MSDx is a precision medicine company developing blood testing products for monitoring neurodegeneration in brain diseases. Millions of people are affected by brain disorders yet there are virtually no clinical blood tests available today. Neurologists rely on clinical symptoms, imaging technology, clinical response to medications, and tests which exclude other diseases. Today there is a need for vital patient information earlier in the disease and in a more cost effective manner than radiological tests. Improper diagnosis or ineffective treatment negatively impact cost and quality of care for the patient.

 

The patented MSDx WINDOW INTO THE BRAIN  blood test offers a real-time view of the disease processes in the brain.  The blood tests that the company is developing will provide the neurologists with critical data that can be useful in diagnosis, monitoring, and assessing therapeutics response. At launch, the company will offer the MSDx blood test panel as a as a service through a CLIA Certified Laboratory in Tucson.

 

It takes a Community to raise a company—The MSDx founders came together as a part of the University of Arizona’s McGuire Center for Entrepreneurship Program. The company then launched at the UA business incubator, has worked with 12 UA Interns, secured an Arizona Commerce grant, received an AZ Flinn Foundation grant, and raised investment from the Tucson Desert Angels.  We are very grateful for the support of Arizona!

 

 

October is Vocational Service month and as all Rotarians know, Vocational Service is the second Avenue of Service. Past RI president, Glenn Estess, remarked that “Vocational Service is the very essence of Rotary and sets us apart from all other service organizations." One of the greatest assets of Rotary is its diverse membership and members are given many opportunities to use their vocational expertise in medicine, technology, education, law, finance and other professions to help people locally and internationally. Vocational Service is rooted in Rotary's second object of the philosophical mission: "high ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society."

 

One shining example of our Club’s dedication to Vocational Service is the partnership with The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona, Inc. that allowed us to sponsor two very deserving students attending Pima Community College. Christine Muchoki is 26 and her career goal is to be a LPN and help care for other people in need. Dionne Hendriquez is a single mother and is looking forward to becoming a nurse with the same goal in mind.  Both students met the five areas of criteria for eligibility. Thanks to the TRVFA applicant review team of Angela Moore, Joe Nevin, Jan Green, Dale Berg and Dot Kret for reviewing and choosing these students. The Rotary Vocational fund of Arizona’s mission is to partner with Rotary clubs to provide assistance to the working poor in obtaining education, training and skill development so that they may, in turn, attain career-oriented employment and financial stability, and contribute to their communities. TRVFA was founded in 1990 as a project of the Rotary clubs of Arizona and Needles, CA reflecting the words of Paul Harris "the power of combined effort knows no limitation."

Our fabulous Rotary Club meeting started off with PRESIDENT ELLIE at the helm.  This was our pre, pre car show meeting.  RUBY PECKFORD gave the Inspiration and a gift to ELLIE for her Ride for Polio – thank you RUBY!  Pledge and Song were performed by GARY HIRSCH on the keys and DAWNE BELL leading us in the both.  Our very own Rowdy Table member, CHARLIE MEAKER gave the guest introductions and we’re hopeful that former member, Rick Rupkey rejoins the club.  He has been visiting quite a bit these last couple of weeks.  Our Happy Birthday wishes went to VICKIE JACOBS, JIM MURPHY, BILL HARLOW and ROB LAMASTER.  Another trip around the sun!

 

Our newest member, DAWNE BELL, was introduced by LARRY ADAMSON.  DAWNE is the Director for the Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona.  Welcome DAWNE!

 

Another key sponsor of the car show, Bolchalk Frey Marketing, one of Tucson’s oldest and award winning ad agency, headed by ROBYN FREY, President, was introduced and recognized.  Thank you and let’s pass on some business their way…

 

Our announcement was given by SAA FONDA INSLEY, who needs chairs for the Pledge and Song Committee and also the Inspiration Meeting Moments.

 

The program was about our “Car Show – It’s A Ten” with our “STEVIE WONDER PICKERING” really doing a tremendous job.  JIM SUMWALT, (660) was our weekly ticket sales leader and of course JERRY HARRIS, 1,650 is our overall leader.  Last Friday night was the last night for on-line ticket sales.  CHUCK SAWYER announced that the lot across the street from the show can hold 500 cars.  Trash and Parking detail still need volunteers.  JIM MURPHY is the Communication Issues Chair – remember do not call 911 first if there is a medical issue.  We will have DR. WANG and a few other doctors on hand the day of the show.

 

Finally, our toast by PRESIDENT ELLIE was regarding the car show – “Our gift to our community” and some Johnny Nash lines from  the Toast to the Sun song.