Seminars and Conferences Jubilee Anniversary of the Annual Door Knock Fundraising Campaign ICA Branches Abroad...

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1 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Table of Contents... 2 Eban Tribute to the Late Fouding President of ICA, Suzy A Message from the Chairman ICA s Fight against Cancer Budget Distribution for Medical Services and Innovative Projects to Improve Patient Services and Treatment Settings ICA Supported Medical Institutions and Community Education Public Information and Detection Early Welfare Rehabilitation and Centers ICA Support Hospice Home Care Hostel Sir Charles Clore Seminars and Conferences Training Professional Conferences International Research ICA Memorial Funds Donated to the Development Data Collection and Follow-up; Equipment, Construction and Events Volunteers and Local Fundraising Abroad Friends of the ICA Jubilee Anniversary of the Annual Door Knock Fundraising Campaign Chairmen Annual Door Knock Fundraising Campaign Commemorations , Bequests Legacies and The Israel Cancer Association Board and Committee Members ICA Branches Abroad...back cover : Editing Or-Tal Hori Translation: Rona Hilu Graphic Design: Billet Studio Copyright 2012 Israel Cancer Association 1

2 The Israel Cancer Association mourns the passing of its Founding President, Suzy Eban of blessed memory A noble woman, a visionary, and a dynamic spirit, who in her own unique and decisive way led the ICA on the path to long-term success The ICA s Founding President, who transformed a small group of volunteers into Israel s leading volunteer organization that spearheads the fight against cancer diseases, with a proud record of national and global achievements has passed away at a ripe old age. Her unique contribution to the State of Israel and to Israeli society in all its many facets, and the fact that she was active until her last days will be forever cherished in our hearts. Suzy (Shoshana) Eban was born in Egypt to parents Simcha and Leah Ambache (Ani Ma amin Be emuna Shlema I believe with all my heart). She had two sisters Zila and Aura (widow of former President of the State of Israel, Chaim Herzog). Suzy s husband, Abba Eban of blessed memory, served the State of Israel in different key positions, such as Foreign Minister and Israel s Ambassador to the United States. Over the years, Suzy supported him and accompanied him in his broad-based diplomatic efforts. In the mid-1950 s, Suzy Eban responded to the call of Prof. Isaac Berenblum, the 2 first Director of the Department of Cancer Research at the Weizmann Institute, and one of the founders of the Israel Cancer Association, established in Berenblum requested her help in leveraging the activity of the ICA, which up until then operated as a small and limited organization, to help further expand its efforts to conduct activity on a national scale. In 1959, Suzy Eban officially became President of the ICA. She served in this position with determination, great faith and single minded devotion, until she retired from active service in 1998, after 40 years of broad-based activity. Since her retirement, and until her last days, serving as Founding President, Suzy continued to be an active and loyal partner of the ICA. She took part in many events, received regular updates regarding ICA activity, and offered assistance to lend a hand in any way she could. When she was appointed as President of the ICA, Suzy enlisted several professionals and public figures and well-known personalities, who assisted her in transforming the ICA into a leading national organization that aimed to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality in Israel by advancing the fight on all fronts by promoting research, preventative measures and early detection, and enhancing treatment modalities and rehabilitation, coordinating efforts at a national scale, geared toward the general population cancer patients, those recovering from the disease and the public at large. As the wife of an Ambassador and Foreign Minister, Suzy Eban used her name, status and many personal ties and connections in Israel and around the globe to her advantage, addressing herself to individuals holding key positions in the business, medical, and financial worlds, and thanks to her persistence and her engaging personality, she leveraged the ICA and transformed it into a leader in the fight against cancer diseases in Israel. The targets that the young Association had set for itself were tremendous and the lack of funds further underscored the momentous task ahead. When the idea of the Door Knock fundraising campaign was conceived, Suzy grabbed the reins and was the driving force behind the organization and implementation of this

3 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee project. Suzy first implemented the Door Knock fundraising campaign in 1960, and ever since then, it has become a milestone in educating youth toward giving, coupled with a public information campaign for health education in schools and among the general population. To achieve this end, she enlisted the media to promote the issue and persuaded then President of Israel, Yitzhak Ben-Zvi of blessed memory, to serve as Israel Cancer Association Patron. Thanks to her efforts, from that day forward, the Presidents of Israel officially opened the ICA s annual Door Knock fundraising campaign, and continue to do so to this very day, at a moving gala ceremony held at the President s Residence in Jerusalem. Upon her appointment as President, Suzy began raising funds from her friends abroad and with their help established Friends of ICA chapters around the world. These chapters raised funds to run programs and projects at oncology centers throughout Israel for the welfare of cancer patients. Under her leadership, the ICA became Israel s most prominent volunteer organization, and a highly reputed and professionally managed association, both on a national and international scale. In 1999, Suzy was awarded the President s Award for the Volunteer for the years , by the National Council of Volunteerism in Israel, for her exemplary volunteer leadership and for the establishment and development of the Israel Cancer Association during her term as the organization s President over a period of 4 decades. In 2009, Suzy was also awarded the The Shield of the Ministry of Health for Outstanding Volunteers in recognition of her long-time dedicated efforts to promote ICA activity and for transforming the association into an organization that spearheads the fight against cancer diseases in Israel. Even after her retirement from her position as ICA President, Suzy Eban continued to serve as Founding President, and was a dedicated activist who shared the ICA s vision, serving as a member of the Board of Trustees, and taking part in all its activities; her efforts included hosting notable personalities in her home, fundraising, and assisting in promoting ICA targets. Her volunteer activity, and her work to advance the fight against cancer in Israel, for the patients and against the disease, should be lauded and highly commended. May her memory be blessed. 3

4 A Message from the Chairman As the Jubilee anniversary of the Annual Door Knock Fundraising Campaign of the ICA, brimming with activity and crowned with achievements, comes to a close, we can look back with tremendous satisfaction at yet another productive, successful and eventful year that enhanced the well-being of patients and battled against the disease. Even in Israel, a country that grapples with a complex reality, cancer continues to be the leading cause of death. The fight against cancer diseases is an ongoing, relentless battle that requires activity on multiple fronts: promoting research, prevention and early detection, enhancing treatment modalities and rehabilitation methods for cancer patients and their families, and promoting patients rights and improving their quality of life. Prof. Eliezer Robinson, Chairman Israel Cancer Association We continued holding scores of seminars and conferences across the country, and also promoted new rehabilitation and welfare programs and projects; additionally, new information campaigns were launched to enhance public awareness of the energy balance and increase awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, we held Awareness Months for prevalent cancers. This year the ICA is part of an international declaration led by the UICC the Union for International Cancer Control to promote the war against cancer diseases and transform it into a global fight that knows no bounds. Many national and global accomplishments have already been recorded so far, such as the decline in smoking rates and improved survival rates of patients suffering from diseases that may be detected at an early stage. Leon Recanati, Vice Chairman, Israel Cancer Association Prof. Aaron Ciechanover, Nobel Prize Laureate Honorary President 4 This year saw many exciting events, such as the inauguration ceremony of the new Aliza Timor Breast Examination Station, dedicated in memory of the late Aliza Timor of blessed memory, who devoted many years to promoting awareness about breast cancer among female residents of Neve Monson. Thanks to funding from the estate of Israel Yaakov and Leila Alter of blessed memory, a gala inauguration ceremony took place for a new building that will serve as the ICA branch in Jerusalem and as a Support Center for Patients and their Families who are from the Jerusalem area. Thanks to the dedicated and energetic activity and support of ICA volunteers throughout Israel, and of our dear supporters in Israel and abroad, as well as our productive and far-reaching endeavors accomplished each year, and our direct relationship with patients, survivors and their families, we can continue endeavoring in full force, in hope of a better future that will herald the eradication of cancer diseases. Sincerely, Prof. E. Robinson Chairman, Israel Cancer Association

5 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee ICA s Fight against Cancer Budget Distribution for 2011 ICA s Fight against Cancer Budget Distribution for 2011 Projected Programs 2,795 Organization, Administration and Branch Offices 4,777 Equipment and Construction 9% 1,090 2% 2% 6% Medical and Social Services 7,656 15% 2% 7% Data Collection and Follow-up 1,000 Research and Clinical Protocols 3,440 Professional Training 1,000 24% 33% Public Education and Information, Prevention and Early Detection Programs 12,378 Rehabilitation and Welfare (including Hospice and Hostel) 16,499 Appropriations Medical and Social Services In K NIS 7,656 In percentages 15 Data Collection and Follow-up 1,000 2 Research and Clinical Protocols 3,440 7 Rehabilitation and Welfare (including Hospice and Sir Charles Clore Hostel) Public Information and Education and Early Detection Programs Professional Training 16,499 12,378 1, Equipment and Construction 1,090 2, Organization Administration and Branch Offices 4,777 9 Projected Programs 2,795 6 Total Appropriations 50,

6 Medical Services and Innovative Projects to Improve Patient Services and Treatment Breast Cancer Treatment Coordinators and Patient Navigators - the ICA continues to finance special posts for nurses and social workers who work as breast cancer care coordinators and patient navigators during all stages of diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. The ICA project s goal is to accompany the breast cancer patient throughout the treatment process, and to provide her with information, support and assistance, thereby significantly easing the burden of coping with the disease. This service is currently provided in many centers across the country. Other centers have already adopted this service and the ICA continues to update personnel. Thanks to the ICA, there is a national network of professionals who maintain regular contact with breast cancer patients and attend to their wellbeing. 6 The National Umbilical Cord Blood Bank The Bank was established as a joint venture of the Magen David Adom Blood Service, the Wolfson and the Hadassah Medical Organization, with funding from a generous donation provided by the Friends of the ICA in London, headed by Vered Aharon. This ICA-funded national service is operated by the Magen David Adom Blood Service. ICA s financial assistance has helped purchase a freezer for preserving umbilical cord blood dedicated in memory of Natalie Shaya of blessed memory and has also funded a part-time post for Dr. Ronit Goldman-Levi, who serves as Lab Manager. In July a special certificate of appreciation was awarded to the ICA for its longtime support of the National Umbilical Cord Blood Bank. The certificate was awarded to ICA Director General, Mrs. Miri Zvi, by the Magen David Adom Blood Service Director, Prof. Ayelet Shenar. Welfare Service Programs The ICA continues to finance posts for social workers at the following medical centers: Schneider Children s Medical Center of Israel, Rabin Belinson

7 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Campus, Meir Hospital, Wolfson, Western Galilee Nahariya, Ha emek, Bnei Zion, Poriyah, Clalit Health Services, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Ma agan, Tel Aviv Sourasky, Hadassah, Mt. Scopus, Hadassah, Ein Karem Campus, Barzilai, Rambam Health Care Campus. Psychology Services The ICA continues to finance the employment of psychologists in oncology institutes at Hadassah Ein Karem Campus in Jerusalem, Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa, Rabin Belinson Campus in Petah Tikva, Western Galilee in Nahariya, Meir Hospital in Kfar Saba, Assaf Harofeh in Tzrifin, Schneider Children s of Israel in Petah Tikva, Tel Aviv Sourasky, Ha emek in Afula and Bnei Zion in Haifa. Nursing Services The ICA finances Stoma Care Nursing and Palliative Care Nursing jobs, as well as Bone Marrow Transplant Coordinator jobs at the following medical centers: Western Galilee in Nahariya, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Shaarei Zedek, Hadassah, Mt. Scopus, and Hadassah Medical Center Ein Karem Campus in Jerusalem, Rambam Health Care Campus and Carmel in Haifa, Upper Galilee Hospice, Soroka Medical Center in Be er Sheva, Poriyah in Tiberias, Schneider Children s in Petah Tikva, and Clalit Health Services. Early September 2011 saw a conference of the Project Graduates, attended by 70 graduates. The project has been operating for the past 4 years at the Oncology Institute at the Western Galilee, coordinated by Dr. Hadassah Goldberg, Director of the Oncology Institute at the hospital, and Alexandra Bellin a social worker at the Institute. At a moving conference, the participants celebrated the contribution of movement and dance therapy to the quality of their lives. The conference opened with greetings delivered by Dr. Massad Barhoum, Hospital Director, and Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General. Dr. Hadassah Goldberg, Director of the Oncology Institute, described the unique project and subsequent research study, Dr. Dalia Nevot-Meltzer a family and sports physician, lectured on Physical Activity and Cancer and Dr. Dina Eisen, a specialist in Internal Medicine and author, lectured on Optimistic Health Promotion - health includes a perception of happiness. The project is run in collaboration with Roche Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd. 7

8 8 Dietary Services The ICA continues to support dietary services at the following medical centers: Ha emek in Afula and Assaf Harofeh in Tzrifin. Bone Marrow Transplants The ICA continues to assist in financing the necessary professional posts for the complicated procedure of self bone marrow transplants and donor bone marrow transplants, in children with cancer, at the Pediatric Oncology Center at Schneider Children s in Petah Tikva. The ICA has helped finance the unit s operation since its establishment, and continues to assist in financing its personnel and professional training. Additionally, assistance has been provided to pediatric oncology wards at Hadassah Medical Center Ein Karem Campus, Sheba at Tel Hashomer, Tel Aviv, and Rambam Health Care Campus, where the pediatric oncology ward was set up with ICA assistance. Palliative Care Programs for Advanced Stage Cancer Patients The ICA continues to support health care programs combining palliative care and psychosocial nursing care provided by professionally trained staff. These care programs include hospices and home hospice services. Additionally, the Association continues to operate the home hospice from the Hospice at Sheba at Tel Hashomer, funded and administrated by the ICA. These services are geared towards terminally ill patients requiring palliative care. The programs are run at medical centers and community clinics throughout Israel. The ICA invests efforts in developing and promoting new programs and innovative projects to enhance services provided to cancer patients, while prioritizing unique projects concerning the treatment of patients and their families. The following is a list of the projects which the ICA has supported this year: Group meetings for patients on Nutrition, Lifestyle and Cancer at the Hadassah Ein Karem Campus in Jerusalem. Palliative care for terminally ill cancer patients at Ha amek in Afula. Project to expand psychology services at the Oncology Institute at Meir Hospital in Kfar Saba. Research on the contribution of participating in a movement therapy workshop, the quality of life of breast cancer patients who have undergone complementary chemotherapy over the past two years, at the Oncology Institute at the Western Galilee in Nahariya (please see caption). A psychology services group for women undergoing mastectomy and breast reconstruction, at the Plastic Surgery Dept. at Tel Aviv Sourasky. Supporting those who give support - a support group for individuals accompanying cancer patients, at the Oncology Dept. at Soroka in Be er Sheva. Teaching child cancer patients and reintegrating them in the education system, at the Hematooncology Dept. at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa. Interpersonal Communications Workshops with terminally ill patients, for the Oncology Complex staff at Sheba at Tel Hashomer. Bibliotherapy a program to support cancer patients and their families at Ma agan support Center in Be er Sheva.

9 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Palliative care from a psycho-social aspect for oncology patients admitted in internal wards at Tel Aviv Sourasky. Accompanying bereaved families up to a year after the loss of a loved one, at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa. A guidance film for children with cancer and their families preparing for a bone marrow transplant, to be used as a training tool in the Dept. at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa. Promoting and enhancing treatment given to patients with a lung tumor at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa. Preserving fertility and gynecology for cancer patients at Hadassah in Jerusalem. Support program for patients recovering from breast cancer at Ma agan Support Center in Be er Sheva. Long-term care for families who have children with cancer at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa. Support and rehabilitation for bereaved families at Hadassah in Jerusalem. Support groups for patients with colorectal cancer (stoma and non-stoma patients) at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa. Primary absorption and psycho-social guidance at Tel Aviv Sourasky. Training in nutrition and traditional Arab medicine for the provision of support to patients from the Arab population, at Linn Clinic in Haifa. ICA Supported Medical Institutions and Community Settings Assaf Harofeh Hospital Tzrifin: Oncology Department, Psychological Services, Nutrition Services. Barzilai Hospital Ashkelon: Oncology Institute, Social Services. Bnei Zion Hospital Haifa: Early Detection Unit for Breast Cancer, Psychological Services. Carmel Hospital Haifa: Social and Nursing Services. At the National Cancer Control Center: Counseling Clinic for Families at High Risk and Monitoring of the National Early Detection of Breast Cancer Program. Clalit Health Care Services: Nursing and Social Services at the Head Offices and in the following regions: Central Region, Northern Region, Haifa and the Western Galilee, Southern Region, Tel Aviv Metropolitan area-petah Tikva, and Jerusalem. Clalit Health Care Services Clinics: Northern Region. Clalit Health Care Services, Haifa Regional Clinic Home Care Unit, Social Services. Hadassah, Ein Karem Jerusalem: Oncology Ward, Pediatric Oncology Day Care Unit, Surgical Complex, Nursing Services, Breast Care Clinic, Social Services, Psychological Services. 9

10 Hadassah, Mt. Scopus Jerusalem: Hospice, Early Detection Unit for Breast Cancer, Nursing Services. Ha emek Afula: Oncology Unit, Nutrition Services, Psychological Services. Hospice Upper Galilee: Nursing Services. Ma agan: Psycho-social services, Ma agan Support Center, Be er Sheva. Meir Hospital Kfar Saba: Oncology Institute, Pneumo-Oncology Unit, Hematology Clinic, Social Services, Psychological Services. Poriyah Hospital Tiberias: Nursing Services at Oncology Institute, Social Services. Rabin, Belinson Campus Petah Tikva: Oncology Complex, Social Services, Hemato-oncology Department, Urology Institute, Gastro Institute. Rambam Haifa: Oncology Institute, Hematology Institute, Pediatric Hematooncology Department, Gyneco-oncology Department, Bone Marrow Transplant Department, Early Detection Unit for Breast Cancer, Nursing Services, Social Services. Rebecca Sieff Hospital Safed: Early Detection Unit for Breast Cancer, Data Collection and Follow-up, Oncology Unit. Schneider Children s of Israel Petah Tikva: Nursing, Social Services at Pediatric Hemato-oncology and Pediatric Oncology Depts. Sha arei Tzedek Hospital Jerusalem: Nursing Services, Hemato-oncology Dept, Consortium, Oncology Institute. Sir Charles Clore Hostel Givatayim. Soroka Hospital Beer Sheva: Oncology Institute, Nursing Services. Sourasky Tel Aviv: Oncology Institute, Pediatric Hemato-oncology Department, Breast Healthcare Center, Hematology Department, Pain Unit, Gyneco-oncology Clinic, Oncology Day Care Center, Social Services. State Hospital Nahariya: Data Collection and Follow-up, Oncology Unit, Early Detection Unit for Breast Cancer, Nursing Services, Social Services, Psychological Services. Wolfson Holon: Social Services at Oncology and Hematology Institute, Early Detection Unit for Breast Cancer. 10

11 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Public Information and Education The ICA invests tremendous efforts and huge resources to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality by making up-to-date cancer-related information available to the general public, particularly, regarding prevention and early detection of prevalent cancers such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer and prostate cancer; prevention of the harmful effects of smoking, mitigating the harmful effects of sun exposure and promoting early detection of skin cancer; promoting proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, the ICA endeavors to encourage people to adopt a healthy lifestyle which maintains the energy balance by avoiding obesity and being physically active on a regular basis, which may help reduce the risk of developing cancer diseases. ICA educational activity consists of public information campaigns, publication of informative material that is distributed in hundreds of thousands of copies, in Hebrew, Arabic and Russian, use of the media, while placing an emphasis on unique sectors of the population and Israel s geographical periphery, organizing seminars and conferences, training workshops, lectures and professional training sessions. These diverse informational activities are conducted in different settings: schools, community centers, the workplace, healthcare funds, IDF military bases, ICA branches and other locations. The ICA also operates a special tele-information service Telemeida, which operates in Hebrew, Arabic and Russian. This service provides information on all aspects of cancer, prevention and early detection. Additionally, the ICA operates a Resource Center, housing up-to-date professional literature and providing a link to many databases in Israel and around the globe. The Resource Center is staffed by skilled information specialists who are trained to search international computerized databanks and are updated on crucial information that patients require, including information regarding all the clinical protocols conducted in Israel. Prostate Cancer Awareness Month The ICA marked Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September In keeping with tradition, the ICA marked September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. A public information campaign was held on the radio and in the written press, new research findings were published, and lectures and seminars were held for prostate cancer patients and their families. 11

12 New Publication New booklet on breast cancer for healthy women Making a healthy choice breast health is in your hands Marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2010, the ICA launched its Hebrew version of the booklet that was originally published by Europa Donna the European Breast Cancer Coalition. This booklet is geared toward healthy women, containing information about the link between proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle and breast cancer, as well as practical tips to maintain breast health. The booklet was published courtesy of Roche Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd. Breast Cancer Awareness Month Each year, October is officially designated as the International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to promote awareness of the importance of early detection that has the potential to save lives. Additionally, this month seeks to draw attention to the numerous women coping with the disease. Thanks to the exposure of this subject, the code of silence has been broken and many myths have been diffused. The ICA has been initiating Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities for over 15 years now. Media Advocacy Campaign Marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month In keeping with tradition, the ICA launched an extensive public information campaign through all media channels, focusing on the importance of early detection and treatment modalities for breast cancer. This unique month saw various events aimed at promoting awareness of the disease and the importance of early detection, namely: the Light it Pink Global Landmark Illumination Initiative, conceived by Estée Lauder Company in collaboration with the ICA, the Hila March in the Galilee a happening with activities for families and more. Concurrent with these activities the ICA held several seminars for patients and their partners: Celebrating Life a seminar for women coping with breast cancer; A Seminar for Young Women with Breast Cancer (up to the age of 40), and a Seminar for Women at High Risk of Developing Breast Cancer. As every year, Breast Cancer Awareness Month received extensive media coverage. Light it Pink 2010 This year the Global Landmark Illumination Initiative celebrated its 11 th anniversary, lighting up over 200 buildings, monuments and famous sites all over the globe in shiny pink lights, as an international symbol of hope, to empower and encourage millions of women around the world. This year the Old City of Jaffa was lit up in pink, under the initiative of Estée Lauder Company, in collaboration with the ICA. Mr. Oren Revah, CEO of Elcalil Company, representing Estée Lauder in Israel, and Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General, attended the festive illumination ceremony. As part of this joint initiative, hundreds of thousands of pink ribbons, marking breast cancer awareness month, were distributed throughout the month of October at Super-Pharm pharmacy franchise stores. 12

13 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Summary Report of the National Breast Cancer Detection Program 2010 The ICA-initiated National Breast Cancer Detection Program, monitors all breast screening activity in Israel financed by the ICA and sponsored by the Ministry of Health. This program monitors diagnostic radiology procedures conducted among the general population in Israel as well as surgical procedures and pathological diagnosis, and additionally, monitors the admittance of women diagnosed with malignancies into oncology institutes. Gaps in screening compliance, previously identified among sub-populations in Israel, have been narrowed, and current compliance rates in new immigrant and ultra-orthodox populations are only 5 to 10 lower than compliance rates among veteran Jewish female populations. The screening compliance rates among Arab women are nearly equal to those of Jewish women. These significant findings prove the importance of the national program and its efficacy in reducing breast cancer morality rates in Israel. monitoring program also enables the National Detection Program staff to contact family physicians and give them a heads up about patients who have not been screened on time. For further information on the National Breast Cancer Detection Program Please see the Chapter on Early Detection page 23. Early Detection of Breast Cancer at the Israeli Knesset (Parliament) Early January saw breast cancer early detection tests at the Knesset, performed by Dr. Tanir Elweiss, in conjunction with the Knesset clinic headed by Dr. Yitzhak Lifshitz and the ICA. An information booth on breast cancer early detection was set up as part of this activity. New Publication Radiotherapy to the Whole Head (Brain) Booklet this booklet provides information about radiotherapy to the whole head (brain), and its side effects, as well as answers to questions frequently asked by patients requiring this type of treatment. The information was compiled by radiation nurse Mrs. Sara Gardyn, of the Rabin Medical Center, with the assistance of Prof. Avraham Kuten, Director of the Oncology Institute at Rambam. The National Detection Program has begun to monitor MRI activity in Israel In recent years, there has been an increasing use of MRI breast scans to detect breast cancer among high risk groups. The MRI test serves to detect breast cancer at an early stage in BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation carriers, among whom regular mammography screenings have been shown to have limited effectiveness. The National Detection program has also begun to monitor MRI activity in Israel. The databases of the National Detection Program currently enable easy access to reports of a family history among tested women. The World Cancer Day World Cancer Day led by the UICC (Union for International Cancer Control) was marked in February by the ICA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. Each year World Cancer Day focuses on a new 13

14 New Publication Oncology Lexicon Booklet new booklet in Arab, courtesy of Roche Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd. Bama booklet an ICA booklet on cancer and its implications geared towards health care professionals. This year, this comprehensive booklet discusses prostate cancer, detection methods, treatment modalities, coping strategies and rehabilitation. The publication was scientifically edited by Prof. Avishai Sela, Head of the Oncology Institute at Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, and Prof. Yaakov Ramon, Director of the Urology Dept. at Sheba. 14 message aimed at preventing cancer and promoting the targets of the World Cancer Declaration, initiated by the Union for International Cancer (UICC). This year revealed harsh statistics: Cancer diseases kill a larger number of people than Israel s total population. About 12 million people are diagnosed with cancer around the world and about 7.6 million die from it. In Israel, particularly in the case of common cancers, cure rates are on the rise, as a result of advanced treatment methods and ICAinitiated early detection screening programs. World Cancer Day aims to heighten awareness of the need for reinforcing the fight against cancer on a global scale and to convey the following message to all citizens of Israel and the world: maintenance of healthy lifestyle behaviors may reduce cancer morbidity and mortality rates; this may be achieved by performing the following steps: avoiding smoking, maintaining the proper diet, being physically active, maintaining normal weight and limited alcohol consumption. Additionally, individuals must adopt sun smart behavior, avoid exposure to passive smoking and other carcinogenic air pollutants, and get vaccinations and undergo tests for bacterial infections that may cause cancer, as well as undergo early detection tests for breast and colorectal cancer. An overview of research studies published by the ICA emphasized the proven relationship between alcohol intake and the risk for developing cancers of the breast, colon, rectum, pharynx, larynx and esophagus. Further to these studies, the ICA published a national status report* on smoking, obesity, alcohol intake, and physical exercise in Israel, prepared by Dr. Lital Keinan-Boker, Vice Director of the National Center for Disease Control of the Ministry of Health and a member of the ICA Cancer Prevention Committee: * These statistics are taken from the Ministry of Health surveys, Acting for a Healthy Future 2020 Project, IDF surveys and the Israel Anti-Drug Authority survey. Obesity About 15% of Israel s adult population suffers from obesity. Obesity most commonly begins between the ages of 12 and 18, occurring in 7% of Jewish boys, 3.6% of Jewish girls, 9.3% of Arab boys and 5.2% of Arab girls. Targets set for 2020: reducing obesity rates among the general population age 21 and older by 36%; reversing the upward trend of the obesity epidemic among children and adolescents by 20%. Alcohol In Israel, about 23.5% of youths between the ages of 11 and 15 (!) consume alcohol, at least once a month. The percentage of those who consume alcohol at least once a month is high among Jewish males 37.4% and among Jewish females 20.1%. 13.7% of children ages consumed five alcoholic beverages within several hours. 21% of Israelis 18 years of age and older consumed 5 alcoholic beverages within several hours. 37.3% drank at least one alcoholic beverage a week. It is important to underscore that alcoholic beverages are known to be human carcinogens; excessive alcohol intake has been found to increase the risk of developing different types of cancers as well as other diseases such as liver disease. Targets for 2020: significantly reducing alcohol consumption, mainly among children and particularly among heavy drinkers. Physical Exercise In Israel, 24.7% of Jewish children between the ages of 11 and 15 engage in physical activity, at least 4 times a week, and for no less than 2.5 hours. 55.9% of children ages watch more than 3 hours of TV daily. Only 35.3% of the Jewish population engages in physical activity at least 3 times a week. Targets for 2020: increasing the percentage of adolescents who engage in physical activity, reducing the number of adolescents who watch 2 hours or

15 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee more of TV per day, and increasing the percentage of adults who engage in physical activity. Smoking 12.5% of children between the ages of 12 and 18 smoke cigarettes or a hookah. 5% of Jewish children between the ages of 13 and 14 smoke once in a while and 1.6% smoke regularly. The smoking rates increase as young people are drafted to the army, and subsequent to military service, these rates increase even more sharply. 22.6% of the general population in Israel smoke; 31.8% of Arab men in Israel smoke over 20 cigarettes a day! 40.2% of the population are exposed to passive smoke, which is a factor included in the list of known human carcinogens. Targets for 2020: reducing tobacco use (hookahs and cigarettes) and significantly reducing smoking rates among those drafted to the army, discharged soldiers and adults over the age of 18. World Cancer Declaration Petition Israel also joined! As part of World Cancer Day activities, a call to action, a world cancer declaration for a cancerfree world, was announced serving as a tool for motivating governments to invest in the fight against cancer diseases, which take a great toll on human lives, and impose a heavy financial burden. This Call to Action was organized by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), represented by the ICA in Israel. The petition calls upon decision and policy makers to promote government action against cancer diseases, by adopting targets such as: Ensuring the constant improvement in the measurement of cancer rates on a national and global scale, and examining the impact of intervention programs on these rates (morbidity, mortality, survival, etc.); Significantly reducing the consumption of tobacco products, obesity rates, and alcohol intake. Improving public access to information regarding cancer diseases; Improving the early detection rates of cancer diseases, and more. The UICC aimed to obtain at least one million signatures for this petition (with a target of at least 10,000 signatures from Israel), submitted to global leaders at the first-ever UN high level meeting on NCDs, including cancer, held in September The ICA obtained the signatures of 20,000 people, thus doubling its target. New Information Campaign marking World Cancer Day Marking World Cancer Day, the ICA launched a new public information campaign through the media, focusing on the importance of maintaining the energy balance and adopting a healthy life style. The information campaign was produced on a volunteer basis by Gitam BBDO SOHO. Two new public service announcements were produced for this campaign: a male version, in which actor Halil Yitzhak volunteered his services, and a female version, in which actress Michal Kachlon volunteered her acting skills. The public service announcement features the actors neglecting their body which is screaming that they listen to what it has to say. The message f you continue to abuse your body, you may lose it. Proper nutrition, physical activity, normal body weight, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking and limited alcohol consumption, all reduce the risk of developing cancer by over 50%. The information campaign was launched in the written media and on the radio and TV. 15

16 New Publication ICA Facebook page: The Israel Cancer Association for a Healthy Lifestyle answer surfers questions; and activities are also conducted to increase early detection awareness and underline the importance of prevention. Ziv Douchan, ICA Internet and Social Media Manager, operates and regularly updates this page. Join the page The Israel Cancer Association for a Healthy Lifestyle and maintain a healthy life style that has life-saving potential! Booklet on Nutrition Therapy for children with cancer this booklet has been updated and reprinted. Ms. Noa Leiterer, a children s clinical dietician, Clinical Nutrition Dept. at Rambam Medical Center, Ms. Irit Poraz, Chief Dietician at Clalit Health Services and Director of the Nutrition and Diet Unit at Schneider Children s Hospital, and Dr. Gila Rozen, Head of the Clinical Nutrition Division at Rambam Medical Center, contributed to this updated version. 16 A new ICA Facebook page has been launched. The activity on the social network focuses on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, increasing public awareness of prevention and potentially life-saving early detection for certain cancers. On this new page the ICA updates information about risk reducing strategies for various cancers: avoiding smoking, engaging in physical activity and maintaining the proper diet, sun smart behavior, avoiding carcinogenic air pollutants and limiting alcohol consumption. Additionally, information is provided to Web surfers on how to detect prevalent cancers at an early stage. These early detection tests have life-saving potential. On this page one may answer a self-evaluation questionnaire and discover how to enhance one s lifestyle in order to reduce the risk of developing cancer. Additionally, regular updates are uploaded on a daily basis; Dr. Lital Keinan- Boker, an ICA consultant, and other experts Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Kick- off press conference for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General, announced the launching of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, held in March in Israel, coinciding with International Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. This campaign aims to increase awareness of the disease and of the possibilities of prevention and early detection. In Israel, 9 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed each day, and 4 patients die of the disease. This is the second leading cause of death by cancer. It is important to keep in mind that this is a preventable cancer that may be detected at an early stage with the help of a potentially life-saving screening test. A screening test facilitates the detection of pre-malignant lesions thus preventing the outbreak of the disease, and increasing the chances of a cure by 90% and more. During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, the ICA held a public information campaign through the electronic media channels and in the print media, focusing on the importance of early detection tests which may have a life-saving impact. The recommended proven test for populationbased screening is the fecal occult blood test

17 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee (for women and men between the ages of 50 and 74) over 90 leading experts in Europe convened for a meeting under the auspices of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and published new consensus guidelines for the early detection of colorectal cancer; these recommendations were adopted by the European Parliament (EU). These experts emphasize the importance of quality control, to maximize testing efficacy and to lower the risks. Dr. Micha Barhanna, Head of the Ministry of Health National Cancer Registry, reported on morbidity and mortality rates, noting that 3,400 women and men are diagnosed each year with colon and rectal cancer and about 1,240 patients die of the disease. Incidence rates have shown a downward trend since the outset of the second Millennium, mainly among Jewish females. In Arab society, incidence rates have been reported to be increasing. In a population survey conducted to review early detection rates among sectors from different countries of origin, it emerged that early detection rates were similar across all sectors and that significant improvement in early detection rates has been recorded since the outset of the second Millennium. It should be noted that the ICA launched public information campaigns and conducted broad-based activities related to early detection of colorectal cancer during this period of time. Prof. Gad Rennert, Head of the National Program for the Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer reported on the Screening Program statistics, stating that about 36% of the target population for colorectal cancer population-based screening currently undergoes these early detection tests! This is a 10% increase compared to last year, which complies with the findings of the National Cancer Registry that have indicated an increase in early detection of the disease. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer of the World Health Organization (IARC) Israel s colorectal cancer incidence rates are among the highest in the world. The Ministry of Health and the Israel Cancer Association have been jointly operating the National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program for several years now. This screening program serves as the basis for population-based screening and follow-up. Additionally, for over a decade, the ICA has been assisting gastroenterology institutes to develop and implement programs to detect high risk populations and increase compliance with screening. Colonoscopy tests are part of routine healthcare services for these high risk populations. Prof. Rennert also reported on a new research study which he conducted that detected a genetic mutation causing colorectal cancer among Jews of North African descent. In view of these results, the research scientists who conducted this study recommend including this genetic test among the tests conducted on patients of North African descent who have a history of the disease. 17 New Publication Breast Restoration Booklet this booklet has been updated and reprinted. Dr. Yoav Barnea, Director of the Plastic Surgery of the Breast Unit at Tel Aviv Sourasky, Prof. Yaron Har-Shai, Director of the Plastic Surgery Dept., at Carmel and Linn Medical Centers in Haifa, and Dr. Eyal Winkler, Deputy-Chief of the Department of Plastic Surgery at Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, contributed to this updated version.

18 New Publication Booklet on Chemotherapy related Nausea and Vomiting this booklet has been updated and reprinted in association with the Israel Oncology Nursing Society and contains essential information for patients dealing with nausea and vomiting during cancer treatment, such as: information about medicinal treatment, non-medicinal approaches to the management of nausea and vomiting, dietary recommendations and other tips. Mrs. Sara Ben Ami Chairperson of the Israel Oncology Nursing Society, and Prof. Pesach Schwartzman of the Division of Community Health at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, contributed to this updated version. This booklet was published courtesy of MSD. 18 World No Tobacco Day The Annual School Competition for Tobacco Prevention named in honor of Dr. Marcus of blessed memory, held in conjunction with the ICA, Shefi Psychological and Counseling Services of the Ministry of Education and the League for the Prevention of Lung Diseases This year also saw the Annual Competition between Schools, at the end of May, which presented various projects on smoking prevention, marking World No Tobacco Day. The competition opened with greetings delivered by ICA Spokesperson, Dr. Nava Cohen-Avigdor, was held at Beit Mati- dedicated in memory of Mathilde Recanati of blessed memory, ICA Head Offices in Givatayim. These greetings were followed by a lecture delivered by Prof. Avraham Eliraz, Chairman of the League for the Prevention of Lung Diseases, on Smoking and Health. 20 schools from across the country submitted their candidacy to the judging committee and 7 schools reached the finals and received awards. As part of this competition, the students prepared diverse projects, highlighting smoking prevention and heightened awareness of smoking s harmful effects, and during the ceremony, their projects were displayed through presentations, clips, posters and more. All the participants received a certificate of appreciation for their activity. The competition began in 1999, an idea conceived by the late Dr. Marcus, who served as the Chairman of the League for the Prevention of Lung Diseases and Tuberculosis, and ever since his demise, eight years ago, the competition is named in his honor. Media-based Information Campaign marking World No Tobacco Day 2011 Coinciding with World No Tobacco Day, the ICA launched a media-based information campaign and marked May 31, 2011 as No Tobacco Day, aimed at placing the smoking epidemic and its harmful effects on the global agenda. This information campaign was also designed to increase public awareness about the prevention of morbidity and mortality deriving from diseases caused by tobacco smoking and passive smoking. This day

19 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee has been commemorated in Israel on the same day as World No Tobacco Day, since The ICA takes action against tobacco use all year round smoking is the number one preventable cause of death. World No Tobacco Day seeks to increase awareness throughout the world and to inform both adults and young people of the steps to be taken to avoid passive smoking, and to exercise their right to breathe clean air and lead a healthy life. The research studies detailing the harmful effects of smoking are steadily on the rise, and coinciding with its multitudinous and variegated informational activities, the ICA has also called upon many smokers who would like to quit smoking to designate this date as the day for smoking cessation. The ICA called upon the government to adopt the Public Committee Report for Reducing Smoking and the Damage It Causes. The Committee Report, headed by Deputy Minister of Health, MK Yaakov Litzman and Ministry of Health Director General, Prof. Ronni Gamzu, which was submitted to the government, is designed to bring about the implementation of the World Tobacco Treaty requirements, to which the Israeli government has made a commitment. One of the main problems in implementing this law in practice is the lack of sufficient enforcement. There is no doubt that significant enforcement measures must be put in place as required, as emerges from the new research study, sections of which have been published by the ICA, marking World No Tobacco Day. Marking World No Tobacco Day, the ICA presented new research findings to the media, taken from the doctoral thesis by Ms. Carmit Stern, moderated by Prof. Orna Brown-Apple, and Dr. Anat Derech-Zehavi, of the School of Public Health at the Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences of Haifa University. This research study was funded by the ICA. This study aimed to examine the level of passive smoking in Israeli cities and what is being done in terms of enforcement. Data from 72 pubs in 29 different cities around the country with a Jewish majority was collected from Nicotine pervades in the air in most pubs. Only six pubs had a nicotine level (8.33%) that meets the requirements of the law. In general, the nicotine average that was measured was medium. In most pubs the physical environment (within the confines of the pub) condones smoking and fails to meet the requirements of the law: In most pubs no separate smoking area was allocated within the pub, no smoking signs were not posted, and regular ashtrays or makeshift ashtrays were provided. However, in most pubs that were sampled, there were no cigarette vending machines, and no ads and/or photos associated with tobacco companies. Moreover it emerged that in half the cities there is slight enforcement, in a fifth of the cities there is no enforcement of the law, in 16% of the cities there is medium enforcement, in 12% strong law enforcement, and in one city alone there is very strict enforcement of the law. Despite the fact that the recent amendment to the law prohibiting smoking in public places has been in existence for nearly 4 years, it is not implemented in most pubs and is not enforced by most of the municipalities in Israel. Preventing Skin Cancer and the Harmful Effects of the Sun Kick-off press conference for Skin Cancer and Early Detection Awareness Week The press conference marking the Skin Cancer and Early Detection Awareness Week was held this year 19 New Publication Rights and Services Booklet 2011 a basic booklet for cancer patients and survivors that is regularly updated each year. The booklet was published courtesy of Roche Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd.

20 New Publication Female Sexuality Booklets in Arabic and Russian Colostomy booklet in Russian 20 in early May at the campus of Tel Aviv University. Among the speakers were the GenoMEL Melanoma Genetics Consortium (International Melanoma Research Forum) investigators who were hosted in Israel for the Annual GenoMEL Conference initiated by Prof. Esther Azizi, a researcher from Tel Aviv University and member of this significant project, which was held courtesy of the Israel Cancer Association. Up-to-date data on malignant melanoma were presented at the press conference (incidence, morbidity, survival and mortality rates) by Dr. Lital Keinan-Boker, Deputy Director of the Israel Center for Disease Control, and a member of the ICA Early Detection Committee; Dr. Michal Lotem, Director of the Melanoma and Immunotherapy Center at Hadassah Medical Center, Ein Karem Campus, and a member of the ICA Dermatology Committee reported a new and encouraging direction in the treatment of metastatic melanoma, which has been funded by the ICA; Prof. Antony Young, one of the Consortium investigators, gave a brief overview of the problematic nature of maintaining proper levels of Vitamin D in the era of sunscreen-protected skin; Prof. Julia Newton Bishop, Chairperson of the Consortium, reported on findings from the human genome project; Prof. Orna Brown Apple of the School of Public Health at Haifa University reported on data on sun exposure and protection behaviors; and Dr. Niva Shapira, Clinical Dietician of the Nutrition Research Institute at Belinson and ICA Consultant, delivered a report on primary nutrients that protect us from the harmful effects of the sun and new research findings in this sphere. The press conference was moderated by Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General, followed by a workshop on: Sun Exposure, Vitamin D and Early Detection of Melanoma. The workshop was held by the Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University and the School of Public Health, in conjunction with Haifa University and the investigators of the GenoMEL Consortium, and under the auspices of the Israel Cancer Association. At the press conference it was reported that the standardized morbidity rates (by global population) of invasive melanoma remained stable over the past decade, whereas a significant increase in melanoma in situ was recorded. Among women there was about a 40% increase in the percentage of those diagnosed at an early stage: 117 new cases were diagnosed (3.9/100,000) in 2000, as opposed to 228 cases (5.6/100,000) in The diagnosis of melanoma in situ facilitates higher cure rates. This increase in the percentage of melanoma cases diagnosed at an early stage may be the result of activity initiated and operated by the ICA, with assistance from the Ministry of Health and the healthcare funds, the Israel Society of Dermatology and the Israel Society of Plastic Surgery. Delivering up-to-date data, Dr. Lital Keinan-Boker, Deputy Director of the Israel Center for Disease Control and a member of the ICA Early Detection Committee, reported that in 2008 (the last year reviewed) 1,330 new patients were diagnosed with malignant melanoma (invasive and in situ). The incidence rates among natives of Asia and Africa were similar and 50% lower or more than the incidence rates among European and American natives. Most cases of melanoma in situ occur in native Israelis, Europeans and Americans. The relative 5-year survival rates from malignant invasive melanoma increased among Jewish males to 84%, whereas among women the survival rate dropped to 87%. The mortality rates among Jews have dropped

21 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee over the past decade, from 2.42/100,000 in 2000, to 2.05/100,000 in The press conference further reported on a web questionnaire about behaviors for prevention of skin cancer, conducted as part of the international GenoMEL research. The answers to the questionnaire uncovered interesting findings: compared to other countries, Israelis protected themselves from the sun to a greater extent; and showed lower tanning rates, akin to Australians and Americans. In keeping with tradition, this year saw parachute paragliders soaring above Israel s beaches, during the hottest hours, reminding sun bathers: Tanning without protection - once the damage is done it can never be undone! ICA launched a unique informational activity in July. Parachute paragliders carrying the slogan: Tanning without protection once the damage is done it can never be undone in Hebrew, Russian and French, flew over the coast of Israel during the unsafe hours, reminding sun bathers that they are putting themselves and their health at risk. In addition to the parachute paragliders, the ICA recruited the Israeli Life Guard Association. The lifeguards accompanied the information campaign, playing the leading sun safety reminder Be Sun Smart over the PA system at major beaches, as well as providing practical tips on how to protect one s body from the sun. The Israel Cancer Association and the Children s Channel launched an information campaign for careful sun exposure starring Roni Duani, TV host on the Children s Channel This campaign was launched on the Children s Channel in early July. The clip was aired several times a day on the Children s Channel and Logi Channel. The clip is an updated version of the mythological Sun Smart clip first written in Performing artist Ron Duani sings in this modern version, alongside Tal Museri, Dawn Lenny Gabay, Moshik Glamin and the children s band Katsabres, comprised of year old children, is seen drumming on different objects and captivating those around them, transporting them into an engaging rhythmic experience, while conveying ICA sun safety reminders. photo credit: Ran Eliyahu The Israel Cancer Association and Disney Channel launched a joint public information campaign Sun Smart on how to protect oneself from the sun s harmful effects This joint information campaign conveyed sun smart behavior, starring beloved Disney characters: Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and Daisy Duck. Disney Channel aired animated clips throughout the day during the summer months, teaching 21 New Publication Prostate Cancer when should you get checked? new in Arabic Everything you always wanted to know about cancer booklet new in Arabic

22 toddlers about proper sun behavior and safe hours to spend in the sun, the importance of using sun screen lotion, drinking a lot of fluids and wearing the proper clothing. This year also saw the production of new clips featuring the star of popular TV show After the Bell Rings (Achrei Ha Tsiltsul), Neta and Yaheli, who discussed sun smart behavior; these clips are geared toward older viewers. Health Promotion training sessions, lectures and activities Informational events and health days were held during the course of the year, in collaboration with various entities: local authorities, academic institutions, companies, and more. Information booths distributing informational material were set up at these events to provide relevant health information to the general public. Likewise, lectures were held on health promotion: tobacco prevention, the energy balance and sun smart behavior. The ICA also trains dozens of students who visit schools around the country and lecture on these topics, and sun smart activities are held in preschools. Similarly, smoking cessation workshops continue to be held at workplaces. 22

23 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Early Detection Breast Cancer National Mammography Screening Program The National Mammography Screening Program initiated and implemented by the ICA in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and healthcare funds, has been monitoring all breast examination activity in Israel for the past 18 years from diagnostic radiology tests among the general population in Israel, to surgical procedures, pathological diagnosis and the monitoring of women diagnosed with malignant tumors at oncology institutes. Prof. Gad Rennert, Director of the Community Medicine and Epidemiology at Carmel Hospital, oversees this program. Summary of the National Mammography Screening Program 2010 Since the project s inception, the number of mammography units operating in Israel has grown from 20 to of which are currently monitored by the National Mammography Screening Program. This monitoring program operates under defined national and international standards, implementing standard computing methods that provide the necessary information and facilitate monitoring of detection quality. These institutes operate through effective quality assurance processes financed by the ICA, and receive complete information on the breast cancer detection rates among women who have been examined, as well as the features of tumors detected and possible indicators of failure. The aim of the National Mammography Screening Program is to ensure a decrease in breast cancer mortality rates in Israel, as has been demonstrated by the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics data. Gaps in mammography compliance rates previously identified between the various sub-populations in Israel have been narrowed and current compliance rates among new immigrant and ultra-orthodox populations are only about 5% to 10% lower than the compliance rates among veteran Jewish female population sectors. This year has seen the continuation of the scheduled appointments for mammography screenings, conducted in close collaboration with the healthcare funds. All women between the ages of 50 and 74 are routinely summoned to be tested once every two years. The mammography screening program and summoning activity have raised the screening compliance rate, which currently stands at about *Figure 3: Five-year relative survival of patients diagnosed with breast cancer (%) in SLK LAT CZE HUN POL SLO MAL IRE POR DNK TUR KOR FNG SGP GER BEL NZL SPA NDL FRA ITA NOR SWI AUS FIN JPN ISR CAN SWE 23 Israel USA ICE *Source: EUROCARE-4 European Cancer Registry-based study on survival and care of cancer patients

24 72%. Over 4 million mammography tests have been performed on about 1 million women in Israel, of which over 60,000 tests were performed in the mobile mammography unit and about 370,000 tests were performed at mammography screening institutes. Dr. Micha Barhanna and Ms. Ziona Halkai, of the Ministry of Health, presented Israel s ranking in survival rates of breast cancer patients, ranking 4th out of the top 5 European countries. The following is a graph that presents Israel in 4 th place: Declining Trend in Breast Cancer Mortality Rates The Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (2011) data revealed that breast cancer age-standardized mortality rates, from , decreased from 22.6% in 1998 to 17.4% in In other words, a 30% decrease! This proves that thanks to the National Mammography Screening Program initiated by the ICA, and thanks to its information and education efforts, women are diagnosed at an earlier stage, which enables quick and more effective treatment that consequently has live-saving impact. National Mobile Mammography Vehicle Michal The ICA Mobile Mammography Vehicle Michal is now in its tenth year of operation throughout the country. The aim of the mobile vehicle is to enable women who reside in remote areas, as well as those who are unaware of the importance of the detection test, to undergo a mammography screening close to home. The aim is to improve access to and compliance with this potentially lifesaving screening test. The Mobile Mammography Vehicle Michal operates in collaboration with Clalit Healthcare Services, Maccabi Healthcare Services and Leumit Healthcare Services. This is the second year that the mobile vehicle is staffed by a professional team from Assuta Hospital. Within the coming months, a new mobile vehicle, purchased by Assuta Medical Services, with financial assistance from the ICA, will begin operating throughout Israel. A personal invitation letter is sent to women of the appropriate age in each destination of the mobile vehicle and ads are placed in the local newspapers announcing the mobile s scheduled activity in the region. 24 Regional Early Breast Cancer Detection Stations The ICA continues to assist in operating regional early breast cancer detection stations throughout the country. The National Breast Health and Early Detection Awareness Program is conducted among the general female Israeli population to promote the fight against breast cancer. Countless resources have been invested in diverse sectors such as the Arab society, kibbutzim (collective settlements), the new immigrant population, the ultra-orthodox sector, and others. Informational

25 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee material is distributed in hundreds of thousands of copies in Hebrew, Arabic and Russian, and the breast health lecture notes kit has been updated for Breast Health Nurses who lecture across the country on behalf of the ICA. Inauguration Ceremony of the Aliza Timor Breast Health Station in Neve Monson Early June saw a gala inaugural ceremony in honor of the Aliza Timor Breast Health Station in Neve-Monson, in the presence of the Mayor of Yehud-Monosson, Mr. Yossi Ben-David, Chairman of the Municipality Authority, Mr. Eitan Pollak, ICA Director General, Mrs. Miri Ziv, the Timor Family, Dr. Shlomo Ayalon, breast surgeon, and scores of the town s residents. Aliza, of blessed memory, ran the station on a volunteer basis for 29 years, until she succumbed to cancer. The station moved from one building to another, and to her dying day, Aliza struggled to find a permanent abode for the station. The Mayor of Yehud-Monosson, in conjunction with the Monosson Local Administration, Ashdar-Einav Construction Companies, and the ICA, dedicated a permanent structure in Aliza s memory. The building was renovated and the station is now run by Ms. Gili Iron-Timor, daughter of Aliza of blessed memory, who has chosen to continue her mother s legacy. 25

26 26 Familial Cancer Counseling Program for Families at High Risk People with a family history of certain types of cancer among first-degree relatives, such as colorectal, breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer, and melanoma, are considered to be at high risk for developing cancer diseases. For the past several years, the Carmel in Haifa has been operating a counseling clinic for high-risk populations. This project is run in association with the ICA, which continues to finance the employment of the professional staff operating the service at Carmel, under the supervision of Prof. Gad Rennert; this familial cancer clinic serves as the headquarters for this field. Colorectal Cancer Identifying High-Risk Populations For over a decade, the ICA has adopted World Health Organization and the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) guidelines regarding the importance of screening populations at high risk for colorectal cancer. This education program focuses on the general public within the community and in the workplace. Aiming to promote early detection awareness and raise the test compliance rate, the ICA annually finances two years of targeted activity at centers that have demonstrated outstanding work in screening programs for high-risk populations, while conducting training activity for professional staff and educational programs for the general public. Soroka in Be er Sheva, and Kaplan in Rehovot took part in this program in 2011 (for the second year). The above medical centers were requested to operate according to recommendations formulated at the consensus meeting sponsored by the Ministry of Health, the ICA, and the Israel Medical Association, with specialists from abroad in attendance. These recommendations received further reinforcement from the International Agency For Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization, which convened about 90 experts to establish guidelines for the detection of cancer diseases in general and colorectal cancer in particular. Recommendations were also provided regarding the necessity for the implementation of targeted screening for early colorectal cancer detection among the healthy population over the age of 50, and also defined the need to conduct educational activity among health professionals and the general population. National Program for Early Colorectal Cancer Detection The Ministry of Health has responded affirmatively to ICA s initiative, and over the past six years, has implemented the National Program for the Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer in conjunction with all local healthcare funds. This program, headed by Prof. Gad Rennert, resembles the longtime National Program for Early Breast Cancer Detection in women, and its necessity is evidenced by the high colorectal cancer mortality rates; furthermore, this is a disease which may be prevented, and its early detection may significantly increase chances for a cure and recovery. As part of this program, conducted by the healthcare funds, every person over the age of 50 is summoned to undergo a fecal occult blood test. Patients at high risk are entitled to a colonoscopy exam according to their physician s recommendation. The National Program for the Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer, delivers reports on and monitors early detection tests under the supervision of Prof. Gad Rennert, who compiles the information.

27 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee The National Program for the Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer monitors early detection tests conducted in Israel and develops databases that contain information about colonoscopy activity conducted in Israel and its findings, radiology diagnosis activity, including GI barium tests and virtual colonoscopy procedures, all the histological intestinal tissue reports (both benign and malignant lesions) and information from oncology institutes. All this information is monitored in order to ensure a high standard national procedure, which is anticipated to culminate in a decline in colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates in Israel. Skin Cancer Awareness Week Now in its 20 th year, the Skin Cancer Awareness Campaign aims to increase awareness as to the importance of preventing the harmful effects of the sun and the significance of early detection of melanoma. The campaign emphasizes public education in all that concerns avoiding exposure to the sun at dangerous hours and taking safety precautions for sun smart exposure, as well as raising awareness of the importance of early detection. During Skin Cancer Awareness Week, the ICA launches a public information campaign and ICA informative material is distributed at IDF bases, in schools, etc. Additionally, a national network of 300 screening stations is made available to the public. These booths are manned by dermatologists and plastic surgeons at all healthcare funds throughout the country. Thousands of Israelis participated in the campaign this year and many appointments were scheduled throughout the year for people to get tested. A press conference covered the latest available statistics for the disease and presented new research studies and more (for more information about ICA activity in this area, please see the chapter on Public Information and Education p.11). Early Detection Research Programs and Projects The ICA encourages the submittal of early detection research proposals. The Early Detection Committee received approval for funding for the following programs: Dr. Hadassah Goldberg of Western Galilee Hospital on Increasing Awareness about Early Detection of Breast Cancer among Arab Women in the Western Galilee. Dr. Rinat Yerushalmi of Beilinson Medical Center on Dynamics and Function of the Telomere System and the Telomerase Enzyme in BRCA 1, 2 Genetic Mutation Carriers. Dr. Miri Sklaire-Levi of the Sheba Medical Center on The Comparison between the breast sonogram obtained using an Automated Breast Volume Scanner (ABVS) that provides a 3-dimensional image, and the breast MRI scan in females who are BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation carriers. Dr. Nir Peled of the Sheba on Non-Invasive Diagnoses of Lung Cancer. 27

28 Rehabilitation and Welfare 28 Seminars for Patients and their Families The Rehabilitation and Welfare Dept. organizes many seminars focusing on diverse subjects related to cancer diseases and their implications, namely: the most up-to-date treatment modalities, dealing with side effects and different coping strategies for the patient and his/her family. The positive feedback and the warm responses to these seminars attest to their importance and reinforce the need to continue holding such seminars for cancer patients and their families on an annual basis. National Conferences A Prostate Cancer Seminar was held in September 2010 at Kfar Hamaccabiya in Ramat Gan, moderated by Prof. Yaakov Ramon, Director of the Dept. of Urology at Sheba, Tel Hashomer. The seminar opened with greetings delivered by Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General, followed by enriching lectures delivered on risk factors, prevention and diagnosis, surgical treatment, state-of-the-art technologies, sexual dysfunction in prostate cancer patients and more. The following volunteered to deliver lectures: Dr. Ilan Leibovitch, Prof. Ofer Netiv, Dr. Eli Rosenbaum, Dr. Zohar Dotan, Prof. Arie Lindner, Dr. Mark Shilkrot and Dr. Ran Katz. The day closed with a question and answer panel session featuring the lecturers. The seminar was held courtesy of Novartis and Sanofi-Aventis. The Traditional Celebrating Life Seminar Hundreds of women from all over Israel, who contracted and coped with breast cancer, met in early October 2010 at the traditional Celebrating Life Seminar held at Kfar Hamaccabiya, marking breast cancer awareness month. The seminar opened with greetings from Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General, followed by lectures on breast cancer innovations and updates, delivered on a volunteer basis by: Dr. Nava Zigelman, Dr. Noa Efrat (Ben Baruch), Dr. Shulamit Rizel, Dr. Shani Paloch-Shimon, Dr. Yoav Barnea, Dr. Gil Bar- Sela and Dr. Dina Eisen. The seminar ended with a panel of experts to answer audience questions, featuring seminar lecturers and physiotherapist, Ms. Dafna Politi. The seminar was held courtesy of Roche Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd. A Seminar for Lung Cancer Patients was held in early November 2010 at KfarHamaccabiya in Ramat Gan, and moderated by Dr. Shoshana Keren-Rosenberg, Senior Oncologist at Linn. The seminar opened with greetings from Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General, followed by enriching lectures on lung cancer treatment innovations and updates, surgical treatment, palliative care and more. The following volunteered to deliver lectures: Dr. Maya Gottfried, Dr. Milton Saute, Dr. Amir On, and Prof. Einat Even Sapir. The seminar concluded with a question and answer panel featuring the lecturers. The seminar was held courtesy of Roche Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd.

29 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee A seminar on colorectal cancer was held in early March 2011 at Kfar Hamaccabiya and was moderated by Dr. Baruch Brenner, Head of the Gastrointestinal Malignancy Unit at Rabin Beilinson Campus. The seminar opened with greetings from Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General, followed by enriching lectures on risk factors, prevention, genetics and the mechanism of the development of the disease, focused and advanced colorectal cancer updates and innovations, and coping with cancer treatment side effects. The following volunteered to deliver lectures: Dr. Alexander Benny, Dr. Einat Shaham-Shmueli, Dr. Ayala Hubert and Dr. Sophia Mann. The seminar concluded with a question and answer panel featuring the lecturers. The seminar was held courtesy of Roche Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd. A seminar for lymphoma, CLL and acute leukemia patients was held in early May 2011 at Kfar Hamaccabiya in Ramat Gan, under the direction of Prof. Eliezer Rahmilevitz, Director of the Hematology Institute at Wolfson. The seminar opened with greetings from ICA Director General, Mrs. Miri Ziv, followed by enriching lectures on advancements in CLL treatment, updates and innovations in lymphoma treatment, bone marrow transplants, and palliative care. The seminar featured the following lecturers who volunteered their services: Prof. Dina Ben Yehuda, Dr. Ella Neferstak, Dr. Moshe Yeshurun and Dr. Dina Attias. The seminar was held courtesy of Roche Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd. A seminar for head and neck tumor patients was held at the end of May 2011 at Beit Mati, ICA offices in Givatayim, under the direction of Dr. Aron Popovtzer, Director, Head-Neck Tumors Center at Rabin, Beilinson Campus. Enriching lectures were delivered on a volunteer basis by: Dr. Aviram Netzer, Prof. Rafael Feinmesser, Ms. Jillian Bracha, Dr. Iris Gluck, and Dr. Ilana Kaplan. A question and answer panel was held towards the end of the seminar, featuring the lecturers and Frieda Kornbrut, Regional ICA Speech Therapist. The seminar was held courtesy of Mark Sereno. A Seminar for Melanoma Patients was held in mid-june 2011 at Beit Mati, ICA offices in Givatayim, moderated by Prof. Haim Gutman, Director of the Surgical Oncology Service at Rabin Beilinson. The seminar featured lectures on risk factors, early detection and the mechanism of the development of the disease, surgical treatment, targeted biological therapy, and more. The following delivered lectures on a volunteer basis: Prof. Esther Azizi, Prof. Rafael Shafir, Dr. Michal Lotem, and Prof. Yaakov Shechter. Towards the end of the seminar there was a question and answer panel featuring the lecturers. The seminar was held courtesy of Roche Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd. A seminar for kidney cancer patients and bladder cancer patients was held in mid-july at Kfar Hamaccabiya in Ramat Gan, under the direction of Prof. Haim Matzkin, Director of the Urology Dept. at Tel Aviv Sourasky. The seminar featured lectures 29

30 30 about updates and innovations in the treatment of kidney cancer and bladder and urinary tract cancer, surgical treatments for these diseases, palliative care, and coping with sexual dysfunction. The following delivered lectures on a volunteer basis: Prof. Avishai Sela, Prof. Ofer Nativ, Prof. Yaakov Ramon, Dr. Avivit Noiman and Dr. Raanan Tal. The seminar was held courtesy of Pfizer. A seminar on metastatic breast cancer was held in mid-july 2011 at Beit Mati, ICA offices in Givatayim, moderated by Dr. Meirav Ben David, Director of the Breast Radiation Unit at the Oncology Complex at Tel Hashomer. Lectures were delivered on medical aspects, enhancing quality of life, and intimacy during the disease. The following delivered lecturers on a volunteer basis: Dr. Noa Efrat (Ben Baruch), Dr. Rinat Yerushalmi and Lena Kurtz. The seminar concluded with a chi kong lesson delivered by Mr. Sinai Harel, and Ms. Yael Pazuelo recounted her personal story. The seminar was held courtesy of Roche Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd. Regional Seminars A Seminar on Breast Cancer in Haifa was held at the end of July 2010 at Rambam Health Care Campus, with 180 people in attendance. Prof. Abraham Kuten, Director of the Dept. of Oncology, Rambam Health Care Campus, greeted the attendants. Dr. Farid Gaogreta, Dr. Karen Daruma, Mrs. Hana Zohar, and Mr. Adi Amit enriched the audience with their innovative professional knowledge. The seminar was moderated by Mrs. Liora Groisman, Head of the Social Services Team of the Oncology Complex. ICA volunteers, Mrs. Hana Solomon, and Mrs. Alona Liraz assisted Mrs. Ariela Litvitz-Sherman, Northern Region Social Worker. The seminar was held courtesy of Roche Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd. A seminar on colorectal cancer in Haifa was held at the end of October 2010 at Rambam Health Care Campus. 120 people attended. Prof. Abraham Kuten greeted the participants. Dr. Daniel Duek, Dr. Yakatarina Shulman, Dr. Alexander Benny, Mr. Adi Amit and Ms. Alhem Suan-Badarna enriched the audience with their professional knowledge. ICA volunteers, Mrs. Hana Solomon, Mrs. Dina Menashes, and Mrs. Alona Liraz assisted Mrs. Ariela Litvitz- Sherman, Northern Region Social Worker in organizing this event. The seminar was held courtesy of Roche Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd. A Seminar for Lung Cancer Patients in Haifa was held at the end of December 2010 at Rambam Health Care Campus, with 100 in attendance. Prof. Abraham Kuten greeted the participants. Dr. Shoshana Keren-Rosenberg of Clalit Health Services Linn Oncology Institute, Dr. Emilia Haradak, Dr. Dan Feber, Dr. Abed Agaberia, Dr. Mariana Wolner, Ms. Michal Haberer-Barzilai and Ms. Orit Zorer enriched the audience with their innovative professional knowledge. ICA volunteers, Ms. Hana Solomon and Ms. Dina Menashes assisted Northern Region Social Worker, Ms. Ariela Litvitz-Sherman in organizing this event. The seminar was held courtesy of Roche Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd. A Seminar on Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer in Tiberias was held in mid-december 2010 at the Leonardo Plaza Hotel in Tiberias sarved as a volunteer host hotel for the event. Cancer patients, their families, interested parties, and professionals attended the seminar. Dr. Ben Zion Eitan, Deputy Director of the Dept. of

31 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Surgery at Padeh - Poriya, lectured on the importance of early detection, answered all the audience s questions and urged people to get themselves checked. Mrs. Rinat Moshe, clinical dietician, Padeh -Poriya, recommended a healthy diet, which has the potential to reduce the risk of developing cancer. Joint ICA-Maagan Support Center Seminar for Cancer Patients in Be er Sheva was held in early February 2011 at Maagan Support center in Be er Sheva. The meeting discussed cancer patients rights and was attended by Mrs. Sima Avraham, Director of Medical Committees at the National Insurance Institute, Be er Sheva Branch, Mrs. Iris Weiss, Director of the General Disability Dept. at the National Insurance Institute, Be er Sheva Branch, and Mrs. Rachel Ofir, ICA Southern Region Social Worker. A seminar on Bone Health in Cancer Patients at Rambam Health Care Campus was held in early March 2011 and opened with greetings delivered by Prof. Abraham Kuten, Director of the Division of Oncology at the Rambam Health Care Campus, followed by lectures delivered by the Rambam Health Care Campus physicians, Dr. Orit, Keidar-Pearson, Dr. Gil Bar Sela, Dr. Karen Daruma, Dr. Tal Berg, and Dr. Shirli Shapira, on subjects related to bone health. The seminar was held courtesy of Novartis. A seminar for Colorectal and Lung Cancer Patients in Nazareth was held in early June 2011, convening colorectal and lung cancer patients and their families for a seminar on Colorectal and Lung Cancer Early A seminar on Lymphoma and CLL at Rambam Health Care Campus was held at the end of March 2011, featuring enriching lectures on this subject delivered by Rambam Health Care Campus physicians, Prof. Binyamin Brenner, Dr. Irit Avivi, and Dr. Zila Zuckerman. Dr. Tamar Tadmor of Bnei Zion Medical Center lectured on Silent Lymphoma and Ms. Ruthi Hai led a laughter yoga session for the attendees. The seminar was held courtesy of Roche Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd. 31

32 Detection and Risk Factors, held at Rimonim Hotel in Nazareth. The seminar featured lectures on innovations, treatments, incidence trends and coping strategies, delivered on a volunteer basis by: Dr. Osama Abu Hatum, Dr. Salem Balan, Mrs. Elham Badarna Suan, Dr. Jalal Tarbiye, Dr. Ajabarie Abed and Mrs. Amal Darowsha. The day concluded with a panel of experts featuring the lecturers. The seminar, which received wide media coverage, was held courtesy of Roche Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd. 32 Seminars for Yad Lehachlama Volunteers Diverse refresher seminars were held for dozens of Yad Lehachlama volunteers throughout Israel. These seminars feature open ended discussions on relevant topics, moderated by a social worker. A Russian speaking Yad Lehachlama volunteer group was established at the end of January, at Barzilai in Ashkelon. Yonina Rendler-Meller coordinates Yad Lehachlama volunteer activity. Inauguration of the new Hila Center in Karmiel and the Hila March in the Galilee Early January saw the inauguration of the new Hila Center building, which provides services such as beauty care treatments, and wig fitting for women with cancer who reside in the north. The Hila Center operates in conjunction with the Karmiel-Misgav-Pittsburg Joint Women s Forum, Partnership 2000, Karmiel Municipality, Misgav Regional Council and the Israel Cancer Association. Each year a special march takes place, initiated by the Center to increase public awareness of the importance of early detection of breast cancer the Hila March in the Galilee. The march was held marking a decade of activity, with representatives from the community of Pittsburg, participating as well as bicyclists on two bike routes, and a huge family happening. Meeting of Yad Lehachlama volunteers with Ben-Gurion University medical students in Be er Sheva Early May saw the third consecutive meeting of first year Ben Gurion medical students with Yad Lehachlama volunteers. The meeting is conducted on an annual basis to expose students to the world of breast cancer patients and their personal struggle. The volunteers recounted their personal story with an emphasis on issues of pertinent to medical students as future physicians. The fascinating meeting was led by Mrs. Rachel Ofir, ICA Southern Region Social Worker.

33 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee The Talent for Memory even after Chemotherapy. The conference concluded with a lecture delivered by culinary consultant, Mrs. Tammy Sirkis- Ackerman on The Ten Commandments for the Sane Hostess. The conference was held courtesy of Roche Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd. The Annual Yad Lehachlama Volunteers Conference The Annual Yad Lehachlama Volunteers Conference was held close to the holiday of Shavuot at the Convention Center of Council for a Beautiful Israel at Ganei Yehoshua Park in Tel Aviv. Dozens of veteran and new Yad Lehachlama volunteers from all over Israel were in attendance. The conference began with a Zumba lesson, led by Mrs. Irit Kurtz. Following greetings delivered by Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General, and Social Worker Orit Spira, Director, Rehabilitation and Welfare Dept., Prof. Ilan Ron lectured on innovations in the treatment of breast cancer and new clinical studies in this field. Mrs. Chana Zohar, a Breast Care Nurse, presented breast cancer care from a woman s perspective, Mrs. Anat Shefran-Or, a speaker on literature and film, lectured on The caterpillar that turned into a butterfly, and the movie The Butterfly was screened. Neuropsychologist Nechama Zilberman lectured on Yad Lehachlama representatives participated in the Europa Donna Annual Breast Cancer Advocacy Training Course As part of Europa Donna activities held in Milan in mid-november, the Europa Donna Annual Breast Cancer Advocacy Training Course featured professional lectures on mammography screening, updates on medical research studies and stateof-the-art treatments, diagnosis, risk factors, and more. The ICA was represented by Social Worker Orit Spira, Head of the Rehabilitation and Welfare Dept. and Mrs. Orit Pringle-Prince, a Yad Lehachlama volunteer. 33

34 Yad Lehachlama volunteer wins Outstanding Volunteer Award in Cyprus dedicated efforts, close ties have been formed with the Foreign Ministry, the embassy and the Ministry of Health of Cyprus. This exhilarating event was held in the presence of the Israeli Ambassador to Cyprus and his wife. Photo credit: Sheba. Look Good Feel Better Project This project was initiated by Mrs. Francine Robinson who continues to manage this initiative on a volunteer basis, and Coordinator, Mrs. Silvia Alshvilli. Cosmeticians, wig stylists, make-up artists, and hairdressers all volunteer their services to give beauty care treatments to women with cancer, admitted in hospitals and in ICA branches across Israel. The following are several make up and beauty care workshops that were held as part of the project this year: 34 Mrs. Zehavit Blumenfeld, a veteran Yad Lehachlama volunteer, and a native of Cyprus also serves as a volunteer who assists cancer patients in the medical tourism framework in Cyprus, at Tel Hashomer. She was invited at the end of December to Limassol to receive the Outstanding Volunteer Award that was presented to her in honor of International Volunteer Day. Thanks to her Workshops at Medical Centers and within the Community Happy butterfly Beauty care and fun-filled day at the Rambam Health Care Campus A Fun-filled Beauty Care Day was held at the end of November at the Pediatric Hematological Dept. at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa. Young girls who specialize in body painting milled about

35 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee among the children with oncology diseases and gave them body paintings pictures that would make them happy. Goodie bags filled with sweets that were distributed to the children and medical clowns also completed this lively atmosphere, in a department where you rarely see people smiling. Yarin Shahaf make-up artists also volunteered their services, and made up the children who were admitted in the department, and pampered the mothers with professional make-up, rendering these services straight from the heart. Upon the completion of this exciting celebration each mother received a gift from the project. A Fun-Filled Morning at the Pediatric Oncology Dept. at Safra Tel Hashomer In early January, volunteer make-up artists from MAC Cosmetics and a volunteer children s make-up artist, Ms. Harmony Roth, visited the Oncology Dept. at Safra at Tel Hashomer, and applied make-up to the children and mothers and gave them a Fun-filled Morning. Balloons were handed out to the children and beauty care packages to the mothers. Fun-filled Morning at the Oncology Dept. at Dana Children s Hospital MAC Cosmetics make-up artists visited the Tel Aviv s Dana Children s Hospital Oncology Dept. The children admitted at the hospital enjoyed face and body painting and other sweet and colorful surprises that accompanied the activity. The mothers who were with their children at the Dept. were also invited for a pampering cosmetic treatment, including make-up and beauty care. Young girl Esther Rosenberg and her mother, Karen Rosenberg. Photo: Photography Unit, Sheba. 10-year old Ivgenia Ostimenko, from Ashdod, with a clown who arrived specially to the Dept. Credit: Gadi Segal, Tel Aviv. 35

36 Beauty Care Visit at the Oncology Day Care Center at Hadassah Ein Karem In mid-may, a group of volunteer Yarin Shahaf make-up artists visited the Oncology Day Care Center at Hadassah, and applied make up to the patients and their escorts. wigs for washing and styling, free of charge. The center operates in conjunction with Rivka Zehavi Wigs Ltd. Additionally, the center offers prosthesis consultation and fittings offered by Ms. Orit Kariel, a Yad Lehachlama volunteer, in collaboration with the Tel Aviv branch. 36 Make-up and beauty care workshop at the new Strong Together Center in Jerusalem, in collaboration with volunteer make-up artists from Yarin Shahaf. Offices: New at Beit Mati ICA Beauty Care Center, Wig Rental and Design and Prosthesis Consultation, free of charge A beauty care center for cancer patients opened at the end of March 2011 at Beit Mati, ICA Offices in Givatayim. You can meet with a wig stylist at the center for a personal wig fitting and bring in Groups, Support Workshops and Activities for the Wellbeing of Cancer Patients In addition to the support groups that operate in the Strong Together Centers and ICA branches all over Israel (Please see page 45) Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle among Cancer Survivors This is a workshop designed to accompany cancer survivors as they cope with the aftermath of the disease, to enhance the quality of their lives, steer

37 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee them towards a healthy life and encourage them to return to their personal routine and take an active part in community life. The participants take part in a series of meetings on different subjects: returning to a normal routine and to family life, sexuality, health in the wake of treatments and coping with side effects, taking part in physical activity adapted to cancer survivors, diet adjusted to the disease and thereafter, complementary medicine for patients and survivors. The meetings are led by psychooncology professionals, social workers, nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians, and others. Over the past few months workshops were held in Haifa, Jerusalem, Modi in, and additional localities. The workshops are held at Strong Together Support Centers of the Israel Cancer Association and ICA branches throughout Israel. Steps to Quality of Life Project This ICA-funded project renewed its activity after a 3-year hiatus. The project aims to expose cancer patients to the healthy advantages of physical activity, and to encourage them to build time in their schedule for planned, structured physical activity and make it part of their daily routine. Additionally the program offers consultation and guidance to patients who wish to join. Workshops are held at the various medical centers and ICA branches in the community, under the professional direction of Dr. Naama Constantini, a sports medicine expert, and Mr. Shahar Nice, a Stress Physiologist from Hadassah. ICA Head Nurse, Mrs. Ronit Ovadia is in charge of this program. The program includes a personal or group training session led by physical education and physiotherapy professionals. Each participant receives an explanation booklet, a follow up booklet, a pedometer and tension elastic for exercises. The project currently operates in the following centers: Hadassah Ein Karem in Jerusalem, Davidoff in Petah Tikva, Tel Aviv Sourasky, Sheba Medical Center Tel Hashomer, Meir in Kfar Saba, Laniado in Netanya, Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa, Poriya in Tiberias, Ha emek Medical Center in Afula, Western Galilee in Nahariya, Sieff in Safed, Barzilai in Ashkelon, and Soroka Medical Center in Be er Sheva. The Edith Wolfson Medical Center in Holon, the Shaarei Zedek in Jerusalem and the Bnei Zion in Haifa will soon join. In addition to the many support groups that run at the ICA branches and in Strong Together Support Centers around the country, other ICA support groups also continue to convene at Beit Mati, ICA Offices in Givatayim. The groups are led by the Head of the Rehabilitation and Welfare Dept., Social Worker Orit Spira and Social Worker Anat Zakkai, Breast Care Coordinator from Assaf Harofeh : A unique support group for couples was set up for the first time at the ICA. The group is geared towards couples in which one of the members is a cancer patient, or alternately for healthy spouses coping with an ill partner. These groups are open to either couples or the care giving partner. A support group for young women coping with cancer has been operating for four years as a train group which enables women to join the group at any stage, and also enables women who completed the support process to leave the group and to return to a healthy routine. The group deals with issues relating to couplehood, family, communication with children, anxieties and more. A unique support group for couples has been set up due to a need for support for 37

38 partners of young women coping with cancer, a need that arose in a group setting, within the Young Women and Cancer support group. Social worker, Orit Spira, Head of Rehabilitation and Welfare Dept., has pulled up her sleeves and has created this group, a separate support group for these women and their partners. Young Adults Support group is geared towards young men and women over the age of 18, who have developed cancer in the transition from childhood to adulthood. The group holds social meetings and various activities (for additional information please see further on in this chapter). Bereaved parents support group (for parents of children over the age of 18 who succumbed to cancer) serves as a source of support and a forum for sharing experiences where bereaved parents can discuss the grieving process, how one can go on living after the loss of a child, and more. Support group for parents coping with bereavement (for parents of children under the age of 18 who succumbed to cancer) constitutes a source of support and a forum to share coping strategies to deal with the terrible loss of a child under the age of 18. This group discusses issues such as continuing life in the shadow of loss, healthy siblings who survive the cancer patient and more. The Netanya Branch continues to hold a support group for cancer patients and their families, led by Social Worker Orit Spira, Head of Rehabilitation and Welfare Dept. and ICA Central Region Social Worker, Irit Goldstein. Support groups were held in Ashkelon for Russian speaking breast cancer patients, and were funded by the ICA, and moderated by Social Worker Faina Zeitlin. A project geared toward adolescents whose parents have cancer was held in Kfar Yona. The project included a teen support group that was held at school. Additionally, once every two weeks, two support groups a bereavement group and a patient group are held at the ICA Branch in Kfar Yona, led by ICA Central Region Social Worker, Irit Goldstein, and Healthcare Fund Social Worker, Rita Drahani. A support group for patients and their families opened in the ICA branch in Rishon LeZion; this group meets once a month, and is led by ICA Central Region Social Worker, Irit Goldstein. Two support groups for patients and their families operate in Modiin, led by Dr. Inbar Cohen, a psycho-oncology psychologist, of the Hadassah, Ein Karem, and ICA Central Region Social Worker, Irit Goldstein. Art Therapy support groups were held in northern Israel, personal coaching, support groups for volunteers and cancer patients, yoga, cosmetics services and distribution of wigs for patients. 38

39 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Activities for Children with Cancer Annual Family vacation for Children with Cancer and their Families 120 child cancer patients and their families from all over Israel participated in the ICA Annual Family Vacation, held towards the end of the summer. The indulging vacation took place at Shefayim Hotel, and included full board at the hotel, daily entrance to the water park, a young talent contest, arts and crafts, inflatable bounce houses, movies and more. Mothers were pampered at a make-up workshop delivered by MAC Cosmetics make-up artists, courtesy of Estée Lauder, Benny Zadok organized an American happening for the entire family - a musical activity with percussion instruments entitled To Brazil via Africa, Vitaly the magician made everyone laugh, and Sarit Bekoach-Yakar led the families in energetic zumba dancing. The IDF Education Corps Band moved the children who went up on stage and joined in on the singing and Star is Born talent show finalists, Hagit Yaso, David Lavi and Liron Ramati volunteered a performance for the children and posed for pictures with them. This vacation was crafted to enable families to take a break from a difficult routine, consisting of treatments and hospitalization, and enjoy an indulging and relaxing vacation with the entire family parents, child cancer patients, and healthy siblings. A Star is Born 2011 (Israeli version of American Idol) finalists: Hagit Yaso, David Lavi, and Liron Ramati. Photo: Red Photography Hula Hupa, a percussion workshop To Brazil via Africa for parents and children Inflated bounce houses IDF Education Corps Band and children in a moving performance 39

40 Hope for Life Project The ICA-funded Hope for Life project assigns qualified teachers or students to school-age children, from kindergarten through high school. Children coping with cancer are forced to miss many days of school and may therefore fall behind. These specially trained teachers tutor these children and assist them in catching up with their schoolwork and preparing for matriculation exams, to keep them up to par despite their illness. The investment in the kids future gives them and their parents the hope and strength to persevere in their complicated battle with the illness. There have been very positive reverberations from families and students involved in this project. Over 300 children with cancer participated in the project this year. Preparatory and guidance meetings are held during the course of the year by ICA Central region social worker Irit Goldstein and Zehava Katz, Project Coordinator. IMPACT Project This year approx. 130 students from all over Israel participated in the Impact Project; the project makes bursaries available to these students and they in turn get involved in community service in return for the funding they have been provided. Ms. Orna Pessach, Director of Impact Foundation, is in charge of the project at the Soldier s Welfare Association. The students are assigned to cancer patients in the community or to children of families who have a child with cancer. Some of the students are placed in oncology departments in hospitals, to assist the dept. staff and to maintain direct contact with the patients. The students are assigned by regional social workers and the Project Coordinator, Social Worker Dalia Stern, maintains contact with the student and the family throughout the year. In addition to this project, there are about 90 students who enhance the well-being of patients through Shahak, Heseg and the Chief Scientist s Office, in various academic institutions throughout the country. A Computer for Every Child As part of the Computer for Every Child project, the ICA distributes dozens of PC s to children with cancer who are over the age of 9 whose families cannot afford to purchase a PC. The computers are distributed all over Israel, to enable child patients to play, study, and maintain contact with their friends Amudido Project A unique ICA-funded project under the direction of Mrs. Tal Zaltogora, continues its activity. This project has children treated at oncology departments make colorful paper mâché dolls that are built on chemotherapy infusion bag stands. Preparing the dolls eases the treatment and takes the young patients mind off the difficulty they are facing. Dolls made by children admitted at Dana Children s Hospital. 40

41 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee and teachers, even when they are confined to a bed. About 50 computers have been distributed since the beginning of the year; the project is coordinated by Social Worker Dalia Stern. Give Kids the World Project in memory of Miri Sheetrit The ICA funds a week-long vacation for families of children with advanced-stage cancer at the Give Kids the World Children s Village in Orlando Florida. The children visit parks and enjoy free admission to facilities and rides as well as additional attractions. The families have a car at their disposal as well as an English speaking escort, as required. 6 families have gone on this trip over the past year. The project is coordinated by Mrs. Frieda Kornbrut. Carriage Theater Project Through games, writing one s life story, and other activities, the Carriage Theater staff aims to alleviate the suffering of child cancer patients receiving treatments, and seeks to assist them in coping with the disease and returning to their normal life routine. This project is run at Hadassah Medical Center Ein Karem in Jerusalem, and is led by Mr. Erez Meshulam. Hannuka Activity for Children with Cancer A special fun-filled day was held on Hannuka Olympic experience of Champions at the new museum The Olympic Experience in Tel Aviv. Children who have cancer, their friends, siblings and parents took part in an adventure filled day, which included lighting the Hannuka candles, a tour of the museum and a personal demonstration delivered by Mr. Alex Shtilov, Israel s gymnastics champion who placed fourth at the 2010 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. This special day was held courtesy of the ICA and Roche Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd. Fun-filled days and performances for children with cancer sponsored by Tel-Aviv- Jaffa Municipality On Hannuka, the Tel-Aviv-Jaffa Municipality Events Dept. donated tickets for children with cancer to the Festigal show at the Mercaz Hayeridim (Exhibition Center) and Motek Shel Festival at the Nokia Hall in Tel Aviv. Additionally, the Tel-Aviv-Jaffa Municipality gave out tickets to the Luna Park during the Passover vacation. The children and their families enjoyed a fun-filled day, as well as refreshments specially prepared for them. 41

42 42 Young Adults - Embarking on Life Project The Young Adults Embarking on Life group continues to hold meetings and activities with assistance from volunteers, in collaboration with Ruah Tova Association. The group serves as a source of inspiration, strength and support crucial elements that empowering vulnerable young people who contended with cancer at the precipice of their adulthood, so that they may return to a normal young adult life. In addition to the young adults support group, led by ICA social workers throughout the year, about six trips were taken across Israel, accompanied by volunteers, and many social events were held during Jewish holidays (Hannuka and Purim parties, a Lag Ba omer camp fire and sing-along, and more). In mid-august the young adults will embark on a traditional sailing trip off the coast of Holland. This time the group was led by ICA Central Region Social Worker, Irit Goldstein, Dr. Valeria Simanisti of Rambam Health Care Campus, volunteer Mrs. Sigal Ben Zion, and Young Adult escorts, Nir Segal and Orna Feder. Continuing Education Courses, General Courses and Meetings for Professionals The ICA is an institution approved by the Ministry of Education for professional development credit (study fund). The organization finances professional continuing education courses which form an important part of ICA s activity for training professionals in treating cancer patients and their families. This targeted training in oncology-related fields is not offered in any university training program. Continuing education course for interdisciplinary palliative care staff at Kibbutz Gavim, aimed at enriching knowledge among community palliative care professionals (nurses and social

43 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee workers) moderated by Prof. Lea Baider, Head of the Psycho-Oncology Unit at Hadassah Ein Karem, and organized by ICA Head Nurse, Mrs. Ronit Ovadia. Southern Region Social Worker Mrs. Rachel Ofir accompanied the continuing education course in field work. A Primary Palliative Care Nurses and Community Health Course opened at the end of March at Beit Mati, ICA Offices in Givatayim. The aim of the course is to expand the circle of patients in palliative care, to impart knowledge in palliative care, develop communication skills with cancer patients and to strengthen ties with palliative care specialists. In September additional courses opened in the central region and in the south, for nurses on moshavim and kibbutzim (collective settlements). A three-tier course has recently opened to group moderators on Intensive Short Term Group Intervention in a Psychodynamic Approach - also known as the Train Group, moderated by Dr. Zohar Rubinstein, a clinical and organizational psychologist from Tel Aviv University. An additional course is scheduled to open in A course Fundamentals in the application of psycho-social interventions with cancer patients and their families moderated by Social Worker Margalit Drori, Head of the Strong Together Support Center in Givatayim, aimed at developing and expanding clinical knowledge and proficiencies in family intervention, assisting in understanding family-related processes and imparting practical tools to cope with crises experienced by cancer patients and their families. The course, geared toward oncology nurses opened in November 2010, and ended in March An additional course opened in September A Neck and Head Tumors Course aimed at imparting basic knowledge in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with head and neck tumors opened in October A seminar for oncology nurses entitled Innovations and Updates in Treating Pain was held in early May at Beit Mati, ICA Offices in Givatayim. Israel Psycho-Oncology Society Conferences sponsored by the ICA: A bi-annual seminar on Life after Treatment the Patient and his Family was held in early November 2010 at Beit Mati, ICA Offices in Givatayim. The seminar discussed issues such as how the disease and its treatment affect the functioning of the brain, loss of memory common in cancer patients, quality of life after cancer diagnosis, childhood cancer, the impact of prostate cancer on sexual intimacy and more. The Annual Israel Psycho-Oncology Society Conference was held in mid-march 2011 at Beit Mati, ICA Offices in Givatayim. The highlight of the conference was the arrival of Prof. Christoffer Johansen of Denmark, Head of the Dept. of Psychosocial Cancer Research and member of the Danish Psycho-Oncology Society, who delivered a lecture. His visit was sponsored by the ICA. Seminar for Medical Students from Ben-Gurion University June saw an intensive seminar attended by 50 students accompanied by Prof. Shmuel Ariad, Director of the Oncology Institute at Soroka in Be er Sehva. The participants heard lectures on throat removal rehabilitation 43

44 44 delivered by Regional Speech Therapist, Mrs. Frieda Kornbrut, ICA Sexuality Consultant Mrs. Lena Kurtz delivered a lecture on sexuality and body image, Resource Center Director Mrs. Nira Tammuz gave an overview of ICA activity, Mrs. Yonina Randler-Meller,Yad Lehachlama Coordinator, lectured on women s rehabilitation following a mastectomy, and Mrs. Dana Veder- Weiss, a Yad Lehachlama volunteer, shared her personal story with attendees, describing how she coped with breast cancer. Interest Group Meetings Meetings of ICA specialty nurses, led by Head Nurse Ronit Ovadia, were held this year as well: Palliative care nurses convened at the ICA for enriching meetings: Rabbi Binyamin David lectured on sexuality and fertility in cancer patients in the spirit of Jewish law, Mrs. Aliza Ackerstein discussed a terminally-ill patients participation in medical research studies from the perspective of the patient and the caregiver, Dr. Alex Weller, lectured on the use of cannabis among cancer patients, Dr. Eitan Nachshoni lectured on mood swings in cancer patients and end-of-life issues. Social Worker Margalit Drori, Head of the ICA Strong Together Support Center in Givatayim, also accompanied the group. The Breast Care Nurse Coordinators meeting featured Rabbi Binyamin David, who lectured on sexuality and fertility and Dr. Merav Ben David, who lectured on innovations and clinical research studies on radiation. This year the nurses meetings focused on redefining their role, and changing their title from Breast Care Coordinator to Breast Health Specialist. An application for this change was submitted to the Ministry of Health. At this year s last meeting, the nurses bid farewell to two long-time breast care coordinators. These two nurses began their professional career under the auspices and with financial support of the ICA Mrs. Pnina Gabai, Breast Health Coordinator, of Ichilov Hospital and Ms. Mira Pecker of Mt. Scopus Hospital, Jerusalem. Stoma Care Nurse Coordinators expanded their knowledge by listening to a lecture delivered by Mrs. Lena Kurtz, ICA Sexuality Consultant, on body image and self-image in health and in sickness, Mrs. Bella Algoshvilli, of Clalit Health Services and Ms. Haya Morag of Maccabi Healthcare Services presented case studies. Meetings of Radiation Nurses from all medical centers are held at Beit Mati, ICA Offices in Givatayim, moderated by Mrs. Sara Gardyn, Head Nurse, Radiation Therapy Unit at the Davidoff Comprehensive Cancer Center, Belinson Medical Center. Sexuality Interest Group led by Mrs. Lena Kurtz, ICA Sexuality Consultant, convenes nurses from all over Israel, who would like to further develop this subject in the caregiving field they are engaged in. The lectures recently held in the group discussed sex change surgery and prosthesis implant procedures, treating symptoms, and more. Additionally, communication simulations on this subject were also conducted. Similar meetings are also held for social workers who care for patients, survivors and their families across Israel; these meetings are held at the ICA Offices in Givatayim. The following meetings were held this year: The Childhood Cancer Interest Group, featuring a training forum for social workers assigned to pediatric oncology departments, moderated by

45 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Social Worker Rivka Harel, psychotherapist and a couples and family therapist. The forum consisted of three meetings throughout the course of the year, aimed at training social workers and equipping them with tools for developing personal coping strategies. The Breast Care Coordinating Social Workers Interest Group held a meeting featuring a Breast Cancer and Pregnancy workshop delivered by Dr. Tamar Karni, Senior Surgeon at Assaf Harofeh. Strong Together - ICA Support Centers For Patients, Survivors and Their Families Strong Together Center Givatayim The Strong Together Center in Givatayim celebrates a decade of activity In early January, the Support Center in Givatayim celebrated a decade of activity, at a gala event attended by Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General, the Schneider Family, Center Director, Social Worker Margalit Drory, professionals and Support Center attendees. As the event drew near, a theater group consisting of patients who are active participants in the center, formed under the direction of Social Worker Limor Regev- Peretz and Mrs. Silia Bonoit. The group performed humorous skits Confronting Life with a Smile. Additionally, a performance was delivered by Topaz Rozen and Shiri Roth, female survivors who participated in one of the center s support groups at the outset of its activity; in this performance these two women gave their own personal and moving account It s not all hopeless. Namal Hateufa (Airport), the Airports Authority Band, performed a medley of Israeli songs. This was a unique and moving evening where one could get a sense of the closeness and homey atmosphere provided by the Center. The Support Center in Givatayim has grown from several support groups and physical activity lessons in 2001 to dozens of activities including support groups, treatment workshops and diverse physical activities. 45

46 Support Groups Diverse support groups operate on a regular basis at the Support Center: a support group for patients coping with various cancer diseases, a support group for young women coping with female cancers, a support group for parents of children of school age who have cancer, a support group for families of cancer patients, and a support group for those coping with loss and bereavement. Workshops Various workshops were held over the year, namely: expression and art, Getting in touch with your Heart, Ways of Finding Meaning, coaching groups, a nature therapy workshop, a cooking class, and nutrition and healthy lifestyle workshops. A special belly dancing workshop was also held over the summer. In addition to the existing workshops, the center also hosts activities that focus on the body-mind connection, such as yoga, feldenkrais, chi kong and pilates. Lectures and Trips Monthly lectures are delivered on various topics and trips to different sites in Israel are offered. This year there were trips to the Dead Sea, the Jerusalem area and Gush Etzion, as well as Acre and the surrounding areas. Israel and Leila Alter Activity and Support Center in Jerusalem January saw the opening of the new Strong Together Support Center in Jerusalem that offers many diverse activities for patients, survivors and their families in the Jerusalem area. Meetings and Support Groups Support Groups dealing with different issues have opened at the Support Center: Women and Cancer, Loss and Bereavement, and a support group for relatives assisting cancer patients. Additionally, a special meeting devoted to various topics is held once a month for Arabic speaking patients and survivors, moderated by Social Worker Mrs. Hanan Kassem of the Oncology Center at Shaarei Zedek. Activities and Workshops The Center holds various activities on a weekly basis: Pilates, chi Kong, art therapy, ceramics, belly dancing and the list goes on and on. Every month, a cosmetician arrives to give a pampering facial to patients. Likewise, a playback workshop was held in honor of Purim, as well as a make-up workshop and a nutrition and healthy lifestyle workshop. April-May saw a Survivors for a Healthy Lifestyle workshop, in which cancer survivors participated in a series of meetings on various topics, moderated by health professionals. The workshop is held in additional branches around the country throughout the year (for more information about this project please see chapter on Rehabilitation and Welfare ). Lectures Lectures on different topics are delivered on a monthly basis: happiness combined with a laughter workshop, the importance of physical activity for patients and survivors alike. 46

47 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Inauguration Ceremony for the Israel Yaakov and Leila Alter Strong Together : Support Center and the Yitzhak Kukia Jerusalem Branch Offices At a moving ceremony held in early June, the new ICA complex in Jerusalem opened in the presence of the city s Mayor, Mr. Nir Barkat, ICA Director General, Mrs. Miri Ziv, a representative of the donor family, Mr. Emanuel Blass, Chairperson of the Jerusalem Branch, Advocate Etya Simcha, Director of the Hemato-Oncology Complex at Hadassah, Ein Karem, Prof. Dina Ben Yehuda, ICA representatives, volunteers, and many other guests. Jerusalem s Mayor, Nir Barkat, put up a mezuzah on the doorpost and commended the ICA on its activity. Barkat noted that he is proud of the ICA s activity in Jerusalem, and considers the cooperation between the Municipality and the ICA to be of extreme importance. Barkat also recounted that many families, including his own extended family, have had to cope with the pain and the treatment, while one family member is inflicted with cancer. Barkat also signed the World Cancer Declaration, calling for a global fight against cancer diseases. The inauguration of this new complex enables significant expansion of ICA activity for patients, survivors and their families in Jerusalem and the surrounding areas. The Emanuel G. Rosenblatt Strong together Activity and Support Center at Rosenfeld House, Haifa Support Groups The Haifa-based Support Center hosts diverse support groups: A Coping Group for the main caregivers who accompany the cancer patient throughout the stages of the disease. A Coping Group for relatives experiencing loss and bereavement, to help participants part ways with their loved ones and continue with life s routine. A unique holistic body-mind coping group for patients including the study of holistic skills such as: meditation, relaxation, chi kong, movement and breathing techniques, guided imagery, positive coping thoughts and art-mediated strategies. Art Workshops and Body-Mind Activities The Center holds diverse workshops: Bibliotherapy, consisting of various writing exercises, helps participants release inner emotions. Movement and dance therapy, conducted on an individual basis or in a group. Coaching for cancer survivors. Emotional Freedom Therapy techniques Focusing workshop skills Laughter Yoga 47

48 A selection of works made by the Support Center Participants in Haifa Dina Simone Shoshi Activities held at the Ruthi Vrubell (Schneider) Strong Together Support Center in Afula Support Groups for Patients A support group for cancer patients continues to run at the Center, led by social workers who assist in enhancing coping and adaptation strategies in situations of duress. Art Workshops and Body-Mind Activities This year saw diverse workshops and body-mind activities, namely: yoga, feldenkrais, hydrotherapy, belly dancing (Middle Eastern dancing), music therapy, art therapy, Tibetan bowl workshop, drawing, computers, and cooking therapy. Trips and Lectures The Center members and their families went on a trip to Lake Hula area, and toured the site accompanied by a tour guide. Additionally, they visited the Prehistoric Man Museum at Kibbutz Maayan Baruch and the Monument in memory of the IDF Helicopter Crash Victims at Kibbutz Dafna in Ilaniya. Similarly, monthly lectures are delivered on various topics related to cancer coping strategies. Support Groups The Center holds support groups for patients and their partners, as well as a support group for couples new cancer patients (who have developed the disease over the past year) and their partners, a support group for patients coping with chronic disease and a support group for couples and longtime patients. Body-Mind Workshops and Activities Diverse workshops were held over the past year, such as creative writing, psychodrama, guided imagery, yoga, movement therapy (chi kong), tai chi, feldenkrais, bone-building (bone density) exercises and enhancement of cognitive functions (Feuerstein s method). Arts and Leisure The center held many enrichment activities, such as music, drawing, computers, English, ceramics, arts and crafts, flight workshop (aeronautics) and belly dancing. Welfare activities, support groups and additional workshops are held throughout the year within the community and at ICA branches (for more information please see Chapter on Rehabilitation and Welfare, page. 28) Bat-sheva 48

49 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Edy s House Ma agan Support Center Be er Sheva In conjunction with the Israel Cancer Association The Ma agan Support Center for Cancer Patients in the Negev celebrated a decade of activity and named the Center in honor of the late Edy Freedman of blessed memory In early June, the Ma agan Center celebrated its 10 th anniversary and changed its name to the Edy s House. The Center was established thanks to a donation to the University made by Solomon and Edith Freedman of blessed memory of New York, United States, through the Poliar Foundation, in memory of Edith Freedman s parents, Benjamin and Sima Poliar, and thanks to the Israel Cancer Association, which lent assistance in equipping and operating the center since its establishment. During the 10 th anniversary celebrations, the Center changed its name to Edy s House in honor of Edith Freedman, of blessed memory, who passed away in January Mr. Sol Freedman, Edy s husband, was present at the name changing ceremony. The President of Ben-Gurion University in the Negev, Prof. Rivka Carmi, delivered greetings at the ceremony, and was joined by Beer Sheva s Mayor, Mr. Ruvik Danilovich, ICA Director General, Mrs. Miri Ziv, Prof. Miriam Cohen, former Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, a representative of the patients and others. Ma agan Center, headed by Prof. Pessach Schwartzmann, has been in operation since October 2000 in collaboration with the ICA and the Municipality of Be er Sheva; this is a center that is geared toward cancer patients from all over the Negev, Be er Sheva and the entire southern region, and their families, such that patients from Arad also frequent the center on a weekly basis. workshops, The center hosts lectures, yoga and tai chi music and art workshops, physical exercise classes, and more. There is a library, an information resource center and computer rooms for surfing the web, a play room for children whose parents participate in the center s activity, special programs and lectures for children who have cancer, and social events all in a homey atmosphere, and free of charge. Diverse activities and events are held as part of the close cooperation between the ICA and Ma agan Support Center. The meeting between patients and representatives of the National Insurance Institute in Be er Sheva, for information exchange and to clarify questions on Cancer Patient Rights, has become a local tradition. The meeting is organized by Mrs. Rachel Ofir, ICA Social worker of the southern region. 49

50 Home Care Hospice The Home Care Hospice service was established by the ICA in 1989 as Israel s first ever palliative home care service, to provide an optimal solution to advancedstage cancer patients who prefer to remain at home with their family and in a supportive environment, and to enable them to achieve a better quality of life. This service is also offered to patients receiving active oncology treatment and experiencing severe symptoms. The service operates through the Home Hospice offices located at the Friedman House Hospice at Sheba, funded and administrated by the Israel Cancer Association. This service provides care to patients who reside in the central region, within a 30 km radius of Sheba, Tel Hashomer; these are patients who suffer from severe symptoms and are in need of relief. Patients and their families are referred by different hospital departments or by community physicians, nurses and social workers who are personally acquainted with the patients; all patients undergo an admission procedure after a request for admission has been presented to the Admissions Committee via the healthcare funds. This service is operated by an interdisciplinary staff trained in coping with the complexities of the disease itself and complications deriving from treatments. The supportive home care staff is comprised of oncology nurses, physicians and social workers, under the direction of Mrs. Sari Cohen, Head Nurse and the Medical Director, Dr. Alexander Waller. The home care service boasts increased nurse and physician staffing levels at the supportive care unit over the past year: Dr. Abed Bashara joined medical staff Dr. Irit Zaltz and Dr. Vladimir Chesnin; in addition to Dr. Bashara s work as part of the Home Hospice staff, he is also participating in a clinical trial underway at the Cancer Hospice located at Sheba and at the Palliative Clinic at the Oncology Institute at Sheba. An additional social worker, Mrs. Pedut Bir joined social worker Mrs. Dalia Stern. Mrs. Iris Spivak, who successfully completed a Ministry of Health course for nurses who coordinate the medicinal use of cannabis, joined the nursing staff. This significant personnel growth has enabled the unit to increase the number of patients who benefit from its services by 100% in comparison to years gone by. The end of July saw a visit of nurses from Thailand who arrived to get an impression of the nature of the activity and work conducted at the Home 50

51 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Hospice service in Israel. The special visit reinforced the desire for collaboration in the future as well. The Home Hospice staff continues to guide palliative care trainees during all stages of their study, and continues to actively participate in course delivered to community nurses who engage in palliative care and who are enrolled in a course for palliative nurses. Moreover, some of the staff is involved in the steering committee of a research study on Sexuality among Terminally Ill Patients. The Home Hospice staff continues to serve as a clinical field for nurses studying in the post-basic oncology course. The staff consults guides and supports community nurses and also continues to collaborate with interdisciplinary staff in the community. From August 2010 to July 2011, the Home Hospice has cared for 250 patients referred from all healthcare funds. The Sir Charles Clore Hostel The Sir Charles Clore Hostel was established by the ICA in 1976, with the help of a generous contribution made by Sir Charles Clore of blessed memory. The ICA-operated Hostel is located in Givatayim, adjunct to the ICA offices, Beit Mati, in a building encompassing a lovely garden. The building recently underwent renovations for the welfare of Hostel patients, with financial assistance from the Clore Foundation, headed by Dame Vivien Duffield, Sir Charles Clore s daughter. The Hostel admits cancer patients who receive treatment at oncology institutes at hospitals located in the central region. The volunteers accompany the patients daily to one of three medical facilities in the central region (Sourasky, Sheba, Assuta or Beilinson). The patients receive oncology treatment and return to the Hostel every day, where they are provided with professional and dedicated oncology nursing care, as well as diverse rehabilitation and welfare activities. The Clore Hostel caregiving staff, headed by Mrs. Roma Luria, possesses vast experience in palliative care as well as skills to assist in a wide range of complications that arise in oncology nursing care. The nurses maintain regular contact with physicians attending to patients at oncology institutes and within community settings, and treat all complications arising from treatment. About 800 patients were treated at the Hostel from August 2010 until the end of July 2011, similar to last year s figures. 51 A crochet/knitters club was organized under the supervision of Ms. Zila Perry, a Hostel patient. Pictured in the photo crocheted pieces made at the club. A moving make-up session was held for Hostel patients as part of the Look Good Feel Better project.

52 Early January saw an informative meeting on patient rights and services at the Hostel. At the meeting, led by Central Region social worker, Irit Goldstein, a discussion was held with the Hostel residents about their rights and needs. The participants were updated on various community and ICA services, and received a personal and quick response to their questions; if necessary, they were referred to a contact person who could be of assistance. The Hostel residents celebrated Hannuka with a group of adolesents of HaNoar HaOved VeHaLomed (Federation of Working Youth) Youth Movement, Givatayim branch. The youth lit candles, sang Hannuka songs and distributed sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) provided by the Buaron Family, relatives of one the Hostel residents. An uplifting Purim party was held on Purim with grade 4-i students from Amit School in Modi in, accompanied by homeroom teacher Mrs. Zippi Levi, and a group of parents, who came to lift the spirits of the Hostel residents. This noteworthy endeavor was initiated last year by the school s pupils who enthusiastically orchestrated this celebration once again this year. The Hostel patients gathered in the Cultural Hall, where they rejoiced and enjoyed a performance delivered by the students, who spared no effort to invest in costumes and content. As the party wound down, the students distributed personal food baskets (misholoach manot) to each resident along with large and colorful hand-made parchment scrolls (the Book of Esther) that they themselves designed. Kudos to Mrs. Shula Zak, Chairperson of the ICA Modi in Branch, the driving spirit behind this moving initiative. Seminars and Conferences 52 Israel Association of Midwives and Gynecology (Jerusalem) Conference The end of September saw a regional conference of the Israel Association of Midwives and Gynecology at the Inbal Hotel in Jerusalem. The conference opened with greetings delivered by Chairman of the Association s Jerusalem Branch, Dr. Ariel Ravel. A special session was devoted to breast cancer updates for gynecologists, and discussed subjects such as imaging, types of surgery used to treat breast cancer, and genetically personalized medicine. The ICA Director General, Mrs. Miri Ziv, opened the session with a brief overview of ICA breast cancer activity. The First Israeli Oncosexology Seminar in conjunction with the Israel Cancer Association The first ever Israeli Oncosexology Seminar, sponsored by the International Society for Sexuality, and the Israel Society for Sex Therapy, in collaboration with the Israel Cancer Association, was held in early November at Yad Hashemona Hotel. Lectures and workshops were delivered by Dr. Woet Gianotten, one of the founders of the International Society for Oncosexology, a physician, psychotherapist and sexologist boasting 25 years of experience, and an expert in sexual rehabilitation of oncology patients and patients with disabilities. The seminar aimed to enrich knowledge and therapeutic capacities among professionals attending to cancer patients

53 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee sexual health and who provide treatments that impact sexuality. Seminar on Sexuality and Fertility after Bone Marrow Transplants for Health Professionals This seminar was held at the end of December at Beit Mati, ICA Headquarters in Givatayim, under the direction of Mrs. Lena Kurtz, ICA Oncology Nurse and Sexuality Therapist. The seminar featured fascinating lectures such as Graft-versus-host Disease (GVHD) and more. Dr. Yeshurun Moshe, Dr. Ahinoam Lev Sagi, Prof. Dror Meirov and the event moderator delivered lectures at the meeting. The seminar closed with a personal account and a discussion featuring the lecturers. Annual Conference of the Israeli Society for Clinical Oncology and Radiation Therapy (ISCORT) Early January saw the 10 th Annual Conference of the Israeli Society for Clinical Oncology and Radiation Therapy. This year the conference focused on malignancies in women. Breast cancer was the focal issue at the various meetings, and controversial subjects were also discussed, such as minimizing radiation therapy in breast cancer and complementary treatment for endometrial and uterine cancer. The conference featured lectures and seminars on topical issues, and local and international research studies were presented. Lectures were also delivered by internationally renowned experts. This year, ICA Director General, Mrs. Miri Ziv, presented awards to two outstanding specialists: Dr. Raya Leibovitz- Amit, of Sheba, in recognition of and appreciation for her professional work as a physician and as an outstanding investigator and for her humanitarian approach in patient care; and to Dr. Orit Kedar-Parson, of Rambam Medical Center, in recognition of and appreciation for her outstanding clinical skills, professional dedication, diligence, wonderful interpersonal relations with patients and her promising academic research efforts. Likewise, ISCORT awarded Miri Ziv with a special gold medal, marking ISCORT s 10 th anniversary, for her outstanding contribution to the Society s activities. Seminar on cancer treatment that can cause heart damage: damage mechanisms, damage estimation, prevention and treatment A seminar on cancer treatment that can cause heart damage was held in early January at Beit Mati, ICA offices in Givatayim, in conjunction with the Oncology Society, the Israel Heart Society, the Israeli Working Group on Heart Muscle and Pericardial Diseases, and the Israeli Working Group on Ecocardiography. Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General delivered the opening address of the conference. Diverse subjects were discussed, namely the impact of chemotherapy and biological treatments on the heart, advanced methodology for evaluating cardiac function, cardiac monitoring and treatment for patients receiving chemotherapy, and case studies were presented. The conference was sponsored by Medison Pharmaceuticals. Conference on Sexuality in Sickness and in Health at Rambam A conference was held on Sexuality in Sickness and in Health at Rambam. The conference discussed diverse aspects of sexuality, such as the impact of cancer treatments on sexual 53

54 function, sexual function disorders in patients with chronic pain, and results of a survey on nurses attitudes towards sexuality were also presented. Mrs. Lena Kurtz, ICA Sexuality Consultant, also spoke at the conference. Seminar for Professionals on the Implications of Cancer on Child and Adolescent Sexuality (ages 11-18) In mid-february, a seminar for professionals on the Implications of Cancer on Child and Adolescent Sexuality between the ages of 11 and 18, was held at Beit Mati, ICA offices in Givatayim. The seminar was held under the initiative and direction of Mrs. Lena Kurtz, ICA Sexuality Consultant, and Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General, delivered opening remarks. The seminar featured lectures on related topics, such as the Implications of Cancer on Physiological Sexual Development in Young People, Coping Emotionally, and more, delivered by Dr. Roni Shtarkeshel, Dr. Fuad Azam, Social Worker Dina Elad and Dr. Monique Peretz. The day concluded with a question and answer panel featuring the seminar experts. 16 th Tmicha Association - the Israeli Association of Palliative Care Seminar Early February saw the 16th Annual Tmicha Association Seminar on Palliative Care in Israel, held at the Conference Center at Airport City. The conference discussed many issues related to palliative care in Israel, such as psycho-social aspects and attending to the cancer patient s family, developing palliative care services, palliative care research and education, balancing symptoms, nutritional support, sexuality at end of life, legal aspects, medical cannabis as a form of treatment for oncology patients, and more. Annual Conference of the Israel Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology The end of March saw the Annual Conference of the Israel Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology in Neve Ilan. The conference featured four guest lectures delivered by overseas experts, sponsored in part by the Israel Cancer Association: Dr. Blanche Alter, of the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics Institute of the National Cancer Institute, Dr. Maria Domenica Cappellini, Chief of the Hereditary Anaemia Center of Milan Italy, and Dr. David Malkin, Paediatric Hematologist of the Oncology Fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto Canada. ICA Director General, Mrs. Miri Ziv wished Dr. Nili Remo and Prof. Ian Cohen well in their retirement, and presented ICA awards to two outstanding specialists: Dr. Shulamit Barzilai Barbenboim and Dr. Michal Manisterski. The awards were presented to them for their outstanding work and their ongoing contribution to the field of pediatric hematology in Israel. Seminar toward the implementation of the National Protocol for Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Israel (ALL-INS 2010) Early April saw a seminar at Beit Mati, ICA offices in Givatayim, in preparation for the implementation of the National Protocol this year. The seminar provided participants with a brief history on international and national infrastructure deployment for the current protocol and how it differs from its predecessors. Lectures were delivered on lab tests to diagnose leukemia and detect high risk groups, treatment and its objectives, monitoring and follow up, treatment complications and palliative care. The seminar concluded with discussion on organizational matters, reporting and communication between hospitals and centers in Israel and abroad. 54

55 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee ICA Annual Conference on Breast and Prostate Cancer Updates Early April saw ICA s annual conference on breast and prostate cancer updates, at the Leonardo City Tower Hotel in Ramat Gan, with hundreds of health professionals in attendance. The conference was held in conjunction with the Israeli Society for Clinical Oncology and Radiation Therapy, the Israel Association of Family Physicians, the Israel Society of Breast Diseases and the Israeli Urologic Oncology Association. Opening remarks were delivered by Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General, Prof. Shlomo Winker, Chairman of the Israel Family Physicians Association, Prof. Ofer Merimsky, Chairman of the Israeli Society for Clinical Oncology and Radiation Therapy, Prof. Reuven Orda, Chairman of the Israel Society of Breast Diseases and Dr. Zohar Dotan, Chairman of the Urologic Oncology Association. This was followed by five sessions: two sessions that discussed breast cancer updates, two that discussed prostate cancer updates and the last session that discussed case studies. The seminar was organized by MEDICAL expo. Northern Israel Annual Pediatric Oncology Meeting Early May saw the Northern Israel Annual Pediatric Oncology Meeting held at Rambam Healthcare Campus, headed by Prof. Myriam Ben Arush, in conjunction with the Israel Cancer Association, the Middle East Cancer Consortium (MECC) and the Technion Faculty of Medicine. The conference focused on germ cell tumors in children and adolescents and was attended by two guests of honor from abroad; Chair, International Society for Pediatric Oncology, Dr. Gabriele Calaminus of Germany, whose travel expenses were financed by the ICA, Prof. Dr. Rejin Kebudi of Turkey, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Istanbul University, who also serves as President of the Turkish Pediatric Oncology Group in her native country. The conference discussed various topics related to germ cell tumors, such as surgical approach, radiation treatments, fertility complications, etc. from right to left: Prof. Kebudi, Prof. Ben Arush, who initiated this conference, and Dr. Calaminus, Photographer: Peuter fliter Supplementary Training in Disease-related Data Collection Systems in conjunction with the Middle East Cancer Consortium (MECC) Early May saw supplementary training in diseaserelated data collection systems for head-neck cancer, held at Beit Mati, ICA offices in Givatayim, as part of the existing collaboration between the ICA and the Israel Center for Disease Control and the National Cancer Registry of the Ministry of Health. Lectures were delivered on epidemiology of head-neck cancer, risk factors, diagnosis and follow-up, pathology, and surgical approach, and head-neck cancer treatment updates and innovations. Mrs. Yehudit Fishler of the Ministry of Health coordinates the training sessions each year with great dedication. Eighth Annual Workshop Conference for the Prevention, Treatment and Accompaniment of Cancer Patients and their Families Mid May saw the Seventh Annual Workshop Conference for the Prevention, Treatment and Accompaniment of Cancer patients and their Families, held at the Cultural Center in Ness Ziona. This conference is held annually under the auspices of the Israeli Association of Family Physicians, and 55

56 56 the Family Medicine Dept. of Tel Aviv University in conjunction with the Israel Cancer Association. This year the conference highlighted Dilemmas and Challenges Facing the Family Physician in Treatment and Caregiving for Patients of Advanced Age, and was dedicated in the memory of Dr. Erica Harel of blessed memory. The conference opened with a panel that discussed the topic and consisted of two workshops: decision making, and side effects of cancer treatment in very elderly patients, and how to cope with these phenomena. The Institute of Pathology at Sheba Medical Center hosts Prof. Ira J. Bleiweiss of New York Early June saw a unique event at the Institute of Pathology at Sheba, held in conjunction with the Israel Society of Breast Diseases and the Israel Cancer Association; this meeting hosted Prof. Ira J. Bleiweiss, a breast pathology and oncology expert from Mt. Sinai in New York. This meeting consisted of two sessions, the first session was dedicated to the Multi- Disciplinary Forum and the second session, held in the Institute of Pathology laboratory, reviewed unique pathological cases, which were presented by the participants. At the first session opening remarks were delivered by Prof. Iris Bareshek, Director of the Institute of Pathology at Sheba, and Dr. Tanir Allweis, Chair of the Israel Society of Breast Diseases. This was followed by a lecture delivered by Prof. Ira J. Bleiweiss on breast surgeries and breast pathology in a new era. The meeting was sponsored by Roche Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd. and Gamidor Ltd. Annual Seminar of the Israel Oncology Nursing Association Mid-June saw the annual seminar of the Israel Oncology Nursing Association at Airport City. The seminar was divided into six sessions that discussed diverse fields related to oncology nursing, such as radiation treatments, nutrition for cancer patients, cancer treatment and rehabilitation, palliative care, family support and quality of life, integrating spiritual guidance in nursing, community oncology, and more. The seminar opened with a report on the Association s activity, introductory lectures, and the presentation of two awards for outstanding achievement granted by the ICA, presented by Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General. One award, presented for the development of a new service, was awarded to Mrs. Zipi Fuchs and to Mrs. Yael Stern of the Rabin, and an additional award for oncology nursing research was presented to Mrs. Sirat Abu Hamid of Sheba. The third session, which discussed cancer survivors, opened with a lecture delivered by Prof. Eliezer Robinson, Chairman of the ICA: Cancer Survivorship Past, Present, Future. Moving Tribute to the Public Umbilical Cord Blood Banks in Israel held at Knesset (Israeli Parliament) Marking the approval of the standards regulating the legislation of the Public Umbilical Cord Blood Law in Israel and the collection of 25,000 units of umbilical cord blood enabling the preservation of 8,000 units of blood available for saving lives, the very first tribute to the Public Umbilical Cord Blood Banks was held at the Knesset. At this event, the Knesset paid tribute to all those involved in this noteworthy activity, in the presence of the Knesset Chairman, MK Reuven (Rubi) Rivlin, Deputy Minister of Health, MK Rabbi Yaakov Litzman, Chairman of the Labor, Welfare and Health Committee, MK Chaim Katz, MK Zeev Bielski, heads of academic instituions, physicians and experts specializing in this field, patients who received cord-blood stem cell transplants and cord-blood donors. MK Zeev Bielski, who endeavored a great deal to have this law enacted, and Prof. Ayelet Shinar, Director of the Magen David Adom Public Cord-Blood Bank presented a certificate of appreciation to the ICA for its support for this noteworthy project.

57 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Conferences of the Israel Society of Breast Diseases in conjunction with the Israel Cancer Association Scientific Meeting of the Urologic Oncology Association The end of July saw a scientific meeting of the Urologic Oncology Association at Beit Mati, ICA offices in Givatayim. The meeting opened with greetings delivered by Dr. Ofer Yosefovitz, Chairman of the Association, followed by lectures on several topics such as different approaches to taking prostate biopsies, HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound), treating radiation damage and other subjects. A guest lecture was delivered by Dr. Scott E. Eggener, of the University of Chicago, United States, on active follow up and targeted treatment. This meeting was sponsored by Astra-Zenica and Novartis. The end of November 2010 saw the Society s annual meeting at the Royal Dead Sea Hotel. The meeting opened with greetings delivered by Prof. Reuven Orda, Chairman of the Israel Society of Breast Diseases. The conference was divided into three days, with each session focusing on various fields related to breast cancer. The highlight was the participation of lecturers Prof. Vered Stern of the John Hopkins Medical Institute, Baltimore on Neoadjuvant Therapy State of the art ; Prof. Giuseppe Viala of the European Institute of Oncology in Milan, who lectured on Senitel Lymph Node Evaluation, and Prognostic and Predictive Factors; and Prof. Umberto Veronesi, Head of the European Institute of Oncology in Milan, who lectured on Paradigms in breast cancer. Additional subjects discussed at the conference were: Perspectives on MRI, Oncoloplastic Breast Surgery, Monitoring for Early Detection Breast Cancer in Women, Quality of Life and Longevity following breast cancer treatment and more. The conference concluded with a round table discussion on breast cancer and pregnancy. A professional meeting of the Israel Society of Breast Diseases was held in early April at Beit Mati, ICA offices in Givatayim, moderated by Dr. Michael Kurtz, of Soroka. The meeting opened with greetings delivered by Prof. Reuven Orda, outgoing Chairman of the Israeli Society of Breast Diseases, and a guest lecture delivered by Prof. W.D. Stein of the United States, on Extending Treatment of Breast Tumors with ixabepilone might lead to enhanced patient survival. This was followed by a discussion on Is underarm lymph node removal still justified following the diagnosis of an infected sentinel lymph node? with Dr. Tanir 57

58 Allweis, Prof. Shlomo Shneibaum, and Dr. Irena Jabliuk participating. The day concluded with chairmanship elections. An additional professional meeting of the Israeli Society of Breast Diseases dedicated to Oncoplastics and Breast Cancer was held in early July at Beit Mati, ICA offices in Givatayim. The meeting opened with greetings delivered by Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General and Dr. Tanir Allweis, Chairperson of the Israeli Society of Breast Diseases. The meeting featured a discussion on oncoplastic surgery, nipple preservation and new breast surgical techniques. Towards the end of the meeting, the participants received global news from the ASCO conference. Summer meeting of the Group was held in May at Beit Mati, ICA offices in Givatayim, coordinated by Prof. Uzi Beller, Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Shaarei Zedek. A scientific exhibition was held with discussions on molecular genetics, pathology, new research studies on uterine malignancies, uterine sarcoma pathology grading, adjuvant chemotherapy for women with high risk early stage endometrial cancer. Meetings of the Gynecological Oncology Group Winter meeting of the Group on: The interrelationship between malignancies, pregnancy prevention and fertility control was held in February at Beit Mati, ICA offices in Givatayim. The meeting focused on the relationship between malignant tumors and pregnancy prevention and fertility control, and lectures were delivered on this topic, such as the relationship between fertility treatments and malignancies, oral contraceptive use and malignancies, fertility preserving surgery in cervical cancer and germ cell tumors, and preserving ovarian reserve in gynecological malignancies. 58

59 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Professional Training Encouraging participation of oncology departments in international EORTC clinical research studies In view of the fact that precise data and proper conclusions are derived from broad-based research studies, the ICA encourages Israeli centers to participate in international clinical research conducted under the aegis of the EORTC (the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer). As an appendage of a large-scale project, some of the centers participating in high level clinical research studies maintain high standard quality control. Prof. A. Kuten is a member of the Steering Committee of the EORTC Radiotherapy Group. This year the ICA continues to support the participation of Oncology Departments in EORTC Radiotherapy Group activities with the aim of encouraging them to participate in European clinical research. The ICA supports the participation of research students and interns in the annual conference of the Cancer Biology Research Center. The ICA finances the purchase of professional literature and scientific journals for oncology departments in medical centers throughout the country. Thanks to this project, new and up to date information is available to professionals. Likewise, the ICA Information Center is a resource available to professionals, where they may conduct a search of international computer databases. Clinical Research Project The ICA continues to fund basic or clinical research projects conducted by oncology department interns at oncology institutes with the aim of encouraging research work in these settings. This year s grant recipients were: Dr. Rinat Bernstein, Sourasky Clinical Project on: Correlation between ERCCI expression and treatment response in women with metastatic triple negative breast cancer, treated by platinum-based regimens. Dr. Keren Cohen, Oncology Institute of the Shaarei Zedek Clinical project in palliative care, led by Prof. Nathan Cherney. Dr. Damian Orban, Sheba Oncology Institute participation in a prestigious course delievered at FLIMS on the Process of Developing a Clinical Trial Protocol. Dr. Noa Shani-Shrem, Soroka - participation in a workshop on the development of a zebrafish melanoma model in Edinburgh, Scotland. Dr. Mark Shilkrot, Rambam Institute of Oncology - advanced study course on clinical and lab radiotherapy at the Cancer Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Dr. Rinat Yerushalmi, Rabin, Belinson Campus Development of the Productive Parameter GRP87 to chemically treat breast cancer. 59

60 60 Travel Grants for Short-Term Advanced Study Abroad Mrs. Alder-Buk Anat, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University conference on New Characteristics and Horizons in Cancer Research scheduled for November 2011 in Lucerne, Switzerland. Dr. Ash Shifra, Pediatric Hemato-oncology Dept., Schneider Children s - application for a travel grant for the International Society of Pediatric Oncology conference held in October 2010 in Boston, United States. Dr. Bardruma Rachel, Oncology Dept. at Rambam European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology 11th Congress on Physics and Radiation Technology for Clinical Radiotherpay, held in June 2011 in London, England. Mrs. Ben-Ari Anat, Radiotherapy Institute at Soroka course on IGRT techniques and practical implementation, scheduled for November 2011 in Amsterdam, Holland. Mrs. Ben-Gal Yael, Pediatric Oncology, Schneider Children s - SIOP Conference held in October 2011 in New Zealand. Mrs. Cohen Maya, Urology Dept., Rabin Medical Center, Belinson Campus European Oncology Nursing Conference held in March 2011 in Vienna, Austria. Mrs. Dadosh Ruth, Radiotherapy Dept. at Hadassah, Ein Karem ESTRO course held in March 2011 in Athens, Greece. Mrs. Doreen Mira, Oncology Institute, Sheba ESTRO course held in March 2011 in Italy. Mrs. Doreen Mira, Oncology Institute, Sheba - ESTRO course held in March 2011, in Italy. Dr. Felder Shira, Oncology Institute Sheba ESTRO course held in June 2011 in London, Britain. Mrs. Granot Hila, Oncology Institute at Sheba ESTRO course on Dosimetry held in October 2011 in Portugal. Mrs. Kodsizda Azizala, Oncology Home Care Service Unit, Clalit Health Services Palliative Conference, held November 2011, in Budapest, Hungary. Dr. Kondel Yulia, Oncology Institute at Davidoff Center course on new technologies in radiotherapy held in March 2011 in Las Vegas, United States. Dr. Kraus, Aviva Hana, Pediatric Hemato-oncology Dept. at Schneider Children s Annual Bone Marrow Transplants Conference held in April 2011 in Paris, France. Mrs. Lev Shulamit, Orthopedic Oncology Dept., Tel Aviv advanced course study on supporting adolescent cancer patients and their families, held in September 2011 in Memphis Tennessee, United States. Dr. Lutzek Miroslav, Oncology Institute, Rambam, Multi-disciplinary Cancer Congress held in September 2011 in Stockholm, Sweden. Mrs. Ohayon Regina, Oncology and Home Care Unit, Clalit Health Care Services - Palliative Care Conference November, in Budapest, Hungary.

61 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Dr. Peres Weinstock Debby, Shalvata School, Raanana and Maccabi Healthcare Services advanced course study in Palliative Psychiatry scheduled for February 2012 in California San Diego Hospice, United States. Mrs. Porat Iris, Pediatric Hemato-oncology Dept. at Rambam Annual Bone Marrow Transplant Conference held in April 2011 in Paris, France. Mr. Seberdlov Yaakov, Pediatric Hematooncology Dept., Schneider Children s Medical Center Annual Bone Marrow Transplants Conference held in April 2011 in Paris, France. Mrs. Tonin Rina, Nursing School, Hadassah Medical Center, Ein Karem Fifth Pan-Pacific Nursing Conference and Seventh Nursing Symposium on Cancer Care held in September 2011 in Hong Kong. Dr. Wolf Ido, Oncology Dept. Sheba Medical Center AACR conference held in April Travel Grants for Long- Term Advanced Study Dr. Galinski-Tzoref Dalia, Oncology Dept., Hadassah - long-term advanced study course on Gynecology and Palliative Care in Toronto Canada. Dr. Nesher Lior, Dept. of Internal Medicine Heh, Soroka advanced study course on Joint Replacement in Toronto, Canada. Dr. Peretz-Avraham Galit, Hemato-oncology Dept., Soroka - long-term advanced study course on Bone Marrow Transplants from a Donor in Portland, Oregon, United States. Dr. Reshef Avi, Dept. of Surgery B, Sheba Medical Center, long-term advanced study course on Colon and Rectal Cancer, in Ohio, United States. Dr. Sela Eyal, Ear Nose and Throat Dept., Carmel - long-term advanced study course on Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology in Montreal, Canada. Dr. Tal Hadar, General Surgery Dept., Hadassah, Ein Karem long-term advanced study course on Breast Surgical Oncology in Washington, Untied States. Dr. Weiss Israel, Orthopedics Dept. Sheba, long-term advanced study course on Orthopedic Oncology in Houston, Texas. Invitations to Guest Lecturers from Abroad Dr. Shlomit Perry, Israel Psycho-oncology Association, initiated the invitation of Prof. Christoffer Johansen of Denmark to lecture at the seminar of the Psycho-oncology Association, March Prof. Johansen delivered two lectures: Psychosocial Problems During the Cancer Trajectory and The Burden of Cancer Survivorships. Dr. Miri Sklair, Breast Imaging Unit, Sheba Medical Center, initiated the invitation of Dr. Thomas Stavros of the United States who is an international expert on Breast Ultrasound, to lecture at the 2 nd Joint US-Israel Breast Imaging Update held in July 2011.Dr. Stavros delivered several lectures on this subject, such as the Anatomy of the Breast, Evaluating Nipple Discharge, Complicated Breast Tumors, and more. 61

62 62 Dr. Efrat Dagan and Dr. Dorit Pud, Nursing Dept, Haifa University, initiated the invitation of Dr. Andrea Marie Barsevick to lecture at the conference on Challenges in Research and Treatment in Complicated Health Care Situations, March Prof. Myriam Ben-Harush, Chairperson of the Society of Pediatric Hematology Oncology initiated the invitation of Dr. Blanche Alter of the United States to lecture at the Annual Pediatric Hematology Oncology Conference, March Dr. Alter delivered two lectures on : Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes: Benign Feature, and Inherited Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes: Malignancy. Dr. Daniel Duek, Chairman of the Israel Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery, initiated the invitation of Dr. Stanley M. Goldberg of the United States to lecture on What s New in the Management of FISTULA-IN-ANO at the Annual Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery Conference in October Prof. Myriam Ben-Harush initiated the invitation of Prof. Gabriele Calaminus of Germany to lecture at the Northern Israel Annual Pediatric Oncology Meeting held by the Pediatric Hematology Oncology Dept. at Rambam Medical Center, May Prof. Calaminus delivered two lectures on germinal tumors (in and outside the brain). Support for Professional Conferences Dr. Roberto Einbinder, Family Medicine Dept., Clalit Healthcare Services, Central Region, requested financial support for the 8 th Annual Conference for the Prevention of Cancer Morbidity and Mortality, held in May 2011 in Ness Ziona. The Israel Cancer Association supported the International GENOMEL Research Consortium, a unique project that monitors the human genome, held in May 2011 (for additional information, please see the Chapter on Public Information and Education ). The Israel Cancer Association supported the 3 rd Annual Conference of the Israel Society for Cancer Research (ISCR) held at the end of May 2011 (for additional information please see the Chapter on Research ). Prof. Nadir Arber, Director of the Integrated Center for the Diagnosis and Prevention of Cancer at Tel Aviv, requested financial support for the Annual Conference of the Cancer Biology Research Center, held in September 2011 in Safed. Summer Grants The ICA continues its summer grants program for medical students at oncology institutes. This year s grant recipients were: Maayan Pollak, received a grant for a summer program at the Oncology Institute at Soroka, Be er Sheva. Neta Geva, received a grant for a summer program at the Oncology Institute at Soroka, Be er Sheva. Oded Yaakovi, received a grant for a summer program at the Oncology Institute at Sheba, Tel Hashomer. Omer Shwartzman, received a grant for a summer program at the Oncology Institute at Sheba, Tel Hashomer. Idan Barzilai, received a grant for a summer program at the Oncology Institute at Sheba, Tel Hashomer.

63 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Badarna Hiba, received a grant for a summer program at the Oncology Institute at Rambam, Haifa. Nir Noimark, received a grant for a summer program at the Oncology Institute at Rambam, Haifa. Mr. Ivgeny Plotkin, received a grant for a summer program at the Oncology Institute at Shaarei Zedek, Jerusalem. Awards This year the ICA presented annual awards to physicians and nurses who care for cancer patients and demonstrate professionalism in their work and outstanding interpersonal relationship skills with their patients. The relevant professional associations select the award recipients who in turn receive the award at the specific association s annual conference. The 2011 ICA award winners were: The Israeli Oncology Nursing Society: An award for developing a service for cancer patient groups was presented to Mrs. Zippi Fuchs and Mrs. Yael Stern of Rabin Medical Center. An award for promoting nursing through research was presented to Mrs. Sirat Abu Hamid of Sheba. The Israel Society of Pediatric Hematology Oncology Two outstanding researcher awards were presented to Dr. Shulamit Barzilai Barenboim and Dr. Michal Manistersky for their outstanding work and their ongoing contribution in the area of pediatric hematology oncology. The Israeli Society for Clinical Oncology and Radiation Therapy (ISCORT) The outstanding specialist awards were presented to: Dr. Raya Leibovitch-Amit, of Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, in appreciation for her professional work as an outstanding physician and investigator and for her humanitarian approach to her patients. Dr. Orit Keidar-Parson of Rambam Medical Center in appreciation for outstanding clinical skills, dedication, diligence, wonderful interpersonal relations with patients and her promising researchacademic efforts. 63

64 International Conferences Annual Conference of the European Coalition against Breast Cancer (Europa Donna) in Milan, Italy Mrs. Sara Brum, a long-time ICA Yad Lehachlama (Reach to Recovery) volunteer, and a member of the Israeli Forum of Europa Donna, represented the organization at the Annual Conference of the European Coalition against Breast Cancer, held at the end of September in Italy. The conference featured lectures on fascinating topics: Dr. Peter B. Dean of Finland reported on a Swedish research study that recorded a 43% decline in mortality thanks to mammography screening, Dr. Carlo La Vecchia of Italy lectured on the impact of lifestyle on breast cancer and more. Likewise, joint workshops were held on how to work towards eradicating the health inequality prevailing between different European countries in all that concerns treatments and services offered to breast cancer patients, and additionally, presentations were delivered about activities to improve public awareness, and the list goes on and on. At the workshop, Sara presented activities conducted in Israel to heighten public awareness of breast cancer, namely: seminars for women recovering from breast cancer and young breast cancer patients, art projects, Comprehensive Breast Health Centers, and the Mobile Mammography Vehicle, that helps narrow the gaps in mammography screening compliance between central regions and the periphery of Israel, and more. The 11 th Annual Northern Israel Oncology Conference Joint ISCORT-AROME Symposium on Personalized Therapy of Breast Cancer and Cancer of the Head & Neck Early February saw the 11 th Annual Northern Israel Oncology Conference held in Haifa. As every year, hundreds of participants attended the conference, including nurses, technicians, physicists, welfare workers, physicians and leading Israeli and international research scientists, hailing even from the Palestinian Authority. The conference featured enriching lectures delivered by the top local and global experts on focused and personalized therapy of breast cancer and cancer of the head & neck. The annual conference was initiated by Prof. Abraham Kuten Director, Division of Oncology, Rambam Health Care Campus, and was sponsored by the ICA, the Technion Faculty of Medicine, the Israeli Society for Clinical Oncology and Radiation Therapy (ISCORT) and the Rambam Health Care Campus. The conference took place in conjunction with AROME (Association of Radiotherapy and Oncology of the Middle Eastern Area) an organization established five years ago that assembles oncology experts from 21 countries of the Middle East and the surrounding region. Prof. Kuten, who also serves as a member of the Executive Committee of AROME, represents Israel in this organization. 12 members of the Executive Committee participated at the conference, among them the organization s President, Prof. Yazid Belkacemi of Monaco. 64

65 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee. Mrs Miri Zvi, ICA Director General, has been chosen by the American Cancer Society (ACS) to serve as Global Cancer Ambassador to support the fight against cancer Prof. Abaham Kuten,Photo credit: Pyoter Fliter Second US-Israel Breast Imaging Update Mid-July saw the Second US-Israel Breast Imaging Update. This unique conference, held for the second time under the initiative of Prof. Rachel F. Brem of the U.S. and organized by Dr. Miri Sklair-Levy, Director of the Breast Imaging Unit at Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, was aimed at expanding the knowledge of radiologists and imaging technicians regarding the diagnosis of benign and malignant breast tumors. The conference featured enriching lectures on this topic, using ultrasound to evaluate solid tumors, guidelines on how to use the MRI, and more. The ICA sponsored the participation of Dr. A. Thomas Stavros, Medical Director and Senior Radiologist of the University of Colorado, U.S. Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General and member of the Executive Committee of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) has been chosen to serve as a Global Cancer Ambassador by the American Cancer Society (ACS). September 2011 saw a High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) (including cancer) of the UN General Assembly in New York, attended by heads of state, dignitaries, and leaders from across the globe. The aim of the meeting was to set global policy guidelines for contending with these diseases - a golden opportunity to make cancer a global priority. Mrs. Miri Ziv was chosen by virtue of her activity as ICA Director General and in view of the fact that she has initiated and served as the driving force behind the implementation of projects advancing the fight against cancer in Israel. Additionally, Miri suffered the loss of both her son and brother, who 65

66 succumbed to cancer. While preparing for the special UN meeting, Miri Ziv represented Israel at an unprecedented event held in New York in June that was organized by the American Cancer Society and orchestrated by cancer survivors and activists. This meeting was held to put a face on the global cancer burden and engage the UN and its member states in addressing the global cancer issue. Upon the approach of the event, under the slogan: We Can, We Should, We Will Conquer Cancer, the ACS invited 80 inspirational Global Ambassadors from around the world who have a compelling story to tell about how the disease is affecting their countries, their lives and their families. Additional meetings were held at the UN so that the different delegations could encourage their governments to lend support on a global scale to the fight against these diseases. ICA Ministry of Health Director General, Prof. Roni Gamzu, invited Mrs. Ziv to join the delegation to be led by acting Minister of Health, Rabbi Yaakov Litzman. Prof. Eliezer Robinson, ICA Chairman, was granted two international appointments: the only off-shore member of the ASCO Cancer Survivorship Committee and a member of THE ASCO POST Editorial Advisory Board Prof. Eliezer Robinson, ICA Chairman, was appointed to serve as member of the ASCO Cancer Survivorship Committee (The American Society of Clinical Oncology), the only non-american member of this Committee. Additionally, Prof. Robinson was invited to serve as a member of the International Editorial Advisory Board of the ASCO POST published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology. This is a prestigious journal for oncology professionals who treat the disease from different professional angles. The ICA is proud of Prof. Robinson s many achievements and commends him on his appointments that will lead the Israeli healthcare system and the world on the path to enhanced healthcare services for cancer patients and survivors. From right to left Ann Lise Ryel CO Norwegian Cancer Society, Princess Nikky of Nigeria of the Breast Cancer Foundation and Miri Ziv, ICA Director General Miri Ziv with the Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Mr. Ron Prosor, who, only several days after being appointed to this important position, took the time to meet with Miri, along with Consul Mrs. Shuli Davidovitch, who undertook to do their utmost to promote this issue. 66 Prof. Robinson

67 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Research Each year, the ICA awards dozens of fellowship grants to physicians in medical centers and to scientists in research institutes and universities throughout the country. This involves basic, clinical and epidemiological research, as well as studies investigating the psycho-social aspects of the disease and the coping strategies of cancer patients and their families. Prof. Yossi Yarden heads the ICA Research Committee and Mrs. Sabrina Cassuto oversees the Research Committee. Fellowships for Research Scientists: The Ber Lemsdorf Memorial Fund: Dr. Ayoub Nabieh of the Technion, for his study on High-throughput Mapping of Target Genes Regulated by the Histone Demethylase Activity of KDM4C in memory of the late John Furman, Chairman of the Israel Cancer Association from Dr. Elana Kadmon of Hadassah, Ein Karem Campus, for her study on The Perceptions of Israeli Women with Breast Cancer Regarding the Role of the Breast Care Nurse throughout all Stages of Treatment: A Multi-Center Study, in memory of the late Prof. Nathan Trainin, Chairman of the Israel Cancer Association from The late Alter Jacob Israel & Layla Environment and Epidemiologic Research Foundation: Dr. Dalit Modan-Moses, of Sheba, for her study on Vitamin levels in pediatric and adolescent patients with malignant diseases. Dr. Lital Keinan-Boker, of Haifa University, for her study on The effect of breastfeeding and infant nutrition on childhood cancer risk. The Buksnbaum-Neta Foundation: Prof. Sidi Yehezkel and Dr. Avni Dror of Sheba, for their study on The role of promoter associated RNA (parna) in the regulation of Surviving Expression. Prof. Fibach Eitan, Dr. Perlman Riki and Dr. Dina Ben Yehuda of Hadassah Medical Center, Ein Karem Campus, for their study on Genetic stability of hematopoietic stem cells in healthy individuals and patients with myeloproliferative diseases. Prof. Rubinshtein Avraham and Dr. Nissan Aviram of Hebrew University, for their study on Multi-target novel PNA constructs for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer by luminal oriented molecular imaging. Prof. Lavi Sara of Tel Aviv University, for her study on Genomic instability and tumorigenesis: heterochromatin contraction and the generation of extrachromosomal circular DNA. 67

68 68 A grant from the Boaz Adar Memorial Foundation was awarded to Prof. Deborah Fass of the Weizmann Institute of Science, for her study on Inhibiting Disulfide Formation in the Extracellular Matrix to Disrupt Stromal Support of Tumor Cell Survival and Metastasis. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure non-profit organization, which seeks to increase global awareness of early detection to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures, awarded a research fellowship to Prof. Ron-Natan Apte of Ben-Gurion University, for his study on Involvement of microenvironmentderived IL-1 in tumor dormancy and relapse in breast cancer. From the proceeds of a fundraising concert to promote bone marrow research in honor of Mr. Menashe Menny, a research fellowship was awarded to Dr. Amir Orian (Oryan) of the Technion, for his study on Targeting RNF4, a co-factor essential for wnt-myc pathway in Multiple Myeloma. Outstanding Researcher Grants were awarded to: Dr. Zvi Fridlender of Hadassah, Ein Karem Campus, for his study on Characterization and polarization of tumor associated neutrophils in thoracic malignancies. Prof. Idit Shachar of the Weizmann Institute of Science, for her study on The role of CD84 in the interaction between chronic B lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) and its microenvironment, and in the regulation of leukemia cell survival. Dr. Neta Erez of Tel Aviv University, for her study on Defining the role of fibroblast-mediated inflammation in mammary carcinogenesis. Dr. Ilana Kaplan of Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, for her study on Human papillomavirus infection and the risk for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck area in Israel: A multicenter study. Prof. Ron Apte of Ben-Gurion University, for his study on Involvement of microenvironmentderived IL-1 in tumor dormancy and relapse in breast cancer. Dr Esti Yeger-Lotem, of Ben-Gurion University, for her study on A network biology approach to decipher melanoma pathways. Israel Cancer Association Annual Research Day Dozens of leading cancer research scientists participated in the third Israel Cancer Association Research Day held in early October at Beit Mati, ICA Head Offices in Givatayim. At the opening session, greetings were delivered by Prof. Yossi Yarden, Chairman of the ICA Research Committee, who initiated this annual Research Day, and Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General, who gave a brief overview of ICA activity. The opening lecture was moderated by Prof. Rafi Catane, Chairman of the Department of Oncology at Sheba and was delivered by Prof. David Sidransky, a cancer researcher from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, United States on Personalizing Cancer Therapy Today. The morning session which focused on genetics, biological and chemical responses was moderated by Prof. Israel Vlodavsky of the Technion, and lectures were delivered by Prof. Ronit Sarid, Prof. Reuven Reich, Dr. Yifat Abadi-Korek and Dr. Yuval Shaked. At the intermission, participants were invited to take a look at posters that displayed many research studies that were financed by the ICA. The afternoon session was moderated by Prof. Uri Nir, Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences at Bar-Ilan University, and featured lectures delivered by Dr. Itai Ben-Porat, Prof. Benny

69 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Dekel, Dr. Mary Bakhanashvili and Prof. Arie Admon. A round table discussion was held thereafter on Oncology: future perspective where will we be in 2030? moderated by Dr. Noa Ben-Baruch, Director, Department of Oncology at Kaplan and featuring lecturers Prof. Abraham Kuten, Prof. Eitan Galon, Dr. Gal Merkel, and Prof. Gidi Rechavi. The day ended with an announcement regarding the outstanding posters those of Dr. Ella Evron of Assaf Harofeh, Prof. Arie Admon of the Technion, and Prof. Jacob Gopas of Soroka, who were awarded with cash prizes. based on research activity judged to be worldleading. Since the organization s inception, its activity has been sponsored and accompanied by the ICA on an ongoing basis. The end of May saw the Third Annual Conference of the ISCR, which was held at the Givat Ram Campus of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. The conference was attended by 300 scientists and physicians and featured lectures delivered by leading cancer researchers hailing from Israel and abroad. The highlight was the participation of two leading scientists from abroad, Prof. J.H.J. Hoeijmakers of Holland and Prof. Mariano Barbacid of Spain; additionally, dozens of research studies were presented in poster format. The Third Annual Conference of the Israeli Society for Cancer Research (ISCR) The Israeli Society for Cancer Research (ISCR) has set its sights on convening all Israeli cancer research - scientists in academic institutions, hospitals, government institutes and the private sector - to promote collaborative efforts among Israeli cancer research scientists and between Israeli scientists and their overseas colleagues and to facilitate mutually productive relationships that will help achieve the overall objective: improving outcomes in cancer prevention and treatment, 69

70 The following is a list of the research fellowships awarded by the ICA for 2011: Inst. + Researcher Research subject Funded By Prof. Siegal Tali Dr. Lavon I. Hadassah Medical Center,Ein- Karem, Jerusalem Monitoring of circulating tumorspecific DNA in brain tumors - a promising strategy for clinical and biological follow-up. ICA USA, from Golf proceeds Prof. Shachar I. Weizmann Institute of Sceince, Rehovot Dr. Kadmon E. Hadassah Medical Center,Ein- Karem, Jerusalem Prof. Kupiec M. Tel-Aviv University Dr. Arama Eli Weizmann Institute of Sceince, Rehovot The role of CD84 in the interaction between chronic B lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) and its microenvironment, and in the regulation of leukemia cell survival. The Perceptions of Israeli Women with Breast Cancer Regarding the Role of the Breast Care Nurse throughout all Stages of Treatment: A multicenter study Genetics of telomere length maintenance. A novel nonapoptotic physiological cell death pathway. The Estate of the late Lea Bartal The Ber-Lehmsdorf Memorial Fund in memory of the late Prof.Nathan Trainin Lee and Harvey Poppel, Florida 70 Dr. Yeger-Lotem Esti Ben Gurion University. Beer- Sheva Dr. Ella Sklan Tel-Aviv University Dr. Sprecher Eli Dr. Nelkenbaum Gila Dr. Sarig Ofer Tel Aviv Sourasky A network biology approach to decipher melanoma pathways. Establishing the role of Hepatitis C virus non-structural protein 5A in viral assembly using live cell imaging- implications to viral inducted Hepatocellular Carcinoma. The genetic basis of Generalized Basaloid Follicular Hamartoma syndrome. The Estate of the late Lea Bartal

71 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Inst. + Researcher Research subject Funded By Prof. Cohen M. Prof. Pollack S. Haifa University Cancer related fatigue in old and young breast patients: assessment of the relationship between emotional symptoms and immune dysregulation and the moderating role of psycological and genetic factors. The Estate of the late Lea Bartal Prof. Baider L. Dr. Merims S. Hadassah Medical Center,Ein- Karem, Jerusalem Dr. Mabjeesh N. Prof. Kam Z. Tel Aviv Sourasky Dr. Keinan-Boker L. Haifa University Dr. Blum Galia Tel-Aviv University Dr. Kaplan I. Tel Aviv Sourasky Prof. Friedman E. Sheba, Tel Hashomer Dr. Zuckerman T. Rambam Medical Center, Haifa Between loss and hope: Appraising the needs of elderly cancer patients caregivers. Optimization of bladder cancer therapeutics using cell-based assays. The effect of breastfeeding and infant nutrition on childhood cancer risk. Cathepsin Photodynamic Quenched Activity Based Probes for Detection and Targeted Cancer Therapy. Human papillomavirus infection and the risk for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck area in Israel: A multicenter study. Defining new genes that underlie inherited predisposition to breast cancer in Ashkenazi Jewish women. Phylogentic analysis of single leukemia cells, in the study of relapse mechanisms. The Estate of the late Lea Bartal Nancy and Peter Brown The late Alter Jacob Israel and Layla Environment and Epidemiologic Research Foundation The Estate of the late Lea Bartal Mrs. Linda R. Kaminow Mrs. Dorothy R. Freiden, in memory of Philip and Mary Phillips 71

72 Inst. + Researcher Research subject Funded By Dr. Shibolet O. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Gavrilov V. Ben Gurion University, Beer- Sheva Dr. Mandel Mathilda Sheba, Tel Hashomer Dr. Berger R. Sheba, Tel Hashomer Dr. Shomron Noam Tel-Aviv University Exploring a novel oncogenic role for Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) - stress signaling in hepatic carcinogenesis in mice and man. Valproic Acid in combination with chemoradiotherapy using gemcitabine for enhanced treatment of unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Assessment of drug interactions and cross reactivity between Hypericin scheduled to enter a Phase II-b clinical study in glioblastoma patients with recurrent disease,and other drugs functioning through similar or different mechanisms. TMPRSS2: ERG Gene-fusion promotes Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Immortalized Human Prostate Epithelial Cells. MicroRNA-Pharmacogenomics: micrornas may contribute to patient cancer drug resistance. The Estate of the late Grimberg Paolina The Estate of the late Grimberg Paolina The Estate of the late Grimberg Paolina 72 Prof. Fass Deborah Weizmann Institute of Sceince, Rehovot Dr. Gilad W. Vainer Dr. Karen Meir Hadassah Medical Center,Ein- Karem, Jerusalem Prof. Hanani Menachem Dr. Halpern Naama Hadassah, Ein- Karem, Jerusalem Inhibiting Disulfide Formation in the Extracellular Matrix To Disrupt Stromal Support of Tumor Cell Survival and Metastasis. Clinically classifying the triple negative breast cancers by DEUS (Discretely Expressed Unique Sequences) Genes. Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathic Pain: A New Approach to Mechanisms and Therapy. The Boaz Adar Memorial Foundation David and Rhoda Chase ICA USA, from Golf proceeds

73 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Inst. + Researcher Research subject Funded By Dr. Avni D. Prof. Sidi Y. Sheba, Tel Hashomer The role of promoter associated RNA (parna) in the regulation of Survivin expression. Buksnbaum-Neta Foundation Dr. Nabieh Ayoub Technion, Haifa Dr. Erez Neta Tel-Aviv University Dr. Ben-Yehuda Dina Prof. Fibach Eitan Dr. Perlman Riki Hadassah Medical Center,Ein- Karem, Jerusalem Prof. Apte R. Ben Gurion University, Beer- Sheva Dr. Orian (Oryan) Amir Technion, Haifa Prof. Neufeld G. Technion, Haifa High-throughput Mapping of Target Genes Regulated by the Histone Demethylase Activity of KDM4C. Defining the role of fibroblastmediated inflammation in mammary carcinogenesis. Genetic stability of hematopoietic stem cells in healthy individuals and patients with myeloproliferative diseases. Involvement of microenvironmentderived IL-1 in tumor dormancy and relapse in breast cancer. Targeting RNF4, a co-factor essential for wnt-myc pathway in Multiple Myeloma. The roles of the plexin-a4 receptor and its semaphorin-6b ligand in tumor angiogenesis and tumor progression. The Ber-Lehmsdorf Memorial Fund in memory of the late John Furman The Estate of the late Lea Bartal Buksnbaum-Neta Foundation Susan G. Komen for the Cure Prof. Assaraf Y. Technion, Haifa Prof. Keisari Y. Tel-Aviv University Impaired FPGS splicing as a novel mechanism of antifolate- esistance in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Are DNA damage and repair mechanisms responsible for differences in the sensitivity of solid tumors to a novel radioactive treatment utilizing intratumoral Ra-224 loaded wires, which spread in the tumor atoms emitting lethal alpha particles? 73

74 74 Inst. + Researcher Research subject Funded By Prof. Rubinshtein A. Dr. Nissan A. Multi-target novel PNA constructs for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer by luminal oriented molecular imaging. Buksnbaum-Neta Foundation Dr. Avni Orly Technion, Haifa Prof. Lavi S. Tel-Aviv University Dr. Fridlender Z. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Volovitz Ilan Prof. Ram Z. Tel Aviv Sourasky Dr. Modan-Moses D. Sheba, Tel Hashomer Dr. Bonstein Lilach Dr. Haddad N. Rambam, Haifa Dr. Lovan D. Haemek Dr. Onn Amir Dr. Damianovich Maya Sheba, Tel Hashomer Target-dependent function of Polycomb group proteins in T helper (CD4+) cells. Genomic instability and tumorigenesis: heterochromatin contraction and the generation of extrachromosomal circular DNA. Characterization and polarization of Tumor associated neutrophils in thoracic malignancies. Development and use of a spontaneous model for brain tumors in dogs to model the effect of the Split immunity method to immunologically treat brain tumors. Vitamin D levels in pediatric and adolescents patients with malignant diseases. Identification of diagnostic and therapeutic tools for the prevention of immune platelet refractoriness in patients diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Effects of regimen-dependent chemotherapy (maximal tolerated dose Vs. low dose metronomic) on tumor angiogenesis in breast cancer: clinical and laboratory studies. The biology of pleural effusion in patients with lung cancer. ICA USA, from Golf proceeds Buksnbaum-Neta Foundation The Estate of the late Lea Bartal The late Alter Jacob Israel and Layla Environment and Epidemiologic Research Foundation ICA USA, in honor of Herme De-Wyman Miro

75 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Inst. + Researcher Research subject Funded By Dr. Shaulian E. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Mandelboim O. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Sherman L. Tel-Aviv University Prof. Ast G. Tel-Aviv University Dr. Rahat M. Carmel Medical Center,Haifa Prof. Aqeilan R. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem JunB inhibits autophagy: mechanisms and implication on chemotherapy-induced cell death. Learning from viruses: identification of novel cellular micrornas which enable tumor escape from NK cell attack. Role of human papillomavirus in the pathogenesis of skin cancer: Transforming functions of the viral E6 and E7 genes. Exonization in cancer. Role of mir-146a in inos regulation in mouse renal cell carcinoma: Translational inhibition as means to escape macrophageinduced apoptosis. Role of the Wwox tumor suppressor in the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma. The Ber-Lehmsdorf Memorial Fund Louis and Marcia Schneider Fund (ICA USA) The Polishook Family (ICA USA) Prof. Reich R. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Prof. Katzav-Shapira S. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Varon D. Dr. Gofrit Ofer Hadassah Medical Center,Ein- Karem, Jerusalem Dr. Tadmor T. Bnei Zion Lysyl oxidase-like enzymes in tumor progression in ovarian carcinoma. The role of Vav1 and its responsive genes in lung cancer development. Platelet derived microparticles content and properties as a marker for prostate cancer progression. Efficacy of transduced B-CLL cells with Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) vector Encoding human 4-1BBL to produce an anti tumor immune response. The Ber-Lehmsdorf Memorial Fund in memory of the late John Furman Barry Neustein in memory of Irving Neustein The ICA friends in Switzerland 75

76 Inst. + Researcher Research subject Funded By Dr. Markel G. Sheba, Tel Hashomer Dr. Haran T. Technion, Haifa Prof. Karin N. Technion, Haifa Prof. Admon A. Technion, Haifa Dr. Shaked Y. Technion, Haifa Targeting CEACAM1 for novel cancer therapy. High throughput studies on sequence-specific binding of wild type p53, mutant p53, and second-site suppressor mutations, to DNA target sites. The role of CCR5 ligands in cancer of the prostate. Development of a new method for blood based cancer diagnostic. The regulatory role of SDF-1 and bone marrow derived CXCR4+ cells in the growth of metastases following chemotherapy. Jane and Richard Karp Prof. Ganot I. Tel-Aviv University Dr. Israeli Y. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Sarid R. Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan Dr. Cohen C. Bar Ilan University, Ramat-Gan Prof. Kerem B. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Bentur L. Rambam, Haifa Photothermal Imaging System for Diagnosis of Oral Cancer. Novel methods for targeted therapy of pancreatic carcinomaskilling cells expressing VICKZ. Functional characterization of the interaction between the KS-Bcl-2 encoded by KSHV and the putative glioma tumor suppressor gene product (PICT-1/ GLTSCR2). Targeting of multiple malignancies by T-lymphocytes engineered to express NK receptors. The molecular events leading to replication stress and genome instability in cancer development. Examining the acute impact of smoking hookah on the respiratory system. The Ber-Lehmsdorf Memorial Fund in memory of the late Prof. Nathan Trainin Mr. David Brown in memory of Beatrice K. Brown 76

77 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Inst. + Researcher Research subject Funded By Dr. Mardor Y. Sheba, Tel Hashomer Dr. Parvari R. Ben Gurion University. Beer- Sheva Dr. Wreschner D. Tel-Aviv University Dr. Goldberg M. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Hirshberg A. Tel-Aviv University Prof. Werner H. Tel-Aviv University Dr. Haran M. Kaplan Medical Center,Rehovot Dr. Karni R. The Hebrew University of Jerusalem Dr. Mayner V. Dr. Goldberg Y. Hadassah Medical Center,Ein- Karem, Jerusalem Prof. Vardimon L. Tel-Aviv University Dr. Goldberg H. Prof. Kuten A. The effect of infusate temperature on convection-enhanced drug delivery in normal rat brain. Tubulin-specific chaperone E (TBCE): A possible novel player in cancer and drug response. Eradication of MUC1-expressing cancer cells via the MUC1 SEA module. Novel insights concerning RAP80, a novel DNA damage response protein involved in heredity breast cancer. Oral lichen planus - a risk factor for the development of oral cancer. Epidemiological and molecular cytogenetic study. Evaluation of the proliferative activities of insulin analogues in tumor cells. Blocking CD74 pathway as a novel therapeutic approach in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The role of the splicing factor hnrnp A2/B1 in breast cancer metastasis and identification of its target genes. Identification and characterization of patients with deficiency in mismatch repair (MMR-D) among individuals with clinical features of NF1. Aberrant expression of the proto-oncogene c-jun in glioblastoma cells. Evaluation of radiation induced cardiotoxicity by Multi-detector computed tomography. The ICA friends in Switzerland Mr. Adam Brown 77

78 Memorial Funds Donated to ICA 78 The Boaz Adar Memorial Fund established by Yael and Shimon Adar, in memory of their son Boaz, for the provision of research grants. The Israel Jacob Alter Memorial Fund for the provision of an annual research grant for outstanding research project in environment and/or epidemiology. The Israel Jacob and Layla Alter Memorial Fund for the operation of the Activity Support Center for cancer patients and their families. The Lea Arbel Memorial Fund to finance training programs for para-medics who attend to cancer patients. The Ben Eliezer Avigdor Memorial Fund for the support of activity for children who have cancer. The Ber-Lehmsdorf Memorial Fund managed by executors of the estate of the late Dr. Ber- Lehmsdorf of Switzerland, for the provision of research grants. The Chaya and Naftali Bloch Memorial Fund bequeathed by the late Chaya Bloch for the provision of research grants. The Annetta Cherna Fund, bequeathed by the deceased to finance activity on behalf of child cancer patients. The Sir Charles Clore Foundation in support of maintaining the Sir Charles Clore Hostel in Givatayim. The Ethel Cohen Memorial Fund for the provision of cancer research grants. The Rivka Dror, Esther and Leon Arditi, Miriam and Shlomo Hasid Fund for cancer research and the purchase of medical equipment. The Dina and Zalman Goldberg Memorial Fund for the promotion of research conducted by students and young doctors working in the Oncology Division at the Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa. The Raya (Rela) Golombo Memorial Fund bequeathed by the late Raya (Rela) Golombo in memory of Reuven and Meir Golombo and their mother Sonya Golombo; Miriam Gerster and her parents Raphael Gerster and Rela (Raya) Gerster-Golombo née Kaplanowitz; Sonya Lev, husband Yossef and their daughters Kasnya and Avigail, who perished in the Holocaust; Yossef Golombo and Dina Kaplanowitz. The Ronit Greenfas Memorial Fund for special projects. The Simon and Irma Gross Memorial Fund for cancer research. The I Care Fund in memory of the late Ofira Navon, for the support of psycho-oncology conferences, workshops and seminars. Joint Headquarters of Quality Assurance Fund The Yehudit Kleinberger Memorial Fund of Munich for the provision of research grants. The Charlotta Kolber Memorial Fund bequeathed by the late Charlotta Kolber for the provision of research grants. The Mina Margot Laveh Memorial Fund for the support of cancer research. The Mathilde Recanati Memorial Fund for the support of special programs advancing the fight against cancer. The Tamar Rodich Memorial Fund established by her son Ilan Rodich to support Hospice and Home Hospice Care (special programs). The Miriam Eva Sharoni (Stern) nee Lang Memorial Fund established by her husband, Avraham Sharoni, to support ICA activities.

79 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee The Alexander Smidoda Memorial Fund bequeathed by the deceased for the provision of research grants. The Leah and Yosef Solomon Memorial Fund bequeathed by the late Yosef Solomon to finance fellowship grants. The Miriam and Benjamin Stanton Fund established by Miriam and Benjamin Stanton of England, for the support of cancer research. The Hanna Uldak Memorial Fund, for the purchase of computers for children who have cancer, as part of the Hope for Life project. The Moshe Wolf Memorial Fund for the provision of cancer research grants. The Ronni Yudison Memorial Fund, established by the deceased s husband, Meir Yudison, for the provision of research grants. The Ronit Zilberfarb (Mer) Memorial Fund for financing a stomach cancer research fellowship. Data Collection and Follow-up, Equipment, Construction and Development The National Mammography Project The ICA assisted in establishing an infrastructure for mammography device quality control and also helped fund the purchase of new equipment for screening centers across the country. Approximately 58 centers in operation have Ministry of Health approval for medical equipment quality and radiation levels. The Ministry stipulates that each center run regular tests to examine image quality and film development procedures. Fifty-one mammography centers currently operate under clinical quality assurance, as part of the joint ICA-Ministry of Health National Mammography Project. This ICA-funded program supervises and controls imaging, surgery and oncology data. The database of this program, headed by Prof. Gad Rennert of the National Disease Control Center at Carmel, has so far accumulated data on 4 million tests. The ICA funds data quality control each year. Following an ICA-initiated discussion at a meeting of the Israel National Oncology Council, a special task committee was formed to recommend rules of procedure reflecting further aspects to be implemented by the Ministry of Health. (Further information on the National Mammography Program may be found in the Early Detection chapter and the Information and Education chapter). Upgrading National Protocol of Childhood Acute Lymphatic Leukemia The ICA continues to provide financial aid to collect and process data on children afflicted with acute 79

80 80 lymphatic leukemia and who are undergoing treatment according to the National Protocol, which is a unique extension of the German Protocol BFM. All statistics are processed with ICA funding by the Department of Statistics at Hebrew University. The Protocol is coordinated by Prof. Batya Shtark and Prof. Shai Izraeli. Since the protocol s inception some 19 years ago, disparities in survival no longer exist among children who contracted leukemia and received treatments at various medical centers. Additionally, there is no longer a gap between the survival rates of Jewish and Arab children afflicted with the disease. The past decade has seen the development of methods for submicroscopic detection of leukemia cells, whereby intensive treatment in patients at low risk for recurrence may be reduced, thus evading long-term treatment damage and enabling the detection of high risk patients who require intensive treatment with potentially life-saving impact. The ICA has assumed the task of assisting in the upgrade of this method until its effectiveness is proven. The ICA assists in upgrading the Israeli Protocol for Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, aid which enables all pediatric oncologists in Israel to provide the most advanced and upto-date treatment. The National Protocol was upgraded in May this year and joined the New European Protocol. Involvement of Pediatric Oncology Wards in Israel in the treatment of Children with Rhabdomyosarcoma and other Sarcomas according to the European Protocol For the past three years, Israel has been involved in the European Protocol for the Treatment of Children with Soft Tissue Sarcomas, coordinated by Prof. Myriam Ben-Arush. The ICA finances two trips a year for Israeli delegates in this Protocol and assists in funding a part-time post for a technician who conducts the molecular biology tests at Sheba at Tel Hashomer and Schneider, for the rest of the medical centers throughout the country. ICA-funded Israel Genetic Analysis Consortium The institutes engaging in cancer genetics research continue to conduct the joint and multi-center study on the Genetics of Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer in Israel. Prof. Efrat Levi-Lahad of Shaarei Tzedek Hospital coordinates the Consortium in collaboration with the Sheba, Rambam, Rabin, Sourasky Wolfson, Kaplan, Soroka, Sha arei Tzedek, Assaf Harofeh, and Nahariya Medical Centers. The Consortium is also conducting a research study under the direction of Prof. Efrat Levi-Lahad, in conjunction with Prof. Mary Claire King of Washington University, Seattle. Over 660 female BRCA1 and BRAC2 gene mutation carriers in Israel

81 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee and the United States were examined in this research. This study, published in a highly reputed scientific journal, demonstrated that genetic modifiers may have a significant impact on the risk of contracting a specific type of malignancy among BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation carriers. About 3,000 male and female gene mutation carriers have been entered in the Israeli database; the ICA supports Consortium activity and also financed the purchase of software, and provided funding for the post of a research nurse whose job it is to coordinate the research activity. The Bnei Zion in Haifa and the Barzilai in Ashkelon have recently joined this initiative. Ha emek in Afula and Maccabi Health Care Services are soon to join the program as well. The Israel Center for Disease Control of the Ministry of Health The National Cancer Registry is an important entity that enables the evaluation of intervention programs and the design of the oncology network. Since the ICA funded its establishment in the 1960s, there has been productive collaboration between the two. This year, at the request of Prof. Tami Shohat, the Director of the Israel Center for Disease Control of the Ministry of Health, the ICA has been providing funding for the post of a quality control supervisor to represent the National Cancer Registry, and has been fleshing out this position. Cancer Patient Databases In the past, the ICA installed computer systems in oncology institutes, with the aim of enhancing database quality and cancer registry records. Every year, patient data collected from oncology institutes are transferred to the Cancer Data Collection Unit at the Ministry of Health in a format defined and formulated by the Data Collection and Follow up Committee. Institutes are required to regularly report on statistics relating to disease staging data at diagnosis, as well as information relating to the date of demise and cause of death of patients. In order to implement this project, the ICA provides funding for data collection and analysis clerks at 14 oncology centers throughout the country. The ICA ascertains that public medical institutes attending to cancer patients are provided with the necessary funding for the purchase of equipment, construction and renovation of medical departments, and for the provision of medical services: ICA provides financial assistance that allows hospitals to purchase medical equipment Financial assistance was approved for Ma ayanei Hayeshua in Bnei Brak for the purchase of a mammography device for the Center s Mammography Institute. Earmarked donations for the construction of medical departments and the purchase of medical equipment The Israel Cancer Association building in Jerusalem was inaugurated this year at a gala ceremony (for additional information, please see the Strong Together Chapter). The purchase of the building was made possible by the estate in memory of Israel Jacob and Layla Alter of blessed memory. 81

82 Volunteers and Local Fundraising Events Thousands of energetic and dedicated ICA volunteers dispersed in over 70 branches all over Israel actively participate in diverse events throughout the year for the wellbeing of cancer patients and their families and the promotion of ICA targets. These activities include: conferences, seminars, lectures, information booths and community health promotion activities, support meetings, and various performances and events, the proceeds of which go directly to the ICA. Some of these events have become a longstanding tradition. cancer with the audience. Mrs. Rivka Balistra, Branches Dept. Manager thanked the Mayor for his contribution, the Branch Chairperson and the dedicated volunteers who do noteworthy work. The guests enjoyed the meal, captivating dancing and a raffle. 82 Brief overview of the fundraising events held by ICA Branches Ashdod The end of December saw the traditional gala held by Ashdod Branch. The event took place at the Laguna Al Hahof Halls, sponsored by the city s Mayor, with hundreds in attendance. The participants opened their pockets and bought tickets to this gala event to assist cancer patients. The tireless Branch Chairman, Mr. Moshe Banai, didn t spare any effort and with the help of the branch volunteers, organized an enjoyable and moving event. Heartwarming greetings from Ashdod s mayor, Dr. Yehiel Lasri, opened the ball. Dr. Lasri, who lost his wife this year to cancer, emphasized the importance of the fight against the disease, and shared his personal story of battling Tiberias Tiberias Branch and Chairperson Ms. Dalia Slutzki, initiated the 2 nd Annual Young Talent Contest at the multidisciplinary school Nofarim Bagalil. The school staged a huge production of Kochav Nolad (A Star is Born), which they performed at the Yad Sheetrit Cultural Hall in Tiberias. The project coordinators, Ms. Orna Yair and Ms. Inbal Rozen put great efforts into producing this event. The competition was held with unprecedented enthusiasm, featuring numerous contestants who showed great determination and persistence while vying for the 10 spots as finalists. 18 young talents reached the finals, delivering 10 impressive performances to the large audience. In keeping with the original competition, the star is chosen via SMS text messages and the contest is overseen by judges and professionals, teacher representatives

83 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee and parents. Until a final decision is made, the audience enjoyed the stand-up performance give by comedian Menny Ozeri. Placing first were dancers Ateret Nahum, Raz Binyamin, Eden Ben Ezra, Tom Zarchi, and Gal Abadi. Tair Bahbut placed second in the singing category and Sapir Kakun placed third in the singing category. Thanks to the productive collaboration between the school and the Tiberias Branch, all the proceeds from the event were dedicated to ICA s commendable activity. Mr. Zvika Biran, Head of the Northern Branches and Chairperson of the Tiberias Branch, Ms. Dalia Slutzi, greeted the audience and the students and thanked all those who participated in this noteworthy activity. Branch volunteers also attended this event. Kudos for this wonderful initiative! Kiryat Haim The Kiryat Haim high school youth band prepared a moving and special surprise a day after the Door Knock fundraising campaign. The band staged the musical The Wizard of Oz at Beit Nagler, delivering a performance featuring lavish costumes and amazing sets which offered the audience an enjoyable and high quality experience. Ms. Zippi Horesh, Vice Principal of the high school, moderated the event. Among those attending were: Dr. Dudi Goshen Managing Director of the Kiryat Haim High School who opened the performance and greeted the audience, ICA Chairman, Prof. Eliezer Robinson and his wife; Director of the ICA Branches Dept. and Door Knock Fundraising Campaign Manager, Mrs. Rivka Balistra; Northern Branches Director, Mr. Zvika Biran, Social Coordinator at the IAF Technological College, Ms. Billy Miller, and, tireless Chairperson of the Kiryat Haim Branch Ms. Sarka Morgenstern, who greeted and thanked all the guests who honored the event with their presence, and all the band members for their moving performance. The front rows were occupied by a group of physically impaired youth and young adults who are confined to wheelchairs and reside at Beit Kessler, whose tickets were donated by Mr. Adi Baliblau. All proceeds from the performance were dedicated to ICA activities. 83

84 New Israel Cancer Association Branch opened in Kiryat Bialik A new Israel Cancer Association Branch in Kiryat Bialik was inaugurated in February at the Volunteer House Makom Balev (a place in the heart), and the event was attended by many guests. The ceremony opened with greetings from Mr. Zvika Biran, ICA Northern Branches Director, and Branch Chairman, Mr. Sammy Benisti. The branch provides guidance, assistance and support to patients and their families in different ways: by enhancing patients quality of life through lessons and workshops to be delivered at the Beit Hamitnadev (Volunteer House), as well as by holding meetings and lectures, and disseminating information concerning patient rights and services. 84 Unique collaborative projects dedicated to advancing the fight against cancer: Belle Mode magazine and ICA joint breast cancer awareness campaign In early October 2010, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and marking Breast Health Day of the European Breast Cancer Coalition, Europa Donna, hundreds of distinguished guests filled the Cassiopeia Hall at the Arena Shopping Mall in Herzliya joining forced to achieve one important objective: increasing awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early detection. BelleMode magazine owned by Haim Revivo and Jacky Ben Zaken, contacted 12 of Israel s leading fashion designers and received their consent to donate a dress they designed. The dresses were on display in the magazine s October edition, and were then sold at a gala event featuring a unique and impressive fashion show and a public auction. Alon Livne, Alian Stollero, Gideon Oberson, Karen Oberson, Maya Nagari, Yosef, Lilach Algerbali, Dafna Levinson, Na ama Bezalel, and others were among the leading designers who participated in this project and attended the event. In addition to the spectacular fashion show and lavish buffet, every woman who attended the event received an exclusive bracelet consisting of a Hamsa Hand charm and a pink ribbon designed by Sagit Revivo. The event opened with moving speeches from Mrs. Miri Zvi, ICA Director General, Haim Revivo, event producer and business man, Mr. Oren Revah, CEO of Elcalil, representative of Estée Lauder in Israel, and Tali Zonenfeld-Barzilai, magazine editor. The event was moderated by performing artist Sharon Haziz, who recovered from breast cancer, and pop singer Tzvika Pick

85 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Photo credit: Reuven Schneider captivated the audience with his vocal performance. Among the guests were many celebrities such as Ofira Asayag, Gil Riva, Shelly Gafni, Ofek Kairi, Moshe Datz, Arik and Niva Ben Zino, Eyal Ben Simhon, Moshe Edri, Haim Castiel, Yoav Gross, Lea Shnirer, Sorela Katorza, Haim Sakal, Nir Sevilla, Rani and Hila Rahav, Karin Donsky, Marina Kavisher, Dana Dankner and Lee Greenbau, Shay Avital, and others. 85

86 The Israel Cancer Association took an active part in the Jerusalem International Marathon events The end of March 2011 saw the first-ever Jerusalem International Marathon marking the story of the city of Jerusalem through the ages, rooted in 3000 years of history. The marathon, coinciding with a special 3-day EXPO exhibit, was divided into three races. A popular race extending 4.2 km was dedicated to the fight against cancer diseases. A unique was held at the Sports, Health and Leisure Expo was held at the Jerusalem International Convention Center at Binyanei Ha ooma, and was open to the public and to thousands of marathon runners who participated in the event. As an organization which endeavors to promote a healthy lifestyle in Israel, the ICA actively participated in all the events, including the health and sports exhibit, and the prestigious launch evening held at the Mamilla Hotel. At the exhibit, the ICA set up a distinguished and impressive booth. About a week previous to this, a gala evening of the international marathon was held at Mamilla Hotel. Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General, greeted and thanked the participants, Jerusalem municipality, and Mizrahi Tefahot Bank, who sponsored the popular marathon heat. Later on in the evening, Jerusalem s mayor, Mr. Nir Barkat, awarded Miri a certificate of appreciation which bore the inscription: To the Israel Cancer Association in appreciation for your contribution to the success of the Jerusalem Marathon. Two days later, ICA s popular heat, attended by 1000 spectators, began as Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General, and Mr. Eli Yonas, CEO Mizrahi Tefahot Bank, sounded the starting gun. At the end of the heat, ornate medals were awarded to all the participants and a huge happening was held, featuring entertainment stages and activities enjoyed by tens of thousands of visitors who frequented the site. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General and Mr. Eli Yonas, CEO Mizrahi - Tefahot Bank Sound the starting gun 86 Door knock Fundraising Campaign Chairman, Presidet and CEO of Shufersal Ltd., Efi Rosenhaus, participating in the marathon

87 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Friends of the ICA Abroad Friends of the ICA chapters worldwide in the United States, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom continue their devoted support for the ICA and continually and persistently promote the tireless battle against cancer. This assistance is greatly appreciated and held in high esteem, as overseas donations enable the ICA to attain significant achievements in the promotion of research and support for patients: the development of treatment modalities and rehabilitation, enhancement of quality of life, and promotion of the fight against cancer diseases in Israel on all fronts. United States of America At the November 2011 Annual Meeting of Israel Cancer Association USA (ICA USA), Mr. Bruce S. Koppel was elected as President of the Board of Directors for Special thanks to Immediate Past President Mr. Peter Brown, who, we are sure, will continue to be a major pillar promoting ICA USA activities for the patients and against the disease. ICA also congratulates Mr. Bruce S. Koppel on his appointment as ICA USA President of the Board of Directors, and thanks the devoted committee members for years of selfless volunteer work. Last January, Nobel Laureate Scientist and ICA s Honorary President, Prof. Aaron Ciechanover, addressed intimate gatherings of donors in Palm Beach homes on the topic of Cancer therapy and personalized medicine there is hope at the end of the tunnel. The unique events were hosted by Nancy and Peter Brown and by Jane and Richard Karp. Dozens of groundbreaking cancer research fellowships were reserved by guests who attended the events. These fellowships will be awarded to distinguished Israeli scientists in ICA s fight to find a cure for cancer. ICA USA Board President Mr. Bruce Koppel said We were so pleased to have had Prof. Ciechanover in Palm Beach to meet our donors and discuss Israel s groundbreaking research. As a young scientist and physician, Prof. Ciechanover received research fellowships from ICA and served as a member of its Research Committee for a decade, where he got an up-close look at the Association s activity to promote research, prevention and early detection and to enhance patients quality of life. As proof of his appreciation for ICA s support, Prof. Ciechanover has been serving as Honorary President of ICA since (L-R) Mrs. Nancy Brown, Prof. Aaron Ciechanover, and Mr. Peter Brown, former President of ICA USA Board of Directors. 87

88 ICA USA organized several spectacular events, including ICA USA s 2012 Gala, Israel A Place in Our Hearts, celebrating Israel s many accomplishments on February 22 nd in Palm Beach, Florida. Mrs. Ari Rifkin, a native of Israel, and Mrs. Gail Worth co-chaired the fundraising event to support ICA s cancer research fellowships. The evening featured a Photography Exhibition displaying photographic vistas of life in Israel, captured by Mrs. Ari Rifkin and Mr. Ferenc Illenyi, as well as a panoramic view of African landscapes and candid wildlife images, courtesy of Mrs. Ari Rifkin and Mr. Eric Zvejnieks. Guests also enjoyed a virtuoso Musical Interlude performed by the renowned Houston Chamber Symphony concertmaster and violinist Mr. Ferenc Illenyi, as well as a Live Auction, dinner and dancing. Mr. J. Scott Carpenter s many years of experience as a Middle East expert were evident in his insightful presentation coined Israel: An Asset at a Time of Revolutionary Change in the Mid-East at ICA USA s Annual Membership Brunch. The brunch, held in December 2011 in Palm Beach, was attended by more than 130 of the association s patrons. Co-Chairmen of the annual event were Ann and Richard Sommer, and Nancy and Ellis Jay Parker III. (L-R) Mr. Bruce Koppel, President of ICA USA Board of Directors, and Mr. J. Scott Carpenter, Membership Brunch Guest Speaker. 112 golfers participated in ICA USA s second annual Pitch In for Cancer Research Golf Classic, to support groundbreaking cancer research in Israel. The golf tournament was held in April, 2011 at the exclusive Banyan Golf Club in West Palm Beach. Lauren and Jeremy Schneider, ICA USA board members, chaired the 2011 Golf Classic. 88 (L-R) Mr. Eric Zvejnieks and Mrs. Ari Rifkin (2012 Gala co - chairman) posing in front of the photography exhibition ICA USA S donations to promote cancer research for 2011 were provided by: Lee and Harvey L. Poppel; Nancy and Peter Brown; Mrs. Linda R. Kaminow; Rhoda and David Chase; Lillian and William B. Sandler; Louis and Marcia Schneider Fund; the Polishook Family; Mr. Barry Neustein,

89 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Switzerland The Friends of the ICA in Switzerland, headed by the devoted Dr. Ronald Fried, continue their dedicated efforts and support of various cancer research fellowships. Since cancer knows no geographical boundaries, every research breakthrough is applied both in Israel and worldwide. Thanks to these achievements obtained through research grants, universal implications have been attained in the promotion of the fight against cancer. (L-R) Mr. Bernie Marcus, Founder of Home Depot, and Mr. Peter Brown, Immediate Past President of ICA USA. in memory of Mr. Irwin Nautstein of blessed memory; Jane and Richard Karp; Mr. Adam Brown and Mr. David Brown in memory of Mrs. Beatrice K. Brown, of blessed memory. Additionally, the ICA-USA dedicated a research grant in honor of the distinguished Herme De Wyman Miro. All the proceeds from the ICA-USA Annual Golf Classic were dedicated to providing financial support for two more research fellowships. Canada Mr. Doron Opher, Chairman of the Canadian Friends of the ICA, continues his devoted support for the ICA and persistently promotes the fight against cancer. Germany Munich The Friends of the Israel Cancer Association in Munich, headed by the dedicated Mrs. Anita Kaminski, have been doing wonderful work for ICA for the past ten years. ICA has been witness to the magnificent fundraising events the Friends have been organizing with great devotion and passion. It has been quite clear that the Munich Friends have fully understood the crucial importance of ICA s mission. Mrs. Anita Kaminski and the Group lend an outstretched hand to the ICA, promoting the fight against cancer, and supporting the National Treatment Protocol for Pediatric Leukemia. Since the Protocol s inception, disparities in survival rates no longer exist among child leukemia patients receiving treatments at various medical centers. Additionally, there is no longer a gap between the survival rates of Jewish and Arab children afflicted with the disease. Frankfurt A very moving and unforgettable event took place in Frankfurt in July 2011, as the 90 th birthday of Mrs. Ruth Hofmann was celebrated in the presence of, among others, Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General. The guests attending the birthday were kindly 89

90 requested not to buy any presents but to donate to ICA s Hope for Life Project, which the Friends in Frankfurt have been supporting for the past years. As a token of appreciation, ICA dedicated an inscription in honor of Mrs. Ruth Hofmann in ICA s Book of Life. Mrs. Ruth Hofmann was the founder of the Friends of ICA in Frankfurt, which was established on September 13, 1984, by seven women with one vision. Mrs. Hofmann became the first President of the group and was honored in 1992 by then President of Israel, the late Mr. Chaim Herzog. Indeed, her activities and her dedication are very much appreciated. As usual, the gala was a tremendous success and extremely elegant. Among the participants were: Prof. Dr. Korn, Vice President of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, accompanied by his wife Maruscha, and President of B nai B rith Europe, Mr. Ralph Hofmann, accompanied by his wife. Our dedicated Friend, Mrs. Petra Kaffeesieder, serves as the energetic and devoted Chairperson of the ICA Friends in Frankfurt. For many years, along with her loyal team, she has been engaged in noteworthy endeavors such as the Chapter s annual gala held in October, attended by many supporters and donors. Inscription in honor of Mrs. Ruth Hofmann in ICA s Book of Life. Mrs. Petra Kaffeesieder and Dr. H. C. Ernst Gerhardt 90 ICA Director General, Mrs. Miri Ziv, presents Mrs. Ruth Hofmann with a special certificate of appreciation recognizing her devoted efforts.

91 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee wife Jutta, as well as former participant of the Tour der Hoffnung, Dr. Winni Huber. The ICA Friends in Frankfurt Patron, Dr. Ernst Gerhardt, who celebrated his 90th birthday this year, thanked everybody and kindly asked that people keep donating to the Hope for Life Project. This project provides tutors who help children keep up with their schoolwork while confronting the disease. Mrs. Sharon Haziz Mrs. Sharon Haziz, a famous Israeli singer who recovered from breast cancer, honored the ICA Friends in Frankfurt with her presence, contributing a great deal to this event s success. She delivered a wonderful performance, captivating the audience and getting everybody to sing along and even dance to her songs. A very interesting and informative lecture was delivered by Dr. Buss of the Heidelberg Comprehensive Cancer Center about new stem cell research and its productive results. The Hotel Intercontinental Frankfurt opened its doors to the event and the highly reputed chef, Mr. Bramkamp, prepared a wonderful dinner, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Thanks to some donations received, such as jewelry and paintings, a raffle could once again be held, raising a nice sum of money. Another surprise of the evening was the participation of the captain of the Tour der Hoffnung, Prof. Dr. Fritz Lampert, accompanied by his wife Felicitas, and Mr. Klaus Peter Thaler, accompanied by his The Netherlands Friends of the ICA in the Netherlands, headed by its fervent chairman, Mr. Bob Drake, continue to help finance cancer research. This year, the Friends of the ICA in the Netherlands assisted in financing research on Impaired FPGS splicing as a novel mechanism of antifolate-resistance in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, conducted by Prof. Yehuda Assaraf of the Technion, Haifa. In March, Mrs. Miri Ziv, ICA Director General, visited the Friends of the ICA in the Netherlands, for a meeting with volunteers held at a unique and remarkable gallery of breathtaking art creations at the home of the Chapter s Chairman. In honor of Mr. Rob Hompes birthday, his family invited all his friends to a concert held at the local synagogue. Mr. Hompes requested that his friends refrain from giving him gifts, and urged them to donate to the fight against cancer diseases instead. The munificent proceeds that were collected upon his request went to the ICA s annual Family Vacation project. Thanks to Mr. Bob Drake s unconditional support and care, a noteworthy donation was allocated to ICA by the Sonja van Tijn Foundation whose main aim is to help young people in need of special guidance to realize their full potential and to expand their horizons beyond the limitations of their disability. The Sonja van Tijn Foundation 91

92 provides grants to a few selected organizations that cater to the educational and personal needs of physically and mentally challenged Jewish children. This contribution is earmarked for ICA s Sunsmart project which includes education packages that are distributed in all educational establishments throughout Israel. This project aims to promote awareness and education in order to prevent skin cancer among children, using creative means. United Kingdom The Friends of the ICA in London, headed by the energetic Mrs. Vered Aaron, tirelessly endeavors to promote the fight against cancer in Israel and continues its loyal and longtime support of the ICA. Thanks to Mr. David Reuben s assistance, Mr. Paisner agreed to replace Mr. Jonathan Morris among the London Friends of ICA. We wish to thank Mr. Jonathan Morris for his devoted work over the past years and wish Mr. Paisner great success in his new position at the ICA. The ICA bows its head in memory of veteran volunteer of the Friends of the ICA in London, Mr. Stephan Wingate of blessed memory, who passed away in June Mr. Wingate served as Chairperson of the Friends of the ICA in London from 1973 to In 1993, the late Mr. Wingate asked Mrs. Vered Aaron to join the ranks of the Friends of the ICA in London as the organization s Chairperson, and he continued to serve devotedly and loyally as Deputy Chair of the Friends of the ICA in London for many more years. His many years of volunteer service saw a multitude of accomplishments which have furthered ICA activities. 92

93 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee Jubilee Anniversary of the Annual Door Knock Fundraising Campaign About 100,000 children and volunteers enlisted on behalf of 200,000 cancer patients and those recovering from the disease at the Annual Door Knock Fundraising Campaign Jubilee Anniversary This year the Annual Door Knock Fundraising Campaign was held on October 11 th in a unique format and with great excitement as the campaign s 50 th Anniversary approached. About 100,000 children, school students, youth movement members, and ICA volunteers from all walks of life participated in the ceremony. The ICA, consisting of over 70 branches extending across the country, maintains close ties with the education system. The goal was to reach every Israeli household, from north to south, including Israeli embassies throughout the globe. The children arrived in all cities, kibbutzim and moshavim (collective settlements), including the towns of Arab and Bedouin society and areas inhabited by religious and ultra-orthodox sectors. Campaign Manager, Mrs. Rivka Balistra, initiated an unprecedented campaign strategy in the form of a special ICA magnet explaining how to donate to the organization left on doors where nobody was home. Marking the Annual Door Knock Campaign Jubilee events, the ICA launched a new public information campaign, and held a press conference that revealed new cancer morbidity and mortality data, and also presented ground breaking research studies that were financed by the ICA and opened the official fundraising campaign with a moving gala ceremony, traditionally held at the President s Residence. Press Conference Marking the 2010 Door Knock Fundraising Campaign Kickoff Prof. Eliezer Robinson, ICA Chairman, and Mr. Efi Rosenhaus, Annual Door Knock Fundraising Chairman, announced the opening of the ICA s 50 th Annual Door Knock Fundraising Campaign at a press conference. In an unprecedented move, the Director of the National Cancer Registry presented new statistics on children and cancer diseases at the press conference and reported that there are currently 1,400 children in Israel who have cancer, and 380 new cases are diagnosed each year among children, with five out of every six children recovering from the disease. The National Breast Cancer Early Detection Program statistics in Israel indicate that over 70% of women who were regularly checked in the program were diagnosed at an early stage, thus enabling higher recovery rates. Similarly, a new study conducted specially for the press conference was revealed, presenting statistics such as: 60% of the public fear cancer more than heart disease or diabetes, approx. 53% of Israelis have a family member who 93

94 and innovative treatments. About 65% of cancer related deaths could be prevented by refraining from smoking, and abstaining from uncontrolled sun exposure, by maintaining a balanced diet and proper weight, and engaging in regular physical exercise. Adopting a healthier lifestyle enables significantly improved health and helps prevent prevalent cancer diseases. Additionally, implementation of early detection tests for many diseases may lead to very high cure rates. He asserted that many research studies most definitely point to risk factors that increase the percentage of cancer patients, as opposed to factors that protect our body from these diseases, reduce the risk of contracting them, and even prevent them. 94 has contracted cancer, and about 85% would prefer that the medical staff provide them with the relevant information should they contract the disease. Mr. Efi Rosenhaus, President and CEO of Shufersal Ltd., who assumed the position of Chairman of the Annual Door Knock Fundraising Campaign, revealed his connection with the disease and the reasons why he agreed to be recruited to fill the position of Campaign Chairman. Dr. Micha Barhanna, Director of the Healthy Ministry National Cancer Registry, presented new statistics on different cancer diseases prevalent in children. He asserted that there are currently 1,400 child cancer patients in Israel and each year 380 new cases are detected. The relative 5-year survival rate of children diagnosed with a malignant tumor currently stands at 84%. The significance of this statistic is that five out of every six children with cancer will live at least 5 years from the day of diagnosis and this group is generally referred to as the survivor group. Prof. Eliezer Robinson, ICA Chairman, indicated that the number of cancer survivors continually grows from year to year, thanks to early detection 2010 Door Knock Fundraising Campaign Kickoff As every year, the President of the State of Israel, Mr. Shimon Peres, opened the highly impressive Annual Door Knock Fundraising Campaign at the President s Residence. ICA Director General, Mrs. Miri Ziv, moderated the ceremony and greetings were delivered by the Honorable President of the State of Israel, the Honorable Deputy Minister of Health, Mr. Yaakov Litzman, ICA Honorary President, Prof. Aharon Ciechanover, ICA Chairman, Prof. Eliezer Robinson, and Chairman of the Annual Door Knock Fundraising Campaign, Mr. Efi Rosenhaus, President and CEO of Shufersal Ltd., who announced that the company would be donating a sum of one million NIS. Performing artist, Sharon Haziz, who recovered from breast cancer, moved the audience with her speech and entertained them with two songs accompanied by guitarist Yovav Avraham. The ceremony highlight was the presence of 50 children who participate in the Carriage Theater

95 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee project, operated with assistance from the ICA, at Hadassah, Ein Karem and moderated by Mr. Erez Meshulam. The children, some of who are still coping with the disease and some of who have recovered, delivered a performance highlighting 50 years of the campaign and handed over the torch to the new Chairman. Coral Veder, a 14-year-old girl who participated in the Hope for Life and Carriage Theater projects sponsored by the ICA, spoke on their behalf. President Shimon Peres: The President of the State of Israel addressed the volunteers in his speech: You have helped many people regain their right to life. Millions of people have lost their lives in the war being waged between different peoples, but no less have lost their lives in the war waged between people and cancer. The war against cancer is perhaps the greatest of wars that man has fought, a war against what is deemed to be the Angel of Death, a battle which for many years was thought to be a losing battle. It was as though man s fate had been terminated. And that his destiny was in the hands of an enigmatic and mysterious disease, like life itself however, in recent years, we have seen that this is not necessarily the true picture. Cancer is not a death sentence. One may fight for an appeal against it in new and triumphant medical courts of justice. Seeing as there are hundreds of different types of cancers, the battle against cancer is being fought on many fronts. On some of these fronts we have already learned how to subdue the disease. Once again, cancer no longer Photo: Rafi Daluya appears to be an unbeatable phenomenon. Medicine has achieved victory after victory in this battle. The outcome of this fight also depends on us, and the fact that cancer treatment does not only relate to the investigation into the nature and causation of cancer, but also depends on how much we actually invest in combating the disease. And the truth is that even when there is a cure for several types of disease, its price is so high, that it is not accessible to all those who desperately need it. Peres, in his address to the Door Knock volunteers said: in a sphere beset by tremendous obstacles, and where the government encounters many difficulties, it is you, noble volunteers, who assist cancer patients in their struggle to ward off the disease and reduce the impact it has on their lives. You support life. 95

96 Annual Door Knock Fundraising Campaign Closing Ceremony The Annual Door Knock Fundraising Campaign event marking the end of the 50 th Jubilee of the Annual Door Knock Fundraising Campaign and embodied a tribute to the dedicated ICA volunteers who work tirelessly to promote its targets. Attendees who arrived at Givatayim Theater were welcomed by dozens of gold and white balloons, and trivets with posters and special news items from years past, tags bearing the Jubilee symbol in gold, a magnificent stage decorated with two golden balloons shaped in the form of the digits 50, white and yellow flower bouquets, and a Presidential table laden with special awards presented to schools for outstanding achievement. Mrs. Sarka Morgenstern, energetic Chairperson of the Kiryat Haim Branch, opened the morning with song, writing new words to the famous song by Yehoram Gaon Od Lo Ahavti Day (I Haven t Loved Enough). Sarka was accompanied by her grandson Assaf Parger and moved the audience who joined her in song and clapped along with the music. The ceremony opened in tribute to Mrs. Suzy Eban, ICA Founding President, with a slide presentation showcasing photos of her endeavors and giving an account of her activity that transformed vision into a reality; it was this activity that paved the way for the Door Knock Fundraising Campaign. Suzy served as a role model for all volunteers and her legacy continues to inspire everyone to get involved. Mrs. Rivka Balistra Branches Manager and Chief of Staff of the Annual Door Knock Fundraising Campaign who moderated the ceremony thanked all those who assisted in activity of the Branches Dept., and to the steering committee for the Jubilee Anniversary events. Rivka commemorated the memory of all the ICA long-time volunteers who passed away in 2010, some of whom volunteered for over 40 years. May their memory be blessed! The Deputy Mayor of Givatayim, Mrs. Iris Avraham, delivered warm greetings to the audience and praised the commendable activity led by the ICA and its volunteers. Prof. Eliezer Robinson, ICA Chairman, delivered greetings, thanked the volunteers for the commendable and tireless efforts and emphasized the importance of early detection. Once the greetings were delivered, Rivka gave an overview of Annual Door Knock Fundraising Campaign and all the innovations that were introduced this year, she also commended the marketing and advertising activity conducted in the branches to promote the fundraising campaign on a local level, under the guidance of the ICA Information and Education Dept. Following the overview of the 2010 Annual Door Knock Campaign, 12 outstanding school representatives from across the country came up to the stage to receive awards of excellence for their achievement in the fundraising campaign. Lili Yitzhakov delivered greetings on behalf of the youth from Zinman Junior High in Dimona. Mr. David Flaver, representative of the Ministry of Education commended the students from the schools that garnered outstanding achievements. Mr. Leon Recanati, ICA Vice Chairman delivered greetings and emphasized the commendable activity of the volunteers at the ICA branches. Mr. Efi Rosenhaus, 2010 Annual Door Knock Fundraising Campaign Chairman, delivered warm greetings and thanked the ICA for giving him the privilege of filling the position of Door Knock Chairman. Collaborative efforts between the ICA and other entities and organizations were highlighted this year as well. Rivka mentioned the fundraising drives that are run in prisons throughout Israel, in collaboration and with assistance from the Israel Prison Service education officers, and called upon the prison representatives who excelled

97 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee in fundraising activity to receive certificates of appreciation. Subsequently, certificates of appreciation were awarded to Discount Bank, represented by Mr. Yitzhak Contenata, and to Estée Lauder Israel General Manager, Mr. Oren Revach of Elkalil that has assisted the ICA in the Light up in Pink and Look Good Feel Better projects, and to Gitam BBDO that has been accompanying ICA s information and public relations campaigns for many years on a completely volunteer basis. ICA Director General, Mrs. Miri Ziv, delivered warm greetings to the volunteers and gave updates on the ICA s broad-based activity over the past year. One of the many fronts on which the ICA endeavors is that of research. Prof. Yossi Yarden, Chairman of the ICA Research Committee, presented ICA fellowship grants to research scientists, while providing a brief explanation on each research study and highlighting the innovations and the hope inherent in each one of the studies. Dr. Esti Yager Lotem of Ben-Gurion University extended thanks on behalf of all the research scientists who were awarded a fellowship grant. Eyal Ariel, a young cancer patient, opened the second half of the event, describing his struggle with the disease and how he transformed cancer into a driving force in his life. After he recounted his story, he delivered a rendition of the song Ta aminu Bahayim (Believe in Life) accompanied by guitarist Eran Montener. An overview was given of all the branches volunteer activity and branches that excelled in each sphere were mentioned. Branches that did not receive certificates of excellence, but also deserving of appreciation for their commendable activity, received a word of thanks. Ms. Ruth Abramovitz, Chairperson of Rishon LeZion Branch, delivered greetings on behalf of the volunteers. The last part of the ceremony was dedicated to the presentation of a special award to six long-time volunteers who have been active in the ICA for over 50 years: Mr. Avraham Azarzar, Outstanding Citizen of Dimona and Chairman of the city s ICA Branch, Mrs. Miriam Kreini, a volunteer in Arab society with the longest record of activity, Mrs. Sarka Morgenstern, Chairperson of Kiryat Haim Branch, Outstanding Citizen of the Krayot and of Haifa, Mrs. Sarka Arkin, Chairperson Gedera Branch, who volunteered at the Branch while she worked as a public servant in the City Council, Mrs. Frieda Itzkovitz, long-time volunteer at Netanya Branch, who served as a volunteer during the late Mrs. Suzy Eban s term as President of the ICA, and delivered a speech on behalf of the veteran volunteers, and last but not least, Mrs. Shosh Levitta, the oldest volunteer, who has been volunteering at the branch since 1958, and who represents the branch s distinguished and unique group of veteran volunteers who are still active. Upon the closing of the ceremony, singer Mrs. Ofira Gluska delivered a performance, singing a medley of her songs and Israeli folk songs, captivating the audience with her performance. 97

98 Annual Door Knock Fundraising Campaign Chairmen The following is a list of public figures who served as Door Knock Campaign Chairman on behalf of the Israel Cancer Association and the positions they held at the time of appointment: Lt. General (Res.) Mr. Haim Laskow (dec.), Managing Director, Port Authority 1963 Attorney Gideon Hausner (dec.), Government Legal Advisor 1964 Mr. David Ben-Gurion (dec.), Israel s first Prime Minister and a Member of Knesset 1965 Mr. Kadish Luz (dec.), Knesset Speaker 1966 Mr. Yisrael Barzilai (dec.), Minister of Health 1967 Mr. Yigal Alon (dec.), Minister of Labor 1968 Mr. Teddy Kolleck (dec.), Mayor of Jerusalem 1969 Mr. David Horowitz (dec.), Governor, Bank of Israel 1970 Prof. Albert Sabin (dec.), President, Weizmann Institute of Science 1971 Mr. Victor Shem Tov, Minister of Health 1972 Mr. Yosef Almogi (dec.), Minister of Labor 1973 Mr. Shimon Peres, then Minister of Defense, current President of the State of Israel 1974 Mr. Asher Yadlin, Chairman, Clalit Health Services 1975 Dr. Yosef Burg (dec.), Minister of the Interior 1976 Mr. Mark Moshewitz (dec.), President, Manufacturers Association 1977 Mr. Gideon Patt, Minister of Housing and Construction 1978 Mr. Yisrael Pollack (dec.), Industrialist, Textile Conglomerate Owner 1979 Mr. Benno Gitter (dec.), Economist, Businessman 1980 Mr. Moshe Schnitzer (dec.), President, Israel Diamond Exchange 1981 Mr. David Hachmey (dec.) Chairman, Insurance Companies Association 1982 Mr. Yekutiel Federman (dec.), Hotelier, Businessman 1983 Mr. Aharon Meir (dec.), Managing Director, Bank Hamizrahi Hameuhad 1984 Mr. Avraham Agmon (dec.), Managing Director, Delek Co Mr. Mordechai Gur (dec.), Minister of Health 1986 Mr. Shlomo Lahat, Mayor of Tel Aviv 1987 Mr. Yisrael Kessar, Secretary General, Histadrut Labor Federation 1988 Mr. Dani Gillerman, President, Chamber of Commerce Association 1989 Mr. Leon Recanati, Company Executive, I.D.B Mr. Ehud Olmert, Minister of Health 1991 Mr. Simcha Dinitz (dec.), Chairman, Jewish Agency 1992 Mr. Eli Horowitz, Managing Director, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

99 "Door Knock" Fundraising Campaign's Jubilee 1993 Mr. Benny Gaon (dec.), Managing Director, Koor Industries Ltd Mr. Emanuel Gil, President, Elbit 1995 Mr. David Wainshal, Managing Director, Migdal Insurance Ltd Mr. Yair Hamburger, Managing Director, Shiloah-Harel Insurance Ltd Mr. Yaakov Peri, President and Managing Director, Cellcom 1998 Ms. Galia Maor, Director General, Bank Leumi 1999 Mr. Shlomo Nechama, Managing Director, Arison Investments, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Bank Hapoalim 2000 Mr. Kobi Alexander, Chairman of the Board of Directors and International President, Comverse Technology 2001 Mr. Lev Leviev, Chairman, Africa Israel Investments 2002 Mr. Yossi Meiman, President of Merhav Group and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Channel Mr. Shraga Biran, Attorney and Businessman 2004 Mr. Muzi Vertheim, Chairman Coca Cola Israel 2005 Mr. Israel Makov, CEO Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd Mr. Avigdor Kaplan, CEO Clal Insurance Company 2007 Mr. Benny Steinmetz, Businessman 2008 Mr. Haim Katzman, Chairman of the income-yielding real estate company Gazit-Globe 2009 Mr. David Franklin, Chairman and CEO of Sugat Industries Ltd Mr. Efi Rosenhaus, President and CEO of Shufersal Ltd Mr. Hubert Leven, President of the Rashi Foundation and Vice President of the Alliance Israelite Universelle (Kol Yisrael Haverim) 99

100 , Bequests Legacies and Commemorations The Israel Cancer Association deeply appreciates all its friends and volunteers who during their lifetime established special perpetual memorial funds to ensure continued support for ICA activities on behalf of patients and their families Adler Emma of blessed memory Blumfeld Robert of blessed memory Bokovsky Leah of blessed memory Carmon Arie of blessed memory Feiner Helena of blessed memory Hornbein Etina of blessed memory Itzkovitz Hana of blessed memory Kochavi Ahuva of blessed memory Levitt Josephine of blessed memory Lieberman Bernard of blessed memory Matoshkovitz Yadviga of blessed memory Reznikoff Moshe Meir of blessed memory Samovsky Miriam of blessed memory Verner Edith of blessed memory Yehoshua Zvi of blessed memory Kibbutz Evron Tel Aviv Kfar Shmaryahu Tel Aviv Ramat-Efal Herzliya Haifa Canada Holon Holon Tivon Petah Tikva Canada Commemorations Commemorations honoring the memory of loved ones may be made through the Israel Cancer Association in several ways: 100 Commemorative Wall in the Sir Charles Clore Hostel garden in Givatayim. The name of the loved one may be engraved on an ornate plaque on the Commemorative Wall situated in the Sir Charles Clore Hostel garden, or at ICA headquarters, or in different hospital wards around the country.