Connie Milstein’s parents, Seymour and Vivian, established the Seymour and Vivian Milstein Award (more commonly known as the Milstein Award) over 20 years ago. This year will mark the 22nd ceremony of its kind and will present an award for “scientific achievement in interferon and cykotine research.” Interferons and cykotines take part in all the body’s biological workings and can advance certain diseases like hepatitis, influenza, cancers, autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis and lupus. Interferons are so crucial that they have been referred to as “evolution’s first and perhaps most important invention for the survival of animals.” The reason research in this area is so vital is that  over 50% of all communicable diseases that affect humans are caused by viruses. Interferons should help one’s immune system “detect and thwart foreign invaders such as viruses,” which makes it all the more important that we “continue to probe the nature of interferon and other cykotines and [establish] how they are integral to a healthy immune system.” That is why the Milstein Award is so important to help the world find cures for such terribly, oft-fatal, diseases.