Chicago's 'Hope Line' Celebrates 70% Cancer Survival Rate

Cancer survival has reached a historic turning point, and Chicago is celebrating with an old-fashioned phone booth that delivers hope.

City of Hope Cancer Center Chicago just launched the Hope Line, a creative new way to support people facing cancer diagnoses. The concept is simple but powerful: step into a phone booth and answer one question: "What would you say to someone who just heard the words, 'You have cancer?'"

The timing couldn't be better. Studies now show that 70% of Americans diagnosed with cancer survive at least five years, a first-time milestone that reflects decades of scientific progress. That means nearly 19 million people are now living with or beyond cancer.

The Hope Line installation lives in the main lobby of City of Hope's hospital in Zion, Illinois throughout June, which is National Cancer Survivors Month. A second booth is traveling to key Chicago locations, including Gilda's Club Chicago from June 13-20 and a "Strike Out Cancer" night with the Kenosha Kingfish on June 29.

Celebrity voices are already part of the project. Actress Olivia Munn, Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, musician Andrew McMahon, and the band O.A.R. have all recorded supportive messages that callers can hear.

But the real power comes from everyday people sharing their experiences. Survivors, caregivers, loved ones, clinicians, and community members can all contribute. Anyone can also call 626-218-4056 to listen to messages or record their own during June.

"We need systems that know how to support cancer survivors long after treatment ends," said Valarie Traynham, a Chicago-area patient who has survived cancer twice. She now uses her experience to support and educate others facing similar journeys.

The Ripple Effect

The Hope Line is expanding nationwide, with installations planned for Los Angeles, Orange County, Atlanta, and Phoenix. What started as a local Chicago initiative is becoming a national movement to reframe how we think about cancer survivorship.

Pete Govorchin, president of City of Hope Cancer Center Chicago, says the project is part of a larger systemwide survivorship program. The goal is to support patients from diagnosis through long-term follow-ups, recognizing that beating cancer is just the beginning of a new chapter.

The 70% survival rate represents more than statistics. It's 70 out of every 100 people who get to keep building their lives, creating memories, and sharing wisdom with others who need it most.