Citynews: Bringing An End To Diabetes

A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF CITY OF HOPE
VOLUME 19 NUMBER 1 WINTER 2008
CityNews
BRINGING AN END TO DIABETES

$20 million gift from
Lester M. and Irene C. Finkelstein Chair in Biology gets at the roots of cancer Targeting aggressive prostate cancer
Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Foundation expands diabetes research at City of Hope
Leadership Messages
Dedicated supporters provide a needed lifeline

In a reafrmation of City of Hopes commitment to furthering innovative research and providing excellent, compassionate patient care, construction began in December on the Michael Amini Transfusion Medicine Center. Destined to impact many lives, it is tting that this building, which provides the lifeblood of City of Hope, will be the rst structure many people will encounter as they enter the campus. Transfusion medicine, and the research associated with it, represents a fundamental component of cancer care. Each year, City of Hopes cancer patients rely on more than 30,000 units of donated blood and platelets during their treatment. Frequent transfusions of donated blood components become their lifeline until they can adequately produce their own blood cells and platelets. As City of Hope treats a growing number of patients, the Amini Center will play a pivotal role in saving even more lives and improving treatments by providing new space and innovative facilities for these vital activities. The centers leading patrons Michael Amini, a stalwart advocate of the institution through the National Home Furnishings Industry, and Steven Hilton, president and chief executive ofcer of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation each have been touched by cancer, so their motivation to provide support is very personal. I share their inspiration for furthering the scientic progress at City of Hope. As City of Hope strengthens its leading role in cancer care and research by expanding key programs and facilities and fullling its strategic plan, the need for such generous philanthropy will accelerate. Donors and supporters have fostered City of Hopes growth and development since its inception. I know we can count on you as we move forward in strengthening the campus infrastructure in coming years. Terry R. Peets
Chair, City of Hope Board of Directors
Combating a growing epidemic: diabetes

There was a time when tonsillitis, ear infections and broken arms were the bane of childhood. Now the list of pediatric health woes all too often includes diabetes. Nearly 177,000 children and teens in the United States among 20.8 million Americans in all have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Of concern, those numbers are growing. Diabetes is much more than an inconvenience. Regular blood sugar monitoring, medications, healthier eating and exercise are part of the prescription and the costs of inattention are deadly. Not only does diabetes lead to complications such as nerve and vision problems and heart and kidney disease, but it also ranks sixth among causes of death in the United States. With the need so great and so little time to waste, the Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Foundation is helping City of Hope ght the epidemic. It recently donated $20 million to expand the home of City of Hopes diabetes brain trust: the Leslie & Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Diabetes & Genetic Research Center. The expansion, described in this issue of City News, expands valuable laboratory space for researchers delving into the mysteries of metabolic disease. These scientists have a lofty legacy: In past decades, City of Hope scientists laid building blocks for the modern understanding and treatment of diabetes. Today, City of Hope researchers are studying whether pancreatic cells from donors or even new cells derived from stem cells can end dependence on insulin injections. Still others are investigating the potential of a form of bone marrow transplantation to reverse type 1 diabetes. Related work by basic scientists often leads to discoveries beyond diabetes, touching on mechanisms behind cancer, heart disease and other diseases. As we begin 2008, these researchers are relishing anew the chance to make a difference. We thank you for making a difference by supporting City of Hope. Michael A. Friedman, M.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
City of Hope, an innovative biomedical research, treatment and educational institution, is dedicated to the prevention and cure of cancer and other lifethreatening diseases, guided by a compassionate patient-centered philosophy, and supported by a national foundation of humanitarian philanthropy.
City of Hope
City News is published quarterly for donors, volunteers and friends of City of Hope.
BRENDA MACEO Senior Vice President, Communications KEVIN KOGA Vice President, Communications
FRAN RIZZI Senior Director, Communications STEVE KIRK Editor ALICIA Di RADO Story Editor KIM HOSOZAWA Associate Director, Creative Services
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CITY NEWS WINTER 2008
CityNews
A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF CITY OF HOPE
VOLUME 19 NUMBER 1 WINTER 2008
Halting the progression of prostate cancer
$20 million gift advances crucial diabetes research

Support from the Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Foundation helps City of Hope further its remarkable legacy of discovery in diabetes by funding the construction of an expansion to the couples namesake center on campus.
Researchers seek to outfox the most common cancer in men.
Forever young
How do stem cells maintain their age-defying, rejuvenating properties? A protein called TLX may hold the secret.
A stepped-up attack on a cancer that is hard to swallow

A three-pronged approach to combating esophageal cancer which is exceptionally difficult to cure offers renewed hope.
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New life blood for City of Hope
A generous gift from longtime supporter Michael Amini provides improved access to blood products cancer patients need to fight their disease.
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Chapters
National awareness of City of Hope continues to grow.
17
Lester M. and Irene C. Finkelstein Chair in Biology

promotes basic studies into the very origins of cancer.
18
Americas Top Doctors for Cancer
Top fundraising campaigns

A look back at the notable events of 2007.
28
More City of Hope physicians make the grade.
CITY NEWS WINTER 2008 I 1
THE SWEET
$20 MILLION GIFT BOLSTERS FIGHT AGAINST DIABETES
SCIENCE
2 I CITY NEWS WINTER 2008
By Jennifer Healy
ILLUSTRATIONS: MARCO MARELLA
Diabetes is a disease that steals. It can rob eyesight; it amputates legs. It takes away grandmothers, sons and fathers. The disease does this at an alarming rate, growing rapidly across the world, even among children. Challenges are real, and they are seen in doctors clinics, where patients are diagnosed every day.
Key to stopping this trend are those who are supporting critical advances against the disease. The Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Foundation has provided a $20 million gift to support construction of an expansion of the 41,000-square-foot Leslie & Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Diabetes & Genetic Research Center, which houses City of Hopes comprehensive diabetes research and treatment programs. The new, four-story addition will house areas for programs that integrate research into diabetes, metabolic disease and other related conditions. City of Hope has played a seminal role in the research and treatment of diabetes, a disease that affects millions of Americans, said Michael A. Friedman, M.D., president and chief executive officer of City of Hope. This visionary gift from the Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Foundation will accelerate City of Hopes efforts to advance diabetes treatment through innovative clinical and basic science research and explore promising scientific approaches that could potentially lead to
20.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 7 percent of the population, have diabetes.
Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldshmied)
a cure. involved in glucose metabolism, leading About 20.8 million to the development of important drugs children and adults in the that are now Food and Drug Administration United States, or 7 percent of approved to treat type 2 diabetes. And, the population, have diabetes, perhaps most significantly, in 1978, Arthur according to the American Riggs, Ph.D., and Keiichi Itakura, Ph.D., Diabetes Association. While genetically engineered bacteria to effectively about 14.6 million of those produce unlimited quantities of synthetic have been diagnosed, another human insulin, which today is used by mil6.2 million people are unaware that they lions worldwide with diabetes. have the disease. Riggs, professor of biology and We are deeply grateful to the Leslie director emeritus of Beckman Research and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Institute, believes City of Hope will Foundation for its generous and longcontinue making discoveries that will standing support of the diabetes program influence diabetes care. This gift will help at City of Hope, said Fouad R. Kandeel, us maintain momentum toward becoming M.D., Ph.D., director of the Department the top center in Southern California and of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism among the national leaders for research in at City of Hope. Establishment of the islet diabetes and metabolic disease, he said. transplant program would not have been Today, City of Hope researchers are possible without the initial support investigating islet cell transplantation, a provided by Leslie and Susan Gonda. treatment in which insulin-producing cells This most recent contribution from called islet cells are transplanted from a the Gonda (Goldschmied) Foundation donor pancreas into patients with diabetes will provide a critical clean-room facility to produce insulin. City of Hope is one and laboratory space needed to speed the of only seven islet cell resource centers translation of islet and stem cell research funded by the National Institutes of Health. advances from the lab to the patient, he The institution hosts the Southern added. This gift is certain to have a signifiCalifornia Islet Cell Consortium, an cant impact on the future of diabetes care. integrated effort of multiple academic and City of Hope scientists have made transplant institutions that coordinate profound strides in diabetes research and efforts in islet cell transplantation. In treatment. In the 1940s, the late Rachmiel 2006, City of Hope was designated as a Levine, Ph.D., described insulins role in Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation stimulating the movement of glucose into islet cell transplant center. cells and discovered that type 2 diabetes To date, City of Hope has performed is related to a defect in this mechanism, a 27 islet cell transplants since 2004. In fact, in condition called insulin resistance. In the 2004 and 2005, City of Hope performed the late 1960s, Samuel Rahbar, Ph.D., recogmost islet cell transplants in the nation. nized the usefulness of City of Hopes diabetes hemoglobin-A1c research program is an outstanding While about measurement as a marker example of visionary work in a 14.6 million have for blood glucose control truly collaborative atmosphere, been diagnosed in those with diabetes. said Leslie Gonda. I consider with diabetes, In 1995, Barry Forman, this an investment for future another M.D., Ph.D., discovered generations to benefit from this 6.2 million how certain molecules terrible disease that so many people are can regulate receptors people suffer from.
unaware that they have the disease.
SUPPORT THAT PROVIDES SECOND CHANCES AT LIFE

Shelly Stevens new islet cells, transplanted at City of Hope, gave her a new lease on life. Since the 41-year-old Chula Vista, Calif., resident was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 2, she has faced many challenges. Because her body lacked diabetic awareness, she could not tell if her blood sugar was soaring or plunging. The first time Id know it was low was when Id be on the floor having convulsions, she said. At 21, she lost most of her vision due to diabetes complications. She shared her struggles with her older sister, Kim, who also had diabetes and died at age 35. She had all the horror stories, Stevens said. Strokes, amputation. After a friend who had received a pancreas and kidney transplant at City of Hope told her about the institutions islet cell transplant program, supported through the Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldschmied) Foundation, Stevens could not wait to sign up. I came out of convulsions one day and literally crawled to the phone. My husband said, What on earth are you doing? I said, Im calling City of Hope. I was desperate to get in, she recalled. Fortunately, they said I was perfect for the program. In February 2007, Stevens received her final transplant of donated cells, and four months later, she gave herself her last insulin injection. Since then, the woman who used to require 14 shots a day has not needed insulin at all. This is the miracle Ive always dreamed of, she said. Now, Stevens tells everyone she meets with diabetes about City of Hope, including her brother, Matthew, who recently was diagnosed with the disease. Everyone knows someone who has diabetes, she said. Thats why Im so excited about this research.
AN ELUSIVE QUARRY
By Elise Lamar
OUTFOXING
the disease signal the transition from treatable to more aggressive prostate tumors. Mirosevichs findings implicate two members of the forkhead box protein family, called Fox for short. The scientists zeroed in on two Fox proteins in particular, Foxa1 and Foxa2. They examined mice that had been genetically engineered to develop prostate cancer and found unusually high levels of Foxa1 protein in abnormal prostate cells that formed what are called prostate intraepithelial neoplasia lesions. These lesions may precede cancer. The scientists did not find high levels of the other protein, Foxa2, in these lesions. In contrast, mice that had another aggressive, androgen-independent prostate cancer called neuroendocrine carcinoma did show high levels of Foxa2. Mice with neuroendocrine tumors develop metastatic lesions, said Mirosevich. Patients with pure neuroendocrine tumors have very poor prognosis these tumors are the ones that frequently metastasize. That led scientists to suspect that Foxa2 was somehow linked to the cancers aggressiveness. And further experiments showed that Foxa2 unlike Foxa1 can interact with prostate cells without having androgens around.
Prostate cancer is a mans cancer, so it is not surprising that most prostate tumors depend on something manly testosterone and other male hormones to grow. By shutting down those hormones, physicians can slow a prostate tumors growth or shrink it.
Unfortunately, over time, many prostate tumors learn to grow without these hormones, eliminating hormone therapy as a treatment option and signaling an aggressive turn for the cancer. These prostate cancers are known as androgen-independent tumors. (Male hormones are called androgens.) Janni Mirosevich, Ph.D., assistant research scientist in the lab of Richard Jove, Ph.D., director of Beckman Research Institute and professor in the Division of Molecular Medicine, is studying how that shift happens. The answers may lead to new therapies for these aggressive tumors. Mirosevich recently found that differences in the levels of two important proteins that play a role in
Together with the Department of Urology and Urologic Oncologys Laura Crocitto, M.D., and Timothy Wilson, M.D., Pauline and Martin Collins Family Chair in Urology, and Huiqing Wu, M.D., in the Department of Anatomic Pathology, Mirosevich is now examining Foxa proteins in biopsy specimens from prostate cancer patients. So far, human data mirror mouse findings. We found Foxa2 expressed in some high-grade cancers, suggesting that those tumors are progressing to neuroendocrine cancers, Mirosevich said. This suggests that Foxa2 is associated with cancer progression. If further research bears it out, Foxa2 might be a target for much-needed therapies to fight androgen-independent prostate cancer and allow physicians and patients to outfox the most common cancer among men.
ILLUSTRATION: JEAN-FRANCOIS MARTIN
Janni Mirosevich
PAULA MYERS
RESEARCH AND TREATMENT
THE FOUNTAIN 0F
YOUTH
CELLULAR
By Elise Lamar
It is one of the great wonders of life: Stem cells have the remarkable ability to remain forever young until coaxed to develop into their adult roles as nerve, muscle, blood or other cells. Scientists call this seemingly magical flexibility stemness.
No one knows exactly how stem cells maintain their flexibility, and unfortunately, the mystery surrounding stemness hampers efforts to develop lifesaving therapies for conditions such as neurodegenerative disease, including Parkinsons and Alzheimers. One City of Hope investigator is doing her best to dispel the mystery, though, by identifying the factors behind neural stem cells eternal youth. Yanhong Shi, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Division of Neurosciences, recently reported in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science how a protein called TLX maintains a critical component of stemness: neural stem cells ability to divide and reproduce themselves over and over, or self-renew. Until recently, scientists thought that once an adult lost nerve cells in the brain or spinal cord whether through trauma, disease or aging the cells were irreplaceable. That assumption has now been disproved. Scientists have found neural stem cells in adult mammalian brains. These cells have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into brain cells like neurons, Shi said. Earlier in her career, Shi discovered that lab mice engineered to lack the TLX protein have far fewer neural stem cells in the adult brain than other mice. That finding implies that neural stem cells need the protein to renew themselves. Her newest study reported that to keep neural stem cells youthful, TLX actually partners up with another protein called a histone deacetylase (HDAC). Shi and City of Hope postdoctoral fellow Guoqiang Sun, Ph.D., showed that TLX and HDAC act as a team to slam the brakes on two genes that encourage neural stem cells to mature into adult nerve cells. Interestingly, one of those two genes does double duty. It not only pushes stem cell maturation, but also protects cells against cancer. That could mean that the duo of TLX and HDAC controls not only the renewal of healthy stem cells that regenerate tissues, but also the activity of a more sinister type of cell that gives rise to a tumor, known as a cancer stem cell. This is a very important finding about mechanisms of how neural stem cells maintain stemness, said Sun. It could lead to potential drug discoveries in one direction, for tissue-replacement therapies for diseases like Alzheimers or Parkinsons, or in another, to target cancer stem cells. The research not only may lead to targets for therapies, but may also help scientists grow and acquire more adult neural stem cells for their studies. Sun is the recipient of the Herbert Horvitz Postdoctoral Fellowship for Neuroscience Research. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke also supported the study.
ILLUSTRATION: ANNE SMITH
Yanhong Shi
PAULA MYERS
TREATMENTS POSE TRIPLE THREAT

TO ESOPHAGEAL CANCER
By Alicia Di Rado
Tell someone not to swallow, and it may as well be an instruction not to sleep, blink or breathe. For those facing esophageal cancer, though, trouble swallowing and eating is just the beginning.
The cancer is notoriously difcult to cure. But those facing esophageal cancer may soon get some help from a combination of powerful technologies. City of Hope researchers recently showed that uniting the advanced radiation system called TomoTherapy together with robotic surgery and potent chemotherapy may improve survival. Our initial results are encouraging, said Yi-Jen Chen, M.D., clinical assistant professor of radiation oncology and a study author. We plan to continue this treatment approach and rene it to benet our patients, and perhaps inuence care at other centers. The research team studied 20 patients treated at City of Hope from 2005 to 2007 for locally advanced esophageal cancer cancer thats spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes. Most patients like these would likely die of cancer within a year without any treatment, physicians said. With treatment, though, outcomes were much different. All of the patients received chemotherapy and radiation therapy; some also were able to undergo surgery after radiation. Radiation oncologists used City of Hopes TomoTherapy Hi-Art System. Through TomoTherapy, radiation oncologists not only can administer therapy, but they also can create images through computed tomography to make sure theyre precisely targeting a tumor and avoiding healthy tissue as much as possible. That means physicians can administer radiation doses more evenly medical oncologist and study co-author. within esophagus tumors, while also In Barretts esophagus, the esophagus sparing the nearby vulnerable structures changes so that some of its lining of the neck, chest and upper abdomen. becomes like tissue normally found in After chemotherapy and radiation, 10 the intestine. of the 20 patients were able to undergo Barretts esophagus usually causes surgery through City of Hopes robotic no symptoms itself, but it can sometimes methods, which involve removing the esophagus and potentially cancer-harborlead to esophageal cancer. Its associated ing lymph nodes nearby. The rest of the with the common condition called patients didnt undergo surgery, either gastroesophageal reux disease, or GERD. because they chose not to or because The risk of adenocarcinoma is 30 to 125 surgery was deemed too risky for them. times higher in people who have Barretts A year later, all 10 patients treated esophagus than it is in others, according through chemotherapy, radiation and to the National Institute of Diabetes and surgery remained alive, compared to Digestive and Kidney Disorders. 58 percent of patients treated with This is especially being seen with chemotherapy and radiation. After two the increasing incidence of GERD, which years, about 83 percent of the patients is seen mostly in obese males, Lim said. treated with chemotherapy, radiation About 15,560 people were diagnosed and surgery remained alive. with esophageal cancer in 2007, according Were excited to be able to bring our to the American Cancer Society. The disciplines together to nd solutions for disease is three to four times as common this form of cancer, said Kemp Kernstine, among men than among women. M.D., Ph.D., director of the Lung Cancer and Thoracic Oncology Program and one of the studys co-authors. Improvements in care are desperately needed, as one particular form of esophagus cancer adenocarcinoma is becoming more common. Its usually diagnosed at a late stage, making successful treatment tough. Adenocarcinoma is certainly on the rise, related to increased Radiation physicist An Liu demonstrates TomoTherapy incidence of Barretts esophagus to radiation oncologists from Spain on a City of Hope in the Western world, explained tour linked to the American Society for Therapeutic Dean Lim, M.D., City of Hope Radiation Oncology Annual Meeting.
ILLUSTRATION: PEP MONTSERRAT
PAULA MYERS
DONOR SUPPORT
New center deemed a for patients needing blood products

By Jennifer Healy
lifeline
On any given day, the lives of dozens of men, women and children in treatment at City of Hope depend on delicate cells cells gathered from their own blood or that of others. Soon, many more patients will be able to receive these crucial cells, thanks to a generous business leader. Michael Amini, chair and chief executive officer of Amini Innovation Corp. (AICO), joined more than 150 City of Hope supporters on Dec. 15 for the groundbreaking of the Michael Amini Transfusion Medicine Center. The center will house City of Hopes blood-processing programs, which are critical to the successful treatment of many serious illnesses. The 60,000-square-foot facility will expand City of Hopes blood collection, analysis, processing and transfusion programs to accommodate growing numbers of patients and blood donors. It is also the institutions first environmentally friendly, green-certified building. Michael A. Friedman, M.D., City of Hope president and chief executive officer, and Alexandra Levine, M.D., chief medical officer, donned hardhats and shovels at the groundbreaking alongside Amini, a longtime City of Hope supporter. Amini made a $6 million gift in 2006 to establish the new center, adding to a previous $2 million matching grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. California State Assemblymember Ed Hernandez, O.D. and Steven M. Hilton, president and CEO of the Hilton Foundation, delivered remarks during the ceremony, along with former City of Hope patients Lacey Conlan and Patrick Franco, and Amini. I learned of City of Hope through a close business colleague. After attending several fundraising events, getting to know individuals treated at City of Hope, and touring the facility, I realized that this was a place truly worthy of my strongest support, said Amini. I am honored to be able to help City of Hope further its mission of innovative research combined with compassionate patient care. It is my hope that this building will support City of Hopes treatment and research for decades to come. The Amini Center will house all components of the Department of Transfusion Medicine, bringing City of Hopes blood collection and processing programs into one place and providing a modern, comfortable environment for patients, donors and staff. The new facility will enable City of Hope to expand services for patients who need blood transfusions as part of cancer treatment, open opportunities for more research, meet new and future government regulations for blood and stem cells and accommodate further expansion. Transfusion medicine plays an increasingly prominent role in modern medical care, said Friedman. Without life-sustaining transfusion support, many complex treatments and surgical
An artists rendering of the Michael Amini Transfusion Medicine Center
procedures would not be possible. The Michael Amini Transfusion Medicine Center will consolidate all aspects of the use of blood products, including donor screening and transfusion management, while enabling important collaboration between City of Hopes researchers and physicians to Clockwise from top left, advance clinical care and benefit patients. Michael Amini, with his Certified by the United States Building wife, Lilly, and their sons, Council, the Amini Centers design meets Iman and Kian. the rigorous standards of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system. The building saves energy and uses environmentally friendly design features, including a cool roof to reduce cooling demands and energy-efficient heating and air conditioning equipment. Recycled-content products such as insulation, steel products and ceramic tile flooring will be used in construction. Amini, an active member of City of Hopes National Home Furnishings Industry chapter, received that groups West Coast Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 for his personal, professional and philanthropic achievements. The National Home Furnishings Industry chapter was created by a group of industry leaders who wanted to help in the search for a cure for cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. It currently encompasses representatives from all facets of the industry, including retail, manufacturing and publishing. To date, From left, Michael A. the group has raised more than Friedman, Steven Hilton and Michael Amini $40 million for City of Hope.
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You can help spread the word about City of Hope

Increasing coverage in newspapers, radio, television and the Web testify to City of Hopes reputation nationwide as a leading cancer center and biomedical research institute. In 2007, media coverage of City of Hope reached a total of 240 million readers, viewers and listeners 8 million more than the previous year. The institutions profile also grew through promotional public service announcements broadcast over Clear Channel radio stations across the United States featuring well-known entertainers such as Sheryl Crow and Kiefer Sutherland. Achievements in patient care received national attention, as well, most notably in U.S.News & World Report. The magazine ranked City of Hope as one of Americas Best Hospitals in two specialties: cancer and urology. City of Hope is one of only five centers in California to be featured on the cancer list; it also is one of only six hospitals in California to be ranked in urology. This media attention increases awareness among the general public, but it does not replace the importance of personal experience and connections. Chapter members roles as ambassadors can truly personalize and underscore City of Hopes mission with potential donors and volunteers, encouraging them to learn even more. Your efforts in spreading the word about City of Hope are a valued contribution for fundraising efforts and represent an important way for us to reach new supporters. Our researchers and scientists advances depend on such support, so your role in treatments and cures is pivotal. As we begin another year, please accept my thanks on behalf of all of us at City of Hope for your role as an ambassador and your steadfast dedication. Sincerely, Kathleen Kane, Executive Vice President of Development and External Affairs
Kathleen Kane
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Playful nature belied true nature of a committed philanthropist

Greta Flaschner was exuberant, playful and had a zest for life. She was lighthearted with those closest to her, but was quite serious about her philanthropy, as evidenced by a $2.7 million real estate bequest she left to City of Hope. She first learned of the institution several years ago through her friend Andy Spiegl, a member of the Board of Governors, the Medical Center Aides Chapter, and City of Hopes national medical center board of directors. After Flaschner approached Spiegl about help in managing her rental property, he proposed relegating the duty to City of Hope. Soon afterward, Spiegl arranged for Flaschner and her late twin sister, Gertrude Sheldon, to tour the campus. Moved by the tour, Flaschner embraced City of Hopes mission. She set up a gift agreement for an apartment building she owned, with City of Hope as the beneficiary. This arrangement allowed her to retain ownership of the property during her life, with the building going to City of Hope upon her death. Flaschner was focused and sharp when it came to finances, wanting to ensure that her money was wisely spent. When Greta saw all of the children being treated at the hospital during her tour, she was elated that she had an opportunity to help them, Spiegl said. Originally from Prague, in the Czech Republic, Flaschner immigrated to the United States and settled in Los Angeles with her late husband, Charles, in the 1940s. Sheldon moved to Vancouver, Canada. In their later years, the sisters often spent six months out of each year visiting each other, maintaining their close bond. Flaschner, who died in December 2005 at age 93, is survived by a niece.
Greta Flaschner, left, Andy Spiegl, and Gretas twin sister, Gertrude Sheldon
COURTESY OF NANCY GENGO
TOM BROWN
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Southern California chapters unite for Partnership for Hope

The collaboration of four longtime City of Hope chapters proved to be a winning combination at the Partnership for Hope Fall Luncheon and Fashion Show Extravaganza on Oct. 27. The first-of-its-kind From left, Betty Gorelick, Shirley fundraiser, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Herriford, Steve Gorelick, Ron Yoffe, Hills, Calif., netted $100,000 to benefit cancer and Judi Goldstein research, treatment and education at City of Hope. Among the 700 supporters attending the event which was hosted by the Dick Salter, Gift of Life and Louis Gendel chapters and the Sportsmens Club were entertainers Brittany Murphy, Eric Salter Balfour and City of Hopes own Star of Hope, Florence Henderson. Emcees Marilyn Freeman and Betty Gorelick, from the Sportsmens Club, joined chapter presidents Shirley Herriford of the Dick Salter Chapter, Judi Goldstein of the Gift of Life Chapter, Ron Yoffe of the Louis Gendel Chapter and Steve Paul Fried and Betty Gorelick of the Sportsmens Club, in welcoming guests. Chapter leaders came up with the idea of hosting one large fundraiser to better take advantage of each of their groups unique strengths. Highlights of the event included a fashion show and auctions. Patient speaker and internationally renowned flutist Paul Fried also inspired supporters when he performed, then told his story of triumph against chronic myelogenous leukemia at City of Hope. I want to thank all of the dedicated chapter members who came together to help make this gathering such an extraordinary success, said Alan Levey, senior vice president of development. This event is a clear indication that having our chapters work together is a win-win situation, not only for City of Hope, but for all parties involved.
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COURTESY OF WALDOW FAMILY
When thrift means generosity

A storied chapter in City of Hopes history of long-term volunteerism has ended. In May, Bernie and Ruth Waldow shuttered the thrift store they opened in Culver City, Calif., some 30 years ago to raise funds for City of Hope. What began as a simple storefront became a welcoming gathering spot for neighbors, a celebrity haunt, an occasional movie shoot location and a hub of volunteer activity. Shortly after participating in a fundraising drive for a friend with leukemia in the early 70s, the Waldows joined the Dorothy Polansky Chapter, with Ruth eventually becoming the groups secretary and Bernie the vice president. Bernie then was elected president, an office he still holds in the 90-member chapter. The couples creative fundraising ideas helped the chapter generate more than $450,000 in its first year. The duo then applied the same ingenuity to running the thrift store. With an ideal location, the store enjoyed a healthy stream of foot traffic. Crate & Barrel donated some of their slightly damaged goods weekly. These items produced $4,000 to $5,000 in income for us each month, Bernie said. Many of the stores customers felt a special kinship with the couple, expressing in letters their sadness at its closing. Each trip to your store has been like a treasure hunt, wrote customers Shelley and Marc Rohan. My husband and I have been so blessed by you. Our house would not be a home if it werent for you. In 1996, the Waldows also played a major role in the creation of Walk for Hope, now a nationwide annual fundraiser for the institution. Momentum from the first events success grew into more exciting features in the subsequent years. In 1999, we included a Harley motorcade. The ground shook! Bernie recalled. The couple also have a personal connection to City of Hope: Bernies stepmother, Betty Waldow, was successfully treated there. Where other institutions estimated she had months to live, City of Hope gave her five more years of quality life, Ruth said. Residing in Culver City, the octogenarian couple has two sons, Sandy and Perry, along with two grandchildren, Brian and Darrin. They enjoy taking local community college classes and attending social events. Even today, the Waldows remain generous with their time, actively fundraising for City of Hope. Said Bernie: It keeps us young.
Bernie and Ruth Waldow
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The Waldows (bottom row, second and third from left) with fellow volunteers at City of Hopes thrift store in Culver City, Calif., in 1974
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Dedicated supporters honored at Atlanta Chapters 50th anniversary celebration

Volunteers Dick and Jeanie Katz took center stage at the Atlanta Chapters 50th anniversary luncheon celebration on Oct. 8, when nearly 100 supporters recognized the couples years of dedication to City of Hope. The featured guest speaker at the Buckhead, Ga., event was Bill Nigut, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League. The Katz familys involvement with the Atlanta Chapter is far-reaching: Dick Katzs late mother, Hazel, helped found it. Her unwavering support is recognized on signage across City of Hopes Duarte, Calif., campus. The 76-year old Katz cites his mothers longtime involvement with City of Hope as inspiration for furthering his familys legacy. We are definitely charity givers, but it is my mothers involvement with City of Hope that has stayed with me, he said. The fact that both of the Katzs previous spouses died from the same type of cancer also spurred them to support City of Hopes cancer research efforts. Acting on the inspiration they felt at the 2007 National Convention, the Katzes committed to a $100,000 pledge to the institution there. Aristotle said the most important question is not whether to give, but to whom, when and how, said Dick Katz. Had I known how much satisfaction I would receive through philanthropy, I would have worked a lot harder to make more money, he added with a grin. The Katzes reside in Atlanta, just 50 miles away from their horse farm, the Plantation of Jefferson, an officially recognized national historical site. Dick Katz owns Republic Land & Investment, a local real estate and financing company. The Katzes have two children, Will and Wendy, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The Atlanta Chapter has proven to be a formidable fundraising force. Since its inception in 1957, the group has raised more than $1 million for research, treatment and education efforts at City of Hope.
Dick and Jeanie Katz
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Inner Circle member supports research into immune system function

Dorothy Baser epitomizes the dedicated membership of the Inner Circle. The cancer survivor seeks the ultimate victory for herself, as well as for others facing the disease now and in the future: She simply wants a cure. Baser recently donated $450,000 to City of Hope for its Cancer Immunotherapeutics and Tumor Immunology (CITI) program, an initiative dedicated to understanding the bodys immune response and developing new treatments for cancer based on the bodys own defense system. She was introduced to CITI through her participation in the Inner Circle, a group dedicated to ending cancer and other life-threatening diseases through its support of the research and clinical programs at City of Hope. The committed supporter first became acquainted with the Inner Circle through her longtime friend Linda Tow, the wife of outgoing Inner Circle president Stephan Tow. Although new to the Inner Circle, Baser became an enthusiastic advocate when she learned more about the potential of the CITI program. Basers other philanthropic commitments include Los Angeles Skirball Center, the Stephen S. Wise Temple and various arts initiatives. Originally from New York, Baser now a resident of Los Angeles excelled in a career as a realtor for more than 30 years before her retirement. The Inner Circle today boasts 61 members, 14 of whom joined during Stephan Tows term. Marc Paul, principal of SCI Real Estate Investments, who succeeded Tow as president in January, will remain focused on growing chapter membership.
JOAN WIZNER
Dorothy Baser, left, and Linda Tow
AMYCANTRELL.COM
NORTHEAST
CITYNEWS
Chapters
MIDWEST SOUTHEAST
Regional Roundup Chapter news from around the country

SOUTHWEST:
Sheriff Lee Baca of the L.A. County Sheriffs Department, far left, and Chief William Bratton of the L.A.P.D. with two fighters
Los Angeles An enthusiastic crowd of nearly 4,000 spectators watched two dozen boxers from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department and Los Angeles Police Department duke it out at the 14th annual Fight for Life boxing tournament. Held on Nov. 30 at the L.A. Sports Arena, the 2007 competition raised more than $40,000 for City of Hope. Fight for Life has generated more than $500,000 since its inception and has traditionally featured boxers from the sheriffs and police departments. Palm Springs, Calif. The Gems of the Desert Chapter will host its fifth annual Desert Hope Charity Golf Tournament at the Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert, Calif., on March 31. Last years popular tourney, which was co-chaired by Brian Foord and Rich Stenton, netted more than $112,000. The growth of the chapter itself is another success story: What began with 12 members has now grown to nearly 225, thanks to the concerted recruitment efforts of board members. Hacienda Heights, Calif. More than 600 supporters gathered for the
Hacienda Heights Chapters 44th annual Fashion Show & Luncheon, held on Nov. 10 at Pacific Palms Resort in the City of Industry, Calif. The 2007 event, which included a fashion runway event and shopping boutique, raised more than $30,000 for City of Hope, due to the leadership of the event co-chairs. Since its inception, the chapter has raised more than $1,275,000.
Arlene Marzell and Kay Ramsey, event co-chairs
Oceanside. Calif. Nearly 160 guests gathered

Lorrie and Sheldon Bernstein
at the El Camino Country Club on Oct. 13 for the 200th Celebration Dinner for Lorrie & Sheldon Bernstein, which raised more than $27,000 for the City of Hope Liver Tumor Program. The total included a $10,000 gift from Ocean Hills Chapter member Arnold Kovin, who was inspired by the Bernsteins commitment. The Bernsteins are longtime City of Hope supporters and co-presidents of the Ocean Hills Chapter, which now includes nearly 500 members. The number 200 in the events title represented the combined ages of hosts and event underwriters Lorrie and Sheldon Bernstein (80 and 85, respectively) and the couples 35 years of marriage. Among those in attendance was Lawrence Wagman, M. D., director of the Liver Tumor Program, who successfully treated Lorrie Bernstein in 2005. At City of Hope, our innovative clinical efforts allow us to treat many at-risk patients who cant obtain help elsewhere, said Wagman.
Members of United Artists Salon in Reading, Penn., HopeCuts highest-grossing salon
NORTHEAST: Philadelphia Through the 14th annual HopeCuts fundraising

event, more than 300 Philly area hair salons helped raise a recordsetting $200,000 to support City of Hopes cancer and HIV/AIDS programs. Thousands of supporters had their hair coiffed by stylists who donated their time and talent to raise cancer-fighting dollars.
NORTHWEST: Seattle Claudia Marks Larkin played host to 60 supporters at her Seattle home
on Sept. 20 for the Bosom Buddies luncheon, which raised $18,000 for the City of Hope Breast Cancer Survivorship Care Program overseen by Smita Bhatia, M.D., chair of the Division of Population Sciences.
From left, Board of Regents member Bobbie Stern, Claudia Marks Larkin and Penny Coe
Lester M. And Irene C. Finkelstein Chair in Biology supports
RESEARCH INTO CANCERS ROOTS

By Jennifer Healy
$2 million gift has established the Lester M. and Irene C. Finkelstein Chair in Biology at City of Hope, which supports basic research into the causes of cancer. Gerd Pfeifer, Ph.D., co-leader of City of Hopes Cancer Biology Program and professor and chair of the Division of Biology, is the first holder of the chair.
Pfeifer is known for research that explores chemical changes that take place in the DNA of tumor cells. Most notably, his efforts helped identify the molecular link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer. The National Institutes of Health recently recognized Pfeifer by awarding him the largest of eight national grants as part of the Cancer Genome Atlas project, which aims to develop innovative technologies to detect and treat cancer. In the projects pilot phase, Pfeifer and investigators at Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University and other nationally recognized institutions will focus on genetic changes associated with lung, ovarian and brain cancers. Pfeifer will specifically look for changes in DNA linked to lung cancer. City of Hopes Division of Biology has played a major role in the understanding of the causes of cancer, said Michael A. Friedman, M.D.,
City of Hopes president and chief executive officer. Under Dr. Pfeifers leadership, and with the generous support of gifts like the Finkelstein endowment, the program can continue to excel in its discoveries, which can lead to the identification of new approaches for prevention and early detection. City of Hopes Cancer Biology Program investigates the biological effects of solar ultraviolet radiation, cigarette smoke and certain food components as possible causes of human cancer, with a focus on human skin cancers, including melanoma, and on lung cancer caused by tobacco smoking. Cancer will be diagnosed in an estimated 1.5 million people this year, said Pfeifer. This funding will support our efforts to gain a more complete understanding of the basic genetic, molecular and biological mechanisms
of cancer. This gift will also help accelerate our efforts so that improved diagnostic tools can be developed to address the disease in its earliest stages, when it is most treatable. The chair was established through a bequest from the Finkelsteins, who resided in Beverly Hills, Calif. Irene Finkelstein was a longtime supporter of City of Hope and had a great deal of confidence in the work of the institution, said Leonard Unger, a Finkelstein family spokesperson. She wanted to help ensure it would continue, so that the causes of cancer may be identified and new therapies developed to better treat the Gerd Pfeifer disease.
PAULA MYERS
RESEARCH ENDOWMENTS
NEW RESEARCH CHAIR
MORE CITY OF HOPE PHYSICIANS NAMED AS
AMERICAS TOP DOCTORS FOR CANCER

By Chung So
Twenty-six City of Hope physicians are featured in the recently published edition of Americas Top Doctors for Cancer.
The book is the third edition of a consumer guide to the nations top cancer specialists and includes proles of more than 2,200 doctors throughout the United States within 48 cancer specialties and subspecialties. Numerous City of Hope physicians have appeared in the rst two editions of the book. Another 14 City of Hope physicians also are included in Americas Top Doctors searchable online database, available through www.americastopdoctors.com. Doctors on the list were selected through nationwide surveys of more than 30,000 physicians and hospital leaders at major medical centers, specialty hospitals and teaching hospitals, as well as professional association and group members. City of Hope is pleased that our physicians rank among the best in cancer care, and that their excellence and reputation are recognized across the country, said Alexandra Levine, M.D., chief medical ofcer. All of our physicians and staff provide extraordinary care, and their knowledge, experiences and practices are routinely shared with hospitals around the nation. Among City of Hopes many well-known physicians, those appearing in the book include these specialists:
Division of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Stephen J. Forman, M.D., the Francis and Kathleen McNamara Distinguished Chair in Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Margaret R. ODonnell, M.D., associate clinical director David S. Snyder, M.D., associate director
Division of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research Warren Chow, M.D., associate professor Robert A. Figlin, M.D., the Arthur and Rosalie Kaplan Professor of Medical Oncology and division chair Marianna Koczywas, M.D., assistant professor Kim A. Margolin, M.D., associate director for clinical research Joanne Mortimer, M.D., professor and administrative director of phase I programs Stephen I. Shibata, M.D., director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Program Jeffrey N. Weitzel, M.D., director of the Department of Clinical Cancer Genetics Yun Yen, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Department of Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Division of Radiation Oncology Richard D. Pezner, M.D., associate chair Jeffrey Wong, M.D., division chair Division of Surgery James S. Andersen, M.D., director of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Behnam Badie, M.D., director of the Department of Neurosurgery Joshua D.I. Ellenhorn, M.D., physician Mark H. Kawachi, M.D., director of the Prostate Cancer Center Kemp H. Kernstine, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Department of Thoracic Surgery and the Thoracic/Lung Cancer Program Lawrence D. Wagman, M.D., director of the Liver Tumor Program Timothy G. Wilson, M.D., the Pauline and Martin Collins Family Chair in Urology Other divisions and departments Alexandra Levine, M.D., chief medical officer Fouad R. Kandeel, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism Joseph Rosenthal, M.D., associate professor in the Division of Pediatrics Neal E. Slatkin, M.D., director of the Department of Supportive Care, Pain & Palliative Medicine Lawrence M. Weiss, M.D., chair of the Division of Pathology Sharon Wilczynski, M.D., Ph.D., director of Anatomic Pathology
Physicians in the online database include Harlan Bixby, M.D., David Zhong Jian Chu, M.D., Frederic Grannis, M.D., James Ito, M.D., Lucille Leong, M.D., Dean Lim, M.D., Robert Morgan, M.D., Auayporn Nademanee, M.D., I. Benjamin Paz, M.D., Arnold Rotter, M.D., Melani Pertcheck Shaum, M.D., Craig Smith, M.D., George Somlo, M.D., and Vijay Trisal, M.D. Americas Top Doctors for Cancer is available online at www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com and via publisher Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. at www.castleconnolly.com and www.americastopdoctors.com.
JACK SELLERS
Learning lessons from

By Jack Sellers, P.E., Ed.D.
family history
As a result of my careers as an electrical engineer, a flight instructor and a college professor, I have come to appreciate the value of learning from the past. I have learned some of the most critical lessons about health from my own family. Since my mother died of colon cancer and my father from lung cancer, I have been very aware of my own cancer risk.
That is why I always told my internist to examine me for all forms of cancer. It was just part of my regular medical routine. So, when my PSA (prostatespecific antigen) levels suddenly increased, I knew it was significant, because this can be an early sign of problems with the prostate. My levels were not high by most standards, but they were high enough for me to become concerned. In spring 2006, my doctor confirmed my suspicion: I had early stage prostate cancer. Due to my familys health history, I was prepared. My wifes cousin had been treated for prostate cancer by Mark Kawachi, M.D., a urologic surgeon at City of Hope, and he had a very positive experience. So, as soon as I was diagnosed, City of Hope was my first thought.
Jack and Joanne Sellers
When I met with Dr. Kawachi, he confirmed my doctors earlier diagnosis. He then recommended removing my prostate through a procedure called a robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy. He said he would be using a technically advanced surgical tool known as the da Vinci Surgical System. What he went on to say was very reassuring for me. He told me City of Hope surgeons had been using the da Vinci robot since 2003. (As of late 2007, City of Hope surgeons have performed more than 2,500 prostatectomies robotically, more than any other cancer center in the western United States.) He also pointed out that the da Vinci robot would cause fewer side effects because it allowed him to operate in the least invasive way possible. It made sense to me: a smaller incision would result in fewer complications. As Dr. Kawachi predicted, my case
was a classic textbook example of an early stage cancer offering an excellent prognosis. I was only in the hospital for three days, and I experienced little pain. And it got even better. After the initial recovery period, I did not feel any pain or discomfort at all. At my review, 30 days after the operation, I checked out just fine: He saw no sign of cancer. These days, my wife and I do not worry about the cancer coming back. We are jubilant! I know I owe this elation to the lessons I learned early on with my family: Take cancer screenings seriously, especially if you have a family history of the disease.
A retiree, Jack Sellers now volunteers with FIRST Robotics, an organization that encourages young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
FIRST PERSON: PATIENT PROFILE
G L A N C E
City of Hope is a nationally recognized leader in biomedical research. The institution ranked in the top 5 percent among independent research institutes in total grants awarded by the National Institutes of Health in 2006. Following is a roundup of some notable grants recently awarded.
G R A N T S
A T
> NCI award supports

research regarding melanoma and sarcoma The National Cancer Institute (NCI) awarded a five-year, $1.4 million grant to Richard Jove, Ph.D., director of City of Hopes Beckman Research Institute and deputy director of the Comprehensive Cancer Center. Joves research will set the stage for testing a new generation of antitumor and antiangiogenesis therapeutics. The research aims to develop more effective molecular-targeted therapies for melanoma and sarcoma.
as they pursue careers in biomedical research. The H.N. & Frances C. Berger Foundation has supported City of Hopes graduate program since 2002.
> Leukemia and Lymphoma Society funds survivorship research
> H.N. & Frances C. Berger

Foundation continues graduate school support
Four high-achieving, first-year graduate students at City of Hopes Graduate School of Biological Sciences received H.N. & Frances C. Berger Fellowship awards. The H.N. & Frances C. Berger Fellowships for Outstanding Performance will support the students first-year expenses
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society awarded a three-year, $600,000 grant to Smita Bhatia, M.D., M.P.H., chair of the Division of Population Sciences. Bhatia focuses on how cancer therapy may affect patients even long after they finish treatment. She studies how to prevent and detect these effects, as well as the therapys influence on quality of life. In addition, she develops ways to improve patients quality of life and better manage their symptoms. Since its founding in 1949, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has invested more than $550 million in research specifically targeting blood cancers.
> Phase One Foundation grant supports translational research The Phase One Foundation awarded a two-year, $500,000 grant to fund City of Hope collaborative projects, clinical trials and experimental protocols in translational research studies that quickly turn scientific discoveries into potential new therapies. The grant is overseen by Robert Figlin, M.D., Arthur and Rosalie Kaplan Professor of Medical Oncology, chair of the Division of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research and associate director for clinical research in City of Hopes Comprehensive Cancer Center. Founded in 1991, the Phase One Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Santa Monica, Calif., is committed to supporting phase 1 clinical trial research and treatment programs for cancer patients.
> Sidney Kimmel award supports research into liver regeneration The Sidney Kimmel Foundation for Cancer Research awarded a two-year, $200,000 grant to Wendong Huang, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Gene Regulation & Drug Discovery. Huangs research will further the study of an important metabolic defect involving farnesoid X receptor, or FXR. Huang studies the role that FXR plays in liver regrowth, which may eventually boost treatments for liver diseases, including cancer. The Kimmel Awards were created in 1997 to further the careers of gifted, young scientists involved in cancer research. The Sidney Kimmel Foundation has contributed more than $350 million to cancer centers and cancer research.
Cells that LURK

By Jennifer Healy
AND LINGER beneath

therapies kill the majority of mature cancer cells within a tumor, studies have shown that malignant stem cells can persist even when the patient appears in complete remission. What is clear from previous research is that several if not all leukemias arise from small subpopulations of leukemia stem cells, said Ravi Bhatia, M.D., professor in City of Hopes Division of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and director of the Department of Hematopoietic Stem Cell & Leukemia Research, who will lead the program. Before cures can be developed, a number of questions must be answered regarding the nature of leukemia stem cells and their resistance to elimination by conventional treatments. This grant will provide us with the equipment and talent to fully investigate these questions and ultimately design treatments that will uniquely target cancer stem cells. Investigators in the department will study the differences in signaling and gene regulation between normal and malignant stem cells and use the abnormal activity of the leukemia stem cells as targets for therapy. A major area of focus will include cell self-renewal, survival and growth regulation in normal versus malignant stem cells. Cancer stem cells are an increasingly vital part of oncology research, said Norris Foundation Executive Director Ronald R. Barnes. The Norris Foundation is proud to support City of Hopes efforts in cancer stem cell research, which has the potential to change current beliefs about the spread of cancers and effective treatment approaches. Recently joining Bhatia in his studies were assistant professors Takahiro Maeda, M.D., Ph.D., and Ya-Huei Kuo, Ph.D. Plans call for an additional faculty researcher. The Department of Stem Cell & Leukemia Research is housed within City of Hopes Division of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, under the overall direction of Stephen J. Forman, M.D., the Francis and Kathleen McNamara Distinguished Chair in Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. In 1976, City of Hope was one of the first medical centers in the nation to successfully perform bone marrow transplantation for leukemia. Today, City of Hope has one of the largest and most successful transplant programs in the world, with innovative protocols for patients with a variety of hematologic cancers and other diseases. Family founded, the Norris Foundation supports programs that advance better health and intellectual enlightenment through education, cultivation of the arts, individual responsibility, freedom and dignity.
In cancer, not all cells are created equal. Research is showing that some cancer cells dubbed cancer stem cells may play a key part in tumors growth, spread and recurrence.
Now a $700,000 grant from the Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation will provide critical start-up funding at City of Hope for investigations of the role of these cells in leukemia and other cancers. The grant also will support research into the development of therapies that target and destroy these cells. Cancer stem cells constitute a small portion of tumors, but play a key role in the proliferation of cancer cells, scientists said. Funding from the grant will provide initial equipment and supplies, as well as salaries for postdoctoral fellows and research personnel within City of Hopes Department of Stem Cell & Leukemia Research. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 44,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with some form of leukemia this year. Beginning with studies of leukemia in the 1980s, a growing body of evidence indicates that a small subpopulation of cancer cells may give rise to cancer. These so-called cancer stem cells share two characteristics with normal stem cells: They are self-renewing and can divide indefinitely to produce copies of themselves, and they can differentiate into other cell types found in organs of the body or, in the case of cancer, tumor cells. Cancer stem cells have been identified for other blood cancers and for breast, brain and lung cancers, among others. And while current cancer
Ravi Bhatia
BILL RICH
FOUNDATION SUPPORT
V FOUNDATION champions quest against leukemia

By Elise Lamar
Call them a scientific power couple. WenYong Chen, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Division of Biology, and Ravi Bhatia, M.D., director of the Department of Stem Cell & Leukemia Research, have paired up to turn lab discoveries into new treatments for blood cancer. Their potential has not gone unnoticed: The V Foundation has awarded the pair a three-year, $600,000 grant to improve therapy for those with chronic myelogenous leukemia.
The grant supports translational research the process of applying scientific knowledge to create new therapies. Chen is the basic scientist of the two, studying fundamental biological processes deep within the cell. Bhatia, meanwhile, deeply understands how to target those processes, and move strategies toward clinical trials that potentially benefit patients who need better treatments. The grant was one of six awarded to research teams like Chen and Bhatia at top institutions nationwide. We are certain that V funding has once again been awarded to the most elite level of research. The six selected projects represent the best of the 45 proposals evaluated by The V Foundation in 2007, said V Foundation Chief Executive Officer Nick Valvano, brother of the late legendary North Carolina State basketball coach and ESPN commentator Jim Valvano. Jim Valvano founded The V Foundation in 1993 shortly before dying of cancer. The foundations goal is to find a cure for the disease. Since its creation, The V Foundation has raised more than $60 million and awarded cancer research grants in 37 states and the District of Columbia. of drugs that inhibit the activity of that Chen and Bhatias proposal aims stress protein on CML stem cells derived to devise better therapies for chronic from patients. If we could show that one myelogenous leukemia, or CML. In 2001, of those inhibitors plus Gleevec was more CML received a major blow when the drug active in inhibiting CML progenitors than Gleevec was developed a significant Gleevec alone, it would provide support cancer success story. Gleevec blocks for using that drug in a clinical trial, the activity of the oncogene that causes he said. CML. Over time, however, some patients More information about Jim Valvano become resistant to it and progress to more and The V Foundation is available at advanced forms of the disease. www.jimmyv.org. Chen and Bhatia believe that high levels of a specific protein that cells produce to counteract environmental stress may be associated with resistance to Gleevec. We have found that this stress-related protein is overexpressed by some CML cells, said Chen. If we find that it is a critical factor for resistance during Gleevec treatment, we could possibly devise strategies to block it. For his part, Bhatia will evaluate the effect WenYong Chen, left, and Ravi Bhatia
MARKIE RAMIREZ
Walk for Hope takes crucial fight against breast cancer
TO THE NATIONS STREETS

By Laurie Bellman
More than 26,000 participants hit the streets of nine American cities last year in a team effort to eradicate the leading cancer among women through City of Hopes Walk for Hope to Cure Breast Cancer.
Organizers raised more than $2.7 million through corporate sponsorships, team participation and the continued support of thousands of dedicated volunteers. Actress Andrea Evans, whose mother is a breast cancer survivor, served as national celebrity ambassador for the seventh straight year. The top three Walks of 2007 were held in Los Angeles, Chicago and Phoenix. On Nov. 18, more than 8,000 supporters generated more than $850,000 in Los Angeles, even though the event had to be postponed for more than a month due to poor air quality resulting from local wildfires. On Oct. 14, more than 2,500 participants raised over $360,000 in Chicago. In Phoenix, more than 4,000 contributors reaped more than $250,000 in donations on Oct. 7. Additional Walks were held in San Diego, San Francisco, Edison, N.J.; Seattle, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. For the second year in a row, the C is for Courage, S is for Strength team generated the most donations nationwide, bringing in more than $42,000. One of the teams members, Chelli Fishman, once again finished as the nations top individual fundraiser, generating contributions exceeding $15,000. Marking its seventh year with Walk for Hope, Wells Fargo once again served as a national sponsor, along with 3M Post-it Super Sticky Notes and Good Housekeeping magazine. Hilton HHonors also returned as a national sponsor, offering valuable incentive prizes for participants, as well as certificates for free hotel stays for top fundraisers. Rounding out the list of national sponsors, Sebastian returned and expanded its sponsorship to include the Wella and Graham Webb brands. Due to increased sponsor and team participation in 2007, we continued to increase the effectiveness of our fundraising efforts, said Dan Lacovara, associate vice president, Communications, noting that Albertsons/Savon pharmacies signed on as a local presenting sponsor for both the Los Angeles and San Diego walks and put together the largest corporate teams in both areas. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped to make this past season such an extraordinary success. Since its inception, the Walk for Hope program has raised more than $25 million for breast cancer research, treatment and education programs at City of Hope.
YEAR CITIES
1995 1
2007 9
(Chicago)
PARTICIPANTS TEAMS FUNDS RAISED NATIONAL SPONSORS
500 10
26,302 1,436 $2.9 million 6
$50,000
Thousands of Los Angeles walkers begin their campus trek.
Chicago walkers brave their citys stormy weather
GARBO PRODUCTIONS
KARINA PIRES
WALK FOR HOPE
G I V I N G
THE POWER OF UNRESTRICTED GIVING

By Carmen R. Gonzalez
P L A N N E D
Honoring the memory of a beloved mother

Melvin Ross was devoted to his late mother, Lillian, who died of cancer. In her honor, Ross bequeathed his entire estate of about $5 million to City of Hope to aid research into the disease. Tragically, cancer claimed his own life in 2005. After she died, Melvin decided that he should leave his money to an organization that would provide research in Melvin Ross developing better treatments and possible cures for cancer, said Nate Wolfson, Ross friend and executor of his estate. A dutiful son, Ross made good on his promise. Since the gift is unrestricted, the institution may apply the funds where they will help most. A native of Los Angeles, Ross served in the United States Army during World War II in the European theater, where he rose to the rank of captain. His military service was exemplary, earning him both a battle star and bronze star. After returning home, he embarked on a successful career in advertising, eventually starting his own firm. Capping a career of nearly 30 years, Ross retired to Las Vegas, where he became good friends with Wolfson, a poker and golfing buddy. Wolfson remembered Ross as an outgoing man who strived to enjoy life especially their two shared hobbies. He was an accomplished poker player, recalled Wolfson, but not so good at golf. None of us were, really. We only shot in the high 70s, but we always had a good time. Ross also was passionate about just one charity in his later years. He really looked forward to leaving all his money to City of Hope. He knew he would make a lasting difference by taking that step, said Wolfson. Ross gift will touch thousands of lives through research for generations to come. Lillian would have undoubtedly taken great pride in her sons keen foresight.
Even when researchers obtain highly sought-after federal funding or private foundation support for their research, unrestricted monies from donors can give them the flexibility to immediately buy equipment or secure space to quickly advance their science flexibility impossible through traditional grants. Unrestricted gifts are donations made without strings donations that City of Hope may use where most needed. Ongoing investigations into cancer-seeking stem cells, gene therapy against HIV and efforts to harness the immune system against cancer all have depended on unrestricted funding.
A man of culture leaves a remarkable legacy

A casual friendship that began on a European cruise has resulted in a multi-million dollar gift for City of Hope. Walter Oppenheimer, who died in August at age 92, provided a $2 million bequest in honor of his late wife, Helga. Throughout his life, Oppenheimer supported numerous academic and medical centers. His Walter Oppenheimer contributions to City of Hope arose through a friendship with one of the institutions most committed advocates, Andy Spiegl. Oppenheimer first met Spiegl, a member of City of Hopes medical center board of directors and board of regents, on a cruise on the Danube River in the early 1990s. After the trip, their friendship grew and Spiegl told the Oppenheimers about City of Hope. Spiegl accompanied Oppenheimer on a campus tour, where they visited the pediatric unit. The pair discussed the institutions storied history within the Jewish community. Not long after the tour, Oppenheimer made his financial commitments to City of Hope. The Oppenheimers enjoyed a full life together. After immigrating to the United States in 1938, they settled in New York City, and began working in retail. The couple later moved to San Francisco, where they started a successful business. An apparel designer by trade, Oppenheimer launched Helga Inc., a line of womens special-occasion clothing, with his wife in 1947. In the early 1950s, the two relocated to Los Angeles. Throughout his career, Oppenheimer traveled extensively in Europe and indulged a passion for art, collecting works by George Braque, Pablo Picasso and other modern European masters. Oppenheimer donated scores of valuable works of art to the Hammer Museum at the University of California, Los Angeles. Oppenheimer collected not just art, but lifelong friends, to which Spiegl readily attests. He was a very kind and fine gentleman, Spiegl said. His warmth and generosity truly was a gift to everyone he met.
COURTESY OF PEER OPPENHEIMER
Leading in philanthropy by example

City of Hope advocate Joan Berlin Apel not only survived cancer, but also champions research that may one day cure the disease. Her generosity may bring that day closer to reality. Berlin Apel recently made an unrestricted $500,000 gift to Joan Berlin Apel and her husband, Marty City of Hope. In addition, she previously donated $100,000 to support City of Hopes breast cancer research, treatment and education efforts. Her reasoning is simple: I want to help other people lead healthier lives, and City of Hope is doing a wonderful job at trying to find real cures for cancer, she said. Both Berlin Apel and her husband, Marty Apel, are longtime supporters of the institution. Berlin Apel was introduced to the cancer center a decade ago when a professional colleague invited her to attend a board of governors meeting. She immediately was drawn to the philosophy of the medical center and its emphasis on research. Although Berlin Apel already was supporting two other hospitals at the time, she felt compelled to begin assisting City of Hope. I really like how the institution operates how it accepts many patients with cancer at advanced stages, and provides renewed hope for such people, she said. On a recent visit to campus, Berlin Apel learned for herself about services provided at the Rita Cooper Finkel and J. William Finkel Womens Health Center, from screenings to counseling for women. The visit helped her better understand how her contribution will impact the lives of women undergoing treatment. I know how devastating breast cancer can be firsthand, she said. I knew that if I wanted to impact how quickly research in this area would progress, I had to get involved. The altruistic couple has been married for three years and resides in Los Angeles. Their family includes three children, Tracy, Greg and Michelle, and two grandchildren, Westly and Whitney.
COURTESY OF THE APEL FAMILY
STAR POWER
TV stars promos are

By Andy Ishii
SPOT ON
He may be best known for fighting terrorists on the hit television show 24, but now actor Kiefer Sutherland is doing his part against a different foe: cancer.
Sutherland who plays agent Jack Bauer on the FOX program has recorded audio and video public service announcements to support City of Hope. In the spots, the Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actor describes the advanced care and research available at the institution. Before STAR 98.7 FMs Lounge for Life concert last year, which benefited City of Hope, Sutherland was interviewed on the radio stations morning show, where he shared a personal story about two of his closest friends, Chip and Christina Russo. Both were diagnosed with cancer in their 20s. Christina Russo developed an aggressive form of musculoskeletal cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma. The pair sought opinions at numerous medical institutions, where they received grim
Actor Kiefer Sutherland talks about his friends treatment at City of Hope in a public service announcement.
prognoses. Eventually, they found City of Hope, where she was treated. The Russos now live free of cancer and are proud parents something they were told they never could be. After the interview aired, City of Hope contacted Bob Cook, president of FOX Television and a City of Hope board member, to contact Sutherland and solicit his support in creating a promotional spot. Sutherland agreed.
With substantial support from Cook and FOX TV, the production took place soon after on the set of 24. Both Christina and I were very moved by the production and wish that the message spreads hope to those who need it most, said Chip Russo. The promotional spots began airing last year through a variety of outlets, including Clear Channel radio stations, Movie Tunes and National CineMedia in-theater advertising.
Check out the new online version of City News.

City News can now be accessed online in an interactive, HTML format. This new format allows you to quickly access news about City of Hopes research, treatment and education programs, and enables you to easily share articles about the institution with others: Comment on articles and create dialog with other readers Print and e-mail articles easily to your family, friends and colleagues Incorporate RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds of City News articles in your own blog or Web site To see the online version of City News, go to www.cityofhope.org/citynews
STARS ALIGN for annual Music and Entertainment Industry gala

By Jennifer Healy
More than 1,200 artists and executives gathered at a gala dinner in West Hollywood, Calif., on Sept. 27 to celebrate the culmination of the Music and Entertainment Industrys yearlong fundraising campaign that raised more than $4.2 million for City of Hope.
At the event, presented by sponsor AEG, Bob Cavallo, Disney Music Group chair, received The Spirit of Life Award in recognition of his numerous philanthropic and professional achievements. Gala attendees enjoyed live performances by leading musical acts, such as the Plain White Ts, Rascal Flatts and Grace Potter and The Nocturnals. Hollywood Records artist Hilary Duff introduced the bands. I am honored to be a part of this outstanding group whose support of City of Hope dates back more than 30 years, said Cavallo. City of Hopes mission of scientific discovery is unparalleled, and the dedication of their physicians, researchers and staff is an inspiration to me and to everyone in the industry who supported this campaign. I am thrilled to have been a part of its success. Since its inception 34 years ago, the Music and Entertainment Industry group has grown to include all the major music labels.
Honoree Bob Cavallo is flanked by fellow City of Hope supporters Miley Cyrus and Billy Ray Cyrus. Disneys Buena Vista Concerts donated $1 to City of Hope for each ticket sold to Mileys Best of Both Worlds sold-out concert tour, raising nearly $1 million.
The group has raised more than $69 million through benefits, promotions and partnerships to support ongoing programs at City of Hope.
A MULTITUDE of stars lend support to cancer research

By Jennifer Healy and Steve Kirk
In addition to raising much-needed funds, star-studded events originating within the Music and Entertainment Industry group raise awareness of City of Hope among celebrities and entertainers, as well as their fans. During the past three decades, scores of legendary musicians and actors, including Elton John, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Garth Brooks, Phil Collins, Stevie Nicks, Bill Murray and Adam Sandler, have lent their time and talents to bolster City of Hopes mission.
One of the most recent additions to these fundraisers is a series of benefit concerts called Lounge 4 Life. Matchbox Twenty and its Grammy-winning frontman Rob Thomas headlined radio station Star 98.7s third annual Lounge 4 Life, held in Los Angeles in October. A portion of the proceeds, as well as proceeds from an online memorabilia auction, benefited breast cancer research and treatment programs at City of Hope. Artists who have performed at Lounge 4 Life concerts include Melissa Etheridge, INXS, the Goo Goo Dolls, Teddy Geiger, Ray LaMontagne, Jewel and Train. The concerts have raised more than $100,000. Another of the industrys high-profile annual events is Songs of Hope, a cocktail party hosted at the home of a celebrity. Past hosts include Lionel Richie, Kenneth Babyface Edmonds and Glen Ballard. The invitation-only gathering, attended by top executives from all major and independent music-publishing companies, features a silent auction of music industry memorabilia. Songs of Hope has raised more than $600,000 since it began six years ago. Country music contributes, too. Each summer for the past 17 years, the Celebrity Softball Challenge has drawn many top country music stars such as Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill, to Nashville to generate cancer-fighting dollars. Since its inception, the fundraiser has elicited more than $1.5 million. We are excited to be developing new relationships in the music industry, and look forward to building upon the successes of the past year, said Britta Bucholz, senior director of the Music and Entertainment Industry group. Our celebrity relationships will be instrumental as we continue to build awareness and fundraise for City of Hope.
LESTER COHEN, WIRE IMAGE
CITY OF HOPE 2007 EVENTS
CELEBRATING
FUNDRAISING EVENTS 2007
Each year, hundreds of fundraising events held across the country raise millions of dollars to support vital research, treatment and education programs at City of Hope. This column highlights a few of the major fundraising activities that took place during the past few months.
> Jess Beim (left),

senior vice president of Avery Dennison, is presented with The Spirit of Life Award by longtime City of Hope patron Irwin Helford at the National Office Products Industrys (NOPI) 2007 Spirit of Life gala on Oct. 4 in Chicago. Nearly 1,000 industry members gathered at the event to celebrate a record-breaking annual campaign that generated $7.25 million. Encompassing fundraising events ranging from golf outings to bike rides, and cause-marketing programs like Sanfords Write for Hope, the campaign marked NOPIs 25th year of supporting City of Hope. In 1998, NOPI directed funds to build the NOPI Center for Biomedicine & Genetics at City of Hope. In 2007, $1.5 million of funds raised through the years campaign was earmarked toward the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for Cancer Immunotherapeutics and Tumor Immunology.
KARINA PIRES
> Michael A. Friedman,

M.D., City of Hope president and CEO (right) presents Kevin Davis, Bristol Farms president, CEO and chair, with The Spirit of Life Award at Denim & Diamonds, the Southern California Food Industries Circles (SCFIC) 34th Annual Harvest Ball and Silent Auction, while Kevins
wife, Cindy Davis, looks on. More than 900 of the groups supporters gathered on Nov. 3 in Los Angeles to acknowledge Davis, who also served as the president of the 2007 SCFIC board of directors, and to toast the groups annual fundraising campaign total of more than $3 million. Since 1973, the SCFIC has generated more than $118 million.
> More than 900 industry executives and other supporters gathered at the Los Angeles Real Estate and Construction Industrys annual gala on Oct. 4 in Beverly Hills, Calif., to celebrate the culmination of a yearlong campaign that raised $1.2 million. During the evening, Spirit of Life Award honorees Arthur Coppola, Macerich president and CEO, right, and Macerich board chairman Mace Siegel, left, brought the campaign total to $3.4 million with their own personal pledges of $1.2 million and $1 million, respectively. Both men acknowledged Richard Ziman as the inspiration for their gifts. Ziman, chairman of the board of Los Angeles-based American Value Partners and founding chair of the industry fundraising group for City of Hope, was instrumental in introducing Siegel and Coppola to the institution.
> Retired Quality

Food Centers executive Dan Kourkoumelis (left) and Ron McKnight of Franz Bakeries took center stage at the Pacific Northwest Food Industries Circles (PNWFIC) 19th Annual Harvest Celebration Ball on Nov. 3 in Seattle. Each honoree was presented with the groups Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his professional and philanthropic achievements. The PNWFIC, comprising leaders of the food industry in Washington and Oregon, has raised more than $13 million in 18 years.
AMYCANTRELL.COM
AMYCANTRELL.COM TEAM PHOTOGENIC
KARINA PIRES
> Nearly 1,000 members of

the Chicago Real Estate and Construction (CREC) Council gathered Nov. 1 in Chicago to celebrate the groups $500,000 fundraising total and to acknowledge Al Gorman, chair of the board of Power Construction, when he received The Spirit of Life Award for his work in building one of the most highly respected and successful privately held construction companies in the industry. Congratulating Gorman (center) at the event is CREC Council President
> More than 800 executives

from the Southern California construction industry gathered on Oct. 27 in Anaheim, Calif. to celebrate the Construction Industries Alliances 2007 campaign, which raised more than $1.8 million. The yearlong campaign, which included a successful April golf outing, was led by Spirit of Life Award honoree Bruce Elieff, chairman and CEO of SunCal Companies (center), joined
at the gala by his wife, Kathy Elieff, and Michael A. Friedman, M.D., City of Hope president and CEO. Created in 1974, the Construction Industries Alliance for City of Hope began with a group of 10 dedicated individuals and has grown to include representatives from all areas of the homebuilding, construction and service industries. To date, the group has raised nearly $12 million for City of Hope.
Mike Szkatulski of Mesirow Financial Real Estate Inc. (left). The award was presented by Power Construction President and CEO Jeff Karp (right). Created in 1992 by a group of construction and real estate professionals who wanted to help fund the search for a cure for cancer, the CREC Council has grown to include representatives from all levels of the industry, including development, finance, architecture, law and brokerage. To date, the group has raised more than $3.5 million.
> The National

Home Furnishings Industry (NHFI) raised more than $1.6 million during its 2007 annual campaign, which culminated with a gala dinner in High Point, N.C., on Oct. 3 and featured the groups fourth annual American Furniture Idol competition. The more than 700 NHFI members and their guests in attendance also honored John Disa, president and CEO of Wickes Furniture, and Kevin OConnor, president and CEO of Samson Marketing, with Spirit of Life Awards. The NHFIs campaign included regional events such as the West Coast Golf and Tennis Tournament in Coto de Caza, Calif., the Hike for Hope in High Point and the Midwest Dinner Cruise in Chicago. Among those on hand to congratulate OConnor (far left) and Disa (far right) were NHFI board co-presidents Roger Murray of Simmons Bedding Company and Jena Hall of aspenhome.
MICHAEL TUCKER
> Michael A. Friedman, M.D., City of Hope president and

CEO (left) congratulates honoree Thomas F. Motamed, The Chubb Corporation vice chairman and chief operating officer, at the National Insurance Industry Councils annual Spirit of Life gala, held on Nov. 10 in Beverly Hills, Calif. The two were joined by nearly 500 insurance industry executives and their guests who toasted a $1.6 million fundraising total. Included in the total was a $1 million pledge from supporters Tony and Sue Markel to create the Markel/Friedman Peritoneal Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.
THOMAS BROWN
GERBER & SCARPELLI
An ounce of prevention
By H. Chung So
> What is the relationship between

heart disease and colon cancer? A Hong Kong study of 600 patients found that those with signs of heart disease were nearly twice as likely to develop colon cancer. Researchers think that this may be because the two diseases are linked to chronic inflammation in the body and share similar risk factors, including smoking, diabetes, a high-fat diet and a sedentary lifestyle. To reduce chances of developing these life-threatening diseases, physicians advocate sage advice: eat a healthy diet low in fats and refined sugars, exercise regularly and quit smoking.
> Which exercise is best for diabetics:

strength training or cardio? According to Canadian researchers studying exercise and type 2 diabetes, people with diabetes who engaged in a combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training benefited more than those who only did one of the two forms of exercise. The double-duty exercisers had the greatest control over their blood sugar levels. However, scientists noted that aerobics or resistance training alone is better
How can the latest medical and research news help reduce your risk of cancer and other life-threatening diseases? Here is what experts suggest*:
> Can improving your eating and

drinking habits really prevent cancer? After reviewing more than 7,000 studies over five years, the American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund issued a report linking increased risks for various cancers to consuming red and processed meats and alcohol. In light of these findings, experts behind the report recommend people maintain a healthy weight, moderate their intake of red meats, limit consumption of highly processed foods with added sugar and salt and consume no more than one alcoholic drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men.
> Can cutting dietary fat reduce ovarian cancer risk? In a Journal of the National Cancer Institute study involving nearly 40,000 women, researchers found that women who reduced the fat content in their diet over eight years were 40 percent less likely than other women to develop ovarian cancer. City of Hope experts say the initial results support the belief that longterm lifestyle choices may influence cancer risk.
than no exercise at all, and they strongly encouraged all those healthy enough to work out to pursue some form of exercise several days a week.
> *Before making significant lifestyle changes, consult your physician.
Get the latest news about City of Hope with just a click of your mouse.
Subscribe to eHope, our monthly online newsletter, by visiting www.cityofhope.org/newsletters.
AEROBICS TRAINING
RESISTANCE TRAINING
People magazine on Oct. 15 and People. com on Sept. 28 ran stories about City of Hopes Music and Entertainment Industry Spirit of Life gala featuring Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus and Hilary Duff. The event was also covered by E! News on Sept. 28, and in InTouch Weekly, OK! and Billboard.com in October. Stories about Miley Cyruss Best of Both Worlds concert tour, with a portion of ticket sales beneting City of Hope, were reported by The Washington Post on Jan. 6 and Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times on Jan. 15. Additionally, stories in People.com on Jan. 30 and Miamis WTVJ-TV (NBC) on Jan. 31 noted that almost $1 million has been donated to City of Hope from the tour. Stephen J. Forman, M.D., the Francis and Kathleen McNamara Distinguished Chair in Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, was quoted in a Jan. 29 New York Times article on stem cell banking services offered by private companies and whether theres any benet from using them. The March issue of Glamour magazine featured Leslie Bernstein, Ph.D., in an article about the link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk. USA Today highlighted race car driver Carl Edwards and his support for City of Hope in its sports column on Oct. 18.
Contra Costa Times, San Francisco Examiner and Inland Valley Daily Bulletin on Oct. 6 and the Oct. issue of HealthBeat, a Sunday magazine in Pasadena Star-News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune and Whittier Daily News. An Oct. 4 New York Times.com article on choosing products that support breast cancer charities included a link to City of Hopes cause-related marketing Web site. Barry Forman, M.D., Ph.D., the Ruth B. and Robert K. Lanman Chair in Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery Research, was quoted in a Sept. 26 Mens Health.com article about potentially harmful ingredients in nutritional supplements. Fouad R. Kandeel, M.D., Ph.D., director, Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, and Howard Marx, M.D., physician, Division of Diagnostic Radiology, were featured in a Sept. 16 KNBC-TV half-hour special about innovative medical treatments to treat life-threatening diseases. Kandeel and Marx discussed their research on bone marrow transplantation for patients with type 1 diabetes who undergo islet cell transplantation to lower the chances of tissue rejection. On Sept. 18, Chicagos media outlets WLS-TV (ABC), WGN-TV (CW), WMAQ-TV (NBC) and WBBM-AM (CBS) ran segments on Chicago Bears Greg Olsen joining the ght against breast cancer and showcased Paper Mates Are You Man Enough? campaign to raise awareness for breast cancer and funds for City of Hope. On Sept. 3, the Los Angeles Business Journal noted Elizabeth Dunnes appointment as executive ofcer of City of Hopes medical center. The same issue also featured a Q&A with Steven Martin, associate vice president
of communications, about retailers in the Los Angeles area. Writing for Wellness, a book that evolved from the writings of a City of Hope supportive care program of the same name, was featured in the U-section of Sept. 16s Pasadena Star-News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Whittier Daily News, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin and San Bernardino Sun. The Oct. 9 issue of Pasadena StarNews and San Gabriel Valley Tribune featured a front page Local News story on numerous City of Hope physicians being named in the third edition of the book, Americas Top Doctors for Cancer. Joseph Rosenthal, M.D., director, pediatric hematopoietic cell transplantation, was quoted in a Sept. 15 and Oct. 12 Pasadena Star-News and San Gabriel Valley Tribune articles about the passage of Assembly Bill 34, which will create Californias rst public umbilical cord blood bank, and its benets for patients with blood diseases.
The Best Medicine, a comedy show and auction event beneting City of Hope, was showcased by ABCs Jimmy Kimmel Live on Sept. 13 in the Los Angeles Times on Sept. 27. City of Hopes Walk for Hope to Cure Breast Cancer campaign was featured by numerous regional outlets , including the Arizona Republic, Chicago Sun-Times, Seattle Times and Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Phoenix station KSAZ-TV (Fox) and Seattle station KCPQ-TV (Fox), Washington D.C. stations WJLA-TV (ABC), Newschannel 8,
I N
T H E
MAKING NEWS ACROSS THE COUNTRY
N E W S
CITY OF HOPE DEVELOPMENTS
NUMBERS
T O K N O W
CITY OF HOPE MEDICAL CENTER
800-423-7119
Auctions, golf and shoppers

boost campaigns to new heights
Building on a longstanding effort by the Southern California Food Industries Circle, the eighth annual Kids for Hope fundraising effort generated more than $730,000 in 2007. The total represented a record year for the program, which benefits City of Hopes pediatric research, treatment and education efforts. To support Kids for Hope, staff sold mobiles to customers at checkstands during October at more than 900 locations of participating grocery retailers, including Albertsons, Bristol Farms, Food 4 Less, Gelsons, Jax Markets, Ralphs, Stater Bros. and Superior Grocers. In a highlight, 50 food industry guests raised $170,000 on Oct. 16 through a media auction featuring advertising space donated by Albertsons and Bristol Farms. Committee members contributing to the campaigns success included, from left, Paul Christianson of Christianson West, Carole Christianson of WAFC, Pat Posey of Bristol Farms, Dave Huettl of Albertsons, Cheryl Kennick of City of Hope, Mike Ketchum of Albertsons, Bonnie Johnson of Albertsons, Kevin Davis of Bristol Farms and Tammy Brusseau of Albertsons.
PATIENT REFERRAL LINE

800-826-4673
GIFT PLANNING
800-232-3314
CITY OF HOPE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICES

LOS ANGELES DEVELOPMENT HEADQUARTERS 800-544-3541 MIDWEST REGION
Chicago Regional Headquarters
800-779-5893 NORTHEAST REGION

Philadelphia Regional Headquarters
800-344-8169 NORTHWEST REGION

San Francisco Regional Headquarters
800-732-7140
Seattle Office
800-934-9196 SOUTHEAST REGION

KARINA PIRES
Florida Office (Fort Lauderdale)
800-584-6709 SOUTHWEST REGION

Los Angeles Development Headquarters
800-544-3541
Desert Communities Office (Cathedral City, Calif.)
800-732-7121
Phoenix Office
More than 300 supporters gathered at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif., from Oct. 7 to 9 for the second annual American Express Celebrity Invitational Presented by the Hilton Family benefiting City of Hope. Through corporate support and auction proceeds, the event City of Hope Board Member Sheri Biller (fourth from left) updated south Florida supporters on cancer research and the newly established Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center at a donor dinner held in Bal Harbour on Dec. 6, 2007, which raised $150,000. Attendees included (from left) Michael and Erin Yavner, Kim Biller, Sheri Biller and Amy and Barry Wax.
raised more than $225,000. Celebrities including Barry Bonds, Brandi Chastain, Kevin Nealon and Sugar Ray Leonard joined senior executives from American Express, Hilton, Coca-Cola and FedEx for the threeday event, which featured two days of golf and a private clinic by Ladies Professional Golf Association Hall of Famer Amy Alcott. Joining Theodore Krontiris, M.D., Ph.D., director emeritus and professor of molecular medicine, (center) at the event were Adam Burke, senior vice president of customer loyalty at Hilton Hotels Corporation, and Suzie Finch, vice president, Hotel & Resort Group, American Express.
800-732-7309
San Diego Office
888-805-8911
You may have received this fundraising communication because you previously received services at City of Hope. If you do not wish to receive such communications in the future, please send a written request to the following address: City of Hope 1055 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90017 Attn.: Publications Manager, Communications
CALENDAR
To find out about events taking place across the country that support City of Hope, visit our Web site at www.cityofhope.org/calendar. For details about activities happening in your area, please contact your nearest City of Hope Regional Development Office.
JOAN WIZNER
S TAY IN T O U C H
TRACY SNYDER
Cards for Hope

Cards for Hope showcase City of Hopes beautiful grounds and provide the recipient with the stories behind many of the institutions historical landmarks. Each unique card informs the recipient that a donation has been made to City of Hope in his or her name. Select a card that conveys your special message. Your generous contribution will help City of Hope win the fight against cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Celebrate
Get Well
In Loving Memory
In Cherished Memory
Thinking of You
Thank You
Blank
For more information, call 877-302-4673, ext. 62635, or visit us online at www.cityofhope.org/cardsforhope. A contributor envelope is included in this publication for your convenience so that you may send your special message.
Worry free!
Many donors are receiving guaranteed income for life by setting up a charitable gift annuity with City of Hope. And they feel great about it! Not only is their retirement lifestyle protected from the ups and downs of the stock market but their gifts also will help save lives by supporting cancer research at City of Hope. Plus, City of Hope makes it so easy to get started. Whats not to like? Call City of Hopes Gift Planning Department today. Theres no obligation, and its confidential, of course.
A charitable gift annuity Worry-free investing that does a world of good.
Gift Planning Department 800-232-3314 giftplanning@coh.org www.cityofhope.org/giftplanning
1055 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles CA 90017 800-260-HOPE (4673) citynews@coh.org
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If your address is incorrect, or you are receiving duplicate copies of this publication, please update the label and mail to City News, 1055 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017. You can also call 866-906-4673 (HOPE), or e-mail citynews@coh.org. By giving the code number that appears above your name, your request can be processed quickly. Thank you for helping us to be more efficient in communicating how your support is touching millions of lives.
J02-13985.ap.Win08.120M E Printed on recycled paper
NEW RESEARCH CHAIR
More City of Hope physicians named as
AMERICAS TOP DOCTORS FOR CANCER

AMONG CITY OF HOPES MANY WELL-KNOWN PHYSICIANS, THOSE APPEARING IN THE BOOK INCLUDE THESE SPECIALISTS:
Division of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Stephen J. Forman, M.D., the Francis and Kathleen McNamara Distinguished Chair in Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and division chair Margaret R. ODonnell, M.D., associate clinical director David S. Snyder, M.D., associate director Division of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research Warren Chow, M.D., associate professor Robert A. Figlin, M.D., the Arthur and Rosalie Kaplan Professor of Medical Oncology and division chair Marianna Koczywas, M.D., assistant professor
By Chung So
Division of Surgery James S. Andersen, M.D., director of the Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Behnam Badie, M.D., director of the Department of Neurosurgery Joshua D.I. Ellenhorn, M.D., physician Mark H. Kawachi, M.D., director of the Prostate Cancer Center Kemp H. Kernstine, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Department of Thoracic Surgery and the Lung Cancer and Thoracic Oncology Program Lawrence D. Wagman, M.D., director of the Liver Tumor Program Timothy G. Wilson, M.D., the Pauline and Martin Collins Family Chair in Urology Other divisions and departments Alexandra Levine, M.D., chief medical officer Fouad R. Kandeel, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism Joseph Rosenthal, M.D., associate professor in the Division of Pediatrics Neal E. Slatkin, M.D., director of the Department of Supportive Care, Pain & Palliative Medicine Lawrence M. Weiss, M.D., chair of the Division of Pathology Sharon Wilczynski, M.D., Ph.D., director of Anatomic Pathology
Twenty-six City of Hope physicians are featured in the recently published edition of Americas Top Doctors for Cancer.
The book is the third edition of a consumer guide to the nations top cancer specialists and includes profiles of more than 2,200 doctors throughout the United States within 48 cancer specialties and subspecialties. Numerous City of Hope physicians have appeared in the first two editions of the book. Another 14 City of Hope physicians also are included in Americas Top Doctors searchable online database, available through www.americastopdoctors.com. Doctors on the list were selected through nationwide surveys of more than 30,000 physicians and hospital leaders at major medical centers, specialty hospitals and teaching hospitals, as well as professional association and group members.
Kim A. Margolin, M.D., associate director for clinical research Joanne Mortimer, M.D., professor and administrative director of phase I programs Stephen I. Shibata, M.D., director of the Gastrointestinal Oncology Program Jeffrey N. Weitzel, M.D., director of the Department of Clinical Cancer Genetics Yun Yen, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Department of Clinical and Molecular Pharmacology Division of Radiation Oncology Richard D. Pezner, M.D., associate chair Jeffrey Wong, M.D., division chair
Physicians in the online database include Harlan Bixby, M.D., David Zhong Jian Chu, M.D., Frederic Grannis, M.D., James Ito, M.D., Lucille Leong, M.D., Dean Lim, M.D., Robert Morgan, M.D., Auayporn Nademanee, M.D., I. Benjamin Paz, M.D., Arnold Rotter, M.D., Melani Pertcheck Shaum, M.D., Craig Smith, M.D., George Somlo, M.D., and Vijay Trisal, M.D. City of Hope is pleased that our physicians rank among the best in cancer care, and that their excellence and reputation
are recognized across the country, said Alexandra Levine, M.D., chief medical officer. All of our physicians and staff provide extraordinary care, and their knowledge, experiences and practices are routinely shared with hospitals around the nation. Americas Top Doctors for Cancer is available online at www.amazon. com, www.barnesandnoble.com and via publisher Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. at www.castleconnolly.com and www. americastopdoctors.com.

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A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF CITY OF HOPE

VOLUME 19 NUMBER 1 WINTER 2008

BRINGING AN END TO DIABETES

Dedicated supporters provide a needed lifeline

Combating a growing epidemic: diabetes

CITY NEWS WINTER 2008

VOLUME 19 NUMBER 1 WINTER 2008

Halting the progression of prostate cancer

$20 million gift advances crucial diabetes research

Researchers seek to outfox the most common cancer in men.

A stepped-up attack on a cancer that is hard to swallow

New life blood for City of Hope

National awareness of City of Hope continues to grow.

Lester M. and Irene C. Finkelstein Chair in Biology

Americas Top Doctors for Cancer

Top fundraising campaigns

More City of Hope physicians make the grade.

CITY NEWS WINTER 2008 I 1

2 I CITY NEWS WINTER 2008

ILLUSTRATIONS: MARCO MARELLA

Leslie and Susan Gonda (Goldshmied)

4 I CITY NEWS WINTER 2008

unaware that they have the disease.

SUPPORT THAT PROVIDES SECOND CHANCES AT LIFE

CITY NEWS WINTER 2008 I 5

6 I CITY NEWS WINTER 2008

ILLUSTRATION: JEAN-FRANCOIS MARTIN

CITY NEWS WINTER 2008 I 7

RESEARCH AND TREATMENT

8 I CITY NEWS WINTER 2008

ILLUSTRATION: ANNE SMITH

CITY NEWS WINTER 2008 I 9

RESEARCH AND TREATMENT

10 I CITY NEWS WINTER 2008

TREATMENTS POSE TRIPLE THREAT

ILLUSTRATION: PEP MONTSERRAT

CITY NEWS WINTER 2008 I 11

RESEARCH AND TREATMENT

New center deemed a for patients needing blood products

An artists rendering of the Michael Amini Transfusion Medicine Center

12 I CITY NEWS WINTER 2008

EWING COLE ARCHITECTS

You can help spread the word about City of Hope

Playful nature belied true nature of a committed philanthropist

CITY NEWS WINTER 2008 I 13

COURTESY OF NANCY GENGO

Southern California chapters unite for Partnership for Hope

When thrift means generosity

Bernie and Ruth Waldow

COURTESY OF WALDOW FAMILY

Dedicated supporters honored at Atlanta Chapters 50th anniversary celebration

Inner Circle member supports research into immune system function

Dorothy Baser, left, and Linda Tow

CITY NEWS WINTER 2008 I 15

Regional Roundup Chapter news from around the country

Arlene Marzell and Kay Ramsey, event co-chairs

Oceanside. Calif. Nearly 160 guests gathered

Members of United Artists Salon in Reading, Penn., HopeCuts highest-grossing salon

NORTHEAST: Philadelphia Through the 14th annual HopeCuts fundraising

16 I CITY NEWS WINTER 2008

Lester M. And Irene C. Finkelstein Chair in Biology supports

RESEARCH INTO CANCERS ROOTS

CITY NEWS WINTER 2008 I 17