Leadership Messages — Michael A. Friedman, M.D.
Exploring the macro and micro
With a few strokes of a computer keyboard, today’s online satellite imagery tools allow us to change our geographic perspective in seconds. We can view Earth’s surface as if from space, then zoom in on our nation, our city, our neighborhood — and even our rooftop.
That seamless journey between macro and micro has parallels in science and medicine. At City of Hope, we take the same sweeping look at cancer, from its impact on the population to its roots deep in the body.
Cancer affects the most subtle aspects of our cells, where genes reside. Mutations in genes passed down through generations can raise the risk of certain cancers. Other genetic defects can happen over the course of a lifetime, and these errors may accumulate until cells turn cancerous and grow unchecked.
As you will learn in this issue, City of Hope researchers investigate this world on a minute scale — the molecular and genetic levels — creating critical knowledge and laying the foundation for therapies.
From there, researchers widen their scope. They help create and improve genetic risk assessments, which can identify people at greater risk for cancer — so people may take steps to prevent it. Others investigate how genetics influence disease patterns among ethnic groups, ultimately designing interventions for these populations.
This spectrum of cancer research from micro to macro is one thing that characterizes us as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, a special designation from the National Cancer Institute garnered by only 39 institutions nationwide.
City of Hope supporters should take great pride in this designation, since contributions from donors and volunteers have helped us achieve this status. The institution’s board of directors, in particular, serves to steer us along this path, and Philip L. Engel, the board’s retiring chair, has been instrumental in our quest to reach even greater heights. I thank and salute him for his generous service, and wish him well as he leaves his post.
Leadership Messages — Philip L. Engel
Honoring decades of inspirational service
During the past three years, I have been honored to serve as chair of City of Hope’s board of directors. This experience has allowed me to work with many talented and visionary volunteer leaders who share the same passion for furthering the institution’s mission. As my tenure draws to a close, I want to acknowledge six devoted supporters whose terms as board members also will soon end: Israel “Izzy” Freeman, Robbin Itkin, Stephen Kass, Claire Rothman, Joseph Sanford and immediate past chair Jack Suzar.
These committed individuals have contributed their invaluable time, expertise and financial support to advance City of Hope’s growth and development. Reflecting their unwavering dedication to the institution, all of these longtime volunteers will remain engaged as active City of Hope supporters in new roles, such as fundraisers, board committee members and goodwill ambassadors, so that their relationships and history with the organization will continue to benefit the fight against life-threatening diseases.
Many volunteers stand alongside these leaders, guiding and encouraging City of Hope’s evolution into a world-renowned biomedical research institute. In coming years, the contributions of the auxiliary movement will continue to play a key role as we aspire to expand the reach of our work to benefit even more lives. Chapter members’ vision, funding and advocacy will serve to further City of Hope’s current research and clinical strengths, as well as expand existing programs.
On behalf of the entire City of Hope family, I wish to thank our retiring board members for their steadfast support and continued commitment to City of Hope’s mission to improve and save lives.
