Fittingly, the year culminated with opening of City of Hope Orange County Cancer Specialty Hospital, the only cancer specialty hospital in the nation’s sixth-largest county.
The hospital on City of Hope’s 72-acre academic research campus in Irvine completes the full continuum of advanced cancer care — from prevention through survivorship — on one academic campus built for the single purpose of saving lives. Every staff member and every physician is solely focused on preventing, treating and curing cancer: delivering the level of cancer-focused expertise, breakthrough acute and outpatient care, novel clinical trials and groundbreaking technology that only a nationally recognized cancer research and treatment organization can provide.
Here's a look back at the highlights of 2025.
DEC. 1: City of Hope Orange County Cancer Specialty Hospital welcomes its first patient.
The first day of patient care at City of Hope Orange County’s cancer specialty hospital was marked with a blessing of the hands and a warm welcome to the hospital’s first patient.
In the early hours of the morning before the workday began, faith leaders from across the region gathered to bless the hands of hospital staff, a time-honored tradition that recognizes the sacred and compassionate work of caregiving. Soon after, the hospital’s first patient, Frank Di Bella, arrived. Di Bella credits City of Hope with saving his life and was an early advocate of bringing City of Hope to Orange County.
NOV. 19: A grateful community celebrates the grand opening of Orange County’s only cancer specialty hospital
The opening of Orange County’s only cancer specialty hospital is a significant milestone in the fulfillment of a promise to the 3.2 million people who call Orange County home. “A beacon of hope, created for and with the community it serves, this place stands as proof that when people come together with courage and conviction, dreams once thought impossible can become real,” said Annette Walker, president of City of Hope Orange County.
Patients shared their gratitude for the lifesaving care they received at City of Hope Orange County and for having access on one comprehensive cancer campus to the full power of City of Hope’s innovation and groundbreaking technology — from CAR T-cell therapy and transplants to complex surgeries performed by world-renowned experts, advanced immunotherapies, and novel clinical trials. More than 100 specialized physician-scientists have answered the call to practice at the Orange County campus.
NOV. 2: City of Hope Orange County hosts its largest Walk for Hope yet
Teams of cancer survivors, family members, City of Hope staff and supporters joined together for City of Hope’s annual Walk for Hope on the Orange County campus. One in three people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes, and participants from the community helped turn hope into cures. Together with City of Hope locations around the country, the 2025 Walk for Hope raised more than $3.5 million for City of Hope’s breakthrough cancer research and brought hope to countless families.
OCT. 11: Promise of Hope gala raises more than $20 million for pioneering cancer research and life-giving care
Nearly 500 guests attended City of Hope’s Promise of Hope gala featuring legendary performer Diana Ross. There was much to celebrate, including the cancer specialty hospital and two transformative gifts. A gift from RSI Dream Communities established a unique workforce housing initiative for oncology healthcare professionals. The second gift from philanthropists Ron and Sandi Simon honored the leadership of Annette Walker, president of City of Hope Orange County, through the establishment of an endowed chair. Philanthropist and longtime City of Hope supporter Stephanie Argyros co-chaired the hugely successful gala.
AUG. 20: Dedication of The Wetterau Family Spiritual Care Center, a first-of-its-kind immersive, multifaith sacred space
The cancer specialty hospital’s Wetterau Family Spiritual Care Center was dedicated with blessings from faith leaders from across Orange County and uplifting performances by the Pacific Chorale and local musicians. Designed by Roger Holzberg, a former Disney Imagineer and co-founder of Reimagine Well, the multifaith spiritual care center immerses cancer patients and their loved ones in their healing places. Guests can select calming images from diverse faith traditions or local natural landscapes for a quiet meditative experience.
JUL. 27: The Spirit of Life sculpture is unveiled
An iconic Spirit of Life statue was formally unveiled on the third anniversary of the opening of City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center. Placed in the Argyros Garden near City of Hope Orange County Cancer Specialty Hospital, the sculpture stands as a beacon of hope for patients, family members and staff. Recognized worldwide as the City of Hope logo, the Spirit of Life’s three figures represent the shared human journey through illness and healing.
"Symbols matter. They remind us of where we come from and why we do this work,” Walker said. “The Spirit of Life and this healing garden are for everyone who walks through our campus seeking a moment of peace or purpose. They create a space that says, ‘You are not alone,’ that whatever you’re going through, there is hope.”
JUL. 19: Hope rings out in partnership with South Coast Plaza
City of Hope Orange County honored cancer survivors in an uplifting community celebration in partnership with South Coast Plaza at the global shopping destination’s Jewel Court. Featuring live music from the Pacific Chorale and an art installation with colorful bells and wishing tags hung on larger-than-life letters spelling HOPE, the emotional celebration — aptly named Hope Rings Out — was a vibrant tribute to the resilience of cancer survivors and a reminder of what is possible with hope.
JUN. 6: City of Hope Orange County celebrates cancer survivors everywhere
In June – National Cancer Survivors Month -- City of Hope Orange County honored the resilience of cancer survivors against the gleaming backdrop of the new cancer specialty hospital. More than 300 cancer survivors and their loved ones walked a blue carpet, smiling proudly — some through tears of joy — as they and hundreds more rang handbells in a triumphant celebration of life. City of Hope leaders also received the keys to the nearly-finished cancer specialty hospital.
MAR. 20: Honoring the cancer specialty hospital construction workers
City of Hope Orange County leaders honored construction workers and partners for their tireless work building the hospital. Highly skilled workers in 80 trades, project managers, architects, engineers, clinical and administrative staff, and numerous consultants and Irvine and state staff all made essential contributions to bringing the cancer specialty hospital to life. Construction leaders acknowledged the deep commitment of their teams, who placed heartfelt personal messages of hope in a time capsule.
2026: The next chapter of hope
In 2026, City of Hope’s advanced cancer treatment and pioneering research will bring even more hope to the people of Orange County and beyond. Read these five predictions from City of Hope experts on the significant changes that will transform cancer care and survivorship in 2026: Cancer Research and Care in 2026: 5 Big Shifts That Will Redefine Survival.