Real People, Real Support - Cedars-Sinai

Real People, Real Support
Discovering for Life launched in 2005. Since then, if you were a
researcher seeking funds for a critical study, a parent hovering over
your premature baby in the neonatal intensive care unit, or a
patient in a groundbreaking clinical trial, then you’ve had a friend
at Cedars-Sinai. In fact, you’ve had thousands of friends in dynamic
support groups that advance next-generation research and
extraordinary patient care. Though the campaign has ended,
Cedars-Sinai’s remarkable support groups continue their amazing work.
Board of Governors
Founded: 1971
Who we are: Business and cultural
leaders, 750 strong, pooling our
networks, talents, and resources in
support of Cedars-Sinai. Our
enthusiasm comes from knowing that lives are saved
and improved daily through extraordinary patient
care and next-generation research.
Purpose: We are dedicated to helping Cedars-Sinai take
not just steps, but leaps forward. We strive to provide
clinical and research staff members every opportunity
to “discover for life.”
Accomplishments 2005 –2010: We helped launch and
continue to sustain the Board of Governors Center for
Cancer Research at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive
Cancer Institute; the Board of Governors Gene
Therapeutics Research Institute; the Board of Governors
Endowed Chairs in Medical Genetics, Gynecologic
Oncology, and Cancer Research; and other major
initiatives.
What’s next: While we never lose sight of the
importance of continued support to our existing major
projects, we are equally committed to putting new
and emerging issues on the front burner.
Our current $20 million campaign is focused on
reinventing ways to safeguard and mend damaged
hearts. Galvanized by the leadership of Eduardo
Marbán, MD, PhD, director of the Cedars-Sinai Heart
16 CATALYST SPECIAL CAMPAIGN ISSUE 2010
Institute, researchers at the Board of Governors Heart
Stem Cell Center are turning what sounds like science
fiction — stem cells that could regenerate healthy heart
tissue after a heart attack — into lifesaving medical fact.
How it feels to be part of the Board of Governors:
“My father was a Board of Governors member for as
long as I can remember, and I looked forward to the
time that I could also support Cedars-Sinai. It’s a
wonderful legacy my father and mother (a more recent
board member) have left me in showing the importance
of supporting our community. I’m communicating the
same message to my own children.”
—Nancy Lushing Dean, Member
“Working with the Board of Governors has been
incredible in recent years, trying to chart a new
direction and really engage our membership. The more
I have collaborated with the management and staff of
the Medical Center, the more impressed I am by their
commitment to excellence. There is a family feeling and
team spirit.”
—John Coleman, Chair
“The first time I walked through the Board of
Governors Infusion Center at the Samuel Oschin
Comprehensive Cancer Institute and observed the
facility where cancer patients are treated and nurtured,
it was thrilling. It was tangible proof that our efforts
have made a positive difference.”
—Harriet Nichols, Treasurer

Good Beginnings
Founded: 1979
Who we are: We began as a group of parents
who bonded during long days and nights at the
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Today we
are volunteers committed to supporting other
parents with infants needing critical care.
Purpose: Our mission is to help families facing a complex start to their
children’s lives. Good Beginnings offers parent-to-parent support and
an array of outreach services, including the Forever in Our Hearts
bereavement program.
Accomplishments 2005 –2010: Our website allows parents to access
a comprehensive virtual library of resources. We host weekly parent
meetings, annual NICU reunions for staff and families, acknowledge
holidays, and provide a Parent Resource Library with computers,
phones, a lounge, and more for families at the NICU.
What’s next: We will continue to ensure that NICU families feel
supported and cared-for throughout their experience.
The power of shared experience:
“My child, Leah, inspires me to give others hope and faith during the
most trying times. She is a surviving quadruplet, born at 23 weeks,
one pound, two ounces.”
—Alison Noel, Good Beginnings parent-to-parent volunteer and
member of the Forever in Our Hearts bereavement committee
Tom Collier Memorial Regatta
Founded: 1991, supporting Cedars-Sinai
since 1996
Who we are: We are sailors and friends riding the
winds toward a cure for cancer.
Purpose: Our annual event has raised more than
$400,000, all of which directly supports the research of Phillip Koeffler, MD,
director of Cedars-Sinai’s Division of Hematology/Oncology.
Accomplishments 2005 –2010: Research made possible by the Regatta
funds focuses on exploring new therapies and understanding the
molecular causes of breast cancer. An exciting recent development is the
possibility that a derivative of the skin of red grapes may be a valuable tool
in the fight against breast cancer.
United Hostesses’ Charities
Founded: 1942
Who we are: From our early years of providing
seed money for the Blue Baby Clinic at Cedars
of Lebanon to our current support of heart
research and treatment, we have been
committed to Cedars-Sinai.
Purpose: Over the years, we’ve established the Cardiac Catheterization
Laboratory, supported the UHC Harold J. Mirisch Fellowship, and
endowed the UHC Cardiac Research Floor in the Barbara and Marvin
Davis Research Building.
Accomplishments 2005 –2010: We pledged $1.5 million to endow the
United Hostesses’ Charities Cardiac/Stroke Emergency Care in the
Emergency Department to produce faster diagnosis and treatment.
We also support the research efforts of P.K. Shah, MD.
What’s next: We will continue strengthening community programs, while
putting new focus on resources to aid Cedars-Sinai’s leading heart experts.
Two big moments:
“A truly exciting moment came when we presented an extraordinary
fashion show featuring a retrospective of Cardinali, created by designer
and entrepreneur Marilyn Lewis. Her collection hadn’t been presented
for years and was later donated to a prominent museum.
“The most satisfying recent moment for us was pledging to endow
the United Hostesses’ Charities Cardiac/Stroke Emergency Care in the
Emergency Department.”
—Nancy Kipper and Cheri R. Yousem,
United Hostesses’ Charities Executive Vice Presidents
What’s next: The “Regatta for Hope” will continue to serve as an inspiring
and exciting way to raise money that goes directly to research.
Standout moments:
“From a big-picture standpoint, exceeding $400,000 in donations this past
year was an amazing milestone for an all-volunteer effort in a relatively
small community. But one of the most incredible things happened in 2008
when two junior sailors in a 14-foot boat won the Regatta! Not only was
this satisfying because of their ages, 14 and 15 years, but these two sailors
are third-generation King Harbor Yacht Club members and their parents
were very close friends of Tom Collier.”
—Mark Folkman, Chairman
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Women’s Guild
Founded: 1957
Who we are: We began as a knitting
circle, evolved into producers of
glamorous movie premieres and
antique shows, then became today’s
benefactors of lifesaving enterprises. Through it all,
we’ve never been afraid of change. We have grown our
mission to include 1,500 women of many ages,
interests, and careers.
Our purpose: We continue to be inspired by the
opportunity to bring patients new hope. Our efforts
support treatment, essential medical programs, leadingedge
facilities and equipment, and pioneering research.
Our top priority today: the Women’s Guild Lung Institute.
Accomplishments 2005 –2010: In 2007, we celebrated
our 50th anniversary with a pace-setting $20 million
pledge to fund the Women’s Guild Lung Institute. Led
by world-renowned pulmonary specialists, the Lung
Institute conducts research and provides
comprehensive care for diseases of the lungs,
esophagus, chest wall, and airways. We are proud that
in 2010, U.S. News & World Report again ranked
Cedars-Sinai as one of the country’s outstanding
centers for pulmonary care.
The Heart Foundation
Founded: 1996
Who we are: The Heart Foundation was
established by friends and family of Steven S.
Cohen, an incredible husband, father, son, brother,
and friend who lost his life to sudden cardiac death
at 35. Approximately one million men and women die of heart disease
each year. Joined by many others who have been touched by this silent
killer, we are passionately committed to saving lives in the present and
eliminating heart disease for future generations.
Purpose: The Heart Foundation's mission is to eradicate heart disease by
educating the public, promoting early detection, and supporting the
research of P.K. Shah, MD, director of the Division of Cardiology and the
Helga and Walter Oppenheimer Atherosclerosis Research Center at Cedars-
Sinai's Heart Institute, in the quest to find a cure.
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What’s next: We continue to support the fight against
pulmonary diseases, such as emphysema, asthma, lung
cancer, and cystic fibrosis, through the Women’s Guild Lung
Institute. Additionally, we continue to support the work of
C. Noel Bairey Merz, MD, holder of the Women’s Guild
Endowed Chair in Women’s Health; The Brandman Breast
Center, A Project of Women’s Guild and the Samuel Oschin
Comprehensive Cancer Institute; and other select programs.
A ‘powerhouse’ of a sorority:
“I was fortunate to serve as president of Women’s Guild
and I know from personal experience how dedicated
Women’s Guild is. It is this commitment that fuels my
own drive to uphold and honor the work carried out by
the Guild. It’s a sorority of women dedicated to
furthering healthcare and research, who genuinely care
about one another.”
—Vera Guerin
“Women’s Guild members come from many different
backgrounds, and each woman brings a unique ability.
It is amazing to see our group come together as one,
willing to do whatever it takes to help our friends,
family and community.
“Vera has so eloquently stated how our group of
wonderfully integrated, strong women are truly committed
to the mission to support Cedars-Sinai. I echo her feelings!”
—Judy Briskin
Accomplishments 2005 –2010: We raised funds for research on tissue
engineering to create a bio-artificial artery, the use of peritoneal stem cells
to recreate tissues, gene-based therapy for the prevention and reversal of
arterial plaque, a study of the role the immune system plays in atherosclerosis,
and the development of a heart disease vaccine.
What’s next: We believe no one should suffer Steve's fate, so we are
committed to supporting research for a vaccine to protect arteries from
plaque build-up. The vaccine is about to enter human trials, and we are
excited to help make this groundbreaking opportunity to save lives a reality.
Standout moments: “The day Dr. Shah told us how close he and his team of
researchers were to starting human trials of the vaccine. One of the most
gratifying feelings for any charity is to see results of its efforts. Another is the
day we unveiled The Heart Foundation Donor Wall recognizing the
contributions and commitments of our major donors. Seeing the growing list
of names on the wall inspires us to work that much harder.”
—Mark Litman, The Heart Foundation Chairman and best friend of Steve Cohen

Helping Hand of Los Angeles
Founded: 1929
Who we are: More than 1,800 members who
have made women’s health the centerpiece of
our efforts — and who imbue Mother’s Day
with special meaning.
Purpose: For more than 80 years, we’ve been the Obstetrics and
Gynecology Department’s best and most loyal friend. We helped
establish the Gilda Radner Ovarian Cancer Detection Program and
were the first group at Cedars-Sinai to endow a chair.
Accomplishments 2005-2010: Day in and day out, our volunteers
staff the Helping Hand Gift Shop at the Medical Center. Funds we raise
from sales, membership dues, our annual Mother’s Day Luncheon, and
other events allowed us to help establish the Center for Minimally
Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, the International Speakers Bureau for
Maternal Fetal Medicine, the Fetal Neurology Clinic, a Labor and
Delivery Bio-Repository, and more.
What’s next: We are committed to essential projects and two endowed
chairs in the Obstetrics and Gynecology department. We have an
unbroken record of generous support, thanks to our hardworking
volunteers.
All in the family:
“From mothers to daughters to granddaughters, the spirit and
character of Helping Hand has, since its inception, fostered love for our
organization and its mission. All of their contributions, be it
representation on the board, volunteering in the gift shop, or financial
contributions, have created the sense of generation-to-generation
participation.”
—Ellen Brooks, Vice President
“Helping Hand has been part of my family’s life for many years. My
grandmother, Hortense Goldwater, was a member 80 years ago. Even
before the first gift shop opened at Cedars of Lebanon, family members
volunteered in the Clinic. My grandmother and her sister, Therese Levy,
were on the Board until about 1955. The camaraderie of the ladies I’ve
come to know and respect through volunteering has been amazing.”
—Nan Krasne, President
The PROS
Founded: 2000
Who we are: A small group of supporters who
honor the memory of Louis Warschaw by
fighting the disease that claimed his life. After
her husband’s death, Carmen Warschaw
formed The PROS to encourage men to talk about prostate cancer,
raise funds for prostate cancer research, and help men and their
families through diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose/mission: We support the Louis Warschaw Prostate Cancer
Center at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, which is
committed to advancing research and technology, finding effective new
drug therapies, providing compassionate medical and clinical care,
and promoting community awareness.
Accomplishments 2005 – 2010: We’ve raised more than $3 million
over the past five years to advance prostate cancer research and
establish the Louis Warschaw Prostate Cancer Center as one of the
nation’s premier men’s healthcare facilities. The Warschaw,
Robertson, and Law Families Chair in Prostate Cancer — currently
held by Stuart Holden, MD — was established by The PROS founder
Carmen Warschaw and her family. We are proud that more men
now speak openly and publicly about their prostate cancer
diagnosis and treatment.
What’s next: After 10 years as Chair of The PROS, Carmen Warschaw
is passing the baton. Our hope is that the mission of The PROS will
continue and that the Louis Warschaw Prostate Cancer Center, its
doctors, scientists, and researchers will find a cure. A collaboration is
under way with Johns Hopkins University and the Prostate Cancer
Foundation on a groundbreaking multigenerational study to examine
the long-term health of men who choose active surveillance as their
treatment option.
A legacy that lives on:
“When my husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer, it launched
my interest in doing something about this disease. Frankly, in the
beginning, I was appalled by the way men sheltered themselves from
this disease — some even in denial about their diagnosis. Today,
thanks to prostate cancer awareness, more men are screened early,
resulting in earlier diagnosis and treatment. The mission of The PROS
is to save men’s lives through prostate cancer research, awareness, and
early detection.”
—Carmen H. Warschaw, Founder
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Sports Spectacular
Founded: 1986
Who we are: More than 80 volunteers,
from the worlds of sports,
entertainment, business, law, and civic
life. Whether “in the paint,” on the
gridiron, in a boardroom or a courtroom, we’ve got the
right moves.
Our purpose: Each year we host a one-night event and
auction that shines a light on genetic disorders,
bringing together leaders from investment banking,
entertainment, law, and sports to honor athletes who
belong in any hall of fame and to raise funds to solve
some of the cruelest mysteries of human health —
genetic birth defects. For a quarter century, each Sports
Spectacular has been a sellout, as we gather to salute
athletes from Muhammad Ali and Joe DiMaggio to Kobe
Bryant and Lisa Leslie.
Accomplishments 2005 –2010: Funds raised by our
annual event support the work of David Rimoin, MD,
PhD, and the Cedars-Sinai Medical Genetics Institute.
The Institute’s mission is a powerful one: to improve
the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of genetic
disorders from mental retardation to cystic fibrosis,
Fashion Industries Guild
Founded: 1956
Who we are: Designers, manufacturers, and sales
professionals who make the fashion industry an
economic and cultural powerhouse in Los Angeles
and beyond.
Our purpose: We started by raising funds for capital needs — from stateof-the-art
equipment to new construction for rehabilitation facilities and
conference centers. For the past two decades, we have put care for children
front and center.
Accomplishments 2005 –2010: Our group supports the tiniest and most
fragile patients — those cared for in Cedars-Sinai’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
(NICU). A level III (tertiary) facility, this NICU taps whatever resources are needed
to meet the needs of critically ill babies, premature newborns, and infants
requiring close observation. Thanks to the Ruth Bregman/Fashion Industries
20 CATALYST SPECIAL CAMPAIGN ISSUE 2010
dwarfism to deafness. The Institute also targets adult
diseases, such as heart disease, hypertension, and
diabetes, with a focus on genetic testing.
What’s next: We understand the power that new leaders
can bring. Each year, through the Sports Spectacular
Fellowship Endowment, we give five deserving
physician-scientists the opportunity to make vital
research contributions within their respective
specialties. It’s our way of investing in the next
generation of spectacular research and clinical talent.
How one volunteer went from crisis to celebration:
“My four-year-old daughter Lily was born with an
intestinal malrotation. Doctors at Cedars-Sinai, where
she and my son were born, saved her with emergency
surgery when she was 10 days old. Dr. Rimoin, a family
friend, ‘held our hand’ through that tough process. When
it was over, I wanted to do volunteer work for the
hospital, so I asked Dr. Rimoin how I could get involved.
I was thinking about feeding gelatin to patients once a
week or something like that. Instead, he asked me if I
was a sports fan and told me about the Sports
Spectacular, and I have been involved ever since.”
—Jordan Grotzinger, Silent Auction Committee Chair
Guild Children’s Health Clinic, Cedars-Sinai is able to provide free and discounted
healthcare to 4,000 low-income and high-risk children and their families.
What’s next: We are committed to filling the gaps in healthcare for
children. Construction of the Fashion Industries Guild Pediatric Acute
Care Unit is well underway. It will serve children who do not need
treatment in the NICU, but need more care than that provided on the
regular hospital floor. This will be the first pediatric acute care unit in a
medical center west of the Mississippi.
Coming through in a big way for the smallest patients:
“One of my favorite moments was touring the newly completed NICU for the
first time with a future honoree and members of his company. I felt a
tremendous amount of pride knowing how hard the Guild had worked. It
was really rewarding to see the infants and their families being so well cared
for. I’m looking forward to October, when we present the final check for the
completion of the Fashion Industries Guild Pediatric Acute Care Unit.”
— Kenny Weinbaum, President

The Brain Trust
Founded: 1998
Who we are: Our group was started by Linda Burrows,
a grateful patient who wanted to find a way to give
back. Today we are a small group of women with one
passion: bringing healing to the human brain.
Our purpose: Cedars-Sinai is fortunate to have one of the world’s most
distinguished neurosurgeons, professor and chair of the Department of
Neurosurgery, Keith L. Black, MD, the Ruth and Lawrence Harvey Chair in
Neurosurgery. Time magazine called him a “Hero of Medicine,” we call
him “our hero,” and we are here to support his team of researchers in the
Department of Neurosurgery as they win the fight against disorders,
diseases, and injuries of the brain.
Accomplishments 2005 –2010: Our fundraising efforts — from
children’s fairs to concerts to galas — helped launch the Johnnie L.
Cochran, Jr. Brain Tumor Center in 2007.
With your help, we’ll be here
for her grandchildren, too.
For more than a century, people from all
around the world have turned to Cedars-Sinai
for world-class medical treatment and research.
You can help to ensure that this legacy will be available for generations
to come by making a planned gift to Cedars-Sinai. Your gift provides tax
benefits for you and/or your estate, and it helps Cedars-Sinai continue
to provide the finest quality care, and to conduct research that is vital to
our Southern California community — and to the world.
To learn how you can create your own legacy at Cedars-Sinai, please contact
Matthew Rabin, Esq., assistant director of Gift Planning, at (323) 866-8149
or matthew.rabin@cshs.org, or visit the planned giving section of our website
at www.csmc.edu/giving.
What’s next: We are all about results, such as shortening the time it takes
to move research advances to clinical trials for patients in need of the
newest treatments. We are excited to support the ongoing development of
an experimental vaccine developed by Dr. Black’s team of researchers. It
has been shown to increase the two-year survival of patients with the most
aggressive form of brain cancer from 8 percent to 42 percent. Also in the
exploratory stage: the use of nano drugs to better target tumors and the
use of wavelengths of light for diagnosis.
What members dare to dream:
“We want to be around for that ‘WOW’ moment. We want to know that we
were instrumental in raising the funds needed to find the elusive cure for
brain cancer. Researchers are closing in on the solution and a lack of
resources and support should not hinder their progress.”
—Gloria Mitchell, Member