In a heartfelt gesture aimed at supporting future generations of medical professionals and advancing leukemia research, David Isaacson, a Canadian now residing in Florida, has made a gift of $75,000 to McMaster University on behalf of his mother’s estate.  

The gift will establish the Suzanne Marie Slater Isaacson and Carol Lynne Isaacson Medical Training Award, a tribute to David’s late mother and sister, respectively.  

Isaacson’s relationship with McMaster first began in 1997 when his sister, Carol, a mother of one, was diagnosed with leukemia at 32 years old. Carol succumbed to the illness in 2002 after five years of treatments and several bone marrow transplants for which, he says, no family member was a match.  

“During those challenging years, McMaster played an important role in our lives, emerging as a beacon of hope with its cutting-edge medical care and compassionate support,” said Isaacson. “McMaster University Medical Centre — a teaching hospital — was known as the number one leukemia hospital in the country at the time.” 

The attention paid to Carol while she was a patient, specifically by McMaster professors of medicine Dr. Brian Leber and Dr. Irvin Walker, was so well-received by the family that they requested all remembrances be made to the Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Fund at McMaster University in lieu of flowers. 

Isaacson’s mother Suzanne never forgot about it, and in the final days before her death in December 2023 at 84 years old, she expressed her desire to support the institution that held such significance in their family’s journey.  

“I’m making this gift because my mom told me to,” said Isaacson, laughing and noting that a little levity goes a long way when it comes to grief. But through this gift, he ultimately seeks to provide tangible support to medical students engaged in leukemia research.  

Isaacson’s decision to establish the medical training award at McMaster reflects his mother’s desire that future generations of students and researchers have the resources they need to make a meaningful difference in the world of medicine. It also reflects his own commitment to honouring a lasting family legacy. 

“I strongly emphasize the significance of estate planning as a means to create a legacy that you’re proud of and that you want to pass on,” said Isaacson, who works in the finance field where he manages endowments and other matters related to estate planning.  

As he prepares to see his family’s name associated with McMaster University’s research endeavours, he remains grateful for the opportunity to honour his loved ones and contribute to a cause close to his heart.  

“I hope the award will help students, and ultimately make a difference in a cancer patient’s life,” he said. “That’s the goal line.”  

To support the growth of the award, additional gifts can be made at this link.  

Why McMaster donors give: At McMaster University, every single gift, no matter the size, has the potential to make a difference in the lives of our students, the quality of our research and our ability to give back to our community and influence the future. We asked some of our donors and their families what motivates them to give. Read their stories