The Search for a Cure to Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus:
Klein Research Fund Helps Sustain the Pace of Discovery
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Michael and Marcy Klein: “We want to support the incredible work at Michigan
in rheumatology research that will lead us to unravel the mysteries of rheumatoid
arthritis and lupus …” |
Four years ago, a diagnosis of both rheumatoid arthritis and lupus in the family
of Michael and Marcy Klein led them to the University of Michigan and the work
of W. Joseph McCune, M.D. (Residency 1978). On the advice of a friend, the Kleins
had sought out McCune, and a relationship was forged as they delved into learning
about the two autoimmune diseases that so deeply affected their lives, the treatment
options currently available, and the research being done at Michigan.
Michael Klein is president of Detroit-based Mars Industries, a full-service
scrap recycling company and one of the Midwest’s largest metal recyclers.
Marcy Klein was born and raised in Detroit and graduated from Michigan State
University. The couple has a daughter, Stacy, and a son, Mitchell.
As the Kleins learned about McCune’s research — and about the 3.6
million Americans affected by the pain, inflammation and debilitation of rheumatoid
arthritis and lupus — they decided to establish a research fund in their
names to advance the work being done at Michigan. A portion of the Klein Research
Fund supports a detailed database called the Michigan Lupus Cohort, a group
of 470 lupus patients at Michigan who allow McCune and his colleagues to follow
their disease course and contact them about potential participation in clinical
trials. “The Lupus Cohort has served as a catalyst for developing new
approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of lupus and has fostered important
collaborations between clinicians and laboratory researchers pursuing lupus-related
projects,” McCune explains.
The Klein Research Fund is also supporting a long-term study to determine the
causes and treatment of premature heart disease in women with lupus. “Gifts
like the Kleins’ enable us to move quickly and decisively in response
to new ideas and are critical in enabling us to sustain the pace of our research,”
McCune says. “Benefactors like the Kleins, who are interested and knowledgeable
about our work, also provide invaluable support and encouragement.”
—JM
For more information about supporting research on rheumatoid arthritis and
lupus at the University of Michigan, please contact Jim Thomas, associate vice
president for medical development, at (734) 998-7705.
Also:
The Search for a Cure to Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus
The Michigan Difference
Celebrating the Michigan Difference
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