Time For Lyme Benefit Supports Lyme Disease Research Center At Columbia University

“TIME FOR LYME” BENEFIT SUPPORTS LYME DISEASE RESEARCH CENTER

AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

WHAT: The “Time for Lyme” benefit, an evening of dinner, dancing,

and auctions, will raise money to establish the Lyme Disease Research Center

at Columbia University. The black-tie benefit is sponsored by the Greenwich

Lyme Disease Task Force, an affiliate of the Lyme Disease Association.

WHEN &   

Saturday, April 28, 2001

WHERE: 

6:30 p.m.

The Westin Hotel

Stamford, Connecticut

WHY: The Lyme Disease Research Center at Columbia University,

the first formally organized facility for Lyme disease in the U.S., will

advance understanding of the symptoms, causes, diagnostic techniques, and

treatment of Lyme disease and other vector-borne diseases. The center will

establish a basic and clinical research program, as well as a state-of-the-art

evaluation and diagnostic facility.  A nationally recognized specialist

on vector-borne diseases will be recruited to oversee the basic science

component of the program through an endowed basic science directorship.

Because the center will focus on both basic science and clinical care,

the diagnostic questions and treatment issues that puzzle the medical community

will play a key role in shaping the direction of laboratory studies.

Brian Fallon, M.D., associate professor at Columbia University College

of Physicians & Surgeons, will serve as overall and clinical director

of the Lyme Disease Research Center.

WHO: Emmy Award winning actor Jay Thomas will host the “Time

for Lyme” benefit, featuring a dinner performance by arranger/composer

Rob Mathes.  The Honorable Richard Blumenthal, Attorney General of

the State of Connecticut, will serve with his wife as honorary co-chairs

of the event.  The Commissioner of the State of Connecticut, Dr. Joxel

Garcia, will be the keynote speaker.

# # #