Thanks to remarkable advances in cancer research, millions of people are now living their lives cancer-free. To commemorate National Cancer Survivor Month, Jen Goldman recounts her journey from diagnosis to completing half marathons. Dr. Galit Kleiner, whose daughter Sisi Kleiner-Fisman, now ten years old, was diagnosed seven years ago at age three, chronicles their mother/daughter road to recovery.

I was diagnosed in the summer of 2018, although I almost wasn't. I had noticed dimpling in my left breast that at an initial appointment with my OB/GYN was dismissed. A couple of weeks later, I felt a lump in the same area and choosing to be my own advocate, I returned to see a different doctor who immediately sent me for a mammogram (my first ever) and ultrasound, and subsequent biopsy. Upon learning that I had a malignancy, I had a lumpectomy and a lymph node resection revealed that the cancer had spread to my sentinel node. This information, coupled with my age [mid thirties], led my oncologist to recommend aggressive treatment consisting of 20 rounds of chemo, which would later be followed by six weeks of radiation, hormone therapy infusions, Lupron injections and Tamoxifen. Throughout my chemo I wore a cold cap, which helped me retain roughly 70 percent of my hair. At every treatment I had a rotating cast of characters there to keep me company, keep each other company, and just support me throughout the journey.

This month, we spotlight four ICRF-funded scientists researching different areas of cancer - mechanisms that control the activity of both natural and therapeutic antibodies, gynecological malignancies, cells that play a role in the immune defense against cancer, biomimetic nanotechnology that will inhibit tumor propagation - with the hope of finding new treatments and cures.

Join ICRF Mission to Israel — November 6-10, 2022

Israel and its cutting-edge research is at the heart of ICRF’s mission to end the suffering caused by cancer. Join us on this life-changing trip as you walk along Israeli streets with buildings both modern and ancient, enjoy the art, culture, and cuisine, speak with people impacted by ICRF’s work, from researchers to cancer survivors, and see for yourself why ICRF is so important. Any questions, please contact Chief Development Officer, Caitlin Shmidheiser at caitlin.shmidheiser@icrfonline.org.

The 20th anniversary of Women of Action was held on May 15 in Toronto and honored four extraordinary women - Joan Garson, Dr. Anna Goldenberg, Holly Miklas, and Michelle Roth - who have made significant impacts on the community through their dedication, leadership, and philanthropy. This year’s ICRF Toronto event raised CA$500,000 for cancer researchers in Israel and was co-chaired by Bryna Goldberg, ICRF International Chair and Bonnie Fish, ICRF Toronto Board President. 

Couture for a Cure, a reception and fashion show at Neiman Marcus in Northbrook, Illinois on May 12 hosted by ICRF Chicago, raised close to $30,000 for groundbreaking research in Israel. More than 125 women attended the event to view the spectacular spring fashions and to listen to Grace Lombardo’s inspiring story about her battle with breast cancer - "I'm going to live bigger and brighter."

To view photos from the event including a short video of Grace on the catwalk, and to donate, visit our website.

Double the impact of your donation with a matching gift from your employer. Many companies match employee donations to ICRF —check if your company is one of them by visiting doublethedonation.com/icrf.