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American Lung Association Awards $50K for Regenerative Medicine Project

https://copdnewstoday.com/2021/02/09/american-lung-association-awards-50k-dollars-regenerative-medicine-project-could-improve-lung-function-copd/

50k is not much. It's pathetic so little funding goes to COPD research especially considering the percentage of the population effected and the cost to society. CDC projected $49 billion in 2020 but has not updated that estimate since 2010. Makes you question what's really going on.

  1. That's a cost of $49 billion per year...

    An estimated 30 million Americans in 2014 / 2015 afflicted. If each of us gave a dollar to research, that would be $30 million. That might make a dent but it's unlikely 50k will.

    1. Here's the clincher:
      The American Lung Association has committed $11.55 million in funding to support research aimed at lessening the burden of lung disease.

      In other words, thousands to stop/reverse COPD but millions to continue researching techniques to maintain the disease.

      We should all donate $1 (or more) to Chen, the ALA grant winner, and professor of medicine, stem cell biology, and regenerative medicine at the University of Southern California (USC) so our money goes directly to the research and not administrators.

      A GoFundMe page would work but they also collect unearned money. I wonder if there's a way we can ask the researchers directly how we can support their work to stop and or reverse COPD.

      Anybody else in?

      1. on facebook

      2. That's a great idea! I hope lots of people donate. 😀 -Melissa, copd.net team

    2. Hi @kerrysworld! Thank you so much for continuing to bring important research updates to our community. We too are frustrated at the disproportionate lack of funding for COPD research at-large and are excited about some of the cutting-edge possibilities like the one you mentioned here. Thanks again for stopping by and wishing you a wonderful day. - John M. (COPD.net Team)

      1. Thanks

        I just don't get it. Why would the ALA give millions toward what the pharmaceutical companies are already working toward (drugs that maintain, not stop or reverse the disease) when we need funds going to an actual cure.

        That's why I would never donate to them but would rather donate directly to research involving real treatment.

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