By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Buffalo will be home to one of only six Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Centers in the United States. The Jacobs Neurological Institute has received a $1.8 million, five-year grant from the National MS Society to established the center.
It was the Institute's own leader, Dr. Lawrence Jacobs, who was a pioneer in developing effective treatments for multiple sclerosis -- an auto immune disease affecting the central nervous system. Now the Institute is collaborating with UB and Women and Children's Hospital to establish the Center specializing in children with MS.
Although the disease is rare among kids, about 10,000 children in the US suffer from the disease. Bianca Weinstock-Guttman, director of the Jacobs MS Center, says they are embarking on a difficult path.
"Generally, what we know about children, up to now, is that the possibility of recovery is actually much better than adults," Weinstock-Guttman said. "But unfortunately, this is a chronic disease, and if you looking after 20 years, there may be more problems than at an earlier age."
The center will be housed at Women and Children's Hospital with UB conducting research.
"UB is determined to create a series of Centers of Excellence," said Dr. David Dunn, vice president for health sciences at the university. "This is going to be one of the flagship ones quite frankly."
The Western New York region has the second highest number of MS patients in the nation. There are about 3,000 adults and children in our area who suffer from the disease. Melissa, age 15, appeared at Thursday's announcement. She was diagnosed with MS at the age of 13. For Melissa, the center is hope for a cure.
"Little is understood about this disease and even less in children," Melissa said. "I know that with this center, wonderful doctors and research we will develop better drugs and come closer to a cure."
Children are given the same medications as adults, but suffer different side effects. The FDA has not approved specific medicine for children with MS.
Meanwhile, researchers are trying to pinpoint why MS is so prevalent in this region. They are studying possible genetic links or even Vitamin D deficiencies.