Today's program was Dr. Mike Warmoth, MD and he introduced Agent Z project that he is involved. Dr. Warmoth opened by discussing new medical ideas / research that met resistance in the past. He discussed learning about diseases, causes and cures through a Merck manual and many that were marked as idiopathic, or unknown.
During his research at the Grand Rapids Children's Hospital, he was challenged to research three children that developed leukemia/lymphoma from the same neighborhood. He found kids between ages 4-6 have enlarged lymph nodes. Dr. Warmoth discussed the peaks in leukemia and type 1 diabetes...which eventually led to his research in multiple sclerosis. Two varieties of MS - 80% relapsing / remitting and 20% progressive. Age 20 is the average age of onset of MS. There are genetic and environmental factors that cause MS. There is a lot of research regarding genetic, however, not much on environmental. When there is a link to a bacteria, we can attempt to eliminate it by antibiotics, immunizations, anesthetic, etc.
The Agent Z project is underway. Mice will be vaccinated and monitored for improvement and reversal. Eventually, he expects that this could improve diabetes as well.
Resignations from Rotary Club of Grand Haven: Keith Konarska and John Van Eenenaam, we welcome you to contact them and thank you for their years of service in our Club and wish them well.
President-Elect Announcement: Dale Swihart was voted in and accepted president-elect for the 2015-2016 year. Thank you Dale!
Rotary Polo Shirts: Men and Women samples are available, small to 4XL. $27.50, more samples to come. Contact Kelly Larson if you're interested. Your account will be charged, no cash needed. Also 3/4 zip shirts are available. Sign up this week or next week!
Past Presidents Group: Outing on September 25, 2015 - football game Grand Haven Bucs v. Lowell, tickets will be available at upcoming meetings.
Duty Roster: Mary Ann is looking for volunteers to sign up for the duty roster.
Flags: Pat announced flags will be put up in the median in Grand Haven on Labor Day, September 7 at 7:00 AM and collected at 7:00 PM. Please meet at Burger King.
Raffle: East Grand Rapids Rotary Club is selling raffles for college football tickets plus $200. $20 each or 3/$50. Grand Haven Club will benefit from tickets sold. Please contact Brook if you would like to purchase.
