Our Crowdfunding Groups
Forty years later, we know a LOT!
We also know to make the most of the good days.
Our hope is that this study leads to
more good days for everyone with MS.
Please join us in supporting CASA-MS.
Patty and John Picco
Why we support this cause.
Just before Thanksgiving in 2001, I lost my stride while running and began to trip over my own feet. Alarmed, at the urging of my very concerned mother, I went to the local walk-in clinic where the doctor on duty, with true empathy, handed down a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis.
We had no information about MS. In fact, as an avid gardener, I considered Lyme disease to be the more likely cause of these neurological symptoms that continued to come and go, ''remit and relapse.”
We have learned much about MS over the past 21 years and about its progressive debilitating nature. The most disheartening fact is that the cause and cure continue to evade medical science, leaving millions worldwide suffering. Sadly, MS waits for no one. It affects each person differently and deprives so many of us in the MS community the opportunity to pursue our dreams and aspirations.
There are now many disease modifying drugs to manage the ''relapsing remitting'' phase of the disease but none for the more serious and debilitating progressive forms. Current research has not yet provided any treatments that benefit this population of MSers. Unfortunately, most will ultimately find themselves in an awful place of uncertainty, often facing bleak outcomes.
As a ray of hope, the Buffalo Neuroimaging Analysis Center at the University of Buffalo under the direction of Dr. Zivadinov has assembled an outstanding team of researchers. They have embarked on a first-time clinical trial of patients with advanced disease. The participants in the Comprehensive Assessment of Severely Affected MultipleSclerosis (CASA-MS) are residents of the Boston Home in Boston, MA. The Annette Funicello Research Fund for Neurological Diseases has pledged to match dollar for dollar up to $100,000 to CASA-MS. It is the largest matching grant in the foundation's history.
From my perspective as a founding member of the Advisory Council, I have personally witnessed Dr. Zivadinov's commitment and dedication to ''patient- centered'' research. My husband John and I are excited to fundraise for this valuable endeavor. We believe the Casa-MS project will one day make a difference in the lives of people suffering with MS and specifically, the more progressive forms of the disease.
We have committed to raise as much money as possible to support the CASA-MS effort and we are grateful to Annette’s Fund for the incentive they are providing to raise $100,000 by year end.
We know we can succeed with determination and the generosity of so many caring supporters and hope that you will join us in our mission by donating now from this page.
Each of ANNETTE’S 100 has set a goal to give or raise $1,000 or more to CASA-MS progressive MS research. Your gift will help them reach their goal and will be matched by Annette’s Fund. LET US KNOW IF YOU’D LIKE TO BE ONE OF ANNETTE’S 100, TOO!
