When Lisa Fishman was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, she never wavered from her dream of helping people in need. While continuing as a Ph.D. candidate in clinical psychology at The George Washington University, Lisa selflessly fought for the lives of others as strongly as she bravely fought for her own. 

After battling the disease courageously for four years, Lisa passed away in 2001. To honor her memory and keep her dream alive, her family established the Lisa B. Fishman Foundation, which provides research funds to improve cancer treatment for people fighting Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, thus carrying on her compassionate and kindhearted spirit through a legacy of helping others.

In 2007, the foundation reached out to Andre Goy, M.D., M.S., chairman and chief physician officer at Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center located at Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center, to explore new, cutting-edge treatments in personalized medicine. As a longtime benefactor of John Theurer Cancer Center, Lee Fishman, Lisa’s father, has since grown the foundation’s support to include Tackle Kids Cancer. 

Tackle Kids Cancer, a philanthropic initiative of Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation, raises critical funds for pediatric cancer and patient programs at Hackensack Meridian Children's Health Children's Cancer Institute. Lee is grateful to have connected with Alfred Gillio, M.D., director of the Children’s Cancer Institute, and help make a difference in pediatric cancer research.

“To see young children sick is one of the saddest things that I can imagine,” says Lee. “It is good to know from Dr. Gillio, that the donations and contributions have helped immensely.”

Through the generosity of her family, Lisa’s memory continues to live on by helping cancer patients - both adults and children - in need. We thank the Fishman family from the bottom of our hearts for their continued dedication. 

Next Steps and Resources:

• To learn more about how you can support Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital or Tackle Kids Cancer, please contact Amy Glazer, executive director, Children’s Health, at amy.glazer@hmhn.org.
• For more information on how you can support K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, please contact Ellen Hahn, director of development, K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital, at ellen.hahn@hmhn.org. 
• The support of our donors means the world to us. Thank you for all that you do in support of our patients and team members - today and every day. MAKE A GIFT to support Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation.
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