The past year at ICRF Toronto speaks volumes about our incredible supporters, board members, sponsors, volunteers and staff. It is obvious that your determination to back the fight against cancer could not be hindered by the exceptionally challenging economic climate we all faced in 2009. Your hard work and generosity resulted in a very good year for ICRF Toronto. As you will read in this newsletter, our lineup of stellar events was well attended and raised both awareness and much needed funding for ICRF scientists. I’m very pleased to report that ICRF Toronto is now funding 21 scientists at all the major universities and labs in Israel. We can all take pride in this accomplishment because it is truly a team effort. It is also rewarding to be involved with ICRF when you hear that over 200,000 people are alive today because of Gleevec®, one of the blockbuster drugs that has been developed based on ICRF-funded research. An article in the New York Times on November 3 highlighted that Gleevec® has turned a once fatal cancer—chronic myelogenous leukemia—into a manageable chronic condition. The research of ICRF-funded scientists often makes headlines and the work of Dr. Howard Cedar is no exception. We are so grateful to Carole and Bernie Zucker for their generous gift to create a seven-year professorship to support this award-winning scientist. Congratulations and thank you to our accomplished Men of Distinction and Women of Action honourees, event organizers and volunteers. These fundraisers have become premier Toronto events and the 2010 luncheons are sure to be no exception. Looking back on all the positive outcomes of 2009, I can’t help but feel elated and excited about what lies ahead. My very best wishes to you all for health and happiness in 2010.
Bradley Goldhar
President