 inda Horowitz was a woman of valor, who was completely dedicated to her family, friends, and the well- being of others. She loved her husband Richard, her daughter Jill, son-in-law Jeff Libshutz, her parents, brother and sister, as well as her entire extended family and friends. Linda was initially diagnosed with stage one ovarian cancer in January 2001, shortly after the wedding of her daughter, Jill. Two years later, after two surgeries, hopes and setbacks, it was discovered that Linda had a rare form of pancreatic cancer that was determined to be the initial site that had spread to her ovaries. This was a devastating shock to her doctors, family, and friends. But through it all, Linda was a model of courage and hope, never letting her illness bring her or those around her down. She loved life and tried to enjoy it to the fullest every day. As time went on, and as she and her family waged war on her illness, Linda wanted to, through her family, personally provide financial aid to her doctors and other caregivers, with hopes to not only advance their medical research, but also to focus on the importance of emotional support — Linda was drawn to other cancer patients by lending her warmth and support. She felt this was also a part of her treatment and mission.
Tragically, Linda passed away in December 2003 after her very long and tough battle. At that time, her family wanted to create something good out of this terrible tragedy. The Linda Horowitz Cancer Research Foundation was immediately formed and thus far, through steadfast dedication to Linda's memory and a cure, has made a difference. Most of the foundation's success can be attributed to the kind of person Linda was and the generosity her spirit has motivated in others. Her kindness and warmth was felt by everyone who knew her and has brought the foundation to where it is today.
So many worthwhile charities in the world today are created for so many different reasons, but few leaders have touched the world the way that Katie Couric's (formerly of the Today Show, and now CBS Evening News) heart and mind have. She has been extremely helpful and proactive in bringing the treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer to the forefront of the media and the world. We had several meetings with Katie and hearing her recount the stories of all the lengths she would go through, no matter how obscure, successful or unsuccessful, to find the best medical help for her husband Jay during his illness several years ago. We immediately felt that we had a common ground with her, making The Monahan Center, founded in memory of Katie's late husband, so dear to us - enough to dedicate the LHCRF and our funds to.
 After 2 short years, we have completed our first $1 million financial commitment to the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at Weill Cornell Medical Center. We are proud to announce that The Linda Horowitz Clinical Research Scholar Award has now been created to promote a cure for all forms of gastrointestinal cancer. Researchers there are studying ways to detect pancreatic cancer in its earliest stages. We hope to raise more money in the years ahead to start other research projects to fight other types of gastrointestinal cancers as well.
Cancer is an unbelievably vicious killer that needs to be controlled and stopped. It accounts for nearly one-quarter of all deaths in the United States, exceeded only by heart disease. At the Linda Horowitz Cancer Research Foundation, by collaborating with The Jay Monahan Center, as well as other facilities, we hope to continue to raise money to establish cutting edge research that will stop this disease in its tracks. We are optimistic about the promise that The Monahan Center's talented staff brings to the cancer research community and we will continue to reinforce their efforts. Our small foundation is trying to make a big difference in winning the war against cancer. We hope you will join us in our fight.
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