Mothers from across Oklahoma raise funds
for cancer, Alzheimer's research at OMRF

OKLAHOMA CITY, April 8, 2009 — Few relationships endure and prosper for 54 years. But when it comes to mothers and their support of the people and things that mean most to them, long-term commitment should come as no surprise.

For more than a half-century, the Oklahoma Association of Mothers’ Clubs has worked to raise funds to support the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. And on Friday, members of Mothers’ Clubs chapters in nine Oklahoma cities met in Tulsa for their annual convention and to present OMRF with the foundation’s yearly gift.

The $2,300 check will be used to support research on Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. The donation brings the Mothers’ Clubs total giving to OMRF since 1955 to $115,355.

“We’re so happy to help, because we always hear so much about the good work being done at OMRF to combat disease and make Oklahoma healthier,” said outgoing OAMC President Valerye Haley. “Each chapter does their own fundraising projects and once a year we get together to pool our money and present it to OMRF. We’re very proud to know we’re helping.”

Haley’s chapter in Purcell holds a golf tournament and a home tour to raise money for OMRF. Other chapters run bake sales and make apple pies at Christmas, each with the goal of giving money to OMRF.

The funds will assist a pair of OMRF research programs that have made important headway against a pair of deadly diseases. An Alzheimer’s drug based on discoveries made at OMRF is currently undergoing human trials, and an OMRF-based treatment for brain cancer is slated to begin clinical testing soon.

“How many philanthropic partnerships date back to the Eisenhower administration?” said OMRF development officer Emily Rothrock. “The Oklahoma Association of Mothers’ Clubs has been a true friend to OMRF since nearly the day this foundation opened its doors, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”

The association, founded in 1940, is made up of 11 Mothers' Clubs in the following Oklahoma cities:

• Canton

• Edmond

• Fairland

• Fairview

• Hennessey

• Ponca City

• Medford

• Okeene

• Purcell

About OMRF
OMRF (omrf.org) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding and developing more effective treatments for human disease. Chartered in 1946, its scientists focus on such critical research areas as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, lupus and cardiovascular disease.

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