Letter from AHAF's President/CEO and ChairmanAdapted from the 2011 Annual ReportEvery day, people of all generations face Alzheimer's disease, macular degeneration, and glaucoma—three of the most devastating degenerative diseases confronting us today. At the American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF), we work to find cures by accelerating the pace of research and the public's real-time access to vital scientific information. Determined to end these diseases, we take a bold approach and invest in the most promising research, through the support of our loyal donors and a network of esteemed scientists.  Brian K. Regan Ph.D.
Chairman, Board of Directors Since AHAF's inception, the organization has earned a reputation for smart investment in early-stage, investigator-initiated research. That means we do not tell researchers what they must study. Rather, by seeking and selecting the best ideas through our rigorous peer-review process, AHAF gives scientists the encouragement and support to pursue game-changing research … research that will save lives and improve treatments. AHAF has funded a broad range of studies throughout the U.S. and across the globe, awarding nearly $40 million in the last five years alone. We have become an international leader in the fight to end these degenerative diseases, expanding our alliances with like-minded organizations around the world. All with the common purpose of eradicating diseases that harm our loved ones and cripple our families and society financially. AHAF-funded research has a significant impact. Alzheimer's disease researchers are learning more about the early stages of the disorder, how a number of proteins contribute to Alzheimer's disease, and whether a focus on certain key proteins will bring us closer to a cure. Scientists are making inroads on earlier detection—and vision preservation—in glaucoma research and working to better understand and thus find treatments for macular degeneration.  Stacy Pagos Haller.
President & CEO To share the latest news and resources, we have improved our offering of public information to patients and their loved ones— through traditional channels including print publications, and online through our website, e-mail, and social media. In turn, families living with these diseases, as patients or caregivers, are increasingly sharing their hard-won wisdom with us: telling their stories; raising funds; and working to educate policymakers about the impact of debilitating disease. Today, the threat of dwindling government research funding is great. With the aging Baby Boomers at increased risk for degenerative disease, the research cutbacks could build to a "perfect storm" of unmet need. Alzheimer's disease alone represents an estimated 17% of the current cost of Medicare. At the present pace, Alzheimer's has the potential to crush Medicare by 2020. We must act now. AHAF is redoubling our efforts to fund critical research, to accelerate cures for diseases impacting millions of people today and in the years to come. To our donors, we honor and thank you for your generosity that fuels the world-class researchers working to eradicate these diseases. To those learning about AHAF, we invite you to join our cause. Together, we will make a difference, by investing in and sharing the discoveries of high impact research. Sincerely, Brian K. Regan, Ph.D. Stacy Pagos Haller
Original Post Date: 01/10/2012 Last Review: 01/10/12 |
American Health Assistance Foundation |
