Lenora Yuen began her life in the serene beauty of Hawaii and later, as an adult, settled in the vibrant landscape of Southern California. Her story is not just one of picturesque locales and peaceful moments. It includes resilience, survival and the profound impact of support received when battling cancer.
Lenora’s encounter with cancer started in her 30s when what was first thought to be a benign cyst turned out to be a Stage 2b breast cancer diagnosis. Amid the shock and uncertainty, she embarked on a journey of surgeries, chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant at City of Hope®. This marked the beginning of her enduring relationship with City of Hope that would become her beacon of hope and later a beneficiary in her estate plans.
She is grateful for the leading-edge medical care and sense of community City of Hope has provided her. When undergoing her stem cell transplant, Lenora was in the hospital for 33 days and had to receive care in isolation. She found solace in the warmth and compassion of City of Hope’s staff, particularly her lead nurse, who she refers to as her guardian angel. Now 30 years later, the nurse has retired and moved away, but the two continue to exchange well wishes through Christmas cards every year.
Her battle forged a tighter bond with her mother who ended up late in life having breast cancer herself. It strengthened their resolve to face life’s challenges together — challenges Lenora still faces having had two recurrences with the latest a diagnosis of Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. With the support of family, friends and City of Hope, she remains hopeful as she receives ongoing treatment at the new City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center facility
For Lenora, each day is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the hope for brighter days ahead for all cancer patients. “They believe in what they are doing. I believe in their mission and philosophy. The first time I visited City of Hope, I saw a sign at the entrance, ‘There Is Always Hope,’ and I’ve carried that with me over the years.”
Since her transplant in 1994, Lenora has expressed her appreciation for City of Hope by making annual contributions. Giving back is not just a choice, but a way to honor her journey and the hope that has sustained her through the darkest times. “I donate because I feel so grateful to City of Hope for giving me the past 30 years after my transplant, but also now with ongoing treatment for the rest of my life.” She also recently deepened her support by including City of Hope in her estate plans.
Lenora’s message to others considering making a gift for City of Hope in their estate plans is one of encouragement and empowerment. She hopes donors find pride and comfort in knowing their gift to City of Hope, no matter what amount, will make a difference in the lives of those battling cancer — that in a world where uncertainty often looms large, they can create a legacy that illuminates the path for others to find hope, healing and a brighter tomorrow.
