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Glaucoma Research Foundation 2010 Benefit Celebrating the Scientists
SAN FRANCISCO, January 19, 2010 — “Celebrating the Scientists” is the theme of this year’s Glaucoma Research Foundation Annual Benefit and Celebration. The benefit takes place on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at the legendary Palace Hotel in San Francisco.
As the Glaucoma Research Foundation’s annual fundraiser, the benefit focuses on recent results from GRF-funded research and the donors who make it possible. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is the Honorary California Chair and Mayor Gavin Newsom is the Honorary San Francisco Chair. The event Co-Chairs are Nobuko Saito Cleary and Gary Cleary, PharmD, PhD.
At the benefit, the Glaucoma Research Foundation’s highest honor, the Catalyst Award, will be presented to Jeffrey B. Kindler, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Pfizer Inc. The award recognizes outstanding accomplishments in research and education in support of those affected by glaucoma.
“The Annual Benefit draws attention to the looming global epidemic of blindness due to glaucoma and the importance of innovative research to find a cure before it’s too late,” said Thomas M. Brunner, President and CEO of the Glaucoma Research Foundation.
At this year’s benefit, the principal investigators in the “Catalyst for a Cure” consortium funded by the Glaucoma Research Foundation will update attendees on their latest results. Their research has led to a better understanding of glaucoma as a neurodegenerative disease and could open the door to treatments that actually treat the underlying disease rather than current treatments that lower intraocular pressure as a means of reducing disease progression.
Catalyst for a Cure principal investigators include: David Calkins PhD, Vanderbilt University; Philip Horner PhD, University of Washington; Nicholas Marsh-Armstrong PhD, Johns Hopkins University; and Monica Vetter PhD, University of Utah. Major funding for Catalyst for a Cure is provided by a grant from the Melza M. and Frank Theodore Barr Foundation through the Glaucoma Research Foundation.
“Nationally, there continues to be a marked shortage of funding for the innovative research needed to find a cure for this leading cause of blindness,” said Mr. Brunner. “We simply must continue to raise the funds necessary to keep up the momentum of this productive research, as well as to provide invaluable educational resources needed to help patients and raise public awareness.”
About Glaucoma Research Foundation
Located in San Francisco, the Glaucoma Research Foundation is the nation’s most experienced foundation dedicated solely to glaucoma research and education. In addition to funding innovative research like the Catalyst For a Cure research consortium and its Shaffer Grants for Innovative Glaucoma Research, Glaucoma Research Foundation provides free education material, including the definitive reference for newly diagnosed patients, Understanding and Living with Glaucoma (available in both English and Spanish editions); brochures serving those at highest risk, including African-Americans and Latinos; and a toll free phone, 800-826-6693, staffed during office hours with an information specialist to answer questions about glaucoma.
For more information about Glaucoma Research Foundation, call 800-826-6693 or visit: www.glaucoma.org/about
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Note to editors:
Bio follows for Mr. Kindler.
Jeffrey B. Kindler. Mr. Kindler is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pfizer, the world’s largest research-based biopharmaceutical company, which discovers, develops, manufactures and markets prescription medicines for humans and animals. Kindler joined Pfizer in 2002 as Executive Vice President and General Counsel. He was named Vice Chairman in 2005 and appointed CEO in 2006. Mr. Kindler earned his BA from Tufts University and his JD from Harvard. He serves on the boards of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Tufts University, and Ronald McDonald House Charities, in addition to being a board member of the Manhattan Theatre Club, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and Catalyst.