Walter Gefrom Blog

International Multiple Sclerosis Microbiome Study

September 15, 2022 by Walter Gefrom Leave a Comment

MS Awareness Advocate Walter Gefrom takes a look at an ongoing research project that is taking a closer look at how gut bacteria plays a role in the development and progression of Multiple Sclerosis.

The International Multiple Sclerosis Microbiome Study (iMSMS) is a research initiative primarily managed and overseen by Sergio Baranzini, PhD and his team at UCSF. The study is specifically looking at the contrasts between how a particular gut microbiome differs when present in someone with MS and someone without. In order to gain a clearer understanding of the significance of the presence of said microbiome in an individual’s system, researchers are comparing the results from family and household members. Baranzini and his team intend to decipher how the presence of this microbiome in the gut bacteria plays a role in disease progression and, potentially, root causes of MS. Walter Gefrom eagerly anticipates developments from this research project and looks forward to sharing the details with his readers.

Classic Cars and Cute Cats: a Special Car Show Event

August 31, 2022 by Walter Gefrom Leave a Comment

Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit and Gateway Classic Cars are partnering up for one of the most unique car shows ever! Walter Gefrom, Classic Car Connoisseur, features the event that hopes to connect fur babies with their forever families:

Gorgeous classic cars, adorable cats and dogs — what’s not to love? This upcoming event is all possible thanks to the wonderful people who keep Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit running and loving, and the cool ‘cats’ over at Gateway Classic Cars who bring the sweet rides to the community. Gateway Classic Cars is an antique automobile dealership with a showroom bursting with beautiful old school rides. The unique car show event will take place right in the showroom, with fur babies waiting to meet their forever families — in a super fun setting! The best part is, this will not only give you the opportunity to meet your new favorite member of your family, but you could also find yourself driving home in your dream car! There will be plenty of cats, dogs, kittens and puppies up for adoption at this event. For more information, reach out to the Friends for Animals organization directly.

Multiple Sclerosis Fundraiser Dinner

August 17, 2022 by Walter Gefrom Leave a Comment

Mark your calendars for the Multiple Sclerosis Fundraiser Dinner event on Sunday, September 18th at 1 PM in Southwick, MA! Walter Gefrom features the upcoming event:

Kim’s Cronies, a nonprofit initiative passionate about raising awareness about Multiple Sclerosis, is back after a two year hiatus brought on by the pandemic. This time around, the nonprofit is hosting a fundraising dinner at the Polish American Club in Southwick, MA on 9/18/22. Tickets will be $20 for all guests over the age of 13; kids 12 and under eat for free! There will be tons of delicious food options available, including chicken Francise, pasta and meatballs, pasta with oil, garlic & broccoli and so much more. A family friendly event, there will also be a field available for kids to play with their frisbees, wiffle ball and bats and more!

Georgia Mountain Moonshine Cruiz-In

August 3, 2022 by Walter Gefrom Leave a Comment

The Georgia Mountain Moonshine Cruiz-In, a classic car show, has returned for its 13th year! This year, the event expanded to be even bigger and better than before, which prompted a location change from Hiawassee to Dalton. Classic Car Enthusiast Walter Gefrom discusses the recent cruise:

It has been a staple for car collectors and classic automobile enthusiasts in Hiawassee for more than a decade. But with their sights set on expansion, the Georgia Mountain Moonshine Cruiz-In has a new location: Dalton Convention Center! The cruise kicked off on Wednesday, July 27th and continued on for a total of four days until July 30, 2022. To say it was a success would be quite the understatement. Thousands of people returned to enjoy the event, which included everything from antique automobiles to tasty treats and entertaining vendors. Featuring good music and live bands, the Cruiz-In roared not only with the glorious sounds of those engines, but also hits from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s — to really get everyone in that retro mood! Fun for the whole family, there were also plenty of fun activities and even vendors selling parts for your classic ride. Walter Gefrom’s favorite part of the event was the collector car auction, which aired live on CNBC. Happy 13th birthday to the Cruiz-In!

Generic Version of Natalizumab in the Works

July 20, 2022 by Walter Gefrom Leave a Comment

Natalizumab, more popularly known as its brand name, Tysabri, is a Disease Modifying Therapy (DMT) that treats relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis through a monthly intravenous dosage. Walter Gefrom discusses the new generic version that is being proposed:

Tysabri, or Natalizumab, is the leading and arguably most effective Disease Modifying Therapy (DMT) for patients with relapsinig forms of MS, including Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS), Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS), Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (SPMS) and Crohn’s disease. The DMT has been revered by many patients and neurologists, who have witnessed firsthand how effective this medication can be. However, Tysabri is also one of the most expensive MS DMTs, with its manufacturer Biogen cornering the market on its production. But that may now change thanks to a biosimilar version of Natalizumab which has just been accepted by the US FDA and EMA. Walter Gefrom, MS Awareness Advocate, is hopeful that this will put the pressure on Biogen to decrease the cost of Tysabri. Unfortunately, it is the high price tag of this medication that often keeps patients from receiving its benefits.