Israel Cancer Research Fund honored at event
The Israel Cancer Research Fund was honored Aug. 4 at the 11th annual “Evening of Inspiration,” made possible by hosts Adele and Jody Laboz of Deal, in memory of Jack Laboz.
Harry Adjmi, Ariela Ben-Dayan, Samantha Harary, Charles Ben-Dayan, and Lisa Oved were the evening’s chairs; Adjmi also served as master of ceremonies. Safra Bank and Meridian Bank were event sponsors.
The Labozes accepted an engraved plaque from ICRF noting their “dedication and generosity in partnering with ICRF in the fight against cancer.” Leah Susskind, former chair of ICRF and chair emeritus and president of the Israel chapter, spoke about ICRF’s mission to find new treatments and cures for cancer.
Dr. Louis Weiner, an internationally recognized medical oncologist and a member of the Israel Cancer Scientific Review Panel, emphasized the advanced level of research in Israel. Having reviewed thousands of grant proposals from researchers, Weiner said he is impressed with the “great ideas” coming out of Israel today, but said more money is needed to support all the scientists in Israel who are seeking funding.
Deal community member Deej Cohen shared his experiences during his continuing battle with pancreatic cancer, noting that the targeted therapy he is receiving was developed in Israel, and thanked ICRF scientists for their quest for a cure.
The evening included a fashion show by designer Yigal Azrouel presented by young Deal community members. The next day, a trunk show of his designs was held, with proceeds benefitting ICRF.
The ICRF was founded in 1977 by a group of American and Canadian physicians, scientists, and lay leaders who sought to prevent the loss of Israel’s most promising cancer researchers to foreign universities due to a lack of funding in Israel for PhDs, post-doctoral fellows, and young scientists. The organization has chapters in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, Florida, Connecticut, and Jerusalem.
Since its founding, the organization has awarded more than 2,200 grants to Israeli researchers. With the grants for 2015-16, ICRF’s funding has now surpassed the $56 million mark.
“Through expanded funding, we can continue to support the vital research that is needed to treat and ultimately cure cancer…,” said Ken Gabel, ICRF New York director of development. “The generous support of the Deal community helps ICRF-funded scientists to find more cures and treatments for cancer, for the benefit of all humankind.”
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