The tournament and foundation are named in honor of Jim Himelic, a friend of the Tucson community and much-respected juvenile court judge who died from ALS in February 2000. Since it began three years ago, the annual golf tournament has raised more than $215,000 to benefit ALS research at the University.
ALS also is called "Lou Gehrig's disease" after the famous New York Yankee who lost his life to the disorder. It causes a slow loss of muscle function by affecting the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord utilized for movement, leading eventually to death. It occurs randomly, affecting adults from all walks of life. Although significant advances have occurred in the medical community's understanding of the processes underlying the loss of motor neurons, no effective treatment exists at this time.
 Dr. Timothy Miller and Diana Himelic, wife of the late Jim Himelic are pictured in Dr. Miller's lab. | A major focus of the UA program regards stem cell biology and potential therapeutics. According to Timothy Miller, MD, UA assistant professor of neurology and pathology and director of the neuromuscular laboratory, further understanding of adult stem cell control mechanisms is essential to the future of this research. "Since its inception, the Jim Himelic Foundation and its supporters have made a lasting impact on the local ALS research environment," says Dr. Miller. "Through their support, we have begun a basic science research program, focusing on potential cellular therapies and novel studies of the genomic control mechanisms regulating adult stem cells. Our current work will help to shed light on the potential that adult stem cells may have in providing relief to populations of affected neurons. The support of the Himelic Foundation has proved crucial in our gathering of pilot research data and will in turn allow us to seek additional funding for continued investigation." |
For more information, visit www.jimhimelicfoundation.org
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