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Giving Prompted By Personal Connection

When it comes to giving, it’s always personal. Don Schwarz learned the value of giving early on from parents who were involved in community service. And together with his wife, Susan, he is passionate about supporting science that enhances the lives of people.

But when several of their friends battled cancer in 2007, making a difference became even more urgent —and personal.“After we lost 11friends to cancer, we made it the focus of our charitable giving, ”Schwarz recalls.

As a long time member of the Board of Governors, a group of philanthropic volunteers that raises funds for City of Hope, the Schwarzes attended a dinner where they heard Mark Wakabayshi, M.D.,M.P.H., chief of gynecologic oncology, talk about his research. Their interest was piqued.“What I heard told me that Dr. Wakabayashi was on the road to making a difference, and that he would accomplish his goals,” Schwarz says.

With a desire to see cancer cured, Schwarz directed a gift of$100,000 to establish a research fund for Wakabayashi’s research.“Our mission is to leave the world a better place for those coming behind us,” Schwarz said. With this gift, they are accomplishing just that — and in a very personal way.