American Friends of Soroka Medical Center (AFSMC) hosted its sixth annual gala benefit dinner on May 1
st, 2018 at the
Pierre Hotel in New York City, with nearly 400 guests in attendance. The new
Legacy Heritage Oncology Center and the
Dr. Larry Norton Institute will be the first
Comprehensive Cancer Center for the entire south of Israel. The new state-of-the-art facilities will be the most advanced cancer treatment facility in the Middle East and fulfill an urgent need to provide world-class cancer treatment to the 1.2 million people living in Israel’s Negev region, the most profoundly diverse region in Israel.
“Soroka is a growing force for innovation in cancer care, integrating breakthrough research and technology.” In his opening remarks
Professor Itzhak Avital, head of the CCC at Soroka Medical Center, stated “Soroka’s relationship with Ben-Gurion University and its proximity to Israel’s cyber hub in Be’er Sheva, place it at the center of forward-thinking talent.”
Dr. Shlomi Codish, the Director General of Soroka, highlighted the major growth and development that has taken place at Soroka in recent years, while scoring the highest in the country in quality measures.
Soroka Medical Center’s
Legacy Heritage Oncology Center and the
Dr. Larry Norton Institute will serve more than 18,000 cancer patients each year, including 750 children. That number is expected to increase significantly over the coming years given the higher rates of Cancer in the region and growing population. The Center will also house groundbreaking research laboratories dedicated to discovering better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. The newly expanded center will encompass seven floors and thirteen clinics. This expansion will effectively double the space for cancer treatments, provide advanced research capabilities, as well as offer comfortable spaces and a healing garden for patients and their families.
Dr. Larry Norton was honored for his outstanding global leadership in the effort to conquer cancer. Dr. Norton’s tireless work has made a profound difference in the lives of countless patients and their families. The
Dr. Larry Norton Institute at Soroka Medical Center is named in recognition of his enduring contributions and ongoing support. “The Comprehensive Cancer Center will provide world-class care to a thriving and expanding population,” says
Dr. Larry Norton, honoree and supporter of AFSMC, “The CCC will also be the home of basic and clinical science that could improve Cancer Care throughout the world.”
“Our top priority is to help cancer patients live longer, better quality lives,” remarks
Rachel Heisler Sheinfeld, Executive director, AFSMC, “We aim to employ the most advanced treatment technologies currently available, and foster cutting-edge research that will save lives globally. There are still many significant opportunities available for donors to support this important project, including acquisition of key equipment, completion of the Cancer Center, Research and Clinical Care.”
Other honorees included international bestselling Author,
Nicole Krauss. Her latest book
“Forest Dark” is a New York Times Notable Book of 2017 and named best book of 2017
by Esquire, Publishers Weekly, the Financial Times, the Guardian, Refinery29, and Popsugar. Krauss’ thought-provoking books draw important connections to philanthropy and spirituality.
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Consul General to Israel in New York, Amb. Dani Dayan (right) with Cathy and Paul Shaffer,
Rachel Heisler Sheinfeld and Rachel Norton
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During a special tribute Soroka honored the late
Rosalind Franklin (1920-1958), the pioneering scientist who took the famous “Photograph 51,” which lead to the discovery of DNA. Her work was the precursor to personalized medicine that has transformed Cancer Care. Franklin’s niece and namesake
Rosalind accepted this special tribute award, along with her niece
Caroline Freidfertig, the Secretary of the Board of Directors of American Friends of Soroka Medical Center.
Paul Shaffer, best known as David Letterman’s Bandleader on the CBS Late Show, provided the stellar entertainment, where his performance included a stunning rendition of the theme of “Exodus.” The evening concluded with
Dr. Larry Norton taking the stage with his ukelele for an inspirational duet with Mr. Shaffer.
