The good Cornellians can do: George Whang ’92

"It's impossible to predict the future," says George Whang '92. "No matter how hard you try or how meticulously you plan, life won't turn out exactly the way you expect."

George married his high school sweetheart, Mindy, after his Cornell graduation. Mindy was "the most important part of my life," George says. In 2019, Mindy was diagnosed with stage four metastatic breast cancer, and sadly passed away at only 48 years old.

During this period of unimaginable loss, a friend connected George with Circle of Care, a nonprofit that helps families who have a child with cancer.

"Even though I didn't have children, I certainly identified with how cancer affects the whole family, and how much those families need support," George says. "It was here that I met people who would change my life."

George began volunteering with the organization, helping them manage their budget. He  joined the board of directors, and also serves as a staff writer—interviewing families affected by cancer and sharing their stories. George also works with politicians, editors, and business leaders to build awareness of the organization's mission.

And he's not the only Cornell alum working with Circle of Care; he says four other Cornellians have been involved: Lisa Williams '88, Mark Kristoff '84, Matt Russo '90, and Jack McFadden '67.

"We didn't know each other before, but all our lives have been touched by cancer, leading us to this same cause," George says. "Perhaps the seeds of philanthropy were planted in all of us at Cornell, growing into something special over time. It may be impossible to predict the future, but the future can be filled with wondrous surprises."

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