Gastrointestinal Diseases Program Initiative

Program Description

The Gastrointestinal Diseases Program Initiative promotes progressive basic- and clinical-science research aimed at early diagnosis of disease and alternative treatment methodologies. Diseases such as pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, and idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis) are included in the target areas of research. The gastrointestinal diseases indicated above are often detected so late that little can be done to provide hope for those afflicted.

This is especially true for pancreatic cancer, which has a one-year survival rate of less than 20% and five-year survival rate of less than 4%. Of the more than 30,000 Americans who will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year there will be almost no survivors. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most incurable, under-funded, and under-researched cancers. Early diagnosis is difficult. And, there are no substantially effective treatments or therapies.

To create top-of-the-line awareness, generate research contributions and create urgency about this dreaded disease, the Institute for Science and Health established the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund in 2002.

This Fund was created in memory Ann McEnroe, mentor and teacher at Villa Duchesne/Oak Hill School in St. Louis, Missouri, who died from pancreatic cancer. In record time the fund, which is housed and managed within the Institute, has been able to establish various substantive community events to generate awareness and research contributions.

We believe that work needs to be done to enhance early detection methodologies, so that treatment might begin at a time prior to systemic metastasis. Additionally, we are supporting research into innovative targeted therapies, which might specifically target the cells that comprise devastating cancers.

Support for this program has been received from:

• Anonymous Private Donations
• IFSH General Fund
• Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund
• Annual Adam & Jana Timmerman Celebrity Golf Outing
• St. Louis Rams Offensive Line
• Acoustic Alchemy Benefit Concerts
• Debbie Ketterer Memorial Tribute Fund
• Palette of Hope
• Hopkins 4K
• Dave FitzGibbons Memorial Golf Tournament
• Community Health Charities Employee Giving Campaigns
• Barucci Gallery
• CLB Interiors
• Grape Taste for Health Wine Tastings & Fundraisers
• McGuire Global Recruiting

Projects
             | 2005 |

Reports
             | 2005 |

Apply for Grants

For information on applying for grants click here . A Request for Applications is not currently unavailable. Please continue to check this site for updates.

Conferences and Forums

For information on all conferences and forums click here

Advisory Council

The Advisory Council for Gastrointestinal Diseases is currently being formed.