Leadership Messages — Terry R. Peets
Fulfilling a profound mission
As a part of City of Hope’s volunteer movement for nearly three decades now, I have witnessed many impressive advances at the institution. During these years, City of Hope has redefined the future of medicine with dramatic new discoveries, improved treatments and expanded facilities. As a result, more and more lives are being saved around the world.
The future looks even brighter. Guided by City of Hope’s strategic plan, we are strengthening our leading role in cancer care and research, locally and nationally, by expanding key programs. We also are progressing in shortening the time from exploring initial research ideas to developing new therapies. Recently, our efforts were recognized with our inclusion on U.S.News & World Report’s 2007 list of “America’s Best Hospitals.” (See story on page 14.)
From my initial involvement with City of Hope through the Food Industries Circle, including a term as its president, to my service as a member of the City of Hope board of directors, I not only have been inspired by the remarkable breakthroughs, but also by the incredible passion and dedication of many donors and volunteers. Lifelong supporters who wholeheartedly embrace the institution, and instill this special commitment in their children and grandchildren, have created inspiring legacies that will touch lives everywhere for generations to come.
My colleagues on the board of directors, another outstanding group of supporters, bring a wealth of business, civic and philanthropic experiences to help City of Hope become a new
model cancer center of the 21st century. I am privileged to lead them in this noble endeavor.
Terry R. Peets
Chair, City of Hope Board of Directors
Leadership Messages — Michael A Friedman
Unlocking cancer’s secrets
There is good reason to feel optimistic about the fight against cancer. Every day, researchers move closer to unlocking the disease’s secrets. Along the way, their discoveries translate into new therapies for patients with cancer and other serious diseases. At City of Hope, we understand that people need these therapies now.
Some of the treatments now in development rely on boosting the power of the immune system: using the body’s own natural defenses against disease. As you will see in this issue, our investigators are developing vaccines to enhance the immune system.
Not only are our scientists creating a vaccine that aims to fight tumors resulting from breast, colon, prostate and pancreatic cancers, but we also have started the initial clinical trials of the very first vaccine developed at City of Hope. This vaccine targets a deadly herpes virus called cytomegalovirus, which can become activated in patients with weakened immune systems, such as those who have undergone bone marrow transplantation.
Taking such a vaccine to clinical trial takes persistence; credit goes to scientists, physicians, technicians, trial volunteers and, of course, the donors whose generosity supports such high-impact work.
Only an institution with a unique environment like City of Hope, which encourages researchers and physicians to continually collaborate and relies on the investments of dedicated philanthropists, can maintain the long-term commitment necessary to shepherd such projects. To paraphrase one of our researchers, there are few places like this anywhere.
With your support, I feel confident that we will reach our goals in the fight to beat cancer.
Michael A. Friedman, M.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
