EUGENE–University of Oregon President Dave Frohnmayer and his wife, Lynn, will be honored with two national awards recognizing their advocacy work for medical and health-related research, and for their support for people and families affected by the rare and often fatal disease, Fanconi anemia.

Research!America, a national not-for-profit public education and advocacy alliance for discoveries in health, selected the Frohnmayers for its 1999 advocacy award for "exceptional contributions as volunteer advocates for medical research."

The award will be presented on Tuesday, March 28, at a special dinner ceremony at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. ABC News correspondent Sam Donaldson, a Research!America board of directors member, will be master of ceremonies for the event.

On April 6, the Frohnmayers also will receive the Albert B. Sabin Heroes of Science Award during an evening reception at the Carnegie Institute in Washington, D.C., hosted by the Americans for Medical Progress Educational Foundation. Named for the man who developed the oral polio vaccine, the awards are annually given "to individuals who have contributed to scientific research and medical advancements."

Dave and Lynn Frohnmayer are founders of the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund, Inc., based in Eugene. This foundation funds path-breaking genetic research working to find a cure for the genetic disorder that claimed the lives of two of their daughters and threatens a third. The Frohnmayers also are founders of the Fanconi Anemia support group for similarly afflicted families around the world. They are co-authors of "Fanconi Anemia: A Handbook for Families and Their Physicians."

Dave Frohnmayer became UO president in 1994. Previously, he served as dean of the UO School of Law from 1992—1994 and as Oregon attorney general from 1981—1991. He has served on numerous national and community boards, including the National Marrow Donor Program, of which he was a founding director, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Lynn Frohnmayer served as family support coordinator for the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund. Previously, she was a national consultant and trainer in the area of foster care placement programs for abused and neglected children and was manager of the East Lane County branch of the Oregon Children’s Services Division. She also helped found the Lane County Relief Nursery, a nationally recognized center for treatment of families and children at risk for child abuse and neglect.

—30—

#G-4052/Local,OrDailies,OrLaw,OrSci,PDX,Special