Research and Programs Funded
Since our inception, MS Hope for a Cure has pledged / funded forty-three grants totaling nearly $3.7 million.
2008 Six grants awarded totaling $596,000
2009 Five grants awarded totaling $597,000
2010 Eight grants awarded totaling $740,500
2011 Seven grants awarded totaling $404,000
2012 Eight grants awarded totaling $557,000
2013 Nine grants awarded totaling $725,146
Research Funded 2008 – 2013
Fast Forward
Fast Forward Research Initiative
Dr. Tim Coetzee, Ph.D.
Years Funded: 2008, 2009, and 2010
Grants totaling $300,000 ($100,000 per year)
A wholly-owned subsidiary of the National MS Society, Fast Forward is leading a focused effort to speed the delivery of new treatments to people with MS. Fast Forward is targeting its funds to small biotechnology/pharmaceutical companies in the hope that they can overcome the obstacles and reduce some of the financial risk associated with bringing new drugs to market. Financial incentives are also provided to drug companies to encourage them to explore repurposing existing drugs to treat MS.
For additional information and updates click here or visit www.fastforward.org
Functional Genomic Database for MS Research
University of California, San Francisco, UCSF
David. H. Rowitch, M.D., Ph.D.
2009 grant of $82,475
The goal of this project is to identify the critical genes and proteins that enhance myelin repair. To that end, large data sets of factors have been created. Using biometrics, the use of computers to sort through vast amounts of information to find trends and groups of genes with similar qualities, we will help build a new capability in bioinformatics that will specifically foster the goal of myelin repair.
Click here for additional information and updates or visit keck.ucsf.edu/neurograd/faculty/rowitch.html
Neutralizing MAG, a Protein that Inhibits the Migration of Transplanted Repair Cells
Hunter College
Marie Filbin, Ph.D.
Years Funded: 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012
Grants totaling $300,000 ($75,000 per year)
This project focuses on MAG, a protein that plays a negative role in the progression of MS. The research team is seeking ways to neutralize MAG’s negative impact on the ability of transplanted Schwann cells (myelin making cells from the peripheral nervous system) to induce myelin repair.
Click here for additional information and updates or visit biology.hunter.cuny.edu/snrp
Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT)
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Dr. Ian Duncan, Ph.D.
2008 grant of $75,000
The primary goal of current research is to devise a strategy to repair focal, demyelinated plaques in the spinal cord of MS patients. In moving toward human trials we are using a non-human primate model, the marmoset. In order to proceed with the research it is necessary to be able to see the areas of damage and view the progress of the repairs. The generous grant we received from MS Hope for a Cure enabled us to purchase an Optical Coherence Tomograph The ocular coherence tomography (OCT) allows us to see the areas of damage and view the progress of the repairs. Eventually, it is hoped that this procedure will lead to the development of a neuroprotective drug to prevent axon loss.
Click here for additional information and updates or visit www.vetmed.wisc.edu/dms/duncan
Pilot Research Program
National MS Society, New York City – Southern New York Chapter
Shari Alpert, Vice President, Major Gifts
Years Funded: 2010 and 2011
Grants totaling $308,000 (2010=$220,000, 2011= $88,000)
The Society initiated the pilot research program in 1987 to provide a mechanism to encourage new, innovative research on multiple sclerosis. Pilot awards provide seed money to enable investigators to explore areas with the potential to contribute to our understanding of MS, but where insufficient data exists to support a full-scale grant application. The fiscal environment forced this program to be put on hold in June 2008. The MS Hope for a Cure 2010 grant, combined with others, allowed this vital program to resume.
Click here for additional information.
Remyelinating the Nervous System: Cells, Signs, and Signals
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Dr. Ian Duncan, Ph.D.
Years Funded: 2010 and 2011
Grants totaling $198,300 ($99,150 per year)
This research explores the cellular, imaging, and physiologic components of endogenous remyelination as a means of monitoring and promoting repair. The data resulting from this research will be important to MS at many levels and will have significance in the biology of demyelination and remyelination, the imaging of myelin changes and its repair, and the identification of potential therapeutic targets.
Click here for additional information or visit www.vetmed.wisc.edu/dms/duncan
Stem Cell Research—Collaborative MS Research Center
Dr. Thomas Lane, Lead Investigator
2012 grant of $250,000
Dr. Lane is leading a five year project seeking to define key “chemokine receptors” that allow for migration of immature myelin-making cells following transplantation into mice with established damage to myelin. Dr. Lane and colleagues have made substantial progress in the first three years of this research, including the identification of a potential new therapeutic target for protecting the body’s natural repair cells from dying and allowing myelin repair to occur; exploring new avenues for preventing stem cell transplants from being rejected; and following up on potential ways to enhance the repair capabilities of cell transplants.
Click here for additional information or visit http://www.nationalmssociety.org/research/research-we-fund/collab-research-centers/lane-team/index.aspx
Programs Funded 2008 – 2013
Columbia University Clinical Care MS Center –Personnel Support
Columbia University Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care Center
Mark Tullman, M.D.
Years Funded: 2008, 2009, and 2010
Grants totaling $175,000 (2008=$100,000, 2009=$50,000, 2010=$25,000)
These grants have funded key personnel at the Columbia University MS Clinical Care Center. While there have been major advances in MS knowledge over the past decade, there remains a dearth of fellowship-trained MS experts. Funds in 2010 provided critical salary support for a nurse practitioner and social worker at the Center. Funds in 2008 and 2009 provided partial funding for a Fellowship to train a neurologist specializing in MS and for a nurse practitioner trained in MS. Funding these highly skilled professionals will allow them to continue their excellent work for the MS Clinical Care Center and the MS community at large.
Click Here for additional information and updates or visit www.columbiamultiplesclerosis.org
Columbia University – Salary Support for MS Clinic in Washington Heights
Dr. Claire S. Riley, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Director of Columbia University Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care and Research Center, New York City
2013 grant of $25,000
The Columbia University MS Center is uniquely located in the northwest corner of Manhattan, Washington Heights. 73% of the residents of Washington Heights are Dominican and many are Spanish speaking only. The socioeconomic situation in Washington Heights leaves many residents struggling for medical coverage. This grant funds salary support that allows for a Spanish speaking specialist, along with a nurse to staff the clinic twice monthly, and reestablish subspecialist level MS care for these underserved individuals.
Click here for additional information or visit http://columbiamultiplesclerosis.org/
Comprehensive Care Personnel Support
Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for MS at Mt. Sinai Hospital, New York City
Dr. Fred Lublin, Director
Years Funded: 2012 and 2013
Grants totaling $246,000 (2012=$96,000, 2013=150,000)
The Goldsmith Dickinson Center provides a holistic approach to MS patients, including state-of-the-art programs in diagnostics, disease management, rehabilitation, and support services. This grant will provide partial funding for two nurse practitioners, who are mainstays of the clinical team.
Click here for additional information or visit www.mountsinai.org/mscenter
Direct Crisis Assistance Program
National MS Society, New York City – Southern New York Chapter
Shari Alpert, Vice President, Major Gifts
Years Funded: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Grants totaling $131,325 (2010=$34,019, 2011=$42,306, 2012=$20,000, 2013=$35,000)
The New York City – Southern New York Chapter’s Direct Crisis Assistance Program provides emergency, short-term support for people with MS and their families. The program consists of a number of different services, and is an important safety net for those people with MS who suddenly face a challenge or a need that they cannot meet alone. Through a special agreement with the Southern NY Chapter of NMSS, MS Hope pledged to raise a total of $100,000 through Walk MS in 2010 and 2011 to directly fund the Direct Assistance Program. The amount granted in those years represents $100,000 less funds directly raised by the MS Hope/Loving Lois/Got Wine? walk team.
Click Here for additional information or visit www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/nyn/programsandservices/financial-assistance-/index.aspx
Fellowship Education
Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for MS at Mt. Sinai Hospital, New York City
Dr. Fred Lublin, Director
Years Funded: 2012 and 2013
Grants totaling $90,000 (2012=$40,000, 2013=$50,000)
As MS care becomes more complex, especially with the addition of new, complicated therapies, the need for special training becomes critical. Although the salary for a neurology fellow has been provided, this grant provides funding for his continuing MS education outside the CGD Center. This includes tuition for the Master in Clinical Trials program that all CGD’s fellows participate in.
Click here for additional information or visit www.mountsinai.org/mscenter
Fellowship Salary Support
Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for MS at Mt. Sinai Hospital, New York
Dr. Fred Lublin, Director
2011 grant of $66,179
This grant provides salary support for Dr. Corey McGraw fellowship. Dr McGraw was selected as an MS Fellow at the CGD Center out of a large pool of candidates. He was chief resident at Albert Einstein Hospital and moved into the CGD Center seamlessly. As the senior MS fellow, this grant will ensure Dr. McGraw’s role serving the MS Clinic for MS patients who do not have private insurance.
Click here for additional information.
MS Care Center– Personnel Support
National MS Society, New York City – Southern New York Chapter
Shari Alpert, Vice President, Major Gifts
Years Funded: 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Grants totaling $274,518 (2008=$20,000, 2010=$63,214, 2011=$63,214, 2012=$63,214, 2013=$65,146)
This grant provides money to help fund the National MS Society’s Local MS Center Personnel Support program. Specifically, this grant will provide salary support for licensed social workers and clinical nurses at the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for MS at Mount Sinai Hospital, one of nine local Comprehensive MS Care Centers supported by the New York City – Southern New York Chapter of National MS Society.
Click here for additional information or visit www.mountsinai.org/mscenter
MSRCNY Social Work Support
The MS Research Center of NY
Dr. Saud Sadiq
Years Funded: 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Grants totaling $162,500 (2008=$75,000, 2010=$25,000, 2011=$25,000, 2012=$12,500 2013=$25,000)
This grant helps to underwrite the salary of a social worker to ensure patients continue receiving comprehensive care through the social work program. The Center’s mission is to help MS patients and their families with the concrete, therapeutic and educational services to enhance their physical and emotional well-being and quality of life, and offers a range of support groups for individuals with MS and their family members.
Click Here for additional information or visit www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/NYN/index.aspx
Psychiatric Support for MS Patients
Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for MS at Mt. Sinai Hospital, New York City
Dr. Fred Lublin, Director
Years Funded: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013
Grants totaling $570,675 (2008=$110,475, 2009=$110,475, 2010=$110,475, 2011=$89,250, 2012=$50,000, 2013=100,000)
These grants provide for an on-site psychiatrist at the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for MS at Mount Sinai Hospital to assist in the identification and management of MS patients with psychological and psychiatric disorders. The hope is that this model will be adapted by other MS centers that understand the importance of addressing the disease in its totality. This important service will be offered free of charge to all patients.
Click here for additional information and updates or visit www.mountsinai.org/mscenter
Scholarship Fund
The National MS Society, New Jersey Metro Chapter
Meryl Ravitz
Years Funded: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013
Grants totaling $125,000
(2008=$10,000, 2009=$15,000, 2010=$25,000, 2011=$25,000, 2012=$25,000, 2013=$25,000)
We are proud to support the National MS Society, New Jersey Metro Chapter’s Scholarship Program. This program provides college scholarships for students who either have MS themselves or have a parent with MS, allowing these promising students to realize their educational dreams. MS Hope grants are awarded to students who have MS themselves. The scholarship fund began in 1994 and through 2005, only granted $5,000 per year. In 2006, the chapter decided to begin direct fundraising for the scholarship program. Subsequently, from 2006 through 2012 the scholarship program successfully expanded, and the New Jersey Metro Chapter of NMSS has awarded $405,375 in scholarships to 388 deserving recipients.
Click Here for additional information or visit www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/NJM/index.aspx
Winter Exercise
National MS Society, New York City – Southern New York Chapter
Shari Alpert, Vice President, Major Gifts
2011 grant of $5,000
Exercise is essential to general health, well-being, and is especially helpful in managing many MS Symptoms. As the disease progresses and activity becomes more limited, there are still many suitable and enjoyable options available. The NYC-Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society does a wonderful job of providing exercise classes suitable for every level, even for those with limited mobility. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts the chapter was forced to cancel the winter session of their exercise program in 2011. To fill this void, MS Hope awarded a special grant to fund two of these classes.
Click here for additional information or visit www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/nyn/programsandservices/recreation-and-fitness/index.aspx