Migraine Research Foundation

8 January 2022

Important Announcement: Migraine Research Foundation

If I remember correctly, it was back in 2011 that we started supporting the Migraine Research Foundation here at Headache and Migraine News. Many of you have taken part in that support.

The Migraine Research Foundation - passing the baton — *MRF: Closing its doors after 10 years*

However, after more than 15 years of service to the migraine community, the Migraine Research Foundation has closed its doors. But they want you to know that the work is continuing!

Here’s the explanation from co-founder Cathy Glasser:

I’m writing to let you know that the Migraine Research Foundation will close at the end of this year. While our work is far from done, MRF’s next chapter is just beginning. After an extensive search, we’ve chosen Hartford Healthcare Headache Center to carry on our legacy. I will take on the role of Co-Chair of the Headache Center’s Research Council where I will work closely with Drs. Brian Grosberg and Allison Verhaak to expand the reach and scope of its research program. Your donations will be transferred to the Headache Center’s Research Fund and will continue to be used exclusively for migraine research.
Cathy Glasser

As mentioned above, the Headache Center is a part of Hartford Healthcare, with headquarters in Hartford, Connecticut, USA, but with locations in 185 towns and cities. The Headache Center itself has five locations in Connecticut. Of course, in the case of migraine research, their impact is worldwide.

In fact, you can see on their website some of the current research they’re involved in:

Theranica Study: Studying the Theranica device for chronic migraine
TRIUMPH Study: A study investigating preventative medications for migraine

Both of these studies are recruiting now – more information here.

It is hoped that with Cathy Glasser involved, there will be more information soon regarding future research projects.

Cathy mentions in her email that the MRF funded over 75 grants, supporting nearly 100 investigators. That may not sound like much over 10 years, but with the extreme expense of many of these trials, that is a great accomplishment. The MRF has moved migraine research funding forward considerably.

So thanks to Cathy Glasser, cofounder Steve Semlitz, and all the many other involved in the MRF! And thanks to so many of you who have kept the research going through your generous donations! You have been a part of something that will benefit many in the years ahead.

And now, if you’re interested in keeping the research going, you can check out the Headache Center here, and donate to headache research here.

11 November 2020

Fighting Migraine: You have 10 billion dollars. How will you spend it?

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Our recent poll asked this question regarding the future of migraine treatmetn: You have 10 billion dollars. How will you spend it?

Migraine and headache patients want more research!

It’s very interesting to see what our priorities are.

51% of people who responded went right to the root of the problem. They wanted to invest their money into a better understanding of the biology of headache and migraine. This is a great choice, because if we can better understand what migraine is, we can fight it more effectively. Know your enemy.

13% wanted to research a completely unique treatment. Not more medication, not even necessarily a new “tech device”, but some other way to treat headache. These are people who are thinking outside the box.

Tied for third? 11% see hope in new medications, and wanted to research those. And 11% felt that doctors and specialists need more training. Also very true!

The rest wanted to research other types of treatments. For example, how can we better use diet and nutrition to fight migraine? What about exercises and stretching? And – let us not forget – those new “tech devices” that are still in their infancy when it comes to migraine.

Interestingly, there were no votes to develop awareness and support – which perhaps tells us that we’ve come a long way in the past few years! Maybe there is more awareness than there used to be. What we want now is effective treatments. So let’s move forward!

By the way, even if you have $10 instead of $10 billion, I would suggest investing in the future of migraine research through the Migraine Research Foundation! 100% of your donation will go to migraine research. Give yourself and migraine patients around the world the gift of quality research.

12 June 2020

Migraine Worse in COVID-19 Days?

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As I write this post, COVID-19 restrictions are loosening up in some parts of the world, although the number of new cases around the world continues to rise. But the changes to our society will not be going away any time soon. So the question is – how has this affected your migraine symptoms? And what about the future?

The Migraine Trust did an informal poll to see how things have changed in the last few months. Here’s what they discovered:

58% said that migraine has worsened since the beginning of March
Why? Here were some of the answers:
- 46% suggested stress
- 18% said that their lifestyle was harder to manage now
- 17% said that they no longer had the same access to treatment/medications
17% had appointments with doctors/specialists cancelled
8% were unable to get an appointment

Most of these concerns aren’t going to be disappearing any time soon, let’s be honest. Although doctor’s offices may be opening up more in the weeks ahead, access to treatment and medication continues to be a concern due to economic and political concerns. Harsh cleaners and face masks are increasingly common. Honest discussions are hard to have because the discussion has become so political. (In fact, do I need to point out that this paragraph isn’t “pro” or “anti” face mask? Has our discussion become that simplistic?)

The lockdown has become an opportunity for some to re-evaluate their treatment, learn new habits, and maybe learn how to cook for themselves. But even if you’ve had a bit of down time, busy life is returning.

So how are you going to hang on to those new habits? Put those new treatment plans into action? Maybe start changing your diet even now to something more migraine-fighting? If ever there was a time to be serious about our health, this is it.

In their article, the Migraine Trust said – “We are here to help you”. The same can be said for Headache and Migraine News, the Migraine World Summit, the Migraine Research Foundation, and many others who are continuing to fight migraine and get you the latest practical information.

But the personalized plan that you need is yours to make. We would love to hear your comments – what are you going to do to take control of your treatment in the months ahead? We can only control our circumstances so much – but we can make healthy decisions every day that can make a difference in our migraine symptoms and our health over all.

Don’t give up – it’s time to fight back.

6 April 2020

A Great Way to Say “Thank You”

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There are many, many people around the world who are fighting back against migraine. Why not take a moment to say “Thank You”?

National Migraine Foundation Headache Heroes 2020

The National Headache Foundation is making thank yous a focus of their 50th anniversary. You are invited to nominate “Headache Heroes” in these categories (quoted from the official page):

Healthcare Provider: Any healthcare provider who has made a difference.
Patient: Someone living with migraine disease or headache disorders.
Caregiver: The unsung hero caring for someone living with migraine disease or headache disorders.
Advocate: An individual or organization that is making a difference in the headache and migraine community.

What I like about this is that it reminds us that there are many headache heroes out there. I wish they had added to the list “researcher” – we are very thankful for the many who are researching migraine and making a real difference. (A great way to thank a researcher is to make a small or large donation to the Migraine Research Foundation.)

The nominees will be invited to the NHF’s 50th anniversary Gala (a very fancy fundraising event), and will be able to purchase a ticket at a discounted rate (still $300!). The winners will get one free ticket ($400). Hey, it is a fundraiser, after all!

Nominating someone through the National Headache Foundation is a simple action you can take to say “thank you”. But why not take this list and write a personal thank you to these people? In this day and age, I suggest sending a written letter if possible, which has much more value than it did in years past. But an email, or a face to face thank you – or hey, bring over some small gift to that person.

Yes, nominate someone today (time is limited, so don’t wait! Nominations are open to the 17th of April 2020, but you know what will happen if you don’t do it now). 🙂

But nominations aside, let’s not forget to say thank you – I admire you – keep up the fight!

16 November 2018

The Heroes at Boon Elementary School

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This is actually old news, but it’s news that’s worth highlighting.

Boon Elementary School in Allen, Texas, was planning for their October “ribbon week”. Inspired by one of their own students who had migraine, they decided that one of their special causes of the week would be migraine and migraine research.

Students wore bracelets with yellow and orange – representing the Migraine Research Foundation. Students gave of their own money to support the causes of the week (with the 4th graders leading the charge with the most donations! — and winning the coveted “popcorn party”!).

By the end of the week, $231.29 had been raised for migraine research!

Local passion and creativity can make a difference! Working together, these elementary students have had a part in migraine research that will help migraine patients for many years to come.

So what are you waiting for? Is there something creative you can do? Big or small, if we all work together, we can fight back!

For ideas, visit the Migraine Research Foundation.

And thanks again to the heroes at Boon Elementary!

via: The Students of Boon Elementary School and Boon Patriot Post