A Night of Science and Giving

$1.6 Million Raised for Cancer Research at Waxman Foundation Gala

By Norah Bradford | PMC / Paul Bruinooge

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) hosted their 28th Annual Collaborating for a Cure fundraiser, A Celebration of Breakthroughs, at Apella in New York City. The event raised $1.6 million, including a dollar-for-dollar match through the partnership with The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research. Funds raised will support new scientific research grants starting in early 2026.

A Landmark Moment for Cancer Research
Celebrating nearly 50 years of funding crucial cancer research, the event also marked a new milestone for the Foundation — the official launch of the Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging   Cancer. This first-of-its-kind organization will bring together the world’s top scientists to study aging and cancer together.

“Aging is the greatest risk factor for cancer, yet we still have much to learn about how aging impacts cancer development and treatment. By uniting experts in both aging and cancer, we can uncover new ways to prevent and treat it. Thank you to all our supporters for making this vision possible,” said Dr. Samuel Waxman.  

A Legacy of Collaboration and Discovery
The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is an international organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer. The Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research, and its mission is to eradicate cancer by funding cutting-edge research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer and develops minimally toxic treatments for patients.  

Through the Foundation’s collaborative group of world-class scientists, the Institute Without Walls, investigators share information and tools to speed the pace of cancer research. Since its inception in 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has awarded more than $120 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe. 

Honoring the 2025 Philanthropic and Scientific Trailblazers
The event honored Robert Wiener, Chairman Emeritus of Maxx Properties, as Philanthropist of the Year; Jean Shafiroff, philanthropist, author, and TV personality, as Philanthropist of the Year; and Dr. Jeffrey Settleman, Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, Oncology Research and Development at Pfizer, with the Breakthrough Science Award. 

Distinguished Guests and Supporters Notable attendees included: Dr. Samuel Waxman, Marion Waxman, Robert Wiener, Jean Shafiroff, Dr. Jeffrey Settleman, Mark D. Friedman, Maxine Friedman, Jamie Koff, Heidi Russo, Randi Schatz, Orital Karelic, NYS Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright, Shayna Steele, John Riddle, and Dan Micciche. 

Distinguished Guests and Supporters
Notable attendees included: Dr. Samuel Waxman, Marion Waxman, Robert Wiener, Jean Shafiroff, Dr. Jeffrey Settleman, Mark D. Friedman, Maxine Friedman, Jamie Koff, Heidi Russo, Randi Schatz, Orital Karelic, NYS Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright, Shayna Steele, John Riddle, and Dan Micciche.