Marcia and Jim Brammer are active members of the City of Hope Board of Governors, a group of volunteers who raise funds for research at City of Hope to fight life-threatening diseases. But their relationship with City of Hope began when their son Brian Lambert was treated at City of Hope for acute myeloid leukemia, ultimately receiving two bone marrow transplants. By the time they met Stephen J. Forman, M.D., the Francis & Kathleen McNamara Distinguished Chair in Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Brian had already undergone a round of treatment elsewhere. But coming to City of Hope was a transformational experience for their whole family.
Marcia shares, “The difference we experienced is because City of Hope is driven by caring for not only the body but the mind, the soul and the spirit. We were amazed by the treatment our family received. Not only from Dr. Forman — who is a remarkable man with a heart that goes along with the brilliance of his mind — but from everyone we encountered. We always felt like those people were angels and had wings because they treated us as if Brian was their own child.”
Brian is now a member of City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry group for City of Hope. In June 2018, the family had a remarkable experience when Brian was able to meet the young man whose donation saved his life. Jim recalls the moment he was able to ask this man why he became a bone marrow donor for someone he had never met. “He looked me in the eye and smiled as he told me that it was just the right thing to do.” The family still keeps in touch with this generous young man.
The Brammers have been tireless in advocating for City of Hope. They are particularly involved in introducing City of Hope’s work to younger philanthropists through a City of Hope fundraising chapter called 25 to 5, which they co-founded with fellow Board of Governors’ member Lisa Sherman. Their goal is to start building the next generation of leadership and support for City of Hope by connecting younger supporters with City of Hope’s leading-edge research.
Jim and Marcia are happy to know that, in addition to their many contributions and efforts on behalf of City of Hope, they will be able to continue their support far into the future as they have named City of Hope a beneficiary of their trust. “We want to do all we can to give back not only in this lifetime but when we leave this life. We want to make sure that City of Hope has what it needs to go forward to do all its incredible work.” And they hope many other supporters will join them.
