Israel Cancer Research Fund
2011 Women of Action Evening
Honorees Dr. Deborah Axelrod, Dr. Suzanne Levine and Marilyn Berger.
The Powerhouse of the American Museum of Natural History was the setting for the 2011 Women of Action event of the Israel Cancer Research Fund. Several hundred guests gathered on September 13, 2011 to pay tribute to three women who were cited for their passion commitment and outstanding accomplishments. “A Cause for a Cure Fashion Show” featured the collections of designers Randi Rahm and Kimberly Taylor. Ariela Ben Dayan, Andrea Greene, Barbara Kasell, Lisa Oved, Jane Rabhan, Judith Sherman were the Evening Chairpersons.
Deborah Axelrod, MD, Director of Clinical Breast Programs and Services and Medical Director of Community Cancer Education and Outreach at NYU Clinical Cancer Center in New York City was one of three women awarded the 2011 Women of Action Award.
In accepting her award, Dr. Axelrod said: “I am filled with pride and humility as I accept this award in honor of all those persons who are waging an incredibly valiant battle for their lives---to those who I have given my commitment—the real heroes of the pandemic of cancer. After 24 years, I am still excited to get out of bed and go to work. And to receive an award for something I love is a true gift for which I am grateful.”
Marilyn Berger Hewitt was cited for her important work as a reporter for both NBC and ABC News where she served as a White House correspondent for several years. Most recently, she wrote a book focused on the work of Dr. Rich Hodes who has spent his life helping children in Ethiopia. While researching the book , she met an eight year old boy, Danny, who was suffering from spinal tuberculosis and begging in the street, and she took him in as her own.
The third honoree, Dr. Susanne Levine, is a prominent , nationally recognized food specialist a and founder owner of the prestigious Institute de Beaute, the premier podiatry clinic and medical spa in New York city.
The Israel Cancer Research Fund is the single largest source of private funds for cancer research in Israel. Founded in 1975 by a group of American and Canadian researchers, oncologists and lay people, ICRF’s mission is to harness Israel educational resources in the fight against cancer. Since its inception, ICRF has awarded 1,863 grants totaling more than $43 million to support innovative studies by Israel scientists at all of Israel’s leading institutions. The grants have led to major treatments, protocols and techniques in the fields of breast, ovarian, colon and other cancers. With funding, ICRF researchers have been able to develop improved chemotherapies, advanced techniques in bone marrow transplantation, and an enhanced understanding of tumor suppressor genes.
Israel Cancer Research Fund executives Shoshana Ellihou, New York Director of Development, Charles Ben Dayan, Member of the Board, Kenneth Goodman, Chairman, and Lou Brause, First Vice-President.
Lisa Oved (center), Gala Co-Chair with daughter Michele Shamie and son, Joey Oved.
Dr. Stacey Tashman, Dr. Orna Hadar, Dr. Julie Mitnick.
Dr. Lisa Young, a past Women of Action Honoree with ICRF Treasurer Joel N. Pelofsky.
Designer Randi Rahm and Countess Luann de Lesseps.
Rachel Rad, Sandi Rad and Suzanne Morad.
Jen Hersh, Andrea Greene, June Hersh.
James Russo, Princess Kovalenko, Stacy Kovalenko, Tony Cointreau, Kearran Ambrosino.
