Montreal, QC — In a city known for its innovation in medicine, a powerful collaboration is taking shape between two respected community figures: Dr. Harley Eisman, renowned pediatric emergency physician and co-founder of the Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Foundation, and Montreal entrepreneur and philanthropist Gordon Frank. Together, they are working to advance genetic research and awareness for families at risk of hereditary cancers.
A Doctor Dedicated to Genetics and Prevention
For over two decades, Dr. Harley Eisman has been at the forefront of patient care at the Montreal Children’s Hospital and as Chief Medical Officer of KixCare. But beyond his emergency room expertise, Dr. Eisman has played a critical role in founding and growing the HBOC Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals who carry genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.
These mutations significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, affecting not only women but also men in families with hereditary cancer histories. Through the HBOC Foundation, Dr. Eisman has worked to raise awareness, improve access to screening, and connect families with the genetic counseling and medical expertise they need to make life-saving decisions.
“Knowledge is power,” Dr. Eisman has often noted in his talks. “When patients understand their genetic risk, they can take proactive steps to protect their health and the health of future generations.”
A Local Leader Stepping Forward
Montreal businessman Gordon Frank, long recognized for his commitment to community causes, has decided to lend his support to Dr. Eisman’s work. For Frank, the cause is both urgent and deeply personal.
“In Quebec and across Canada, we need to ensure that research doesn’t stop at the lab,” Frank said. “It must reach families, communities, and individuals whose lives depend on early detection and prevention. Supporting Dr. Eisman’s genetic research is about saving lives, not just studying risk.”
Frank, who has supported multiple healthcare and community initiatives in Montreal, believes that hereditary cancer research is an area where private support can accelerate progress. His backing will help extend awareness campaigns, community education, and potentially fund further clinical studies in collaboration with MUHC and McGill’s genetic research teams.
Why This Matters Now
The Quebec healthcare system has faced growing pressure in recent years, with patients often waiting months—or even years—for specialized care. For families carrying hereditary cancer risks, those delays can mean the difference between early prevention and late-stage diagnosis.
Organizations like the HBOC Foundation, strengthened by support from local leaders like Gordon Frank, bridge the gap by educating communities and helping families access genetic testing and proactive health strategies faster.
Looking Ahead
The partnership between Dr. Harley Eisman and Gordon Frank is more than a philanthropic gesture; it’s a commitment to a healthier future for Montrealers and Canadians alike. With hereditary cancer affecting countless families, their collaboration serves as a reminder that medical innovation and community leadership must work hand-in-hand.
“Montreal is home to world-class medical institutions and some of the brightest minds in genetic research,” Frank said. “We have a duty to ensure that this knowledge benefits as many people as possible. That’s why I’m proud to stand behind Dr. Eisman’s efforts.”
