Nearly two million Americans are diagnosed with cancer each year. Thanks to incredible donor support, Cedars-Sinai Cancer is pioneering new approaches to treatment that could improve countless cancer patients’ lives. Donor contributions empower Cedars-Sinai to reshape the landscape of cancer research, developing novel therapeutic techniques to improve outcomes and enhance patients’ quality of life. The medical center also leverages donor funds to sustain its comprehensive and rigorous fellowship programs to nurture the next generation of cancer researchers. This year was no exception, with generous philanthropists stepping up to invest time and funding in our efforts to make cancer history.

The most commonly diagnosed cancer in American women other than skin cancer is breast cancer. In fact, one out of eight U.S. women will get breast cancer during her lifetime. Seventy percent of them have only two risk factors: being a woman and getting older.

In funding the Linda and Jim Lippman Chair in Surgical Oncology, an extraordinary gift from Linda and Jim Lippman has paved the way for making important strides forward in our ability to understand and treat breast cancer. Additionally, a separate contribution from the Lippmans established the Lippman Family Cancer Fellowships, setting a national standard for training future oncology leaders.

The Lippmans’ contribution to Cedars-Sinai has been more than just financial. As chair of an ambitious fundraising campaign dedicated to catalyzing innovation in medical research, clinical care and academic leadership, Jim is a tireless advocate whose determination and drive have proved pivotal to the medical center’s astonishing success. His remarkable efforts have helped Cedars-Sinai bring in donations with a cumulative total recently exceeding $1 billion. The campaign, launched in 2018, has been an essential part of our patient-focused mission to provide the highest-quality care while educating top medical talent and accelerating scientific breakthroughs.

“In pursuit of a shared vision and common goals, donors have collaborated with Cedars-Sinai to broaden the horizon of possibilities in medicine,” said Lippman, who also served as immediate past chair of the Cedars-Sinai Board of Directors. “This campaign will leave an enduring legacy, transforming the health and wellbeing of people across our community and around the world.”