Marc R. Chevrier, MD, PhD, FACR, Lupus Research Memorial Fund Established

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The Lupus and Allied Diseases Association Inc. established the Marc R. Chevrier, MD, PhD, FACR, Lupus Research Memorial Fund at the Rheumatology Research Foundation, effective March 1. This fund was established to honor the life and legacy of Marc Chevrier, MD, PhD, FACR, a pioneer and patient advocate in the field of lupus.

About Dr. Chevrier

Dr. Chevrier completed his undergraduate work at Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., earning Bachelor of Arts degrees in both biology and chemistry. He earned his doctorate in pharmacology and molecular sciences at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, and went on to complete his medical degree at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore. He completed a clinical research fellowship at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) of the National Institutes of Health before accepting a position with the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Eventually, Dr. Chevrier moved into industry to advance clinical research and bring new treatments for lupus patients to market. He was intellectually curious and a lifelong learner, authoring dozens of scientific manuscripts throughout his career and receiving many awards and industry recognition for his contributions to the field. He was incredibly passionate about improving the care of patients with lupus and other autoimmune diseases, and devoted his career to these pursuits. In addition to having an answer for everything, he was incredibly kind and generous, and was devoted to his loving family and many lifelong friends.

Dr. Chevrier

At age 54, Dr. Chevrier passed away on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021, after a brief illness.

“The worldwide lupus and rheumatology communities lost a brilliant scientist, caring clinician, innovative educator and passionate advocate with the recent passing of our dear friend Dr. Marc Chevrier. We are honored to partner with the Foundation to establish this fund in Marc’s name to support novel lupus research,” says Kathleen A. Arntsen, president and CEO of the Lupus and Allied Diseases Association Inc., “Marc was respected by all who knew him, but to those of us living with lupus, Papa Lupus was our hero; giving us strength and hope that better treatments were just around the corner.”

“My family and I deeply appreciate the kindness and generosity extended to us with the unexpected loss of Marc, our beloved husband and father,” says Diane Slentz Chevrier, “and we thank the Lupus and Allied Diseases Association for establishing the Marc R. Chevrier, MD, PhD, FACR, Lupus Research Memorial Fund and all who supported this effort. Although our hearts are broken, we take great comfort in knowing that Marc’s name and legacy as both an educator and visionary researcher will live on to inspire others in lupus research through this fund.”

“The Foundation extends our heartfelt condolences to the lupus community and Dr. Chevrier’s family on the immeasurable loss of this extraordinary man,” says Mary Wheatley, IOM, CAE, executive director of the Foundation. “We are humbled by the Lupus and Allied Diseases Association’s generous commitment to support innovative research initiatives that improve the quality of life for those living with lupus.”

How the Fund Will Be Used

The Marc R. Chevrier, MD, PhD, FACR, Lupus Research Memorial Fund will support research in lupus funded within the Foundation’s preceptorships program. Preceptorships match students and residents with mentors within the rheumatology community to conduct meaningful research projects. Distributions will be made via the Medical and Graduate Student Preceptorship Award. The next application deadline is May 3.

For more information on the Foundation’s awards and grants program, or to apply, visit the Foundation’s website.

To contribute to the memorial fund, click here.