Leadership Messages — Michael A. Friedman
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 fi ght the epidemic. It recently donated $20 million to expand the home of City of Hope’s 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
Leadership Messages — Terry R. Peets
Dedicated supporters provide a needed lifeline
In a reaffirmation of City of Hope’s 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 fitting that this building, which provides the lifeblood of City of Hope, will be the first 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 Hope’s 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 center’s leading patrons — Michael Amini, a stalwart advocate of the institution through the National Home Furnishings Industry, and Steven Hilton, president and chief executive officer 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 scientific progress at City of Hope.
As City of Hope fulfills its strategic plan to strengthen its leading role in cancer care and research by expanding key programs and facilities, the need for such generous philanthropy will accelerate.
Donors and supporters have fostered City of Hope’s 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