Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell, longtime educator and committed cancer advocate Nancy Rosenfelt and renowned trauma and cancer care Surgeon Dr. Edward C. Ray will be honored for their unwavering commitment, to the Southern California community, to raising global awareness about cancer, and to ending the disease, atTower Cancer Research Foundation's (Tower Cancer)23rd Annual Tower of Hope Gala on Tuesday evening, June 3rd, 2025. Leaders in entertainment, politics, business, civic organizations, medicine and philanthropy will join to celebrate the honorees beginning at 6:00 PM at the Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. in Angeles, California. Comedian and actor Maz Jobrani will MC the evening.
Like so many other Los Angeles institutions and the communities they serve, Tower Cancer has been deeply impacted by the L.A. Wildfires that ravaged Pacific Palisades and Altadena earlier this year. In recognition of the profound effect these wildfires have had on cancer survivors or those currently in active cancer treatment, as well as the larger Los Angeles area community, Tower Cancer is proud to honor Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell with its Humanity Award for his decades of devoted service to Southern California's families and communities.
Appointed in November 2024, Chief McDonnell brings over four decades of distinguished service to law enforcement, marked by innovation, leadership, and a commitment to community safety. He is the first to serve in senior executive roles in the three largest policing agencies in LA County: the LA County Sheriff's Department (LASD), the LA Police Department (LAPD), and the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD). During his tenure, all three agencies saw reduced crime and improved police-community relations. Chief McDonnell has distinguished himself as a national expert in Community Policing, helping to transform the LAPD's approach. He played a key role in training officers in best practices, including de-escalating volatile situations through negotiation and intervention tactics. Chief McDonnell earned a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice from St. Anselm College and a Master's in Public Administration from USC. He is also a graduate of the FBI's National Executive Institute. Married with two children, his family experience deeply influences his vision for public safety. He understands the strength of any community lies in the well-being of its families. Chief McDonnell remains committed to building a safer, more resilient Los Angeles where every family can thrive.
“It is a tremendous honor to receive the Humanity Award from Tower Cancer Research Foundation, an organization whose mission is both deeply compassionate and urgently needed. Throughout my career in public service, I've seen the impact that cancer has on individuals, families, including my own, and entire communities. Tower Cancer's commitment to advancing research and supporting those affected by this disease is nothing short of extraordinary. I am humbled to be recognized by an organization that exemplifies what it means to serve others with heart, vision, and unwavering purpose,” said Chief McDonnell.
Nancy Rosenfelt, the recipient of Tower Cancer's Hope Award, has dedicated her time and resources to Tower Cancer since its beginning along with her husband, Dr. Fred Rosenfelt. She has served as Chair of the Board of Directors since 2021, contributing her expertise to various committees and is a member of the Magnolia Council. As Chair, Ms. Rosenfelt played a pivotal role in launching a major endowment campaign to ensure the lasting impact of the foundation. She holds a Master of Science in Special Education and a Master of Arts in School Administration. After teaching for 15 years, she served as the Director of Summit View School for students with learning disabilities for another 15 years. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nancy's greatest joys come from being a wife to Fred for over 50 years, a mother, and a grandmother. Ms. Rosenfelt has long embraced the power of hope, and her steadfast enthusiasm and dedication to the organization make her a truly deserving recipient of the Hope Award.
Edward C. Ray, MD, who will receive Tower Cancer's Healing Award, is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over 20 years of experience, specializing in trauma and cancer care. He earned his medical degree from the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in 1998 and completed his residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Dr. Ray currently serves as an Associate Professor of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Ray's research focuses on the impact of hormone therapy on tissues at the cellular level, as well as clinical outcomes in microvascular, breast, and gender-affirming surgeries. He is also dedicated to utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance patient care in these specialized fields. Tower Cancer is pleased to honor Dr. Ray with its Healing Award in recognition of his dedication not only to the physical process of recovery after injury or illness but also to his efforts in fostering a sense of wholeness and well-being for all those he cares for.
Through strategic local and national investments, Tower Cancer advances groundbreaking cancer research and provides profound support to those affected by the disease, creating outsized impact in Southern California and across the country. As an organization that has always been focused on Southern California, the hub for some of the world's leading research institutions, as well as Tower Cancer's founding physicians, the devastating L.A. Wildfires effected the organization, its leaders and its constituents in myriad ways that Tower Cancer remains committed to addressing.
In partnership with Cancer Support Community Los Angeles (CSCLA), Tower Cancer pioneered a joint initiative to support individuals and families in Los Angeles effected by the devastating Wildfires, including those who are cancer survivors or those currently in active cancer treatment. This new free telehealth mental health support program, which hosts a hotline and a team of experienced counselors, provides essential assistance to residents and first responders within and outside of the cancer care community who have been impacted by the crisis.
Gala tickets may be purchased online or by calling 310-299-8477.
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ABOUT TOWER CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION (TOWER): Tower Cancer Research Foundationwas founded in 1996 with the goal of independentlyadvancing groundbreaking researchand profoundly supporting people affected by cancer- as we inch closer to a future free from the burden of this devastating disease. Inspired by the most promising science, Tower Cancer funds leading local researchers, making the organization a launchpadfor additional funding and discoveries here and on the global stage. Tower Cancer's clinically-grounded patient support programs, hosted by Magnolia House, and community partner grants, funded by the organization, align with the challenges faced by patients, survivors, and the whole cancer community. Tower Cancer believes that impact begins here, and it starts with you. www.towercancer.org.
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