ICRF’s 50th anniversary gala

Monday, June 9, 2025

Thank you to all who joined for an unforgettable evening in celebration of ICRF’s 50 years of trailblazing cancer research. This milestone Gala brought together Montreal’s philanthropic, corporate, medical and research communities to mark five decades of breakthroughs, hope and impact.

honoring dr. gerald batist, recipient of the ICRF Community Fellowship Award

Dr. Batist is one of Canada’s most respected leaders in oncology. He is Professor of Oncology and Director of the McGill University Centre for Translational Research in Cancer, based at the Lady Davis Institute, where he is Deputy Director and Director of the Segal Cancer Centre at the Jewish General Hospital.

An internationally recognized expert in personalized medicine and novel cancer therapies, Dr. Batist has published over 300 scientific papers and holds multiple patents related to therapeutic innovation. He also played a key role within ICRF as Past Chair of our Montreal Scientific Advisory Board, where he helped shape the Fellowship Program and foster scientific collaboration between Montreal and Israel.

Dr. Gerald Batist, MD, FRCP(C), FACP, FCAHS, C.M., C.Q.
Dr. Gerald Batist is a trailblazing clinician-scientist, internationally recognized for his work in personalized cancer medicine and his deep contributions to advancing cancer care in Quebec and beyond. He currently serves as Director of the Segal Cancer Centre, Deputy Director of the Lady Davis Institute and Chief of Oncology at the Jewish General Hospital, Director of the McGill Centre for Translational Research in Cancer and Professor in the Department of Oncology at McGill University.
Dr. Batist has played a foundational role in the creation of major research platforms and collaborative networks throughout Quebec, across Canada, and internationally. His research focuses on therapeutic resistance and the development of novel, targeted cancer treatments. With over 300 scientific publications and multiple patents, his work has led to transformative insights in cancer biology and significantly improved patient outcomes.
A longtime supporter of the Israel Cancer Research Fund, Dr. Batist also served as Chair of ICRF Montreal’s Scientific Advisory Board, helping guide its Fellowship Program and fostering impactful scientific partnerships between Montreal and Israel.
Dr. Batist’s contributions have been recognized at the highest levels. In 2018, he was named Chevalier of the Ordre national du Québec, and in 2019, he was appointed Member of the Order of Canada. Most recently, in 2025, he received the King Charles III Coronation Medal, further underscoring his lifelong dedication to medical advancement.
Beyond the lab and clinic, Dr. Batist has demonstrated a profound commitment to humanitarian causes. In the 1980s, he visited cancer patients in the Soviet Jewish Refusenik community, bringing them medicine and hope. This mission led him to found the International Cancer Patient Solidarity Committee, which advocated globally for their freedom and access to care.
Dr. Batist shares his life with his wife Lynn Kiraly, founder and director of the the Montreal Children”s Hospital Family Resource Centre and Library. Their daughter Kira, a respected social worker in New York City, lives with her husband Andrew and their three children—Cayleb, Charley, and Cooper—in Fairlawn, New Jersey. Their son Zachary is currently completing a post-doctoral fellowship at McGill, while their youngest, Jonah, is a newly named partner at Greenspoon Winikoff, Attorneys at Law.

Featuring a Live Musical Performance by Gavin DeGraw

A memorable evening featuring Gavin DeGraw, one of the most celebrated talents in music, performing live at our Gala in support of cancer research. GRAMMY®-nominated, multiplatinum artist Gavin DeGraw is known for his powerful voice and hit songs like “I Don’t Want to Be” “Not Over You” and “Chariot”.

GRAMMY® Award-nominated multiplatinum singer and songwriter Gavin DeGraw’s inimitable voice and soulful style boldly bloomed on his 2003 platinum-certified full-length debut, Chariot. It included the gold single “Follow Through,” as well as both platinum hits, “Chariot,” and “I Don’t Want To Be.”
In 2008, his self-titled second album, Gavin DeGraw, bowed in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200 powered by the platinum-selling single “In Love With a Girl.” His gold-certified Sweeter saw him return to the Top 10 as the single “Not Over You” went four times platinum. Meanwhile, his duet with Colbie Caillat, “We Both Know,” garnered a GRAMMY® Award nomination in the category of “Best Song Written For Visual Media” for Safe Haven.
With a front row seat to this wonderfully wild life led by his late parents Lynne and John Wayne, Gavin DeGraw recounts his most meaningful memories and valuable lessons on his most recent seventh full-length offering, Face The River. This past winter, DeGraw released his applauded first-ever Christmas EP, A Classic Christmas.
DeGraw is the rare talent who can seamlessly share the stage with Billy Joel and The Allman Brothers or Maroon 5 and Shania Twain with his signature fusion of pop, soul, country, folk and funk.

thank you to our sponsors

Gala sponsors enjoy exclusive VIP benefits including priority seating, access to the pre-event cocktail reception, and special recognition at the Gala. Their support directly funds life-saving cancer research and contributes to the success of our event. View our virtual program book — featuring all sponsors, ads, and messages of support.

2025 gala leadership & committee

We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and leadership of our Honorary Co-Chairs, Event Co-Chairs, and the entire Gala Committee. Their collective efforts made the ICRF 50th Anniversary Gala a night to remember.

Vivian Billick — Honorary CO-Chair

Vivian has played a key role in the success of the ICRF Gala, serving as Event Chair for the past two years. Her dedication and tireless efforts have helped raise significant funds to support life-saving cancer research.

She is married to Dr. Robin Billick, Head of Dermatology at the Jewish General Hospital, who was honored at the ICRF Gala in 2022 for his contributions to cancer research and patient care. Together, they have been passionate advocates for ICRF’s mission.

As Honorary Co-Chair of ICRF’s 50th Anniversary Gala, Vivian brings her experience, leadership, and commitment to making this milestone event a resounding success. We are grateful for her continued support in helping us advance cancer research and save lives.

Jeff Solomon - ICRF Gala 2025 Honorary Chair

Jeff Solomon — honorary CO-chair

Jeff Solomon is a longtime supporter of ICRF Montreal, with nearly 30 years of involvement dedicated to advancing cancer research. Over the years, Jeff has played an active role within the organization—starting by selling tickets to ICRF events, later chairing the Corporate Sponsorship Committee, and eventually serving as Co-President alongside Heather Paperman.

Professionally, Jeff is the CEO of Globe Metal®, where he has grown the company from humble beginnings into a $25 million business, built on teamwork, innovation, and sustainability.

Jeff has been married to his wife Janet for 43 years, and together they are the proud parents of five children. We are honored to have Jeff serve as Honorary Co-Chair of the ICRF 50th Anniversary Gala, bringing his decades of dedication and leadership to this milestone celebration.

Dana frank — event CO-chair

Dana has 16 years of experience in communications, spanning corporate, consumer and crisis management work. Since joining global PR agency Weber Shandwick in 2015, Dana worked with clients such as Air Canada, McDonald's Corporate, Mastercard and Mars. She has led teams on national and international programs, including Air Canada’s work toward launching its own loyalty program and McDonald's global FIFA World Cup campaign. Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, she spent the first seven years of her career working in communications at the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal.

Dana has been involved with ICRF for over a decade, including while she was being treated for thyroid cancer in 2013. She believes in this organization's mission and is honoured to be part of the Gala committee in this special anniversary year.

MEAGAN REINISH — EVENT CO-CHAIR

Meagan Reinish is a clinical social worker and licensed family therapist with over a decade of experience supporting vulnerable communities through leadership roles in both public and private sectors.

She has been actively involved in community engagement and charitable initiatives for over 20 years, starting with organizing fundraising events for Federation CJA’s young adult division and continuing through various causes close to her heart, including cancer research.

Following the loss of her mother to metastatic breast cancer in 2021, Meagan’s commitment to supporting cancer research became deeply personal. As Co-Chair of the ICRF 50th Anniversary Gala, she brings both her professional insight and heartfelt dedication to helping drive meaningful impact.

Alexandra Feifer Wexelman — event coordinator

Alexandra Feifer-Wexelman is a McGill University alumna and graduate of both the Fashion Institute of Technology and Concordia’s Family Life Therapy program. She began her career in the fashion industry in New York during the rise of 7th on Sixth and was later named VP of Sales and Marketing for a celebrity-favored lingerie brand.

Now based in Montreal with her husband and twin daughters, Alexandra has become a mentor to families navigating special needs and served as President of the Parents Association at the Donald Berman YALDEI Developmental Center.

Her commitment to community work deepened after the loss of her mother to pancreatic cancer, and she brings that passion to her role as Event Coordinator of ICRF’s 50th Anniversary Gala.

Committee members

ICRF Leadership

Your Support makes Life-Saving Cancer Research possible

This year, we celebrate 50 years of breakthroughs made possible by the support of people like you. ICRF-funded scientists have made critical contributions to cancer treatment, including the development of FDA-approved drugs like Gleevec, Doxil, and Velcade. We are proud to continue funding cancer research that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible.

Be part of our anniversary celebrations

To commemorate ICRF’s 50th anniversary, we will be sharing anniversary wishes from our community—messages of hope, gratitude, and commitment to the future of cancer research. These heartfelt messages will be showcased on our social media platforms and featured as part of our 50th anniversary celebrations.

We would love for you to take part! You can contribute by:

👉🏼 Filming a short video message sharing your thoughts on ICRF’s impact and mission

👉🏼 Providing a short written message and a photo

This is a unique opportunity to celebrate ICRF’s legacy, honor those touched by cancer, and inspire continued progress in research.

To participate, please email ICRF. Your words and messages will help make this milestone year even more meaningful!

Stay Connected

For the latest updates on our events, sponsorship opportunities, and more, follow us on social media and watch your inbox.

For more information, please contact us at 514-481-2723 or info@icrfmontreal.org