ATLANTA, Dec. 5, 2005 -- The Jeffrey Modell Foundation (JMF), in collaboration with Baxter Healthcare Corporation, held a dedication ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic Center for Primary immunodeficiencies (PI) at Emory Children's Center in Atlanta. As one of only 23 diagnostic centers worldwide, the facility will serve as a center of excellence in immunology, specializing in the diagnosis, care and treatment for people with PI, an umbrella term that encompasses more than 120 diseases caused by an immune system that does not function properly.

"Experts have estimated that as many as 500,000 cases of PI remain undiagnosed in the United States," said Fred Modell, Co-founder of JMF. "Our goal is to give every child a chance to lead a healthy, normal life. We are thrilled to form this partnership with Emory."

PI affects males and females of all ages, but the most severe forms are frequently detected in childhood. Symptoms of a PI disease are often overlooked because they appear to be common childhood illnesses such as sinus and ear infections, pneumonia, fever, and bronchitis. Thus, families and doctors are often unaware that the troubling conditions they are dealing with are actually rooted in a defect in the immune system and treat the symptoms rather than addressing the underlying cause. Failure to diagnose PI can lead to a life of serious chronic illness, permanent damage, or even death.


"Without proper diagnosis and treatment, most of these disorders are fatal in childhood," said Lisa Kobrynski, M.D., MPH, Director of the Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic Center and assistant professor of pediatrics at Emory University. "Early recognition and diagnosis of PI can save lives and improve the health outcomes for these patients. The educational and diagnostic programs made possible through this support will help establish a center of excellence for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with PI."

"We applaud the efforts of JMF in reaching out to the healthcare community to raise awareness of this disorder and provide needed education," said Larry Guiheen, president of Baxter's BioScience business in North America. "Baxter is pleased to support JMF and Emory Children's Center in their efforts to improve diagnosis of PI and make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families."

About Jeffrey Modell Foundation
The Jeffrey Modell Foundation was established in 1987 by Vicki and Fred Modell in memory of their son Jeffrey, who died at the age of 15 of a PI disease. The Foundation is dedicated to early and precise diagnosis, meaningful treatments, and ultimately cures of Primary Immunodeficiencies. More information on PI can be found at www.info4pi.org or by calling the JMF hotline at 1-866-INFO-4-PI.

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