Sam Richardson’s successful career is the result of his great drive and professional commitment. Over the years he has worked for three companies that are longtime supporters of City of Hope’s National Business Products Industry. It’s no surprise that he, too, has become a dedicated supporter. What is surprising is how that connection to City of Hope has changed the future for his entire family.
Sam and his wife, Sarah, have three children: Vivian, Grace and Samantha. In addition to providing for their daughters’ futures, Sam and Sarah want to set an example for their girls about giving back and caring for others — the same values Sam and Sarah’s parents instilled in them.
“Both of our families placed great importance on helping others and caring,” says Sarah. “I think that’s why the two of us feel so connected. Those things are important to us.”
Last year, Sam’s father, who is 80, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer. “He called me and told me he had three months to live,” Sam recalls. “I sought out the doctors at City of Hope because I knew they could provide essentially that: hope. And they did.”
Sam connected his father with Sumanta Pal, M.D., a recognized expert in genitourinary cancers.
“What’s inspiring is his compassion,” Sam continues. “Through his voice, through his words, he embodies the compassion I’ve come to know in City of Hope.”
Sarah agrees. “Cancer is such a personal battle,” she says. “It affects your entire family. In desperate times, you need someone to take off their white coat and talk to you like a person who has their own family and understands that you’re scared to death.”
A year and a half later, Sam’s father is still alive. “He still has cancer, and it’s still terminal cancer,” Sam says. “But the tumors have shrunk, and my dad’s a different man. He was given months, and now he has years.”
“City of Hope has been a blessing,” adds Sarah.
Recently, Sam and Sarah arranged to leave a gift for City of Hope through their whole life insurance plan. “We were taught that you give what you can and we want to send that same message to our children,” says Sam. “That’s why we’ve left a gift of life insurance to City of Hope. It’s an easy way to provide for our daughters and leave a legacy that gives hope to future families.”
