San Francisco philanthropists receive the 2013 Catalyst Award

San Francisco–Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) bestowed its highest honor for 2013, The Catalyst Award, to San Francisco philanthropists Frank Stein and Paul S. May at the organization’s annual Catalyst for a Cure benefit gala at the historic Palace Hotel on Thursday night. The Catalyst Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in sustaining innovative glaucoma research and education.

Stein and May have been supporters of GRF from the organization’s beginning, having dedicated many efforts over the years to advancing glaucoma research, and education. Their philanthropic spirit has extended to the San Francisco community.

“Frank and Paul’s support is most heartfelt and demonstrates their extraordinary commitment to finding a cure for glaucoma,” said Tom Brunner, president and chief executive officer of GRF.

In 2008, Stein and May established rhe Frank Stein and Paul S. May Grants for Innovative Glaucoma Research to provide funding to underwrite GRF’s program for selected research scientists. Their commitment to the organization supports both current and future pioneer studies to broaden the understanding of glaucoma and move closer to the ultimate goal of finding a cure for glaucoma.

In addition to GRF, their philanthropy benefits many health organizations in San Francisco, including The Frank Stein and Paul S. May Center for Low Vision Rehabilitation at California Pacific Medical Center, The Paul May and Frank Stein Interventional Endoscopy Center at California Pacific Medical Center, and major support to Pancreatic Cancer Research at University of California, San Francisco.

Stein and May came to San Francisco following successful business careers in New York. They decided to leave their success behind and let their entrepreneurial spirit take over. Having started a business from scratch, Stein and May again found success in San Francisco.

“The reason why we give is because we have been very fortunate to have so much purely from hard work,” said Stein in a video announcing the Catalyst Award on Thursday night. “Today, we’re giving back for what we have accomplished and the luck we have had in business.”

While both Stein and May have glaucoma, they feel fortunate that they have not lost their vision. They are hopeful a cure will be found.

“Research is the key to the puzzle,” added May in the video. “One day, the answer will be found due to the GRF and their efforts for find a cure.”

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