Flora M. Furman Memorial Fund for American Cancer Society

Brett’s Support of Cancer Research

Not long after Brett lost his father to ALS in 1994, his mother, Flora M. Furman, succumbed to cancer. In her memory, Brett began the Flora M. Furman Memorial Fund in order to support cancer patients, their families, and the research that provides the medical world with the new protocols, medications, and treatments that help save lives. The American Cancer Society funds groundbreaking research to help understand cancer’s causes, determine how best to prevent it, and discover new ways to cure it. Brett has donated thousands of dollars towards American Cancer Society in support of this mission. Donations are welcome and very much appreciated.

Flora’s Story

Flora M. Glaser Furman was born in Philadelphia. She went to Mann Elementary School, Beeber Junior High, and then on to Overbrook High School. She earned her degrees in elementary education and special education at Temple University, then made a full-time career as an elementary school teacher until her children Scott, Brett, and Pamela came along.

Flora continued to teach as a substitute on an as-needed basis, so popular with the students that if they knew a substitute was coming they watched for her car in the parking lot. Over her decades of substitute teaching, she made an indelible impression on her students, entertaining them with a tale of her own creation called The Magic Bubble Gum Machine, which illustrated the enjoyment of sharing good fortune with others. Years later Flora’s daughter and granddaughter recorded the story so that it too could be shared with others.

In 1995, Flora was diagnosed with cancer. After a long and courageous battle, she lost her fight in October of 2000. Flora is remembered as an outgoing, friendly, giving person, who always had something kind to say to everyone. She is survived by her three children and seven grandchildren.