A new sculpture salutes the life-changing work of one OMRF scientist
Dr. Rod McEver spent decades on experiments that would lead to a first-of-its-kind treatment for sickle cell disease. During that time, countless thoughts crossed his mind. “I bet this research will one day inspire a piece of art” was not one of them.
Still, thanks to a grant from the Fred Jones Family Foundation, that’s what happened earlier this year.
At a ceremony in June, OMRF unveiled Perseverance, a sculpture honoring McEver’s work. Created by artist Stan Carroll, known for the iconic SkyDance Bridge spanning Interstate 40 at Oklahoma City’s Scissortail Park, the 12-foot-tall installation serves as the centerpiece of renovations of OMRF’s central courtyard. The project also includes new landscaping and shade structures that serve patients, their families and OMRF employees. The renovations were made possible by a Mary Eddy Signature Gift, which provides $75,000 for beautification at an Oklahoma City nonprofit.
Kirk Hall, chairman and president of the Fred Jones Family Foundation, helped dedicate the space, which he says will be “a respite, a place of solace, a piece of community where people can celebrate the great work of OMRF.”
At the ceremony, Dr. Judith James, OMRF’s executive vice president and chief medical officer, emphasized that the reimagined space would bring members of the OMRF community together. “Here, scientists and patients can cross paths,” she said. “Our researchers can see people impacted by the diseases they study, and our patients can see that there is hope on the horizon.”
McEver, who retired as OMRF’s vice president of research in 2023, 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, named for the misshapen blood cells that cause the debilitating and potentially life-threatening condition, affects an estimated 100,000 Americans and 5 million people worldwide.
“No one reaches their highest potential without the help of others,” says 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. The piece’s title, Perseverance, 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,” says Dr. Courtney Griffin, who succeeded McEver as the foundation’s vice president of research.
The sculpture is Carroll’s second to adorn OMRF’s campus. He also created Oklahoma Wind, which hangs in OMRF’s research tower.
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Read more from the Summer/Fall 2024 issue of Findings
