David and Alice Jurist are deeply committed to making a difference and mentoring families who have a cancer diagnosis whether it be a mother, father or child. They recently established The Eileen Fund, a 501c(3), to support research into precision therapies that directly target the underlying causes of cancer, in order to cure it the first time and prevent its return in any form.
Alice and David know firsthand how painfully difficult it is when your child receives a cancer diagnosis.
In 1984, their daughter Eileen was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. Alice and David were by Eileen’s side as she battled and survived this awful disease. As the parents of seven children, they experienced how difficult a cancer diagnosis is for the entire family.
They found coping resources to be sorely lacking. David and Alice wanted to make sure children and their families would get the support they deserved. They made it their mission to improve outcomes and the patient and family experience.
The Jurists teamed up with a group of parents committed to help their children and others like them with cancer and serious blood disorders through the Tomorrows Children’s Fund (TCF). Alice and David served as members of the executive board. David was the co-president of TCF for more than 30 years.
Through the years, the Jurists raised tens of millions of dollars, with the incredible support of Don and Deirdre Imus, for pediatric cancer patients and their families. Among the Jurists’ greatest contributions was an annual, one-of-a-kind summer picnic at their home in New Jersey. More than 1,000 parents and children attended every year. They enjoyed rides, games, entertainment and great food. Families looked forward to this extraordinary event which provided much needed, life-affirming joy, laughter and smiles.