Research Acceleration

Thomasson Family Gives to UAB Department of Neurology

Albert Thomasson

The Albert Thomasson Family Research Acceleration Fund in Parkinson’s Disease in the Department of Neurology honors Albert Thomasson and his family and will be a tremendous asset to the department in its ongoing efforts in research and treatment of the disease.

“The research the Thomasson family is so generously supporting is enabling us to make progress toward the discovery of a cure for Parkinson’s disease as we seek to provide enhanced mobility and a greater quality of life for our patients,” says UAB President Carol Garrison. “The talented and dedicated team of scientists and physicians in the Department of Neurology is making wonderful advances in our understanding of movement disorders.”

“Dr. Watts and Dr. Standaert, with President Garrison’s support, have built a world-class Parkinson’s Disease Research Center,” Mr. Thomasson says. “It is only a matter of time under their leadership that their research team will advance their discoveries to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease and to develop innovative new treatments. It is a pleasure to work with such outstanding professionals to accelerate the timetable to complete their work.”

Ray L. Watts, M.D., senior vice president and dean of the School of Medicine, adds, “I am truly grateful for Albert’s friendship and ongoing partnership with the Department of Neurology. His support is playing a vital role in accelerating our efforts to develop new disease-modifying treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s disease in a thoughtful, methodical, and safe way. The fund is currently supporting very exciting new drug discovery research in collaboration with the Alabama Drug Discovery Alliance, a partnership between UAB and Southern Research Institute. We are deeply appreciative of Albert’s support.”

Maintaining the Momentum / Summer 2011