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Overcoming multiple sclerosis

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation seeks a cure and improved quality of life for those who are affected by MS.

Over five decades, we have awarded $14 million in grants to researchers and healthcare practitioners in hopes of finding a cause for the disease, discovering ways to prevent it, developing effective treatments, and improving the quality of life for those who suffer its debilitating effects.

Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement Center at UCLA

A partnership between the UCLA Department of Neurology and Southern California Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement Center was developed with funds from the Hilton Foundation. Opened in 2001, the Center provides comprehensive wellness services for people with MS. In addition to these services, the Center strives to develop innovative programs for replication across the country.

The Center is named in honor of Marilyn Hilton, the late wife of Barron Hilton. Mrs. Hilton died at age 76 from complications associated with MS.

People living with MS have varying degrees of independence and ability. Accordingly, services offered by the MS Achievement Center cater to a wide range of physical, social, and emotional wellness needs. The Center also offers recreation and health education.

Results

A 2009 case study developed as part of the Multiple Sclerosis Adult Day Program Evaluation for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society attributed the following benefits to the MS Achievement Center:

  • Social support and improved quality of life
  • Empowerment
  • Better maintenance of functioning
  • Staff with extensive MS expertise
  • Early detection of medical problems
  • Improved access to medical treatment and coordination of care
  • Respite and support for family members

Resources

Investments in research

The Hilton Foundation supports research into the cause, prevention, and treatment of multiple sclerosis.

The Foundation is currently providing funding to the Mayo Clinic to develop the first drug designed to treat the brain and spinal cord of patients with MS. The clinical trial is expected to begin in fall 2010. If successful, this exploration could lead to advances in treating many types of neurologic disease, including MS.