City of Hope

City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., has received a historic $150 million gift from entrepreneur and philanthropist A. Emmet Stephenson Jr. and his daughter Tessa Stephenson Brand to fund pancreatic cancer research. The gift is the single largest in City of Hope’s 111-year history. The centerpiece of this gift is the $1 million Stephenson Prize, one of the largest privately funded awards for scientific investigation, which will be awarded annually to a leading scientist or team making the most promising advancements in pancreatic cancer research, treatments and cures. The prize is open to individual investigators and teams driving innovation at institutions around the world. The Stephensons are entrepreneurs who believe in groundbreaking innovation and City of Hope as a pioneer driving transformational change in cancer care. We are honored to receive their visionary gift, which will bring new hope to patients and their families. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3XJXEJJ

We're excited to announce Crain's Chicago Business has named City of Hope Chicago President Pete Govorchin and hematologic oncologist Tulio E. Rodriguez, M.D., M.D., as Notable Leaders in Health Care! Pete was honored for expanding access to cancer treatment by negotiating the inclusion of five Illinois Medicare and Medicaid plans, resulting in a 68% increase in Medicare patients and $7.5 million in charitable care for underserved populations. Dr. Rodriguez was recognized for leading the only bone marrow transplant program in Lake County, and increasing stem cell transplants by 40%, doubling CAR T therapy treatments and expanding the program's research portfolio in the past year. Congratulations to Pete and Dr. Rodriguez for their dedication to improving cancer care and accessibility in Illinois.

At City of Hope, we are pioneering the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in health care to enhance patient outcomes and streamline surgical processes – all this is driven by the work of our dedicated Applied AI and Data Science team. Our physicians and researchers are utilizing advanced algorithms to identify the best individuals for procedures, predict complications and monitor patients remotely. As noted by Yuman Fong, M.D., "The possibilities for AI are nearly limitless." By analyzing vast datasets from electronic health records, our Applied AI and Data Science team is developing homegrown technologies that are already making a tangible impact on patient care. As we continue to explore AI’s potential, our focus remains clear: to improve recovery and ensure that every patient receives the best possible care. Read more to learn how City of Hope experts are using AI to enhance patient care and outcomes.

Access to lifesaving cancer care is a human right. Every person diagnosed with cancer should be able to receive the latest cancer treatments and expertise for their specific type of cancer, including genomic therapies, precision medicine, and access to clinical trials. However, although we live in a groundbreaking era of cancer care innovation, not all patients benefit equally. Too many people in Illinois can’t access the latest advancements in cancer care because of their means, insurance coverage, location or socioeconomic status. This is one of the greatest barriers to reducing cancer deaths and contributes to cancer mortality rates in Illinois that are higher than the national average. City of Hope alongside State Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr., State Senator Mary Edly-Allen, the Cancer Care Is Different coalition, cancer advocates and cancer patients, introduced the Cancer Patients Bill of Rights in the Illinois state legislature, a resolution that, if passed, would prioritize appropriate and timely access to expert cancer care at advanced cancer centers for patients. Read more about the resolution: https://bit.ly/4fqyPsr

At City of Hope, compassion is at the heart of everything we do — something patient access trainer Vanessa Vasquez and medical assistant Norma Alvarado know firsthand.

City of Hope is home to the world's best Jedis in healthcare and research, making hope a reality for all those touched by cancer and diabetes. ✨

At City of Hope, innovation and collaboration are leading the way to advance the treatment of diabetes. Adolfo Garcia-Ocana, Ph.D., the Ruth B. & Robert K. Lanman Chair in Gene Regulation & Drug Discovery Research, with his vibrant team of researchers, including support from The Wanek Family Project for Type 1 Diabetes, are pioneering an approach to regenerate insulin-producing beta cells — something that was previously thought impossible. The blend of cutting-edge technology and scientific expertise is transforming potential into progress. "Science is cool," exclaims Dr. Garcia-Ocaña. It's the pursuit of knowledge and a path to better treatments and outcomes.

City of Hope wishes you a Diwali full of good health, happiness and love.

Last week, City of Hope hosted an event honoring Congresswoman Grace Napolitano for her many years of service and her unwavering support of our mission. City of Hope partnered with Congresswoman Napolitano to introduce the National Cancer Patients Bill of Rights resolution. Recognizing that too many Americans lack access to lifesaving cancer care, the resolution declares patients should be able to access the latest cancer research, treatments and expertise needed. Thank you, Congresswoman Napolitano, for helping make hope a reality for more cancer patients. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3YtmvR8

We're proud to share Loretta Erhunmwunsee, M.D., thoracic surgeon, has been named a Cancer Moonshot Scholar by the Biden Cancer Moonshot for her research linking social and environmental factors to the development of lung cancer in African Americans. “City of Hope is extremely proud of Dr. Erhunmwunsee’s research focus as we seek to eradicate health disparities in cancer care,” said John Carpten, Ph.D., City of Hope’s chief scientific officer. “City of Hope is committed to ensuring every person living with cancer, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, insurance provider or geography, has access to leading-edge, optimal cancer care, and Dr. Erhunmwunsee’s research and focus are a testament to those efforts.” Congratulations, Dr. Erhunmwunsee!