Spotlight on Research
GI Research Foundation Quickly Delivers Nearly $18.5 Million to Study Gastrointestinal Cancers
CHICAGO, June 27, 2023 (Newswire.com) – The GI Research Foundation today announced that its CA CURE campaign drove the largest grantmaking year in its 60-year history. The campaign advances the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers, and it awarded nearly $18.5 million in the fiscal year that will end on June 30.
Introducing Bedside Intestinal Ultrasound in the United States
With a partnership with the International Bowel Ultrasound Society, the University of Chicago Medicine is engaged in a new multi-phase initiative to bring widespread diagnostic use of bedside intestinal ultrasound (IUS) to North America. IUS, already widely used in Europe, will provide IBD patients with a non-invasive abdominal ultrasound exam as part of their regular clinic visits, so that their doctors can monitor their disease activity in real time.
2023 GastroIntestinal Research Foundation Competitive Grant Cycle Awards
Through our annual competitive grant awards program, the GastroIntestinal Research Foundation provides initial “seed” funding to select novel projects that allow investigators to pursue new and exciting paths that may not otherwise ever receive attention. Using robust scientific and lay review, in the 2023 cycle, the GI Research Foundation awarded $550,000 to six investigators at the University of Chicago for novel research projects.
2023 Associates Board Young Investigator Awards
Founded in 1997, the GI Research Foundation’s Associates Board is made up of professional volunteers and emerging leaders united by determination and dedication to educating our communities on the prevention, treatment, and cures for digestive diseases. This year, the Associates Board awarded a record $40,000 to four University of Chicago grant recipients.
The Digestive Diseases Center Translational Core with Joel Pekow, MD
One of the most important and enduring contributions of the GI Research Foundation (the Foundation) may also be one of the least well understood. For a decade, the Foundation has supported the Digestive Diseases Center (DDC) Translational Core, an engine that drives transformative research and scientific discovery for all investigators at the University of Chicago.
Eating Restriction and Inflammatory Bowel Disease, with Courtney Schuchmann, RD
Everyone has overindulged or eaten a food that didn’t agree with them. For most people, this means that the next time they are offered spicy chili or rich dessert, they politely decline or make a different choice. But for patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, this experience can be all too common—if nearly every time you eat anything, it hurts, limiting what foods you eat makes sense. But it can also be a slippery slope, leading to extremely restricted approaches to food.
The GastroIntestinal Research Foundation Awards Grants to Two Cancer Research Powerhouses
CHICAGO, Jan. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Treating and curing cancer remains an urgent health research priority. The GastroIntestinal Research Foundation (the Foundation) has made bold and innovative grant awards to advance the development of immunotherapies and personalized vaccines for colorectal cancer. With a focus on improving patient outcomes, it has identified and evaluated science from across the country, including two recent awards to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Mayo Clinic.
Take a Research Learning Journey With Us
Ever since becoming the Executive Director of the GastroIntestinal Research Foundation (Foundation), all my Zoom calls with my family start with a question from my brother with Crohn’s, “Have you found a cure yet?” While I can’t answer yes, I can tell him about the incredible research the Foundation is funding and its promise of a cure for Crohn’s and other digestive diseases. I value his continued urging to stay focused on the mission.
Season’s Eatings: How digestive diseases patients can cope with the challenges of the holidays, with Courtney Schuchmann, Registered Dietitian at the University of Chicago Medicine
From Halloween through the New Year, it can feel like every gathering – from family dinners to holiday parties and cookie exchanges – centers around food. What should be a happy holiday season often becomes a challenging ‘food season’ for those living with inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Celiac disease, liver disease, pancreatic disease, or those struggling with metabolic and weight-related concerns. Fortunately, Courtney Schuchmann, registered dietitian at the University of Chicago Medicine Digestive Diseases Center, has some helpful guidance.
Other Recent News
All-Star Challenge Foursomes Available
Join us for a great day on the greens! The GI Research Foundation presents the Larry A. Pogofsky All-Star Challenge on Monday, August 7th at Bryn Mawr Country Club in Lincolnwood, Illinois. The All-Star Challenge honors Larry’s love for sports and continues his legacy of funding groundbreaking digestive diseases research. For more information, please contact bzelwin@girf.org.
Gut-Friendly Recipe: Asparagus and Spring Greens Farro Hash with Miso Dressing
Farmer’s markets and roadside stands are beginning to fill with summer treats, and the first swoon of the season is often reserved for fresh, local asparagus. A wonderful side dish on its own, asparagus (actually a grass related to alliums) is a potassium powerhouse and a good source of protein and fiber.
Visceral: Podcast Episode – IBD or IBS…or Both? (episode 4)
Confusingly, similar acronyms describe two very different conditions of the lower GI tract: IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). IBD is often treated with biologic medical therapies that are infused, injected, or taken orally.
The Digestive Diseases Center Translational Core with Joel Pekow, MD
One of the most important and enduring contributions of the GI Research Foundation (the Foundation) may also be one of the least well understood. For a decade, the Foundation has supported the Digestive Diseases Center (DDC) Translational Core, an engine that drives transformative research and scientific discovery for all investigators at the University of Chicago.
Plant a Seed of Hope – Support Digestive Diseases Research Today
As we embrace the spring season, we are reminded of the power of growth and new beginnings. At the GI Research Foundation, we are committed to planting the seeds of hope for those affected by digestive diseases. Please take 20 minutes today to protect what’s important to you and consider making a planned gift to join us in this crucial mission.
Eating Restriction and Inflammatory Bowel Disease, with Courtney Schuchmann, RD
Everyone has overindulged or eaten a food that didn’t agree with them. For most people, this means that the next time they are offered spicy chili or rich dessert, they politely decline or make a different choice. But for patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, this experience can be all too common—if nearly every time you eat anything, it hurts, limiting what foods you eat makes sense. But it can also be a slippery slope, leading to extremely restricted approaches to food.
Gut-Friendly Recipe: Quinoa-Pistachio Stuffed Artichokes
Artichokes, are actually the large flower of a plant in the thistle family, and are a fun and hearty vegetable choice during the “shoulder season,” before Spring is in full bloom. This unique recipe features many ingredients that can be tweaked to meet individual dietary concerns—for example, for those who need to eat gluten-free, omit the breadcrumbs and add more lentils and quinoa. No matter how it is adapted, this recipe is a fresh, green, and impressive Mediterranean diet-inspired main course, suitable for both a weeknight dinner or a holiday table.
Board Spotlight: Brad Peterson
Many people bring relevant experience when they join the GI Research Foundation Board of Directors, but new member Brad Peterson has the distinction of previously serving as the longest-tenured President of its Associates Board. It all began when Mr. Peterson, an Executive Vice President of Guaranteed Rate mortgage company, sought care from David T. Rubin, MD, for Crohn’s disease. Dr. Rubin recruited him to participate in the GI Research Foundation Associates Board in 2013. Soon after, the Associates Board elected him President.
Visceral: Podcast Episode – All about Ostomy Care (episode 3)
In this episode, Advanced Practice Nurses and leaders in the field of ostomy care Janice Colwell, APRN, CWOCN, FAAN, and Marita Kametas, MSN, APN, FNP-BC, CMSRN, COCN offer need-to-know information about post-surgical life with an ostomy for IBD patients.