I struggled with my own weight for many years
and was fortunate to have gastric lap-band surgery at the NYU
School of Medicine. In one year, I lost 100 pounds and
am healthier and happier than ever. With this new lease
on life, I have dedicated myself to supporting scientific efforts
that will prevent obesity on a wide-scale basis.
In 2005, through the J. Ira and Nicki Harris Foundation, we established the Harris Obesity Prevention Effort (HOPE) at NYU to focus on the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity using scientific efforts. It is my goal that no child should suffer the great burden of being overweight. This exciting and groundbreaking initiative at NYU is personally the most important project with which I am involved.
With an initial gift of $2.5 million from our family foundation, HOPE launched two innovative clinical and prevention research programs. We funded lap-band surgery for 100 teenagers; thereby supporting NYU surgeons' efforts to collect the important data needed to ultimately obtain FDA approval of this procedure in adolescents. HOPE's long-term goal is to ensure that no adolescent or adult ever reaches the point of needing surgery. This can only be accomplished through preventive efforts. To that end, HOPE has provided seed money for the development and initial testing of a family, school and community-based program for minority children living in poverty.
This initiative includes training for school staff and an after-school program for preschoolers and their families. Building on a successful family and school intervention to promote school achievement, HOPE is designed to be culturally sensitive to the needs of inner-city families, and is being developed in collaboration with parents, community stakeholders, teachers and other school personnel.
I would like to thank the many friends and colleagues who have joined us in supporting this cause. For those who are new to HOPE, I trust that you share my enthusiasm and once you have learned more about HOPE through this website that you will consider supporting our efforts to help prevent obesity in our nation’s youth.
Nicki and I are delighted by the prospect of having your support for this endeavor to bring hope to children of today and tomorrow.
Sincerely,