The Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation (DBAF) is pleased to support the hard work and research efforts of Steven R. Ellis, Ph.D. at the University of Louisville. Dr. Steve Ellis’ professional and personal commitment to DBA is immeasurable and deeply appreciated. Not only is Steve our dedicated (and unpaid) Research Director, who is working tirelessly behind the scenes, he also writes the DBAF’s e-newsletter monthly Journal Club and his laboratory provides valuable research support services to the wider DBA Community. The DBAF is thrilled and humbled to award $20,000 to Dr. Ellis to continue to provide experimental services to clinicians and scientists worldwide who are in need of his laboratory’s expertise in studying different aspects of ribosome synthesis relevant to DBA.  Steve stated,

“I am extremely grateful for the support provided by the DBAF which allows me to continue to assist different groups in our efforts to understand the biological basis for DBA and how we can use this information to improve the quality of life of those affected by this disease.”

Jeffrey Lipton, M.D., Ph.D. is the Director of the Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation at Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York, a Professor of Pediatric and Molecular Medicine, Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine and a longtime DBA clinician, researcher and expert in the field.  Dr. Lipton commented, “Steve Ellis was the first non-hematologist “ribosome scientist” to engage the DBA world. This engagement marked the beginning of the ribosomopathy era in DBA. To that end, Steve has been indispensable to the work of the DBAR as we unravel the biology of DBA. In addition, Steve’s scientific acumen has made him an essential member of our team. In particular, Steve and I have written a number of review articles and through that process we have explored the state of DBA knowledge as it exists and from that we have been able to frame the questions that have formed the basis for our ongoing scientific exploration. Dr. Ellis is the consummate scientist and an educator and is a singular joy to work with. He is our rare treasure!”

The DBAF is grateful to Dr. Steve Ellis for the integral roles he plays in researching DBA and in the lives of all DBA patients and their families. Thank you, Steve!