Warrior Mom: Donna’s Victory Over Cancer
Donna McNutt was 54 when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 multiple myeloma, a rare blood cancer affecting the immune system’s plasma cells. Donna said, “My main concern was my children. My challenge was to survive, no matter what it took, and to show my children that I would fight and become a warrior they could be proud of.”
A friend and fellow cancer survivor spoke highly about Amrita Krishnan, M.D., at City of Hope®. Donna began treatment with Dr. Krishnan and received a lifesaving stem cell transplant, bringing her cancer under control.
Fighting cancer transformed Donna’s outlook on life. It also affected her outlook during treatment. “I have always loved fashion, and when I was diagnosed, I wanted to make myself feel better by dressing up for my treatments. Pretty soon, I was strutting down the hallways of City of Hope as if I was on a runway, and doctors began to comment on my shoes instead of cancer.”
She continues, “My bio on my Instagram (@thecancerfashionista) is ‘Fighting cancer one outfit at a time,’ and I truly believe it. Living with an incurable disease is hard, but I continue to show up by getting dressed and spreading that courage and joy with others so they can be inspired to continue to shine.”
Donna’s experience with City of Hope was so profound that she named the organization as a beneficiary of her life insurance policy and proudly joined the Legacy of Hope Society. She said, “Anyone who knows me understands what City of Hope means to me and my journey.”
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September was Blood Cancer Awareness Month
Over a million people are diagnosed with blood cancer each year. By raising awareness, we can push for earlier diagnosis, advocate for policy changes and ensure everyone affected feels supported.Compassionate Communication: Cancer Etiquette
Knowing what to say to someone diagnosed with cancer can be challenging. People often say the wrong things despite good intentions. Here’s how to navigate these conversations:
Hope Renewed: Margaret’s Cancer Journey
In early 2016, Margaret Smith started experiencing abdominal pain. A computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a mass in her abdomen, leading to a diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Her local oncologist in Georgia recommended starting treatment promptly.
After initial success with treatment, Margaret’s hopes were dashed when the cancer resurged by the end of the year, this time more aggressively. Her oncologist then recommended a donor transplant as the next step.
Unfortunately, the cancer came back again and her oncologist helped connect her to receive CAR-T therapy, a leading-edge treatment, from City of Hope. The treatment involved a rigorous six-week hospital stay. Margaret and her husband, Skip, packed up for an extended trip to California.
Together, they found solace in the compassionate, kind support of City of Hope ’s medical staff. “If it weren’t for City of Hope, Dr. Herrera and Dr. Trisal, I wouldn’t be alive today. I sing the praises of City of Hope!” says Margaret.
To ensure others facing similar battles could find the same hope and care she did, Margaret decided to include a gift in her will to City of Hope. This donation reflects her gratitude and her legacy will help provide future patients with hope and the same lifesaving opportunities she received.
Telehealth Helps Seniors Receive Better Care
Accessing necessary health care can be difficult as we age. A recent study at City of Hope shows that telehealth helps seniors get the specialized care they need, improving their quality of life and health care outcomes.
- Personalized Care at Home: Telehealth lets doctors check and understand the needs of older adults without the need to travel to doctors or hospitals. Typically, these visits provide referrals for social work, occupational therapy or physical therapy for additional help.
- Why It Matters: Combining telehealth with assessments ensures precise care and prevents unnecessary side effects or hospital visits. Accurate health information improves outcomes and reduces costs.
- Take Charge of Your Health: Telehealth brings essential care directly to you, no matter your age. It’s a smart way to manage your health, stay connected with doctors and improve your well-being. Check with your provider to find out what telehealth options are available for you.
Secure Your Legacy: Celebrate National Estate Planning Awareness Week October 21 to 27, 2024
National Estate Planning Awareness Week is quickly approaching. It’s a great opportunity to secure your family’s future and leave a lasting legacy. Planning provides you with multiple benefits, including:
Protecting assets | Defining your legacy
Minimizing taxes | Avoiding probate
Download your free guide, Planning for Your Future and Peace of Mind, through the form on this page. Our guides will help you create or update your will, trust, power of attorney documents and beneficiary designations to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. If you already have a plan, this is the perfect time to review it.
Loved ones come first, but we hope you’ll consider including City of Hope in your plans also.
Benefits of Your Generous Gift
- Your Current Finances Aren’t Impacted: Including City of Hope in your will or trust won’t change your current cash flow.
- Tax Savings: Donating stocks, appreciated assets or real estate could help you avoid paying capital gains taxes.
- Help Your Family: Leaving appreciated assets to City of Hope might reduce taxes, allowing you to leave more for your heirs. Gifts in your will may be exempt from estate taxes, protecting more of your assets.
- Make a Big Impact: Your gift will help save lives and ensure that your legacy continues to light the path toward a future without cancer, diabetes and other serious illnesses.
City of Hope’s National Medical Center in Los Angeles Ranked Among the Nation’s Top 5 “Best Hospitals” in Cancer by U.S. News & World Report.
This is our 18th year in a row ranked as one of the nation’s elite cancer hospitals, and our third consecutive year in the top 10. This honor reflects our dedication to top-quality patient care. Thank you for all the ways you help us give hope and save lives.
We Are Here to Help You
Generous donors like Donna McNutt and Margaret Smith have created enduring legacies as members of our Legacy of Hope Society.
If you would like assistance creating or expanding your personal legacy, please contact us. Our planning experts are here to help you in any way we can.
If you have already included City of Hope in your will, trust or estate plan, please let us know so that we may express our gratitude. Notifying us is the best way to ensure we honor your wishes.
We would also like to welcome you into our Legacy of Hope Society and, with your permission, provide appropriate recognition for your generosity.
Sample Bequest Language and Tax ID
Unrestricted Bequest:
“I give [ __ percent of my estate, or description of asset, or ____ dollars] to City of Hope, a California nonprofit corporation, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010 (City of Hope Tax ID 95-3435919), for its general use.”
