Prominent Memphis Businessman Launches NEUROPATHY RESEARCH FOUNDATION To Find A Cure For Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy affects 20 million people in the U.S. and yet the government devotes little funding in proportion to the magnitude. A public nonprofit organization has been formed to raise funds for research to find a cure.

(PRWEB) July 12, 2004 -- If you have ever had numbness or tingling in your feet or hands, you may have the beginnings of a related set of disorders known as peripheral neuropathy. Often misdiagnosed, peripheral neuropathy affects 20 million people nationwide and has no known cure. At least right now. However, Winston Wolfe, President of Olympic Optical Company in Memphis,TN, who has peripheral neuropathy, is committed and passionate about finding a cure for this debilitating and often crippling disease.

My sole reason for founding the Neuropathy Research Foundation is to help researchers find the money to delve into the causes of this curious and strange condition that robs its victims of feeling in their hands and feet. Often called the 'silent disease many doctors arent able to quickly make the proper diagnosis and therefore begin treatment quickly", cites Mr. Wolfe.

Aggie Alexander, previously Senior Vice President at St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital and most recently, Executive Director of the American Cancer Society in Memphis, has been tapped as the Chief Executive Officer of the NRF.

The causes of peripheral neuropathy are various and can include diabetes, bacterial or viral infections, cancer treatments, trauma and inherited disorders. Oftentimes, the cause of a patients peripheral neuropathy cant be determined.

Symptoms include numbness or tingling in the nerve endings of the feet or hands and can develop suddenly or slowly over many years.

The Neuropathy Research Foundation is committed to:

•Funding excellence in research to find the cause, cure and improved treatments for peripheral neuropathy, providing a better quality of life for those afflicted

•Advocacy of a greater investment in medical research by the federal government

•Acting as a clearinghouse for information of critical research activities

For more information, contact Aggie Alexander at 901.362.2084

###