From left, Janet Larson, M.D., J. Craig Cohen, Ph.D., Michael Russell, Senator John Flanagan, Richard N. Fine, M.D., Sean M. Russell, Mary Ellen Russell, J. Gerald Quirk, M.D., President Shirley Strum Kenny at the Brady William Russell Memorial Fund announcement ceremony. The Fund supports research to “ensure a life of breaths for every child.”
STONY BROOK, NY, October 17, 2006 – Stony Brook University Medical Center, through the private support of the family and friends of Brady William Russell, and a $250,000 grant made possible through the leadership of New York State Senator John Flanagan, has established the Brady William Russell Memorial Fund to conduct research into neonatal complications from high-risk pregnancies, premature birth and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
A presentation of the grant made today at SBUMC was attended by Senator Flanagan and the parents and family of Brady William Russell.
Brady William Russell was born on January 26, 2006, six weeks premature and weighing over 10½ pounds. He was the third child and only son of Sean and Mary Ellen Russell. Initially, Brady faced respiratory complications from his premature birth. He fought valiantly and after two weeks was scheduled to go home, but developed pneumonia and a respiratory virus, which extended his hospital stay. He was discharged five weeks later, but 10 days after returning home, Brady died of Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Sean Russell
“In his short life, Brady showed us what courage should mean,” said Sean Russell (pictured right). “This fund has been created to honor our son and his brave struggle.”
SIDS continues to be the most common cause of infant death, accounting for about 25 per cent of all deaths between one month and one year of age. SIDS is a complex, multifactoral disorder, the cause of which is not fully understood.
Janet Larson, M.D., Chief of Neonatology at SBUMC and J. Craig Cohen, Ph.D., Director of Neonatal Research, have collaborated for over 10 years to determine new ways to prevent SIDS and other respiratory conditions that contribute to neonatal mortality. Their laboratory focuses on all aspects of disrupted lung development and is actively looking at treatments that enhance normal lung growth.
“There is growing evidence that the lungs of infants with SIDS are affected during embryogenesis,” said Dr. Larson. “This suggests that normal lung development is disrupted and remains immature. The establishment of ‘Brady’s Laboratory’ will further advance this research and help us establish a firm foundation for translational projects that will use both genetic and pharmacologic interventions for the promotion of lung development in the neonate.”
The creation of the Brady Russell Memorial Fund and the establishment of “Brady’s Laboratory for the Neonate” will serve as catalyst in advancing basic and clinical research into lung growth in the fetus. It will focus on research related to lung growth and development and their relationship to neonatal lung diseases.
“Any loss of life is painful,” said Senator Flanagan. “When the loss of life involves an infant, the pain is immeasurable. Brady William Russell’s time on this earth was brief, but his enduring legacy can be profound.”
“The Russell family and Senator Flanagan are to be commended for their insight and courage to learn more and help us tackle the painful result of neonatal respiratory illnesses," said Richard N. Fine, M.D., Dean, Stony Brook University School of Medicine. “As the research reveals more about SIDS and other respiratory issues, we hope to better understand and therefore equipped to enhance healthy lung development in the neonate.”
All directed gifts to the Russell Fund will support clinical and basic research in neonatal complications from high-risk pregnancy, premature births, and SIDS. Funding will also support lectures within the Medical Center as well as community outreach activities to raise awareness. For more information or to make a gift, contact Phil Yankovich in the Stony Brook University Medical Center Advancement Office at 631-444-9249 or go to www.stonybrook.edu/giving -- please include the name of the Brady Russell Memorial Fund.
About the Regional Perinatal Center at Stony Brook University Medical Center
Stony Brook University Medical Center is home to Suffolk County’s only Regional Perinatal Center caring for critically ill newborns. A team of seven neonatologists (doctors who specialize in the care of newborns) provides the only around the clock in hospital care for newborns in Suffolk County. The NICU at Stony Brook can care for up to 50 babies at a time, and treats more than 825 premature, sick and injured babies each year. More than 150 infants and 125 high risk pregnant women are transferred annually from other hospitals in the region to the Regional Perinatal Center. More than 100 specially trained nurses care for families in the NICU. The Obstetric and NICU transport teams include specially trained doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, paramedics and respiratory therapists.
