2012 Honorees

Dr. Napoleone Ferrara

Dr. Ferrara is Genentech Fellow: Tumor Biology and Angiogenesis. He is originally from Italy, where he completed his doctoral degree before taking on multiple fellowships at UCSF. In 1988, he joined the staff at Genentech. Dr. Ferrara is the winner of the 2010 Lasker Award. This award is considered the American Nobel Prize, and 79 scientists who have won the Lasker Award have gone on to win the Nobel Prize as well.

Dr. Anthony P. Adamis

Dr. Adamis is Vice President and Global Head of Ophthalmology at Genentech. Previously, he co-founded Eyetech (2000) and Jerini Ophthalmic (2007). From 1991 to 2002, Dr. Adamis was on the full time faculty of the Harvard Medical School and was co-director of the Ocular Angiogenesis Laboratory at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. He received his M.D. with Honors from the University of Chicago, and completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Michigan and fellowship in corneal disease at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.

About Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

DME is swelling in the center of the retina, known as the macula. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. The macula provides detailed vision for activities such as reading, driving, or distinguishing faces. Swelling results from damage to the small blood vessels in the retina after years of elevated blood sugar levels from diabetes. The damaged blood vessels allow fluid to accumulate within the retina so the tissue swells, much like a sponge expanding with water. This swelling can subsequently lead to vision loss if the condition remains untreated. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss in working-age Americans. Macular edema occurs when the blood vessels damaged by diabetic retinopathy begin to leak fluid, causing swelling in the center of the retina, known as the macula. DME affects approximately 28% of people, who have had diabetes for at least 20 years.

About JDRF

JDRF’s mission is to find a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D) and its complications through the support of research.

JDRF is the leader of the T1D community—unifying global efforts to cure, treat, and prevent T1D. Through a transformative vision, breakthrough innovation, and effective operations, we are inspiring tomorrow’s hope through today’s results. The funds raised through events like Hope Gala are spent efficiently; more than 80% of JDRF's expenditures go to research and reserch-related education. Learn more >

Contact JDRF

To request an invitation, sponsorship opportunities, or for general information, please contact:

Erin Hall
e: ehall@jdrf.org
t: (415) 597-6306

Download the Sponsorship Opportunities PDF >

2012 Sponsors