Rose Parade 2025 Hero

Rose Parade 2025

City of Hope®, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States whose Los Angeles comprehensive cancer center ranked among the nation’s top 5 cancer centers by U.S. News & World Report and a leading research center for diabetes, will celebrate its 51st float in the 2025 Rose Parade.

This year’s float titled “A Beautiful Day for Hope” will feature cancer and diabetes survivors and their doctors from City of Hope’s Los Angeles comprehensive cancer center and its locations in Orange County, Calif., Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix.

This year’s parade theme, “Best Day Ever,” highlights the moments that make life extraordinary and showcases the beauty of shared experiences. City of Hope float participants will embrace this theme as they celebrate their survivorship during the 136th Rose Parade on Jan. 1.

Built by Phoenix Decorating Company and standing 20 feet tall with over 50,000 flowers, City of Hope’s float features two majestic peacocks with tail feathers framing its Spirit of Life Fountain and iconic brand of two adults lifting a child. Inspirational words integral to City of Hope’s mission are on the feathers: Hope, Compassion, Discovery, Trailblazing and Inclusion.

Each brave survivor representing City of Hope’s national system shared their heartfelt journey as a reminder that no one faces this fight alone.

Patient Stories

Each survivor representing City of Hope’s national cancer treatment center chose to share their cancer journey as a reminder that no one walks alone.
Thomas Mrozez, Cancer Survivor
Thom Mrozek, 62, Pasadena, California

Mrozek, a government agency spokesperson, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a deadly disease affecting over 60,000 people annually. Referred to City of Hope Los Angeles, Mrozek is now a 12-year pancreatic cancer survivor. He will ride on City of Hope’s float, celebrating his remarkable victory, joined by his doctor Stephen J. Forman, M.D., director of the Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute and professor in the Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.

Keira Chang, 16, Monterey Park, California

On the cusp of celebrating her 13th birthday, Chang received the devastating news of being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Chang immediately began treatment at City of Hope’s Children's Cancer Center. Concerned about her falling behind in school, her family turned to a unique Supportive Care program at City of Hope that helps students with home instruction. Chang has a message for other children and young adults facing cancer: “Cancer doesn’t define who you are. Never give up. There is always hope.”

Juliette Landgrave, cancer survivor
Juliette Landgrave, 41, Mission Viejo, California

At the young age of 38 Juliette Landgrave was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Landgrave is cancer-free and committed to sharing her story, especially in the Hispanic community. “I’m Hispanic, and Hispanic people don’t talk about cancer. I want to change that,” Landgrave said.

Tiffany Jones, El Segundo, California

Tiffany Jones was diagnosed with a rare sarcoma that affects only 1,000 people in the U.S. annually. Her then-care team wasn’t sure how to treat the rare disease so she was referred to City of Hope Los Angeles. Jones became a wing-walker to celebrate surviving cancer. “I am at my best when I’m adventurous, courageous and in flight,” she says. Watch a thrilling video of Jones wing-walking in the link below.

Jose Santos, stage 3 colorectal cancer survivor
Jose Santos, 43, Chicago, Illinois

Jose Santos suffered from ulcerative colitis (UC) for 16 years. At age 37 he was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. Individuals with UC carry a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer so Santos wasn’t totally surprised when he received his cancer diagnosis. Doctors at City of Hope Chicago Cancer Center decided to remove his entire colon. The goal was to also end his UC: no colon, no colitis. “Cancer was my blessing in disguise. It cured me of my UC,” Santos happily said.

Julianna Ferrone, stage 3 cervical cancer survivor
Julianna Ferrone, 31, Atlanta, Georgia

At age 27, Ferrone was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer. Determined to beat her cancer, Ferrone sought care at City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta. After nearly a year of intense treatments, Ferrone conquered cancer and is now reclaiming her life. Often referring to herself as a "cervivor" Ferrone shares, “Riding on City of Hope’s float in the Rose Parade is beyond exciting. I’m deeply committed to spreading the message about the power of screening and early prevention.”

Elizabeth Rogers, bladder cancer survivor
Elizabeth Rogers, 32, Phoenix, Arizona

At age 29 Elizabeth Rogers, a single mother to two foster daughters, was ready to take the next step and adopt one of the girls. But cancer had other plans. Diagnosed with bladder cancer, Rogers turned to City of Hope Cancer Center Phoenix. “Everyone was so supportive and cared about me as a person,” she recalls. Now, cancer free, Rogers is refocusing on what matters most to her: being a mother.

Kelly Bennett, 53, Phoenix, Arizona

Kelly Bennett was 6 years old when she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. She was among the first to receive a wearable blood sugar monitoring device when they came out. For the next four decades Bennett dealt with daily insulin injections. It was a Facebook group that pointed her to a clinical trial being conducted at City of Hope Los Angeles. One year after joining the trial Bennett no longer takes insulin. Bennett feels “truly blessed” for riding on City of Hope’s float.