The Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF) held its annual Crystal Ball Gala on Saturday, April 28, 2007, at the new Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, which it created to expand and accelerate its research mission. A capacity crowd of 200 guests sparkled at the foundation’s signature fundraising event, which raised more than $50,000. The gala is highlighted by an awards presentation to an outstanding individual who has advanced the mission of the foundation.

This year, the HBF’s prestigious Distinguished Scientist Award was presented to Francis V. Chisari, M.D., professor and head of the Division of Experimental Pathology in the Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA. He was honored in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to advancing the science and medicine of hepatitis B. His seminal work in the immunopathology of hepatitis B has been key to the understanding of this serious liver disease.

“The Hepatitis B Foundation is proud to recognize the accomplishments and commitment of Dr. Chisari whose work has changed the way science thinks about hepatitis. Those of us concerned about hepatitis B owe a great debt of gratitude to his work since he has been a part of every major advance in the understanding of the immunopathology of hepatitis B since the 1980s,” said Timothy M. Block, Ph.D., president of the Hepatitis B Foundation.

Hearing of Dr. Chisari’s remarkable contributions to hepatitis B research, the guests were moved to give a standing ovation. Upon accepting the award, Dr. Chisari charmed the audience with a personal story about how he changed his plan from wanting to be the next “Dr.Marcus Welby” to discovering a passion for biomedical research instead.Without a doubt, the hepatitis B community at large is very grateful for his change of heart!

“I am humbled and appreciative of being honored by the foundation and will return to my research with renewed energy to live up to this award,” Dr. Chisari said movingly. “The Hepatitis B Foundation is making a big impact in the world, and now I understand that its success is due to the strong community of friends and supporters who are here tonight. Thank you for caring.”