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On June 1, 25-year-old swimmer Nick Irons began his trip down the Mississippi River to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research Ñ an idea formed while watching his father struggle with the disease. On Sunday, July 27, in St. Louis, he reached the halfway point in his four-and-a-half month journey down the Mighty Mississippi from his starting point at the Watergate Marina in Minneapolis. He stroked into the riverfront area for a press conference on the Mississippi Queen steamboat docked beneath the gateway Arch. The Saint Louis University Health Sciences Center was pleased to co-sponsor the press conference with the Delta Queen Organization.
"Next to head trauma, Multiple Sclerosis is the commonest crippling disorder of young adults," said John Selhorst, M.D., professor and chairman of the department of neurology and a supporter of the Irons mission. "Over a quarter of a million Americans are affected, with women being more commonly affected than men. The course of the disease is quite variable, ranging from a benign nuisance to a progressively crippling disorder."
His father's battle with the disease is the motivation for Irons' effort. Irons is being accompanied by his younger brother, Andrew, for the entire length of the 1,500-mile trip. An older brother, John Jr., maintains their web site from Cambridge, Mass., with information and daily updates. At an anticipated pace of 12 miles per day, the swim is slated to conclude in Baton Rouge, La., in mid-October.
In addition to the department of neurology, Nick has been adopted by other departments at the Health Sciences Center. Kathy Arnold, R.N., director of emergency nursing, called on the departments of patient relations and emergency medicine to put together a first aid kit for Nick, providing him medical support for the next leg of his journey. In addition, the Hospital Auxiliary will support Irons through upcoming sales of the MS4MS T-shirt.
Proceeds from Nick's swim go to the Nick Irons Mississippi Swim/Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis. More information on MS can be obtained from the department of neurology at (314) 577-8016 or e-mail can be sent through the following web sites at the Ask the Doctor! link: http://www.slucare.edu/ms4ms/ or http://www.MS4MS.com. Proceeds from Nick's swim go to the "Nick Irons Mississippi Swim/Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis." Additional information about donating to Nick's swim for MS can be obtained by calling 1-888-ms4ms97.
HONORARY CHAIR: Mark C. Lamping, president of the St. Louis Cardinals, has been named honorary chairman for "Gateway to a Cure," a charity benefit for spinal cord injury research. On Oct. 11, actor/director Christopher Reeve will be the featured guest speaker at the dinner and auction to be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. "Gateway to a Cure" is co-sponsored by HealthSouth, "Pucks of Power" and Saint Louis University. Proceeds from the awards dinner and auction will support spinal cord injury research at the School of Medicine. Local individuals who have shown outstanding courage in their lives and who contribute to the ongoing journey for freedom despite their disabilities will also be recognized at the event. Individuals and businesses are invited to support "Gateway to a Cure" through various levels of sponsorship. Single tickets are available for purchase at a cost of $195. Gifts-in-kind or donated items to the silent or oral auction also would be appreciated. For tickets, call 296-0717. Additional information can be found at http://www.slucare.edu/publications/alzheimers.