Leadership Messages — Michael A. Friedman
In search of answers at the intersection
Cancer and diabetes attack the body in distinct ways — through out-of-control growth, and by sabotaging how cells get their energy. Although researchers at City of Hope and elsewhere are making medical inroads, the two diseases still claim too many lives. Cancer ranks as the second-leading cause of death in the U.S., and diabetes sixth.
The two diseases remain separate in public consciousness, but researchers increasingly are seeing links between them — factors shared by both conditions that may provide important scientific lessons.
As you will read in this issue of City News, City of Hope scientists are mining the common ground between these diseases in search of answers that could make each one easier to defeat. Some researchers study events that spur and encourage cancer, delving into many interrelated processes, such as inflammation, that may play a role. At the same time, their colleagues investigate some of the same factors within the field of diabetes. Still other scientists study lifestyle factors that may affect risk.
Discoveries in one area of research can influence others, and City of Hope’s collaborative culture uniquely positions our scientists to make inspired intellectual connections. Our intimate campus enables researchers from different backgrounds to collaborate and share creative ideas, bringing new perspectives and creativity to each research question. These same researchers actively collaborate with colleagues at peer institutions nationwide.
As an independent institution supported by legions of generous supporters, City of Hope can move quickly to support these nascent ideas and give them the jumpstart they need.
These are investigations that will transform science and medicine. Your support for this mission makes these investigations possible, and we thank you for your partnership.
Michael A. Friedman, M.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Leadership Messages — Terry R. Peets
A sense of purpose
Strength comes from unity and a commitment to a shared mission. At City of Hope, this critical mission — to advance science while providing leading-edge compassionate care — has made the institution what it is today. It also provides guidance for direction in the years ahead.
In a research organization, strength means unifying professionals from widely disparate disciplines. Radiation oncologists, physical therapists, cancer biologists, administrators, surgeons, research assistants and their colleagues all offer their special expertise and knowledge. They do it, however, with a single-minded purpose.
At City of Hope, we can look to an important tool that guarantees we maintain that purpose and focus. Our strategic plan, launched in 2006, guides us through our centennial in 2013. It lays out our path clearly.
The plan delineates City of Hope’s strategic points of focus in scientific areas such as immunology, population sciences and stem cell research, and in clinical areas including breast, gastrointestinal and lung cancers.
Every month, scientific journals feature results from City of Hope studies under way in these and other strategic plan areas. The reports included in this issue of City News spotlight a few; but each and every new finding propels us in our aspiration to be the region’s leading cancer center and one of the nation’s best.
City of Hope’s recent reaccreditation by the Joint Commission boosts our aspirations, as well. The accreditation is a testament to our dedication to excellent care for patients, who are the very reason for our being.
As City of Hope supporters, you also bring your own unique history and perspective to the quest for cures. Your single-minded advocacy for our lifesaving mission makes you an essential part of our caring community — and contributes to our strength both today and in the future.
Terry R. Peets
Chair, City of Hope Board of Directors