2019, what a year it has been. The foundation has by far had their share of challenges. One thing did not change and that was the fundamental charge of this organization.
Some of the changes, highlights, and successes for 2019 and where we are headed in 2020.
In April we renewed our 4th 5-year commitment of $250,000 payable at $50K/year for the next 5 years.
Over the past 40 years to current we have given the University of Rochester now the Wilmot Cancer Institute over $1,000,000 for Cancer Research.
In 2019, Wilmot Cancer Institute held its 20th Annual Discovery Ball and honored the Edelman - Gardner Cancer Research Foundation with the 2019 Inspiration Award.
The Inspiration Award, given annually, aims to recognize an individual or group in the community whose story helps illustrate the importance of cancer research. This year, Karen Hermance gave remarks on behalf of the Edelman Gardner Research Foundation, the Inspiration Award recipient this year. In 1984, after losing his wife and a good friend to cancer years before, George Edelman Jr. decided he wanted to raise $1 million for cancer research, and in the following decades, the organization did. Over the years, the Foundation has funded equipment and projects in Wilmot’s Hallmarks of Cancer research program, which focuses on foundational research, and projects to study treatments for colon, ovarian and breast cancer, among others. “It all began with one person wanting to make a difference and has grown from one to the commitment of many,” said Karen Hermance, who now leads the organization. Edelman died last month, but before he died, he encouraged the group to continue their important efforts around cancer research.
“In so many ways, it was a successful evening, and we’re so thankful to all who helped make it possible,” said Jonathan Friedberg, M.D., M.M.Sc., director of Wilmot Cancer Institute. “As we continue to work toward growing our research strengths and applying for NCI designation, community support like this is increasingly important. We’re so fortunate to have groups like the Edelman Gardner Cancer Research Foundation and others in the community who are willing to support this important work.”
2020 has certainly had its challenges for all. The foundation was still able to meet ther commitment of $50K in May of 2020. Covid 19 has stopped or slowed most of the world down but the need for research is as important today as it will be tomorrow.
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I have been involved with the Edelman - Gardner Cancer Research foundation for approx. 12 years. I initially was a volunteer,and later co-chaired a couple of events that raise money for Cancer Research. Our affiliation is with the Wilmot Cancer Center in Rochester, NY. We have provided the research scientists with grant (seed) money for their initial projects. From 2003-2007 our $250,000 donation enabled the Wilmot Cancer Center to receive an additonal funding of $7.6 million dollars from organizations such as the National Cancer Institute to further thier research. Every dollar we raised went directly to research. The President and founder of the Edelman - Garnder Cancer Research foundation started due to his own personal tragedy. He has stayed true to his word; our money would go directly to research. We have a strong partnership with the Wilmot Cancer Center. It has taken the wish of one and the commitment of many to continue to work towards enhancing the quality of life for those stricken with this disease as well as to someday find a cure. I am very proud to be associated with the Edelman - Gardner Cancer Research Foundation and in my new role look forward to continuing the fight.
This foundation has, for more than 20 years, support the cancer research efforts of the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center at the University of Rochester Medical Center. They have provided funds for our Jr. faculty to support their initial research projects - which has led to millions in additional funding for them. The foundation leadership is one of the most down-to-earth, non-ego-driven group you will ever meet. They truly care about their community and helping to ensure that cancer research progresses right here in their own back yard. They are truly a pleasure to work with.
i HAVE SEEN WHERE THE $ GOES, i HAVE WITNESS THE HEART AND DEDICATION THAT EACH PERSON HAS PUT INTO EACH EVENT. i HAVE ALWAYS SUPPORTED THE CAUSE, AND THE PEOPLE INVOLVED. I LOVE THAT IT IS A LOCAL, AND THAT THE COMMITTE IS ALWAYS OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS, AND ACCEPTS ALL KINDS OF VOLUNTEERS. NO ONE IS EVERY TOLD THAT CANNOT HELP, AND EVEN WHEN YOU DO, THERE IS NO "SMALL WAY". EVEYTHING, and everyone MATTERS WITH CRF.