The Soff Family and Friends Fund - Israel Cancer Research Fund

Almost 10 years ago, everything changed for hematologist Dr. Gerald Soff. Shortly before his 60th birthday, after several months of feeling progressively more fatigued, he realized something was wrong, so he completed a panel of routine blood tests. The results pointed him in the direction of multiple myeloma, a deadly form of cancer in the bone marrow. A friend and colleague confirmed the diagnosis. His course of cancer care has been a challenge, but so gratifying. He received nine months of chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and 5 years of maintenance chemotherapy. He has had to deal with a relapse, and resumption of chemotherapy. But though this all, he now is again cancer-free and is now close to the 10 year survival dream that so many cancer patients focus on. Through his personal war on cancer, Dr. Soff has benefitted from his faith and the support of Hashem, the great care of his medical team, the love and support of his family and friends.

The chemotherapy that he received, was only possible due to the great work of two Israeli scientists, and ICRF. Research by Nobel Prize laureates Aaron Ciechanover and Avram Hershko, two Israeli scientists supported by ICRF, as well as their American colleague Irwin Rose paved the way for his treatment. These brilliant scientists discovered the “ubiquitin proteasome pathway” – setting the stage for the breakthrough class of drugs that have granted a second life to myeloma patients throughout the world.

Now, Dr. Soff, a member of both the ICRF New York and International Board of Trustees, would like to pay it forward by establishing the Soff Family and Friends Fund. The goal of this initiative is to raise $200,000 to support a three-year grant for a new Israeli cancer scientist.

As the prior research from Ciechanover and Hershko illustrates, great scientists and great science may lead to unexpected breakthroughs to help all of humanity. All of us, who love Israel and recognize the contributions her people make to the world, can help fight cancer and also support Israel by contributing to ICRF.

Please join Dr. Gerald Soff in making a difference.

Read a letter from Dr. Soff.

Dr. Soff discusses his cancer journey, his connection to ICRF, and the Soff Family and Friends Fund.