NEW
YORK, April 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrating
the 40th anniversary of The Glaucoma Foundation, writer,
performer and producer David
Letterman was front and center at TGF's April
18th Gala in New York
City, where he received the Foundation's inaugural
Chairman's Spotlight Award.
Said TGF Chairman Gregory K.
Harmon, MD, "This new award puts a spotlight on the
transformative effect individuals can have in their chosen field
and their activism and philanthropy on behalf of others. I can't
think of anyone more deserving than our first recipient,
David Letterman."
Accepting the award, Mr. Letterman presented a special new "Top
10 List" about visits to an eye doctor. "The curing and treating of
this disease is truly a gift to me and my family," noted Mr.
Letterman, whose mother had glaucoma.
The Glaucoma Foundation was founded in 1984 by Dr. Robert Ritch to identify and support innovative
research in glaucoma. "Even then," says TGF President and CEO
Elena Sturman, it was understood
that research would hold the key to opening doors that could lead
to new treatments and eventually a cure for this insidious
disease." Ten years later, TGF's interdisciplinary Annual
International Scientific Think Tank was launched, helping to set
the course.
Glaucoma afflicts some 3 million people in the U.S. and 80
million worldwide. Eliminating blindness from glaucoma through
vital research, education and collaboration remains TGF's core
mission. In recent years TGF has developed new initiatives to
educate the public and help glaucoma patients around the world
manage their disease. During Covid, TGF began presenting an ongoing
series of impactful webinars. "We strive to be a valuable
resource and to improve the lives of people with glaucoma
worldwide," says Ms. Sturman.
In addition to honoring Mr. Letterman, TGF presented its
Kitty Carlisle Hart Award of Merit
for Lifetime Achievement at the Gala to Barry S. Friedberg & Charlotte Moss, and Kenneth & Linda Mortenson. Ms. Hart, the stage and screen
actress, was a devoted friend of the Foundation for many years.
The Anniversary Gala with 250 in attendance has raised
$550,000 in support of the
Foundation's mission to eradicate blindness caused by glaucoma.
Proceeds will be applied to its research program.
Media Contact: Gabrielle
Bamberger/gbprbiz@verizon.net
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SOURCE The Glaucoma Foundation