Society for Advancement of Genetics Exploration
SAGE now in its 10th year has provided a forum for scientist, community leaders and interested individuals to meet and share information about the advancements in genetic research. Past programs have included presentations from internationally recognized scientists such as Mario R. Capecchi Ph.D., Nobel Laureate, who has shared his research on gene targeting and mouse models of human disease, to Kevin Flanigan MD, who recently presented new findings in genetic research and new treatments for patients who suffer from Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
The Society meets twice a year, spring and fall. The evening format of reception and lecture followed by a dinner is a wonderful opportunity to visit with others interested in the amazing research projects that are rapidly changing the face of medicine.
For more information regarding SAGE and how you can become a member please contact Deborah Peterson, Director of Relations at dpeterson@genetics.utah.edu or phone at 801-585-3156.
Dr. Mark Leppert, Department of Human Genetics, Chair recognized Kori and Rick McIntyre for their outstanding support to research at the recent SAGE meeting.
The McIntyre are parents of a six year old boy who suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Carson was diagnosed with DMD at age three and their lives changed forever in that moment. They were to learn that Carson would not be able to play as other children can and he would be confined to a wheelchair in his early teens and most likely lose his battle to DMD in his late teens.
DMD is one of more than 40 types of muscular dystrophy that predominantly affect boys (90% of the time) approximately one boy in 3,500 worldwide. DMD is the number one killer in children today with approximately 20,000 cases reported each year.
Since so little is known about this deadly disease the standard course of treatment was to provide
patient comfort and enjoy what little time they had. That news did not sit well with the McIntyre's! They sought out the best doctors and research scientists in the country, and they found a DMD expert right here in the Department of Human Genetics at the University of Utah.
Dr. Kevin Flanigan met with the McIntyre's and shared the fateful news about their young son's future and the bleak picture of research funding. The McIntyre's picked up the gauntlet and put every available resource to task to insure funding for DMD research. To date the McIntyre's have raised over $150,000 and have vowed to continue until a cure is found and every boy saved from this horrible disease. We salute the McIntyre's and their valiant, proactive efforts in support of research.
