Scrooge’s stingy coal distribution was not enough to even keep Bob Cratchit and the others warm. While Scrooge deemed the extra piece of coal on Christmas Eve a gift, it is what they should have had all along. The federal distribution of monies for the nation’s health is similar to Scrooge.
Billions of dollars of medical research funding for universities, hospitals, the NIH and other organizations has been terminated across the board. We don’t hear so much about the monies, work and dedication that happens behind the scenes that researchers do to find treatment and cures for the diseases we or our loved ones suffer or die from. More cuts to research and medical spending is expected in 2026.
It is not only you and I and our health that has been affected, thousands of jobs have been cut. Many international and American students and researchers are choosing to leave the country to continue their research. Researchers’ ability to review clinical trial results, publish and affect health outcomes has been cut.
Thousands of research studies and clinical trials were stopped regardless of the promise of these studies, how much time, effort and money has been spent and the potential outcome. The impact on future research is catastrophic. Even if, big if, funding was reinstated, it is not so simple to just start up again.
Research, researchers and their study participants have been abruptly terminated. Many patients lost access to their last hope of a lifesaving drug or procedure. Imagine you or your loved one on the cusp of cure only to die because of chaotic government financial cuts.
The latest alarming termination is of seven grants to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Who can justify that studies about sudden infant death syndrome, birth defects and other infant, teen and young adult is not worthy? The AAP who is already taking legal action against the health secretary is also looking at all its options including legal recourse. Mark Del Monte, AAP CEO states, “The sudden withdrawal of these funds will directly impact and potentially harm infants, children, youth and their families in communities across the United States.”
It is because of research that individuals, communities, the nation and the world have improved health and life expectancy over the years. From penicillin to vaccines, insulin, anesthesia, other antibiotics and antivirals, chemotherapy to newer gene therapies research has improved treatment, diagnostics and care of disease.
There are some who receive monies from other sources. My cardiologist and researcher, working along with a British researcher for a cure for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy won a large research grant from the British Heart Foundation for gene therapy. Thankfully her research is not threatened yet.
Funding for medical research comes primarily from the government since post WWII. Other sources include pharmaceutical companies, biotech companies, non-profit foundation, private donors, universities, state governments and fundraising.
With all the uncertainty in funding, there are still organizations trying to do the right thing and keep medical research ongoing. The Boston Marathon does extensive fundraising for medical research where your money is not at risk of disappearing like federal funding. Runners can choose from various organizations to turn their miles into money for funding that may potentially save lives.
Westfield’s Michael Sullivan, son of Lisa & Rick Sullivan has been running for exercise, health and fun at home and in Disney World races for years. Most recently he ran the Napa Valley Marathon in his best time ever. Next year he will run the Boston Marathon. He is raising funds for DetecTogether, an official partner of the Boston Marathon. Their mission is to empower individuals with early detection of cancer to achieve better outcomes. He chose this charity in memory of his aunt Sheila Paul and in honor of his uncle who had a successful outcome. If you are interested in donating, Run For Awareness: Support DetecTogether! at givengain.com has URL specific for Michael that is incredibly long spelled out. If you know me or any of the large Sullivan family and friends, they can text you the contact. Other options are to send a check noting it is for “Michael Sullivan’s 2026 Boston Marathon fundraiser.” to DetecTogether 53 Otis St., Westborough MA 01581.
One of my goals in life was to run the Boston Marathon back in my running days. I hope to one day volunteer at the Marathon in lieu of running it. In the meantime, I can live vicariously by supporting Michael. Thank you for doing this Michael.
Please consider supporting Michael, any medical research organization of your choice or check out Boston Marathon’s charity choices.
The Christmas, Hannukah and holiday season is a time for giving, not taking away. In the spirit of the season, find joy in sharing, giving and bringing light to others. In the words of Charles Dickens, “No one is useless in the world who lightens the burdens of another.”
Take care of yourself and someone else.
Juanita Carnes is a nurse practitioner with 39 years of experience in a hospital emergency department and urgent care facilities. She served 30 years on the Board of Health in Westfield, Massachusetts.
