16
Contents “Orange You Happy to Erase MS” May Campaign / p. 2 MS Forum and Expo / p. 3 Photo Gallery: Erase MS Gala / p. 4-5, p. 12-13 Center Without Walls: Medical Center Updates / p. 6 Grey Matters and MS / p. 7 Health Tips & Resources / p. 10 From Our Supporters / p.14 Stem Cells from Skin / p. 15 (RACE continued on Page 15) Contact Us Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis, The Race to Erase MS 1801 Ave of the Stars, Suite 1400 Los Angeles, CA 90067 Phone: 310.440.4842 Fax: 310.471.4975 www.erasems.org Co-Chairs Nancy Davis and Tommy Hilfiger cele- brated the 16th Anniversary of the Race to Erase MS with a thrilling performance by the Eagles, Michelle Branch and David Osmond, with host Mario Lopez and special celebrity presenters Jewel, Blair Underwood, Teri Garr, and the cast of The Doctors. Mayor Villaraigosa gave a special honor to Nancy Davis and Tommy Hilfiger. The event, themed "Rock to Erase MS", took place on Friday, May 8th at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza and raised over two million dollars for multiple sclerosis research thanks to a most generous group of support- ers. Tommy Hilfiger Corporation, EMD Serono, Associated Television International, American Airlines, Lamborghini, and the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza all contributed to the tremendous funds raised to support MS research. A special thank you to the Brass Family Foundation and The Crazy Merchant, Inc. The amazing dancers from "Dancing with the Stars” led by Louis Van Amstel kicked off the evening and were followed by pop and country sensation Michelle Branch, a spectacular live performance by the legendary Eagles, and an emotional performance by David Osmond. The show was graciously produced by Associated Television International. Our event sponsors were truly instrumental in making the Race to Erase MS an electrifying evening. The extraordinary and breath- taking orange floral arrangements were generously donated by Marks Garden. Mindy Weiss, well known event designer, decorat- ed the ballroom in vibrant orange to reflect the theme of the Nancy Davis Foundation "Orange You Happy To Erase MS" campaign. We want to thank our sponsors Absolut, Fiji Water, Bodega Wine Bar, and Frederic Fekkai and MAC, who created the amazing hair and makeup for our celebrity presenters. Nancy O'Dell was our live auctioneer and did an amazing job in helping to raise much needed funds at the night's exciting live auc- tion. The high-energy auction featured a spectacular list of luxury Winter 2009 Eagles Live Performance Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis Nancy Davis, Tommy and Dee Hilfiger and Ken Rickel Michelle Branch We are dedicated to the treatment and ultimate cure of MS. Funding research is the core focus of the Foundation and all funds raised support our Center Without Walls program, a selected network of the nation's top MS research centers. This nationwide collaboration of physicians and scientists are on the cut- ting-edge of innovative research programs, working as a team on therapeutic approaches to eradicate MS. In addition to combating MS through research in a clinical environment, we hope to increase awareness by educating the public about this mystifying disease. “Rock to Erase MS” May 2009 Follow Us Search: Nancy Davis Foundation @RacetoEraseMS

Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis - Erase MS · Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis ... Neil Lane for ARACADE, Peace & Love Jewelry by ... Tommy Hilfiger, Tory

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Contents“Orange You Happy to EraseMS” May Campaign / p. 2

MS Forum and Expo / p. 3

Photo Gallery: Erase MS Gala /p. 4-5, p. 12-13

Center Without Walls: MedicalCenter Updates / p. 6

Grey Matters and MS / p. 7

Health Tips & Resources / p. 10

From Our Supporters / p.14

Stem Cells from Skin / p. 15

(RACE continued on Page 15)

Contact UsNancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis, The Race to Erase MS

1801 Ave of the Stars, Suite 1400Los Angeles, CA 90067

Phone: 310.440.4842Fax: 310.471.4975www.erasems.org

Co-Chairs Nancy Davisand Tommy Hilfiger cele-brated the 16thAnniversary of the Race

to Erase MS with a thrilling performance bythe Eagles, Michelle Branch and DavidOsmond, with host Mario Lopez and specialcelebrity presenters Jewel, Blair Underwood,Teri Garr, and the cast of The Doctors.Mayor Villaraigosa gave a special honor toNancy Davis and Tommy Hilfiger. Theevent, themed "Rock to Erase MS", tookplace on Friday, May 8th at the HyattRegency Century Plaza and raised over twomillion dollars for multiple sclerosis researchthanks to a most generous group of support-ers. Tommy Hilfiger Corporation, EMDSerono, Associated Television International,American Airlines, Lamborghini, and theHyatt Regency Century Plaza all contributedto the tremendous funds raised to supportMS research. A special thank you to theBrass Family Foundation and The CrazyMerchant, Inc.

The amazing dancers from "Dancing withthe Stars” led by Louis Van Amstel kickedoff the evening and were followed by popand country sensation Michelle Branch, a spectacular live performance by the legendary Eagles,and an emotional performance by David Osmond. The show was graciously produced byAssociated Television International.

Our event sponsors were truly instrumental in making the Race toErase MS an electrifying evening. The extraordinary and breath-taking orange floral arrangements were generously donated byMarks Garden. Mindy Weiss, well known event designer, decorat-ed the ballroom in vibrant orange to reflect the theme of the NancyDavis Foundation "Orange You Happy To Erase MS" campaign.We want to thank our sponsors Absolut, Fiji Water, Bodega WineBar, and Frederic Fekkai and MAC, who created the amazing hairand makeup for our celebrity presenters.

Nancy O'Dell was our live auctioneer and did an amazing job inhelping to raise much needed funds at the night's exciting live auc-tion. The high-energy auction featured a spectacular list of luxury

Winter 2009

Eagles Live Performance

Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis

Nancy Davis, Tommy and Dee Hilfiger and Ken Rickel

Michelle Branch

We are dedicated to the treatment and ultimate cure of MS. Funding research is the core focus of theFoundation and all funds raised support our Center Without Walls program, a selected network of thenation's top MS research centers. This nationwide collaboration of physicians and scientists are on the cut-ting-edge of innovative research programs, working as a team on therapeutic approaches to eradicate MS.In addition to combating MS through research in a clinical environment, we hope to increase awareness byeducating the public about this mystifying disease.

“Rock to Erase MS” May 2009

Follow Us

Search: Nancy Davis Foundation

@RacetoEraseMS

19881_EraseNewsWin09:19881_EraseNewsWin09.qxd 12/3/09 7:12 AM Page 1

“The amazingdoctors that are partof our CenterWithout Walls pro-gram have broughtus to the brink ofdiscovering thecause and a cure for

this disease. Our newsletter is an educa-tional forum to learn about the break-through discoveries these brilliantresearch scientists have accomplished thispast year. I truly believe we must contin-ue to push and fight to win this raceagainst multiple sclerosis.

With this belief in 2008 we began ourfirst MS month of May awareness cam-paign, Orange You Happy to Erase MS,utilizing the vibrant color of orangewhich we feel symbolizes health andhope. I am thrilled at the fabulousresponse we had this past May and thankyou to all of our participants that helpedus raise important funds for MS research.make sure to visit our online shop atwww.erasems.org and we look to all ofour supporters who will help make May2010 even more powerful in raisingawareness.

The Center Without Walls commit-ment as a team to find a cure for MS is aninspiration to all of us, and I am so grate-ful for their diligent work. It is remark-able how the face of MS has significantlychanged in the past seventeen years tohelp stop the progression of this disease.A cure is so much closer today than Icould have ever imagined . Thank you toeveryone for your generosity and contin-ued commitment to help us realize ourdream and find a cure for MS”

Message fromNancy DavisPresident and Founder

PAGE 2 2009

Join us during our Month of May Campaign! Thank You to Our 2009 Supporters

Alice + Olivia, Butterfly Dropout, Dermastore.com, EBOOST, Featherheads!,Flowers 4 MS, Lisa Hoffman Beauty, Cosmetic Industries Inc., Neil Lane for

ARACADE, Peace & Love Jewelry by Nancy Davis, The Sports Club, Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch, Zaza Collection

Buy your official shirt andbracelet today! Shop online atwww.erasems.org

Make sure to visit us fornew product during May 2010 and propel usone step closer to a curefor MS by shopping online!

For more information contact us at310-440-4842 or [email protected]

Want to help us raise money by participating as a donor?

Join us in our fight by selling product on behalf of the NancyDavis Foundation for MS during the month of May and propel us

one step closer to finding a cure.

Proceeds from the sale of your fabulous product will support ourCenter Without Walls program to ERASE MS.

Contact us at 310-440-4842 or visit our website atwww.erasems.org for more details.

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Annual Multiple Sclerosis ForumMay 9, 2009

Once a year the general public, MS patients, families,and friends are invited to attend the Nancy DavisFoundation annual MS Forum, an open discussion inwhich the distinguished doctors from the CenterWithout Walls program share advances in ground break-ing research. Event attendees have the unique opportu-nity to ask questions and to speak directly to top MSresearch scientists. This year the MS Forum featuredthe cast of “The Doctors”as presenters and a touch-ing musical performanceby David Osmond, son ofAlan Osmond. David'sown personal strugglewith multiple sclerosiswas very inspiring toeveryone who attendedthe event.

We would like to thank our sponsors EMD Serono,Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, Fiji Water, POMWonderful, and Clementine's for their invaluable dona-tions towards this very important educational opportuni-ty which is free and open to the public. If you wereunable to attend our forum but would like a copy of theforum on DVD, please contact (310) 440-4842.

Claudia Curry Hill, Dr. Adam Kaplan,Dr. Emmanuelle Waubant

David Osmond speaking about hisexperience with MS

2009 PAGE 3

Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Nancy Davis, PresidentTom ArnoldKatie Brass

Barbara DavisDana Davis

Steve Farber, Esq.Teri Garr

Marc GurvitzStephen Hauser, M.D.

Tommy HilfigerClaudia Curry Hill

Debbie and Jimmy LustigLynn PalmerKen Rickel

Tawny Sanders

THE CENTER WITHOUT WALLS SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD

Jack P. Antel, M.D.McGill University, Montreal, Canada, Dept. of

Neurology and Neurosurgery

George S. Eisenbarth, M.D., Ph.D.University of Colorado,Health Sciences Center

Brian Kotzin, M.D.University of Colorado,

Co-Head of Clinical Immunology

Gerald T. Nepom, MD PhD, DirectorBenaroya Research Institute

at Virginia Mason

THE CENTER WITHOUT WALLSRESEARCH CENTERS

Dennis N. Bourdette, M.D.Oregon Health Sciences University

Peter A. Calabresi, M.D.John Griffin, M.D.

Johns Hopkins Hospital

Stephen Hauser, M.D.University of California, San Francisco

Richard Rudick, M.D.The Mellen Center, Cleveland, Ohio

Stephen G. Waxman, M.D., Ph.D.Yale University School of Medicine

Howard Weiner, M.D.Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard

Leslie Weiner, M.D.University of Southern California

Emmanuelle Waubant, M.D.,CWW Medical Director

University of California, San Francisco

On September 12, 2009 we hosted a fab-ulous fundraiser with Pinkberry FrozenYogurt in the Westfield Century CityMall. For the entire day, 15% of eachpurchase was donated to the NancyDavis Foundation for MS.

We loved that all the Pinkberry employ-ees sported our Orange Tees for theevent! Thank you to everyone who cameout to support us – it was a huge success!

Pinkberry to Erase MS!September 26, 2009

Panelists and Presenters

Nancy Davis, Shemar Moore, Teri Garr, Marilyn Moore

Cast of “The Doctors” with Loni Anderson

Nancy Davis, KurtKnutsson, Matt Rosler

Nancy Davisand Cindy Locke

Forum and Panel

19881_EraseNewsWin09:19881_EraseNewsWin09.qxd 12/3/09 7:12 AM Page 3

PAGE 4 2009

photo gallery: Rock to Erase MS

Tommy Hilfiger, Mayor Villaraigosaand Nancy Davis

Ken Rickel, Nancy Davis Rickel,Isabella and Mariella Rickel

Dustin Hoffman and David Osmond

Eagles

Debbie and Jimmy LustigNan Forte, Nancy Davis and Steve Biale

Alex and ArdaYemenidjian

Courtney Mazza, Mario Lopez,Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush

Bill MacMillanand Nancy Davis

Tommy and Dee HilfigerDavid McKenzie, Nancy Davisand Laura McKenzie

Carly Weinstein, Shaleen Davidson, DavidHorowitz, Dan Davidson, Alison Butterfield

Melissa George andBarbara Davis

Angie Harmon, Ashley GroussmanDana Davis, Andrea Groussman

“The Doctors” Nancy Davis and Stephen Pal

Gelila and Wolfgang Puck andSabine Niederberghaus-Lesavoy

Keith and KirstenSarkisian

Kym Gold-Lubell and Guest withLamborghini

Tommy Hilfiger, Nancy Davis,and Rickey Minor

James Tupper and Anne Heche

Katie and AJ Brass

Nancy O’Dell, Nancy Davis,and Jewel

Jon Lovitz and Guest, Lynn Palmer, Tawny Sanders

Debra Eaton, Sherry Corday and Guests

Nancy Davis andLyndi Hirsch

19881_EraseNewsWin09:19881_EraseNewsWin09.qxd 12/3/09 7:13 AM Page 4

2009 PAGE 5

Richard Steinmetz, Caroline Hinsey, Lynn Palmer and Jimmy Lustig

Teri GarrAlex Davis and Nancy Davis

Anna Romano and Guests

Tama Klosek, Anne Heche, James Tupper and Katie Brass

Jerry Sanders and SusanMontgomery

Lisa Hoffman, Nancy Davis, and Dustin Hoffman

Jennifer Gardner andBrooke Lande

Brandon Davisand Nancy Davis

Nancy Davisand Jason Davis

Michael Utz, Kim Kemper and Sean Corcoran

Nancy Davis, Bill Perkins, Ken Rickel, Stephanie Perkins

Darrell and DebbiePattillo

Nia Vardalos inLamborghini

Paul and Lynn Palmer Pat and Dean SingletonBill Brinkerhoff, Juliette Brinkerhoff, Alexis MacMillan, Christina Brinkerhoff

Anne Shannon Cassidyand Nancy Davis

Kristin Cavallari Clare Driscoll, Erin Lampel, Lisa Fitzmaurice,Diana Meyer, Sandy Ageloff, Kim Mendoza

Carmel and Ryan Geise

Nancy Davis and Avril Lavigne

Kathy Hilton and Nancy Davis

Karen Denise, Nancy Davis and Rickey Minor

Jessica Jacobeand Adam Mattingly

19881_EraseNewsWin09:19881_EraseNewsWin09.qxd 12/3/09 7:13 AM Page 5

The Nancy Davis Center Without Walls (NDCWW) is currently made up of seven groups with complementary expertisein multiple sclerosis (MS) research. The NDCWW exchanges scientific information and collaborates at multiple levels.Several new and exciting scientific achievements in the past year have continued to fuel the NDCWW's commitment tofind a cure for MS. Scientific meetings provide an open forum for discussion and presentation of novel ideas and find-ings. Centers with specific expertise provide valuable support to others, with each having a unique background. This con-stant exchange process is nurturing an outstandingly rich research activity. The specific scientific accomplishments ofindividual centers are contained in the individual reports. The highlights are presented below and details to some of thesummaries can be found on our website at http://www.erasems.org/center-without-walls/.

PAGE 6 2009

Center Without Walls ProgramMultiple Sclerosis Research Update

function of macrophages and microglia.This opens up the possibility of findingnew therapies that will halt the inflamma-tory assault on the nervous system in MS.

4. Testing promising therapies inclinical trials: Our clinical program pro-vides care to a large number of patientswith MS and addresses complex medicalproblems, irrespective of their economicbackground.

HARVARD MEDICALSCHOOL:In the past year and throughout the next,we are:

1. Continuing to develop new bloodtests for multiple sclerosis: It is generallybelieved that MS is a disease in whichwhite blood cells go from the blood-stream into the brain and cause damage.A major goal of MS research is a bloodtest that could be used to measure theabnormal white blood cells and use thisblood test as a basis for therapy and mon-itoring. At the Harvard Center, we con-tinue to work on the development of newblood tests. In the past year, we haveidentified a serum marker for MS that canbe carried out on a few drops of frozenblood and a marker that may be able todistinguish relapsing-remitting from pro-gressive phases of the disease.

2. Continuing to advance MRIresearch: MRI has been a major advancein MS because it allows us to see the dis-ease process in patients and to follow thedisease progression and response to ther-apy: In the past year, we continued work-ing to develop new and sophisticatedways to measure the MS process by MRI

YALE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS PROGRAM: The goal of MS research at Yale is toadvance neurorehabilitation in MSthrough novel molecular and cellularapproaches that will provide neuroprotec-tion and neural repair, to preserve andrestore function in people with nervoussystem disorders. Our recent progressincludes:

1. Showing that bone marrow-derived stem cells support remyelination:Our group is attempting to demonstratethat bone marrow-derived stem cells,delivered intravenously, support remyeli-nation within injured spinal cord inrodent animal models and non-humanprimates. This study brings us closer tonovel stem cell-based therapies for MS.

2. Demonstrating that human bonemarrow-derived stem cells improve func-tional outcome in neurologic diseases:We have demonstrated that human bonemarrow-derived stem cells (hMSCs)improve functional outcome in strokemodels. We now plan studies on neuro-protection and repair by hMSCs andolfactory ensheathing cells in models ofMS. These studies will provide basis forhuman clinical studies.

3. Confirming that sodium channelsplay an important role in immune cells inMS: We are involved in delineating therole of sodium channels in immune cellsin MS. MS arises, in part, from immuneattack on myelin and neurons.Macrophages and microglia are two celltypes that participate in this attack. Wehave made novel findings that sodiumchannels are present in and regulate the

and are now studying what MS looks likeon 3 Tesla imaging which is more power-ful than 1.5 Tesla imaging. We continueto study changes in the gray matter of thebrain, which may be better linked to dis-ability.

3. Confirming the CLIMB naturalhistory study: One of our major goals isto find a cure for MS. In order to do this,we must learn how people with MS aredoing in the new era of treatment andMRI imaging. Towards this end we haveestablished a natural history study calledCLIMB (Comprehensive LongitudinalInvestigation of Multiple Sclerosis atBrigham and Women's Hospital) inwhich we obtain yearly neurologicexams, MRI scans, blood tests, cognitivetesting and quality of life assessments.

4. Investigating the role of neuralstem cells and neuroprotection in MS: Apopulation of cells exists in the centralnervous system of adults capable of selfrenewal and repair. They are neural stemcells and have the capability of becomingastrocytes, neurons, and myelin formingcells (oligodendrocytes). We are studyinghow these cells regenerate in the animalmodel of MS, called experiment allergicencephalomyelitis and studying com-pounds to induce them. We are alsostudying new compounds that can protectthe nerve cells from being damaged inthis animal model and may be applicableto the progressive forms of MS.

5. Investigating new MS drugs: OralAnti-CD3: One of our major goals is tofind oral therapies for MS. Our lead drugin this area is using a monoclonal anti-body that is usually given intravenously

highlights from the lab

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The susceptibility to develop MS appearsto be mediated by genetic and environ-mental risk factors, and their yet to bedetermined interactions. The exact natureof those risk factors, and how they medi-ate MS onset remain to be elucidated.Several recent reports suggest there havebeen an increased number of new MScases in various parts of the world. Thesefindings have refocused researchers'attention on changes that have occurredin the environment over the past 50 yearsand has prompted a renewed interest inthe possible role of vitamin D and sunexposure in MS processes. The recom-mended daily dose of vitamin D is 1000I.U. per day.

Vitamin D is an important vitamin thathelps maintaining not only normal bonehealth, but also appears to have a sub-stantial impact on the immune response.One gets vitamin D both through sunexposure and food. It has been shown thatdecreased sun exposure early in life isassociated with a modest increase in therisk to develop MS. In addition, patientswith MS are often found to have low vita-

2009 PAGE 7

min D levels in their blood, although it islikely that this is in part due to decreasedmobility resulting in lesser exposure tosunlight. Some preliminary data obtainedin part by some of the Nancy Davis cen-ters suggest that patients with low vita-min D levels may have a higher relapserate.

Finally, a small study has suggested thatgiving oral vitamin D may decrease MSactivity measured on brain MRI scans.This needs to be confirmed in a largerstudy. Because it is unclear whether vita-min D truly affects MS course, and alsobecause over dosing on vitamin D canhave serious health consequences, physi-cians often recommend measuring serumvitamin D levels before considering oralsupplementation. In addition, for somepeople with low vitamin D levels, oralsupplementation has to be done at a high-er regimen than standard over-the-count-er supplements and under medical super-vision. The proof that vitamin D trulyaffects MS course will be obtainedthrough careful design of a large clinicaltrial.

Vitamin D and Multiple SclerosisEmmanuelle Waubant, MD, PhD, UCSF

Gray Matters in Multiple SclerosisDennis Bourdette, MD, OHSU

The brain and spinal cord are made up oftwo parts - the white matter and the graymatter. The names come from the appear-ance of the sliced brain as observed post-mortem. The "white matter" part appearswhite because it contains such a highconcentration of myelin, a fatty sub-stance. The "gray matter" part also con-tains myelin, but in a much lower con-centration. Much of the gray matter con-sists of nerve cell bodies. For most ofrecorded history, multiple sclerosis (MS)has been classified as a disorder affectingwhite matter because areas of myelin lossare readily observed throughout the whitematter on inspection of the post-mortembrain from patients dying with MS. Also,MRI studies have shown conspicuouswhite spots scattered through the whitematter. But there has been a curious

conundrum in the MS field - the severityof the white matter disease, measuredwith MRI, doesn't correlate very stronglywith neurological disability or with mem-ory and cognitive loss, or fatigue. Whynot? This paradox may be at least partlyexplained by the recent observation thatthere is a lot of MS damage in the graymatter of the brain. Both in the cerebralcortex (the gray matter ribbon coveringthe outside of the brain), and the deepgray matter structures (the collection ofnerve cells deep within the brain), injuryto neurons and myelin are prominent.Unfortunately, lesions in the gray matterare not visible in living patients usingstandard MRI methods. Consequently,gray matter pathology was not well rec-ognized until recently. Several investiga-

that we found acts orally. We have nowtreated normal subjects and get strongimmune effects. This is an exciting resultand we plan to dose MS patients in thecoming year.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (UCSF):Understanding the genetic events leadingto MS is key to defining the basic under-lying etiology of this disease. However,despite intensive long-standing efforts bymany research groups across the globe,the knowledge of MS genetics remainsincomplete. We believe that the availabil-ity of more efficient tools in moleculargenetics together with a growing under-standing of the landscape structure of thehuman genome, provide us with a newexperimental paradigm for the decon-struction of this complex problem. Inlight of clinical and locus heterogeneityas well as modest individual gene effects,achieving adequate statistical power con-stitutes an important requisite to generateunequivocal results. Therefore, a largeand well-characterized dataset is funda-mental for the success of genetic studiesin MS. Our recent progress includes:

1. Collecting large numbers of sam-ples: To achieve our research objectives,we collect blood samples to extract genet-ic material from a large number of fami-lies with one or more affected individu-als. By analyzing their genetic makeup,we will be able to understand the rules ofMS inheritance, and consequently definethe basic etiology of MS, improve riskassessment, and influence therapeutics.

2. Completing the MS genetics map:The UCSF MS Genetics Group, a found-ing member of the International MSGenetics Consortium (IMSGC), hasbrought together leading scientific groupsworldwide to advance MS geneticsresearch and to share valuable resources.A genome-wide association study wascarried out and published in late 2007 bythe UCSF team in conjunction with theIMSGC. We identified the Interleukin-7Receptor (IL-7R), the Interelukin-2Receptor (IL-2R) and the LymphocyteFunction-Associated Antigen 3 (LFA3 -also known as CD58) as susceptibility

(GRAY continued on Page 15)(CWW continued on Page 8)

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genes for MS. 3. Relationships between genetics

and MRI measures: Using state of the artMRI imaging, we characterize the clini-cal expression of MS in a way that hasnever been possible before. As a firststep, we focused on the relationshipbetween the strongest susceptibility geneknown in MS (HLA-DRB1*1501) anddisease severity. We found that patientscarrying this gene had increased whitematter lesions visible on brain MRIscans, increased axonal injury, increasedbrain atrophy and increased cognitiveimpairment compared to patients who didnot carry that gene.

4. Testing promising therapies forMS: The group at UCSF is conductingthe first trial of neuroprotection in MS incollaboration with OHSU. Patients withearly MS who receive a drug that protectsnerve cells or placebo are monitored fortwo years with state of the art MRI todetermine drug efficacy.

5. Understanding pediatric MS: Thegroup at UCSF has identified differencein the spinal fluid and brain MRI scansobtained at the time the disease starts inpediatric patients that will result in earli-er diagnosis and care. Also these differ-ences inform us on underling diseasemechanisms at play in younger patients.

JOHNS HOPKINS MULTIPLESCLEROSIS PROGRAM:During the 2008-2009 year for the JohnsHopkins MS Center in the Nancy DavisCenter Without Walls we have continuedto enhance our understanding of themechanisms underlying damage to thenerve fibers themselves (called axons)and are developing strategies to measureaxon damage using non-invasive imagingmethods. These projects will lead to ther-apeutic interventions aimed at arrestingdisease progression in MS.

1. Understanding how nerves degen-erate: It is now well recognized that thereis both demyelination and damage tonerve fibers (axons) in MS. Axon damageappears to correlate better with perma-

nent disability in MS since loss of myelinonly slows nerve conduction and it poten-tially repairable, but axon loss (akin tocutting a wire) disrupts the signal perma-nently. Since axons in the brain andspinal cord nerves do not regenerate it iscritical to stop this process early. Thereare likely two mechanisms by whichaxons are damaged in MS, 1) as a resultof inflammatory cells that migrate to thenerve tissue and release toxins, and 2) asa result of chronic loss of myelin, whichnot only provides a protective coatingaround nerves, but also is a source ofactive growth support to the axon. Wehave established models of both theinflammatory and absent myelinprocessed in order to understand theunderlying cellular and molecular mech-anisms by which axon damage and lossoccur. We have mice with altered genessuch that they cannot produce a myelinprotein called MAG (myelin associatedglycoprotein). MAG is the innermost partof the myelin sheath around axons and isthe part that directly contacts the surfaceof axons. We discovered that the loss ofMAG in these mice results in a very slowbut progressive loss of axons in the spinalcords of these mice. This process appearsvery similar to what we think happens inthe progressive stages of MS. We showedthat by adding a soluble form of MAG(MAG-Fc) that we can protect axonsfrom toxin induced damage.

2. Visualizing axons and myelin withmagnetic resonance imaging: A secondmajor focus in our group has been todevelop non-invasive methods of imag-ing axons and myelin in order to betterquantify these processes in MS patientsand to have an objective outcome meas-ure in future clinical trial of drugs aimedat preventing axon damage (neuroprotec-tion) or for remyelination (neurorepair).A method called diffusion tensor imaging(DTI) has shown promise in allowing usto visualize the integrity of nerve fiberpathways and we have found that thisinformation better predicts damage thanconventional MRIs, which mostly meas-ure inflammation. Using the fiber track-ing software that we have developed, we

can simultaneously obtain informationabout myelin integrity using a secondtechnique called magnetization transferimaging (MTI). We showed that thesenew MRI techniques can reliably detectdamage to nerves in the spinal cord. Wealso found that spinal cord MRI abnor-malities can be localized to specific func-tional pathways in that carry informationrelated to sensation and power and thatour new MRI methods predict these func-tional changes much more reliably thanolder methods.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERNCALIFORNIA (USC):The team at the USC Center remainsengaged in the study of stem cells, pro-tective effect of pregnancy, vaccine treat-ment for MS, role of viruses in MS, andtheir ability to participate in brain repairand regeneration. In the past year andthroughout the next, we are:

1. Studying the ability of stem cellsto repair and regenerate: Our efforts inthis project involve new strategies to con-trol the development of stem cells intothe specialized brain cells needed torepair damage to myelin and promotehealthy brain function. We have success-fully transplanted stem cells into thebrains of mice with MS-like disease andshown that these cells remain alive forover two months. Our current strategiesare to enhance the function of these trans-planted cells so that they can facilitaterepair and recovery.

2. Evaluating protective effect ofpregnancy in MS: The study of pregnan-cy in MS also remains a primary focus ofUSC investigators, with a goal of under-standing the protective effect of pregnan-cy on MS, and what might be responsiblefor the increased risk for relapse thatoccurs after delivery. Recent data sug-gest an indirect neuroprotective functionin immune cells isolated from pregnancy,and that the balance in the immuneresponse is dramatically changed duringand after pregnancy.

3. Developing a vaccine for thetreatment of MS: We continue our effortsto develop a successful vaccine for the

PAGE 8 2009

(CWW continued from Page 7)

Center Without Walls Update Cont.

19881_EraseNewsWin09:19881_EraseNewsWin09.qxd 12/3/09 7:13 AM Page 8

study sets the stage for doing a larger trialto determine whether giving 60 mg ofRTL1000 once a month can be done safe-ly and whether it prevents new MSlesions from developing in the brain.

2. Researching how blocking a pro-tein in mitochondria protects nerve fibers:Mitochondria are the energy "factories"in cells. We believe that mitochondria inthe nerve fibers or axons in MS becomeinjured and that this leads to the loss ofaxons and permanent disability in MS.We discovered that inactivating a specificmitochondrial protein, called cyclophilinD, led to a dramatic protection of axons ina mouse model of MS. This novel find-ing points the way to a new approach totreating MS by blocking this protein witha drug. This year we showed that neuronsin which cyclophilin D is inactivated areprotected from injury caused by damag-ing increases in calcium. This supportsour idea that blocking cyclophilin D witha drug would be protective in MS.

3. Continuing to develop lipoic acidas a treatment for MS: We were the firstto demonstrate that the natural anti-oxi-dant, lipoic acid, was highly effective attreating the mouse model of MS and thefirst to begin testing lipoic acid in MSsubjects. This year we showed that giv-ing 1200 mg of lipoic acid orally to peo-ple with MS gave blood levels similar tothat of mice given a therapeutic dose oflipoic acid. We are now planning to testlipoic acid as a treatment for optic neuri-tis; if successful, this trial would suggestthat lipoic acid would be a good oraltreatment of relapses of MS and thereforean alternative to steroids.

4. Studying whether energy produc-tion in the brains of people with MS isimpaired: We believe that the mitochon-dria in the brain in MS do not producenormal amounts of ATP, the energy"packets" of all cells. If true, this mayexplain why nerve fibers die in MS andmay also explain fatigue in MS. Moreimportantly, it would indicate that treat-ing people with MS with drugs and natu-ral products that enhance mitochondrialfunction would be beneficial.

mation in the animal model of MS. Thisinformation will identify which of thechemokine receptors should be targetedfor novel treatments. The informationfrom these studies will also provide valu-able information needed to track inflam-mation in MS patients.

2. Immune cells residing in the brainprotect nerve cells: Pioneering work inDr. Bruce Trapp's laboratory has identi-fied transected axons in demyelinatedwhite matter lesions and transected neu-rites in cortical lesions in MS brains. Dr.Trapp's work has helped us to character-ize cortical lesions in multiple sclerosispatients. Dr. Trapp has developed thehypothesis that activated microglia, theresident immune cells of the central nerv-ous system, play an important neuropro-tective role in the CNS. Using animalmodels, Dr. Trapp and colleagues havesuccessfully shown that activatedmicroglia induces synaptic stripping andmay upregulate a neuroprotectiveresponse in the cerebral cortex. Using acombination of gene expression profilingand proteomic approaches, Dr. Trapp'slaboratory is identifying candidate mole-cules and pathways that play roles in thismicroglial activation and associated neu-roprotective response in the CNS.Identification of these molecules willultimately result in developing therapeu-tic targets to promote neuroprotectionand halt neurological disability in MSpatients.

OREGON HEALTH SCIENCEUNIVERSITY (OHSU):The highlights of 2008/09 are as follows:

1. Completing the first clinical trialof a genetically engineered protein totreat MS: This year we completed thefirst ever clinical trial of a new treatmentfor MS invented at OHSU. This treat-ment involves administering a bioengi-neered protein, called recombinant T cellligand (RTL) 1000, by intravenous injec-tion. RTC 1000 shifts the immune sys-tem from a "pro-inflammatory" to a regu-latory state and thereby may control MS.This initial study involved OHSU, Yaleand three other sites. Thirty people par-ticipated in this initial study and wedetermined that a dose of 60 mg could begiven intravenously safely. This initial

2009 PAGE 9

treatment of MS using heat shock pro-tein, myelin complexes. We will testthese complexes to see if they can treatanimal models of MS.

4. Determining the role of viruses inMS:The USC team is continuing to studyboth endogenous viruses (HERV) andviral infections such as Epstein-BarrVirus.

5. Clinical trials for promisingagents for MS: As with our partners inthe Nancy Davis Centers Without Wallscenters, we participate in programsaimed at a search for the cure of MS.This involves active study of diseasemechanisms and the conduct of clinicaltrials. Our own trial with cell based genetherapy is in collaboration with UCSF.Several studies, especially those involv-ing immune modulation, involve our col-leagues at Oregon, Harvard, ClevelandClinics, UCSF, and Hopkins. All the cen-ters are also involved in trying to identifythe risk factors that would indicate whomay develop serious virus infection as acomplication of Tysabri.

CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATION:Key issues in MS treatment include theunderlying mechanisms causing disease,and the related issue of how to repairdamaged brain tissue in MS patients. Tobetter pursue these two issues, werecruited Drs. Richard Ransohoff andBruce Trapp for expanded roles in theNDCWW. Dr. Ransohoff is an expert inthe role of a group of immune communi-cating molecules - chemokines - in biolo-gy and disease, and Dr. Trapp is an expertin myelin biology with a strong commit-ment to understanding the pathogenesisof neurodegenerative diseases.

1. Chemokines are important in theMS disease process: We believe thatchemokines may be important in the MSdisease process - both inflammationmediated tissue damage, and the repairprocess. Dr. Ransohoff and colleaguesare using sophisticated gene-targetedmice to determine which model systemwill permit the most powerful insightsinto the function of individualchemokines and receptors. It has becomeclear that certain chemokine receptors areessential to development of brain inflam-

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PAGE 10 2009

their children about MS convey a mes-sage of trust, confidence, and strength.When responding to questions or con-cerns, take into consideration yourchild's age and maturity level, and don'toverwhelm them with information theycannot understand. If you have morethan one child, it may be helpful to talkto them individually so that you can tai-lor your discussion to their level ofunderstanding. You may want to askthem how they would like to learn aboutMS -- reading a book alone or with you,watching a video, or going with you to adoctor's visit.

Excerpt. Source :http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/ms-tips-daily-living-9/children-family

Tips for Keeping Cool

It is the core temperature, the heat deep inthe body, that makes the difference innerve conduction. Just lowering the corebody temperature by one degree F canmake a huge difference to what you canor cannot do.

Tips for Keep Cool: 1) Wear cotton orsilk, rather than man-made fibers likepolyester. 2) Eat cool foods like cucum-bers 3) Drink chilled fluids. Nothingbeats iced water. 4) There are plenty ofcooling products on the market. Trythings with aloe, cucumber, menthol. 5)Cool showers. Start with warm water andgradually turn to cool. 6) Cool down afterexercise. 7) Make your own personalcooling system using thermal bags con-taining `blue ice' gel packs.

Cool water works better than air. So acold shower or a swim in tepid water is afaster way of getting your temperaturedown than sitting in an air-conditionedroom.

Excerpt from:http://www.msrc.co.uk/index.cfm?fuseac-tion=show&pageid=807

Multiple Sclerosis:Physical Therapy

The symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS)can affect your ability to move around.You may be experiencing tightness, pain,and weakness, especially in the musclesand joints. Physical therapy may help.Physical therapy cannot cure the primarysymptoms of MS (such as weakness,tremors, tingling, numbness, loss of bal-ance, vision impairment, paralysis, andbladder or bowel dysfunction), but thera-py can enable you to compensate for thechanges brought about by MS. These"compensatory treatments," as they'recalled, include learning about new move-ment techniques, strategies, and equip-ment. Physical therapy can also be veryhelpful at lessening and even stoppingsecondary symptoms of MS. A physicaltherapist can teach you exercises tostrengthen and loosen muscles. Many ofthese exercises can be performed athome. The goal of physical therapy is toimprove your independence and qualityof life by improving movement and func-tion and relieving pain.

http://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclero-sis/ms-tips-daily-living-9/physical-thera-py

MS: Opening Up to YourFamily

A chronic and unpredictable disease,such as multiple sclerosis, has significantimpact not only on you but also on yourloved ones. You are not the only one whosuffers. Your partner and children mustalso cope with the disease and thechanges it may bring. If you have little orno physical disability, your family lifemay not change at all. But, there may betimes when you will need to change yourfamily activities, choosing ones that areless physically demanding and time-con-suming. The most important thing to dois to communicate openly about youremotions and about issues related to MS.It is especially important for you toexplain to your loved ones how MSaffects you. Some symptoms of MS arenot apparent to others, and family mem-bers depend on you to tell them when aproblem occurs.

What Your Children May Be Feeling:Often children are worried about you andfear you will become disabled or will die.Frustration may arise when you areunable to keep up with them or to makecommitments the way other parents can.Some children may also feel ashamedand embarrassed to go out in public witha parent who requires assistance with acane or uses a wheelchair. The best wayto handle these concerns is to talk aboutthem. Ask your children questions aboutwhat they are thinking. Try to alleviatesome of their concerns.

Talking to Your Children About MS:Talking openly with your children aboutmultiple sclerosis helps relieve their anx-iety about your health. Children of allages are very intuitive and know whensomething is different or has changed.Talking with your child opens the lines ofcommunication and helps to reduce fearand stress. When parents are reluctant totalk to their children about the disease,kids misinterpret silence as an indicationthat the situation is so bad that it cannotbe discussed. Parents who can talk with

Stress and MS

There are three types of strategies thatcan help people cope more effectivelywith the chronic stress that accompaniesMS. Sometimes you can change some-thing in your circumstance to help youavoid stress. Environmental changes canreduce some obstacles in your physicalworld that contribute to stress. Changeyour work routine so that you tacklemore difficult tasks in the morning, whenyou have more energy. Move the laundryroom to the main floor to conserve someenergy. Find a healthcare provider youtrust. These are all examples of changesyou can make to your environment toeliminate and prevent stress.

Excerpt from: InforMS, Rocky MountainCenter, Spring 2009, Volume 25, Issue 2

ms health tips and resources

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2009 PAGE 11

Center Without Walls Collaborating Physicians

Dr. Jack Antel,Montreal Neurological Hospital

Dr. Rob BakshiBrigham & Women's Hospital

Dr. Guy Buckle, HarvardBrigham & Women's Hospital

Dr. Michael Carrithers,Yale University

Dr. Tanuia Chitnis, HarvardBrigham & Women’s Hospital

Dr. Jeffrey Cohen,Cleveland Clinic

Dr. Kathy Conant,Johns Hopkins

Dr. George Eisenbarth,University of Colorado,Health Sciences Center

Dr. Elizabeth Fisher,Cleveland Clinic

Dr. Bob Fox,Cleveland Clinic

Dr. Suzanne Gauthier, HarvardBrigham & Women’s Hospital

Dr. Wendy Gilmore,University of Southern California

Dr. Ari Green, University of California, San Francisco

Dr. Charles Guttman, HarvardBrigham & Women’s Hospital

Dr. Halina Hoffner,Oregon Health Sciences

Dr. Norman Kachuck,University of Southern California

Dr. Samia Khoury, Harvard Brigham & Women’s Hospital

Dr. Jeff Kocsis,Yale University

Dr. Brian Kotzin,Amgen

Dr. Brett Lund,University of Southern California

Dr. Gerald Nepom,Virgina Mason, SeattleDr. Jorge Oksenberg,

University of California, San FranciscoDr. Daniel Pelletier,

University of California, San FranciscoDr. Jana Preiningerova,

Yale UniversityDr. Richard Ransohoff,

Cleveland ClinicDr. Daniel Reich,Johns Hopkins

Dr. William Rooney,Oregon Health Sciences

Dr. Bruce Trapp,Cleveland Clinic

Dr. Arthur Vandenbark,Oregon Health Sciences

Dr. Arun Venkatesan,Johns Hopkins

Dr. Ruth Whitham,Oregon Health Sciences

Dr. Scott Zamvil,University of California, San Francisco

The Hero Awards honor everyday people who have gone outof their way to help others and their community. The 2009Awards honored such philanthropists and humanitarians asNancy Davis, Kathy Ireland, Dr. Todd Price, DorotheaLiguori, Jolanda and Jiovanna Jones, Zach Smothers, USMCLance Corporal Jeremy Lepsch, Madelyn Eaves, and Herothe German Shepard. This star-studded event was hosted byDean Cain and featured appearances by stars of film and tel-evision and included exciting musical performances.Produced by Associated Television International in associa-tion with USA Weekend with all of the event proceeds tobenefit Feed The Children. The award show aired onMyNetworkTV on July 7th, 2009.

The Century City Chamber ofCommerce hosted the 2009Women of Achievement (WOA)Annual Awards Luncheon at TheBeverly Hilton Hotel onWednesday, October 21, 2009.

The selected recipients were:Wallis Annenberg, TheAnnenberg Foundation; NancyDavis, Nancy Davis Foundationfor Multiple Sclerosis; ChristineDevine, FOX 11 News; MaryLeslie, Los Angeles BusinessCouncil; Lucinda Starrett,Latham & Watkins LLP andGillian Zucker, Auto ClubSpeedway.

Each year the Century City Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Council (WBC)recognizes women in the Century City Community whose professional dedication andcommitment to excellence are an inspiration to all. While the 2009 Women ofAchievement honorees professional careers range from law to philanthropy to entertain-ment, their personal lives have been dedicated to making their communities stronger,mentoring other women in their careers and raising funds and awareness for a multitudeof non-profit and charitable organizations.

“This year’s honorees are incredible women with talents in various industries. TheChamber is proud to honor such an inspiring group of business professionals who alsodedicate their time and hearts to philanthropies that matter to them,” said Susan Bursk,President and CEO of the Century City Chamber of Commerce.

2009 Women of AchievementCentury City Chamber of Commerce Awards Luncheon

Back row: (From L to R) Los Angeles City Controller Wendy Greuel,Honoree Mary Leslie, Honoree Lucinda Starrett, Keynote SpeakerDr. Susan Love, Leonard Aube, Honoree Nancy Davis, Honoree

Christine Devine, Honoree Gillian Zucker, The Transportation Deputyfor Assembly member Mike Feuer Ellen Isaacs

Front row: (From L to R) Women’s Business Council Co-Chair CindyGiordano-Taylor, Century City Chamber President Susan Bursk,

Women’s Business Council Co-Chair Erika Garcia-Lavyne

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Tommy and Dee Hilfiger, KymGold-Lubell and Guest

Nancy Davisand Anne Heche

Becky Hernriech, Guests, and Carolyn Powers

David Osmond

Bill MacMillian Family and GuestsMarilyn Moore andShemar Moore

Steven Cojocaru and Julie Araskog

Jeremy Piven

Bill and Stephanie Perkins,Brad and Lorie James

Amanda Bynes

Kirsten Sarkisian, Nancy Davis,and Keith Sarkisian

Matt MacEachernand Emma Sharratt

Kathryn and AlastairBelton

Brett Gurksy, John Vesely,Jordan Cohen

Caroline Finkelstein, Ernie and Stephanie Cockrell

Blair Underwood Jim MacMillan, Jason Siler,Yaara Elisha, Melissa Dillow

Louis Van Amstel with“Dancing with the Stars”

Lily Lee, Dr. Eric Fugier and Brenda Richie

Nancy Davis and Katie Brass

Margie Lopata, Nicole Whitmore, MaryEllen Mitchell, Dr. Don Cleveland

Maria and Bill Belland Guests

photo gallery, continued We Heart to Erase MS

PAGE 12 2009

Betsy Smith andElizabeth McKenzie

Gene Hill and Claudia Curry Hill

Angie Harmon andJason Seahorn

Alexandra Knight, Lori and Chuck Binder

Sabine Niederberghaus-Lesavoy, Clive Kennedy

Austin Fuentes and Guest

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Guests with Nick Chavez, Dana Davis, Lynn Palmer

Denise Dadorand Nancy Davis

Jessica Lowndes

Nicholas and CindyLocke

Mr. and Mrs. Byron Allen, Nancy O’Dell and Nancy Davis

Mark Heldand Nancy Davis

Nancy Davis and Jamie Falkowski

Kim Marshall and Guests Silvia Baker, Tracy Danzaand Beth Rakow

Mike Olskerand Lelsie Levecke

Larry and Kelly ThompsonGuest with Dee and Tommy Hilfiger, Ioan Gruffudd and Alice Evans

Loree Valle, Richard David, Suzanne Marx

Bill Maher and Guest

Ron Williams and GuestsRuss Gordon, Bryan Carter, Bill Newell

Debbie and Jeff Conti Bill and Giuliana Rancic

Mitch Glazer, Guest,and Kelly Lynch

Mandana Farman-Farmian and Guest

Michelle Branch and Jewel

2009 PAGE 13

Lea and Drew Lachey

Mandie and John Borreson

Daisy Fuentesand Nancy Davis

Howard Shermanand Sela Ward

Shawn King and Guest

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PAGE 14 2009

Cindy LockeOrange County, CA

Cindy was diagnosed with MS in 2007 andrecently became a supporter of our foun-dation, jumping in full force to help us find

a cure! Owner of Zaza Collections, she designed exclusiverhinestone t-shirts to be sold year round to benefit ourcause (see below). She is a wife and mother to three yearold Carina and is producing her first fundraising event tobenefit the Nancy Davis Foundation. SAVE THE DATE!

January 24, 2010 with Shane Sparks, Choreographer from“So You Think You Can Dance”at the Bren Center, IrvineOne hour dance lessons with masterchoreographer, entertainment, vendors,VIP reception party.

Ticket and Information 949-305-8970. Tickets will beavailable at all Ticketmaster outlets.

Debbie ContiJacksonville, Fl

Debbie, who has been married for nineyears and has three small children, wasdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis last

year. In 2009, she met Nancy Davis during the taping of aMS segment for the Emmy nominated show "The Doctors”and then attended the foundation’s Race to Erase MSevent and annual MS Forum. Debbie became an immedi-ate supporter of the foundation and is grateful to Nancy forhelping her through tough times by giving her strength andhope!

Debbie decided she would raise money in her hometownof Jacksonville for the Nancy Davis Foundation by pro-ducing her first fundraising event which took place onNovember 13, 2009. “Dance Your Orange Off” was a hugesuccess and we thank Debbie and your volunteers fortheir incredible enthusiasm and support!

Nicole WhitmoreSalem, MA

Over the last three years, Nicole hasraised over $10,000 for the Nancy DavisFoundation to find a cure for MS! This

year she attended our annual Race to Erase MS Gala. Onbehalf of everyone who is affected by this disease, we areso grateful for her energy and spirit in asking friends andfamily to make a donation each year in her honor. THANKYOU!

In 2010 Nicole is taking her fundraising one step furtherand holding her first event to raise money for our founda-tion! So if you live in her neck of the woods, SAVE THEDATE! For more information call 978.969.1893.

Saturday March 20, 2010Cocktails and Entertainment

Kernwood Country Club, Salem, MA

Thank you to our incredible supporters across the country who are raising money forthe Nancy Davis Foundation Center Without Walls program! With your generosity in our Race to Erase MS. With your support, we will find a cure!

Get Your "MS WARRIOR" T-SHIRT” at My One Stop Bling Shop!

Help us find a cure for MS! 100% of the proceedsfrom the sale of all of MS shirts will go to theNancy Davis Foundation for MS.

Featured rhinestone t-shirt can be per-sonalized for children or adults with yourwishes to your loved one with MS.

Examples:Erase MS for my Mother or MommyErase MS for my Father or DaddyErase MS for Cindy (place any name)

Back of the shirt features an Orange bow on the shoulderand the Nancy Davis Foundation for MS website. For moreinformation and to buy visit www.myonestopblingshop.com

Owner, Cindy Locke, lives with MS and is inspired byNancy Davis' and her work to to find a cure for MS in ourlifetime.

from our supporters

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2009 PAGE 15

items including a Lamborghini GallardoLP 560-4 Spyder, and a seven day islandadventure stay at Tommy Hilfiger's homein Mustique. Among the guests weresuch superstars as Dustin Hoffman, AvrilLavigne, Anne Heche, James Tupper,Jewel, Amanda Bynes, Angie Harmon,Jeremy Piven, and Bill Maher.

To all that made this night a success, wewant to thank you for your infinite gen-erosity and help in finding a cure forMultiple Sclerosis. We absolutely couldnot do it without you! Save the date May7, 2010 for our 17th Annual Race to EraseMS at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza!

(RACE continued from Page 1)

tors from Nancy Davis CWW sites havemade key contributions to the rapidlygrowing field of gray matter pathology inMS.

Even though gray matter lesions can't bedirectly visualized yet, it has been possi-ble to measure the overall amount of graymatter pathology by measuring gray mat-ter tissue loss using sophisticated MRIanalysis methods. Using these tech-niques, loss of gray matter tissue ("graymatter atrophy") has been shown to occurearly in MS, to continue throughout thecourse of MS, and to correlate with neu-rological disability and with neurocogni-tive deficits. Interestingly, gray matteratrophy correlates better with neurologi-cal disability than does white matter atro-phy. These new findings have led some tosuggest that MS should be reclassified asa disorder of gray matter! Gray matterinvolvement in MS is one of the hottestresearch topics in the entire field.Investigators are working feverishly todevelop new MRI techniques that willvisualize and quantify gray matterlesions, to understand the relationshipbetween gray matter and white matterpathology, to determine the precise rela-tionship between the clinical features ofMS and gray matter pathology, and todetermine the impact of MS disease mod-ifying drugs on gray matter pathology.Ultimately, treatments will be directed atpreventing or reversing damage in thegray matter.

(GRAY cont. from Page 7)

Thank you to Fit Flop who supported our annual MS Forum by donatinga pair of shoes to every attendee!

Biomechanically designed with a patent-pending microwobbleboardTMtechnology midsole, FitFlops increase leg muscle activity by approxi-mately 10-12% with each step. In addition, the rear of the sandal con-

tains the firm, high density section that absorbs up to 22% more shock, providing relieffor a myriad of ailments, improving circulation and perfecting posture. Even theAmerican Podiatric Association has given the FitFlop their stamp of approval. Researchhas been shown that fit flops have been beneficial to people with MS and statisticalstudies should be released in the next year.

Available from $49.99 at Macy's, Nordstrom, Bliss, Victoria’s Secret. For further storelistings visit: http://www.fitflop.com

In Loving Memory Paul Sharratt

Paul and Susie Sharratt

Neurodegenerative processes are believedto play a role in the progressive phase ofmultiple sclerosis, but until recently theunavailability of nerve cells from patientshas greatly slowed progress in under-standing why myelin producing cells andnerve cells are destroyed in MS.

Multiple sclerosis is best studied not inanimal models, but in human cells fromreal people with MS. Stem cells have formany years been considered a wonderfulpotential source of material for regenera-tive efforts. However, practical methodsto grow usable stem cells from adultsremained an elusive goal.

Very recently, however, researchersdemonstrated,that skin cells from adulthumans could be reprogrammed in testtubes to become so-called inducedpluripotent stem cells (iPSC). These stemcells can be turned into cells of numeroustissues, including nervous system cells. In

fact, nerve cells derived from iPSC haveeven been shown to faithfully reproducedisease pathology in amyotrophic lateralsclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) andspinal muscular atrophy (a childhood dis-ease resembling ALS). Remarkably, anytype of cell derived from iPSC is geneti-cally identical to and thus compatiblewith cells from the donor.

In people with multiple sclerosis, iPSC-derived CNS cells (including astrocytes,neurons and oligodendrocytes) are beingdeveloped through the support of theNancy Davis Foundation for MS. Notonly do these cells provide an importantbasis for a better understanding of multi-ple sclerosis, but they also carry real hopethat someday soon they could be usedrepair and ultimately heal MS scars.

For more information, visit the http://neu-rology.ucsf.edu/msc/team.htm.

Stem Cells from Your SkinDr. Stephen Hauser, UCSF

Paul will be greatly missed.He was a fantastic producerfrom Associated Television

International that so generously gave of

his time to our Race to Erase MS events.

Our hearts are with his family and friends.

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Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDGWS. CO

Permit No. 43

Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis1801 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1400Los Angeles, CA 90067Phone: 310-440-4842Fax: 310-471-4975 http://www.erasems.org

Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We do not endorse any company, product or organization referenced in this publication.

Address correction requested

2009 PAGE 16

2009 Major Sponsors Thank you for your generous support!

17th Race to Erase MS GalaFriday, May 7, 2010

Hyatt Regency Century PlazaFor more information please call 310-440-4842 orvisit www.erasems.org

MS Forum and ExpoSaturday, May 8th, 2010Hyatt Regency Century PlazaFree to the public. Open forum with our top MSresearch scientists speaking on the latest advance-ments in multiple sclerosis research.

TRIBUTE CARD PROGRAM

Pay tribute tofriends and familyfor special occa-sions and help uswin the RACE toErase MS!

We will send a cardwith your personalmessage to your

friends or family on your behalf. It is athoughtful gesture for a Birthday,Anniversary, Thank You, SpeedyRecovery or any occasion.

See the self mailer included in thisnewsletter or visit www.erasems.org.Gifts can also be made by calling ouroffice at (310) 440-4842.

Actual Card

SAVE THE DATE

ASSOCIATEDT E L E V I S I O N I N T E R N A T I O N A L

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