Message from Alan Herman, ICRF Executive Director – April 2026

This work is also deeply personal to me. I am a 15+ year survivor of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of head and neck cancer.

Just days after my diagnosis, I asked my doctor why I should believe I had anything other than a death sentence. With unwavering confidence, he looked me in the eye and said, “Every day, research changes the odds in your favor.” At the time, I dismissed it as something he was supposed to say. Today, I know those words to be both true and profoundly important.

On March 12 and 13, we had the privilege of hosting the ICRF Scientific Review Panel Meeting and welcome reception in New York City. Witnessing firsthand the rigor, collaboration, and dedication of our reviewers as they evaluated proposals from some of Israel’s most brilliant scientists was a powerful reminder that research truly does change the odds for all of us, every single day.

At a time when Israel faces extraordinary challenges, your commitment is more important than ever. You are ensuring that Israeli scientists can continue to lead globally and that lifesaving discoveries are not delayed.

I am deeply grateful to our friends and supporters in Chicago, whose recent “Cocktails for a Cure” event raised over $70,000 in support of ICRF research, and to Team ICRF, who took to the streets of New York City for the New York Road Runners United Airlines Half Marathon, raising more than $35,000. These moments are powerful reminders of what your support makes possible.

We look forward to building on this momentum together.

Thank you for your unwavering partnership and belief in ICRF’s mission.

With gratitude,