Cancer diagnoses are rising among adults under 50, according to the American Cancer Society. It’s an alarming trend. But the uptick has also sparked a positive movement to invest more time and resources in groundbreaking research efforts. As a national cancer care leader, City of Hope — along with its corporate partners — is leading the charge.
With each research advance, late-stage cancers, once considered untreatable, edge closer to being chronic conditions that can be managed with lifestyle changes and ongoing clinical care. These life-extending innovations support healthy survivorship. This is critically important to younger adults in the early-to-mid career stage.
Engaging these emerging leaders and young professionals touched by cancer — either as patients, family members or friends — is vital to supporting City of Hope’s mission of achieving breakthroughs that transform cancer care. City of Hope’s industry partners have created emerging leaders and young professional groups that offer opportunities for early-to-mid-career professionals to network, connect and fundraise.
Groups like Los Angeles Real Estate (LARE) Building Hope, Hardware Hombuilding Industry (HHI) Building Hope, and Music, Film and Entertainment Industry (MFEI) Future Hope, make it possible for mid-level professionals to move the needle in the ongoing journey to more personalized, effective cancer care.
Building Hope from a Critical Diagnosis
Robert Plowey, LARE Building Hope co-chair, came face-to-face with cancer when someone close to him received an aggressive cancer diagnosis. The personalized, compassionate treatment his loved one received at City of Hope ignited his passion for supporting the cancer center, its trailblazing research and clinical care efforts, and its commitment to creating lasting doctor-patient relationships.
“The clinical teams at City of Hope care about you as a patient, as a person and as a family,” he says. “In addition to providing ongoing cancer research and treatment, the most special part of what they do is work to make each of their patients’ lives whole again.”
His desire to get involved led him to join Building Hope. Along with his personal motivation, Plowey says joining the group aligns with the emphasis his employer, real estate investment bank Eastdil Secured, places on creative and actionable ideas, flawless execution, and developing deep, meaningful relationships. By planning events and collaborating on fundraising efforts, Building Hope brings together like-minded people to champion City of Hope.
“We see ourselves as stewards – representatives and ambassadors for City of Hope,” he says. “Through networking and the community we have built, people reach out directly about how they can get involved with City of Hope. It’s very meaningful to me because I know we’re helping other families as they go through their cancer journey.”
So far, his group has raised over $1.5 million through events, like the annual Monte Carlo Game Night, to support research that accelerates cures and transforms health care.
Robert Plowey speaks at the Los Angeles Real Estate and Construction Council’s Building Hope Group’s 10th Annual Monte Carlo Game Night. The year’s event focused on support of City of Hope’s supportive care program.
Building Hope Outside the Box
For Kyle Guenther, his journey with City of Hope began with his role at Lowe’s Companies Inc. The leading home improvement retailer is an avid member of the Hardware Homebuilding Industry (HHI) group. With a tradition of uniting professionals from around the country, Guenther found Building Hope as an opportunity to unite Lowe’s commitment to serve the community with his desire to give back.
“Building Hope is an initiative to connect with emerging leaders and young professionals within the National Hardware Homebuilding Industry (HHI) and rally around one goal: to raise money in support of City of Hope’s mission,” says Guenther. “Our goal is to get people enthusiastic, roll up their sleeves, and show how they can raise money as they grow as leaders in the industry.”
Along with fellow group members, Guenther and several friends launched new programs that break the traditional fundraising mold. Rooted in a forward-thinking vision of raising $1 million annually, these events get young professionals engaged with City of Hope’s mission while helping them network and grow professionally:
- Toast for Hope: A virtual wine tasting that paired raising a glass with raising money for City of Hope from the comfort of home.
- Casting for Cure: A yearly one-day fishing tournament brings industry professionals together to support City of Hope in a more relaxed atmosphere. The event has grown each year and its third installment in 2025 raised $550,000 for City of Hope’s leading-edge research and innovative personalized care.
As Guenther has progressed to executive levels in his career, his involvement with Building Hope has transitioned into a position on the Executive Council for HHI. He reflects positively on his time in leadership within Building Hope and shares his perspective: “Building Hope holds significant personal meaning and aligns closely with our mission. The engagement of young individuals — connecting with our goals, fostering community, and demonstrating their capacity to effect change — is essential. With increasing cancer diagnoses among those under 50, addressing this challenge is a shared responsibility.”
Small Steps for Future Hope
Just as Melody Shahsavarani launched her career in the music and entertainment industry, she learned she had stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma. She credits her care team at City of Hope with her recovery. Their blend of expertise and empathy sparked her desire to give back.
“I wouldn’t be here without my doctors and nurses. Throughout my treatment, I kept thinking, ‘I’m going to help this cancer center,’” says Shahsavarani, who spoke at last year’s Walk for Hope. “City of Hope and its oncologists, nutritionists and therapists saved my life. They’re the reason I stay true to City of Hope and want to help eradicate cancer for people who were in my position.”
That’s why she joined and assumed a leadership role in MFEI’s Future Hope group. In addition to being a group of people dedicated to the same philanthropic goal, she also sees the group as a direct avenue to introduce a new generation of people touched by cancer to City of Hope.
To date, she and her committee members have planned several small events, proving that efforts don’t need to be large to be effective. Through sold-out comedy show fundraisers and potential e-gaming events, they’re expanding support for the cancer center’s life-changing work.
“I’m very thankful to be in a group of people that are simply here to share the same mission,” she says. “Everyone puts their ego and title aside and uses the power they have to invest in City of Hope and its work to cure cancer.”
Engage your employees in City of Hope emerging leaders and young professional groups — sponsor memberships, host a Future/Building Hope kickoff and recognize “rising stars” who lead company‑wide fundraisers. (Contact: Industry Groups & Affinity Councils → Future Hope / Building Hope)
FAQ/People also ask
Q: How can I learn more or nominate someone for a young professional group?
A: Connect with our Corporate Philanthropy team to explore nominating an emerging leader or young professional at your organization by email.
Q: What is the current expected impact of cancer?
A: In 2025, experts estimated roughly 2 million people received a new cancer diagnosis and approximately 618,000 died. Breast, colorectal, lung and prostate cancers accounted for most new cases.
Q: How can I explore a corporate partnership with City of Hope?
A: City of Hope maintains corporate partnerships with a wide variety of industry leaders. Learn more about the industry groups to determine which is the best fit, contact our Corporate Philanthropy Team by email or call 866-683-4673.
Q: How can I make a personal charitable gift to City of Hope?
A: There are many ways to donate to City of Hope. Make a one-time donation, join the monthly giving program or recommend a grant from your donor-advised fund. If you have questions about donating, email us or call 866-683-4673.