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Prominent Arizonan and distinguished University leader Donald N. Soldwedel is chairing a $1.8 million drive to recruit two new Parkinson's-disease researchers to the 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 College of Medicine. Parkinson's disease will affect the lives of more than 50,000 Arizonans this year alone. This common neuro-degenerative disorder robs people of their ability to move, walk and communicate easily. As this 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 Scott Sherman, MD, PhD, assistant professor of neurology, and fellow members of the Parkinson's research team, as well as the recruitment of two new physician-scientists, will enhance the opportunity to combat this disorder. |
 Donald J. Soldwedel (second from left) is leading fund-raising efforts to support research in Parkinson's disease. The goal of the $1.8 million campaign is to recruit two new researchers to join Brian McKay, PhD (left), Scott Sherman, MD, PhD (center), and Torsten Falk, PhD (far right). Frank Porreca, PhD, head of the medical neurosciences initiative, is on Dr. Falk's right. |
"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. If the state of Arizona is to play a role in groundbreaking progress, it is critical that charitable resources be invested in translational research," says Vice Provost for Medical Affairs and College of Medicine Dean Keith A. Joiner, MD, MPH.
"We have had a tremendous response to this effort from people around the state," says Soldwedel. "Our partnership over the years with the Southern Arizona Chapter of the American Parkinson's 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."
For more information about how to support Parkinson's research, call the College of Medicine Development Office at (520) 626-2827.
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