Our Crowdfunding Groups
Hi, my name is Melinda and I have Multiple Sclerosis (MS). I am also an Ambassador for the Johns Hopkins Multiple Sclerosis Precision Medicine Center of Excellence and for many years we have proudly supported Adult MS research at Hopkins. An MS diagnosis is something no one wants to hear, considering there is NO cure.
NOW, children and young adults need our support! Sadly, we are seeing an increased prevalence of Pediatric onset MS (POMS). This vulnerable population accounts for about 5% of all MS cases, which means currently about 10,000 children in the US are living with an MS diagnosis. Children with MS have a higher relapse rate than adults and POMS results in irreversible disability on average 10 years earlier than adult-onset multiple sclerosis. Currently there are 23 FDA approved therapies for Adult MS patients, compared to only 2 available for children ages 10 years and up.
Early detection along with a clear diagnosis is absolutely imperative to ensure children and their families are given the best possible outcome. Pediatric Neurology strives hard to treat the “whole” patient while offering comfort, empathy and addressing every need for the patient and their family. This project is to fund Dr. Chen who was introduced in the video, and she is the inaugural Pediatric Neuroimmunology Fellow at Johns Hopkins. A fellowship costs $200,00 for the two-year term.
Children and young adults are our future and deserve the opportunity to live their best life! Your donation, large or small, will help fund this vital work and how amazing that YOU, the donor, will play such a significant role to the “Very First” of this project.
We are forever grateful!
To view entire video, please click here.
Mulligans Fore MS/Melinda Smith
