Global Brain and Vision Research Nonprofit Hosts Inaugural Concert for Cures Celebrating Science
Updated on June 28, 2024
BrightFocus Foundation, a global nonprofit that funds innovative brain and vision research worldwide, hosted its inaugural Concert for Cures on Wednesday, June 26, at City Winery in Nashville.
Featuring host and executive producer of Country Music Television (CMT)'s After MidNite, CMT Radio Live, and CMT All Access Cody Alan as Master of Ceremonies, the evening included musical selections from special guests Chris Janson, Jackson Dean, and Lillian Hepler and a silent auction including signed guitars by Dolly Parton and Glen Campbell.
With more than 200 guests, the event showcased some of the world’s most exciting research to end Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma, with testimonials by several BrightFocus-supported scientists.
During cocktail hour, guests heard from three Vanderbilt University researchers at the forefront of brain and eye research. Later, research scientist John Penn, PhD, of Vanderbilt School of Medicine and a past BrightFocus Macular Degeneration Research Scientific Review Committee member, spoke about the importance of investing in early-career researchers.
“The competition for federal research funding is intense. Only 10-15% of research proposals submitted to the National Institutes of Health are viewed favorably,” Dr. Penn said. “If [young scientists] are left out, where will the next generation of biomedical scientists come from?”
“BrightFocus serves as a crucial catalyst for the careers of emerging investigators. By making their new findings possible, BrightFocus supports entire communities of scientists who have dedicated their lives to addressing these brain and eye conditions,” he added.
Ryan Darby, MD, joined dementia educator and advocate Debra Tann, EdD, and her husband, Chris Tann, onstage to share their story of participating in a clinical trial. Dr. Darby, an assistant professor of neurology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and director of the Frontotemporal Dementia Clinic, is leading a clinical trial in which Chris participates.
Proceeds benefit BrightFocus Foundation and its three programs—Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Macular Degeneration Research, and National Glaucoma Research—to help find cures and treatments for these neurodegenerative diseases.
“We are delighted to bring the BrightFocus community together in Nashville—along with several special guests—to celebrate the impact of scientific research,” said BrightFocus President and CEO Stacy Pagos Haller. “Working together, we will find cures for these age-related conditions we fear the most—loss of mind and loss of sight.”
The unforgettable evening was generously supported by the following sponsors: RKD Group (Cure Sponsor); Alliance for Aging Research, Biogen, CaringKind, Eisai, Gates Ventures, UsAgainstAlzheimer's (Effective Treatment Sponsors); Apellis (FDA Approval Sponsor); Alzheon, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, PCH Films, REGENXBIO, Sandy Spring Bank, Sanofi, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, and Vanderbilt Ophthalmic Contract Research Organization (Scientific Breakthrough Sponsors).
See more photos from the evening.
To learn more about our work and discover ways to support BrightFocus, visit brightfocus.org.
About BrightFocus Foundation
BrightFocus Foundation is a premier global nonprofit funder of research to defeat Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Through its flagship research programs — Alzheimer’s Disease Research, National Glaucoma Research, and Macular Degeneration Research — the Foundation has awarded $300 million in groundbreaking research funding over the past 50 years and shares the latest research findings, expert information, and resources to empower the millions impacted by these devastating diseases. Learn more at brightfocus.org.
Contact
Julia Roth
BrightFocus Foundation
jroth@brightfocus.org
301-556-9382