SWEETCHARITY: Celebrate Life!

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation relaunched its Millennial Society advocacy group for young professionals with “Celebrate Life!,” a festive happy hour at the Empire Hotel rooftop lounge on November 13. Nearly 100 guests attended the fun gathering in midtown, which was organized by the SWCRF’s new Millennial Society committee Amanda Aronson, Zachary Aronson, Bradley Fishel, Melissa Fishel, Sarah Nierenberg, Lauren Schumacher, Melanie Twomey and Joanna Wexler. The event was a labor of love for the Millennial Society committee members, many of whom have been personally affected by cancer. “To me, cancer research means hope,” said Melanie Twomey, who is a cancer survivor. “It means that, while we are going about our lives, there is someone out there fighting for us, fighting for a cure. Every one of us has either been affected or knows someone that is currently being affected by this horrible disease. Continuing research gives me the comfort in knowing that we are one day closer to a cure.” “Cancer research is an opportunity for me,” noted Bradley Fishel. “Prior to two years ago my exposure to cancer was limited to the distant memory of my grandmother and stories of my grandfather who also passed from cancer. After losing a painstaking battle with cancer, my closest friend Avi passed away, it took exactly one year. What does cancer research mean to me? It means getting us closer to preventing the tragedy of the unexpected loss of the people you care about the most.” “As a young adult, it is important that we understand cancer, in order to control and ultimately conquer this awful disease one day,” said Sarah Nierenberg. “Although cancer survival rates are improving, it is still crucial to increase support and funding in this battle. By supporting and encouraging cancer research, doctors and scientists will be able to tackle some of the biggest challenges that lie ahead, and will hopefully one day beat cancer.” The 17th annual SWCRF benefit dinner and auction "Collaborating For A Cure" takes place on Thursday, December 4 at Cipriani Wall Street. This years event will honor fashion designers Carley Cushnie and Michelle Ochs of Cushnie et Ochs and include a special musical performance by Ziggy Marley. For more information on the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation visit www.waxmancancer.org.

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