Centered around the theme of light, the annual tradition marked the start of the season of togetherness.
“For those who work in oncology care — and specifically here at City of Hope — light holds its own meaning,” said Wendy Austin, City of Hope Orange County’s senior vice president of operations. “Through a compassionate presence, an understanding hug, and lending our patients the confidence to continue their journey, our staff and physicians are our patients’ light. And to our patients who have joined us today: You are our light. You are the reason for everything do. And together we’re making that light shine brighter in Orange County and beyond.”
Rabbi Adam Greenwald of the Congregation B’nai Israel and City of Hope Orange County chaplain Dr. Frank Munoz led an interfaith ceremony honoring Orange County’s diverse faith traditions, with reflections and prayers offered to the gathering.
“We light the first Hanukah candle as a testament to hope and resilience,” said Greenwald. The menorah was lit by Seth A. Cohen, M.D., a City of Hope Orange County urologic surgeon and urogynecologist who practices at the cancer center.
“May these lights and the gifts that surround the trees in our homes and communities be symbols of gifts of compassion and healing we bring to our patients, their families and all of our loved ones,” said Munoz.
Patients joined together to fill the tree’s branches with one-of-a-kind, hand-decorated ornaments bearing heartfelt messages from patients and their families. Seeing the glimmering ornaments on display together held special meaning for City of Hope Orange County grateful patient and lung cancer survivor Michelle Vacca.
“The holiday season is above all a season of gratitude, and I am truly grateful for City of Hope Orange County and its commitment to cancer research and saving lives,” said Vacca. “I've been able to live my life because of cancer treatment breakthroughs. Thank you, City of Hope, for taking my hand and never letting go.”
The tree’s glow will illuminate the entryway to City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center throughout the holiday season.
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City of Hope is where cancer loses and life wins. To make an appointment at any of City of Hope’s Orange County locations, call 888-333-HOPE (4673).
