The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer. The Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research and its mission is to eradicate cancer by funding cutting-edge research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer. This research is the basis for developing minimally toxic treatments for patients. Through the Foundation’s collaborative group of world-class scientists, the Institute Without Walls, investigators share information and tools to speed the pace of cancer research. Since its inception in 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has awarded approximately $90 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe.
During its 19th Annual Collaborating for a Cure Benefit Dinner & Auction, SWCRF posthumously honored footwear industry icon Vince Camuto and featured a musical performance by the legendary Roger Daltrey of The Who at Cipriani Wall Street. The event marked the 40th anniversary of the founding of SWCRF by noted oncologist Samuel Waxman, M.D. and introduced the SWCRF Vince Camuto Memorial Cancer Research Program in honor of Mr. Camuto, founder of Camuto Group, who passed away of prostate cancer in 2015. The SWCRF Vince Camuto Memorial Cancer Research Program will support the work of SWCRF grantees with $300,000 over three years. Louise Camuto, Chief Creative Officer of Camuto Group, accepted the honor in memory of her late husband. The evening was hosted by Chris Wragge, co-anchor of CBS 2 News This Morning, as master of ceremonies, and raised approximately $2.5 million for SWCRF cancer research programs.
The money raised will support the Foundation’s research efforts to produce a cure for cancer by reprogramming cancer cells and to deliver tailored, minimally toxic treatments to patients. The scientists funded by the SWCRF have made significant breakthroughs in cancer research, including identifying pathways to deliver novel therapies to treat cancer.
The Foundation’s new SWCRF Aging and Cancer Research Initiative will investigate the genetic and environmental factors that drive increased incidence of mortality among cancer patients over the age of 50.
Known affectionately by New Yorkers as “The Waxman,” this yearly fête is considered to be among the top fundraising events in New York City, attended by more than 750 corporate executives, board members, and their guests. In recent years, “The Waxman” has raised millions of dollars to support the Foundation’s research efforts to produce a cure for cancer. Past celebrity performers have included Ziggy Marley, Train, Peter Frampton, Gregg Allman, Kid Rock, Steely Dan, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, Sheryl Crow, John Fogerty, and Counting Crows.
Dr. Samuel Waxman has mentored many scientists during his 45-year tenure at Mount Sinai Medical Center. He is pictured here at center with members of his laboratory team in the 1980s.
For more information, visit: www.waxmancancer.org.
Like SWCRF on Facebook and follow on Twitter and Instagram: @WaxmanCancer.