The Jeffrey Modell Foundation in conjunction with the All Children's Hospital Foundation and the University of South Florida dedicated the Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic and Research Center on Thursday, May 27. The Center will be devoted to early and precise diagnosis, meaningful treatments and ultimate cures of the growing group of life-threatening diseases known as Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases. It will be led by John W. Sleasman, M.D., a nationally recognized expert in the area of primary (genetically based) and acquired immunodeficiency disease in children who is already involved in lifesaving pediatric immunology research at All Children's and USF.
The Jeffrey Modell Foundation was established in 1987 by Vicki and Fred Modell in memory of their son Jeffrey, who died at the age of 15 from complications due to an underlying Primary Immunodeficiency Disease. Jeffrey was diagnosed at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Institute in New York, NY by Robert A. Good, PhD, MD, DSc, who later established the Immunology Program at All Children's Hospital. The late Dr. Good was recognized as a pioneer of modern immunology and bone marrow transplantation. His widow, Noorbibi K. Day, Ph. D. is a a teacher and scientist in her own right, having established All Children's Immunoparameters Laboratory (IPL) when the couple joined All Children's and USF in 1985. As part of the Center event, the IPL was dedicated in honor of Dr. Day and her longstanding commitment to research and children's care.
The establishment of the Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic and Research Center at All Children's Hospital joins 72 other such centers worldwide - another miracle milestone for All Children's Hospital and its dedication to treatment, research, education and advocacy.
