Meet the Board of Trustees

Steven D. Cohen, Chairman

Steven D. Cohen founded Friends for Life of America in February 1997 after six-year-old Daniel Heidenberg lost his life to leukemia. Steven graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a specialization in Spanish, summa cum laude, with a perfect 4.0 GPA. In February 2004, USA Today recognized Steven as one of the top twenty college students in the nation and named him to its prestigious top-tier All-USA College Academic Team. Steven is an Assistant Vice President with the Global Client Services division of Bank of America.


John Crane

John Crane is pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. Prior to his graduate work, John earned a Bachelor of Arts in Aerospace Engineering, magna cum laude, from the University of Florida. John began his involvement with Friends for Life of America by taking on leadership roles supporting the Hearts for the Holidays Campaign and the Fifth Anniversary Celebration. Over the years, John has served as webmaster, director, and advisor to chapter officers.


Nishit Patel

Nishit Patel is pursuing a Master of Science in Physiology and Biophysics at Georgetown University. He previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, cum laude, from the University of Florida. Nishit plans to pursue a career in medicine with a specialty in physiology, while focusing on mental health disorders. Active in his field, Nishit performs research with the Movement Disorders Program at the McKnight Brain Institute. Nishit has devoted many hours to developing and launching the new Friends for Life of America website and continues to stay involved by directing technical efforts on behalf of the organization.

Joshua Weissman

Joshua Weissman is pursuing a MD through Boston University's Seven-Year Liberal Arts/Medical Education Program. As part of this program, Josh received his Bachelor of Arts in Medical Science and Psychology, summa cum laude, and Phi Beta Kappa, from Boston University. He is now completing the remaining requirements at Boston University's School of Medicine. Josh is a member of the APC Pathology Honor Society and is an award-winning cancer researcher. Josh previously served as Director of Patient Services for Friends for Life of America.