City of Hope is a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center.
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10/22/2025
Brittney Powell found a lump in her breast and was told she was “too young” for cancer. But the 34-year-old mom knew better.
Her diagnosis: invasive ductal carcinoma. Her response: fierce self-advocacy, second and third opinions, and choosing City of Hope Atlanta because it felt like home. After chemo, Taxol, and a double mastectomy, Brittney was declared cancer-free.
Now she’s speaking out — for younger women who are often overlooked. “I share my story not for sympathy, but to empower — especially younger women. Listen to your body. Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, keep pushing until someone listens. Early detection saves lives. Young women need better screening, better protocols, and better care."
10/21/2025
Meet Dr. Ferra Lin-Duffy, a breast surgical oncologist who brings compassion and precision to every patient she treats.
Dr. Lin-Duffy serves patients at both our Duarte and South Pasadena locations, offering advanced, minimally invasive surgical options for breast cancer. She believes in a collaborative approach, working closely with patients, their families and care teams to ensure personalized, supportive care.
Her dedication extends beyond the clinic — from publishing research to participating in medical missions in American Samoa and the Dominican Republic.
This month, and every month, we honor the experts like Dr. Lin-Duffy who are making a difference in the lives of those facing breast cancer.
10/20/2025
What a night to remember. 🎶
The 2025 Music, Film & Entertainment Industry’s Spirit of Life Gala honored Tom Corson, Co-Chairman and COO of Warner Records, for his visionary leadership and compassion — and together, this incredible community will have helped raise nearly $6 million (and counting) before the end of this year to fuel cancer research, survivorship, and integrative oncology programs at City of Hope.
From heartfelt tributes to a stunning performance by Michael Bublé and a special appearance by Cher, the evening was a reminder that when creativity and compassion unite, hope never misses a beat.
Thank you to everyone who lent their voice to make this extraordinary night possible.
10/20/2025
In 2018, while celebrating her 40th birthday, Jennifer voiced a quiet concern: something didn’t feel right. Her instincts led her to pursue a mammogram, which revealed a tumor. What followed was a whirlwind of miscommunication and delays at her local hospital. But Jennifer trusted her gut and reached out to City of Hope Chicago where her care began immediately.
She was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer and underwent a total non-sparing mastectomy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and multiple surgeries. Through it all, she leaned on science, her care team and City of Hope's supportive services to heal — physically and emotionally.
Today, Jennifer is cancer-free and thriving. She now serves as the Cancer Fighters loyalty manager at City of Hope Chicago, helping others navigate the same path she once walked. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-advocacy, compassionate care, and the strength found in community.
10/19/2025
Meet Dr. Jamie Green Rand — City of Hope breast cancer surgeon and advocate for patient-centered care.
With a background in molecular biophysics and biochemistry from Yale and advanced surgical training, Dr. Rand brings a rare blend of scientific insight and compassion to every patient interaction.
Her research focuses on immunotherapy and emerging technologies, and she’s deeply committed to supporting patients through every stage of treatment: “It is wonderful to work in a place where we are all working together toward a common goal of curing cancer and improving the lives of our patients.”
10/18/2025
Dr. Hannah Chang, assistant professor of medical oncology and therapeutics research at City of Hope, is passionate about improving outcomes for high-risk breast cancer patients.
Her clinical trials and translational research aim to uncover new therapies that address unmet needs in breast cancer care. Dr. Chang’s motivation comes from the meaningful relationships she builds with patients and their families — relationships that last a lifetime.
10/17/2025
When Lauren Norris and Brittney Powell arrived at City of Hope Atlanta for double mastectomies, they had no idea they were about to meet someone who would change their life.
Both were young moms. Both had been diagnosed with breast cancer. And both found themselves walking the hospital halls together, side by side.
That day marked the beginning of a friendship rooted in shared strength, vulnerability, and unwavering support. From recovery rooms to real life, Lauren and Brittney have leaned on each other through every stage of their journeys.
Today, they co-host Boobie Banter, a podcast created to give women facing breast cancer a space to feel seen, heard, and understood. From fertility challenges to the emotional toll of treatment, they speak candidly about the realities of survivorship.
Their podcast now serves as a trusted resource for women navigating breast cancer, offering connection, insight, and advocacy through every conversation.
10/15/2025
At 31, Jennifer Rancik heard the words no one wants to hear: “You have cancer.” What followed was a journey of strength, advocacy, and unwavering love.
With the support of her husband David and son Seth, Jennifer faced triple-negative breast cancer head-on. She chose City of Hope for her care, underwent 14 rounds of chemo, a double mastectomy, and later a hysterectomy after discovering she carried the BRCA1 gene.
But the most unexpected chapter? A miracle baby named Hope, born after doctors said pregnancy was unlikely.
Now in remission, Jennifer is thriving — and sharing her story to inspire others.
At just 29, Kommah McDowell was told she had a 5% chance of surviving breast cancer and would never have children. Nearly two decades later, she’s a mother, author and fierce advocate — all because she sought a second opinion at City of Hope.
City of Hope is transforming cancer care through leading-edge research, clinical trials, and compassionate support — and soon, City of Hope Orange County will open Orange County’s only cancer specialty hospital.
We’re proud to stand with survivors like Kommah, proving that where there’s hope, there’s life.
10/10/2025
Sonia Ray's life changed forever at 34 when she was diagnosed with stage 3B HER2-positive breast cancer.
As a wife and stay-at-home mom to two young boys, the news rocked her world, but she was determined not to let it shake her spirit. Seven years later, Sonia faced the additional challenge of breast cancer recurrence, ultimately finding treatment at City of Hope Atlanta.
Her journey has been marked by the power of faith, community support, and the importance of advocacy. When her previous doctors told her to get her affairs in order, her husband refused to accept that prognosis and found a path forward through City of Hope.
Now more than a decade out from her initial diagnosis, Sonia has transformed her experience into a mission of helping other women as they face their own cancer battles, proving that sometimes our greatest challenges become our greatest opportunities to serve others.
10/09/2025
Annette L. was just 38 and planning her wedding when she received heartbreaking news — a diagnosis of 2B triple negative breast cancer.
She didn’t let that stop her.
Annette continued planning her big day while undergoing treatment at City of Hope Chicago where she was cared for by a compassionate team including Drs. Wi******er, Khan, and King. In a gesture of kindness and attention to detail, Dr. Wi******er placed her port in her arm so the scar wouldn’t show when she wore her wedding dress.
She went through chemo, immunotherapy, radiation, and a lumpectomy — all while working full-time and never missing a beat. She got married, went on her honeymoon, and finished treatment in February 2024.
Today, Annette is writing a new chapter — as a proud cancer survivor, advocate and new mom to a sweet baby girl.
“I will tell my story whenever I can. If it can change one person, that’s worth it.”
10/09/2025
In May 2023, Brittany Barden started a new chapter at City of Hope Phoenix balancing a demanding career and life as a single mom. Just weeks in, she discovered a lump under her arm — on her son’s birthday. Within days of the discovery, she was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer.
With no family nearby, Brittany faced surgery, radiation, and medical menopause, all while caring for her son, Beau. Her parents flew in to help, and her friend Megan moved back to Arizona to support her — eventually becoming her wife and creating a new family.
City of Hope provided medical care, as well as emotional and mental health support. Brittany’s journey is a testament to resilience, community, and the importance of early detection.
Her story reminds us: cancer doesn’t discriminate by age, and support makes all the difference.
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The City of Hope story began in 1913, when a group of volunteers, spurred by compassion to help those afflicted with tuberculosis, established the Jewish Consumptive Relief Association (JCRA) and raised money to start a free, nonsectarian tuberculosis sanatorium.
After several fundraisers, the JCRA put a down payment on 10 acres of sun-soaked land in Duarte, where they would establish the Los Angeles Sanatorium a year later. The original sanatorium consisted of two canvas cottages. So was launched a century-long journey that would place City of Hope at the forefront of the nation’s leading medical and research institutions.
By the mid-1940s, thanks to the discovery of antibiotics, tuberculosis was on the decline in the U.S. However, City of Hope rose to the next medical challenge, tackling the catastrophic disease of cancer — and later on, diabetes and HIV/AIDS — while reaffirming its humanitarian vision that “health is a human right.”
In the spirit of that vision, Samuel H. Golter, one of City of Hope’s early leaders, coined the phrase, “There is no profit in curing the body if, in the process, we destroy the soul.” Those words became City of Hope’s credo.
Over the decades, research conducted at City of Hope has led to significant advances in modern medicine, including the development of the first synthetic human insulin, human growth hormone and the technology behind the widely used cancer-fighting drugs Herceptin, Rituxan and Avastin.
Today, City of Hope has been designated as a comprehensive cancer center, the highest recognition bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, and is a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, with research and treatment protocols that advance care throughout the nation.
As we look toward the next 100 years, we continue our mission and commitment to transform the future of medicine. Our researchers, physicians, nurses, educators and staff have made hope a reality for countless patients and their loved ones.
