Jack McGovern Coats’ Disease Foundation
Our mission is to raise funds to support research, raise awareness, expand patient resources, and offer all Coats’ Disease patients hope and improvements as they wage a lifelong battle against Coats’ Disease and blindness.
Make a Difference Today!
Fund the Future: Research, Awareness, and Support of Coats' Patients
Make a Difference Today! Fund the Future: Research, Awareness, and Support of Coats' Patients
THANK YOU, DONORS!
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THANK YOU, DONORS! 〰️
THANK YOU, SPONSORS!
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THANK YOU, SPONSORS! 〰️
The Jack McGovern Coats’ Disease Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable Foundation that was established in 2006 by the parents of Jack McGovern as a promise to their son that they would never rest until there was a cure for Coats’ Disease.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Cure Coats’ 5K : June 21 - June 28, 2025
Cure Coats' 5K - NEW LOCATION!
The In-Person Cure Coats' 5K will be held in the GOLDEN GATE PARK, with the start/finish at the Meadow near Pioneer Log Cabin and Blue Heron Lake.
Virtual Cure Coats' 5K
The Virtual 5K will be held from June 21 - June 28, 2025. You choose your activity: run, walk, bike, golf - whatever you can do to reach the 5K distance!
19th Annual Golf Tournament: August 14, 2025
The 19th Annual Jack McGovern Coats' Disease Foundation Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025. Shotgun start will start promptly at 12:30 p.m.
Lunch, refreshments, and range balls will be provided again this year. Come be inspired by Coats' Disease patients and join us in our search for a cure!
Scientific Advisory Board
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Dr. Mary Elizabeth Hartnett, MD (Chair)
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Dr. Lejla Vajzovic, MD
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Dr. Michael Jumper, MD
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Dr. Sherri Van Everen, PharmD
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Dr. Thomas Lee, MD
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Dr. Franco Recchia, MD
FAQ
At the Jack McGovern Coats’ Disease Foundation, we are often contacted by anxious parents or patients who are seeking information after receiving a diagnosis of Coats’ Disease. The questions below are provided as a resource to assist you as you and your doctor decide the best approach for treatment. These questions do not constitute any form of medical advice or diagnosis. Each patient is unique. An experienced retinal specialist who has examined the patient is the best source of information for diagnosis and treatment. We always recommend getting a second opinion.
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Ahead of any treatments or procedures, it is important to ask yourself and the doctor the following questions:
How do you know that this is Coats’ Disease?
Has your doctor treated other patients with Coats’ Disease?
Have you sought a second opinion? If not, please consult our Doctor Directory for knowledgeable doctors in your area.
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What Stage of Coats’ Disease is he/she in?
Will his/her vision get worse over time?
Will the eye have pain?
Will his/her eye start to turn out? Is muscle corrective surgery an option?
Are cataracts likely?
How likely is glaucoma? (due to retinal detachment)
Is there calcification?
What is the anticipated disease progression?
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Is there a thorough vision exam available?
Where is the vision affected? (central/peripheral/distance)
Does he/she have depth perception? (3D visibility)
What about the non-Coats’ eye?
To what extent is his/her vision affected?
Will we be able to use this as a baseline to measure progress/decline?
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