THE ALISA LYONS AWARD OF VALOUR
This award was created by Alisa's family to honour her memory.
Bringing together Alisa's passion for Israel and passion for supporting cancer research was the impetus to create The Alisa Lyons Award of Valour. The research grant for the funding of ground-breaking cancer treatments will change the lives of patients living with cancer with the goal of one day contributing to the cure of the disease. Alisa passed away after a courageous battle with breast cancer in August of 2016 at the age of 48.
She has been missed every day since by all that were fortunate enough to have known and loved her.
ALISA LYONS AWARD OF VALOUR 2024 RECIPIENT
Dr. David Malkin
Dr. Malkin is Professor of Pediatrics and Medical Biophysics in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. He holds the CIBC Children’s Foundation Chair in Child Health Research, is a Staff Oncologist in the Division of Hematology/Oncology, Director of the Cancer Genetics program, and a Senior Scientist in the Genetics and Genome Biology Program at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Dr. Malkin co-leads the SickKids Precision Child Health initiative. He co-directs the SickKids Cancer Sequencing (KiCS) program which integrates next generation sequencing (NGS) into clinical care of children with cancer, and Director of the pan-Canadian PRecision Oncology For Young peopLE (PROFYLE) initiative which is establishing a pipeline to incorporate NGS into novel clinical trials for children and young adults with hard-to-cure cancers across Canada.
Dr. Malkin’s research focuses on genetic mechanisms of childhood cancer susceptibility. Recently, his work has addressed the application of genomics to early cancer detection and treatment approaches for children and adults at genetic ‘high risk’ for cancer. Dr. Malkin’s research is funded by a variety of agencies and he has published over 300 peer-reviewed manuscripts.
He has received numerous national and international awards recognizing his clinical, research and mentorship work including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Community Award in 2023 and most recently being elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and the American Association of Cancer Research. Dr. Malkin has had a long-standing commitment to ICRF, having first joined the international Scientific Review Panel in 1996 and engaging in various roles including his current membership on the International Board of Directors and the Board of the ICRF Toronto chapter.
Alisa Lyons z"l
While living with breast cancer she never wavered and kept on her noble life’s path with her focus to be the ultimate mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and member of the Jewish community. She had a strong commitment to Israel, Jewish education and ICRF.
Bringing together Alisa’s passion for Israel and passion for supporting cancer research was the impetus to create The Alisa Lyons ICRF Award of Valour. This research grant for the funding of ground-breaking cancer treatments will change the lives of patients living with cancer with the goal of one day contributing to the cure of the disease. Alisa was a true woman of valour who defined selflessness.