For more than 25 years, the Myra Rubenstein Weis (MRW) Executive Committee has hosted hundreds of guests at their Annual Benefit Luncheon to celebrate the memory of an inspiring woman and to raise funds for cancer survivorship programs at Endeavor Health. This year’s 27th Myra Rubenstein Weis Executive Committee Annual Benefit Luncheon will take place on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Exmoor Country Club in Highland Park.
Over the years, the Annual Benefit Luncheon has supported the education and advocacy efforts of the Myra Rubenstein Weis (MRW) Health Resource Center at Endeavor Health Highland Park Hospital, as well as other cancer survivorship programs and community resource programs. The MRW Executive Committee—a dedicated group of volunteers led by Myra’s sister, Eileen Rubenstein Goldstein, and her husband, Paul Goldstein, MD—organize this hugely successful fundraiser each year.
The Annual Benefit Luncheon has raised more than $2.3 million for the MRW Health Resource Center, the Myra Rubenstein Weis Living in the Future (LIFE) Cancer Survivorship Program, and Arts 4 Health, an after-school art therapy program for children ages 12–18 on the North Shore with special mental health needs or other challenges adapting to a traditional learning environment.
Honoring Myra’s joyful spirit and memory
The MRW Executive Committee’s namesake, Myra Rubenstein Weis, was a dedicated daughter, a loving wife and mother, an adoring sister, and a loyal friend to many. Prior to her cancer diagnosis at age 39, Myra was actively involved in the North Shore community, generously giving of her time and energy to many community organizations and assuming leadership positions at several of them. Tragically, Myra passed away in 1990, but her name would live on for decades to come in support of future cancer patients.
Following Myra’s courageous battle with cancer, Eileen Rubenstein Goldstein and Paul Goldstein, MD, wanted to honor Myra’s life in a way that reflected her generous spirit and contributed to her beloved community.
“Myra and I shared a close sisterly bond,” recalled Eileen, “and I didn’t want her generous spirit to die with her.”
Eileen and Paul approached Highland Park Hospital in 1995 about creating a health resource library in Myra’s memory, which evolved into the MRW Health Resource Center. The MRW Health Resource Center today offers free information on health and wellness free of charge to all patients. The MRW Health Resource Center is a natural extension of both Myra’s persona and her experience as a patient, as she came to realize firsthand that an informed patient is better able to actively participate in decisions regarding care and treatment.
Recognizing leaders in healthcare
At each Annual Benefit Luncheon, the MRW Executive Committee invites a guest speaker and also recognizes a healthcare provider with their Annual Benefit honor. This year’s Benefit Honoree is Endeavor Health Chief Clinical Officer Lakshmi Halasyamani, MD. Dr. Halasyamani oversees the strategy and development of clinical quality and safety to ensure excellent patient outcomes and experiences. She also leads the system’s Health Equity Strategy to provide quality, person-centered care that improves patient accessibility and overall public health.
“I am incredibly honored to be recognized by the MRW Executive Committee, which honors a woman who made the world a better place through her words and deeds,” said Dr. Halasyamani. “I hope that in both the person I am and the work I do, I bring that same sense of optimism, commitment and perseverance.”
This year’s guest speaker is Karen Kaul, MD, PhD, Chair of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Endeavor Health and Clinical Professor of Pathology at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Dr. Kaul will be speaking on the topic of personalized medicine and genomics.
“We’re looking forward to a successful MRW Benefit Luncheon, with many attendees, to provide relevant medical information for our audience and to raise sufficient funds to support our many important programs,” said Dr. Goldstein.
“In the end,” Dr. Goldstein continued, “we hope that all who attend our event experience a satisfied sense of community involvement and community support for our community-based health initiatives.”
To purchase tickets or to make a donation to support the MRW Executive Committee’s Annual Benefit Luncheon, please click here.
To learn more about the MRW Executive Committee, please contact Elaine Van Dusen at 847.926.5003 or evandusen@northshore.org.
Masthead Photo (left to right): Eileen Rubenstein Goldstein and Paul Goldstein, MD
Photo Credit: Jon Hillenbrand