MIAMI, FL.(Miami Project to Cure Paralysis) -
Gloria and
Emilio Estefan, along with Miami Project Co-Founders Nick and Marc Buoniconti, today announced a $1 million gift to help establish a human clinical trials program at The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis located at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
"Having experienced paralysis firsthand, sixteen years ago, I feel especially fortunate to have had a positive outcome despite a very negative prognosis. I vowed that I would do whatever was in my power to assist those already on their way to finding a cure. I urge anyone that is in a position to help, to join us in taking on this challenge knowing that we are closer than ever to a cure and to helping those that live in wheelchairs 'get on their feet'," noted Mrs. Estefan.
"Gloria knows firsthand the devastation of paralysis and has been a true believer and friend of our cause since the beginning. The Estefans' generosity will make a difference in the lives of millions worldwide suffering from paralysis," said Miami Project President and Founder, Dr. Barth A. Green.
The gift is earmarked to fund cutting edge human clinical trials at the research center and will fast-track promising Miami Project findings to help hasten a cure for paralysis. Recent breakthroughs in paralysis research at The Miami Project suggest that clinical trials are on the horizon and this gift will position researchers to move quickly to human trials as additional promising research is discovered.
The Gloria Estefan Foundation gift represents a continuation of the Estefans' generosity towards The Miami Project. Gloria serves on the Board of Directors of The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, the national fundraising arm of The Miami Project, and served as the Chairperson for the Capital Campaign that raised $40 million to build the Lois Pope LIFE Center, the home of The Miami Project, which opened in 2000.
"The Estefans stood by our side when we told them we needed a new facility to elevate our research to the next level and backed it up with a lead gift. Today's amazingly generous gift helps bring us closer to a cure by positioning The Miami Project to move research quickly to those suffering from spinal cord injuries," said Miami Project Ambassador Marc Buoniconti.
Added NFL Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti, "Gloria and Emilio stand as leaders of the South Florida community and serve as a shining example of what it means to make a difference in your community. We are proud to call them our friends and when a cure is found, they will stand shoulder to shoulder with us as we cross our finish line."
Gloria and Emilio Estefan have been longtime supporters of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis as individuals and through their foundation. Gloria helped raise $40 million as Capital Campaign director from 1995-2000, donating $250,000 to jump-start the effort. Gloria has served as Chairperson of Destination Fashion, The Miami Project's premiere South Florida fundraising event, will serve as Celebrity Host for the upcoming Second Annual Mercedes-Benz Ace For a Cure Fashion Extravaganza on March 31st and received The Buoniconti Fund Award for Humanitarian Efforts. She also donates the royalties of two of her hit songs, "Always Tomorrow" and "Path of the Right Love" to The Miami Project. Including today's gift, the Estefans have personally given and helped raise more than $42 million for paralysis research.
University of Miami President Donna E. Shalala thanked the Estefans for their gift. Gloria is a Member of the University of Miami Board of Trustees and a graduate of UM. Dean of the Miller School of Medicine John G. Clarkson, M.D. and Miami Project Scientific Director W. Dalton Dietrich, Ph.D. joined the group as they announced their contribution.
The Miami Project: In 1985, Barth A. Green, M.D. and NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti helped found The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis after Nick's son, Marc, sustained a spinal cord injury during a college football game. Today, The Miami Project is the world's largest, most comprehensive spinal cord injury research center and is based at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The Miami Project's international team of over 200 scientists and clinicians take innovative approaches to the challenge of spinal cord injury.
Gloria Estefan's lifelong dream has been to touch the lives of people in need in real and positive ways. Inspired by this humanitarian vision, The Gloria Estefan Foundation aims to reach those who struggle outside the safeguards of society by promoting good health, education and cultural development. The Foundation was created to support charitable programs for disadvantaged children, to empower young people through education and opportunity. Its mission includes funding annual scholarships for students in need of financial assistance, so that they may accomplish their higher education goals.
