Giving has been a part of Nancy Jo Flint’s life since she was a teenager. Instead of throwing Nancy Jo a 12th birthday party, her mother took her to California Hospital in Los Angeles, launching six years of Saturdays as a “candy striper” during which Nancy Jo donated her time and compassion to people in need. Her mother had grown up in an environment that did not give her the opportunity to volunteer. She encouraged her daughter’s volunteerism as a way to give Nancy Jo something she never got to experience as a child.
Even as she rose through the ranks at Hughes Aircraft Company and, later, retired from Raytheon Corporation, Nancy Jo found time to expand her definition of giving. She has made significant financial gifts to City of Hope and other nonprofits, as well as tribute and memorial gifts, and she provides direct financial assistance to individuals in need “Giving is part of living,” Nancy Jo says. “It’s as important to me as family, friends, religion and career.” Although she considers it deeply personal and private, she agreed to share her story as a way of encouraging others to give, too.
Nancy Jo’s philosophy of giving inspired her to do more such as volunteering twice a week at the information desk (at the City of Hope Medical Center in Duarte) after her retirement. She also refers friends and family to City of Hope. “I think it’s important for those close to me to go to City of Hope prior to making decisions about their diagnosis and treatment,” she says. “No matter the outcome, I know they will be treated with compassion and the very best of care, by the City of Hope staff.”
Nancy Jo has also included a gift for City of Hope in her trust. “Giving is a legacy that continues from generation to generation and one that provides satisfaction you can’t get anywhere else,” she says. “I consider my contributions, financial and personal, to City of Hope to be among the most important accomplishments of my life.”