Since 2006, the Kaufman and Levine families and Krav Maga Worldwide, in partnership with STOP CANCER, have been funding ground-breaking women’s cancer research with a shared mission dedicated to developing improved treatments, new diagnostic procedures and the ultimate goal — a cure.
Created in memory of Marni Levine (1969–2006), The Marni Fund is currently supporting innovative cancer researchers at UCLA’s Jonsson, USC Norris and City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Centers.
The STOP CANCER Marni Levine Memorial Research Awards provide annual support in the amount of $50,000 for three years. The STOP CANCER Marni Levine Memorial Breast Cancer Seed Grants award $25,000 in one year for continued research in breast cancer.
About Marni Levine
Marni Levine, a 4th degree black belt in Krav Maga was the highest-ranking female instructor in the world. She was a wife, a wonderful mother, a valiant and true friend, and in addition to all that she was devoted to Krav Maga and worked tirelessly to make it grow. Krav Maga teaches civilians, soldiers and police officers the tactics system developed by the Israeli military. Marni, one of the founders of this multi-national organization, passed away on August 31, 2006, after a long and courageous fight against cancer.
Marni was a fighter who never believed in giving up and in her memory, her husband, two daughters, family and friends, and Krav Maga Worldwide have raised over $600,000. Because of the unique arrangement STOP CANCER has with the participating cancer centers, each research award given is matched with in-kind support, effectively doubling the value of each donation.
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Family and friends of Marni Levine at STOP CANCER's 21st Annual Research Career Development Awards Dinner: (standing) Lynn Kaufman, Gian Carlo Canale, Rebecka & Jay Mallen, Karla Ramirez de Varges, Ana Lopez, Michael Margolin, Karen Tintfas, Ken Hyland, Dr. Giridharan Ramsingh. (seated) Dr. Julie Lang, Carol & Bruce Mallen, Darren Levine
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Meet the Researchers Supported by The Marni Fund
These awards are made possible by the generosity of donors contributing funds in Marni’s name, in addition to funds raised through the annual Krav Maga Worldwide Fights Cancer seminars and demonstrations.
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Melanie Palomares,
M.D., M.S.
2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 STOP CANCER Marni Levine Memorial Breast Cancer Research Award
City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center |
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Sara Hurvitz
M.D.
2008 – 2010
STOP CANCER Marni Levine Memorial Breast Cancer Research Award
UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center |
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Christopher Haiman,
Sc.D.
2008 – 2010
STOP CANCER Marni Levine Memorial Breast Cancer Research Award, 2011 STOP CANCER Marni Levine Memorial Breast Cancer Seed Grant
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center |
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Mei Kong,
Ph.D.
2011 – 2013
STOP CANCER Marni Levine Memorial Research Career Development Award
City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center |
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Sanaz Memarzadeh,
M.D., Ph.D.
2011 – 2013
STOP CANCER Marni Levine Memorial Research Career Development Award
UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
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Christina Curtis
Ph.D.
2012 – 2014
STOP CANCER Marni Levine Memorial Breast Cancer Research Award
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
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Dr. Susan Ramus
Ph.D.
2012 – 2014
STOP CANCER Marni Levine Memorial Breast Cancer Research Award
City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
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2013
Marni Levine Memorial
Research Career
Development Award
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
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2013
Marni Levine Memorial
Seed Grant
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
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