Montreal is home to many great institutions, from world-class hospitals to groundbreaking research foundations. But for Gordon Frank, a well-known local philanthropist, one organization stands out for both personal and scientific reasons: The Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Foundation (HBOC).
After losing both his mother and younger brother to cancer, Gordon turned heartache into advocacy. His commitment now fuels one of Canada’s most focused and compassionate cancer foundations — one that operates quietly from right here in Montreal.
HBOC: A Montreal-Based Foundation with a National Mission
Headquartered in Montreal and governed entirely by volunteers, The Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Foundation focuses solely on familial cancers, the kinds linked to inherited genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2.
These mutations don’t just affect women. Men with genetic predispositions face heightened risks for prostate, pancreatic, and even breast cancer. HBOC works to raise awareness, promote genetic screening, and support individuals and families dealing with hereditary cancer diagnoses.
Unlike large national organizations, HBOC is small but mighty, with every dollar donated going directly to its educational and research programs.
To learn more or to contribute, visit https://hboc.ca
A Local Leader in the Cause: Dr. Harley Eisman
A cornerstone of HBOC’s medical efforts is Dr. Harley Eisman, a familiar name in Montreal’s healthcare circles. As Director of Pediatric Emergency Services at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, Dr. Eisman has long served the city’s youngest patients. But his vision extends beyond the ER.
Dr. Eisman is helping spearhead genetic research into hereditary breast, ovarian, and male cancers, aiming to expand access to preventive genetic screening across Canada.
His work, supported by HBOC and advocates like Gordon Frank, represents a powerful shift toward personalized, proactive medicine in the fight against cancer.
Explore Dr. Eisman’s profile here: https://montrealchildrenshospital.ca/staff/harley-eisman
Gordon Frank: Turning Personal Loss into Public Good
For Gordon Frank, involvement with HBOC is not a casual endeavor, it’s a mission driven by memory, science, and hope. His financial contributions and active role in promoting the foundation are deeply tied to his desire to spare others from similar loss.
“Thank you,” he says humbly, “the Dr. Harley Eisman initiative is focused on genetic research for breast, ovarian, and male cancers like prostate cancer. Genetic screening is the goal, and I’m involved.”
Gordon believes in giving back to his community, and that includes raising awareness right here in Montreal about how early screening can save lives.
Understanding the Risk and the Opportunity
Up to 10–15% of all breast and ovarian cancers have a hereditary component. For individuals carrying BRCA mutations:
- The risk of breast cancer can rise to 70% or more.
- Men may face increased risks for aggressive prostate and pancreatic cancers.
- Early screening can open the door to life-saving decisions and treatments.
It’s not just about medicine, it’s about empowerment through knowledge. That’s what Gordon Frank, Dr. Eisman, and HBOC are working toward: giving families the tools they need to act early and with confidence.
Montreal, Get Involved
Whether you’re a Montreal resident who has faced hereditary cancer in your family, or simply someone who believes in the power of research, now is the time to support HBOC.
The foundation is seeking volunteers, donors, and advocates who want to be part of a local effort with national impact. With Gordon Frank leading by example, the hope is that more community members will join the movement.
Visit https://hboc.ca to learn more and lend your support.
Because here in Montreal, we don’t just care, we act.
