Global Lyme Alliance to Honor Dr. Brian Fallon at Annual April Gala to Benefit Lyme Disease Research
Greenwich, Connecticut (PRWEB) February 24, 2016 -- Global Lyme Alliance (GLA) is proud to announce that it will honor Brian A. Fallon, M.D.,M.P.H., director of the Lyme and Tick-borne Diseases Research Center at Columbia University Medical Center, and one of the world’s leading researchers on ticks and the diseases they carry, with the Lauren F. Brooks Hope Award at the GLA “Time for Lyme” Gala, April 2, 2016, in Old Greenwich, Connecticut.
The award honors those who are making significant strides in research and treatment in pursuit of a Lyme disease cure. Dr. Fallon, Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center, has been recognized internationally for his research on neuropsychiatric aspects of Lyme and tick-borne diseases. A primary focus is on persistent cognitive impairment, fatigue and pain in patients with post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), as well as the effectiveness of repeated antibiotic therapy.
Lyme disease is one of the fastest-growing infectious diseases in the U.S., with 329,000 new cases annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The disease is usually curable if treated early with antibiotics. However, up to 20 percent of those treated for the disease experience lingering symptoms of excessive fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, cardiac, and neurological problems after their antibiotic treatment is completed. Some doctors call these PTLDS, while others call it chronic Lyme.
“It is a pleasure and an honor to receive The Lauren Brooks Hope Award,” said Dr. Fallon. “As Director of the Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center—a Center founded jointly by the Global Lyme Alliance and the Lyme Disease Association, Inc.—I am extremely enthusiastic about the diagnostic, treatment and neuro-imaging studies we are conducting, and I am equally excited about the research my colleagues around the country are conducting. This is a time of exponential progress.”
On being told about Dr. Fallon’s award U.S. Senator Richard A. Blumenthal (D-CT) said: “It is an honor to be part of this year’s “Time for Lyme” Gala to celebrate the tireless efforts of the incredible individuals in the field—especially Dr. Brian Fallon, a true pioneer in the study of chronic Lyme disease and this year’s deserving recipient of the Lauren F. Brooks “Hope” Award. I look forward to continuing my partnership with the Global Lyme Alliance in the fight to eradicate this pernicious public health threat.” (See Senator Blumenthal’s full statement below).
A graduate of Harvard College, Dr. Fallon obtained his M.D. degree from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, as well as a master’s degree in public health epidemiology (M.P.H.) from Columbia University. He did his medical internship at Columbia University Medical Center, and research training and an NIH fellowship in biological psychiatry at the Columbia University Medical Center and the New York State Psychiatric Institute.
Dr. Fallon has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, served on expert panels for the National Institutes of Health, and received over $10 million in NIH funding to support his research. He has also received numerous awards, including the Laughlin Award from the American College of Psychiatrists, the Columbia University Horowitz Award for Excellence in Research, and the Roseke Teaching Award from the American Psychiatric Association for outstanding contributions to medical school education.
“Global Lyme Alliance proudly recognizes one of the most prolific researchers in Lyme and other tick-borne diseases today,” said Dr. Harriet Kotsoris, GLA’s Chief Science Officer. "He accomplished a lot of this work when Lyme disease research was not popular, even risky for one's reputation and career. For that, he offered and continues to offer hope to the growing numbers of chronic Lyme disease patients. It is most fitting he receive the Lauren Brooks Hope Award."
The “Time for Lyme” Gala is a major fundraising event for Global Lyme Alliance, a leading Lyme and tick-borne disease nonprofit. The Gala will be held Saturday, April 2, 2016 from 6:30 p.m. to midnight at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich in Old Greenwich, CT. It features a cocktail reception, dinner, dancing, and both silent and live auctions. For more information, or to purchase tables or tickets, please visit GlobalLymeAlliance.org or call 203-969-1333.
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FULL STATEMENT FROM U.S. SENATOR RICHARD BLUMENTHAL
“I’ve seen firsthand the devastating damage done by Lyme disease to children and families across Connecticut, and I know the importance of fighting for the resources needed to expand research and combat tick-borne diseases. It is an honor to be part of this year’s “Time for Lyme” gala to celebrate the tireless efforts of the incredible individuals in the field-- especially Dr. Brian Fallon, a true pioneer in the study of chronic Lyme disease and this year’s deserving recipient of the Lauren F. Brooks “Hope” Award. I look forward to continuing my partnership with the Global Lyme Alliance in the fight to eradicate this pernicious public health threat.”
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ABOUT GLOBAL LYME ALLIANCE
Global Lyme Alliance funds cutting-edge research at leading U.S. universities for the purpose of developing reliable diagnostic tools, effective treatments and ultimately curing Lyme disease, while building greater public awareness for disease detection and prevention. A 503 (c)(3), GLA is headquartered in Greenwich, CT. For more information please visit http://www.GlobalLymeAlliance.org or call 203-969-1333.
Rona Cherry, Global Lyme Alliance, http://www.lymeresearchalliance.org, +1 212-586-0917, [email protected]
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