About The Awards

The mission of the Israel Cancer Research Fund is to harness Israel's scientific talent to find a cure for cancer. It is one of the largest single sources of private funds for cancer research in Israel, with six chapters worldwide in Toronto, Montreal, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Israel and has invested in more than 1,750 research grants.

On May 3rd, 2011, ICRF will be celebrating our 10th annual Women of Action Luncheon. This year we are privileged to honour four extraordinary women for their achievements in advocacy, philanthropy, business, and health sciences. This year's honourees are: Bonnie Brooks, President & CEO, The Bay; Wendy Eisen, Community Leader; Dr. Daniela Rotin, Senior Scientist, The Hospital for Sick Children, and Professor, Biochemistry Department, University of Toronto; and Dr. Marla Shapiro, Physician, Medical Consultant, Television Personality and  Best Selling Author.

For only the second time, ICRF will be presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Sharon London Liss for her outstanding and long term commitment.

Please join us in celebrating these exceptional women. Your generosity and commitment will ensure the continued work of our dedicated scientists in Israel.

About the Co-chairs

Virginia Cirocco:

Until March 2009,Virginia Cirocco was Executive Vice President, Pharmacy, for Shoppers Drug Mart.  During her 14 years with the company Virginia expanded the scope and strengthened the strategic focus of pharmacy by creating and managing a variety functions including pharmacy marketing, specialty pharmacy, category management and merchandising, professional services, government and regulatory affairs, corporate affairs and pharmacy technology.

Virginia is a member of the Ontario Pharmacists' Association and the Canadian Pharmacists Association.  In addition, she served on the Board of Directors and the Executive of Rx Canada from 2001 to 2008.  She also represented SDM on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS) and was elected Chair for 2006 and 2007.

Virginia is a member of the Dean's Advisory Council, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto and is chairing the Fundraising Committee for the Blueprint for Pharmacy.

She also currently supports the Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) serving on its Board of Directors and is a member of the Leadership Council for the Heart Truth Campaign.

Virginia graduated from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto and holds a masters degree in Business Administration from York University.

Prior to joining Shoppers Drug Mart, Virginia held positions in operations and merchandising in the Retail Drug Industry and in business development and operations for a provider of logistics service to the pharmaceutical industry.

Denise Rogul Newman:

As President of The Time of Day Calendar Inc. from 2003 until the present Denise Rogul Newman received her executive and marketing education as a professional volunteer, even though she graduated from York University with a degree in sociology. In moving to St.Catharines in the late 70's she took on a very active role in the community by:

  • introduced and formed a new young member chapter for Hadassah-Wizo
  • chaired the regions Hadassah-Wizo bazaar for three years
  • spear headed the ladies campaign for UIA Federation Niagara region in the 80's
  • Chaired the first annual St. Catharines General Hospital Gala Ball
  • served on the board of the B'nai Israel Synagogue as a director and eventually became the first female president of the synagogue in 2001-2003

In the interim, Denise also represented the ladies wear designer Sunny Choi for the Niagara region and opened a domestic and caregiver placement agency in Toronto from 1998-2001 which she later sold. It was important to lead by example and give back to the community while raising three children, chauffeuring and coaching school sports teams and serving on their school boards as well. Denise also created an in house art gallery program to recognize young talent in the public school system.

In balancing ones commitment to family, business and the community, from co chairing last year's WOA luncheon, ICRF is now a very important part of Denise's life and continuing on her support to the community.