Third Annual "Summer Soiree"

THIRD ANNUAL "SUMMER SOIREE" - A FESTIVE "FUN" RAISER For national pediatric ms center of excellence at SBUMC

Proceeds will fund MS medical research and summer camp for teens with Multiple Sclerosis

 STONY BROOK, NY, May 28, 2008 - On Thursday, August 7, at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, the National Pediatric MS Center at Stony Brook University Medical Center is hosting its 3^rd Annual "Summer Soiree" to benefit medical research that will advance treatment and help find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. This festive evening of summer fun, dining and dancing starts at 6:45 pm.

The National Pediatric MS Center at Stony Brook was the first-of-its-kind in the United States. Today, these centers set the standard for pediatric MS care and offer optimal medical and psychosocial support to children and their families.

"Funds raised at this event will help the Pediatric MS Center at Stony Brook advance a research program that has the potential to make a huge difference in the lives of all individuals with Multiple Sclerosis," said Dr. Lauren Krupp, Pediatric Neurologist and Director of the Pediatric MS Center. "I am convinced our research will help to uncover the mysteries of multiple sclerosis."

Dr. Krupp is part of a Steering Committee of six Pediatric MS Centers of Excellence across the country supported by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Her research helped identify the existence and development of MS in children, which has lead to many new developments and research studies to improve the quality of life and treatment of children diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

Funds raised at the Summer Soiree will also benefit the Center's "Teen Adventure Camp" for adolescents with MS. For many teens diagnosed with MS, the camp is their first opportunity to connect with other children with MS. One mother wrote a letter of gratitude after her son attended camp last year, in which she stated, "camp is the best thing that happened to my son last year."

For more information, or to become a sponsor, please contact Jo Biederman at the National Pediatric MS Center at Stony Brook at 631-444-8096; or email johanna.biederman@stonybrook.edu.