It's been said there's a silver lining to every cloud, and this holds true even for diabetes. Seven years ago, a small group of dedicated people decided to hold a golf tournament to help cure diabetes. Thanks to their diligence, the Golf Classic "fore" Diabetes Research Chair has been established, and will be held by David E.R. Sutherland, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Sutherland is Head of the Transplant Division, Director of the Diabetes Institute for Immunology and Transplantation (DIIT), and a Professor of Surgery at the University of Minnesota Medical School.
To date, the Golf Classic "fore" Diabetes Research has raised $2 million. Proceeds have funded start-up research at the DIIT, paid for the DIIT's laboratory renovations, and now, are establishing a chair. "We are deeply appreciative of the extraordinary generosity and dedication of all involved with the Golf Classic "fore" Diabetes Research," said Dr. Sutherland. "It's an incredible event that demonstrates the determination and impact a group of people can have on medical research," he added.
It all began with Robert Salmen's kidney-pancreas transplant in 1995. His family and friends wanted to help cure diabetes as a result of the devastating complications Bob incurred from diabetes. Today, Bob is among the golfers out on the course each June, and one of its biggest advocates. Early on, Jeff Dobbs, Pro Staff, and Patrick Ryan of the Ryan Companies, joined as major sponsors. Their on-going generosity as sponsors has helped increase annual event proceeds from $170,000 in 1996 to over $350,000 in 2003. Numerous others have joined in, helping to grow the tournament to become the 23rd largest charitable event in the annual City Business listing.
The Golf Classic "fore" Diabetes Research Chair will help transition more of Dr. Sutherland's time from transplant surgeries to beta cell replacement therapy research. "I'm looking forward to having more research time," said Dr. Sutherland. "I've wanted this transition for some time, and the generosity of this group has finally allowed that to happen." Dr. Sutherland is regarded worldwide as a primary pioneer of pancreas transplantation, and performed the world's first human islet cell transplant at the University of Minnesota in 1974. He has since performed the world's first living-donor pancreas transplant and now performs that surgery routinely, in addition to pancreas transplants, many accompanied by a kidney, in addition to other pancreas-related surgeries.
"We invite others to join us in building the capacity of this chair to support Dr. Sutherland and his world-renowned diabetes cure research," said Peter Rockers, 2004 Golf Classic "fore" Diabetes Research Chairperson. Those wanting more information on how to contribute may contact Angela Lillie at 612-626-2101 or go to our on-line gift form.
Read more information about the Golf Classic "fore" Diabetes Research Chair.
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