Record-Breaking Events in Toronto, New York & Los Angeles
Record-breaking numbers of people attended a variety of Sheba events recently in Toronto, New York and Los Angeles.
At the Canadian Friends of Sheba fundraising Luncheon in Toronto Dr. Tzipi Strauss, Director of the Neonatology Department at Sheba was the featured guest speaker. Close to 100 people attended the event which was graciously hosted at the home of Warren and Debbie Kimel. Many of the participants were hearing about Sheba's unique activities for the very first time. Dr. Strauss spoke about the creation of a new Neonatal Department being planned which will be especially designed and equipped for the optimal care of both critically ill and healthy newborns, both in times of war and peace.
“There are premature babies – some born between weeks 23 to 25 of gestation – who simply cannot be moved,” said Dr. Strauss. “This neonatal center will be a safe, protective space for these fragile infants and their families. Even in worst case scenarios, an earthquake or missile attack, we can continue to protect and treat them with the most advanced medical care available"
In Manhattan, over 200 young professionals gathered at the beautiful Rivington Hotel to partake in the “Children of the World” event. Guests celebrated Sheba's unwavering dedication to provide humanitarian medical relief to children and families worldwide. Noted Israeli-American actress, Mili Avital was MC for the evening.
Prof. Elhanan Bar-On, Director of the Israel Center for Disaster Medicine and Humanitarian Response at Sheba, spoke about his unit's incredible work – from sending medical teams to Haiti in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake to responding to the deadly outbreak of cholera in Zambia, as well as restoring the vision to many poor and underserved citizens in Papua New Guinea.
“Sheba is at the forefront of cutting-edge medical care with one mission – saving lives regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or nationality,” said Gili Gibli, Chairman of the Young Professionals of American Friends of Sheba. “It is so uplifting to see the young Jewish community come out to support and recognize this incredible hospital.”
Mira Bar-Mashiah, President of American Friends of Sheba added, “This was an enormously successful event that went way beyond our expectations. It’s gatherings like these that allow Sheba doctors to do their vital and lifesaving work throughout the world.”
In Los Angeles, over 450 people attended the Women of Achievement Luncheon that was held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The event was Co-Chaired by Helene Boston and Parvin Djavaheri, in addition to Lynn Ziman, Honorary Chair and Beverly Cohen, Vice Chair.
Friends of Sheba Los Angeles presented The Women of Achievement award to Judy Flesh Rosenberg, who has dedicated herself to empowering women and youth. The Marjorie Pressman Legacy Award went to Devorah Colker, who has had a lifelong commitment to the Jewish community and a passion for Sheba Medical Center in particular.
Israeli-American prime-time TV star, Moran Atias, MC of the event, spoke of Sheba's latest innovative cancer research and treatments and introduced the audience to Tamir Gilat, Chairman of Israel Cancer Research who spoke emotionally about his personal battle with an aggressive form of cancer and his treatment at Sheba Medical Center. He extolled Sheba's remarkable doctors who are providing world-class treatment, hope and support to him and many others.
