Circle of Hope
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Even though the details are starting to fade, Phoenix resident Doug Wilkey will never forget the day he learned he had cancer.
At noon he went to a doctor’s appointment for the results of a tumor biopsy.
At 2 p.m. he was admitted to the hospital.
By 5 p.m. he had started chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
“Don’t I have time to give this some thought?” he asked his doctor.
“We have no time to waste,” the doctor replied.
Only 37, Wilkey navigated an incomprehensible maze of chemotherapy, blood tests and biopsies before being referred to the City of Hope for a bone marrow transplant. Wilkey agreed to the transplant after weighing his options: Undergo the surgery or make out a will.
City of Hope
City of Hope was founded in 1913 in Duarte, Calif.,
to treat tuberculosis patients. From its modest beginnings in two hospital
tents, City of Hope has grown to employ more than 300 physicians and scientists.
Recently named one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer treatment by U.S.
News & World Report, City of Hope is on a short list of 40 U.S. institutions
designated as Comprehensive Cancer Centers by the National Cancer Institute.
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To help fund cutting-edge research, City of Hope forges industry partnerships by encouraging competitive members of the same industry to come together for a common cause. City of Hope reports more than 25 industry partnerships across the United States, including the Southwest Food Industries Circle in Phoenix.
The Arizona food industry began its association with City of Hope in 1992, when grocers, food manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors united to raise funds. Representatives from Safeway, Bashas’, Albertsons, Fry’s, Food City, Sprouts Farmer’s Market and Ranch Market sit on the current board with executives from many other companies, including Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc., Pepsi Bottling Group, Frito Lay and Anheuser-Busch.
Since its inception, the Southwest Food Industry Circle has raised more than $7.7 million for research and treatment of cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Each year it holds an annual fund-raising dinner, silent auction and golf tournament. This year’s goal: $1 million.
“Everyone has been touched by cancer, some more than others,” says Todd Schlief, general manager Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, Phoenix division. “I believe it’s our duty as human beings to work together no matter how competitive our industry is.”
Scott Cote, vice president of Impact Sales, agrees. “The fellowship and teamwork created by the many food industry committees and events helps us remember that it’s not all about selling cases.”
Charity is smart for business
The Arizona food industry is not alone when it comes to charitable giving. According to Giving USA Foundation, Americans gave a record $295 billion to charities in 2006. This includes corporate and individual donations.
From a business perspective, charitable giving makes good sense. Lindsay Siegel, marketing and communications specialist for the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy, says philanthropy helps businesses build their brands and keeps their personnel happy. “Employees want to work for companies that are responsible and share their values.”
Robert Clark, vice president of merchandising for Fry’s Food and Drug, sees philanthropy as an important link to the community. “Fry’s donates over $4 million and countless hours of our associates’ time annually to community causes and events,” he says. “I’m sure our customers have an expectation and appreciation that we are involved in and care about the communities we serve.”
The Internal Revenue Service reports there are about 1,010,400 charities in the U.S. With so many organizations vying for a cut of the charitable pie, City of Hope differentiates itself by integrating compassion with research, says Meagan Snedeker, assistant director of development for the Southwest Region of City of Hope. “Our model unites basic science with clinical research and patient care, refining our treatments at each juncture. Whether we are uncovering the molecular basis for cancer development, designing new therapeutics without side effects or enhancing patient care, we are committed to healing the whole person.”
After the cancer
Cancer survivor Wilkey says he’ll be “forever indebted” to City of Hope for saving his life. He was the last of 21 patients admitted to a clinical trial in which participants tried a new stem-cell transplant procedure targeted to their type of lymphoma. After enduring grueling physical and mental preparation, Wilkey underwent the transplant in February 2004. He spent a month in the hospital and an extended period in an adjacent assisted-living facility before going home cancer free.
Wilkey has been “clean and clear” for three years. “Twenty of the 21 [patients] are still alive today,” he says. “It’s crucial that money goes to research and research protocol. Without it, I wouldn’t be alive.”
Michelle Smythe
Each year a cancer survivor takes the podium at the Southwest Food Industry Circle’s fund-raising dinner and tells his or her story of courage and determination. In 2005 Wilkey addressed the audience of 900-plus food industry executives and their guests about his experiences at City of Hope.
Today, as part of the City of Hope’s speakers bureau, Wilkey talks to industry groups about his battle with cancer. “The really important thing about City of Hope is that they’re willing to take chances,” he says. “They’re very forward thinking.”
With the help of the Southwest Food Industries Circle and other industry partners, City of Hope can better afford to take the chances that Wilkey and millions of other cancer patients and survivors hope and pray for. Donors can be assured that about 85 cents of every dollar raised for City of Hope goes toward fighting cancer and other life-threatening diseases, according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
“Everyone wants to help ease the suffering of those infected by the disease and to help find a cure,” says Rex Collins, vice president of Advantage Sales and Marketing. “It’s an easy sell to bring fierce competitors together to support a common cause when egos are left at the door and the life-saving goals of the organization become the focal point. Good things happen.”
Contact the reporter at mhawkes@cox.net.