Unnamed donor gives record $33.8 million to MS research in B.C. with goal of saving lives | 24CA News

An unnamed, B.C.-based philanthropist has donated $33.8 million to advance analysis for a number of sclerosis (MS) in B.C.

The University of British Columbia says it is the most important identified donation for MS analysis and care worldwide and can assist fill the gaps in B.C. relating to growing capability and dealing on new therapies. 

It may also present sufferers within the province with alternatives to affix scientific trials that might have in any other case been onerous to come back by, the college says.

The dream is that it brings a remedy.– Heidi Scott lives with MS

B.C. resident Heidi Scott has been dwelling with MS since 2015. After eight years combating the possibly disabling illness of the mind and spinal twine, she says she’s left speechless by the kindness of a stranger.

“Somebody cares … I want to thank that person because it means a lot to those of us who have MS.”

What is MS?

In MS, the immune system assaults an space that covers nerve fibres and causes a disconnect between the mind and the remainder of the physique.

She stated it has left her utilizing immune-compromising therapies, however she has hope the tens of millions of {dollars} donated will assist to sooner or later take her off of these drugs.

“The dream is that it brings a cure. But in the meantime, it brings hope for cell-based therapies, which we don’t have access to in B.C.,” she stated.

Scott is not alone in that hope.

Megan Levings, a professor at UBC and an investigator on the B.C. Children’s Hospital Research Institute, says the funding won’t solely go towards potential new cell therapies for sufferers and analysis towards discovering a remedy however may also assist fund a brand new constructing to increase the work already being carried out.

“With this funding, we’ll finally be able to put the pieces of the puzzle together under one umbrella … giving access to brand new innovative therapies in a way that wasn’t possible before.”

Levings stated the donation may also go towards recruiting world-leading scientists to develop cell and gene therapies.

According to the UBC school of medication, Vancouver General Hospital and the UBC Hospital Foundation, Canada has one of many highest charges of MS on the planet, with greater than 4,000 folks newly recognized annually. 

When Scott was recognized at 42, she stated she did not know what was subsequent for her, however she says a donation of this magnitude provides her hope.

“Having the research in B.C. means that … B.C. patients with MS will have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials.”