The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation on Monday dedicated a courtyard renovation project funded by the Fred Jones Family Foundation.
The centerpiece of the new project was a sculpture by artist Stan Carroll, known for the iconic SkyDance Bridge spanning Interstate 40 at Oklahoma City’s Scissortail Park. The sculpture, “Perseverance,” honors the work of OMRF’s Dr. Rod McEver.
In addition to the sculpture, courtyard renovations include new landscaping and shade structures that serve patients, their families and OMRF employees. The project was made possible by a Mary Eddy Signature Gift, a grant that provides $75,000 to support beautification at a local nonprofit.
Kirk Hall, chairman and president of the Fred Jones Family Foundation, helped to dedicate the space, which, he said, will serve as “a respite, a place of solace, a piece of community where people can celebrate the great work of OMRF.”
“Here, scientists and patients can cross paths,” said OMRF Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Judith James, M.D., Ph.D. “Our scientists can see people impacted by the diseases they study, and our patients can see that there is hope on the horizon.”
McEver, a hematologist, spent more than three decades at OMRF, where he discovered a protein that plays a crucial role in inflammation and blood clotting. His work culminated in Adakveo, the first FDA-approved treatment for the pain crises associated with sickle cell disease. The condition affects an estimated 100,000 Americans and 5 million people worldwide.
“No individual reaches their highest potential without the help of others,” said McEver. “I am happy to be a small part of the lab, foundation, and global research communities that made this critical work possible.”
Carroll’s sculpture offers a sharp, abstract representation of a sickled blood cell. Its name recognizes that scientific discoveries rarely happen overnight, but rather result from a career of intensive focus and diligence.
“It also honors the perseverance of the people who live with sickle cell and other diseases,” said OMRF Vice President of Research Courtney Griffin, Ph.D. at the ceremony.
“Perseverance” is Carroll’s second piece to adorn OMRF’s campus. He also created “Oklahoma Wind,” which hangs in OMRF’s research tower and symbolically melds our state’s signature gusts with a DNA double helix.
