City of Hope®, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., has received a $20 million gift from philanthropists Norman and Melinda Payson to create a pancreas center that will advance groundbreaking research and treatments for pancreatic cancer and diabetes.
The gift builds on the Paysons’ legacy of visionary generosity. Norman Payson, M.D., an Orange County-based entrepreneur, noted health care executive and City of Hope board director, has invested more than $10 million in City of Hope, ranked among the nation’s top 5 cancer centers in the United States. He was the first to donate $1 million toward the development of City of Hope Orange County’s cancer campus and network of advanced care.
This most recent gift is in honor of his mother, who died of pancreatic cancer.
“Pancreatic cancer is among the most complex cancer types affecting millions of people around the world. Unfortunately, our family understands its impact all too well,” Payson said. “City of Hope is uniquely positioned with the expertise to advance the pioneering treatments and cures needed to end pancreatic cancer, the epidemic of diabetes and related serious illness. Melinda and I are honored to further advance research and bring new hope to people worldwide, including here in Orange County.”

City of Hope, a pioneer in both cancer and diabetes breakthroughs, is internationally recognized for groundbreaking research investigating the connection between cancer and diabetes, cellular immunotherapy, early detection for pancreatic cancer and exploration of a pancreatic cancer vaccine.
The gift is the second significant gift to City of Hope this autumn to fund pancreatic disease research.
City of Hope received a historic $150 million gift from entrepreneurs and philanthropists A. Emmet Stephenson Jr. and his daughter Tessa Stephenson Brand to immediately fund pancreatic cancer research.
Payson said, “We saw the Stephenson gift as a leverage opportunity. This is a great chance to do something for City of Hope and the fight against pancreatic cancer.”
Robert Stone, chief executive officer and the Helen and Morgan Chu Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair at City of Hope, said, “Transformational, innovative thinking often begins with identifying a problem and envisioning solutions others deem impossible. By working with forward-thinking partners like the Paysons, City of Hope is advancing lifesaving medicine to new heights. The Paysons are shining examples of the champions we need to transform cancer care as we know it, and we are immensely grateful for their support.”
City of Hope is delivering advanced treatments in five major metropolitan areas across the nation. In 2022, City of Hope opened City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center in Irvine — the most advanced cancer center in Orange County. In 2025, City of Hope will open Orange County’s only cancer specialty hospital, which will be seamlessly connected to the cancer center.
“City of Hope is known for bringing people together to save lives,” said Kristin Bertell, chief philanthropy officer, City of Hope. “This includes a powerful community of donors and volunteers — from passionate individuals like the Paysons to foundations and corporate partners. Everyone delivers something extraordinary as we come together to end cancer. Together, we can usher in a new era of hope, innovation and speed, shaping a healthier future for all.”
Annette Walker, president, City of Hope Orange County, said, “Norman and Melinda understood the importance of our mission in Orange County from day one. Now, they are helping us as we look to a future where we end even the most complex forms of cancer and other serious illnesses.”