SAN FRANCISCO, July 24, 2014 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) received a $1 million bequest from Paul S. May, a well-known San Francisco businessman and philanthropist who passed away in September 2013. In 2008, Mr. May and his longtime partner Frank Stein announced their plan to establish "The Frank Stein and Paul S. May Grants for Innovative Glaucoma Research" through their estates as well as generous annual support.
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The program provides seed funding that allows scientists to pursue promising and novel research projects in glaucoma. The scientific results obtained from these grants allow the researchers to acquire larger, more competitive funding in order to forward their investigations. The knowledge gained from these projects has greatly expanded the field of glaucoma research and advanced the possibility of new treatment options.
Thomas M. Brunner, GRF President and CEO stated: "We miss our friend Paul dearly. We are incredibly grateful for his outstanding support over three decades. He left behind a remarkable legacy of goodwill and kindness through the numerous organizations he and Frank generously supported including Glaucoma Research Foundation."
Brunner remarked that turning their future commitment into annual support illustrated true dedication to furthering glaucoma research: "What is most heartfelt to me is how Paul and Frank both wanted this research to continue and in addition to their bequest intentions, they gave annually to ensure promising investigations were funded."
Paul was keenly aware of the impact that vision loss can have, as his mother was legally blind due to glaucoma. And while Paul also had glaucoma, he was spared any loss of vision. Brunner added "We are extremely honored to have this research program named as a tribute to Paul and Frank's remarkable philanthropy and commitment. They both realized the importance of funding research to better understand glaucoma it is the only way we will find a cure."
About Glaucoma Research Foundation
Founded in 1978 and headquartered in San Francisco, Glaucoma Research Foundation is America's oldest and most experienced nonprofit organization dedicated solely to its mission: to prevent vision loss from glaucoma by investing in innovative research, education and support with the ultimate goal of finding a cure. Glaucoma Research Foundation has invested more than $50 million into research and education to prevent vision loss from glaucoma. More information is available on the glaucoma.org website.
Media Contact:Andrew Jackson, Glaucoma Research Foundation, (415) 986-3162, ajackson@glaucoma.org
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SOURCE Glaucoma Research Foundation
