On August 22, City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center officially welcomed our first patients. We celebrated this important day by teaming with FivePoint and the City of Irvine and commissioned Irvine’s iconic Great Park Balloon to soar above Orange County with the messages "Rise Above Cancer" and “Hope.” Grateful patients lifted off in the day’s first flight of the giant balloon, which has been wrapped with inspirational art created by noted Orange County artist Meredith Moody.
“Cancer touches us all,” said Annette M. Walker, president, City of Hope Orange County. “Advanced cancer care and groundbreaking research are helping turn the tide against cancer, and we’re asking everyone in Orange County to ‘Rise Above Cancer’ with us. Everyone in the community, including our friends and family, can share in this hope on the horizon. Let’s work together to lift our community to new heights of hope and health.”
City of Hope and FivePoint are inviting community members to get screened and support everyone impacted by the disease. “Preventing cancer is the best way to beat it,” said Edward S. Kim, M.D., M.B.A., physician-in-chief, City of Hope Orange County, and vice physician-in-chief, City of Hope National Medical Center. “As we welcome our first patients to City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center, we are beginning a new era of hope in our fight against this disease.”
The inspirational message will remain on the Great Park Balloon until the end of September. It was designed by Orange County artist Meredith Moody, whose mother, aunt and brother each had cancer. “I am honored to lend my talents and be part of City of Hope’s growing presence in my community,” Moody said. “As I hope my art touches people’s hearts and lives, I hope City of Hope will always lift the lives of people with cancer for years to come.”
Community members are invited to take free rides on the balloon and post selfies using #HopeIsHere and tag @cityofhopeOC. The Great Park Balloon is open for special hours on Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 23 to 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. Beginning Aug. 25, the balloon will continue its regular operating hours: Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. (weather permitting). More information about the balloon can be found here.
City of Hope Orange County officially celebrated the cancer center opening on July 27, when city leaders, philanthropists, physicians, other health care professionals and patients gathered to welcome the visionary comprehensive cancer complex. You can read more about the cancer center here.