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Lupus Center of Excellence Patient Care and Translational Research Facility Opening
On October 14, 2004, over 150 guests attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony and program marking the official opening of the Patient Care and Translational Research Center of the Lupus Center of Excellence. Attendees included members of the Pitts-burgh medical community, public officials, representatives of national organizations, lupus patients and supporters of lupus research. This first-of-its-kind facility was newly constructed in 6,000 square-feet on the first floor of Magee-Womens Hospital. The center dedicated to comprehensive care of lupus patients was officially opened, ready to serve patients and accelerate discovery of a cure. Following the ribbon cutting, a reception was held and invited guests enjoyed an inspirational program of testimonials.
Deborah Linhart, president and CEO of Magee-Womens Health Corporation spoke on the Center's vital role in furthering Magee's mission of providing unique world-class healthcare. Dr. Susan Manzi spoke with passion of her and Dr. Ahearn's dream of establishing a comprehensive center devoted to combining multidisciplinary patient care, translational research, and training opportunities for the next generation of lupus specialists and scientists. She emphasized the critical role played by the enthusiastic support of the University, the Medical Center and the Pittsburgh community.
The ceremony was honored by the presence of Dr. Jack Klippel, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Arthritis Foundation. Dr. Klippel is recognized both as a pioneer in lupus research and patient care and as one of the foremost international leaders in rheumatology.
Underscoring the significance of the opening of the Center, Dr. Klippel traveled from Atlanta, Georgia to participate. Dr. Klippel's inspirational speech concluded with his personal heartfelt gratitude “On behalf of every lupus patient in the world, thanks for what you have done.”
Laura Deger, Board member, spoke eloquently of the challenges to those afflicted with lupus and articulated with genuine feeling the significant benefits the Center has already provided to lupus patients.
Honored guest, United States Congressman Tim Murphy, a board-certified psychologist and a leader in Congress on health care issues, spoke on the importance that centers, such as the Lupus Center, can and will play in making health care more available to all by comprehensively treating patients, and thus making the delivery of services far more proactive and efficient.
Scott D. Cessar, chair of the Board of Directors of the Lupus Center, spoke on the origination of the concept of such a center some five years ago, how far the Center had come in that period, and the work yet to be done in mobilizing support and raising funds to further expand the work of the Center, particularly in the area of scientific research. He invited those present to join in and become involved.
The grand opening was covered favorably by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and by local television. Through the work of the members of the Board of the Center, over $25,000 was raised from event sponsors. By any standard, the evening was a great success and an auspicious public announcement that the Lupus Center is open and ready to serve those afflicted with this terrible disease.
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