On
April 28, 2009, the National Women's Division of Albert Einstein
College of Medicine of Yeshiva University raised $200,000
to benefit a cutting-edge research program at Einstein's Children's
Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC) that aims to find better
treatments and, ultimately, cures for autism, cerebral palsy, language
and learning disabilities and other developmental disorders. The occasion
was the Women's Division's 55th Annual Spirit of Achievement
Luncheon at the Pierre Hotel, which paid tribute to the exceptional
professional accomplishments and contributions to society of actor
Cynthia Nixon and CNN correspondent Wolf Blitzer and their co-honorees – noted
pediatric geneticist and Einstein faculty member Robert W. Marion,
MD, who is the director of CERC, and journalist and Seeds of Peace
president emeritus Janet Wallach -- while highlighting
the outstanding work that CERC does on behalf of children who suffer
from serious neurological conditions that can make it hard for them
to succeed at school and in life. Willie Geist of MSNBC's popular
program “Morning Joe” contributed his time as emcee.
Speakers included Allen M. Spiegel, MD, Einstein's Marilyn and
Stanley M. Katz Dean, National Women's Division
New York Chapter president Jackie Harris Hochberg; National
Women's Division president Bambi Felberbaum; event
co-chairs Andrea Stark, Renée Steinberg and Madge Miller; and
Nanette Laitman, who chaired the first Spirit luncheon in 1953, two
years before Einstein first opened its doors. Among the guests were
Rita and Philip Rosen, longtime leading supporters of Einstein, who
were recognized for a poignant video they produced that shed light
on the work being done at CERC, including the inspiring story of 11-year-old
Alena Galan of Westchester, whose life was saved by Dr. Robert Marion. Alena
and her mother, Marcia Galan, presented Dr. Marion with his award. Other
notable attendees included Caryn Zucker, wife of NBC Universal President
and CEO Jeff Zucker; Renee Belfer, Judith Berk Ripka and Audrey
Wilf, all strong supporters of the College of Medicine.
