible without you. City of Hope was started by philanthropists who refused to see people left out of care; you are continuing that legacy today.

We're so thankful to all of our donors and volunteers for your compassion and commitment to helping us extend the best care to more people. I am excited by what we will accomplish together for patients and families everywhere.

With appreciation,

Kristin J. Bertell

Chief Philanthropy Officer