CHICAGO, June 10, 2026 — For the first time, studies have shown that 70% of Americans diagnosed with cancer are now surviving at least five years. This milestone reflects decades of scientific progress and has contributed to nearly 19 million people living with, or beyond, cancer. In an effort to support those confronting cancer, City of Hope®, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, is unveiling the City of Hope Line in Chicago.
Coinciding with National Cancer Survivors Month (June), and part of a national initiative from City of Hope, the Hope Line invites survivors, caregivers, loved ones, clinicians, and community members to share short messages inside of a phone booth by answering one simple, but powerful question: What would you say to someone who just heard the words, “You have cancer?”
The goal of the Hope Line is to spread words of encouragement and share positive, uplifting experiences for those seeking support at a time of need. Supporting this initiative are well known voices including Olivia Munn, Jordan Chiles, Andrew McMahon, O.A.R., and more, all of whom have already recorded supportive messages.
Throughout the month of June in Chicago, participants can visit the Hope Line installed in the main lobby of City of Hope Chicago Cancer Center’s hospital (2520 Elisha Ave, Zion, Ill.) to hear these words of encouragement and more, as well as leave their own positive affirmations.
A second Hope Line will travel across Chicago and be available at key locations, including:
- June 13 - June 20: Gilda’s Club Chicago (537 N Wells St, Chicago, Ill.)
- June 29: Kenosha Kingfish’s “Strike Out Cancer” night (7817 Sheridan Road, Kenosha, Wis.)
Chicagoans can also call 626-218-4056 to leave a message or to record one of their own during the month of June.
“As the number of cancer survivors continues to increase, it’s becoming more critical than ever for us to reframe how we view cancer survivorship and truly celebrate these victories,” said Pete Govorchin, president of City of Hope Cancer Center Chicago. “We have been working to create a systemwide survivorship program that will ultimately help support patients from diagnosis through long-term follow-ups. The Hope Line is another, innovative piece of this growing effort that we are undertaking here in Chicago and nationwide at City of Hope.”
Beyond Chicago, the effort is also being undertaken by City of Hope cancer centers around the country, with Hope Lines set up in Los Angeles and Orange County (California), Atlanta, and Phoenix.
“We need systems that know how to support cancer survivors long after treatment ends," said City of Hope patient Valarie Traynham, a Chicago-area, two-time cancer survivor and patient advocate. "At City of Hope, survivorship has meant adjusting to a new normal and using my experience to support, educate, and uplift others who are also living with cancer."
For more information on City of Hope visit CityofHope.org.
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About City of Hope
City of Hope's mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that is ranked among the nation’s top cancer centers by U.S. News & World Report at its core, City of Hope’s uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, Orange County, California, campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas. City of Hope’s affiliated group of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHopeTM. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.