One of the founding objectives of the Hovde Foundation is funding research towards the cure for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This debilitating disease currently affects well over 400,000 Americans and [conservatively estimated] 2.5 million people worldwide. In 1991, Eric Hovde was diagnosed with the disease, which shortly thereafter propelled him to join the fight against MS. Over the past 16 years, Eric Hovde has not only given financial resources to fighting MS, but has also served in leadership positions on the board of directors of several MS-related organizations, such as the National MS Society, MS International Federation, and The Myelin Project. In partnership with the National MS Society, Eric was instrumental in launching Fast Forward LLC, an innovative initiative by the Society to speed up treatment availability to those suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.
*Highlight on Fast Forward [Eric Hovde brings investment thinking to the MS research effort]
Through the foundation and personal contributions, Eric & Steve Hovde have supported Multiple Sclerosis research efforts totaling more than $2 million since 1995 and will keep giving until a cure is found.
What is MS?
Multiple sclerosis (or MS) is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.
What Causes MS?
While the cause of MS is still not known, scientists believe that a combination of several factors may be involved. Studies are ongoing in the areas of immunology (the science of the body’s immune system), epidemiology (that looks at patterns of disease in the population), and genetics in an effort to answer this important question. Understanding what causes MS will be an important step toward finding more effective ways to treat it and—ultimately—cure it, or even prevent it from occurring in the first place.
Symptoms
In multiple sclerosis, damage to the myelin in the central nervous system, and to the nerve fibers themselves, interferes with the transmission of nerve signals between the brain and spinal cord and other parts of the body. This disruption of nerve signals produces the primary symptoms of MS, which vary depending on where the damage has occurred. Over the course of the disease, some symptoms will come and go, while others may be more lasting. Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS are unpredictable and vary from one person to another.
Treatment
Although there is still no cure for MS, effective strategies are available to modify the disease course, treat exacerbations (also called attacks, relapses, or flare-ups), manage symptoms, improve function and safety, and provide emotional support. In combination, these treatments enhance the quality of life for people living with MS.
[Source: National MS Society]