To feel “glad of our shadow,” of what we’ve accomplished in this world, is the guiding principle of Rosalinda O’Neill’s life. Caring for others, giving and being of service without seeking recognition are life lessons she learned from her grandmother, mother and teachers. It’s probably not surprising, then, that four of the five children in her family went into caring professions like Rosalinda, a licensed psychotherapist and successful life building consultant.
After losing her mother to brain cancer, Rosalinda, then 27, became the only mother figure to her four younger brothers. As she gives to City of Hope in memory of both her mother and her grandmother, the loss of her mother to brain cancer isn’t her only motivation. “I have friends who have died of cancer and lost their loved ones,” Rosalinda explains, “but there are other reasons for my connection to City of Hope.”
Rosalinda got involved in City of Hope through the Rotary Club of Beverly Hills. Today she’s a member of the Board of Governors support group and Legacy of Hope Society. “I’m honored to be able to create synergy on behalf of City of Hope with other committed business and community leaders,” she says.
“I give because of the impact City of Hope has had and will continue to have on a wide variety of diseases — cancer, leukemia, HIV/AIDS and diabetes, to name a few,” she adds. “I also give to support the loved ones of those stricken.”
Rosalinda’s support for City of Hope extends far beyond her work on the Board of Governors. She is also a member of the Legacy of Hope Society, having made City of Hope the beneficiary of a bequest in her will. “My bequest is my way of creating a personal legacy that lives on, continuing to help even when I’m no longer here. When we die, most of us disappear. Through my bequest, I do not disappear. My support of what matters to me continues. Making this commitment to City of Hope brings me a great sense of fulfillment.”
