Champions in the Fight Against Cancer: Arlene and Edmund A. Grossman

For 43 years, Arlene and Edmund Grossman were the center of each other's lives. So when Arlene was diagnosed with breast cancer, they began focusing their philanthropic goals on supporting cancer research — and the Weizmann Institute of Science was one of the top institutions on their list.

Sadly, Arlene passed away from breast cancer in 2012. But because of the commitment she and Ed made before her death, her legacy continues through the Edmund A. and Arlene Grossman Cancer Research Fund. In addition, the couple pledged to fund a professorial chair through their estate dedicated to understanding and preventing cancer metastasis. In recognition of their extraordinary generosity, the Edmund A. and Arlene Grossman Hall in the Institute's David Lopatie Conference Centre was named in their honor.

"We were able to establish what I hope is a reflection of and a memorial to Arlene, whom I loved very much and miss," said Ed. "I would like her to be remembered by the world."

The couple had long been inspired by the Institute's important mission of science for the benefit of humanity, but their interest piqued in 2005 after a conversation with Dr. Peter Scardino — then Chair of the Department of Urology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) in New York. Ed, a prostate cancer survivor, regularly asked Dr. Scardino about advancements in the field.

"He mentioned that he was very enthusiastic about an entirely new therapy that was being developed by Prof. Avigdor Scherz at the Weizmann Institute," Ed recalled. "A short time later, they joined forces in launching a clinical trial."

Ed was excited by the potential of this revolutionary treatment, known as vascular targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP). VTP is the product of a decades-long collaboration between Prof. Scherz, a plant scientist, and the late Prof. Yoram Salomon, a biochemist. In earlier work, the scientists developed a drug, Tookad-soluable®, which uses light-sensitive compounds derived from chlorophyll. In VTP, Tookad-soluable® is delivered to the tumor site then activated by laser light. The drug kills the tumor, but not the healthy tissue nearby.

Clinical trials of VTP for early-stage prostate cancer showed that the therapy was effective in destroying prostate tumors without causing significant side effects. The treatment has now been approved for this use in Mexico, South America, Europe, and Israel. In the U.S., Prof. Scherz and his collaborators are testing VTP's ability to destroy other tumors, including breast, pancreatic, and metastatic prostate cancer.

Since learning about VTP, Ed has had the opportunity to meet Prof. Scherz and now considers him "a dear friend." He and Arlene also discovered that this breakthrough was just one example of the lifesaving research taking place at the Weizmann Institute. The couple began attending American Committee events in New York, where they heard Institute scientists — such as trailblazer Prof. Varda Rotter — present their cutting-edge investigations.

"Weizmann is an outstanding institution where scientists follow their curiosity and engage in pioneering work," said Ed. "I'm very impressed by what they have achieved for the benefit of humanity. And the fact that it's all taking place in Israel really resonates with me."

Today Ed is optimistic that Weizmann scientists will achieve victory in the battle against cancer.

"My dream is to have Weizmann find cures for cancer and, ultimately, methods to prevent it," he said. "I'm hopeful that this will happen during my lifetime. If it can be done anywhere, Weizmann is the institution to do it."

Although Arlene will not have the opportunity to see the impact of her generosity, Ed remains committed to supporting the Institute's vital work in her honor. He has also begun to think about his own legacy by establishing several charitable gift annuities, among other gifts. At the 2014 Global Gathering in New York City, he was inducted into the prestigious President's Circle — which recognizes individuals and foundations that have given $1 million or more to Weizmann science. Since 2017 he has also served on the American Committee's Leadership Council.

"Arlene and I recognized what the Weizmann Institute has accomplished and what it is likely to accomplish in the future," he said. "We're participating in scientific progress that will make a difference for people everywhere."