On April 27th, 2019, Alyson Decoux and Stephen Prior will be getting married in Charleston, SC.
The Plan
In lieu of observing the typical wedding tradition of accepting gifts and setting up a wedding registry, Aly and Stephen have decided to ask invitees and guests to donate to the The Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) Coalition instead giving any wedding gifts.
What is MSA?
Multiple system atrophy, or MSA, is a rare, degenerative neurologic condition that affects both men and women, usually starting in the 50’s or early 60’s. MSA is considered a type of parkinsonism but with more widespread effects on the brain and body.
The condition was first identified in 1962 and named Shy-Drager syndrome for two physicians who reported patients showing a combination of Parkinson-like movement disorders and problems with the autonomic, or body-regulating division of the nervous system.
Why are we doing this?
A few years ago, Stephen's mom (and Aly's soon to be Mother-In-Law) Geri was diagnosed with Multiple system atrophy and is courageously battling this awful disease on a day-to-day basis.
Living with MSA has been an extremely tough challenge for not only Geri but for the entire Prior family. Both physically and emotionally. However she has fought this battle with tremendous strength and inspiring determination.
MSA is a very rare condition (0.6 cases per 100,000 people per year in the United States) and a lot of research/funding goes towards Parkinson’s research, awareness & support, but not specifically towards MSA.
When Geri was first diagnosed Stephen found the MSA Coalition while researching his mom’s disease, and over the past years has watched the organization grow tremendously and make impacts within the MSA community.
Because of this, the Prior family would like to give back throw our support behind them.
What is The MSA Coalition?
The Multiple System Atrophy Coalition® is 501(c)3 no-profit organization and a positive beacon of hope standing up to a little known, rare, insidious disorder. Made up of dedicated volunteers, The MSA Coalition has a primary purpose of assisting researchers to find a cure.
In the meantime, The Coalition also provides much needed patient and caregiver support, educational resources, and advocacy to create awareness and to fight for issues important to the MSA community.
