KNRF Overview

KNRF BROCHURE

KNRF OVERVIEW PRESENTATION

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Founded in 1952, the Illinois-Eastern Iowa District Kiwanis Neuroscience Research Foundation (I-I District KNRF) is the I-I District’s Finest Project that receives funds from Kiwanis family clubs in the I-I District and provides grants to doctors conducting research to find cures or improvements to quality of life of children and patients afflicted with diseases of the nervous system.  The nine (9) world-class doctors that receive grants from I-I District KNRF are researching topics ranging from Autism and Alzheimer’s to Spina Bifida and Parkinson’s Disease.  Our accomplishments include:

• Linking folic acid and preventing spina bifida
• Treating children with hydrocephalus
• Discovering the link between genetics & leukemia, birthing the field of genetic oncology
• Discovering proteins that affect brain development
• Creating a standard for measuring tremors

The I-I District KNRF is an IRS 501(c)(3) charitable medical research foundation – all of our activities must be focused on research.

What is an example of the impact of KNRF?

An excellent example of the impact of I-I District KNRF is found in Mila’s story.  Mom Kylie discovered in the middle of her second pregnancy with Mila that Mila had spina bifida.  Kylie went to see Dr. Robin Bowman at the Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, who is one of our researchers.  Dr. Bowman is investigating the effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery on fetuses to repair spina bifida BEFORE the child is born, and Mila was her first patient to undergo the laparoscopic surgery.  Click on the link below to watch a short video about this wonderful story.

Dr. Bowman continues to monitor not only Mila but all of the other spina bifida patients to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.

Why are the problems the Foundation solves important?

We are Kiwanians. Kiwanis’s defining statement is that we are a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time. Our passion is to make a difference in the lives of those around us, and I-I District KNRF provides the means to implement that passion. Since our incorporation in 1952, we have:

• Supported the birth of the field of genetic oncology through Dr. Janet Rowley
• Developed treatments for children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus through Dr. David McLone
• Discovered proteins affecting brain development through Dr. Stephanie Ceman
• Created an international standard for measuring tremors through Dr. Rodger Elble

We do not rest – these past accomplishments fuel our vision to solve problems, to help those in need.

• We know children with spina bifida
• We know young ones with autism
• We know elderly with dementia

We are here to help.

What strategies will help us achieve our goal?

The strategy behind our passion, our goal, is to be a catalyst for finding cures and improving the quality of life of patients afflicted with neurological diseases. Our strategy includes:

• Finding and funding world-class researchers investigating neurological diseases
• Educating Kiwanians and communities regarding the work these researchers are doing in order to promote fundraising
• Investing intelligently to maximize the funds available for funding research

We understand that research, medical education, and patient care are inextricably related, and we believe that by supporting groundbreaking research, we can drive innovation in medical treatments and therapies.

Our commitment extends beyond funding – we actively foster collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and communities to accelerate discoveries and their translation into real-world solutions.

We recognize that raising awareness is a key component of our mission. By educating Kiwanians and the broader public about the impact of neurological diseases and the importance of scientific advancements, we empower individuals to contribute meaningfully to our cause.

Furthermore, we strive to ensure that every dollar raised is utilized effectively. Through strategic investments and partnerships, we maximize the impact of our resources, enabling researchers to push the boundaries of what is possible in neuroscience.

Ultimately, our vision is to create a future where neurological diseases no longer limit lives. By uniting passionate individuals, visionary researchers, and dedicated healthcare professionals, we are building a foundation for breakthroughs that will transform patient care and bring hope to children and families around the world.

KNRF Executive Director
Ken Whitmore
Alpine, Rockford Kiwanis
[email protected]