Uniting for a Cure: Richard and Kim Stamper Support UGA’s Precision One Health Initiative

Richard and Kim Stamper love dogs and the Dawgs. Pet parents to Golden Retrievers named for two Atlanta Braves icons – Hank Aaron and Chipper Jones – they are both graduates of the Terry College of Business, fans of Bulldog athletics, and avid benefactors across the University of Georgia. 

Recently, they’ve found common ground with researchers in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Richard Stamper’s battle with melanoma introduced the couple to Georgia-based cancer research initiatives. Richard participated in a successful immunotherapy trial at Emory University, and the pair are establishing an endowed fund to support UGA’s Precision One Health Initiative. 

 The program appeals in part because of the focus on personalized cancer therapies, and because it unites various departments and colleges in pursuit of a common goal. “Historically, talented research groups tend to work in silos, and they may not communicate or talk to one another. If they find ways to collaborate, it can make a big difference,” Richard said. 

 Precision One Health is not only exploring the roles that genetics, the environment, and lifestyle have on disease prevention and treatment, it is also testing the ways that a range of disciplines such as engineering, public health, and journalism can work together to elevate health care. 

The program’s impact on patients and students inspires Kim as a donor and alumna getting reacquainted with the innovative research happening at UGA.  “It’s very exciting. I wish I could go back as a student, because the opportunities are so great.” 

Precision One Health is committed to studying the intricate connections among genetics, the environment, and lifestyle factors and their effects on disease prevention and treatment. Our interdisciplinary team consists of members from several colleges, schools, centers, and laboratories, representing a wide range of disciplines such as Veterinary Medicine, Public Health, Pharmacy, Engineering, Arts and Sciences, Law, Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources, Journalism and Mass Communication. For more, visit vet.uga.edu/research/research-centers/precision-one-health/

To make your impact and support UGA’s Precision One Health Initiative: ugavetmed.com/SupportPrecisionOneHealth

going beyond the expected