THE ALVIN R. LEONARD FOUNDATION
Alvin R. Leonard was born on April 1, 1936. He graduated from Brooklyn College and attained his law degree from Rutgers University. He was admitted as a lawyer to the New Jersey Bar in April 1962 and practiced in both the state and federal court systems. He successfully argued before the New Jersey Supreme Court. He was a member of the New Jersey State Bar Association and the Union County Bar Association for many years. He also served as an arbitrator in the Essex County court system.
He handled personal injury cases for over 47 years and loved what he did. He took great pride in helping people who were severely injured or families who lost loved ones.
He was a remarkable man and he spent his whole life helping others. Anyone who had the great fortune to know Al has been touched by his kindness and generosity. He had the biggest heart, always saw the good in people, and devoted every single day of his life to his family and to helping others.
On August 8, 2008 Al was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. His kindness and generosity remained true even after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He never gave up and always had an indomitable spirit and lived in hope. It was his vision and hope that a cure would be found for pancreatic cancer. After waging a courageous battle Al passed away on January 31, 2009.
In furtherance of Al’s memory, and as a true testament to the generous, kind, and giving person he was throughout his lifetime, the Leonard family established the Alvin R. Leonard Foundation to continue to carry on those traditions and to help those diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
According to the National Cancer Institute, pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in both men and women and in 2008 an estimated 37,000 men and women were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
The primary mission of the Alvin R. Leonard Foundation is to raise funds to support research focused on prevention, diagnoses, treatment and a cure for pancreatic cancer. We also intend to provide financial support to help individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and provide support to their families.
We are working close with Al’s oncologist, Dr. Stephen Schreibman from Oncology & Hematology Specialists, P.A., located at the Carol Simon Cancer Center in Morristown, New Jersey and Cancer Care at St. Clare’s in Denville, New Jersey. They are one of the leading pancreatic cancer treatment center on the East coast and are continually working on developing new and innovative treatment methods for pancreatic cancer.
During the course of Al’s treatment, we learned firsthand that he and many patients receiving chemotherapy treatment are often cold and cannot seem to get warm. Through the generous contributions we have received, we have purchased two hospital grade blanket warmers that we donated to Dr. Schreibman’s two offices. These warmers provide warm blankets and comfort to over 250 patients per week that are undergoing chemotherapy.
In addition, we have learned that many patients are unable to secure transportation to the cancer center to receive necessary chemotherapy and related treatments. We have established an account with a local livery service to provide free transportation for those patients. This would not be possible without the generous support of our donors.
Finally, we have partnered with the Lustgarten Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing the science, diagnosis, treatment and cure of pancreatic cancer.
If you would like to contribute to the Alvin R. Leonard Foundation please send your donations to the Alvin R. Leonard Foundation, 165 Washington Street, Morristown, New Jersey.
The donations we receive are critical to furthering and strengthening the mission of the Alvin R. Leonard Foundation. Thank you for your support!
