Founders

Saar A. Porrath, M.D. cont.

1937-1999

Dr. Porrath’s interest in patient/physician partnerships took on new meaning during his two-year battle with plasma cell leukemia. He more fully realized the necessity for trained cancer patient advocates to help cancer patients and caregivers better navigate the challenges of cancer.

He subsequently developed his patient centered Personal Cancer Management System (PCMS), and in 1999, he and his wife, Toni Bernay PhD, founded the Porrath Foundation for Cancer Patient Advocacy to put his plan into action.Dr. Porrath consulted and spoke nationally and internationally on the PCMS to audiences ranging from health professionals such as The American Psychological Association, Jefferson and Cedars-Sinai Hospitals in Philadelphia and Los Angeles; patient and public interest groups including National Cancer Survivors Day and the International Myeloma Foundation; corporate groups including E-Z-EM Corporation, medical equipment manufacturers, Ortho-Biotech Pharmaceuticals and health systems in emerging economies around the world including Brazil and Bulgaria.

Saar Porrath also used his expertise and cancer experience to refine the Personal Cancer Management System. He incorporated it into a book to help others organize and deal with the avalanche of information, options and the painful and overwhelming experience of having cancer. The book, When It’s Cancer---10 Essential Steps to Take Following the Diagnosis will be published in April, 2006 by Rodale Press. It reveals how Drs Porrath and Bernay used their insights, discoveries and the tools of the PCMS to fight cancer, using this struggle to bring to life the Porrath Foundation for Cancer Patient Advocacy for the benefit of cancer patients and their families nationwide.

Born January 3, 1937, Dr. Porrath received his MD from State University of New York, Buffalo, and his BA from Niagara University.