What's New

Thanks to the generosity and hard work of a Chicago family and a fundraising organization they founded, the proposed Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders (CCED) has received a donation of $81,000 to support research and treatment of this potentially life-threatening medical condition. Twelve-year-old Jori Kodroff, a patient of the new center, was accompanied by her parents, Fred and Ellyn, as well as her grandmother, Charlene Glanz, to present the check on Monday, Aug. 16, at a gathering of staff from a multitude of disciplines, including Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition; Allergy and Immunology; and Pathology and Lab Administration. The Kodroff's organization, known as CURED (Campaign Urging Research for Eosinophilic Disease) raised the money by hosting a bowl-a-thon.

The crusade to beat eosinophilic disease is personal for the Kodroffs. Jori was diagnosed with it on Dec. 28, 2002. The condition develops when eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, are found in higher than normal amounts in one or more specific places in the digestive system and/or the blood. Some of the symptoms include: pain, swelling, skin rash, hives, reflux, choking, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramping, diarrhea and bowel obstruction. Many people, including Jori, experience nutritional deficiencies. Says Jori's mom, Ellyn, "Her iron counts went down. She wasn't growing. Her appetite was small, and she was nauseated often."

Although eosinophilic disorders are rare, they are occurring with increasing frequency, according to Marc Rothenberg, MD, PhD, director, Allergy and Clinical Immunology. "Our mission is to conduct leading clinical care and basic research concerning the best treatment and cure for these disorders. But we also want to educate health care providers and health authorities about their importance."

The Kodroff family and CURED are planning a holiday boutique for their next fundraising activity in Chicago. Says Ellyn, "We want to encourage people from other states to get involved. We are aware of the expenses incurred by doing research, and we believe CURED can make a difference for people who are affected by eosinophilic disorder."