Dolly Parton donated at a time when the number of cases in the United States of America was just over 200,000.
The coronavirus pandemic claimed the lives of millions around the world, creating an urgent need for vaccines to combat it. Researchers have been working ever since to develop an antidote for the fatal virus.
According to CNN, singer Dolly Parton donated $1 million to the coronavirus research at Vanderbilt University just a month after the outbreak of CoVID-19 was declared a pandemic. Her donation yielded results more than seven months after the generous deed.
In April, Dolly Parton donated $1 million to coronavirus research at Vanderbilt University. Her donation helped fund Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine, which this week became the second coronavirus vaccine with a stunningly high success rate. https://t.co/sLCBXTQ6cl
— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) November 17, 2020
Moderna's Covid-19 vaccine, developed using the donation, has become the second vaccine to have a great success rate. The initial data showed the vaccine is 94.5% effective against the virus. The preliminary data released states Parton among the list of sponsors. The legendary singer made the donation in honor of her friend and Vanderbilt professor of surgery, Dr. Naji Abumrad.
The singer's timely donation to the research showed how soon she recognized the severity of the pandemic. The number of people affected at the time was just over 200,000. She also urged her fans to donate to Vanderbilt Health's Covid-19 research fund. The fund has gathered more than $98,000 of its $250,000 goal.
Yes, Dolly Parton part-funded research which went towards the Moderna vaccine which has reported 94.5% effectiveness. pic.twitter.com/tdyFWRnvsz
— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) November 17, 2020
Commenting on her donation in April 2020, the singer stated, "What better time right now, we need this. I felt like this was the time for me to open my heart and my hand, and try to help," according to the University website.
Her donation was initially used for research relating to interim Covid-19 treatments.
“Dolly’s amazing generosity is a source of inspiration and will have a lasting impact on the battle against COVID-19," said Jeff Balser, MD, Ph.D., President, and CEO of VUMC and Dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in April 2020.
Finding out that Dolly Parton donated $1 million to the research that resulted in Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine, which has proven to be nearly 95 percent effective in early testing, is so entirely on-brand for this saint of a musical icon. One more reason I will always love her. pic.twitter.com/ly1Tagswyd
— Ed Masley (@EdMasley) November 17, 2020
He added, "She cares so much about helping others and we are very grateful for her ongoing support. These funds will help us complete promising research that can benefit millions in their battle with the virus.”
Other sponsors of the vaccine include the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases headed by Dr. Anthony Fauci, and Emory University.
Dr. Fauci stated that the distribution of the vaccine could begin early or late December. It will be prioritized for those belonging to the high-risk category such as senior citizens with underlying medical conditions and health care workers.
#CovidVaccine | Pfizer will make 50 million doses available this year (once approved) and Moderna, 20 million. Both are two-dose vaccines which means 25 million and 10 million people, respectively, can be vaccinated
— Hindustan Times (@htTweets) November 17, 2020
(by @HT_Ed) https://t.co/ha8pSlgVao
As per the current data, over 11.2 million cases of coronavirus have been reported in the United States. About 250,000 Americans were killed by the virus.
References:
https://edition.cnn.com/2020/11/17/entertainment/dolly-parton-covid-moderna-vaccine-trnd/index.html
https://www.vumc.org/coronavirus/latest-news/dolly-parton-makes-generous-gift-advance-covid-19-research-vanderbilt
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