With itemized gifts in their estate planning of $1 million each, Frank Stein and Paul S. May will establish “The Frank Stein and Paul S. May Grant for Innovative Glaucoma Research,” they announced to guests at the Glaucoma Research Foundation’s (GRF) Annual Dinner following GRF’s Annual Meeting.
“A leadership gift like this is particularly valuable right now,” said GRF President and CEO Thomas M. Brunner. “There is a real threat of an epidemic of blindness from glaucoma looming, and the kind of research this grant will make possible is essential if we are to get ahead of this imminent threat. Furthermore, it reminds us all that there are several ways we can all do our part to beat this silent thief of sight, and making glaucoma research a priority of our personal estate planning should be at the top of all our lists.”
“I am too well aware of how this disease can silently impact a person’s sight,” said Frank Stein. “This is why I have supported to Glaucoma Research Foundation from the very beginning.” Paul May is also personally aware of what glaucoma can do to a person’s sight. His mother was legally blind due to glaucoma. And while he also has glaucoma, Paul has been spared any loss of vision.
The terms of the grant, Brunner reported, are restricted to support research, with principal and income utilized over a period of ten years from receipt to fund grants. It is expected that each $1 million bequest will make possible a significant grant for glaucoma research of approximately $100,000 annually for ten years, after receipt of funds. The scientist-recipient of the “Frank Stein and Paul S. May Grant for Innovative Glaucoma Research” will be selected by GRF’s Scientific Advisory Committee in consultation with the GRF Board and will be announced each year at GRF’s Annual Meeting.
Glaucoma Research Foundation