Researcher Probes Ongoing Loss of Skeletal Muscle in Cancer Patients |
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Ayelet Erez, MD, PhD, an ICRF Project Grant recipient, is focused on understanding the initiation and progression of cancer-associated cachexia (severe weight loss, along with wasting of the muscles of the body) in patients, which causes severe weight loss, along with wasting of the muscles of the body. As a pediatric geneticist, Erez finds time to volunteer with children suffering from more than one type of cancer, as well as families with more than one child afflicted with cancer.
We are particularly interested in your research as it relates to cachexia and cancer. Can you briefly describe what you are working on?
Cachexia is an end-stage devastating condition in which the cancer patient experiences a dramatic weight loss due to the breakdown and loss of fat and muscle tissues. It occurs in about 80 percent of cancer patients and is the direct cause of death in about 20 percent. Interestingly, cachexia is unresponsive to diet, nor are there any biomarkers or beneficial therapeutic interventions. We hypothesize that cachexia, as a metabolic phenomenon, starts early during carcinogenesis and that if we can identify it before the terminal stage, we can prevent or alleviate cancer-associated cachexia. Thus, we are currently characterizing the metabolic changes accompanying cancer progression in cancer mouse models with and without cachexia to decipher differences unique to cachexia. We will then confirm our findings in human cancer patients with cachexia. Our therapeutic aim is to reverse the identified changes and evaluate whether this can alleviate the condition.
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ICRF provided me with the funding to perform cutting-edge experiments using the best equipment and with the best students without compromising on less than the best.
Dr. Ayelet Erez
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ICRF Tower of Hope Galas Return to Live Format
Following a two-year hiatus, the ICRF Tower of Hope galas will once again be held in person! Join us for a joyous night of entertainment, science and hope at an ICRF celebration in one of three major cities. Be inspired by our honorees as they are feted for furthering ICRF's mission of helping to find treatments and cures for cancer patients worldwide.
Registration and more updates to follow!
Chicago, IL
September 29
Westin North Shore, Wheeling
Honoree: Richard Edelheit, Retired Partner from RSM US LLP; ICRF Chicago Board of Directors and ICRF International Treasurer
Inspiration Awardee: Lisa Alter Krule, Chicago Director, IsraelNow – Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago
Stamford, CT
October 23
Stamford Marriott Hotel
Honoree: In Memoriam - Alan Kalter, former announcer for the "Late Show with David Letterman"
New York, NY
October 27
The Harmonie Club
Honorees: Rob Densen, Founder and CEO of Tiller, LLC , Vice Chair of the Board of ICRF and Immediate Past President
Arnold M. Baskies, MD, a surgical oncologist in New Jersey, former Chairman of the national Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society and Vice President of the ICRF Board of Trustees
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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.
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Jordanna Feifer Named ICRF Montreal President
Jordanna Feifer has been named President of ICRF Montreal, effective May 2022. She previously shared this role with Jeffrey Bernstein.
Feifer holds an undergraduate degree with honors in political science from McGill University and a combined law/master’s degree from Oxford University. She has practiced law for many years in the corporate securities law group of a major firm in Montreal. Previously she served as legal counsel in the Ontario Securities Commission and RBC Dexia Investor Services.
Feifer is a member of the ICRF International Board of Trustees and has been active in raising funds for cancer research. In response to her new position, Bernstein said: "Jordanna has played a fundamental role in the success of ICRF and our goal of raising money to fund the best research to defeat cancer. Working alongside her has been an honor and I am confident that she will continue the strong legacy of the organization as we search for a cure for cancer."
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ICRF Montreal's 45th Gala Raises More Than CA$650,000
ICRF Montreal hosted 450 guests and raised more than CA$650,000 at its 45th annual gala honoring Dr. Robin Billick, Chief of Dermatology at Jewish General Hospital. A long-time supporter of ICRF, Dr. Billick was recognized for his decades of distinguished service in diagnosing and treating skin cancer patients.
When accepting his award, Billick noted: "I figure I have saved about 60 to 75 lives each year because that’s the number of melanomas I diagnose. That’s easily 2,000 lives in a career that’s lasted over 40 years. It’s very gratifying to be recognized in this way and a source of great pride and satisfaction that I have been able to make this kind of contribution." A spectacular evening of musical entertainment was provided by the award-winning rock band, X Ambassadors.
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ICRF Chicago Hosts 2022 Ravinia Green
Charity Classic
Only a few spots remaining, so sign up now for the ICRF Chicago second annual golf, tennis and pickleball outing at Ravinia Green Country Club in Riverwoods, IL. For more information, please contact ICRF Chicago Executive Director Ally Marks Greenfield, allyson.marksgreenfield@icrfonline.org or register today!
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Raise Funds for Team ICRF!
TCS New York City Marathon
ICRF is an Official Charity Partner of the TCS New York City Marathon. If you already have an entry spot for the November 6, 2022 NYC Marathon, you can run as part of Team ICRF and help raise money for life-saving cancer research in Israel. We will set up your fundraising page and provide you with Team ICRF race day gear. If you do not have a guaranteed entry, we will gladly add you to our waitlist as we try to secure additional guaranteed entrees.
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When shopping on Amazon Prime Day this year, July 12-13, Amazon will donate to the charity you care about. Make sure you're supporting ICRF on Prime Day.
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