Clarkston’s Amyloidosis Foundation is in the running for thousands in grants in a crowd-funding contest this month.
“We have raised over $4,000 and are in eighth place overall for donations so far,” said Mary E. O’Donnell, president of the foundation. “It’s astonished me.”
The’RiseDetroit Online Charity Challenge started Sept. 15 ‘and runs through Thursday, Oct. 30.
The team raising the most during the challenge wins a?$50,000’donation. Second place gets?$20,000, and third gets?$10,000. Also, weekly Bonus Challenges for charities offer up another?$20,000.?
The goal of the Amyloidosis Foundation, 7151 North Main Street, Suite 2, located in the same building as Brioni’s, is to raise $10,000 in the contest, O’Donnell said.
She and her husband Don Brockman started the foundation in Clarkston over?10’years ago, when Don was first diagnosed with the disease. He passed away 10 years ago.
Their focus this time of year is also to raise awareness of amyloidosis in the medical community, she said.
“It’s critically important to get diagnosed as early as possible,” she said.
Donations have increased in size and number over the years, and pharmaceutical companies have increased development of medications to treat it.
“There are a number of drugs introduced in the last five years,” she said. “Ten years ago, there weren’t a lot of options.”
Amyloidosis is caused by amyloid proteins accumulating in organs and tissue, causing organ failure if not stopped. Treatment, including stem cell transplant, chemotherapy, and organ transplants, is most successful when diagnosed early and treatment is swift.
Phillip Fisher’s Mission Throttle and the Marjorie S. Fisher Fund of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan are providing the $100,000 for the challenge.
To participate in the contest, go to https://www.crowdrise.com/amyloidosis-risedetroit/fundraiser/amyloidosisfoundation. For more information, call 877-AMYLOID or check www.amyloidosis.org.
? Phil Custodio