Washington, D.C.- Americans for Medical Progress will present Albert B. Sabin Heroes of Science Awards to six individuals who have made a difference in biomedical research-pioneers in vaccine development and transplant surgery, parents who have through their family's tragedy created a strong force to combat genetic disease, and public officials who work to ensure that biomedical research remains a national priority.
The awards will be presented at a reception at the Carnegie Institution of Washington this evening.
"The six Heroes we honor tonight were chosen by Americans for Medical Progress for their commitment to biomedical research and its ability to improve the quality of our lives," said Jacquie Calnan, president of the nonprofit organization, which is based in Alexandria, Virginia.
Americans for Medical Progress supports the biomedical research community through its public affairs campaigns designed to build understanding of the necessity and humane nature of scientists' work with laboratory animals.
"Biomedical research offers hope. Children who had no hope just a few years ago are now living past their cancers, past their catastrophic illnesses," noted AMP's chairman, Michael Hayre, D.V.M., Vice President Comparative Medicine at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. "That hope is rooted in the work of men and women such as the Heroes of Science we recognize tonight."
This year's Albert B. Sabin Heroes of Science are:
Dave and Lynn Frohnmayer, founders of the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund, which supports path-breaking genetic research and fosters dialog among the scientists who are studying the disease. All three of the Frohnmayers' daughters were born with Fanconi anemia, an inherited, usually fatal illness which causes bone marrow failure and often leukemia. Two of their daughters, Kirsten and Katie, have died from complications of the disease.
Dave Frohnmayer is President of the University of Oregon
'"/>
Contact: Jacquie Calnan
amp@amprogress.org
703 836 9595
Americans For Medical Progress
5-Apr-2000