About the Sally Edelman - Harry Gardner Cancer Research Foundation

The Sally Edelman-Harry Gardner Cancer Research Foundation was founded in 1984 with an established goal to raise $1,000,000 for Cancer Research.

The genesis was in 1973 when George Edelman Jr. started the “$buck board$” after seeing something similar at the Edgewater Restaurant. It had not yet been realized what direction his idea would take and the difference a small town would eventually make.

After the death of Harry Gardner in 1977, George started a campaign to raise money that would go directly to research a cure for cancer without associated administrative costs. In talking with the American Cancer Society, George found their policies conflicted with what he wanted to accomplish. The A.C.S. was glad to accept the money, however, they would decide the manner in which the money was spent. Realizing the conflict in thinking, they suggested that George contact the University of Rochester Cancer Research Center. He did so, establishing a strong relationship that has continued to this day. Their first project together was to purchase a Chromatography unit accomplishing this within three years.

In 1981 George faced a personal tragedy that reinforced his drive to raise money to research this dreaded disease. George’s wife Sally was diagnosed with cancer and with her death in 1982, his personal goal became a mission. Hence, the Sally Edelman - Harry Gardner Cancer Research Foundation was created. The foundation would be positioned in a way to place the monies raised during our campaigns directly into investments. The interest and dividends gained would fund research projects in the Rochester area through the University of Rochester James P. Wilmot Cancer Center.

The goal was now clear. The foundation will raise $1,000,000 with 100% of the money allocated for research. There have been numerous articles written and published in medical journals citing the foundation as contributors of “Seed” grant monies to researchers. “Seed” grants are monies the foundation donates to the leaders of the Wilmot Cancer Center. They, in turn, select the primary research project to support. The hope is that the “seed” so planted results in further monetary support by the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Health. This activity has been very successful in helping to secure additional grants for Wilmot researchers.

The foundation has funded research projects that specialize in colon, ovarian and breast cancer. It has given the University of Rochester over $600,000 to purchase equipment, provide grants, award fellowships, and support research projects.

Below are the major projects the foundation supports:

To date we have over $800,000 earning solid dividends. With the activities mentioned below, the foundation created a base of monies for investment. This base is growing and has funded research projects to aid in the cure for cancer. These include:

It all began with one person wanting to make a difference and has grown from one to the commitment of many. The foundation has five members sitting on its Board of Directors, one retired board member in an advisory capacity, 25 people that lead committees, and hundreds of people that donate their time. This foundation exists because of friends and supporters volunteering time, individually and collectively. All have made a difference.