As the end of fiscal year 2014 approaches, the efforts to recruit and train rheumatology professionals and provide patients with the latest treatment and care are progressing very well. Three years into its five-year campaign, the Rheumatology Research Foundation’s Journey to Cure: The Campaign to Advance Patient Care and Accelerate Discoveries is well ahead of schedule, thanks to generous contributions from members of the rheumatology community, Corporate Roundtable donors and people affected by rheumatic diseases. However, the momentum must continue to reach the Foundation’s final goal.
Launched in 2011, the goal of the Journey to Cure campaign is to raise $60 million, which will be directly invested in the Foundation’s extensive awards and grants program. Through its awards and grants offerings, the Foundation is laying the path for more highly qualified doctors and health professionals to join the field of rheumatology. The Foundation offers a number of awards that provide necessary support during integral stages of education, training and career development for individuals who want to provide quality care to patients and conduct novel research that will advance treatments. The Foundation also funds innovative research projects aimed at producing new developments that will improve the health of people affected by rheumatic disease.
As reported to the Foundation’s Board of Directors in April, the Foundation has raised $46.9 million for the Journey to Cure campaign, 78% of the goal.
“The Journey to Cure campaign has been quite a success so far,” says David Karp, MD, PhD, president of the Foundation. “It is clear that the Foundation’s efforts to attract the brightest minds to rheumatology, support their education and training, and fund novel and innovative research are receiving major support from across the board.”
The campaign is advancing quickly, in part, because of broad-based support from the rheumatology community, including members of the ACR and the ARHP. Doctors and health professionals from the bench to the bedside are helping the Foundation expand its support for the development of high-quality professionals and better treatments.
“Donations by rheumatologists demonstrate the commitment of the field to advancing the science in our field,” says V. Michael Holers, MD, a strong supporter of the Foundation and award recipient. “I have seen the results and strongly believe the foundation has the right focus on innovative research that can make a huge difference going forward for patients with arthritis.”
Some of the most significant support has come from the Corporate Roundtable, a dynamic partnership between the Foundation and industry leaders that provides a forum for dialogue. As part of the Corporate Roundtable and a Leadership level donor, AbbVie has been a major supporter of the Foundation for several years. The company’s generous contributions to the campaign have helped push the fundraising ahead of schedule.
The Journey to Cure campaign has been quite a success so far. … Some of the most significant support has come from the Corporate Roundtable, a dynamic partnership between the Foundation & industry leaders.
“We are proud to support the Rheumatology Research Foundation’s Journey to Cure initiative, which continues to foster ongoing education and innovative research within the rheumatology community,” says Jim Salanty, vice president, U.S. Rheumatology, AbbVie. “At AbbVie, in our ongoing rheumatology work, we share a passion for creating meaningful options for those living with rheumatic diseases and working in the field of rheumatology, and our relationship with the Foundation is a natural extension of this commitment.”
Another Leadership level donor, Amgen Inc., has made significant contributions to the success of the Journey to Cure campaign. Amgen was actually the first Leadership level donor on the Corporate Roundtable and continues to support the Foundation’s efforts to advance treatments and find cures. “Amgen is proud of its ongoing commitment to support the Journey to Cure campaign, including for the fellowship program, which helps ensure we have well-trained researchers working in the field to advance our understanding and treatment of rheumatic diseases,” says Brian Kotzin, MD, vice president of global development at Amgen. “This initiative helps to reinforce Amgen’s commitment to advancing rheumatology care for the benefit of patients worldwide.”
Other companies on the Corporate Roundtable are also taking part in Journey to Cure. Pfizer Inc., a Pinnacle level donor, has committed substantial financial support to the campaign. These groups are essential to discovering advancements in treating rheumatic diseases.
Patients and loved ones of individuals affected by rheumatic disease are also making significant commitments to Journey to Cure.
To them, supporting the Foundation and the campaign is also a way to invest in their own futures and the futures of others like themselves.
“As a patient, I want to see research into cures for rheumatic disease,” explains Bedford Vestal. “As a retired scientist, I know how hard it is for new researchers to acquire research funds to get their first projects started and prove themselves. We donate to support both these goals.”
With each gift, the Foundation is one step closer to advancing patient care and accelerating discoveries. The campaign has come a long way, but our work isn’t done yet,” explains Dr. Karp. “To reach $60 million, we need to build on the momentum we’ve already established. As we head into fiscal year 2015, I hope the rheumatology, patient and corporate communities will pull together to help the Foundation expand our efforts to advance patient care, accelerate discoveries and achieve its goal.”
