June is Cancer Survivor Awareness Month

When it comes to understanding cancer survival rates, the short answer is: cancer death rates are in decline and five-year survival rates are on the rise. 

How do these rates improve? A combination of science, technology, and awareness. From earlier detection to breakthroughs in treatment, cancer survival rates have risen worldwide over the past few decades, resulting in a better quality of life for cancer survivors. ICRF is proud to be a part of the increasing survival rates since 1975.   

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Yuval’s Story

When he was seven years old, Yuval was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, a very aggressive form of cancer that doubles its growth rate every 24 hours. Meet Yuval and listen to Yuval’s mom, Avital, talk about their cancer journey from initial discovery to the impacts four years later. Dr. Shai Israeli, head of Hematological Malignancies Research at Tel Aviv University, Director of the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Schneider Children’s Medical Center, and ICRF Research Professorship Grant recipient, gives additional insight into this disease and about cancer research.

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Circle of Inspiration/Stories of Hope:

Read stories about those who have not just survived cancer but thrived afterwards.  

Michael Battipaglia
Michael was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma two months after the birth of his youngest child. Today, his children are all grown and he has been happily married to his wife for 36 years and has a passion for cycling, including being on #TeamICRF for the TD Bank Five Boro Bike Tour.

Read more about Michael.

Robyn Grosshandler
Robyn was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2020 after initially having her concerns about the lump in her breast dismissed as “normal breast changes after pregnancy.” Today, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, traveling and doing puzzles.

Read more about Robyn. 

Sisi Kleiner-Fisman 
Sisi was diagnosed with cancer when she was three years old, but is now a happy, healthy little girl who loves her dog and plays with her friends.  Read about her cancer, as told by her mother, Dr. Galit Kleiner.

Read more about Sisi.

Jeff Kriezelman
Even under more usual circumstances a cancer diagnosis affects the whole family, but this story takes it to a whole new level. Jeff Kriezelman was diagnosed with multiple myeloma by his son, Dr. Justin Kriezelman. Today, Jeff is in remission and back to doing what he loves.

Read more about Jeff and Justin’s cancer journey.

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Read more stories from cancer survivors on the Circle of Inspiration page