Creating Your Legacy of Hope

“Still on this side of the grass,” Don Hoffman says with a wink whenever City of Hope staff ask how he’s feeling. Today is another great day, just like the one 14 years ago, when he beat male breast cancer. In April of this year, after being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2022, his scans no longer showed any signs of cancer in his body.

Optimism has guided the Hoffmans for four generations. In the 1950s, teenage Don with his mother, father and sister stuffed gala envelopes for City of Hope. Today, Don and Lois, his wife and dance partner of 65 years, pour that same energy into what Don calls frontline giving.

When Don faced a lung cancer diagnosis in 2022, they jumped in and made a gift to speed research. Prior to that, they created several charitable gift annuities, blending dependable lifetime income with future cures. “We give whenever we can, however we can,” Don says.

Long before donning a patient gown, Don spent 15 years as a director on the Medical Center Board of City of Hope. “We talked about being patient-first,” he says. “As a patient, I learned it isn’t a slogan. It’s how every nurse and doctor truly behaves.”

Lois feels the same trust in the philanthropy office. “They show us exactly where every dollar goes,” she says. “That transparency keeps us giving.”

Home life is delightfully ordinary — weekly square-dancing, family dinner night and lots of laughs. “City of Hope has exceeded my expectations in every way,” Don says. “If they can solve my problems, maybe our gifts will help them solve yours.”

Don’s next checkup is scheduled, but he won’t spend a moment worrying. There’s a dance floor waiting and, as Don puts it, a whole lot of hope left to share.

A New Leader in Cancer Care

City of Hope is proud to have Hope S. Rugo M.D., a nationally recognized breast cancer expert, lead its Women’s Cancers Program throughout the organization and breast medical oncology division section.

Dr. Rugo brings a deep commitment to advancing cancer research and improving the patient experience. She led efforts for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s approval of scalp cooling caps to prevent chemotherapy-induced hair loss and a steroid mouthwash to alleviate targeted agent stomatitis, a side effect that can occur due to some cancer treatments.

In her role, Dr. Rugo will lead efforts to expand clinical trials, accelerate new treatments and provide consistent, high-quality care across all City of Hope locations. Her leadership strengthens our ability to deliver the latest breakthroughs with compassion and precision.

She has been celebrated for her excellence in patient care, medical education and clinical research, earning numerous national and international accolades, including the Giants of Oncology in Breast Cancer and Education and the European Society for Medical Oncology’s 2024 ESMO Breast Cancer Award.

Dr. Rugo’s arrival reflects City of Hope’s ongoing commitment to excellence — and celebrates the generosity of our supporters who believe in our mission. Every gift helps us bring in more top-level medical experts, pursue bold ideas and offer more families the chance for healing.

Create Hope for Tomorrow and Honor a Loved One

As part of our community, you are connected to our legacy that began over 110 years ago when a group of ordinary citizens set up clapboard cottages in the California desert to help people suffering from tuberculosis. This incredible spirit of generosity powers our urgent mission today to bring hope to patients, families and perhaps to a person close to your heart.

If someone you love has battled serious life-threatening illnesses, you know the journey is hard. One way you can honor that person and move lifesaving research forward is by including City of Hope in your will or trust, or by beneficiary designation. A planned gift to City of Hope will cost you nothing today and ensure that your legacy — and the love for whom inspired you to make your gift — continues to light the path toward a future where cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses have been conquered.

You have the power to make a lasting difference.

Healthy Habits Can Lead to Lifesaving Benefits

Small daily choices can make a big difference in your long-term health. Here are three proven ways to help reduce your cancer risk and boost overall well-being:

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight. Excess weight can trigger hormone activity linked to cancer. Talk to your doctor about your healthy range and aim to stay within it.
2. Move More Every Day. Just 30 minutes of brisk walking can make a big impact. Aim for at least 150 minutes weekly of moderate activity to support heart and immune health.
3. Meatless Meals. Fill 2/3 of your plate with vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans. These nutrient-rich foods help protect your cells and promote healthy weight.

Is Organic Shopping Worth It?

Smart shoppers understand that deciding between organic and nonorganic produce can be confusing, especially when there’s an additional cost. Produce retains pesticide residues at very different levels. Here is a quick guide to help you determine when the extra cost at the store is worthwhile.

For some adults, loss of hearing is part of daily life. It impacts the ability to follow conversations or hear important details during appointments. Here are some tips to remember if you have hearing challenges:

• Get a Hearing Baseline: Ask your doctor to perform a hearing test before treatment begins, and schedule follow-ups to track any changes.
• Speak Up About Your Needs: Let your care team know if you use hearing aids. Ask for printed materials, summaries or quieter rooms for easier communication.
• Ask About Alternatives: Telehealth, captioned calls and hearing-friendly tech may offer added support.
• Invite a Friend: Having a trusted person attend with you can ensure you don’t miss key details.

Helga and Jurgen’s Hope for the Future

When Helga and Jurgen Hahneiser immigrated to the United States, they brought with them a work ethic shaped by hope. After 40 years of success and hard work, they retired and eagerly began to plan the next chapter of their life together.

Avid sailors for four decades, they embarked on numerous cruises around the world, spending four months at a time at sea, from Hawaii to Europe, enjoying the friendly atmosphere, interesting speakers and new friends.

With more time on their hands, they began seeking a way to simplify their finances and make a positive impact. Because of their personal experience with cancer, Helga and Jurgen wanted to give back to a cause that was meaningful to them.

“Since we don’t have children, we gave thought to where our money should go.” After researching City of Hope and visiting the Duarte, California, campus, they decided to make a gift by establishing a charitable gift annuity.

They have made five more charitable gift annuities to support City of Hope since their first gift. Even though Helga passed away in 2022, the Hahneiser’s legacy is a lasting testament to how acts of generosity can create lasting waves. “We are happy to have additional income for the rest of our lives, and then the remaining funds can go to City of Hope,” shared Helga.

The Power of Purposeful Giving

Every gift received at City of Hope is guided by a profound sense of purpose and upholds the values that make us a place of both science and compassion.

Advancing the Greater Good

Your thoughtful gift can shorten the time it takes to get from bold, innovative ideas to powerful, new treatments for cancers of all kinds and ensure we have the most advanced and comfortable facilities. We are also dedicated to initiatives that increase access to quality care and treatments nationwide.

Rooted in Compassion

Samuel Golter, one of City of Hope’s early leaders once said, “There is no profit in curing the body if, in the process, we destroy the soul.” Those values still guide us today. City of Hope proudly approaches cancer care to treat body, mind and spirit.

Explore Your Giving Potential

If you want to make a gift that costs you nothing now or contribute to future breakthroughs while receiving additional lifetime income, explore your options at myplanwithcoh.org. There are gifts designed for every stage of your life, whether today, tomorrow or in the future.

Together, we can fund the next 100 years of hope. Explore what’s possible today.

Request Your Free Guides

October 20 to 26 Is National Estate Planning Awareness Week. This national event was created to remind us of the importance of having a plan in place for peace of mind and the security of our families and loved ones.

Many supporters like you have found that taking the time to plan ensures that you leave behind a legacy of love for the people and causes that matter most to you.

Let us help you get started with our free planning guides.

Founded in 1913, City of Hope has evolved into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, as well as a leading research center for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. Our advancements in research and treatment are only possible through the generosity of supporters like you. The difference your gift can make is immeasurable. Here are some ways you can provide more hope:

• A gift in your will, trust or by beneficiary designation costs nothing today and helps create a brighter future for those facing life-threatening illnesses.
• Consider naming City of Hope as a partial or sole beneficiary of your retirement plan or IRA — these assets can be taxed heavily if left to heirs.
• Create a charitable gift annuity (CGA) and receive fixed payments for life and substantial tax benefits.
• 70½ or older? You can make a one-time, tax-free qualified charitable distribution (QCD) of up to $54,000 from your IRA to fund your annuity.

Use the form at the bottom of this page to request your free guides to learn more and help ensure your wishes are followed according to your plan.