The Pauline H. Siegel Eclipse Fund for Research

The Pauline H. Siegel Eclipse Fund for Research

Organization: Siegel Rare Neuroimmune Association (SRNA)

Establishment:
Established in memory of Pauline H. Siegel, who passed away on August 15, 2017. Pauline's 1994 diagnosis of Transverse Myelitis catalyzed the formation of SRNA, and she worked for over 20 years with her husband Sandy Siegel to educate, support, and inspire others in the SRNA community.

Focus Areas:
The Eclipse Fund supports and accelerates SRNA's research portfolio to fund discoveries that directly impact the quality of life for the community. Research priorities include:

Restore Function

• Support for FDA-approved cell therapy to promote repair through myelin regeneration in Transverse Myelitis
• Collaboration with Q Therapeutics and University of Texas Southwestern for first human safety studies to treat central nervous system disease

Identify Genes and Causation

• Support for validation of gene mutations (such as VPS37A) currently known to be present in Transverse Myelitis patients
• Research on the role of genetic factors in disease causation

Improve Diagnosis

• Support for biomarkers and novel imaging technique research
• Investigation of antibodies in TM patients identified through Johns Hopkins and Rare Genomics Institute studies

Investigate Novel Therapies

• Funding for development of scientific models of disease
• Testing of existing drug therapies for restoration and repair

Matching Funds:
Every dollar donated to The Eclipse Fund is matched by a generous donor up to $150,000 (as of 2017).

Geographic Scope:
International, with focus on North America

Legacy:
Pauline's legacy is one of hope and compassion. The fund drives research forward to find cures for rare neuroimmune disorders (TM, NMOSD, ADEM, ON, AFM) and enable spinal cord repair.