The Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation (CMMRF) is an amazing charity in Cryptic Masonry. The CMMRF helps advance the research into Atherosclerosis and Vascular Biology. The primary recipient of the donations is the Indiana Center Vascular Biology and Medicine (ICVBM) located at the Indiana University School of Medicine and the Richard Roudebush Veteran's Administration Medical Center in Indianapolis, IN.
The CMMRF was started under the governance of Ben Mandelbaum, Most Puissant General Grand Master of the General Grand Council, Cryptic Masons International. It was incorporated in the state of Oklahoma on March 6, 1986. The CMMRF is run by a Board of Trustees along with a President and Executive Secretary. The General Grand Master serves as the President during his triennial. You can see the timeline of the CMMRF here: https://cmmrf.org/cmmrf-timeline/
Initially, the CMMRF focused on the cause and a cure for atherosclerosis and its complications. They started to incorporate adult stem cell therapies. Currently doing research into strokes, Osteoarthritis, Pancreatitis, Acute Kidney Injury, Diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Congestive Heart Failure, Juvenile Diabetes, Peripheral Artery Disease, and lingering wounds. One of the most notable patents that have come from this research is the "Closer". The vascular Closer is a device that is used over 500,000 times a year with surgeries on arteries. There are research videos available for download on the CMMRF website.
Each year CMMRF continues to grow in financial assets. As of December 31, 2017, the CMMRF has received $5,698,149.04 in contributions. CMMRF has $3,788,565.90 in financial assets. CMMRF has given the Indiana University School of Medicine $4,589,464.86. Cryptic Masons have given Grants equaling $4,685,464.86 from 1978 to the present time. Income from investments helps to fund these grants.
In recognition for contributing, the CMMRF gives lapel pins for donations of $50, $100, $150, $300, $500, and $750. Certificates are also issued for donations of $25, $50, $100, $500, and $100 as well as for Cryptic Councils who have 100% participation. A plaque is also issued for donations of $1,000. After the first $1,000 donation, an individual will receive a gold-filled Nine Arch pin with a diamond chip for each additional $1,000. To celebrate the chartering of the CMMRF, the Board of Trustees declares March 6th, as CMMRF DAY each year, calling on all Cryptic Masons to donate nine dollars ($9) as a tribute to this philanthropy and its great works.