Out of 16,000 AGA members, a special group has stepped forward to enable gastroenterology and hepatology to meet the challenges of tomorrow. They are among those who help ensure that talented young investigators do not walk away from GI research frustrated by a lack of support. They are people who have benefitted greatly from this specialty and who want to give something back. They are the 113 members of the AGA Legacy Society.
Legacy Society members are donors to the AGA Research Foundation who support young GI investigators as they establish independent research careers. 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.
Courtesy University Club of Chicago
Since 1984, the AGA and its foundation have provided over $40 million in grants to 770 scientists. This funding comes at critical decision points in young investigators’ lives, at a time when they can give up on research careers because funding is scarce. Instead, research funding from the AGA Research Foundation allows them the opportunity to continue to harness their intellectual power to diagnose, treat, and cure digestive disease. In a recent survey, more than 90% of AGA Research Scholar Award recipients in the past 10 years have continued on to exceptional research careers.
"The AGA Research Foundation is focused on all research, including basic, clinical, and translational – this means their research is the underpinning of future patient care," stated AGA Legacy Society member, Dr. Lawrence S. Kim, AGAF. "If we do not keep funding this type of research, there will be nothing for us to practice with in the future."
Legacy Society members and their donations will increase the amount of funding available for talented young investigators to embark upon life-long careers in gastroenterology and hepatology.
"Whether as a clinician or in academics, each of us owes a debt of gratitude for what research has contributed to our patient care," said Legacy Society member Dr. Martin Brotman, AGAF. "Each of us has an obligation to actively seek opportunities to express our appreciation. The AGA Research Foundation is offering such an opportunity for us to give back to sustain the excellent research that has been so important to us."
Donors who make gifts at the Legacy Society level before DDW will receive an invitation to the annual Benefactors’ Dinner in Chicago. Individuals interested in learning more about Legacy Society membership may contact Stacey Hinton Tuneski, Senior Director of Development at stuneski@gastro.orgor via phone (301) 222-4005. More information on the AGA Legacy Society, including the current roster and acceptance form is available on the foundation’s web site at www.gastro.org/legacysociety.
A celebration of research support
Beginning with a memorable gathering at the United States Library of Congress in 2007, the Benefactors’ Dinner has welcomed members of the AGA Legacy Society and other AGA dignitaries to special locations nationwide. The University Club of Chicago will be the location of the 2014 AGA Research Foundation Benefactors Dinner during DDW. Guests will enjoy a wonderful evening in a setting overlooking Millennium Park, Michigan Avenue and the Chicago city skyline. Members of the AGA Legacy Society will be among the distinguished honorees at the annual event.
