Research creates successful practices. Patients benefit from GI research daily in practices. Scientists are working hard to develop new treatments and therapies and to discover cures to advance the field and better patient care. But they can’t do this without research funding.
AGA Legacy Society members have answered this call for support. They recognize the value that research has had in their profession, both in academic medicine and in private practice, and are showing their appreciation by giving back.
"I give back because I have a firsthand knowledge of what it will mean to a young investigator’s career," said Legacy Society member Shrikant Anant, Ph.D., AGAF, of the University of Kansas, Kansas City. "I was propelled in my career when I received the 2002 Research Scholar Award from the AGA Research Foundation. The funds helped me develop my independent research that has led to many NIH grants and, associated with it, career advancement. I still vividly remember the day I received the notice of award and how my whole life changed. Today, I am proud to be a donor myself because I know it is making a difference [for] yet another young investigator."
The AGA Legacy Society boasts 110 members. Members of the AGA Legacy Society provide tax-deductible gifts to the AGA Research Foundation of $25,000 (payable over 5 years) or $50,000 in a planned gift, such as a bequest.
The AGA Research Foundation’s mission is to raise money to support young researchers in gastroenterology and hepatology. More than 700 researchers have benefited from our support since 1984 – with more than 90% of AGA Research Scholar Award recipients in the past 10 years continuing on to exceptional research careers. These research grants are funded through the generosity of donors.
Recently, the AGA Research Foundation has awarded nearly $1.2 million in grants each year. In the last 5 years, however, over $30 million in qualified applications went unfunded. The AGA Research Foundation seeks to do more.
AGA Legacy Society members see the promise the future holds and are committed to furthering research in gastroenterology and hepatology.
"I donate because I look forward to seeing more and more innovation in gastroenterology," states Dr. John Allen, AGAF, AGA Vice President and Legacy Society member. "Our specialty has been so good to me and my partners. We provide care to over 120,000 patients each year. We see so many areas where research and new knowledge are needed. The least I can do is give back and support new science."
A worthy acknowledgement
Beginning with a memorable gathering at the United States Library of Congress in 2007, the Benefactor’s Dinner has welcomed members of the AGA Legacy Society and other AGA dignitaries to special locations nationwide. Rosen Shingle Creek will be the location of the 2013 Benefactor’s Dinner of the AGA Research Foundation during Digestive Diseases Week this year. The magical location pays tribute to Florida’s rich history. Members of the AGA Legacy Society will be among the distinguished honorees at the annual event.
Donors who make gifts at the Legacy Society level anytime before Digestive Diseases Week will receive an invitation to the Benefactor’s Dinner in Orlando. Individuals interested in learning more about Legacy Society membership may contact Stacey Hinton Tuneski, Senior Director of Development, at stuneski@gastro.org or via phone at (301) 222-4005. Legacy Society information and acceptance forms are also available on the foundation’s website at www.gastro.org/legacysociety.