September 1, 2010

Order of the First State Awarded to Dr. Scott Mackler

Local Professor raises bar for scientific research and hopes for people with ALS

Photo provided courtesy of Brad Glazier.
Back: Governor Jack Markell, Dr. Lynn Snyder-Mackler, Noah Snyder-Mackler, and Alexander Snyder-Mackler
Front: Dr. Scott Mackler

Surrounded by Senator Ted Kaufman, Attorney General Beau Biden, friends and family, Governor Jack Markell awarded the Order of the First State to Dr. Scott Mackler, recognizing his tremendous determination and contributions.  Dr. Mackler continues to teach and conduct research a decade after being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease).

"It would be hard to imagine a more inspiring person than Dr. Scott Mackler," said Governor Markell.  I've seen him raise an incredible and loving family, but I've also seen him raise the bar for scientific research, raise the hopes of people worldwide with ALS and raise the expectations of what is possible with grit, resilience, creativity and love."

Dr. Mackler is a professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Medicine, working with students to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying cocaine addiction.

“He continues to be very productive in his research field,” said Dr. Charles O'Brien, Dr. Mackler’s longtime friend and colleague.  “Understanding the basic molecular mechanisms of addiction or other problems is the Holy Grail of modern medicine.  We’re always trying to get down to the molecular level so we can develop medications.  Scott not only made extremely important advances in this very early on, but he has continued to do so.”

Eleven years ago, Dr. Mackler founded the Scott A. Mackler, M.D., Ph.D. Assistive Technology Program, the only organization nationwide to provide expensive communication equipment to ALS patients to improve their quality of life.  To date, the program has raised $1.1 million, and because of it, no patient in the region has gone without such critical technology for want of money.

“Communication isn’t considered essential and it’s not covered by any insurance company. Scott wanted to do something for patients,” said Dr. Lynn Snyder-Mackler, Dr. Mackler’s wife of 29 years and a professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Delaware.

The 11th Annual Scott Mackler 5k run / walk will be held in Newark, Delaware on October 31, 2010.  The run is hosted by Temple Beth El and funds raised will benefit the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia.

More information on the 11th Annual Scott Mackler 5k run / walk:
http://www.tbede.org/mackler.asp

More information on Dr. Mackler: http://www.upenn.edu/gazette/0709/feature1_1.html

Photo provided courtesy of Brad Glazier.  
Back: Governor Jack Markell, Dr. Lynn Snyder-Mackler, Noah Snyder-Mackler, and Alexander Snyder-Mackler
Front: Dr. Scott Mackler