A Potential Multiple Sclerosis Breakthrough
March is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month. As a reader of INbox, you may already know that MS is a chronic neurological disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective coating around nerve fibers, disrupting central nervous system function and causing a wide range of symptoms. Worldwide, approximately three million people suffer from MS.
Jessica Williams, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurosciences at Cleveland Clinic Research. Her lab studies the interplay between the immune and central nervous systems during MS.
Although there are medications that work well at calming the immune system during the early form of the disease, there are no effective treatments for the more advanced, progressive stages of MS.
MS causes various types of lesions in the brain and spinal cord. In the progressive stages of MS, a “chronic active lesion” is common. These lesions have a unique pattern and represent a kind of trapped inflammation that traditional anti-inflammatory drugs can’t easily reach.
Dr. Williams' research is focused on understanding these stubborn lesions — if we can find a way to treat them, we may finally have a path to slowing or stopping progressive MS.
2025 Discoveries Sparked Support
Most MS research has centered on the outer rim of lesions, long considered the primary site of activity. Dr. Williams and her team found something unexpected: the core of the lesion is not dormant as once believed, but actively involved in the disease process.
In addition, her team discovered more about the functions of astrocytes – star-shaped cells in the brain and spinal cord that play key roles in maintaining brain function and structure. Her lab's research revealed that astrocytes may have more beneficial functions in the core relative to other lesion areas, likely because they are trying to protect axons (parts of nerve cells that carry electrical signals from one cell to another) and contain the damage.
Last June, in light of this groundbreaking work, Dr. Williams' team received a generous philanthropic grant from the Mayer Foundation, one of the few private foundations offering substantial awards exclusively for investigators driving MS breakthroughs. The foundation makes strategic investments in early-stage MS research, gravitating toward efforts that can lead to important advancements in treatment or move the world closer to a cure.
Foundation Prioritizes Real Potential
“We prioritize projects with real potential to improve treatment, so we look to partner with highly reputable institutions that are leading the field”, says Sarah Kalter, Mayer Foundation CEO and Executive Director. “We’ve had a relationship with Cleveland Clinic for several years because it is one of the premier institutions in neurology, and we know the people there are always top-tier.”
“The Mayer Foundation provided us with funds to expand our research and analyze more patient samples, additional points of interest within the lesions as well as additional proteins that may be of interest,” Dr. Williams says. “This strategy is one that will reveal many different mechanisms that may have the potential to either uncover novel therapeutic avenues, or down the road identify potential biomarkers which may lead to earlier treatment.”
“We feel that it is very important to support world-class researchers like those working in Dr. Williams' lab,” says Ms. Kalter. “We understand how challenging the road is for researchers to enter and remain in this field, because it’s a catch-22: researchers need results to secure funding, but they need funding to produce results.”
Gratitude & Glitter at Wine, Women & Shoes
Boutique shopping, wine tastings, silent and live auctions, as well as a fashion show and lunch are all part of this year’s Wine, Women & Shoes event, taking place at the Alex Krassas Event Center in Canton, Ohio, on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Hosted by the Cleveland Clinic Mercy Service League, the 2026 event will be chaired by Barbara Frustaci and Anna Mavrakis, with the theme “Gratitude and Glitter: Celebrating Strength. Honoring Courage. Embracing Hope.” 100% of the proceeds will benefit cancer services for women at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital.
Wine, Women & Shoes is one of the Mercy Service League’s most popular annual events. Patrons lean into the theme, wearing fabulous shoes (there’s a contest for the “Best in Shoe”) and their finest party ‘fits while shopping, sipping and bidding on unique silent auction items.
Jeanne Ruberti, chair of last year’s sold-out event, says a record amount of more than $500,000 was raised in 2025. “Our vision is for all women in our community to have access to comprehensive, quality and compassionate care when faced with a cancer diagnosis,” she says. “With the support of our community, these women will have the best chance possible for survival. And 100% of the funds raised are used locally in our community.”
At last year’s Wine, Women & Shoes, more than 450 guests enjoyed lunch and a high-energy fashion show featuring models who are cancer survivors, placed bids on exclusive trips, experiences and other high-ticket items, as well as voted for the “Best in Shoe” and “Best Dressed” awards.
Another highlight of the annual event is the Sole Men – husbands, brothers, fathers and friends who help raise funds to support women’s cancer services at Mercy Hospital. They’re tasked with greeting and schmoozing with guests, presenting designer goodies on silver platters, selling raffle tickets, promoting auction lots and making every attendee feel special – all while competing for the coveted “King of Sole” crown. Last year, in honor of the Mercy Service League’s 50th anniversary, 50 Sole Men – double the usual number – raised a record amount for the cause.
Tickets for Wine, Women & Shoes are on sale now. Gather your friends and make a day of supporting cancer services for women at Mercy Hospital. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
A Cancer Survivor’s Advice for Others
“Don’t eat from a salad bar.”
That’s just one piece of advice Muriel Light Egan often shared with new patients she met in the infusion suite at Cleveland Clinic’s Maroone Cancer Center in Weston, Florida. Another is not to listen to negative stories others may share. “They don’t apply to you,” says Muriel.
Diagnosed in 2018 at age 71 with early-stage breast cancer, the Delray Beach resident understands how overwhelming those first days can be. From appointments and treatment plans to unfamiliar medical terms, patients with cancer can quickly experience information overload.
Muriel underwent a unilateral mastectomy, followed by 12 rounds of chemotherapy and a year of targeted therapy infusions at Cleveland Clinic in Florida. Throughout her months of treatment, she made it her mission to comfort others beginning their journeys.
“I would try to make the new patients feel at ease because I knew what it felt like,” she recalls. “And I always felt that tip on avoiding foodborne illnesses was an important one.”
Today, Muriel still has advice to share: “If you have cancer and want the best care, go to Cleveland Clinic. They don’t just care for you – they care!”
Compassionate, Comprehensive Care
Cancer has long touched Muriel’s life. Both her mother and an older sister died from breast cancer. That history made her diagnosis especially daunting and the quality of her care especially meaningful.
She describes the care she received at the Maroone Cancer Center as “top notch,” from her oncologist, Zeina Nahleh, MD, to the infusion nurse who stood by her side for more than a year, to the clinicians and technicians who supported her every step of the way.
“Dr. Nahleh was so knowledgeable and thorough,” Muriel says. “When she saw my scalp was having a reaction to the chemotherapy, she made sure I was seen by a dermatologist the same day. She also made sure I knew I had access to a full range of cancer support services and connected me with an oncology dietician when I had questions.”
Nutrition became an important focus for Muriel, who researched the topic deeply during and after treatment. Nutrition guidance is among the many philanthropy-funded support services available to patients at the Maroone Cancer Center that extends well beyond medical treatment.
Patients have access to complimentary art and music therapy, massage therapy, and beauty and wig services. Donor contributions also sustain specialized support groups, patient navigation and financial advocacy – all provided at no charge.
Philanthropy Powers Innovation
Muriel is quick to recognize the philanthropic support that helped make her care possible. The Maroone Cancer Center itself was established through generous donations, and its services continue to be strengthened by those who believe in having world-class cancer care in South Florida.
“Because of philanthropy, Cleveland Clinic has state-of-the-art technology and the talented people who know how to use it,” she says. “They also stay up-to-date on the latest developments in cancer treatments and conduct their own research.”
As evidence of this commitment to innovation, Muriel benefited from an advanced molecular test, called the Breast Cancer Index, which the Cleveland Clinic Maroone Cancer Center was among the first to adopt across the region.
“The test analyzes 11 genes from tumor tissue to predict the risk of breast cancer recurrence and helps determine whether extending endocrine therapy beyond the standard five years would benefit a patient,” explains Dr. Nahleh, Vice Chief of the Cancer Institute at Cleveland Clinic in Florida and Medical Director of the Maroone Cancer Center.
“Fortunately, I was able to complete the therapy after five years,” Muriel says.
Cancer care advancements like this depend on transformative research. The cancer physicians at Cleveland Clinic in Florida conduct clinical trials on new therapies and investigate ways to improve patient quality of life during and after cancer treatment. One such study, supported by a VeloSano grant, explored the use of virtual reality as a supportive tool to reduce distress and anxiety and improve overall well-being for patients during chemotherapy.
Rallying for a Cure
VeloSano is Cleveland Clinic’s year-round fundraising movement for cancer research. On March 28, 2026, supporters will gather in Fort Lauderdale for VeloSano Florida for the Cure, a first-of-its-kind event bringing together participants to raise funds for lifesaving discoveries while enjoying a pickleball tournament.
Thanks to donors who invest in research, innovation and comprehensive support services, patients like Muriel receive care that treats the whole person – with expertise, compassion and hope.
