In 2003, The Marley Foundation stepped forward as an early partner of TGen, united by a shared commitment to advance early detection methods for life-threatening cancer diagnoses. Twenty years later they have advanced the “Marley equation” assisting in earlier detection of pancreatic cancer.
Advancing Visionary Early Detection Methods Through Collaboration
For more than twenty years, The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation, based in Phoenix, has been a steadfast partner to the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City of Hope®, helping to drive progress in genomic medicine and technology.
In 2003, the Marley Foundation became one of the first organizations to invest in TGen’s vision. Their commitment was rooted in personal experience — the loss of two loved ones, including Kemper Marley, to pancreatic cancer inspired them to support initiatives focused on improving early detection for this challenging disease.
Since then, TGen has become a global leader in the application of genomic science to combat cancer and other serious illnesses. The Marley Foundation’s ongoing support has been instrumental in this progress.
“They are visionaries because they know the best way to cure cancer is to intercept it as early as you can,” shared Daniel D. Von Hoff, M.D., F.A.C.P. “We never had the tools until the last few years to detect cancer very early. Now, it’s our job to try to clear the indication that the person does have early cancer. And I think the clues from this particular grant has given us ways to identify people who are at very high risk.”
Their grants have enabled TGen scientists to develop innovative methods for identifying individuals at high risk for pancreatic cancer. Notably, they contributed to the development of “the Marley equation,” a calculation that assists physicians in detecting pancreatic disease through routine CT scans. This pioneering work continues today, positively impacting patients nationwide.
Celebrating Collaborative Impact
During the 2025 TGen Founders Dinner, the Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation received the TGen Collaborative Spirit Award, an honor presented by Dr. Daniel D. Von Hoff, TGen Distinguished Professor. The award recognizes the power of working together to achieve transformative change, reflecting TGen’s philosophy that meaningful progress arises from collective effort and a shared mission
SOURCE: https://www.cityofhope.org/giving/partnership-driving-transformative-change
City of Hope Jan 16, 2026