The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has an international reputation for cutting-edge research and the development of new drugs and treatments for many serious medical conditions. Now, with help from the Oklahoma Freemasons, the Foundation will carry on the battle against Alzheimer’s Disease in a state-of-the-art laboratory facility.
A check for one million dollars from the Masonic Charity Foundation of Oklahoma on behalf of the state’s approximately 30,000 Masons was presented by Richard E. Massad, Grand Master, and Kenneth R. House, President of the Charity Foundation, to the Medical Research Foundation. The money will be used to create the Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma Alzheimer’s Research Laboratory.
“It’s a natural thing for the Fraternity to do,” said House, “Freemasons have always been committed to a high quality of life, not just for ourselves but for everyone. Few things in our world today destroy the quality of life more viciously than Alzheimer’s Disease.”
Grand Master Massad agreed. “Much of our public charity work has traditionally focused on the young and on education, assuring that the youth of our state have the best possible intellectual tools to build rich and rewarding lives,” he said. “It is only fitting that we do what we can to assure that they continue to enjoy that quality of life as long as possible.”
While many Oklahomans are not fully aware of the programs and agencies supported by the Masons of our state, it has been estimated that one in every three Oklahoman benefits in some way from Masonic philanthropy each year. The fraternity’s support of Public Television, vision screening programs for school children, public education, and programs fro the elderly, in addition to support of local civic needs runs into millions of dollars yearly.
“This may be one of our most important contributions,” said Grand Master Massad. “A cure or successful treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease would be a wonderful thing.”
More information about the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation can be found on their web site at omrf.org.