City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta Awarded Prestigious FACT Accreditation
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
City of Hope® Cancer Center Atlanta, part of one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, has achieved internationally recognized accreditation by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT).
FACT accreditation is awarded to programs that meet the most rigorous standards across every aspect of cellular therapy, from patient care and donor management to cell collection, processing, and administration.
"Bone marrow transplant is one of the most complex and powerful tools we have to treat blood cancers," said Leslie L. Popplewell, M.D., Chief of Hematology, City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta, who was instrumental in opening the BMT program to expand regional access to specialized care. "FACT accreditation reflects the depth of expertise, coordination and quality required to deliver that care safely and effectively. Most importantly, it means patients in Georgia and across the Southeast can access this level of care without having to leave their community."
The Blood Cancer Center at City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta is home to Georgia’s only bone marrow transplantation program located south of downtown Atlanta, providing patients with advanced treatment options closer to home. Backed by City of Hope’s national clinical network, local specialists seamlessly collaborate with experts across the system to inform treatment decisions on even the most complex blood cancer cases.
City of Hope is internationally recognized for advancing BMT science, CAR-T cell therapy and personalized cancer care. City of Hope’s BMT program is one of the most innovative, longest-running, and successful transplant programs in the country, with more than 20,000 transplants performed since 1976. City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta’s achievement coincides with the 50th anniversary of City of Hope’s BMT program.
"For 50 years, City of Hope has pushed the boundaries of science to improve outcomes for patients with blood cancers. Additionally, we are defined by the compassionate, personalized manner by which we deliver that care," said Vijay Trisal, M.D., System Chief Clinical Officer, City of Hope. "Achieving FACT accreditation in Atlanta is a powerful reflection of that legacy and of our commitment to bringing world-class, life-saving care closer to home for patients across Georgia and the Southeast."
With this milestone, every BMT program across City of Hope’s national system is now FACT-accredited.
Lifesaving Clinical Excellence
A bone marrow transplant is a treatment for certain blood cancers and blood disorders, including leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes. BMT replaces diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells, restoring the body’s ability to produce new blood and immune cells and eliminate blood cancers. Healthy cells can come from the patient’s own body or from a donor.
For grateful patient Calvin "Otis" Hitchcock, a firefighter and cancer survivor from Statesboro, Georgia, the expertise at City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta saved his life.
In 2022, a routine physical revealed abnormal bloodwork. Despite being healthy and active at age 42, Hitchcock was misdiagnosed at another hospital and endured nearly a year of incorrect treatment – leaving him physically debilitated and forced to step away from the fire service he loved.
Determined to find answers, Hitchcock sought a second opinion. Through the support of a cancer foundation connected to the fire service, he found his way to City of Hope and a specialized care team led by Dr. Popplewell. He finally received the correct diagnosis: lymphoma.
Popplewell, a trailblazer in her field who has been performing bone marrow and stem cell transplants since 1997, notes that stories like Hitchcock’s underscore the importance of specialized cancer care.
"Not only did City of Hope have the expertise to give me the right diagnosis, but for the first time, I felt really listened to," Hitchcock said. "They didn’t just treat my cancer – they treated me like a person first."
After undergoing intensive treatment, Hitchcock is now thriving and focused on the future. He travels across Georgia as a director at the Georgia Firefighter Association, telling his story and educating fellow first responders about cancer risks – firefighters face a higher risk of cancer than the general U.S. population – and the importance of self-advocacy.
"What I tell everyone is don’t be afraid to ask questions or get a second opinion," he said. "Having the right team behind you can change everything and could save your life."
Every clinical breakthrough at City of Hope is about the people City of Hope serves, Trisal said.
"Patients like Calvin remind us why this work matters and why we will continue leading the way to new possibilities in cancer care," he said.
