Recovered heart patients -- headed by community leader Murray Lender -- have joined with Yale medical faculty and other physicians from the New Haven community to establish a new fund to benefit cardiovascular research at the School of Medicine.
The Yale Cardiovascular Research Fund is being created to provide ongoing resources for innovative work, often at the most fundamental scientific level. This basic research forms the basis for future clinical advances to treat heart disease -- still the number one cause of death in the United States.
Both physicians and recovered patients will launch the Yale Cardiovascular Research Fund at the first Friendly Hearts Award Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 12, at the New Haven Lawn Club, 193 Whitney Ave. The event is being cochaired by Mr. Lender and Dr. Barry L. Zaret, the Robert W. Berliner Professor of Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology and chief of cardiovascular medicine at Yale.
"Last June, through open heart surgery at Yale-New Haven Hospital, I traded my 64-year-old valve for a St. Jude valve replacement," says Mr. Lender, adding that his physician, Dr. Zaret, confirmed that his genetically triggered mitral prolapse valve condition had deteriorated to a point where a replacement was needed. A day after his operation, Mr. Lender was walking and six days later he was at home, exercising.
Mr. Lender, who enthusiastically supports cardiovascular research, says, "How fortunate we are to be living in this era and how even more dramatic will be the breakthroughs on the horizon. Those breakthroughs happen because of research done throughout the world and, aren't we blessed right here at the Yale University School of Medicine."
Dr. Zaret, an internationally known cardiologist, welcomes support for research on the mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. "In future months, we plan to direct research efforts on cardiovascular gene therapy, a new field which offers unique potential for modifying human cells and organs and thereby provides enormous advantages in treating cardiac disease," he says.
At the black-tie optional dinner, three outstanding individuals -- a recovered patient, a Yale medical school alumnus and a community leader -- will be honored. Connecticut Governor John G. Rowland serves as chair of the event's honorary committee. Tickets for the benefit, which starts with a 6:30 p.m. reception followed by a 7:30 p.m. dinner, cost $150. Tickets can be reserved by calling 785- 4127.