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Finding a cure for ALS takes more than knowledge. It requires focus. And it requires a certain synergy among scientists, patients and their families, grant-givers and others who want the disease to end now. Immediacy is what drives the Packard Center for ALS Research—in shared work from its many labs and in the fund-raising events that draw together hard-working volunteers around the country. In this annual report, you'll read about events that thrust ALS into the limelight and also raised solid sums for the Center. Most people behind those efforts have a personal connection to the disease. Even those bogged down with ALS's daily demands found energy to continue raising research money. The pages that follow tell of people, foundations, corporations and the compelling research made possible by their generosity. In 2007, the Center awarded more than $2,098,570 to fund 25 projects. The investment is already reaping dividends in terms of new discoveries. All beginnings are difficult, goes the ancient proverb. For a fledgling committee at the Packard Center, the idea of launching a community-wide event—with limited funds and a handful of volunteers—could have proven too daunting for the expected returns. But a can-do spirit prevailed, and, on a made-to-order spring day, festive music filling the air, about 400 runners, walkers and volunteers converged on a path through Baltimore's Inner Harbor to raise funds for new therapies to slow and ultimately cure ALS. The idea, says Center Director Jeffrey Rothstein, was to alert the local community about the Center's innovative work. "By hosting the Fiesta 5K every year, Baltimore becomes more aware of ALS and supports our efforts to cure the disease.&rdquo It was the endpoint of months of planning. Collaboration—the Center's hallmark—was pivotal to the event's success. One volunteer in the marketing field drew from a network of creative professionals and friends to promote the event; another used his software expertise to simplify online giving (see p. 12). Others used their persuasive powers to pull in runners. And, though each person brought unique strengths to the event, teamwork was the overarching strategy. Families organized teams in memory of loved ones; ALS researchers formed their own teams, with names like "ALS Terminators" and "Neuropath Pacers." Healthy competition notwithstanding, everyone worked toward the same goal—to raise awareness and funds for ALS research. In all, roughly $115,000 was raised—an astonishing amount for a first-time effort. A massive thank you to our sponsors, participants and volunteers for making our inaugural Fiesta 5K and Fun Run such a success. We simply couldn't have done it without you. For details, including sponsorship opportunities and more photos, see www.fiesta5K.org. Start training now for next year's second annual Fiesta 5K—May 3, 2008. Thank you to our sponsors Platinum AEGON Gold Bully! Entertainment Silver Anonymous Bronze Alex. Brown & Sons Charitable Foundation Inc. Marker Abrakadoodle Friend Katherine S. Flowers Special thanks to Atlantic Coast Produce Individual donors and participiants are listed on the event’s Web site, www.fiesta5K.org. |
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