Finding Purpose After Loss
In 1997, Eileen Stern was still grieving the loss of her mother, Lillian, when a friend invited her to join the Desert Women’s Council, a new group raising funds for breast cancer research at City of Hope.
“My mom died the year before, after a mastectomy,” says Eileen, who lives in Palm Springs. “I wanted to channel my grief into something meaningful.”
At the council’s first meeting an idea struck Eileen – ‘What about a hike?’ Eileen found support in Beverly and Sid Kline who embraced innovation and were excited by an outside the box fundraiser. With that, Hike4Hope was born. Today, the annual event has raised nearly $3 million for City of Hope research.
The Search for the Perfect Location
Finding a site was the first major hurdle. Breakthrough came when the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians generously approved use of the Indian Canyons in Palm Springs.
“The setting was spectacular and perfect for a post-hike celebration,” Eileen says. The Coachella Valley Hiking Club stepped in to provide hike leaders, and Eileen drew on her marketing background and personal contacts to help build sponsorships.
By March 1998, Hike4Hope was ready.
“We were there before sunrise, wondering if anyone would show up,” Eileen recalls. “Then cars just kept coming.” That first year, 125 hikers raised nearly $50,000. It was only the beginning.
Eileen’s “Why”
Eileen and her husband, Marv, moved to Palm Springs in the early 1990s and were already familiar with City of Hope — Marv received a Spirit of Life® Award in 1994 for his leadership and service. But neither imagined how deeply City of Hope would touch their lives.
“So many people I love turned to City of Hope for care,” Eileen says. “My brother is a four-time lung cancer survivor. City of Hope quite literally saved his life.”
This year, Eileen dedicates her work to Marv, who passed away in 2024. “Targeted radiation at City of Hope gave him an incredible quality of life for more than a year with almost no side effects,” she says. “I’ll always be grateful.”
City of Hope’s impact, she adds, extends far beyond one institution. “Their discoveries are shared worldwide. They’re changing outcomes everywhere.”
The Success Continues
Now in its 28th year, Hike4Hope continues to evolve. About 15 years ago, proceeds expanded beyond breast cancer to support cancer research broadly. In 2018, the event became valley-wide, allowing participants to choose from multiple hikes of varying difficulty.
At the 2025 event, 150 hikers, ages 1 to 90, took to seven trails. With the help of 37 volunteers, Hike4Hope exceeded its $50,000 goal — raising $74,365.
A Deep Investment in the Community
Beyond City of Hope, Eileen has devoted decades of volunteer leadership to Planned Parenthood, FIND Food Bank, Temple Isaiah, the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, and the Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City.
“I get more back than I give,” she says. “I love creating events, supporting causes I believe in, and meeting generous, inspiring people along the way.”
The 2026 Hike4Hope takes place Sunday, March 22, at the Whitewater Preserve.