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Maahs family presents $12,000 check for Hepatitis C research
Posted March 14, 2003
IOWA CITY -- The Maahs family of Epworth, Iowa, has made a gift of $12,000 to be used for Hepatitis C research at the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine. The family raised the funds by hosting the "Second Annual Clownin' Around Golf Open" last August at Timberline Golf Course in Peosta, Iowa. Funds raised by the event went into the Martha Maahs Hepatitis C Research Fund, established with the assistance of the University of Iowa Foundation. The Maahses presented a $12,000 check to Dr. Michael D. Voigt, associate professor (clinical) of internal medicine and a physician at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, as a way to thank him for his compassionate care of their mother, Martha Maahs, who died from Hepatitis C in 2000. The Maahses held the annual golf benefit to increase awareness of Hepatitis C in the community and to raise money to support important research of the blood-borne disease at the UI. The golf event again drew 144 participants. There were more than 60 hole sponsors at the event, which was followed by a dinner, raffle and silent auction. Entertainment was provided by singer-songwriter Kenny Beard of Nashville, Tenn., whose mother also died from Hepatitis C. The pharmaceutical firm Schering-Plough Corporation was a major sponsor of the event, contributing $1,000. Local companies and groups contributed between $100 and $325 to sponsor holes at the golf outing. Funds raised greatly exceeded expectations, and the Maahs family is planning for a third annual golf outing for August 29, 2003. Martha Maahs contracted Hepatitis C in 1981, after a blood transfusion. (Blood products are now routinely screened for this virus.) She was not diagnosed, however, until 1998, when she had already developed cirrhosis of the liver. Martha was referred to Dr. Voigt by her regular physician in Dubuque. Dr. Voigt began aggressive treatment, but Martha's advanced condition did not respond. Niki Perrenoud of Farley, Iowa, Martha's daughter, organized the golf fund-raiser along with her brothers Mike, of Dyersville, Iowa, Tony and Bruce, of Epworth, and her father, Dick, also of Epworth. Perrenoud said that her mother "spent many weeks in the hospital under Dr. Voigt's care. She respected him and trusted his opinion, and she always felt she received the best care from him." Perrenoud continued, "It is vitally important that testing for Hepatitis C be given early so that treatment can either stop or delay the progression of cirrhosis or liver cancer." According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates, the current rate of around 10,000 deaths per year due to Hepatitis C will triple by the year 2010. Most people who have Hepatitis C do not experience symptoms until decades after they have acquired the virus, making blood testing an imperative part of prevention and treatment. Hepatitis C may lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer or liver failure. About 4 million Americans have Hepatitis C but don't know it. The CDC says that many people may have contracted Hepatitis C through blood transfusions or by receiving blood products contaminated with the virus. IV drug users who share needles are also at risk. Prior to 1992, a reliable screening test for Hepatitis C did not exist, which means that individuals who received blood before then -- as Martha Maahs did -- are potentially at risk and should be tested. The UI Foundation is a channel preferred by the UI for private contributions to all areas of the university. Foundation staff work with alumni and friends to generate funds for scholarships, professorships, facilities improvements, equipment purchases, research and other UI initiatives. Those interested in making reservations or donations for next year's golf outing can contact Niki Perrenoud at 563-744-3081 or snperren@aol.com. Contact Information
Mitch Beckman Additional information about supporting the UI Carver College of Medicine also is available on this site. |