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Circle 1000 Celebrates 35th Anniversary
Highlights from the Hoag Family Cancer Institute’s Clinical Trial Program
Natural Killer (NK) Cell Therapy
The Hoag Family Cancer Institute is one of only two sites in the country to offer the most advanced immunotherapy clinical trial currently available for the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer. In partnership with leading immunotherapy company ImmunityBio, the phase II trial uses innovative NK cells manipulated to recognize and target cancer cells. When injected into a patient, NK cells activate the patient’s immune system against cancer antigens to fight pancreatic cancer in combination with chemotherapy.
With promising early results, this unique and innovative therapy has the potential to change the standard of care for pancreatic cancer and has now been extended to breast cancer patients. The trial not only brings hope to patients receiving devastating diagnoses but also advances Hoag’s reputation as a destination site for cancer immunotherapy. As of September 2022, 51 patients have been treated with NK cell therapy at Hoag.
PyL PET/CT Trial for Prostate Cancer
Through Hoag’s Molecular Imaging and Therapy Program, this phase II prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted imaging trial of 184 patients, completed in 2021, has demonstrated benefits for patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer and biochemically recurrent prostate cancer while also detailing where the test is most accurate and where it has errors. Results from the trial have been accepted for publication and presented at international conferences.
The Transformative Power of Planned Giving:
Grateful Patient Makes Estate Gift to Support the Future of Cancer Care at Hoag
Odin Braathen, whose family moved to Orange County from Norway in 1956, comes from a long line of builders. For over 40 years, he has carried on the family tradition at his company, Braathen Construction, and now too through his philanthropy. Odin’s experience as a patient at Hoag compelled him to include the organization in his estate plans, designating funds to the Hoag Family Cancer Institute to help build the future of cancer care for generations to come.
Odin has been living with stage four prostate cancer for 22 years. As a longtime resident of Newport Beach, he knew Hoag was the place to go for treatment. While his HMO sent him elsewhere when he was initially diagnosed, Odin finally found his way to Hoag and immediately felt the difference. Now a patient of Dr. Robert Torrey, III, a specialist in the minimally invasive treatment of urologic malignancies, Odin is keeping his cancer at bay with prescription medication. His prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level has been undetectable since 2015. What’s more, he’s built a relationship with Dr. Torrey that gives him true confidence. “Dr. Torrey is so communicative. He discusses things with you—describes procedures, medications, everything. These discussions have no borders. He’s so conscientious, so dedicated to his patients. How can you possibly thank someone for taking such personal interest and care? I recommend him to everyone,” said Odin.
A Vietnam-era veteran, Odin is no stranger to the unexpected and insists on meeting challenges head on. The same has been true of his cancer journey, having undergone various surgeries and procedures over the years. He said, “No matter how angry you get, you have to face it and live each day without dwelling on it. You must rely on your doctors. And Hoag’s crew is tremendous.”
Odin’s advice to other cancer patients: “Fight. Try to stay positive, and don’t give up.”
Odin Braathen (left) and Dr. Torrey (right) at the 2022 Hoag Summer Fest, one of Orange County’s favorite annual food and music events, where funds raised support Hoag’s programs and services.
The Power of a Planned Gift
Beginning your philanthropic legacy can be inspiring and enriching. But it can also be complex, especially with your many options. Hoag’s gift planning team works with you to understand how you want to make a lasting difference in the lives of patients and families in our community while also accomplishing your own estate goals, like providing for your loved ones. At Hoag, we believe charitable planning is a collaboration between you, your professional advisors and our gift planning experts—all working together to create your legacy. For more information, contact Julie Heggeness, vice president of legal and executive director of gift planning, at julie.heggeness@hoag.org or 949-764-7206.
Support Services at Hoag Empower Cancer Patients
Each year, Hoag treats over 4,000 new cancer patients, totaling 18,000 cancer patients treated annually. Robust support services for patients and families at the Hoag Family Cancer Institute include tumor-specific oncology nurse navigators, social workers, chaplains, support groups, dietitians and more. Your generosity fuels these services, in turn allowing Hoag physicians and staff to empower patients at Hoag to manage stress brought on by disease and achieve improved quality of life.
Financial Bridge Program
$230,000 distributed for groceries, gas and other living expenses to over 380 patients in need.
“My patient’s family was struggling to pay their utilities while their father was receiving cancer treatment. His daughter was trying to juggle his appointments while trying to find a third job. The thought that she was torn between paying their bills and getting her dad to his appointments was so disheartening. The Financial Bridge Program took that difficulty away by paying for their utility bills.”
– HFCI Nurse Navigator
Expert Care Navigation
Six nurse navigators focused on specific cancer types help patients and their families navigate cancer diagnoses, treatment and recovery by communicating with physicians, coordinating treatment plans and removing any potential barriers to complex, comprehensive cancer care.
Brighter Image Program Provides Support for Patients Experiencing Hair Loss
Male and female patients gain confidence to return to some sense of normalcy through one-on-one consultations with licensed esthetician Karey York on coping with hair loss and skin changes due to cancer treatments. All Brighter Image consultations, including specially fitted wigs and scarves, are free of charge.
Expressive Arts Program Offers Needed Reprieve
This virtual and in-person workshop series includes Art for the Soul, Free-Form Writing, HealthRHYTHMS Drum Circle and Artistic Healings projects with local artist Gail Wirtz Costello to provide patients with a vital source of catharsis and joy in the midst of their cancer journey.
Circle 1000 Celebrates 35th Anniversary
Thirty-five years ago, Circle 1000 founder Sandy Sewell’s personal experience as a cancer patient at Hoag set her on a simple mission: to bring her friends and community together in support of the Hoag Family Cancer Institute. After beating cancer, she wanted to give others the same opportunity.
On April 29, 2022, over 250 donors, friends, Hoag physicians, staff and volunteer leaders gathered together at the Balboa Bay Resort’s Grand Ballroom in celebration of 35 incredible years supporting the Hoag Family Cancer Institute. This year’s celebration raised $1,136,800 for early detection, molecular interception, nurse navigation, Hoag’s new Melanoma Program and more, bringing Circle 1000’s total raised to more than $23 million over its 35-year history.
In memory of Sandy, who passed shortly before Circle 1000’s 35th anniversary, Circle 1000 is impacting the lives of patients and families throughout Orange County by helping Hoag provide the most advanced cancer care available.
Sandy Sewell
Acclaimed Care
Philanthropic support allows the Hoag Family Cancer Institute to perform at levels that are recognized nationally as meeting the highest standards of excellence while driving innovation. We are proud to share our most recent honors:
For more information about supporting the Hoag Family Cancer Institute, contact:
Jennifer Stameson Executive Director of Development Jennifer.Stameson@hoag.org 949-764-7210 Tommy Muzzy Development Officer Tommy.Muzzy@hoag.org 949-764-7035
