She leaves a legacy of remarkable progress toward treatments for FSHD
The FSHD Society was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Corinne Bronfman on October7, in Washington DC. Corinne, her mother Marjorie Bronfman, and uncle Edward Schechter had a profound impact on the work of the FSHD Society. “The FSHD Society would not exist today if not for Corinne, Marjorie and Edward,” said Daniel Perez, co-founder of the FSHD Society.
Their support helped initiate the FSHD Society research grant program and funded nearly 20 projects and trial readiness efforts, including the international FSHD Clinical Trial Research Network (CTRN). “Amazingly, we stand before the reality of treating and curing FSHD in the next one to three years,” said Perez. “Sadly, Corinne will not see the fruits of her efforts for herself.”
“She was a remarkable woman, courageous, brilliant, talented, and a great friend of the FSHD Society,” said Duncan and William Lewis, chair emeritus of the FSHD Society board of directors. “She will be missed by so many but her legacy stands strong and continues.”
Born in Montreal, Quebec, Corinne was the second daughter of the late Marjorie and Gerald Bronfman. She attended school in Montreal before setting off for university in the US, and then moving to live in Paris, France. An adventurous and talented spirit led her to originally pursue a career as a professional artist. Her works hang in many private collections.
She made a mid-life career change in 1988, earning a PhD in Economics from NYU. Corinne had a fulfilling career first as a professor in Tucson and then as an economist for the US Treasury Department in Washington, DC. When she retired, she devoted herself to philanthropic endeavours, including micro-finance, the FSHD Society and the Georgetown Waterfront Park.
“My sincerest sympathy and condolences on the passing of Corinne Bronfman,” Perez said. “For me it’s a big hit – to know that she has gone. I could tell you a hundred wonderful stories about her and the interactions we had. She fully travelled the hard road of having FSHD, and was the most upbeat, pragmatic and positive person. We instantly understood one another and could easily laugh about the absurdities of living with this disease. She was tough, brave, a kindred spirit and utterly supportive of those challenged by FSHD.”
“Corinne was simply a lovely, smart, funny and amazing lady — a colossus,” Perez said. “We will really miss her and knowing that she is out there with a kind eye to others. It is truly a sad day and I, we and this earth weep for her.”
Corinne Bronfman is survived by siblings and in-laws Joanie Bronfman and Neal McMilllan, Judy Bronfman-Thau and Isaac Thau, and Jeffrey and Stace Bronfman, and nieces and nephews Elana Barak, Jonathan Thau, and David Bronfman. Condolence messages may be posted on her Washington Post obituary.
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