Team Michelle

Pregnancy should have been the happiest and most exciting time of Michelle Kornblau Cohen’s life. However, during a routine scan, she received a devastating diagnosis. Ovarian cancer.

A true athlete and elite competitor, Michelle saw this diagnosis as a setback, not a defeat. She needed a game plan, a solid strategy. So, she and her family spearheaded the immediate development of the Northwell Health Center for Cancer Pregnancy and Reproduction, an extraordinary team of doctors and medical specialists whose first miracle was the delivery of Michelle’s healthy baby boy, Franklin.

For the next six years, Michelle bravely faced each surgery, treatment, and therapy with complete enthusiasm, total positivity, constant smiles, her indomitable sense of humor, and her signature pure athletic grit. Smiling through the pain, she kept moving forward, always remaining the remarkable source of endless strength and love for her husband, Josh and her growing son, Franklin.

Throughout this ordeal, Michelle was always thinking of others, making sure her family, friends, and other loved ones in her community felt seen, heard, cared for, and respected. With her radiant confidence, it was never evident to others that she was courageously fighting a six-year battle with unrelenting cancer. Even when she lost her valiant battle, Michelle spent her last day telling each of her loved ones how special they were, and how much she loved them.

This love extended to Michelle’s final wish, for a lasting legacy that would always help others. Through Michelle and her family's support, this incredible team of experts was born to always keep her vibrant and selfless spirit alive. Please support Team Michelle in our continuing efforts to bring hope to others who, like Michelle, are faced with fear when they should be smiling with anticipation.

All funds raised through Team Michelle will go directly to the Michelle Kornblau Cohen Legacy Fund which supports the Northwell Health Center for Cancer Pregnancy and Reproduction to continue this pioneering work and assure that Michelle’s sacrifice can bring meaning and support to others. In that way, you will be helping us pick up where Michelle left off, continue her commitment of service to others, and never stop fighting.