The spirit of generosity, determination, and hope lit up the greens of the Fresh Meadow Country Club in Lake Success, NY, where the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) hosted its 43rd Annual Golf Tournament. Under blue skies and with more than 80 passionate participants, this extraordinary day raised over $200,000 for groundbreaking cancer research. Even more inspiring, thanks to the Foundation’s powerful partnership with The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, every dollar raised will be matched dollar-for-dollar, doubling the impact of every swing.
Norah Lawlor of Lawlor Media Group has long been a steadfast supporter of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, standing shoulder to shoulder with its mission to advance groundbreaking research. With her unparalleled expertise in public relations, she ensures that the Foundation’s voice is always amplified, its initiatives celebrated, and its fundraising successes widely recognized. Time and again, Norah has demonstrated that she is not only a trusted partner but also a passionate advocate, always there to champion the Foundation’s tireless fight against cancer.
From the very first tee-off to the closing dinner, this was more than just a golf tournament — it was a collective statement of hope. With cancer mortality decreasing by nearly 30 percent over the last two decades, the event underscored how critical ongoing research is to creating innovative treatments that are more effective and less harmful. Yet with the global incidence of cancer projected to rise to 35 million cases by 2050, the urgency of the mission is undeniable.
Dr. Samuel Waxman, the visionary founder and leader of SWCRF, emphasized the Foundation’s mission:
“Our mission has always been to eradicate cancer through groundbreaking research, but we also recognize that to truly change the trajectory of this disease, we must confront its greatest risk factor: aging. By advancing research that addresses the biology of aging, we are opening new doors to prevention and treatment strategies that can improve lives and bring us closer to a world without cancer.”
The tournament was magnificently co-chaired by Gary Jacob, Executive VP of Glenwood Management Corp., and Dennis Herman, Chairman and CEO of Beekman International Center, Ltd. Their leadership, vision, and dedication ensured that this year’s event was not only a success but also a shining beacon of what can be achieved when philanthropy meets purpose.
The remarkable Golf Committee Members—Frederick W. Barney, Jr., Robert Eichler, Michael Hight, Gerard F. Joyce, Jr., Samuel Waxman, MD, and Ari Zagdanski—added strength and expertise, ensuring every detail was perfect and every guest felt part of something extraordinary.
But it was the attendees themselves who brought the heart and soul. Distinguished supporters including Clay Lifflander, Steve Matkovich, Gary Jacob, Thomas Fanning, Jimmy Murtagh, Dreni Kyqykaliu, Vincent Migliore, Bruce Dimpflmaier, Marcia Cohn, Jonathan Swack, Susan Pomerantz, Deb Miller, Stephen Mellert, Henrietta Morrison, Kim Slawek, Scott Lazarz, Ryan Greco, Nicky Heryet, Dina Wetchler, Joseph Gervino, Gerald Joyce, Frank Gaeta, and Michael Berger gathered in solidarity, laughter, and purpose. The sense of community was palpable — each conversation, each swing, each shared smile carried the weight of hope.
As the evening concluded with a celebratory dinner, the message was crystal clear: together, we are changing the future of cancer research. The SWCRF, since its founding in 1976, has awarded more than $120 million to over 200 scientists across the globe. Its mission to fund innovative, minimally toxic therapies remains as urgent and inspiring as ever.
With champions like Dr. Samuel Waxman, Gary Jacob, Dennis Herman, and the entire SWCRF community, the dream of a world free from cancer feels closer than ever. This was not just a tournament. This was a triumph of humanity, science, and compassion.
The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation reminds us all: together, we can swing for cures, swing for hope, and swing for life.
