City of Hope Receives $20 Million Gift from Philanthropists Norman and Melinda Payson to Fund Pancreatic Disease Breakthroughs

The gift, directed at the deadly diseases of pancreatic cancer and diabetes, was announced at City of Hope Orange County’s Promises of Hope celebration headlined by global superstar Christina Aguilera

City of Hope®, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., has received a $20 million gift from philanthropists Norman and Melinda Payson to create a pancreas center that will advance groundbreaking research and treatments for pancreatic cancer and diabetes.

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Norman and Melinda Payson are pictured alongside their daughter and her husband, Devon and Randy Wilson, at the City of Hope “Promises of Hope” fundraiser. Credit: Chris Laxamana for City of Hope 

The gift, announced at City of Hope Orange County’s Promises of Hope gala, builds on the Paysons’ legacy of visionary generosity. Norman Payson, M.D., an Orange County-based entrepreneur, noted health care executive and City of Hope board director, has invested more than $10 million in City of Hope, ranked among the nation’s top 5 cancer centers in the United States. He was the first to donate $1 million toward the development of City of Hope Orange County’s cancer campus and network of advanced care. This most recent gift is in honor of his mother, who died of pancreatic cancer.

“Pancreatic cancer is among the most complex cancer types affecting millions of people around the world. Unfortunately, our family understands its impact all too well,” Payson said. “City of Hope is uniquely positioned with the expertise to advance the pioneering treatments and cures needed to end pancreatic cancer, the epidemic of diabetes and related serious illness. Melinda and I are honored to further advance research and bring new hope to people worldwide, including here in Orange County.”

City of Hope, a pioneer in both cancer and diabetes breakthroughs, is internationally recognized for groundbreaking research investigating the connection between cancer and diabetes, cellular immunotherapy, early detection for pancreatic cancer and exploration of a pancreatic cancer vaccine.

The gift is the second significant gift to City of Hope this month to fund pancreatic disease research.

City of Hope received a historic $150 million gift from entrepreneurs and philanthropists A. Emmet Stephenson Jr. and his daughter Tessa Stephenson Brand to immediately fund pancreatic cancer research.

“Transformational, innovative thinking often begins with identifying a problem and envisioning solutions others deem impossible,” said Robert Stone, chief executive officer and the Helen and Morgan Chu Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair at City of Hope. “By working with forward-thinking partners like the Paysons, City of Hope is advancing lifesaving medicine to new heights. The Paysons are shining examples of the champions we need to transform cancer care as we know it, and we are immensely grateful for their support.”

City of Hope is delivering advanced treatments in five major metropolitan areas, including Orange County. In 2022, City of Hope opened City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center in Irvine — the most advanced cancer center in Orange County. In 2025, City of Hope will open Orange County’s only cancer specialty hospital, which will be seamlessly connected to the cancer center.

“City of Hope’s pioneering research, exceptional patient outcomes and more than 800 cancer-focused clinical trials are making a profound difference in the lives of people in Orange County and beyond,” said Annette Walker, president, City of Hope Orange County. “Norman and Melinda understood the importance of our mission in Orange County from day one. Now, they are helping us as we look to a future where we end even the most complex forms of cancer and other serious illnesses.”

An Evening Filled With Hope and a Grammy Award-Winning Superstar

The “Promises of Hope” celebration, chaired by longtime City of Hope champion George Wall, brought together luminaries, prominent business partners and philanthropic leaders from across the region. Global superstar Christina Aguilera headlined the evening’s entertainment.

With nearly 300 notable guests in attendance, the evening raised $2 million to directly support City of Hope research and patient care in Orange County.

“City of Hope is known for bringing people together to save lives,” said Kristin Bertell, chief philanthropy officer, City of Hope. “This includes a powerful community of donors and volunteers — from passionate individuals like the Paysons and George Wall, to foundations, corporate partners and celebrities like Christina Aguilera. Everyone delivers something extraordinary as we come together to end cancer. Together, we can usher in a new era of hope, innovation and speed, shaping a healthier future for all.”

About Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera is a multiple Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter renowned for her powerful voice and hit songs. Throughout her career, she has sold more than 75 million records worldwide. Aguilera has achieved five No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart making her the third female artist, and fourth overall, to top the chart over three consecutive decades (1990s, 2000s, and 2010s). She has won seven Grammy Awards, including two Latin Grammy Awards - with the most recent being the 2022 Latin Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album on behalf of AGUILERA, her second Spanish-language album. She has also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and holds the prestigious honor of being the only artist under the age of 30 included in Rolling Stone Magazine’s list of the 100 greatest singers of all time. Additionally, in 2021 she received the inaugural Music Icon Award at the People’s Choice Awards, followed by the Spirit of Hope Award at the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards and the Advocate for Change Award at the 2023 GLAAD Media Awards. Aguilera continues to use her voice for good, having served as global spokesperson for Yum! Brands’ World Hunger Relief effort since 2009 and has helped raise over $150 million for the World Food Program and other hunger relief agencies, in addition to raising awareness for various social conversations around domestic violence and LGBTQ+ equality.

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 U.S., 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 top 5 in the nation for cancer care 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, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, 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 AccessHope^TM. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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