A year ago very few people knew who Dr. Anthony Fauci was. Within a matter of days, the diminutive Brooklyn-born AARP-er became one of the kingpins in the global war against COVID-19. There’s no doubt that not everyone agreed with the director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. His family was threatened, requiring security, and he rankled some of the top leaders in the nation.
But like a general facing incredible odds, he kept pushing his pronouncements based on the scientific research that was rapidly developing.
Luckily, his time in the spotlight didn’t dampen his sense of humor. For instance, when asked whom he would like to play him in a movie, he didn’t hesitate — “Brad Pitt.” The following weekend Brad himself portrayed Tony in a “Saturday Night Live” skit.
Despite the non-stop demands of the national and international media for interviews, the Retina Foundation of the Southwest in partnership with the Dallas Regional Chamber, has arranged to have Fauci participate in “Up Close And Personal with Dr. Anthony S. Fauci: A Fireside Chat to Discuss Science, Collaboration and All Things COVID” on Thursday, June 3.
Joining the chief medical advisor to the president in this virtual conversation about “his distinguished professional history that led him to become the ubiquitous leader on COVID-19” will be Retina Foundation Chief Executive and Medical Officer/Director of the Clinical Center of Innovation for Age-Related Macular Degeneration Dr. Karl Csaky and the Crystal Charity Ball Pediatric Vision Laboratory Director Dr. Eileen Birch.
According to Karl, “We at the Retina Foundation are honored to have Dr. Anthony Fauci as our guest for this fireside chat. We look forward to what will be a unique conversation with one of the most influential figures in American life and hope you can join us.”
Co-chaired by Sandy and Dr. David Callanan and Dr. Rand Spencer with Honorary Chair Bobby B. Lyle, the event currently has eight sponsorship levels available with various benefits, along with individual tickets.
Funds raised through the event will “support the Retina Foundation’s research and treatment of eye diseases, where 81 cents of every dollar donated goes directly into research and treatment for pediatric eye conditions, inherited eye diseases, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).”
* Photo courtesy of Retina Foundation of the Southwest