School of Podiatric Medicine dean pledges $25K for ‘Paul & Margaret Brand Research Center’

School of Podiatric Medicine Dean Dr. Jeffrey Jensen and his wife Cecilia, donated $25,000 to the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine’s new “Paul & Margaret Brand Research Center,” marking its first major gift.

The contribution, pledged over five years, will be used to conduct research studies to reduce diabetic foot complications including ulcers and amputations. The center’s grand opening in April welcomed Dr. Margaret Brand who visited the facility and accepted an honorary degree from Barry University - on her and her late husband’s behalf - during the next day’s commencement ceremony.

“My wife and I are proud to be among the first contributors toward this tremendous effort to save limbs and lives,” said Jensen.

Doctors Paul and Margaret Brand are pioneers whose groundbreaking research, from Louisiana to India, made it possible for insensate patients, including those with leprosy and diabetes, to function normally despite enormous handicaps. The landmark Paul & Margaret Brand Research Center at Barry University furthers the Brand’s legacy with collaborative research to promote wound healing, prevent amputations, and educate the public about wound and amputation prevention.

In 2008, Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties reported more than 1,500 diabetic amputations costing more than $57 million. By the year 2050, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate the number of Americans living with diabetes could grow to 1 in 5 or even 1 in 3.
Through this new research center, Barry University commits itself to the battle against diabetes by providing innovative research which will help the almost 500,000 residents in South Florida affected by this disease.

For more information on donating to the Paul & Margaret Brand Research Center contact Bob McKinlay, assistant dean, School of Podiatric Medicine at 305-899-3283 or rmckinlay@mail.barry.edu