Israel Cancer Research Fund - Chicago Chapter

Israel Cancer Research Fund - Chicago Chapter ICRF provides pivotal grants to outstanding Israeli scientists to support groundbreaking cancer research across Israel.

Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) is a nationwide charitable organization that receives its total income from private donations. ICRF was founded in 1975 by a group of American and Canadian researchers, oncologists, and lay people determined to harness Israel's educational and scientific resources in the fight against cancer. Its initial purpose was to stem the "brain drain" of Israeli researcher

s by providing funds for postdoctoral fellowships for young Ph.D.'s. ICRF is the only U.S.-based charity solely devoted to supporting cancer research in Israel. Since its inception, ICRF has provided more than $72 million in funding to support innovative studies by Israeli scientists. Our awardees are selected through a rigorous peer-review process that is conducted by a world-class scientific panel. We support individuals at all of the major research institutions in Israel. ICRF-funded researchers have been making significant progress and have been able to develop improved chemotherapies, advanced techniques in bone marrow transplantation, and an enhanced understanding of tumor suppressor genes. By continuing to support cancer research in Israel for the benefit of all mankind, the ICRF:

makes it possible for scientists to utilize Israel's unique population of diverse ethnic groups which afford unequalled opportunities to study genetic and environmental data that contribute to cancer;

places a strong emphasis on young scientists pioneering in new directions with fresh approaches to areas of research that have challenged the experts;

respects and draws upon Israel's unparalleled convergence of some of the finest scientists and physicians in the free world - a resource that must not be lured to conduct research outside Israel.

Did you know that more than 90% of cancer patients experience side effects from treatments like chemotherapy, surgery, a...
06/23/2026

Did you know that more than 90% of cancer patients experience side effects from treatments like chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation?

For many survivors, the challenges don’t end when treatment does, they evolve. Too often, these lasting effects are accepted as a “new normal,” even though specialized rehabilitation can help improve recovery, function, and quality of life.

That’s why this June, Cancer Rehabilitation Month, we’re highlighting the critical role of rehabilitation and the research that helps survivors move forward.

At ICRF, we fund scientists working to advance our understanding of cancer and improve patient outcomes. As survival rates continue to improve, so does the importance of helping patients live well during and after cancer.

06/19/2026

This Father’s Day and every day, we celebrate the dads and father figures who have shaped our lives and inspired us.

For , that inspiration is what drives her to run the New York City Marathon as part of Team ICRF, for which we are proud to be an official charity partner.

Her story is a powerful reminder that cancer research is personal. It’s about honoring the people we love, helping families facing cancer today, and advancing discoveries by Israel’s leading cancer researchers that will save lives tomorrow.

We also remember those who are no longer with us but remain forever in our hearts. May their memory inspire us, strengthen us, and guide us as we work toward a world free from cancer.

💙 Make a gift in honor or memory of someone special: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/icrf-udf/

🏃 Support Team ICRF: https://fundraisers.nyrr.org/teams/israel-cancer-research-fund-icrf?partner=8084f96240cf315288d9

🔬 Help fuel the next breakthrough.

What an incredible night! Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make Night of Games such a success. ...
06/18/2026

What an incredible night!

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make Night of Games such a success. With a sold-out crowd and your extraordinary generosity, this year’s event has raised a record-breaking amount to support innovative cancer research in Israel.

We are deeply grateful to our co-chairs, dedicated host committee, generous sponsors, donors, and vendors for making the evening possible. A special thank you to our featured speaker, Eliza Caplan, for sharing her inspiring and deeply personal journey with brain cancer. Her story was a powerful reminder of why advancing cancer research matters.

Every dollar raised helps fuel groundbreaking discoveries that bring us closer to better treatments, improved outcomes, and ultimately, a world without cancer.

If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to support Night of Games, there’s still time to make an impact. Donate here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/chicagonightofgames2026/event/chicagonightofgames2026/

As Cancer Immunotherapy Month continues throughout June, we are proud to highlight another important discovery by ICRF-f...
06/15/2026

As Cancer Immunotherapy Month continues throughout June, we are proud to highlight another important discovery by ICRF-funded scientists.

Past ICRF grantee Prof. Ziv Shulman and his team at the Weizmann Institute of Science have discovered that memory B cells can recognize and attack ovarian tumors, opening the door to a promising new vaccine-based approach to cancer immunotherapy.

The study, published in the journal Immunity and featured by The Times of Israel, was funded in part by the Beverley Librach Abshez Initiative for Ovarian and Female Reproductive System Cancers.

The article also includes insights from current ICRF grantee Dr. Ruth Perets, who discusses the potential implications of these findings for the future of ovarian cancer immunotherapy.

Read the article: https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-a-world-first-israeli-scientists-find-memory-b-cells-can-target-ovarian-tumors/

June is Cancer Immunotherapy Month, and throughout the month we are proud to highlight innovative immunotherapy research...
06/11/2026

June is Cancer Immunotherapy Month, and throughout the month we are proud to highlight innovative immunotherapy research and the ICRF-funded scientists driving these discoveries.

Prof. Yifat Merbl, recipient of the ICRF–Cancer Research Institute Collaborative Technology Impact Award, is a renowned leader in systems immunology and cancer biology. Her groundbreaking research has revealed previously unknown connections between cellular protein degradation and immune surveillance, opening new avenues for understanding cancer and the immune system.

Recently recognized with the inaugural Trailblazer Cancer Research Grant from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and named to Nature's 10 list for global impact, Prof. Merbl's work is helping redefine how scientists think about immune responses and cancer progression.

Read more about Prof. Merbl here: https://www.icrfonline.org/news/professor-yifat-merbl-uncovering-a-hidden-layer-of-immune-control/

Research funded in part by ICRF has been featured in the news, as the findings of a promising new study could help resha...
06/10/2026

Research funded in part by ICRF has been featured in the news, as the findings of a promising new study could help reshape the future of cancer treatment by using nanoparticles instead of traditional cancer drugs.

A research team at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, supervised by ICRF-funded researcher Dr. Assaf Zinger, developed innovative nanoparticles that successfully slowed the growth of aggressive triple-negative breast cancer tumors in preclinical studies. The nanoparticles work by interacting with the tumor environment and the immune system, helping prevent tumors from recruiting cells that support their growth.

Published in the American Chemical Society journal ACS Nano, the research shows a potential new approach to cancer therapy and highlights the bold, innovative science taking place in Israel.

ICRF is proud to support Dr. Zinger and all our researchers who are pursuing breakthrough ideas with the potential to improve cancer care for patients worldwide.

Read the Ynet Global article here: https://www.ynetnews.com/health_science/article/bkdpnarbfx

Photo credit: Rami Shelush, Technion Spokesperson’s Office

Today, on National Cancer Survivors Day, we honor the millions of survivors whose lives have been changed by advances in...
06/07/2026

Today, on National Cancer Survivors Day, we honor the millions of survivors whose lives have been changed by advances in cancer research.

Many of today’s treatments—from immunotherapy to targeted therapies and precision medicine—were made possible through decades of scientific discovery. Through the support of our generous community, ICRF-funded scientists continue advancing the breakthroughs that help patients live longer, healthier lives.

We honor survivors, remember those we have lost, and remain committed to a future where more lives are saved through cancer research.

It was inspiring to see a strong Israeli delegation, including several ICRF-funded scientists, at this week’s American S...
06/03/2026

It was inspiring to see a strong Israeli delegation, including several ICRF-funded scientists, at this week’s American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago. ASCO brings together more than 44,000 of the world’s leading oncology professionals to learn, collaborate, and advance the future of cancer care.

Several ICRF-funded researchers presented their work at this year’s meeting, including Prof. Irit Ben-Aharon MD, PhD., Director of the Fishman Oncology Center at Rambam Health Care Campus, who shared her important research on long-term child outcomes following cancer during pregnancy.

While in Chicago to present at ASCO, ICRF-funded researcher Dr. Yaacov Richard Lawrence of Sheba Medical Center, recipient of the ICRF Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation Collaborative Project Grant for Pancreatic Cancer, also met with ICRF supporters. In a conversation with ICRF Executive Director Alan Herman, he discussed how his precision radiotherapy research is bringing new hope to patients facing pancreatic cancer.

We are proud to support groundbreaking research that advances cancer treatment and care while ensuring that Israeli science remains at the forefront of the global fight against cancer.

Photo credit for Prof. Irit Ben-Aharon: Fishman Oncology Center

Next week! Join us for Wine & Wisdom with Dr. Yaacov Lawrence of Sheba Medical Center, an ICRF-funded researcher advanci...
05/29/2026

Next week! Join us for Wine & Wisdom with Dr. Yaacov Lawrence of Sheba Medical Center, an ICRF-funded researcher advancing pancreatic cancer research.

Hear how his work in precision medicine is bringing new hope to one of the most challenging cancers to treat.

Two dates and locations:

Chicago (Downtown): June 1 | 6:15 PM
North Shore: June 2 | 7:00 PM

Address shared upon registration.

Register for Downtown Chicago - https://secure.qgiv.com/for/israelcancerresearchfund-parlormeetings/event/chicagowinewisdom/

Register for North Shore - https://secure.qgiv.com/for/israelcancerresearchfund-parlormeetings/event/northshorewinewisdom/

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