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by Catherine Menor
“I often tell patients that this disease is as emotionally difficult as it is physically difficult,” says Dr. Ladha. “Watching how this disease takes an emotional toll on the entire family unit is very difficult, and it is one of the main aspects of treating ALS that drives me to look for an effective treatment.” Ira says that Greg went from specialist to specialist looking for an explanation of his stroke-like symptoms. Finally, he consulted Dr. Ladha at Barrow and learned that he had ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Ira was so impressed by Dr. Ladha that he agreed to join the Board of Trustees of Barrow Neurological Foundation (BNF). And when Dr. Ladha shared his dream of establishing an ALS clinic, Ira immediately knew he had found a project he could support. “I’m good at making money, and I’m good at getting people to step up and write a check,” says Ira. “I told Dr. Ladha, ‘You tell me what you need, and I’ll go out and beat the bushes for you.’” With the Fultons’ gift, Barrow recruited Robert Bowser, PhD, an internationally recognized ALS research scientist formerly at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He heads up research at the ALS clinic. “What we’re trying to build is a world-class integrated research and care center for ALS and other neuromuscular diseases,” explains Dr. Ladha. “We want patients to be able to come here and get education, exceptional care and access to cutting-edge research activities.” Since that first gift, the Fultons have made another major gift: $1.675 million for a second da Vinci Surgical System at St. Joseph’s. Again, it was a physician—this time Ivor Benjamin, MD—who inspired Ira to make a gift. “Dr. Benjamin and Dr. Ladha are two no-nonsense, dedicated physicians,” says Ira. “St. Joseph’s has great doctors.” Asking others to give is Ira’s way of sharing the joy of philanthropy. “I say to people, ‘When’s the last time you saw a Brinks truck in a funeral procession? You can’t take it with you, and you can’t leave your money to your kids or you’ll wreck them. Why not give it away now while you can still enjoy the fruits of your labor?’ “I’m excited about what we can do here.” ■
“I couldn’t save my son’s life, but I can help other people with this disease, and that’s why I made this gift.” Ira Fulton
Gregory Wayne Fulton, 53, passed away Nov. 26, 2011, at his home in Chandler after a three-year battle with ALS. Greg was born July 7, 1958, in Phoenix and grew up in Tempe, where he worked for his father at Eaglesons and Fulton Homes. From his early years, Greg was an avid fisherman and loved sports. He is survived by his parents, Mary Lou and Ira Fulton; his son, Michael Fulton; his brother, Douglas S. Fulton; and his sister, Lorie A. Nicholls. Contributions in Greg’s memory may be made to the Gregory W. Fulton Memorial Fund at Barrow Neurological Foundation. Visit SupportBarrowALS.org for more information or call 602-406-3041.
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