2001

Lawrence D. Jacobs, M.D., a lifelong Buffalo resident and internationally acclaimed researcher in the field of multiple sclerosis, died suddenly November 2, 2001 after a brief illness. Dr. Jacobs was Chair of the Department of Neurology of the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and Director of The Jacobs Neurological Institute and the Baird Multiple Sclerosis Research Center at Kaleida Health Buffalo General Medical Center.

World-renowned for his successful breakthroughs in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), Dr. Jacobs was principal investigator for the National Institutes of Health sponsored clinical trial, which led to FDA approval of interferon beta-1a (Avonex®), the most widely prescribed drug for patients suffering from relapsing MS. Avonex® was the first treatment shown to slow the progression of disability in MS, thus offering a better quality of life to the over 350,000 individuals in North America who live with this form of the disease.

Dr. Jacobs was also an invited lecturer at medical institutions and professional meetings throughout the world and in the past two years hosted, in Buffalo, physician preceptors from 38 countries. He authored more than 200 publications on Neurology and was a member of the Editorial Boards of several journals. Dr. Jacobs served on the Board of the International Federation of Multiple Sclerosis Societies, was a founding member and former officer of the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Neurology Education and Research Foundation, and past President of the American Society of Neuroimaging.

Dr. Jacobs was a graduate of St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute and Niagara University. He earned his medical degree from St. Louis University and served his Residency at Mt. Sinai Hospital and School of Medicine in New York City. Upon completing his medical training, he returned to his hometown of Buffalo to become an Attending Physician at Millard Fillmore Hospital, where he was Chief of Research at The Dent Neurological Institute from 1985-1989.

In 1987, Dr. Jacobs became Chief of the William C. Baird Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, which is dedicated to understanding the etiology of MS, the development of better treatments for the disease and excellence in patient education, clinical programs and support services. Dr. Jacobs became Head of the Department of Neurology at Buffalo General Medical Center in 1989. In June 2000, The Jacobs Neurological Institute at Buffalo General was dedicated, in memory of Dr. Jacobs' parents, Genevieve and Louis, by their children and grandchildren.

He was a recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the Stockton Kimball Award, the highest peer-generated award of the State University of New York in recognition of his MS research and the international impact of his work. His many efforts on behalf of patients with MS have been recognized by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Western New York/Northwestern Pennsylvania Chapter, which has honored him with the Stephen B. Kelley Award and the Community Champion Award. In 1998, Dr. Jacobs became the first holder of the Irvin and Rosemary Smith Chair in Neurology in the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. The Chair was established through a $1.5 million endowment by Biogen, Inc., a leading international biotechnology company headquartered in Cambridge, Mass. which manufactures Avonex®, and with which Dr. Jacobs collaborated in MS research for more than 15 years.

In October 2000, Dr. Jacobs received the Alumni Merit Award from St. Louis University School of Medicine. During the past year, he also received the Achievement in Health Care Award and an Honorary Doctor of Science from D'Youville College as well as the Dean's Award from the College of Arts and Sciences at Niagara University.

He was a member of The Buffalo Club, Saturn Club, Country Club of Buffalo, Cherry Hill Club of Ridgeway, Ontario; and the University Club and the New York Athletic Club of New York. He was a member of St. Mark Roman Catholic Church.

Dr. Jacobs is survived by his wife Pamela Ryan and five children: Christopher L., Luke T., Lawrence D. M.D., Jessica H. Enstice (Matthew), and Elizabeth R.; and a granddaughter Molly Hogan Enstice; two brothers, Max W. (Helen) of Captiva Island, FL, and Jeremy M. (Margaret) of East Aurora, NY and two sisters, Michele (Paul) of Laguna Beach, CA and Jennifer L. of Phoenix, AZ.

Visitation will be Monday, November 5, 2001 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Amigone Funeral Home, 1132 Delaware Ave., Buffalo. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, November 6, 2001 from St. Joseph University Church, 3275 Main St., Buffalo. Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo. Flowers gratefully declined. The family welcomes your prayers during this difficult time.