A couple of readers have asked my opinion regarding the best place to give money. Specifically, money to help encourage research and treatment options regarding Dr Angelique Corthals’ exciting new understanding of multiple sclerosis (that it’s a metabolic disorder akin to atherosclerosis).
I’m stumped. I used to be on the board of the Multiple Sclerosis Association (MSA) of King county. I didn’t care for their approach–people with MS were to be helped but not consulted–but couldn’t change their course. After a year or so of trying I resigned. Not long afterwards they were absorbed into the Great Northwest chapter of the NMSS.
I have absolutely nothing against the NMSS, I believe they do a great deal of good. But I’m wondering if there’s a more nimble organisation, one willing and able to use a nice donation to help push further investigation into Dr. Corthals’ insight into the etiology of the disease.
I’d love to hear your opinion on that. Information by the 28th Dec would be most helpful–so that kind donors can make their gift in time to take a deduction against their 2011 taxes. If you have thoughts to share, I’d eager to hear them.
Meanwhile, I wish you a warm and welcoming holiday with those you love.
Nicola Griffith 
If I was trying to make this decision I'd start by locating organizations (via google) and then looking at the number and type of articles they have published or are cited in and at the number of positive reviews that their work gets.
Rob, it sounds like a eminently sensible plan. But I was sort of hoping someone might have instant information to share :) Ah, well, I'll get to it next week.
I donate to the NMSS and to several other organizations.
I give to the research arm of my own MS Center, the MS Research Center of New York: http://www.msrcny.org/ They do ground-breaking research on progressive MS. This is becoming my
I give to the Accelerated Cure Project: http://www.acceleratedcure.org/ They are entirely research-focused.
I give to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (http://www.msaa.com/), which focuses entirely on patient welfare (no research).
I give to the MS International Federation (http://www.msif.org/en/), which is similar to the NMSS in that it supports research and assists patients. This is an important organization, because most countries have very little support for MS patients.
I give to United Spinal (http://www.unitedspinal.org/), which supports people with diseases and injuries affecting mobility (MS, ALS, polio, etc.). Membership is free; it's very worthy.
I give to the Disabilities Network of NYC (http://www.dnnyc.net/), which focuses on public policy and accessibility; there are similar local organizations elsewhere.
Hope this helps.
Sorry; very late in my time zone, and I am a bit punchy. The MSRCNY is becoming my favorite organization to support because they focus on progressive MS. Thanks for asking, BTW.
I see now that this was a very specific request, focused on Dr. Corthals' work. I'm afraid that will take some time to attract research funding. Best to wait for that, I guess.