Current, past patients of Dr. Martin Brecher encouraged to submit photos, attend retirement reception
BUFFALO, NY — Martin Brecher, MD, who began treating pediatric cancer patients at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in 1975 and since became Chairman of Pediatrics for Roswell Park as well as Chief, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, for Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and Associate Professor and Chief, Hematology/Oncology, for the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, announced he will retire from active clinical practice in 2014.
Current and past patients with their families, colleagues and collaborators, leadership and support staff from the organizations he served, friends and others will gather to celebrate his contributions to the delivery of health care and to the lives of generations of families throughout Western New York and beyond in Kaminski Park & Gardens at Roswell Park on Wednesday, June 18 at 5 p.m.
Dr. Brecher’s retirement celebration event is being coordinated jointly by Roswell Park, Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and UBMD Pediatrics.
“I have had the pleasure of working with so many incredible kids and their families,” says Dr. Brecher. “I never cease to be amazed by the strength, courage and resilience of our young patients. They have taught me a great deal about what things are truly important in life. It has been a real privilege to have had the opportunity to be a part of their lives.”
Dr. Brecher has cared for thousands of children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer since arriving at Roswell Park. He was appointed Acting Chief in 1987 and then Chairman of Pediatrics for Roswell Park in 1990, as well as Division Chief of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.
“From the very first visit to Dr. Brecher when I was diagnosed, he was always there for me … with kindness, compassion and always reassuring when I needed him most,” says Kathy Curatolo, a 40-year pediatric cancer survivor. “I feel blessed to know him.”
Past and current patients with their families and all others are invited to attend this retirement celebration. To confirm attendance, please call (716) 845-8788. Patients and families who have photographs of them with Dr. Brecher are invited to submit them to be featured during his retirement celebration. To do so, please e-mail Terrie Carbone at Theresa.carbone@roswellpark.org. This event is free and open to anyone interested in attending.
Extensively published, Dr. Brecher has numerous articles, abstracts and book chapters to his credit. He has held a long and active leadership role for Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo and the University at Buffalo.
Dr. Brecher has frequently been recognized throughout our community for his contributions, including receiving the Burt Flickinger Jr. Physician’s Award from the Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of WNY Service Award, the Spirit of Teddi Humanitarian Award from Camp Good Days and Special Times, and the New Era Champion for Children Award presented by Brian Moorman’s P.U.N.T. Foundation.
A dedicated and patient teacher, Dr. Brecher also received many academic awards, including the SUNY at Buffalo Frederick B. Wilkes Teaching Award in Pediatrics, Louis A. & Ruth Siegel Distinguished Teaching Award, and a combined SUNY at Buffalo and Women & Children’s Hospital of Buffalo John Paroski House Staff Teaching Award in Pediatrics.
John Moscato; Director of Development Marketing and Communications
716-845-1038; john.moscato@roswellpark.org