It’s not about statistics. It’s not about spreadsheets. It’s about people…people whose day to day lives were suddenly put on hold upon hearing that their child or loved one has a life threatening disease. The jacket that was purchased on sale at the end of last season for the following year may not be needed. Future plans cannot be made as, for that child spouse or parent, there may not be a future.

In early May, a group of eminent New Yorkers attended Ezer Mizion’s Fourth Annual New York Golf and Tennis Classic on behalf of the organization’s International Jewish Bone Marrow Registry for Cancer Patients.   

Players teed off at Trump National Golf Club amid breathtaking scenery where the sky meets the treetops cushioned in a bed of rolling, undulating hills. These prestigious leaders of the financial and real estate world had gathered with a purpose: to raise funds for genetic testing, thus greatly increasing the database of the Registry.

Often a cancer patient’s sole chance of survival lies in a bone marrow transplant. To be successful, both donor and recipient must genetically match.  Time is of essence. The transplant must be done before the patient’s condition deteriorates.

Ezer Mizion is the largest Jewish registry in the world but it is still not large enough. Genetic testing is expensive and funds are urgently needed. It is essential that the registry grow further so that virtually any Jew in need of a transplant can receive a positive response before it’s too late .

Michael Greenblatt, an enthusiastic golf player, commented that his cousin had received a transplant but, he believes, it had been done too late. His cousin’s condition had worsened and he died two years later. If only …

The innovative ideas and generosity of a generous anonymous donor contributed greatly to the success of the event. Ezer Mizion’s dedicated committee members, Daniel Arbess, Marc Brodsky, Dr. Aaron S. Cynamon, Alex Dembitzer, Lawrence J. Levine, Howard Lorber, David Lyons, Mark Zev Marmurstein, Benjamin Ringel and Stuart Sugarman devoted hours and hours into the night creating awareness of the vital need for funding among their friends and business associates.

Manny Malekan, a devoted committee member and supporter of Ezer Mizion for many years, exemplifies the feeling of responsibility for the pain of another Jew and and dedicated much time and effort before, during and after business hours towards the success of the event. His magnanimous pledge that was announced during the Dinner inspired others to increase their contributions as well.

Due to the great efforts of the committee members, players arrived in droves and enjoyed a weather-perfect, 70 degree day at Trump National. Attendees were invited to a gala dinner after a tiring day under the sun.  

Stuart Sugarman, a very personable Dinner MC, doubled as an auctioneer.  Who could resist the excitement of bidding for a ticket to the Jerry Seinfeld Show! But amid the lively fun and laughter was a sense of determination among the guests. We’re here to save lives!

Marlene Arbess, whose son has been off treatment for two years following an aggressive course of chemotherapy, portrayed the anguishing experience of parents living with the uncertainty of not having a match immediately available. 

Ms. Arbess argued that if the registry can attract the support it needs to keep growing at the pace that it has in the past few years, the chances of finding a match for everyone will be much higher, meaning that other families could avoid this anxiety. 

Chief Transplant Coordinator Ofra Konikoff informed the guests that her hand trembles upon writing the words “no match found.”  Ofra pleaded with the attendees, “I don’t want to have to write those words ever again!”