Let's Be Frank celebrates 10 years with a surprise

Let's Be Frank host committee presenting donation check to Sumanta Pal, M.D.

The 10^th Annual Let's Be Frank About Cancer gala in Newport Beach, California, raised $2.1 million for cancer research at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center in Irvine, including a $1 million gift from a long time Let's Be Frank supporter and gala host committee member made earlier this year.

Nearly 400 people attended the sparkling night of dinner, dancing and awards on March 23 - and got a surprise.

City of Hope leaders revealed that the welcome desk at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center is now named the Frank Di Bella Reception Desk, in honor of Di Bella's decade of promoting City of Hope's mission to cure cancer and diabetes.

"In a decade of your support for Frank Di Bella's vision, we have made astounding progress toward making hope a reality for all those touched by cancer. There is so much for us to be proud of and so much positive momentum from what Frank has helped us build," said Robert Stone, Helen and Morgan Chu Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair and CEO of City of Hope®, in recorded remarks.

Annette Walker, president, City of Hope Orange County, unveiled the naming of the welcome desk and said in a video of the unveiling, "Thousands of people with cancer have already walked past this desk, and over the years, thousands more will come. We want everybody who walks up to it to know how much you mean to us and the contributions that you have made. Frank, you've been there for us, every step of the way. We are so grateful to you and the philanthropic community of Orange County for everything you have done for us."

In 2011, Di Bella was diagnosed with bladder cancer that had spread to his lungs, ribs and spine. He was told he had two or three months to live, but he came to City of Hope for a second opinion. Di Bella credits his City of Hope physician, Sumanta K. Pal, M.D., and City of Hope staff with saving his life.

Jimmy Meyer, Sumanta Pal M.D., Frank Di Bella, Ryan Smith and Allison Smith

Di Bella began the Let's Be Frank gala to raise funds to support Pal's ongoing research. Pal is an internationally recognized leader in genitourinary cancers, including kidney, bladder and prostate cancer. He is co-director of City of Hope's Kidney Cancer Program.

Di Bella, tearful after the unveiling, told this year's gala audience, "Thank you all so much for being here and for showing up for our mission for 10 years! I'm blown away by your support."

Kristin J. Bertell, chief philanthropy officer, City of Hope, told the gala audience, "In partnership, we advance groundbreaking discoveries and provide exceptional care. On behalf of City of Hope's patients and their families, thank you for your support of our mission to end cancer and diabetes for everyone. Thank you for helping to build City of Hope's campus in Orange County."

Di Bella promoted the construction of City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center to provide advanced cancer care closer to home for Orange County's 3.2 million residents. Before its opening, about 4,000 patients a year drove from Orange County to City of Hope's campus in Duarte for care. In late 2025, City of Hope will open Orange County's only hospital dedicated to cancer.

Walker closed her remarks to Di Bella by saying, "As you have said, having City of Hope in Orange County changes everything for people with cancer. Thank you, Frank, for helping us change everything."

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