Accio Expecto Patronum!
With a wave of a wizard’s wand, iconic Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has done an incredible service to the multiple sclerosis community, by donating over $19 million for research; inspired by her late mother who suffered from the rare autoimmune disease.
What is MS?
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that affects the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. A person’s immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve cells known as the myelin sheath. In advanced cases, the nerves can be permanently damaged by the immune system’s attacks. While most forms of it aren’t rare, it’s often underdiagnosed.
To read more about MS, click here.
Pioneer in Philanthropy
J.K. Rowling made the donation to the University of Edinburgh in Scotland last week; 15.3 million British pounds, or $19.1 million USD.
This isn’t the first time J.K. Rowling has made a generous donation to the cause. In 2010, she helped found the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic at the University of Edinburgh; honoring her mother Anne who passed away at 45.
“It’s a matter of great pride for me that the Clinic has combined these lofty ambitions with practical, on the ground support and care for people with MS, regardless of stage and type,” said J.K. She is “confident” that the team overseeing clinical research “will create a definitive step-change for people with MS and associated conditions.”
From across the pond, thank you J.K. for your excellent, persistent efforts in helping the MS community!
