Harold B. Furman Memorial Research Fund for the ALS Hope Foundation
Brett’s Dedication to ALS Research
Harold B. Furman Memorial Fund – After losing his father, Dr. Harold B. Furman, to ALS in 1994, Brett had a full understanding of the difficulties and struggles of ALS patients and their families. Brett created the Harold B. Furman Memorial Research Fund in his father’s memory in an effort to make a difference to future fighters of the disease. He has held countless events to raise funds for donation, successfully collecting and donating tens of thousands of dollars to the ALS Hope Foundation, where all proceeds go towards research on ALS. Donations to the Harold B. Furman Memorial Fund for the ALS Hope Foundation are welcomed and very much appreciated.
Harold’s Story
Harold B. Furman was born in Wynnefield, Pennsylvania on April 29, 1924. He graduated from St. Joseph’s University and Thomas Jefferson Medical School. After completing his internship at the Albert Einstein Medical Center and his pediatric residency at Philadelphia General Hospital, he served on the medical staff at Bryn Mawr, Sacred Heart, and Montgomery Hospitals. He was husband to schoolteacher Flora, and proud father to Scott, Brett, and their sister Pamela.
Harold’s successful career as a pediatrician and his love of children later lead him to become the Tredyffrin-Easttown School Doctor. This position allowed him to offer hundreds of young people the guidance, generosity, and kindness that were his trademarks.
In the early 1990’s Harold was diagnosed with ALS. He passed away in June of 1994. Harold is survived by three children and seven grandchildren, who continue to be guided by the spirit and determination he showed throughout his life. Harold is remembered as a warm, caring, and dedicated individual with tremendous courage who inspired friends, family, colleagues, and patients alike.
Founded in 1999 by Terry Heiman-Patterson, MD, and Jeffrey Deitch, PhD, the ALS Hope Foundation provides funding for the MDA/ALS Center of Hope, the first multidisciplinary ALS clinic in the country, and the Neuromuscular Research Laboratory at Drexel University College of Medicine. The Foundation also provides educational events to inform PALS and the public about ALS research. The ALS Hope Foundation funds local and international efforts to find the cause and cure of ALS. The much needed support is generated through fundraisers and private donations.
At the ALS Hope Foundation and MDA/ALS Center of Hope, basic and clinical research are key tactics in the battle against ALS, always pursuing innovative and collaborative projects in support the work of the Neuromuscular Research Lab at Drexel University College of Medicine. There, projects are led by Dr. Terry Heiman-Patterson with the support of technician, Laura, and students from the university.
In their 15th year of serving the ALS community, committed to continuing their work until there is a cure.
