Rachel died from a brain stem glioma, a particularly lethal form of childhood cancer.

Soon after her death, the executive director of the National Brain Tumor Society invited Rachel’s parents, Eliane and Gary, to become involved in finding a cure for brain tumors. Three years passed before the Markoffs found the strength to search for ways to contribute to brain tumor research and to keep Rachel’s memory alive. They soon discovered that there was a critical need to fund cutting-edge research for brain tumors.

With the support of The National Brain Tumor Society, The Rachel Molly Markoff Foundation was established in 1999.

The Foundation funds research grants to support brain tumor research, and assistance programs to help families cope with the tumultuous ordeal of dealing with pediatric cancer. The Foundation works closely with The National Brain Tumor Society and Children’s Hospital Boston to understand and decide how best to invest its funds.

Its first fundraising event was an auction at the Newton Marriott Hotel that raised over $100,000 for The National Brain Tumor Society.

Currently, the Foundation sponsors fund-raising events throughout the year, normally a major event featuring artists such as the Empire Brass and Livingston Taylor, and a series of informal evening gatherings featuring works of art by prominent Boston area artists.

Occasionally, the grant recipients attend these events to summarize their research and showcase the progress being made to find a cure for brain tumors.

In 2009, the Foundation created the Art in Giving program. It enables companies to recognize key individuals with the gift of art from one of many notable Boston-area artists. In addition to providing a unique recognition rewards program, 50% of the proceeds of the gift is donated to the Foundation. The entire gift to the reward recipient is tax-deductible the company.

Gary and Eliane Markoff serve as the trustees for the Foundation.

Since the Foundation was founded, no salaries, fees or other forms of compensation have been paid to the trustees or any other persons. The only expenses that the Foundation incurs are the direct costs associated with the operation of the Foundation and the fund-raising events.

The Foundation and donations to it are exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Its tax identification number is 04-6907596.