On March 6, more than 200 members of the Mount Sinai community and guests gathered for the 23rd Annual MS Center Celebration, an event that brought magic, generosity, and inspiration to the Metropolitan Club in Manhattan. This highly anticipated evening once again raised crucial support for The Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Mount Sinai, drawing together a passionate community dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by MS.

Dr. Ilana Katz Sand, Associate Director of the Center; Dr. Stephen Krieger, Professor of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; and Anthony Rosa, Founder and CEO of Runway 7 Fashion, Advisory Board Member of the Center, and the designer behind the MS-themed lab coats showcased at New York Fashion Week, co-chaired the event.

Attendees were welcomed to the evening’s program by Fred D. Lublin, MD, Director of the Center and Saunders Family Professor of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine, and Aaron Miller, MD, Medical Director of the Center and Professor of Neurology. Heartfelt remarks were delivered by Meruka Hazari, MD, a patient with MS and Advisory Board member of the CGDC. After a video featuring grateful patients, Dr. Katz Sand and Dr. Krieger, who sported one of Mr. Rosa’s designer lab coats, took the podium to address what the Center and patient care has meant to them. Additionally, Christina Kovacs, Director of Brand & Sponsorships for Runway 7 Fashion, and Mr. Rosa’s mother, Elizabeth, whose late son, Ralph, battled MS for 23 years, addressed the audience on behalf of Mr. Rosa, who could not attend. They spoke of their deep connection to the cause.

The night was capped off by an incredible performance by David Gerard, a renowned mentalist and magician, who once again captivated the audience with his mind-bending skills.

While the entertainment thrilled guests, the heart of the evening was its mission: raising $500,000 in vital funds to advance patient care, groundbreaking research, and innovative education at the Center. With more than 6,000 patients depending on its services, the need for continued support has never been greater.

Dr. Krieger reflected on his participation in the celebration, “After attending the CGD Gala for 20 years, it was an honor to co-chair and speak at the event. My remarks to ‘find the good we can do’ in the lives of everyone with MS who we care for, to envision their best possible outcomes and seek this with scientific advancements and also with empathy, generosity of spirit, and beneficence – really encapsulates our clinical mission at the CGD Center. I asked those in attendance to think about the good they can do for the Center, and although when I said ‘to be clear, this is a call to action’ it got a good laugh, I also hope that it inspired people to dig deep and contribute to our mission, as we can’t succeed without the philanthropic support that our gala provides.”

Thanks to the generosity of donors over the years, gala proceeds have developed and sustained transformative initiatives such as the C. Olsten Wellness Program, launched in 2020 by Dr. Katz Sand. This program takes a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to improving the quality of life and long-term outcomes for people living with MS. Funds raised also play a critical role in supporting pioneering research and training future MS specialists.

In Dr. Katz Sand’s words, “It was truly an honor to serve as co-chair for this incredible event. We are extremely grateful to our wonderful community for helping us ensure the night’s success. We could not do the critically important work we do every day without this amazing support!”

The evening was a tremendous success, reinforcing the Center’s unwavering commitment to revolutionizing MS care and offering hope to thousands of patients and families.

The Mount Sinai Alumni Association and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai presented accomplished physicians, researchers, educators, and administrators with the 2025 Jacobi Medallion, one of Mount Sinai’s most prestigious awards. The annual ceremony was held Wednesday, March 12, at the Plaza Hotel.

The recipients of the Jacobi Medallion have made exceptional contributions to the Mount Sinai Health System, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, the Mount Sinai Alumni Association, or the fields of medicine or biomedicine.

• View the Digital Program
• Watch the In Memoriam Video

2025 Jacobi Medallion Recipients

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Katherine T. Chen, MD, MPH

Professor and System Vice-Chair of Education, The Raquel and Jaime Gilinski Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science
Professor, Leni and Peter May Department of Medical Education
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

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Paul J. Kenny, PhD

Chair, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience
Ward-Coleman Chair in Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
Director, The Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Drug Discovery Institute
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

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Adam I. Levine, MD, MSSM ’89, MSH ’93

Professor, Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and Department of Pharmacological Sciences
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

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Valerie Parkas, MD

Senior Associate Dean of Admissions and Recruitment
Senior Associate Dean of Student Affairs (Interim)
Professor, Samuel Bronfman Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases
Professor, Leni and Peter May Department of Medical Education
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

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Rosamond Rhodes, PhD

Director, Bioethics Education Programs
Professor, Leni and Peter May Department of Medical Education
Professor, Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

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Michelle L. Sainté-Willis

Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education Administration, Leni and Peter May Department of Medical Education
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

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Viviana A. Simon, MD, PhD

Professor, Department of Microbiology
Co-Director, Mount Sinai Center for Vaccine Research and Pandemic Preparedness
The Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute
Professor, Lillian and Henry M. Stratton-Hans Popper Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine
Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, Samuel Bronfman Department of Medicine
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

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Ashutosh K. Tewari, MBBS, MCh, FRCS (Hon.), DSc (Hon.)

Kyung Hyun Kim, MD Chair in Urology
Surgeon-in-Chief, Tisch Cancer Hospital
Professor and System Chair, The Milton and Carroll Petrie Department of Urology
Director of Center of Excellence for Prostate Cancer, The Tisch Cancer Institute
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

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Caryn Tiger-Paillex, MSILR

Dean for Faculty, Staff, and Trainee Relations
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai Health System

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James C. Tsai, MD, MBA

President, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai
Delafield-Rodgers Professor of Ophthalmology and System Chair, Department of Ophthalmology
Founding Director, Barry Family Center for Ophthalmic Artificial Intelligence and Human Health
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

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On December 9th, the Dubin Breast Center of the Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai hosted its annual benefit at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in Manhattan, celebrating the extraordinary patients, physicians, staff, caregivers, and supporters who have contributed to the Center’s success since its founding 14 years ago. Jill Martin, NBC’s TODAY lifestyle contributor, was honored for her advocacy in breast cancer awareness, testing, and wellness.

Since her diagnosis in 2023, Jill has used her broadcasting and social media platforms to share the story of her breast cancer journey, displaying strength and resilience through numerous surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments. As she has done so, millions of Americans have learned about BRCA and other genetic testing and how knowing one’s cancer risk can help lead to life-saving prevention and early detection. As Jill shared, “With my platform, I felt I had a responsibility to not only raise awareness but also to acknowledge other people going through something similar who may not have the ability to share in the way that I can.” That selflessness and vulnerability inspired both her television audience and her health care team at the Dubin Breast Center.

“Jill is an entrepreneur and a multi-Emmy Award-winning television broadcaster—an amazing woman as you have seen,” said Elisa Port, MD, FACS, Chief of Breast Surgery for the Health System, Director of the Dubin Breast Center, and Jill’s physician. “Her courage and passion were inspiring to watch. Jill exemplifies the idea that the airwaves should serve the public trust. Through her resolute insistence on sharing her journey, advocating for genetic testing, and maintaining an inspiring attitude, Jill fulfilled her highest calling both to herself and her profession.”

Perri Peltz, the Emmy Award-winning journalist and filmmaker served as master of ceremonies for the evening, and the event included performances from country singer Will Moseley, and Broadway actor, singer, dancer, and choreographer Jared Grimes, and featured a special performance by Grammy- and Academy Award-winner, Ms. Lisa Fischer, accompanied by Michael Mitchell and Friends.

Some notable guests included tennis great Mary Joe Fernández, Academy Award-nominated producer and film director Shawn Levy, SoulCycle founding senior master instructor Stacey Griffith, and fashion models Molly Simms and Karlie Kloss. Seven patients who shared their breast cancer experiences in a video capturing their remarkable stories were also in attendance.

Dr. Port and Center Co-founder and Mount Sinai Health System Trustee Eva Andersson-Dubin, MD, received a standing ovation before expressing their gratitude to the event’s Co-Chairs, Benefit Committee, and Advisory Board for their dedicated efforts in supporting the Dubin Breast Center’s mission.

“Building a top-tier cancer center within a full-service hospital, equipped to address all the medical needs of a patient, was a novel idea,” Dr. Dubin said. “We wanted to build a cutting-edge breast cancer treatment facility within a caring, nurturing environment—and most importantly, open it to all regardless of ability to pay. The idea was new and now it has succeeded beyond our dreams.”

Jill says of her time at the Center, “I felt like it was home for me. I still feel like that. I feel like everyone, from the doctors to the nurses, to the front desk, it was like a club that you never wanted to be a part of, but when you went to it you were just regarded with such love. When I picture my time here at Dubin, I just picture safety. I mean, they saved my life. So if you have to go through something like this, having Dubin as your anchor is incomparable.”

Mount Sinai Health System Chief Executive Officer, Brendan G. Carr, MD, MA, MS, also addressed the audience. “Breast cancer is personal for me, as it is for many in this room. It has impacted many members of my family and has taken several from us far too early,” said Dr. Carr, Professor and Kenneth L. Davis Distinguished Chair. “I’m proud to recognize Dr. Dubin and Dr. Port for their leadership and vision in the creation and the growth of the Dubin Breast Center over the last 14 years. Thank you to the donors and supporters for helping make our center a trailblazer in breast cancer care.”

The 2024 gala raised a record $3.8 million.

 

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Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, affecting one in eight over a lifetime. The Dubin Breast Center stands as a symbol of progress, providing world-class care to all patients while advancing early detection and treatment innovations. Since its founding 14 years ago, the Center has become an internationally renowned beacon of hope and innovation in breast cancer care. The Center is on track to surpass 400,000 patient visits by 2025, encompassing imaging, surgery, and treatment services. Early detection efforts and the survivorship program continue to deliver better outcomes for patients, embodying the Center’s commitment to comprehensive, compassionate care.

On November 5th, 2024, the Steve Miller Band performed a benefit concert for Mount Sinai’s Kyabirwa Surgical Center in Uganda, thrilling a crowd of more than 200 people at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Many members of The Ruth J. and Maxwell Hauser and Harriet and Arthur H. Aufses Jr., MD, Department of Surgery Advisory Board at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai were on hand for the show, which raised $3.2 million.

The event spoke to the compelling story of the Kyabirwa Center, which opened five years ago in response to the fact that as many as five billion people worldwide lack access to basic surgical care. The Center’s mission is to bring advanced outpatient surgical therapy to an underserved community in rural Uganda.

“Kyabirwa is a story of giving hope to the most vulnerable people in our communities here in eastern Uganda,” said the Center’s Director, Anna Turumanya Kalumuna, MBA. “The people living in Kyabirwa right now can testify to the fact that they no longer have to sell off their property to get basic surgical care.”

The Center is now thriving. Since its launch, approximately 6,370 procedures have been performed there, and some patients travel from as far as 12 hours away to receive safe, quality, effective treatment—regardless of their ability to pay. The Center is also expanding its efforts to allow for more surgery-related services, fostering research and community education, and enhancing its ability to provide laparoscopic procedures, cancer screenings, pathology services, and so much more. And this all takes place in a facility designed to maximize energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

“When we began this program five years ago, everyone—including me—was unsure as to whether or not we’d be successful here,” said Michael L. Marin, MD, Dr. Julius H. Jacobson II Chair in Vascular Surgery, Chairman of the Maxwell-Aufses Department of Surgery at Icahn Mount Sinai, and Surgeon-in-Chief for the Mount Sinai Health System. “Five years later, having seen so many pieces of it come together is a source of great pride for me and many of the others who are so important in making it successful.”

In 2023, the Center established a Women’s Health Clinic that has already provided much-needed gynecologic services to nearly 400 women, including 50 surgical procedures. The gynecology department is breaking down barriers and creating a genuine sanctuary for women to receive comprehensive and compassionate health care by offering a wide range of services, including a burgeoning wellness program.

Telesurgery technology is a key feature of the Kyabirwa Center. This cutting-edge technique allows surgeons at the Center to benefit from the experience and expertise of surgeons at Mount Sinai in real-time, a collaboration that helps with complex cases, improves patient outcomes, enhances research initiatives, and provides educational opportunities for surgeons in East Africa.

“Digital technologies, video communication in the operating room—the ability to do that in a dynamic fashion has been a game-changer,” said Dr. Marin. The Center is also now home to a state-of-the-art simulation center and is expanding its footprint to enhance its ability to provide additional services to even more patients.

Philanthropic support is crucial to the Kyabirwa Surgical Center’s ability to provide care to a remote community who would otherwise have no options. The dedication of the Center’s supporters sustains its mission and provides it with the resources needed to strengthen its outreach efforts, bring additional relief to more people, and serve as a model for bringing greater access to quality affordable health care throughout the world.

“This is something the world really needs,” said Miller, who, along with his wife Janice, is a Mount Sinai Department of Surgery Advisory Board member and a generous supporter of the Kyabirwa Center. “You very rarely run into that kind of an idea. Just immediately, we wanted to do anything we could do to help.”

On November 10, 2024, Mount Sinai hosted its 37th Annual Children’s Center Foundation (CCF) Benefit with a performance of the Big Apple Circus at Lincoln Center. Gathered beneath the big top, the event brought together faculty, staff, families, and supporters to celebrate their shared commitment to pediatric health care.

This year’s fundraiser exceeded expectations, raising over $1 million to support Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital and the Jack and Lucy Clark Department of Pediatrics. The funds will help renovate hospital facilities, enhance therapeutic programs for hospitalized children, and advance pediatric research.

The event honored the Food Allergy Treatment and Research Center at the Elliot and Roslyn Jaffe Food Allergy Institute, which has transformed the lives of thousands of children with food allergies since its founding in 2016. The 2024 CCF Annual Benefit Co-Chairs Madi Rothenberg Karpova and Ivan Karpov shared, “With our daughter CoCo as a patient, the Center’s compassionate and family-centered approach has been an invaluable source of support for our family.”

The evening also celebrated the exceptional surgeons at Kravis Children’s Hospital, whose expertise, precision, and unwavering dedication improves the health of the hospital’s most vulnerable patients. From performing intricate, life-saving procedures to offering emotional support to families in their darkest hours, these surgeons embody the highest standards of medical care and compassion. Their innovation and excellence continues to drive Mount Sinai’s reputation as a leader in pediatric surgery, inspiring hope for countless families.