Creating Your Legacy of Hope

A Gift from a Goddess

Judy Tenuta, renowned as “The Love Goddess” of comedy, not only tickled funny bones but also touched hearts with her generosity. While her humor earned her a devoted fanbase, it was her selfless spirit that truly set her apart. In 2008, Judy’s life took a romantic turn when she met Vern Pang. Their connection, sparked over a passion of shared snacks and Judy’s appetite, blossomed into a partnership filled with laughter and love. Little did they know that their journey together would include a battle against ovarian cancer. Despite facing Stage 4 cancer, Judy approached life with her trademark humor and resilience. Throughout her treatment, she remained committed to spreading joy and giving back to causes close to her heart.

“She wanted her gift to bring recognition to City of Hope. She wanted to leave the world a better place.” — Vern Pang

Judy’s generous spirit shone brightly through her legacy gift to City of Hope®, aiming to support the search for cures and compassionate care to those battling cancer. Her gift was not just a financial contribution, but also a heartfelt gesture to raise awareness and inspire others to join the fight against this devastating disease. Throughout Judy’s cancer journey, Vern stood by her side as her devoted partner and caregiver. Together, they navigated the challenges of cancer with grace and strength while spreading laughter and love wherever they went. Judy’s thoughts on her condition are memorialized in her video Kicking Cancerʼs A**, at judytenuta.com. Today, Judy’s legacy lives on as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Her gift to City of Hope exemplifies Judy’s generosity, kindness and concern for others’ well-being. “She wanted to leave the world a better place,” says Vern.

Glam Squad, Unite! Fighting Cancer With Confidence

For those living with life-threatening illness, City of Hope strives to be a place where healing extends beyond the physical. The prominent Positive Image Center^SM, located in the Los Angeles campus, is a sanctuary where licensed cosmetologists, trained in oncology, work their magic to alleviate the visible effects of cancer treatment on men and women. Complimentary services include haircuts, custom wig fittings and pre and postmastectomy fittings. Patients are provided expert advice on skincare, demonstrate eyebrow application techniques and offer scalp treatments to ease discomfort. Patients can explore a curated selection of products tailored to their needs, such as breast prostheses, lymphedema sleeves, cream for radiation burns, nipple tattoos and more. City of Hope is a national leader in supportive care medicine, with a goal to expand access to our evidence-based supportive care offerings and advocate for a national standard of practice for cancer care.

Meet Janice Dell

When Janice Dell came to City of Hope for treatment, she noticed right away that it was a very different type of hospital. “Everyone I met — from the person at the front desk to anyone I saw in the hallways — would say hello to me, and would help me if I looked lost. And I have never been in an environment like that.”

Janice shares that at the beginning of treatment, her doctor recommended she visit the Positive Image Center. As she continued to work in a corporate setting, it was important to her to maintain her professional appearance. “He knew it mattered to me to look my best. That level of care and concern stayed with me,” says Janice.

Recently, Janice decided to give back by updating her living trust to include City of Hope. “I had already decided long ago to give some of my estate to charity. And without a doubt, City of Hope was my first choice because they saved my life. After I included gifts to my nieces and nephews in my estate plans, I included a percentage for City of Hope. I want it to go wherever they need it most. We can’t all be the geniuses that discover new cures, but we can help fund those who will!” she said.

Choosing the Legacy Gift That’s Right for You

The legacy you leave is in your control. By planning now, you shape the future for your family and the causes dear to you. You have a variety of options available, including gifts that:

Benefits of Your Generous Gift

• Including a gift to City of Hope in your will or trust wonʼt affect your cash flow.
• Donating appreciated assets like stocks or real estate could help you avoid capital gains tax.
• Designating your assets to City of Hope could help you leave more for your heirs.
  Gifts through your will may be exempt from estate taxes.
• Your gift could make a bigger impact than you thought, saving more lives from cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses.

A legacy gift for City of Hope can make a significant impact for years to come, driving the next breakthrough in treatments for life-threatening illnesses until the day when these diseases no longer threaten the lives of people we love. Download your free guide, Imagine a Cure for Every Patient – Your Gift for the Future, through the form on this page.

Meet Lisa Vargas

“I personally experienced the warmth and concern offered by everyone at City of Hope when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 at age 48. I had a bilateral mastectomy and have been cancer-free ever since. With focus on patients’ mind, body and spirit, and commitment to excellence in treatment, City of Hope will continue to play a leading role in the search for a cure. I believe there will be an announcement that we’ve cured cancer. And with my participation on the Patient and Family Advisory Council, my current giving and my future legacy gift, I know I’ll be a part of that.”