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City of Hope Spirit of Life Award
Last week I had the honor of attending an incredibly moving event at The Plaza Hotel in New York City — the annual luncheon hosted by the City of Hope East End League/Jeanne Kaye Chapter. This year’s event was particularly special as it honored NBC Today Show Lifestyle Correspondent Jill Martin with the Spirit of Life® Award, City of Hope’s most prestigious honor.
As someone who was in the room, I can tell you that this afternoon was filled with heartfelt moments and a powerful sense of community — all in support of a cause that touches so many lives.
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A Day of Hope, Gratitude, and Giving
More than 380 guests gathered in The Plaza’s iconic ballroom to raise awareness and vital funds for City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. Nearly $800,000 — an extraordinary achievement that will directly benefit breast cancer research and further City of Hope’s mission to advance innovative treatments and compassionate care for those impacted by cancer.
Watching Jill Martin accept the Spirit of Life® Award — presented by her longtime friend, TV personality and author Kathie Lee Gifford — was one of the highlights of the afternoon. With grace and vulnerability, Jill spoke about her own recent battle with breast cancer, which she has courageously shared with viewers on The Today Show. She had undergone what she hopes will be her final surgery the previous week, making her words of gratitude and encouragement even more poignant. Her message to us all: get checked and take care of your health.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as Jill thanked her family, friends, and the many supporters who have stood by her side. Her story is a testament to resilience, the power of early detection, and the importance of organizations like City of Hope that are leading the charge in cancer research and treatment.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Community in Action
There was so much energy in the room when Letitia Frye, the dynamic emcee and auctioneer, took to the stage. She led a spirited live auction encouraging everyone to dig deep in support of this vital cause. It was inspiring to see so many individuals, many of them longtime supporters and survivors, come together to fund groundbreaking research that has the potential to save lives.
The East End Chapter/Jeanne Kaye League itself is an incredible force. For more than 40 years, this volunteer and fundraising group of 500 New York women has raised over $14 million to accelerate cures and bring hope to cancer patients and their families. Their passion and dedication were on full display throughout the afternoon and it was truly uplifting to be part of their mission, if even for a day.
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Why City of Hope Matters
Attending this event served as a powerful reminder of just how far cancer research has come and how much more there is still to do. City of Hope has been at the forefront of this fight since its founding in 1913. Today, it stands as one of the country’s leading comprehensive cancer centers, known for groundbreaking discoveries that have led to life-saving treatments.
Their work extends beyond cancer to include diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses, and their integrated model of care ensures that every patient receives both cutting-edge treatment and compassionate support.
A Personal Reflection
As I left The Plaza that afternoon, I found myself reflecting on the stories shared, the lives touched, and the incredible sense of hope that filled the room. Events like this are a powerful reminder that by coming together as a community, honoring those who inspire us, and by supporting those in need, we can truly make a difference.
Congratulations again to Jill Martin on this well-deserved recognition. And heartfelt thanks to City of Hope and the East End Chapter/Jeanne Kaye League for their tireless work to bring us closer to a world without cancer.
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