North Suburban Medical Research, Junior Board (NSMRJB)

Founded in 1996, the NSMRJB currently has 30 board members consisting primarily of young mothers living in the northern suburbs, who are dedicated to raising money for pediatric medical research.

To date, the NSMRJB has helped Children's Memorial Foundation raise nearly $800,000 for pediatric research at Children's Memorial. Every two years the NSMRJB chooses among the latest research projects of investigators at Children's Memorial Research Center, and decides on a project to fund through a two-year pledge. The NSMRJB's current commitment of $150,000 will assist Jacek Topczewski, PhD, in his zebrafish research which will aid in the understanding of why birth defects occur and William Tse, MD, PhD, in his research which is uncovering the potential of stem cell therapy in regenerating healthy tissues that have been damaged by disease.

The NSMRJB has hosted many well-attended social and educational events, both in the northern suburbs and in Chicago. These events range from fundraising and silent auctions to children's concerts to retail store grand openings. The organization's 2004 events included: the 9th Annual Ravinia Kids' Concert and Picnic, and the 9th Annual Harvest Moon Dinner & Silent Auction at the Crate & Barrel Headquarters.