Anacortes Carlo Magno Invited to Attend MS Research Program Stakeholder Meeting in Wash., D.C.

Carlo Magno, founder and director of The Spirit of Hope Foundation, has been invited to participate in the Congressionally-directed Multiple Sclerosis Research Program Stakeholders Meeting in Washington, D.C. on February 23 and 24. Serving as an advocate for MS, Magno will attend the meeting to discuss the status of the disease, its future outlook and what types of MS research grants should be funded for the first time by the Department of Defense’s CDMRP medical research program. Congress has appropriated $5 million to fund the best research opportunities for Multiple Sclerosis. In addition to Magno, the meeting will include 20 national scientific and clinical experts and four other patients living with MS. During the meetings, Magno will recommend that several key issues be considered for government funding including depression, stem cell research, medical use of marijuana to alleviate pain associated with MS and trigeminal neuralgia, and continued research of Interferon drugs. “This is the first step in developing a funding strategy for MS research,” Magno said of the trip. Magno currently serves as Anacortes Ambassador for Accessibility Issues and is the founder and co-chair of Barrier Busters, an Anacortes-based group that promotes handicap accessibility throughout the seaside city. With the endorsements of Governor Christine Gregoire, City of Anacortes, Seattle Mariners and BECU, Magno and his three-legged assistance dog Katie attempted a cross-country trip in an antique electric wheelchair conveyance, The MS-Express, in 2006 to raise money and awareness for MS. While they could not complete the trip due to health concerns, Magno and his faithful companion made it as far as Minnesota, raising money for MS and inspiring others along the way. Carlo Magno founded The Spirit of Hope Foundation in 2000 to bring hope to other MS patients. The organization was incorporated in Washington State in 2002 and received its 501(c)3 nonprofit status in 2005. The foundation is committed to helping affected individuals to maintain independence, physical health, and emotional well-being through resource networking. For more information about The Spirit of Hope Foundation or Carlo Magno, visit http://www.thespiritofhope.org or contact Magno directly.

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About The Spirit of Hope Foundation: Carlo Magno founded The Spirit of Hope Foundation in 2000 to bring hope to other MS patients. The organization was incorporated in Washington State in 2002 and received its 501(c)3 nonprofit status in 2005. The foundation is committed to helping affected individuals to maintain independence, physical health, and emotional well-being through resource networking. For more information about The Spirit of Hope Foundation or Carlo Magno, visit http://www.thespiritofhope.org or contact Magno directly.