In February 2014, IFFGD awarded three $40,000 grants to support innovative research into idiopathic gastroparesis.
Idiopathic gastroparesis is a condition where the muscle contractions (motility) that move food along the digestive tract do not work properly and the stomach empties too slowly.
There is no observable obstruction or blockage and the cause is unknown. Symptoms often include nausea, vomiting, and the inability to finish a meal. Severity ranges from discomforting to debilitating and in some cases life-threatening. It is challenging to diagnose and more effective treatments are needed.
Learn more about gastroparesis
Applications were received from around the world. After consideration by an independent selection committee made up of leaders in the field, three investigators were chosen to receive the grants.
We are pleased to introduce you to the grant recipients:
- Leo K. Cheng, Ph.D., Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Auckland
- Braden Kuo, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Richard W. McCallum, MD, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
We are grateful to all those who who are striving to better understand and treat gastroparesis, and to those who support the process of discovery.
View our “Where Are They Now?” Research Award Winner YouTube Series
The grants were made possible by donations to IFFGD, as well as money raised by fund raisers through our grassroots arm, the Digestive Health Alliance (DHA). We are very grateful to all of you who donated in support of this research, including:
- Major Contributor
- The Zebrowski Family Foundation
- Contributors
- The Cheryl Aaron Memorial Fund (CAMF) in Pittsburgh
- The Mary H. Storer Foundation
- The Annual Awareness Walks for Gastroparesis and Digestive Health in Bellingham, WA
- The Half Marathon for Gastroparesis in Pittsburgh, PA
- All of you who made individual donations
