Miles for Migraine Donates to AHDA
Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy (AHDA) President, Bill Young, MD., proudly accepted a generous donation from Shirley Kessel, the Philadelphia Miles for Migraine Chairperson. Shirley presented this check to the AHDA on behalf of the Miles for Migraine Foundation. 2014 was the second year that Miles for Migraine has chosen to support AHDA and their efforts at the Headache on the Hill event in Washington, DC.
During a first-ever advocacy visit by the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy to their respective members of Congress in September, 2007, a group of mostly M.D./PhD research and clinicians in migraine and headache disorders, including AHS member and migraine patient Eileen Jones, RN, PHN, were given a challenge.
Legislative Aides of Congress Persons and Senators told these research specialists that their quest for an increase in the National Institutes of Health spending allowance for headache research grants was flat (only ½ of 1% of the total budget), and would not increase in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, they were discouraged to hear that they needed to build public support in their home cities and states, where until the citizens start to demand funding, things would probably not change in their favor. In response to this Congressional challenge, Eileen decided to start a competitive race.
Miles for Migraine held its first 5K and 10K run and 2-Mile walk in the fall of 2008 in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park with approximately 200 participants. Shirley has chaired the Philadelphia race since 2013.
Thank you Shirley, Eileen and all who continue to make Miles for Migraine a reality. The AHDA greatly appreciates your ongoing support.