Priscilla grew up in the Midwest in a family that valued education and community service. She earned a degree in elementary education and enjoyed a rewarding career as a medical librarian. Driven by her passion for helping others, Priscilla established a scholarship for aspiring teachers at Mankato State University in Minnesota.
The roots of Priscilla’s mission to fight cancer were planted early in her life. Sadly, she lost four of her six female cousins to cancer before they turned 70. This heartbreaking loss fueled her determination to support cancer research and find better treatments. Her experience working as a medical librarian highlighted just how important research is in the fight against cancer.
After moving to California, Priscilla discovered City of Hope. She immediately felt a strong connection and became an early supporter and volunteer for the annual Palm Springs Hike 4 Hope fundraising event. She took on the lead role in organizing the registration of 500+ hikers on the day of the hike, helping it become a success. Now in its 27th year, Palm Springs Hike 4 Hope has raised approximately $3 million for cancer research since its inception. Priscilla’s dedication to the cause never wavered, even before she realized that City of Hope would one day become an important part of her own story.
A new chapter in Priscilla’s life began when she met Fred, a survivor of World War II and the concentration camps, who was well-known for his quick wit and resilience. Fred and Priscilla first met in 1976, and their shared values laid the foundation of their relationship. Over their 48 years together, they supported causes that mattered most to them, with cancer research becoming especially personal. Fred survived two battles with cancer at age 95, while Priscilla faced a breast cancer diagnosis in 2018.
The exceptional care and support she received from City of Hope only strengthened her commitment to the organization. Her advocacy became even more personal, reinforcing her dedication to advancing cancer research, determined to help others avoid the pain she and her family endured.
Fred’s remarkable life journey ended four months shy of his 100th birthday. Fred honored Priscilla’s patient experience with a $1 million gift to City of Hope in his estate plan. Priscilla is now considering including a legacy gift to City of Hope through her own plans as part of her mission to fight cancer and support women’s health. Together, Priscilla and Fred will make an enduring impact — touching lives and fostering hope and healing for generations to come.