CHICAGO, Nov. 27, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Thursday evening, November 8, at Baltusrol Golf Club, Springfield, NJ, Research Down Syndrome (RDS) held its annual "Empower the Extraordinary" event at a dinner benefiting the Foundation and its mission to develop safe and effective drug therapies designed to improve memory, learning and communication in persons with Down syndrome.
The Foundation was privileged by the presence of the Honorable Cory A. Booker, Mayor of Newark. In his remarks, Mayor Booker noted how a "conspiracy of love" from family and friends assisted him in his growth, and that he hopes to return this support by leading Newark with a similar vision, creating an environment in the city that is nurturing and empowering for individuals and families.
Also in attendance and speaking were the Honorable Leonard Lance, Congressman of the 7th District of New Jersey, and the Honorable Mike Ferguson, former Representative of the 7th District.
During the event, RDS acknowledged Dr. Luca Santarelli, Head of Neuroscience and Small Molecule Research at F. Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., for the creation of an industry-leading R&D department to discover and develop drugs for neurodevelopment disorders such as Down syndrome. In 2011, Roche initiated a clinical trial to evaluate a potential therapy designed to improve cognition in individuals with Down syndrome.
About Research Down Syndrome
Research Down Syndrome is among the leading sources of private funding for Down syndrome related cognitive research. RDS supports and funds Down syndrome cognitive research conducted at research institutions that are studying the basis of the intellectual impairments associated with Down syndrome, including Alzheimer's disease. Research Down Syndrome is a legal corporate entity, and is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization designated by the Internal Revenue Code. For more information, go to www.researchds.org, or contact RDS: info@researchds.org or 847.710.2251.