In December of 2001 we lost a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, dedicated volunteer, real estate professional and friend, much too soon. Jim was only 63 years old. In these 15 years since his passing, Jim's family has strived to emulate his spirit of service by working closely with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). This year we are honored to be a part of an effort to raise $1,000,000 to fund cutting edge research being conducted by Dr. Anas Younes at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. This promising research is focused on designing new, innovative therapies to activate the immune system to eradicate lymphomas and take steps to cure other blood cancers.
Jim volunteered with LLS for many years while he battled his own blood disorder, Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS). This came as a surprise to many who never even knew that Jim was sick. His way of focusing on helping others without drawing attention to himself is just one of the many traits that made such an impact on those that knew him.
We thoroughly appreciate your assistance in helping Johnny and Andy reach their goal of raising at least $30,000 for LLS. We know that Jim would be proud of his family’s efforts to continue this important work. Please read Andy and Johnny's letters below and of course let us know if you have any questions.
In Jim’s memory,
The Eichberg Family
From Andy Eichberg:
I hope this letter finds you and your family well and that your year is off to a great start! On behalf of my entire family, I am reaching out to thank you for all the support you have given us and the causes that we have been supporting for so long in honor of my late father, Jim Eichberg. It is hard to imagine that it has now been 15 years since he lost his cancer battle, but we have not given up on his mission to help others through continued support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). LLS is a leader in cutting-edge research and patient support, with a goal of eradicating all forms of blood cancer, and we are committed to helping them achieve that goal so that no other families are faced with the same loss of a loved one.
Before he was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, my father was a very active volunteer for LLS, working for many years to further the LLS mission by raising funds to help people he would unfortunately never have the chance meet. However, Dad was very fortunate during his time working with LLS and throughout his battle with MDS to have become very close with David Timko, who was then the Executive Director of LLS. David was a great friend to Dad and continues to be a wonderful friend of our family.
Over the past 20 years, we have watched David himself bravely battle blood cancer not once, but twice. Each time, he underwent a grueling treatment protocol which included chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and even a stem cell transplant. David, who spent a 30 year career dedicated to saving the lives of other blood cancer patients, is now cancer free and about to embark on a well-deserved retirement!
In memory of my father and in honor of David's long career and commitment to helping others, we could not think of a greater gift than to help ensure that other blood cancer patients have access to new, more effective and less toxic therapies. Along with John Eichberg, my favorite uncle and Dad's brother, I have committed to raise $30,000 in the next thirty days to contribute towards a larger goal of raising $1,000,000 to help fund cutting-edge research being conducted by Dr. Anas Younes at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). This promising research is focused on designing new, innovative therapies to activate the immune system to eradicate lymphomas and take steps to cure other blood cancers.
We are honored to partner with an organization such as LLS that has an outstanding track record for funding innovative research being conducted by the best and brightest scientific investigators in the world. As the leading global organization dedicated to blood cancer cures and access to treatments and support, LLS is on the front lines in the fight against cancer. In fact, since the year 2000, more than 40% of all drugs approved by the FDA for cancers were approved first to treat a blood cancer. Many of these therapies are now being used to treat other cancers and diseases like arthritis. LLS is truly at the tip of the spear in the critical effort to develop new cancer treatments.
Your gift and support would mean so much to us and will bring hope for more effective treatments to patients who are in the fight of their lives. To make your gift, please use the enclosed response form. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me at aeichberg@tishmanspeyer.com or (202) 420-2104.
On behalf of the entire Eichberg family and the many families that will benefit from your support, thank you for your consideration in joining us in this important mission!
Most Sincerely,
Andrew J. Eichberg
From John Eichberg:
It’s hard to imagine that it has been 15 years since Jim died of leukemia, but over the years his loss has stimulated our family, particularly Andy and the James L. Eichberg Foundation that he founded and maintains, to do lots of good things for many charities.
During his long struggle Jim became very friendly with David Timko, the local head of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), and worked hard to promote their goal to cure leukemia and all blood cancers. We were honored several years ago when LLS created The James L. Eichberg Lifetime Achievement Award. It is presented each year to the honoree at the annual Leukemia Ball to those individuals who have followed Jim’s commitment to the community and the mission of LLS.
Their relationship because particularly personal when David was diagnosed with a blood cancer, not once but twice. Each time he underwent a grueling treatment protocol that included chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and finally a stem cell transplant. He is now cancer free and ready for a long and healthy retirement.
David spent 30 years in Washington brining leaders like Jim together to work on a common mission to improve our community and help block out these horrible diseases. We have a unique opportunity at the 30th annual Leukemia Ball on March 11th to show how grateful we are.
Ed Quinn and several other special friends have created an opportunity for a very appropriate retirement gift by committing to raise $1M in David’s honor for cutting edge research by Dr. Anas Younes at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Younes is focused on designing new and innovative therapies to activate the immune system to seek out and destroy only the cancer cells, thereby being much less toxic to patients.
The Eichberg family and JLEF help that you will participate in this wonderful send off for David in memory of Jim by making a tax-deductible gift to LLS. We thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
John Eichberg
