Portland, September 17th. Oregon Health & Science University announced a transformational gift of $125 million from Nike co-founder and Chairman Phil Knight and his wife Penny to advance OHSU’s world-class programs in cardiovascular medicine and research.
The gift is the largest in OHSU history and may likely be the largest private contribution ever made by living donors to benefit a single Oregon organization. It is the Knights’ second landmark gift to OHSU, following a 2008 pledge of $100 million that advanced the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. Led by Albert Starr, M.D., and Sanjiv Kaul, M.D., the institute will bring clinicians and researchers together to translate laboratory discoveries into new and better treatments for the world’s No. 1 killer.
OHSU leaders said the gift will establish the OHSU Cardiovascular Institute, an integrated center for translational research, clinical care, professional training and outreach in all aspects of heart and vascular disease. The institute’s mission: to accelerate new prevention, diagnostic and treatment strategies being developed in the laboratory and transition them into patient care clinics as rapidly as possible. Under the umbrella of a multidisciplinary institute, OHSU will pair researchers and clinicians together on projects while also building strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical and medical device developers who can extend OHSU’s unique expertise to more patients through the global commercial marketplace.
“Phil and Penny Knight have made a gift to all Oregonians,” said OHSU President Joe Robertson, M.D., M.B.A. “OHSU is proud to have once again earned their trust as a partner in creating a healthier Oregon and a healthier world. Phil and Penny share our confidence that we can finally reduce the many, many preventable deaths each year due to cardiovascular disease by innovating, collaborating and educating.”
CARDIOVASCULAR INSTITUTE LEADERS Legendary Oregon heart surgeon and Lasker Award winner Albert Starr, M.D., will co-direct the OHSU Cardiovascular Institute with cardiovascular imaging pioneer Sanjiv Kaul, M.D., head of OHSU’s Division of Cardiovascular Medicine. The gift will give Starr and Kaul immediate leverage in recruiting and retaining additional national/international-caliber faculty in high-impact areas. It will also assist them in acquiring new scientific capabilities that will drive discovery in cardiovascular health as well as stroke, cancer, neurological disorders, immunodeficiency, diabetes and other diseases.
Originally arriving at OHSU in 1958, Starr performed Oregon’s first open-heart surgeries and performed the state’s first heart transplant. He is best known internationally for co-inventing and implanting the world’s first artificial human heart valve in 1960. His innovation with engineer Lowell Edwards transformed the treatment of valvular heart disease. It also changed the landscape of the medical device industry, giving rise to an entirely new product niche for valve replacement products.
Kaul, who joined OHSU from the University of Virginia in 2005, led the development of microbubble-based myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE), an emerging imaging technique. MCE can diagnose heart attacks with new levels of precision and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations by distinguishing life-threatening cardiac events from false alarms. He received the 2012 Distinguished Scientist Award from the American College of Cardiology for his innovations.
“Penny and I are pleased to help upgrade cardiovascular health in Oregon and around the world. Drs. Starr and Kaul have built a great program in research, care and outreach, and we are excited about what it can contribute to the fight against these deadly diseases,” said Phil Knight.
As a high-level collaboration between a heart surgeon and a cardiologist, the leadership duo of Starr and Kaul is emblematic of the Institute’s mandate to break down barriers to success. “We don’t aspire to be the largest Cardiovascular Institute in the nation,” said Kaul. “We are in a perfect position to become what we do want to be: the world’s premier translational cardiovascular research institute.”
Starr said such an institute would help to close what he calls the “translational gap” in cardiovascular innovation. “We know from personal experience that the most meaningful innovations happen when clinicians and researchers work together across disciplines to solve big problems. That idea will be hard-wired into the culture of this institute.”
With the Knights’ support, Starr and Kaul will be able to move forward on a vision they have been crafting together for more than a year. The goal is to build a comprehensive assault on cardiovascular disease that spans the entire health care spectrum – from prevention to transplantation to tissue regeneration – and encompasses the full continuum of biomedical science – from basic discovery to clinical research to drug and device development. The directors are working closely with Robertson and other university leaders to prioritize programs and develop an initial institute strategic plan.
“With this gift, together with their historic support of the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, the Knights are changing the game against the two deadliest and most intractable public health problems of our time. We are grateful for this opportunity to team up with these incredible champions of human health,” said Constance French, interim president of the OHSU Foundation.
ABOUT OHSU
Oregon Health & Science University is a nationally prominent research university and Oregon’s only public academic health center. It serves patients throughout the region with a Level 1 trauma center and nationally recognized Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. OHSU operates dental, medical, nursing and pharmacy schools that rank high both in research funding and in fulfilling the university’s social mission. OHSU’s Knight Cancer Institute helped pioneer personalized medicine through a discovery that identified how to shut down cells that enable cancer to grow without harming healthy ones. Research through the OHSU Brain Institute ranks fourth in the country for National Institutes of Health funding in the neurosciences. OHSU’s Casey Eye Institute is ranked second in NIH funding for eye research and is a global leader in ophthalmic imaging and in clinical trials related to eye disease.
ABOUT THE OHSU FOUNDATION
The OHSU Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that exists to secure private philanthropic support to advance Oregon Health & Science University’s vital missions, and to invest and manage gifts responsibly to honor donors’ wishes. The foundation raises funds from individuals, companies, foundations and organizations, and invests and manages gifts in accordance with donors’ wishes.
ABOUT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE AND STROKE
(Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
In 2008, more than 616,000 people died of heart disease. Heart disease caused almost 25 percent of deaths—almost one in every four—in the United States.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. More than half of the deaths due to heart disease in 2008 were in men.
Coronary heart disease is the most common type of heart disease. In 2008, 405,309 people died from coronary heart disease.
Every year about 785,000 Americans have a first coronary attack. Another 470,000 who have already had one or more coronary attacks have another attack.
In 2010, coronary heart disease alone was projected to cost the United States $108.9 billion. This total includes the cost of health care services, medications, and lost productivity.
Someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds. Every four minutes someone dies of stroke.
Every year, about 795,000 people in the United States have a stroke. About 610,000 of these are first or new strokes. About 185,000 people who survive a stroke go on to have another.
Ischemic strokes, which occur when blood clots block the blood vessels to the brain, are the most common type of stroke, representing about 87 percent of all strokes.
In 2010, stroke cost the United States an estimated $53.9 billion. This total includes the cost of health care services, medications, and missed days of work.
Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability.
Portland, September 15th. The nonprofit called YouthBuilders is one of the Timbers’ Pillar Partners. Representatives from the program presented the team flag before the match against the Seattle Sounders, which ended in a 1-1 draw. (A 78th-minute goal by Timbers defender Rodney Wallace evened the score in the volatile match.)
Portland YouthBuilders stretched out the circular flag. The nonprofit provides long term support for low income youth. Each year, it provides education and vocational training for over 200 young people between the ages of 17 and 24 who have not completed high school and who face barriers to success.
YouthBuilders is one of many nonprofits to present the flag and receive free tickets through the Tix for Kids program, others included ROSE CDC,I have a Dream Foundation, Playworks and Latino Network. The ticket giveaway is sponsored by KPTV, JELD-WEN, Providence, NW Natural, Alaska Airlines, PGE, and Burgerville. In addition, at each game the Timbers hold silent auctions with unique team memorabilia to raise money for community work.
The Timbers hold soccer camps and coaching clinics for local kids.
The Timbers Army was out in force during the match against Seattle.
Next, Portland travels to face San Jose on September 19th, while Seattle shifts gears to a CONCACAF Champions League match the same day against Marathon in Honduras.
The Portland Timbers have adopted the following nonprofit pillar partners for the 2011-2013 seasons:
Big Brothers Big SistersColumbia Northwest
The Portland Timbers will partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest on the Sports Buddies program, which is a one-to-one mentoring program for at-risk youth with an emphasis on sports.
Learn more about Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest.
Friends of Trees
The Portland Timbers, JELD-WEN and Friends of Trees will partner for the next few seasons. Every time the Timbers score a goal, the club and JELD-WEN will plant a tree in the Portland community through the Score a Goal, Plant a Tree partnership with Friends of Trees.
Portland YouthBuilders
The Portland Timbers will partner with Portland YouthBuilders on a community service project in conjunction with MLS W.O.R.K.S. Community Service Program. The Timbers will work in a collaborative effort to combine sport and service and improve lives and communities in the Portland area.
Learn more about MLS W.O.R.K.S. Community Service Program.
Other nonprofit connections include Schoolhouse Supplies. In what has become an eight year tradition with Schoolhouse Supplies, the Portland Timbers and The UPS Store welcomed every Jason Lee student to the 2012-13 school year with a new backpack filled with new school supplies for the year.
Would you like to volunteer alongside one of The Portland Timbers? Starting Monday, October 8th, Team members and their sponsors will have a Stand Together Week as a call to action to get involved in our community.
Hands on Greater Portland has a listing of options: Browse the 40+ projects below and sign up for the opportunity to volunteer alongside a Portland Timbers player, ambassador, or Timber Joey! Stand Together Week participants will also get an official Stand Together scarf and adidas drawstring bag as a thank you for stepping up to support volunteerism.
All projects require a $30 registration fee per volunteer, which serves as a donation to Hands On Greater Portland to help cover the cost of organizing this week of service.
Click below to learn more about a specific project and sign up:
Portland, September 13th. On Thursday, 6,000 Vaux’s Swift were were spotted by the Audubon Society of Portland during what’s described as, “One of Portland’s most spectacular natural events.” Thousands of Vaux’s Swifts gather in the city as they prepare to migrate to Central America and Venezuela. (Photo Credit, KOV Photography)
Every September, bird lovers gather to watch Vaux’s Swifts prepare to roost for the night at Chapman Elementary School (1445 NW 26th Ave., Portland.) As of this week, Swifts have been present in numbers ranging from 2,000-15,000.
Hundreds watch Vaux’s Swifts prepare to roost for the night. It happens one hour before sunset, each night in September
Vaux’s Swifts are using the Chapman chimney as an evening roost during their fall migration, and there’s still time to see them. Grab a seat on the school lawn and in neighboring Wallace Park to observe the birds gathering. On most evenings, Audubon volunteers will be on hand to share information.
Migrating swifts often use chimneys as roosts (places to sleep), and they are likely to return to the same roost year after year. One swift population has been returning to the Chapman chimney since the 1980s, and it is one of the largest known roosting sites of migrating Vaux’s Swifts.
Here’s a video from a Swift Watch:
Here’s more information about the work of the Audubon Society of Portland, which promotes the understanding, enjoyment, and protection of native birds, other wildlife and their habitats.
Conservation: We protect and advocate for birds and other wildlife in our city and across the region. We also work to ensure all Portland-area residents have easy access to nature.
Education: Our expert educators offer environmental camps, classes and trips for all ages.
Wildlife rehabilitation: Our Wildlife Care Center provides specialty care for native wild animals that are injured or orphaned. The center also answers inquiries about living with urban wildlife.
Sanctuaries: We run nature sanctuaries in the mountains, city and coast. They protect habitat, showcase healthy ecosystems, and provide places for people to connect with nature.
Birding: We help people of all ages and backgrounds get involved in birding by organizing a variety of birding and natural history activities.
Portland, September 11th, 2012. Thousands of volunteers joined forces to help local charities including the Oregon Food Bank. 175 volunteers repacked 49,376 pounds of food at OFB on the Day of Service. It was the eleventh anniversary of 9/11/2001 and volunteer groups honored the victims, survivors, and the many who rose in service in response to the tragedy, including first responders, recovery workers, volunteers, public safety officers and members of our military.
Rocky Norris repacks food at the Oregon Food Bank’s Maybelle Clark Macdonald Volunteer Action Center
Desiree Davenhill pitches in.
Volunteers were urged by Hands on Greater Portland to, “Pay tribute to the victims, survivors, and heroes of 9/11 by engaging with friends, family, and neighbors in volunteer service to communities across the region.” The organization has year-round volunteer opportunities at over 300 different nonprofits. “Whether you are working, parenting, in school or retired, Hands On Greater Portland offers you a variety of ways to get involved while meeting your schedule and interests. Volunteer for a one-time project. Volunteer for a few weeks. Volunteer after work or on the weekends. Volunteer alone, with family, friends or co-workers,” they explain.
The City of Portland Parks Bureau’s Community garden was another place to volunteer.
Some volunteer projects provide opportunities to come together and serve local community needs, side by side. Here’s a video with more information on how to volunteer with Hands on Greater Portland.
Mt. Angel, September 8th. Lederhosen and Dirndls were all the rage at the kick-off party for the 47th annual Oktoberfest. The party launched the four day celebration for rural community, 40 miles south of Portland; Oktoberfest runs through Sunday, September 16th.
Steven and Laura Miller and Nick and Imelda Wavra – members of the Kleinstadtler Dancers who performed at the Kick Off Dinner and are saving a special new dance for Mount Angel’s 2012 Oktoberfest.
Michele Fennimore – Oktoberfest Director
Over the past 47 years ago, the Oktoberfest organization has donated over three million dollars to Mount Angel schools, churches, civic organizations, youth activities, senior services, hospitals, and scores of other worthwhile causes. Additionally, civic and non-profit organizations also earn money by manning food booths. Last year these grossed $616,000.00. For many, Oktoberfest is their major fund raising activity of the year.
Ted Schacher, Nick Splonski and Bill Bischoff join S-Bahn in singing
Dean and Molly Westbrook have a polka moment
Jim Hoke – Oktoberfest Sponsor
Oregon’s oldest and longest running Oktoberfest began in 1966, following a tradition of over 125 years of harvest festivals under various names and formats. The community founded by German pioneers in 1867, with its surrounding agricultural countryside bears a striking resemblance to rural Bavaria, making an Oktoberfest a natural choice. Organizers expect 350,000 people to come to Mount Angel and soak in the Bavarian charm.
At the festival you’ll find over 50 little food chalets with Bavarian treats; a large arts and crafts show; a new Bavarian Biergarten, family Weingarten and interactive family Alpinegarten. There is free entertainment on the village bandstand featuring the sounds of the alpine country and a free Kindergarten on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy a sports program that includes golf and volleyball tournaments and a high school football classic, a 200-vehicle cruz-n car show and more.
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