Health

 The Chronic Fatigue Initiative (CFI)—our foundation's first undertaking—has mounted the first scientifically-rigorous and statistically-significant, wide-scale research into the underlying infectious, immunological and toxicological causes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).  Previously, it had attracted little to no resources for basic research.  Orphaned by the traditional medical school/hospital/pharmaceutical research community it presented a unique opportunity for intensive focus from HFF.  We believe we have lit the path and created essential tools for researchers to follow the science.

After thorough review, we concluded that the fastest, most cost-effective approach was to build our own de novo medical research initiative.  CFI recruited over 400 patients to populate the largest and most varied database of biological and statistical information for investigation of viral, immunological and bacterial causes ever created.

Using the samples and data created from this de novo initiative, research conducted by CFI-funded investigators has discovered an immune system "signature" in both the blood (I1-17) and spinal fluid of CFS patients which proves that the illness has a biological basis.  In Cerebrospinal Fluid, almost half of the 50+ immune factors tested were significantly different in the CFS patients relative to the healthy controls.  These findings gave the scientific backing to lead a 15-member panel of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to conclude CFS is a physical illness, not a psychological disorder.  CFI's work has also served to redefine the diagnosis of CFS to reflect the prevalence and the severity of three symptoms: pain, impaired memory, and post-exercise malaise. 

CFI's researchers have recently made discoveries about: a) disease-causing mitochondrial DNA mutations being absent in CFS patients and b) the chemistry of energy production inside the mitochondria.  Research continues on Immune markers in patients with allergies; cytokine differences in cerebrospinal fluid and; chemokine dysregulation in patients with “brain fog”.  Additionally, our continued funding supports an epigenetic study, a Microbiome study and longitudinal Immuno-phenotyping.   We are excited about preliminary findings.

As a result, the diagnosis of CFS can now be based on clinical criteria and there is hope for both diagnostic tests and therapies. As the causes of the illness are deccrypted, our goal is to disseminate our findings broadly in order to equip the broader research community to work on the mechanism of the disease, as well as its treatment and prevention.

The Hutchins Family partnered with the New York-Presbyterian Hospital (NYPH) in the creation of Chronic Fatigue Initiative. NYPH is one of the nation's largest and most comprehensive hospitals and a leading provider of inpatient, ambulatory and preventive care in all areas of medicine. It is consistently named by the U.S. News & World Report to its honor roll, rated among the top 10 of more than 5,000 hospitals in the United States and named #1 among all hospitals in the New York metropolitan area.

Affiliated with two world-renowned medical schools—Weill Cornell Medical College and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons—NYPH is committed to excellence in patient care, research, education and community service.

The HFF supports NYPH because of its commitment to providing high-quality healthcare to people in need who live in communities all across the New York metropolitan area. We also selected NYPH as a partner in CFI because of its world-class research capabilities and clinical track record.

Mr. Hutchins serves on the Executive Committee of the board of NYPH.

For more than 125 years, Gladney has been a pioneer and leading voice for improving the lives of children, adoptive families and birth parents. Offering both domestic and international adoption programs, Gladney provides a full range of services and support, which includes both customized care for the adoptive families and birth parents through every step of the adoption process, as well as life-long support during all phases of the adoption journey. In so doing, Gladney has established itself as a premiere adoption organization in the United States and the world.

The HFF financed the purchase and renovation of the Gladney Guest House, which provides shelter for up to six expectant mothers who are parenting other children or otherwise benefit from off-campus housing.