Rachel and Audrey are twin sisters. Their parents are Eliane and Gary Markoff.
 
At the beginning of 1992, Rachel was found to have an inoperable brain tumor. She died nine months later, one week after Rachel and Audrey's ninth birthday.

With the support of The National Brain Tumor Society, Eliane and Gary established The Rachel Molly Markoff Foundation in 1999.
 
Its mission is dedicated to pediatric cancer research and programs to help families cope with childhood cancer.

Up to half of the Art in Giving proceeds are donated to the foundation.

“The Rachel Molly Markoff Foundation and other philanthropic funds make discoveries possible that otherwise would never occur . The foundation is a constant reminder of a family personally affected by cancer. It serves as a powerful motivator to work even harder. ”
Dr. Todd Golub
The Broad Institute