CURE Honors Two Jewish Volunteers

CURE Childhood Cancer recently bestowed Cindy Goldberg and Debbie Levinson with the new Lauren Zagoria Champion for Children Award to recognize their deep commitment to helping children with cancer.

The Jewish volunteers were recognized for their “tireless commitment to raising funds to advance childhood cancer research,” CURE stated in a July 1 release. “For more than 15 years, Goldberg and Levinson have passionately and compassionately educated the community about the tragedy of childhood cancer and the need for research. They have led fundraising campaigns with the annual Lauren’s Run and CURE Childhood Cancer Family Picnic event, which have raised tens of thousands of dollars to support innovative childhood cancer research.”

CURE CEO Kristin Connor said, “In memory of Lauren Zagoria and in honor of all children fighting cancer, Cindy and Debbie are truly champions and deserve to be celebrated and honored with this special award. Their commitment to CURE has grown and expanded over the years, and they have truly made a difference in the fight against childhood cancer.”

Founder of Lauren’s Run, Janis Zagoria, added that Goldberg and Levinson “are positive, committed women and CURE is lucky to have them as volunteers. This award is a way to honor both Lauren and to honor Cindy and Debbie.”

Goldberg said, “When Janis asked me to help the first time, I said ‘yes’ and haven’t looked back. It is an honor to work with Janis and to continue this important work with CURE for the next family that needs help.”

Levinson added, “Janis took a personal tragedy and has moved forward with dignity and grace to help other families. I plan to keep doing this as long as I can, because it’s a job I don’t want to give up.”

Janis and Marvin Zagoria started Lauren’s Run at Zoo Atlanta in 1994 in memory of their daughter Lauren, who died after a courageous battle with neuroblastoma. To date, Lauren’s Run has raised over $4.4 million for childhood cancer research.