The nation’s largest private funding source of rheumatology research and training has invested more than $131 million to advance the field
ATLANTA – The Rheumatology Research Foundation has something to celebrate: 30 years of advancing patient treatments by funding research and training! What began in 1985 as a humble idea and continued with just a few thousand dollars’ of awards has grown into the largest private funding source of rheumatology research and training in the United States, distributing more than $13 million in 2015.
As part of the 30th anniversary, the Foundation will host a nationwide giving day on Tuesday, May 19. Interested donors are encouraged to visit rheumresearch.org/donate to make their pledge. As part of the celebration, the Foundation will share stories of patient success and rheumatologist wins throughout the day at facebook.com/Rheumatology.Research.Foundation.
“Over the Foundation’s 30 year history, we’ve invested more than $131 million into rheumatology by funding over 2,600 grants. We’ve used about ninety cents of every dollar donated to facilitate vital research and training that leads to improved patient outcomes – and ultimately, may lead to a cure,” said Mary Wheatley, executive director, Rheumatology Research Foundation. “But the fight is far from over; we must also look ahead to the next 30 years and continue advancing rheumatology for the millions of patients and families whose daily lives are affected by these diseases.”
The need for the Foundation has never been greater: an estimated 11 million Americans live with rheumatic diseases, yet only 6,000 board-certified rheumatologists are currently in practice. The demand for rheumatology services is expected to increase by 46 percent in the next 10 years, but the number of practicing rheumatologists will increase by only 1.2 percent.
Over the last 30 years, the Foundation has asserted itself as a leader not just within rheumatology, but among biomedical funders, advancing the most innovative and novel ideas from the brightest investigators. In the last five years alone, Foundation-funded scientists have:
- produced 1,065 publications in peer-reviewed journals
- obtained more than 100 advanced degrees to further their careers in academia;
- given 1,200 presentations worldwide; and
- secured an additional $73 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health.
For more information about the Rheumatology Research Foundation, who received its sixth consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator this year, visit http://www.rheumresearch.org/.
About the Rheumatology Research Foundation
The Rheumatology Research Foundation is the largest private funding source of rheumatology research and training programs in the U.S. Established in 1985, the Foundation is focused on advancing patient care and accelerating discoveries in rheumatic diseases.
