The Rockford Illinois Chapter (RIC) of Partnership for Cures was founded by a group of Rockford philanthropists and business professionals who understand and support the critical need to drive better treatments and cures to patients right now! Our initiation was led by Jerry and Connie Paris, Bruce Hagshenas, Bob Bennett, Tom and Darlene Furst, Doug Prater, George and Judy Goldman, Drs. John and Sue DeGuide, and dozens of other Rockford humanitarians, RIC raises funds for patient impact medical research in a wide variety of catastrophic diseases.

We held an inaugural informational event at the Northern Illinois Extension Facility in Rockford to kick off a Campaign for Cures co-chaired by Rockfordians Al and Terry Provenzano and Joe and Sue Castrogiovanni, and supported by a campaign committee that includesJim and Julie Buchanan, Greg and Laurel Franchini, and Chet and Rita Epperson among others.