They’re Back!… No, They Never Left! …. but they do have a new name
“The SASS-ARENA Foundation for Medical Research, Inc.”
Along with Marty and Barbara Sass, Dr Frank Arena has been a Co-founder, President and Director of Research for the past 36 years of the Sass Foundation for Medical Research.. It was only befitting with his dedication, “fire in the belly,” unending dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of this charitable Foundation that the Co-founders changed the name to The SASS-ARENA Foundation for Medical Research, Inc. to include their partner, friend and most respected Medical Oncologist, Dr Frank Arena. “We could not have done it without him” said the Sasses.
After a 2 year hiatus, thanks to COVID, The SASS-ARENA Foundation returned to the glorious venue of Guastavinos in NYC with their Sold Out Gala. They are back with a vengeance, a passion and a commitment that they will never forget all those that are fighting for their lives against the biggest bully of all – CANCER.
The Gala had the distinct privilege of having a group of honorees that truly epitomize all that is good and courageous in their specific fields and in the world…
Stacy Fischer-Rosenthal received this year’s Courage Award. Not only is she a brilliant businesswoman but a true role model on how a person could turn a personal tragedy into a passion and a commitment that could impact the lives of so many people. She has been an award recipient at the American Cancer Society’s Taste of Hope Gala and the Breast Cancer & Survivorship Award in the 21st Century honor. She is an advocate for all those men and women who fear the evil spell of breast cancer and what it can do against them and their family.
Dr Robert Grossman, Dean of the NYU Grossman Medical College was the Medical Honoree. His vision along with Ken Langone, has transformed the NYU Grossman Medical College into a fully scholarship school – a monumental achievement. This award was named after a member of the Foundations Board, Dr Franco Muggia , a giant in the field of Oncology and one of the Founding Fathers of that specialty.
Last but not least, the Humanitarian Honor went to 2 gentlemen who have spent the last 20 years making a huge difference. John Feal, first responder and President of Feel Good Foundation suffered the blows and trauma of 911. He has endured 35 surgeries to correct what he suffered on that tragic day. He along with Jon Stewart fought tirelessly to protect anyone that came in contact with the horror of 911. John introduced the Foundation to Michael Barasch. Michael is an attorney who has spent these last decades fighting tirelessly for all those that lost loved ones, or became afflicted by illnesses associated with this disaster. He helped to register many dozens of cancers and illnesses that exposure to the toxins released by the fall of the Twin Towers had caused. No one on these 2 men’s watches will be left behind or forgotten.
The SASS-ARENA Foundation for Medical Research commitment runs true despite COVID, war, politics or anything that may try to take attention away from their motto —
“TOGETHER WE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE”