The Emil & Rita Weissfeld Family Foundation

Founded in 2008, the Emil & Rita Weissfeld Family Foundation focuses on funding and supporting research in the medical and scientific fields for the care and prevention of human diseases and such other areas of human health care. The foundation is comprised of three directors: Melanie Cooper, President; Hani Sandler, Vice President; and Raizel Frasier, PhD, Director, who continue to honor the legacy and wishes of Emil & Rita in the hopes of funding scientific research that will help find a cure for diseases that plague humanity. On an annual basis, the foundation funds scientific research through grants to Memorial Sloan Kettering, Indiana University, American Committee Weizman Institute of Science, Institute of Jewish and Community Research, the American Cancer Society, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and more.

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Unfortunately, cancer is a disease with which Melanie and Hani are all too familiar. Their mother, Shirley Cameron, and aunt, Ruth Geller, who shared an unbreakable bond and raised their families together, both battled Cancer. Shirley and Ruth shared their triumphs and struggles and leaned on each other throughout their lives. They were there for one another, as were all of the children and grandchildren.

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Melanie Cooper, Director and President, graduated from University of Albany in 1991 with a B.S. in Political Science and has since worked in a variety of industries before moving into her current role at Roslyn High School. In addition to her work, she currently is President of Roslyn Educational Secretaries Association and a member of the Hadassah Guardians of the Dream (Shomrei Ha’chalom) Donor Society. Melanie is married to Alan Cooper and together are raising their two children, Cameron and Mali.

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Hani Sandler, Director and Vice President, graduated from University of Buffalo in 1986 with a B.A. in English, spent time working with youth programs, and currently works for MyCaseBuilder. In addition to her work, she is a member of the Hadassah Guardians of the Dream (Shomrei Ha’chalom) Donor Society. Hani is married to Kenny Sandler and are the proud parents of Raizel Frasier (& Sean), Hazzan Jacob, and Sammy.

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Melanie and Hani are very honored to accept this year’s American Cancer Society’s 7th Annual Judith A. Hoffman Humanitarian Award on behalf of the Emil & Rita Weissfeld Family Foundation.