Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma gives $1 million to OMRF for Alzheimer's research

OKLAHOMA CITY, April 20, 2009 — Members of the Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma visited the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Tuesday to donate $1 million to fund a lab dedicated to Alzheimer’s disease research.

The check, from the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma, was presented on behalf of the state’s 30,000 Freemasons by Grand Master Richard Massad and Kenneth R. House, President of the Charity Foundation.

“Much of our public charity work has traditionally focused on the young and on education, assuring that the youth of our state have the best possible intellectual tools to build rich and rewarding lives,” Massad said. “It is only fitting that we do what we can to assure that they continue to enjoy that quality of life as long as possible.”

Fraternity members spent time with OMRF President Steve Prescott, M.D. and scientist Jordan Tang, Ph.D., who spoke about his research into the causes of Alzheimer’s disease and discoveries that may lead to a treatment.

“The most horrible part of Alzheimer’s disease is that families lose their loved ones long before they pass away,” Prescott said. “We consider the Masonic Charity Foundation partners in OMRF’s research and their generous gift will help people across the state and around the world.”

The funds were originally used to run the Oklahoma Masonic Home in Guthrie, but when the aging center shut its doors in 2000, the Masonic Charity Foundation wanted to find new ways to serve Oklahoma’s aging population.

The fraternity—well known for taking care of the state’s youth—wanted to provide a better quality of life for all Oklahomans as they get older.

Dr. Tang’s Alzheimer’s research is some of the most promising in the world. Currently, a drug based on discoveries from his lab is in human clinical trials necessary for Food and Drug Administration approval.

Those visiting OMRF came from the following communities:

• Bartlesville
• Blanchard
• Cushing
• Del City
• Edmond
• Guthrie
• Holdenville
• Norman
• Shawnee
• Woodward

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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