http://www.opa.medicine.arizon
a.edu/news/mar07/parkinsons.htm
Janet Stark
(520) 626-7551
March 29, 2007
In 2007, Donald N. Soldwedel (second from left) launched a $1.8 million fundraising initiative in support of Parkinson''s-disease research at The University of Arizona. The goal is to recruit two new Parkinson''s researchers to the UA. They will join other research-team members (in white coats, from left) Brian McKay, PhD; Scott Sherman, MD, PhD; and Torsten Falk, PhD. Frank Porreca, PhD, head of the medical neurosciences initiative, is on Dr. Falk''s right.
Before the disease claimed his life in February, 2008, prominent Arizonan and distinguished University of Arizona supporter Donald N. Soldwedel chaired a $1.8 million drive to recruit two new Parkinson's-disease researchers to The University of Arizona College of Medicine. Parkinson's research is the first funding priority under the medical neurosciences initiative led by Frank Porreca, PhD, professor of pharmacology and anesthesiology at the UA College of Medicine.
Scott Sherman, MD, PhD, assistant professor of neurology and leader of the Parkinson's research team, said Parkinson's disease will affect the lives of more than 50,000 Arizonans each year. This common neurodegenerative disorder robs people of their ability to move, walk and communicate easily. As the disease progresses, it can diminish seriously the quality of life of the person with Parkinson''s and their family and caregivers.
Current treatments for Parkinson's disease are inadequate, but research offers immense hope for the future. Scientific advances in genetics and molecular biology have provided great insight into processes in the brain that cause Parkinson's disease. Support for Dr. Sherman and the Parkinson's research team, as well as the recruitment of two new physician-scientists, will enhance the opportunity to combat this disorder.
"The College of Medicine is uniquely positioned to bring these advances from bench to bedside, from the research lab to people afflicted with Parkinson''s," said Keith A. Joiner, MD, MPH, who served as vice provost for Medical Affairs and College of Medicine dean from 2002-2008. "If the state of Arizona is to play a role in groundbreaking progress, it is critical that charitable resources be invested in this promising research."
"We have had a tremendous response to this effort from people around the state," said Soldwedel. "Our partnership over the years with the Arizona Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) has vaulted us forward to meet this critical goal. The hard work and dedication of our doctors and investigators, together with support from the APDA, will bring us successfully to our goal for gifts."
Gifts are managed by The University of Arizona Foundation. James H. Moore Jr., UA Foundation president, said, "Mr. Soldwedel and his family have been enormously generous to the University for many decades. We are grateful that he was able to launch this important project, and honored by the depth of his philanthropy and support."
Known widely in Arizona for his remarkable career in the newspaper business and broadcast media, Soldwedel made significant contributions of both personal service and resources to The University of Arizona. He was elected to the UA Foundation Board of Directors in 1983 and served as president from 1989-91, playing an active leadership role in highly successful fundraising activities to support academic programs throughout the University. He also served on the boards of directors of both University Medical Center and University Physicians Healthcare (formerly University Physicians, Inc.).
Tours of the Parkinson's research labs are offered regularly. For more information about how to support Parkinson's research, call the UA College of Medicine Development Office, (520) 626-2827.
[Revised Sept. 5, 2008]
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