Mission Statement:
Adopt a Biomarker seeks to solve a gap in medical research funding. This gap in funding rests between the ten dollar ($10) to one hundred dollar($100) donation and the institutional or super high net worth individual donating millions of dollars, We believe that there are great many individuals and families both interested and capable of making donations in the range of tens of thousands of dollars. However, these significant donations are not being made in large numbers because these prospective grantors feel the recipient is not fully accountable in respect to how and where the money is used. In short, in making a medical research donation between $10,000-75,000, people want accountability and result followup whether good or bad.
What is a Biomarker?
“Biomarker” is a term often used to refer to a protein or altered DNA measured in blood whose concentration reflects the severity or presence of some disease state. Biomarkers are useful in assessing the early diagnosis of many diseases and cancers.
Does NIH fund this type of research?
NIH funds large scale studies after a concept has been proven in prior research.
How did the concept of Adopt A Biomarker begin?
I was seeking a way to contribute to Pancreatic Cancer research but did not want to write a check to organizations such as The American Cancer Society because there wasn’t a way to “follow the money”. I also didn’t have the resources to have a hospital wing named after me, nor would that really be the productive targeted use of the funds.
After working with Johns Hopkins we came up with the idea to fund the research of a couple Biomarkers that had been collected from individuals with familial pancreatic history. Specifically KRAS and p53. This was interesting because I felt ownership qualities of the research and would be provided the results of the study. If they showed promise, the results could be used for a grant, funding a larger study and if the results were not promising, then researchers would know to move onto other markers. This donation would provide funding for real research and the results from it. Click here for results of study (PDF format)
What is “Adopt A Biomarker”?
Think of it as a movement. A way to educate, encourage, and further medical research.
How much does Adopt a Biomarker charge and what does it do?
We charge nothing. We only want to help you work out a way to develop, source and launch your adoption of Biomarker research. Think of us as a free adoption agency with counselors and connections to help you find a research facility best suited for your specific goals.