Back in 1986, a group of Northern California real estate and construction industry leaders banded together to support City of Hope, a world leader in research and treatment of cancer, diabetes and other serious diseases. In the years since, they've saved lives.

Nibbi Brothers General Contractors director of environmental health and safety Cassie Hilaski shared her story with Bisnow to raise awareness and motivate others to support City of Hope’s mission, funded by events like the bike race shown above and below.

Cassie, whose mother died of cancer in 1997, was inspired to become a bone marrow donor. Her anonymous gift gave the recipient a new lease on life. She asks others to consider joining the National Bone Marrow Registry, to potentially save other lives. The procedure has become far less stressful for donors than in the past, she says.

Over the past five years, the real estate and construction community has raised over $5M for City of Hope’s lifesaving programs.

Upcoming support for City of Hope includes the 5th annual Bike to Hope event on Oct. 21 in Penngrove, CA. To encourage participation and foster competition, the event offers two route options, intermediate or challenging, with both concluding at Penngrove Park for brews, BBQ and other fun. Over 200 riders are anticipated.

Bike to Hope is presented by Hudson Pacific Properties and SB Architects. To register or learn more about the event, click here. For more on event sponsor Nibbi, click here.