Department of Oncology

Grant Synopsis: Personalized Prostate Cancer Screening Among Men with High Risk Genetic Predisposition
Research Doctor: David Margel MD, PhD.
Location: Division of Urology & Davidoff Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel

Prostate cancer screening among the general population is highly debatable. However screening among a high risk group is appealing. Prior data suggests that men carrying mutations in the BRCA 1 and 2 genes or men with Lynch syndrome maybe at increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Additionally they appear to develop prostate cancer at a younger age and with a more aggressive course.
This grant project will be a prospective diagnostic trial of screening for prostate cancer among men with genetic predisposition. The target population are males (40-70 year old) carrying specific gene mutations. The primary endpoint will be to estimate the prevalence, stage, and grade of prostate cancer in this population.

This study aims to create a bio-bank of tissue, urine and serum of this unique cohort for future investigations. Ultimately, the proposed research is highly translational and focuses not only on the clinical results, but on the future specimens that will be used to advance our understanding of prostate cancer patho-physiology. Most importantly these high-risk germ-line mutation carriers are ideal candidates to be used as cohorts to help find primary and secondary prevention initiatives to combat this disease.

Funding Request: $35,000

Grant Synopsis: The creation of the Breast Cancer Surveillance & Outcome Unit will fulfill the demand for a registry system, which will collect data and generate cancer statistics on the population.
Research Doctor: Rinat Yerushalmi, MD
Location: Institute of Oncology, Davidoff Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel

Rabin Medical Center’s Doctor Rinat Yerushalmi seeks to create a Breast Cancer Surveillance & Outcome Unit.  The need for this unit is essential because there is a strong demand for a registry system, which will collect data and generate cancer statistics on our population, for the purpose of monitoring the burden of breast cancer in the area. This unit will demonstrate the magnitude and effects of cancer control on our population through findings on cancer incidence (new cases), mortality (cancer deaths) rates, age, regional statistics, trends, projections and survival statistics.

The unit will provide data for breast cancer control and ongoing information on the scope of the cancer problem, information to plan programs to reduce mortality, and morbidity from breast cancer. It will enable to monitor the effectiveness of such programs and will aid for future planning. Moreover, it will serve a source of information for research. Research based on population registries avoids one source of potential bias due to non-representative participation and is of better quality than research that uses non-population-based sources.

Essentially, the Breast Cancer Surveillance & Outcome Unit will assume these main functions:

  • Produce Breast Cancer Statistics
  • Support evaluating the quality and outcomes of breast cancer care
  • Support research and programs such as screening, radiation oncology and specific treatments in medical oncology.

Funding Request: $35,000

Grant Synopsis: This project will define the incidence of HER-2(+) breast cancers in young patient population and evaluate the effect of Trastuzumab on fertility and QOL measures in young breast cancer patients. This study may contribute to studying the toxicity profile of biological agents in young patients with breast cancer.

Research Doctor: Irit Ben-Aharon MD, PhD
Location: Institute of Oncology, Davidoff Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. Even though its prevalence rises with age, about 25% of the patients are pre-menopausal at the time of diagnosis and about 12% are 45 years old or younger.  Breast cancer is categorized into molecular subtypes, based upon histological expression of hormonal receptors (ER, PR) and HER-2 NEU receptor. It is well established that different subtypes manifest different tumor biology and prognosis.

The addition of Trastuzumab (humanized anti HER-2 monoclonal antibody) significantly improved disease free and overall survival among these patients and changed the natural history of the disease. Known adverse effect of this treatment is reversible heart failure. There is lack of information regarding Trastuzumab effect on fertility, menopause and quality of life (QOL) related symptoms. We intend to define the incidence of HER-2(+) breast cancers in young patient population and evaluate the effect of Trastuzumab on fertility and QOL measures in young breast cancer patients. This study may contribute to studying the toxicity profile of biological agents in young patients with breast cancer.

Funding Request: $20,000

Location: Davidoff Center at Rabin Medical Center in Petach Tikvah, Israel
Grant Synopsis: Rabin Medical Center believes that it is necessary to expand the BRCA clinic in order to increase the availability of their services.

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women. About 10% of breast cancer cases are associated with a mutation in the BRCA1 orBRCA2 genes. Women who carry the mutation have an up to 80% chance of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer. It is known that approximately 2% of the Israeli population carries the mutated gene, much higher than in any other ethnic group.

Therefore, Israeli women with a family history of multiple malignancies, especially breast and ovarian cancer, are routinely offered the BRCA gene test. If the results are positive, they are invited to meet with a genetic counselor who explains what the findings mean and the risk of malignancy.  This service is available in many other countries as well. Thereafter, patients are requested to return to their G.P. for guidance in planning a prevention and follow-up strategy.

In order for each woman to reach the decision that is right for her, she needs the help of a professional and an experienced team. Proper consultation combined with continued medical support can be in many cases a life-saver.

These considerations prompted us to establish a novel multidisciplinary clinic geared to the management of women at high risk of breast/ovarian cancer. The staff consists of four physicians with expertise in Medical Oncology, Surgery, Gynecology, Psycho-Oncology and Radiology, in addition to a social worker and a secretary. It also contains facilities allowing us to perform research to enrich current knowledge of this issue.

At present, the clinic is open one day a month; 28 patients can be seen each time.  Patients undergo regular follow-up including at least 2 visits a year for physical breast examination by a medical oncologist/surgeon, vaginal ultrasound, gynecological examination, blood tests, and consultation regarding updates and support. Once a year, a mammogram, ultrasound, and breast MRI scan are performed.

Funding Request: The annual cost of operation of the clinic- $185,444.

Department of Cardiology

Location: Cardiology Department at Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Grant Synopsis: In order to restore life and consciousness, the Cardiology department needs live-saving equipment.

Restoration to life and consciousness demands an emergency technique and equipment used during cardiac arrest. The goal is to reestablish the heart and lung function resulting in restoration of blood circulation into vital organs and especially to the brain. A modern cardiac resuscitation unit contains electric shock capability (e.g. defibrillator), EKG monitoring unit, cardiac pacing pads, accessory devices and hypothermia equipment.

Funding Request:  2 units/ $15,000 per unit.

Cardiology Department: Holter Monitoring Unit
Location: Cardiology Department at Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Grant Synopsis: The Cardiology Department at Rabin Medical Center is in need of four Holter Monitoring units.

Holter monitoring equipment enables us to continuously monitor the heart rhythm of patients with electrical disturbances for advanced diagnosis and treatment guidance.   

Funding request: $5,000/ 4 units are needed.

Location: Cardiology Department at Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Grant Synopsis: The Cardiology Department is in need of two Cardiac Output Monitoring Units. The best and most reliable way to monitor heart failure patients is by using online cardiac output display in the intensive cardiac care unit for heart failure patients.

 
The best and most reliable mean to monitor heart failure patients using 'on line' cardiac output display in the intensive cardiac care unit for severely decompensated heart failure patients. 

Funding request: $50,000 per unit/ 2 units needed

Location: Cardiology Department at RabinMedical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Grant Synopsis: The Cardiology Department is in need of an Echocardiography Imaging Unit to help monitor patients with a variety of heart diseases and disorders.

Echocardiography Imaging Unit is a 'state of the art' cardiac ultrasonic unit used to create an image the heart using 2D and 3D projections on a high resolution touch screen monitor. Whenever necessary, this unit is perfect for clinical use because of its high resolution imaging. This is the most accessible and reliable imaging technique used to provide a wealth of crucial information to the practicing cardiologist.

Funding Request: $200,000 per unit/ Need a single unit.

Location: Cardiology Department at Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Grant Synopsis: The Cardiology Department is in need of an Echo-Navigator unit, which will help give surgeons a better view the structural composition of the heart.

The integration of cardiac echocardiography and interventional cardiology is of critical importance during catheter-based heart valve and structural procedures. The Echo-Navigator software allows for improved integration between cardiac echocardiography and X-Ray imaging during these complex procedures. At our department, we perform multiple non-surgical, catheter-based heart valve and structural procedures. We are in need for such novel imaging equipment to complement our procedural capabilities in the cardiac catheterization suite.

Funding Request: $75,000/ Need for a single unit.

Location: Cardiology Department at Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Grant Synopsis: The Cardiology Department is in need for a Nuclear Cardiology Imaging Unit in order to properly evaluate the blood supply and viability of a patient’s heart.

The field of nuclear cardiology has evolved during the last years. New equipment is capable of obtaining high resolution cardiac perfusion scans using lesser amounts of radiation while obtaining improved diagnostic accuracy. The new technology would yield improved cardiac diagnoses and accurate triage for therapeutic cardiac interventions. A myocardial perfusion SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) study, also called a cardiac stress-rest test, is used to evaluate the heart's blood supply and viability. Two sets of images showing blood flow are obtained: the first following a period of rest, and the second following a period of stress, which involves exercise on a treadmill. Myocardial perfusion SPECT is used to evaluate damage that might have been caused by a myocardial infarction and to assess the presence and extent of myocardial ischemia (i.e. reduced blood flow due to obstruction in the vessels).

Funding Request: $500,000 per unit/ Need for a single unit

Location: Cardiology Department at Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Grant Synopsis: The Cardiology Department is in need of one Cardiac CT unit in order to properly identify weakened sections of arteries or veins, visualize blood flow, and to detect fatty or calcium deposits (plaque) in the coronary arteries.

The Cardiac CT Unit is part of a new generation of advanced imaging technology; the cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan uses a combination of a high-tech x-ray scanner and sophisticated computer analysis to provide detailed, 3D images of the moving heart and major blood vessels. It can be used to identify weakened sections of arteries or veins and to visualize blood flow, as well as to detect fatty or calcium deposits (plaques) in the coronary arteries.  For patients, the experience is similar to having an x-ray; however, for physicians, the cardiac CT provides a wealth of detailed and valuable information about the health of their patients' hearts.

Funding Request: $1,000,000 for one unit.

Location: Cardiology Department at Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Grant Synopsis: The Cardiology Department is in need of one Cardiac MRI unit in order to diagnose an illness or condition, to assess damage after an illness or incident (such as Myocardial Infarction, Myocarditis or Cardiomyopathies), and as part of continuing care and follow up.

Grant Description: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers new levels of excellence in the diagnosis and management of cardiac care. This minimally invasive procedure does not involve radiation and delivers unparalleled image quality. It provides accurate assessment of cardiac masses, visualization of congenital abnormalities, evaluation of ventricular and valvular function, characterization of the aorta and pulmonary veins, and is becoming recognized as a "gold standard" for myocardial viability assessment. Stress MRI is used to evaluate for the presence of coronary artery disease caused by cholesterol plaque buildup on the arteries supplying blood to the heart. Cardiac MRI may be used in order to diagnose an illness or condition, to assess damage after an illness or incident (such as myocardial infarction, myocarditis or cardiomyopathies), or as part of continuing care and follow up. We are in need for dedicated cardiac MRI equipment at the cardiology department

Requested donation: $3,000,000 for one unit.

Location: Cardiology Department at Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Program Director: Dr. Avital Porter
Chairman of the Cardiology Department: Dr. Ran Kornowski

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the Western world, in both genders. Indeed, mortality rates have decreased; however, they have remained high in young women (35-55 years) compared to men.  It is important to note that the awareness and importance of prevention, diagnosis, and optimal treatment of CVD has risen. Yet, most women are unaware of their own CVD risk. Women are also unaware to the burden of risk in their reproductive years (complicated pregnancy/ peri-menopausal period) and their impact on future CVD. It will be a unique opportunity of CVD prevention and education, by creating a gynecology- cardiovascular linkage dedicated to specific women CVD risks.

The vision for the Women’s Heart Center is for it to be a multi-disciplinary center (doctors, nurses, dieticians, social worker, and psychologist).  The center will give comprehensive CVD risk assessment, prevention programs, as well as all further evaluation and treatment needed. Ultimately, the Center would be a dedicated clinic planned and decorated for healthy women. Women will be referred from high risk pregnancy and menopausal out- patient clinics. They will be screened for their lifetime CVD risk, educated ("know your numbers"), and treated by the multi-disciplinary staff .All evaluation needed, will be done "in-house" coordinated by the center.

Funding Needs:

  • Full time dedicated staff (nurses, dieticians, social worker, and psychologist)
  • ECG, Blood pressure monitoring, weighing machine.
  • Budget for advertising and publication.
  • Budget for screening program and specific educational workshops directed for work places and healthy women.

Funding Request: $35,000

Location: Cardiology Department at Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Grant Synopsis: The Cardiology Department needs your help to create a specialized clinic to explore, diagnose, and treat women at risk of various cardiac ailments and those already affected.

The Cardiology Department needs help to support their Women’s Heart Health Clinic geared specifically toward women’s heart health. Heart diseases are one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality among women. However, it is often ignored due to misdiagnosis and/or misinterpretation of symptoms. We have established a dedicated clinic to explore, diagnose, and treat women at risk and those already afflicted by heart diseases. This unique era of clinical practice, research, and education needs financial support to accomplish its ultimate endeavors. 

Funding Request: $35,000

Location: Cardiology Department at Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Grant Synopsis: The Cardiology Department needs help to support their Cardio-Oncology Clinic to help patients who are at risk for morbidity and mortality.

It appears that 70% of cancer patients sustain primary heart diseases often while undergoing oncologic treatments. The diseases these patients suffer from are often fatal. At our cardiology department we have established a dedicated multidisciplinary clinic to treat those patients in the best comprehensive manner. The cardio- oncology clinic needs continued support to improve patient care.

Requested donation: $35,000

Location: Cardiology Department at Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Grant Synopsis: The Cardiology Department has established an advanced cardio-genetic service to optimize personalized characterization of patients at risk for life threatening heart diseases.

Genetic testing data is important for the prevention of diseases because they help to identify individuals at risk for sudden cardiac death and offer personalized therapy based on patient’s DNA results. We have established an advanced cardio-genetic service to optimize personalized characterization of patients at risk for life threatening heart diseases.
We identified the need for a specialized system with trained personnel that will discuss the benefits and the limitations of genetic testing with patients. This genetic consultation will also include the patient's desire regarding incidental findings. At the end of the diagnostic analysis, this system will also relay the results to the family and inform them about the health recommendations for the affected individuals and the ramifications for other family members. Nonetheless, genetic testing is expensive and not fully covered by the health authorities.

Funding Request: $35,000

Location: Cardiology Department at Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Grant Synopsis: The Cardiology Department needs 4 research grants that will help educate their fellows so that they may become emerging scientists and produce more innovative research.

The cardiology department is one of the most advanced cardiovascular academic centers in Israel. We put emphasis on educating our fellows to become emerging scientists in addition to their clinical training. The research grant would enable to provide the necessary means for innovative research conducted by our fellows. 

Funding Request: $30,000 per grant/ In need of 4 grants.

Location: Cardiology Department at Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Grant Synopsis: The Cardiology Department needs help sending six fellows for sub-specialty training programs and to help promote the future generation of cardiologists at the highest professional level in Israel.

We aim at providing our trainees the most advanced continued medical education at the best institutions around the globe. We intend to send our fellows for sub-specialty training programs using dedicated fellowship grants provided by educational donations. The goal would be to expose them to the most advanced facilities on planet by assuring to attract them back to our department. This sponsored training program would promote the future generation of cardiologists at the highest professional level in Israel.

Funding Request: $50,000 per grant/ In need of 6 grants.

Location: Cardiology Department at Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Grant Synopsis: The Cardiology Department needs support in order to conduct their research project. This project will be conducted by the cardiovascular biology laboratory, which focuses on research of blood cells that are involved in the process of atherosclerotic disease and its thrombotic complications. The research they need help to conduct can save lives and vastly improve patient care.

The laboratory of cardiovascular biology at Rabin Medical Center focuses on researching blood cells that are involved in the process of atherosclerotic disease and its thrombotic complications. We have identified specific cells named endothelial progenitor cells, which are bone-marrow derived stem cells involved in the process of repair of vessel injury. For instance, the cells would be used to help repair vessels following these injuries: balloon or stent placement in arteries or spontaneous injury due to atherosclerotic disease. These cells incorporate into sites of vessel injury and enhance the repair of the cells layer (endothelium) lining the vessel.
During the past several years, we have learned how to augment their levels and we have made some discoveries as to how these cells function in order to potentially improve the process of vascular repair. A new research grant will greatly support our research efforts to continue to study these cells and ways to improve their function. Our research could be translated in the short-term towards improved patient care and life-saving therapeutic measures.

Funding Request: $35,000.

Location: Cardiology Department at Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Grant Synopsis: The Cardiology Department of Rabin Medical Center would like to send 3 fellows per year for a one month observation period in the best cardiology department in the USA. The goal would be for them to learn the best cardiac techniques in the most advanced facilities.

We intend to send our fellows for short (e.g. one month) observation periods in the best cardiology department in in the USA. The goal would be to expose them to the most advanced facilities and cardiac techniques as part of their upgraded training program. This sponsored training program would promote the future generation of our cardiologists at the highest professional level in Israel.

Funding Request: $10,000 per grant/need 3 grants per year.

Location: Cardiology Department at Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Grant Synopsis: The Cardiology Department at the Rabin Medical Center would like to send two fellows to the best institutions through a sponsored training program in order for them to further their medical education.

We aim at providing our trainees the most advanced continued medical education at the best institutions in the USA. We intend to send our fellows for sub-specialty training programs using dedicated fellowship grants provided by educational donations. The goal would be to expose them to the most advanced facilities on planet by assuring to attract them back to our department. This sponsored training program would promote the future generation of cardiologists at the highest professional level in Israel.

Funding Request: $35,000 per grant/need 2 grants.

Location: Cardiology Department at Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Grant Synopsis: The Cardiology Department seeks grant support to ensure that the service the research coordinators and statisticians provide can continue.

The Cardiology Department and staff carefully monitor all cardiac procedures completed in Rabin Medical Center for clinical and research purposes. We use state of the art computerized database facilities, which help the Cardiology Department monitor the quality of care. Overall, we want to continue to have successful outcomes; therefore, we employ research coordinators and statisticians to assist us fulfilling this important endeavor.  However, this service is serf-sponsored by research grants and thus we are in need of this support. 

Funding Request: $35,000

Department of Urology

Location: Department of Urology at Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Grant Synopsis: The Urology Department at Rabin Medical Center seeks a 1 month scholarship to fund one of their senior urologists to visit the best departments in the USA in order to bring the focal therapy treatment protocol to Rabin Medical Center.

In a significant segment of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. There is a notion today that these patients may be managed by local ablation of a limited amount of small lesions.  We have initial cooperation with 2 groups in the US – Cornell and Duke to develop a protocol for diagnosis and treatment of marginal amounts of this disease by focal therapy.  We are in need of a scholarship to fund one of our younger senior urologists to visit these departments and bring the current treatment protocol to Rabin Medical Center.

Funding Request:  1 month / $ 12,000

Location: Department of Urology at Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Grant Synopsis: Treatment of high risk patients with prostate cancer is a dilemma for both patient and doctor because of the abundance of options.

The Urology Department seeks funding for treatment of high-risk patients with prostate cancer is often poses a dilemma for both patient and doctor. There are plenty of options from whether to operate or apply radiation, use hormone therapy or chemotherapy, etc. These are some of the management questions which are debated worldwide. Sadly, there is no single answer.  In MSKCC there is a unique opportunity to learn from the prostate cancer uro-oncology management team how they use modern techniques and resources to approach this delicate issue.  The Department of Urology at Rabin Medical Center has an established relationship with Dr. Scardino and Zelevski and they would readily accept a visitor from Rabin Medical Center. We aim to send a senior uro-oncologist to spend a couple of weeks with this group and update our prostate cancer DMT with the MSKCC protocols.

Funding Request: 2 weeks - $ 6,000

Location: Department of Urology at Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Grant Synopsis: Treatment of high risk patients with prostate cancer is a dilemma for both patient and doctor because of the abundance of options.

Patient education – as of the last 3 years we have changed our surgical approach doing radical prostatectomy from open to robotic surgery in 90% of cases.  This change has raised a lot of questions and false expectations among the patients regarding surgical outcomes and effect on continence and potency.  We have initiated a formal patient education session to prepare patients prior to surgery and explain about the procedure its advantages and side effects.
  Currently, we are studying patients prior to and after surgery to evaluate the effect of patient education.  We are seeking to develop this education program and improve our patient tutoring by learning from established groups in the US.  Our aim here is to send 2 senior nurses who have so far done this pioneer work and help them to take it to the next step.  It is our belief that visiting 2-3 centers who have established education groups will assist us in improving our program and perhaps spreading the idea in Israel.

Funding Request: 2 weeks - 2 nurses – $ 12,000

Additional Grants

Location: Rabin Medical Center

Grant Synopsis: Rabin Medical Center is seeking funding for Project of the Arts, an innovative program, that will feature a permanent collection by renowned artist David Gerstein. The purpose of this program is to provide the patients with the therapeutic benefits of color, light, sound and texture.

A proposal to enhance the fusion of mind body medicine at Rabin Medical Center

For Rabin Medical Center, Israel's premier medical complex, superior healthcare is not just about innovative techniques and technology, and a first-rate medical staff. It is also about integrating less traditional, but proven and effective methods of treatment that enhance and even accelerate the healing processes. One such methodology currently in use at Rabin Medical Center is the introduction of vibrant, palliative visual and tactile art forms to soothe and raise the spirits and actually improve the recovery rate of patients. It is in support of this innovative program called Project of the Arts for which American Friends of Rabin Medical Center is seeking $100,000 in funding for a permanent collection by renowned artist, David Gerstein.

The therapeutic benefits of color, light, sound and texture on one's senses is no longer speculative. When designing Project of the Arts there was thoughtful consideration that an affliction might impinge on one of a patient's senses and created an environment in which many senses are stimulated. The David Gerstein exhibit enriches the hospital's surroundings and is an impressive complement to the other works of art, waterfalls and music that is piped in throughout the hospital. These enhancements in tandem with the hospital's centerpiece sculpture garden, in which eight life-size sculptures can be viewed along a spiral path or from the accessible seating on the grounds, are part of Rabin Medical Center's progression toward creating a restorative healing environment.

The positive impact that Project of the Arts has on its patients, caregivers and visitors is indisputable. It is projected that data from future studies will confirm the current theories and uncover more significant and broader implications of therapeutic benefits. We hope you will be inspired to support Rabin Medical Center's pioneering project and commitment to the fusion of mind body medicine, for the one million patients the hospital treats, annually.

Funding: $100,000

Funding Details: The total cost of the project, which includes 101 David Gerstein wall sculptures, is $100,000. The sponsor of this project will be honored with a ceremony in the hospital and a personalized wall plaque in the donor's name. The cost of sponsoring an individual floor is $12,500. Each floor houses two departments and each department has five original sculptures. A donor may elect to sponsor the entire project or an individual floor.

Location: Dina Academic Nursing School at Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel

Grant Synopsis: Rabin Medical Center is seeking funding for nursing scholarships for disadvantaged and Ethiopian students.

The Dina Academic Nursing School on the campus of the Rabin Medical Center is the largest academic center of the Clalit Health Services. It is also a branch of the nursing faculty of Tel-Aviv University and has held the internationally recognized standard of quality ISO-9001 since 2007.

In recent years there has been a very distressing fall in the number of applicants for the nursing profession. Hospitals and medical institutions need professional, high quality nurses and it is vital that we encourage students from all over Israel to take up advanced studies and professional nursing training.

At the Dina School, in collaboration with the Tel-Aviv University, nursing students receive an initial four year learning program, an academic nursing degree and are eligible to undergo the official state examination and then receive a diploma as a qualified nurse.

The Dina Nursing School recognizes the enormous importance of training for a four-year BA nursing degree and is committed to continuing its support in this important field. The school is working to offer a worthwhile opportunity to the Israeli population at large and to potential students from outlying areas and various socio-economic backgrounds. For disadvantaged students, studying for a nursing degree is a stepping stone towards integration into this professional field and an important channel for personal empowerment and social mobility. Furthermore, it promotes equality between different social groups and narrowing of socio-economic gaps. In order to widen our study program, it is necessary that we encourage applicants and reach out to recruit the particular public who are suitable to the academic program. However, many of these talented and dedicated potential students suffer from financial difficulties and they are unable to cover the costs of their studies.

The Dina Nursing School has 80 places for students every year. In recent years, approximately 50 students each year study for a degree. Our vision is to support and assist any and every student from the outlying areas and from various socio-economic groups, particularly from the Ethiopian population, who wants to undertake academic studies and to learn professional nursing. Students who receive financial support will give of themselves to the community in different ways, first as part of our Social Responsibility Program, and at a later stage as part of a profession based on assisting and supporting patients.

The Dina School's Social Responsibility Program

At the Dina School, we believe we have a humanitarian duty of social responsibility to give moral and humane support to the community. As a result, we have developed a unique "Nursing as a Socio-Political Force Program" of community involvement for our students at the nursing school. Subjects included in their education will be gender and health, with the emphasis on women in society, development of the student's sensitivity towards various cultures, characteristics and needs of vulnerable sectors in Israeli society and political power and the development of leadership in society. The program includes volunteering in various community organizations, using the nursing students' accumulated knowledge and professional tools to strengthen these groups.

The positive result of this program has been confirmed by studying the change in the awareness level of students demonstrated by their attitudes and opinions toward their roles as nurses in the community and patients rights.

Funding:
$3,500 per student for one academic year for nursing education.
$14,000 for one student for four years, named in honor of your foundation.

The scholarship program and participants will be evaluated by the Dina Nursing School administration at the Rabin Medical Center.

Location: Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Project Synopsis: The Rabin Medical Center needs support in order to establish a new ambulatory wing of the Organ Transplantation Center.

Rabin Medical Center (RMC) is the leader for organ transplantation in Israel, performing over 75% of transplants in the country. It is the only hospital performing transplantation on the full range of organs, and the only one with a dedicated Transplantation Department. The present ambulatory facilities are scattered over a number of locations, causing difficulty in coordination of care and lack of patient dignity and comfort. Also, the number of pre- and post-transplant patient visits at the ambulatory services have risen significantly with the increasing number of transplantations, and facilities have become overcrowded. There is an urgent need for support in order to sustain the services that the Organ Transplantation Center provides.

The addition of an entire floor will be added above the Genetics Building and the Nephrology Institute. The entire project will entail the construction and equipping of the floor. The new ambulatory wing of the center’s main purpose will be to accommodate transplantation candidates. All over the world, the developing trend is to build unique treatment centers that deal with various diseases, such as: cancer centers, heart centers, etc. Rabin Medical Center’s plan is to build a comprehensive center that will treat and care for transplant candidates and for patients after transplants. The new ambulatory wing will help ease the transition for patients and help them relax in a lovely and spacious environment.

Be partners in our efforts to establish the new Organ Transplantation Center, which is crucial for life-saving pre- and post-transplant care for organ recipients.

Funding Request: Total cost of construction and equipment for the new Organ Transplantation Center is: $3,500,000.

Naming Funding Request: A donation of $1,750,000 will offer naming recognition.

Location: Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikvah, Israel
Research Scholarship Synopsis: The Department of Orthopedic Surgery needs funding in order to help support Dr. Lee Yaari’s research project.

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology is directed by Dr. Steven Velks, who is also the head of the Joint Surgery Unit at Rabin Medical Center. Dr. Velks, immigrated to Israel from South Africa in 1979 to study medicine and to complete his orthopedic specialization. He is a leading orthopedic specialist in Joint Reconstructive Surgery and Orthopedic Trauma and is particularly active in the management of soft tissue lesions of hips and knees and shoulders.

His entire department is comprised of a team of expert physicians and surgeons, which makes it one of the largest and finest in Israel. The department provides an extensive range of inpatient and outpatient services in all aspects of treatment and elective surgery in orthopedics including: emergency surgery and traumatology from joint diseases, foot and ankle and diabetic foot service, tumor surgery, sports injuries, limb deformity correction, and various reconstructive surgeries. The Department sees over 20,000 patients every year and performs approximately 300 acute orthopedic trauma operations annually. The pediatric trauma orthopedic service is also part of their activities, with approximately 3,000 emergency room children treated by their doctors.

The research scholarship will be awarded to an orthopedic resident named, Dr. Lee Yaari. Dr. Lee Yarri is a chief resident in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology. He is in the 5th year of a 6 year residency in Orthopedics. He is a talented surgeon and is highly respected by the staff and his patients. In order to be chosen for this prestigious scholarship, Dr. Lee Yaari had to complete a basic science research project. His research entitled, “Revision of Knee Replacement Surgery: Is the newest prosthesis so helpful?” was deemed excellent and then recommended for funding. Dr. Yaari needs the funding for his research project in order to continue to study his findings and hopefully develop new methods for orthopedic surgery that are more beneficial to the patient and more cost-effective for the hospital.

Funding Request: $10,000