UCI Giving Day 2023

If you missed the opportunity to participate in Giving Day, it’s not too late to support Neurology! You may make a gift anytime using our general online giving form: https://secure.give.uci.edu/?s=neurology

There is an impending health crisis of epic proportions in the United States. Funding for research is needed today.

Neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, MS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s are anticipated to become one of the most significant burdens to our country’s healthcare systems and economy at large in the coming decades. As of last year, there were more than seven million people affected with a neurodegenerative disease in the United States. With the aging of our population, current estimates predict that more than 20 million Americans will suffer from a neurodegenerative disease by 2050. 

Neurodegenerative diseases occur when nerve cells in the brain or peripheral nervous system lose function over time and ultimately die. Although clinical manifestations differ between diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, ALS and others, there is a great deal of overlap in the underlying disease mechanisms. In fact, many of the cellular dysfunctions in neurodegeneration are common to other disorders, such as strokes and traumatic brain injuries, meaning that advancements in research will likely impact broad patient populations. 

Although certain treatments may help relieve some of the physical and mental symptoms associated with neurodegenerative diseases, slowing their progression is not currently possible, and no cures exist. Given the inevitable rise in the number of patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases, and the absence of any viable treatment options, furthering our research in understanding how to stop disease progression and potentially reverse its effects is more critical today than ever before. 

For progress in neuroscience and neurological disease research to advance and ultimately enable the development of powerful new therapies to treat neurodegenerative disease, a greater emphasis on the interplay of basic neurobiology and molecular neuroscience strategies with next- generation translational research approaches will be critical.

Under the leadership of Dr. Claire Henchcliffe, chair of the UCI School of Medicine Department of Neurology and world-renowned expert in neurodegeneration research and precision medicine, our team is conducting leading-edge medical research to better understand, diagnose, measure and treat the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. 

To propel scientific explorations that aim to develop effective therapies to prevent the onset, delay the progression, and cure devastating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer’s Disease, scientists and researchers at UCI Health need your help. 

We are humbled by the enormity of the task ahead to stop the progression of devastating neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, MS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Generosity from forward-thinking philanthropists and supporters such as yourself has the power to change the odds for millions around the world. We cannot do this without you.

The first 25 donations received today in support of the Department of Neurology will unlock a $50,000 challenge gift from generous donors Kevin and Denise Cassin. They are excited and hope you will join them in supporting the hard work of our team. Please give to this campaign and share with your friends so they can join you in this important effort. With your help, we can achieve our goal!