After Fred Wallitsch’s two stem cell transplants for leukemia, he searched his soul trying to understand God’s purpose for his life. He’d worked in the construction industry since 1979 and knew he was being called to do something bigger than himself. But what?
Then, five years ago, the answer came. Wallitsch was presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that involved what he called leaning in on his “specialized training.” He would apply his experience as a patient to work with leaders from City of Hope to build Orange County’s only cancer specialty hospital.
“Inside the walls you have built, relying on the mechanical and electrical systems that you have assembled, standing on the floors that you erected, lives will be saved,” Wallitsch recently told a gathering of the construction teams and partners from Hensel Phelps, Jacobs and the Freeman Group. “That’s why the work you do, every day, is so special to the hope of everyone who will walk through those doors."
The gathering was held to thank and honor the men and women who are building the cancer specialty hospital on City of Hope’s academic cancer campus in Irvine. Opening this year, the hospital completes the continuum of care and will be seamlessly connected to City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, which opened in 2022.
Annette Walker, president of City of Hope Orange County, told the crowd that she felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the hands, hearts and work of the teams bringing the hospital to life.
“This is not just a building. It’s a promise,” Walker said. “A promise to the 3.2 million people of Orange County that everything they need in their cancer care journey — all of the expertise, all of the breakthrough treatments and all of the pioneering research — is right here on our academic cancer campus.”
Tarek Wehbe, program director of Jacobs Project Management Co., reflected on the long days and countless hours the construction workforce has dedicated to turning a vision into reality. “It takes a village to build this hospital, from the planners, architects, engineers, project managers, to all of you — the hard-working men and women we are here to honor today, and who made this happen.”
Rodney Freeman, the founding principal of The Freeman Group, shared how everything a patient needs will be on one campus. “This is a place where humanity exists and progresses. That’s evident in why we are gathered together. We want to honor you, the tireless workers who have persevered through all conditions — rain or shine, and even when the skies were thick with smoke. You understand the purpose of this work.”
Travis Gooding, project manager for Hensel Phelps, said, “Hensel Phelps wants to extend our appreciation to City of Hope for putting on the event honoring the craft and personally letting them know the impacts their efforts will make on the Orange County community. Hensel Phelps is incredibly proud of our craft for working over 900 thousand hours to bring this building to life.”
Walker offered additional words of inspiration and thanks. “Every beam, every joist, every last detail is about providing comfort – and most important of all saving lives. On behalf of City of Hope, and on behalf of every patient who will benefit from the care inside these walls, I say thank you.”
Wallitsch said the construction teams have been a vital part of City of Hope Orange County. “God has prepared you for this, just as He was preparing me for it 64 years before I got started on this project,” Wallitsch said. “You are and always will be part of saving the lives of the many patients that will visit City of Hope.”
Pursuing cancer cures at the speed of life. CityofHope.org/OC | 888-333-HOPE (4673)
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