In the interest of philanthropy, Richard Fields recently donated more than $7 million to the University of Rochester.
The money will help found a new research center for the university’s Medical Center that will focus on facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD), which is a form of muscular dystrophy. The new Fields Center for FSHD & Neuromuscular Research will represent a partnership between the school’s neurology department and Leiden University Medical Center, which is located in the Netherlands.
Richard Fields, who said he has a familial connection to the disease, noted the university’s past track record in researching muscular dystrophy made it a good choice for the donation.
"I see this gift as a significant step in giving this disease the medical attention it deserves, and hope that the Fields Center will be a center for leadership and innovation in the field for many years to come," Fields said.
Along with donating the university, Fields helped establish the Fields Family Foundation, which is a nonprofit that provides for a number of groups that specialize in charity. Fields has also served as a board member for Farm Aid and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The disease is genetic in its origin, though the exact way through which it manifests itself is still up for debate. According to the university, FSHD is one of the more common forms of muscular dystrophy, with symptoms usually appearing during a person’s teen years. About 30 percent of those who contract the disease end up in a wheel chair.
In addition to the Fields Center, the university is the home of the National Registry of Myotonic and FSHD Patients and Family Members. Researchers at the center will be able to tap into the registry in order to help research the disease.
The Fields Center will also work on developing clinical processes to help those who have the disease. The university notes that the current treatments for the disease include bracing and physical therapy. Some cases may result in surgery.
[...] Richard Fields has been recently cited by The Daily Tell for his generous donation of $7 million to University of Rochester for muscular dystrophy research. Richard Fields also serves as the Treasurer for the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children. Here at The Daily Tell, we like to salute members of the business community who know there’s more to life than profit margins and shareholder reports. FacebookTwitterDiggItTechnoratiDel.icio.usFurlreddit Business Philanthropy, Good People [...]