Who makes our mission possible?
Heroes like you.
Being a hero doesn’t require rushing into a burning building to save lives. The definition is a bit broader than that and requires only the selfless attempt (and intent) to benefit others through some amount of personal sacrifice. When you give your assets to support our mission, you become a hero—at least to physicians, scientists, and technologists whose careers and research projects are funded by ERF.
What does a hero look like? Here are just a few of the supporters who have helped us change lives.
Benedict Cassen
Benedict Cassen
Benedict Cassen, a trailblazing pioneer in nuclear medicine, profoundly transformed our field with his groundbreaking development of the scintillation camera, or gamma camera. His revolutionary work in medical imaging paved the way for countless advancements in diagnosing and treating patients with unparalleled precision. Dr. Cassen's dedication to improving medical technology mirrored his deep belief in the power of progress and innovation.
Understanding the vital role that continued research and education play in advancing our field, Cassen and beloved wife, Mary Wiley Balfour Cassen, chose to support the future of nuclear medicine through a planned gift to ERF. Their commitment underscores a legacy of excellence and a vision for a future where breakthroughs in science and patient care continue to flourish—and more specifically, it enables us to provide the prestigious Benedict Cassen Prize and Fellowship year after year.
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Mary Wiley Cassen
By including ERF in your estate plans, you can leave your own legacy by designing an award that fits your goals for our field. Your gift will help fund cutting-edge research, support the next generation of scientists, and drive forward the innovations that save lives. Join us in following in the footsteps of a true giant in our field and ensure that the spirit of discovery and advancement continues to thrive for years to come.
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Hal O. Anger
Hal Anger
The Education and Research Foundation (ERF) proudly honors Hal O. Anger, whose profound contributions to science and philanthropy have left an indelible mark on the fields of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. Dr. Anger laid the groundwork for today's advanced imaging systems with his invention of the first clinically successful radioisotope camera, known as the scintillation or Anger gamma camera. His innovations have become foundational tools, fostering advancements that ripple across research disciplines.
In addition to his scientific achievements, Hal’s philanthropic spirit has catalyzed transformative change within the research community. His substantial gift from his estate kickstarted the ERF's mission, enabling us to provide vital support to young researchers who are the future of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. Hal’s generosity ensures that emerging scientists have the resources they need to innovate and excel, much like he did in his own career.
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Thanks to Dr. Anger’s bequest, the ERF is equipped to fund pilot research projects, fellowships, and awards that empower the next generation of thinkers and innovators. His vision continues to inspire us as we prioritize the funding of critical research that addresses the most pressing challenges in our field.
As we celebrate Hal O. Anger’s legacy, we invite you to join us in honoring his legacy by supporting the ERF. Together, we can ensure that the spirit of innovation and discovery thrives, paving the way for future breakthroughs that will advance science and improve lives. Hal's commitment to both science and philanthropy exemplifies how one person's vision can create a lasting impact, and we are profoundly grateful for his enduring influence on our work.
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Dr. Robert Henkin
Dr. Robert Henkin
Dr. Robert Henkin’s visionary gift, established in memory of his beloved wife, Renae, created the Dr. Robert E. Henkin Fellowship for Government Relations or Outcomes Research—a fellowship set to advance the future of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. This program is more than a financial commitment; it is Dr. Henkin’s strategic investment in fostering the next generation of leaders in innovation and patient care. We sat down with Dr. Henkin to understand his perspective.
As Dr. Henkin explained, he became involved with the American College of Nuclear Physicians (ACNP) as its government relations efforts gained momentum. "Strangely enough, they don’t teach you government relations in medical school," he quipped, reflecting on his journey into policy and advocacy. Balancing the demands of an emerging field with his responsibilities at home, raising three children after the loss of his first wife, he offered his simple mantra: “You do what you have to do.”
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The fellowship prepares early-career professionals to navigate the complex landscape at the intersection of government, regulation, and research. As nuclear medicine evolves with cutting-edge advancements, these new leaders will gain firsthand experience in integrating such innovations responsibly and effectively into patient care.
Dr. Henkin's legacy is personified in the innumerable residents he trained from the 1970s onward, providing mentorship to trainees each year until his retirement. “You have to detach yourself from life periodically,” he shared, “Look around and see what you’ve learned. It’s the only way to live.” For Dr. Henkin, leadership means leading by example and maintaining humility—a belief he instilled in those he trained: “Don’t believe your own BS,” he laughed. His approach was rooted in collaboration: "We come to consensus, and then we do it. It would be wrong and unsuccessful to ask anyone to do something we wouldn’t do ourselves."
The Henkin Fellowship stands as a testament to strategic philanthropy. It not only strengthens the nuclear medicine field but also inspires a culture of giving that nurtures long-term growth. Through Dr. Henkin’s legacy of leadership, the fellowship ensures that the future of advocacy in nuclear medicine remains in capable, forward-thinking hands.
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Ray and Carole Marty
Ray and Carole Marty
At the Education and Research Foundation (ERF), we celebrate the legacy of Ray and Carol Marty, whose unwavering commitment to advancing nuclear medicine and molecular imaging will have a lasting impact on the field. Dr. Raymond Marty, MD passed away in April 2024. He was a fierce supporter of the field, an enduring friend to the Foundation, and Carol’s partner for 66 years. We honor Ray's memory and recognize Carol’s strength during this difficult time.
Ray and Carol have made a significant decision to support the next generation of researchers through their planned bequest. Their generosity will empower young scientists, providing crucial funding for pilot research, abstract awards, travel grants, and fellowships that can alter the course of careers. The Martys understand the challenges faced by emerging researchers and are dedicated to ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder innovation and discovery.
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Their bequest will contribute to the ERF Foundation Fund, which allows us to direct resources where they are needed most, adapting to the evolving landscape of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. By establishing a gift agreement that prioritizes flexibility and responsiveness, Ray and Carol ensure that their legacy will be aligned with the most pressing needs of the field.
As we reflect on the impact of the Martys’ decision, we are reminded of the vital role that philanthropic support plays in advancing education and research. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ray and Carol for their extraordinary generosity and vision, which will continue to shape the future of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging for years to come.
Join us in honoring Ray’s legacy and supporting the transformative work of the ERF by considering a planned gift that can make a difference in the lives of young researchers. Together, we can ensure that the best and brightest continue to thrive in their pursuit of knowledge and discovery.
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