RICHARD ROSENBERG

ROSENBERG--Richard. MSK Kids, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's pediatric program, deeply mourns the passing of our esteemed friend, Richard Rosenberg. Mr. Rosenberg was a kind, humble man with a twinkle in his eye and great sense of humor, whose determination to make things better for kids with cancer knew no bounds. When Richard and his soulmate Norma lost their beloved daughter to leukemia, they vowed to do anything in their power to rid the world of this scourge. Drawing from their own experiences, they established the Laura Rosenberg Foundation and together with their extraordinary group of friends and relatives who embraced them and their mission, annually raised funds for research, training, construction of new facilities and a multitude of initiatives that improved the quality of life for hospitalized patients and their families at MSK. The proceeds of their events, particularly winter galas and years of Cabaret Nights with the talented students of Hewlett High School, provided key support that started the careers of a series of talented physician-scientists, many who are now leaders in oncology. Clinical research supported by the Foundation has led to the development of new immunotherapies for otherwise unresponsive tumors. In addition to many gifts to enhance the facilities, the Foundation also funded a special care unit for kids at MSK critical to our program. Decades of giving also extended to life outside MSK, to "Happiness is Camping" and Sunrise Day Camp, both free summer camps for children with cancer, and other quality programs at New York-based health centers. Many kids who once had cancer are well today thanks to the energy and determination of Richard Rosenberg and his committed family. Our hearts go out to Norma, his sons, Robert and Michael, daughter-in-law Rachel Rosenberg, and his five cherished grandchildren. He will be sorely missed.