City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, welcomed more than 1,700 patients, survivors, caregivers and supporters to its inaugural Walk for Hope Las Vegas on Saturday, Oct. 24. Together, walkers raised more than $220,000 and counting for lifesaving cancer research and care.

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More than 1,700 participants came together for City of Hope’s inaugural Walk for Hope in Las Vegas on Saturday, October 24, raising more than $220,000 and counting to support lifesaving cancer research, treatment and care. The event brought together cancer survivors, patients, families, corporate partners and community supporters, united by a shared commitment to ending cancer for all.

More than 1,700 participants came together for City of Hope’s inaugural Walk for Hope in Las Vegas on Saturday, October 24, raising more than $220,000 and counting to support lifesaving cancer research, treatment and care. The event brought together cancer survivors, patients, families, corporate partners and community supporters, united by a shared commitment to ending cancer for all.

Entertainer and longtime City of Hope supporter Donny Osmond served as the event’s inaugural “Headliner for Hope,” helping introduce Walk for Hope to the Las Vegas community and rally participation in the lead-up to the event. He and his wife, Debbie, led Team Debbie & Donny Osmond, joining walkers at the Civic Center in downtown Las Vegas.

With a nearly 50-year history, Walk for Hope is City of Hope’s signature community fundraising campaign and event series, uniting patients, survivors, caregivers and supporters to honor loved ones, celebrate survivors and raise funds for lifesaving cancer research and compassionate care. In 2023, Walk for Hope expanded beyond Southern California to communities where City of Hope operates cancer centers, and now continues its growth with the inaugural Las Vegas event.

Philanthropy powers City of Hope’s work, from early-stage discovery to the clinical trials that bring new therapies to patients.

Lennar, one of the nation’s leading homebuilders, served as a local sponsor of the event, helping bring the walk to the Las Vegas community.

“Walk for Hope is hope in action, and the Las Vegas community has shown us what that truly means,” said Kristin Bertell, chief philanthropy officer at City of Hope. “City of Hope isn’t defined solely by where we have buildings, but by the people and communities who believe in our mission to end cancer for all. For years, Las Vegas donors, volunteers and corporate partners have helped advance that mission, and this inaugural walk is a powerful reflection of their continued commitment. We’re deeply grateful to Lennar and everyone who came together to make this special day possible.”

The walk brought together a community where access to specialized cancer care remains a challenge. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Nevada, and the state has about half the number of oncologists relative to its population compared with the national average. City of Hope is committed to expanding access to the latest cancer breakthroughs, and its national network offers more than 700 active clinical trials.

“Every person facing cancer deserves access to the expertise, clinical trials, and innovative therapies that can improve outcomes and quality of life,” said Harlan Levine, M.D., president of health innovation and policy at City of Hope. “For patients and families in Nevada, where the need for specialized cancer care is known, creating that access can make a meaningful difference. Developing new drugs, helping them come to market faster and safely, and making them more accessible for patients closer to home are central to our mission to improve the cancer outcomes in the communities we serve.”

Throughout the day, teams of families, friends and coworkers walked in honor of parents, partners and loved ones. Survivors walked alongside them, cheered on by the people who stood by them through treatment.

“Las Vegas is a city of big dreams, and for families facing cancer, the biggest dream is more time with the people they love,” said Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley. “Improving access to quality health care for Nevadans has been a priority throughout my career, and Las Vegas is proud to support Walk for Hope and the research that brings new hope to our community.”

For the Osmonds, the cause is personal. Cancer has touched their family, including the loss of Debbie’s mother.

“Las Vegas has given Debbie and me so much over the years, and walking alongside this community in support of City of Hope was a meaningful way to give back,” said Donny Osmond. “Cancer has touched so many families, including our own. Seeing neighbors come together to honor loved ones and celebrate survivors was a reminder that Las Vegas always shows up when people need it most.”

Among the day’s meaningful moments was a performance of the national anthem by Las Vegas-based entertainer Jennifer “JayBee” Beasley, a Hodgkin lymphoma survivor who received a stem cell transplant at City of Hope after multiple rounds of treatment and a clinical trial. Cancer-free since September 2014, JayBee joined fellow participants at Walk for Hope, lending her voice to a cause that has profoundly shaped her life.

Las Vegas joins a national series of Walk for Hope events that City of Hope hosts each fall in communities across the country, from Chicago and Atlanta to Arizona and Southern California. Each walk brings neighbors together to honor loved ones, celebrate survivors and advance research that benefits patients nationwide. This year’s season continues Nov. 7 in Arizona and Atlanta and concludes Nov. 8 in Los Angeles and Orange County, with virtual participation open to supporters anywhere.

To make a gift, register to participate or learn more, visit cityofhope.org/walkforhope.

About City of Hope

City of Hope’s mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that is ranked among the nation’s top cancer centers by U.S. News & World Report at its core, City of Hope’s uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, Orange County, California, campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas. City of Hope’s affiliated group of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHopeTM. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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