MY STORY:
Laura Wieden
and The Laura Fund
Unexpectedly, in 1995, at the age of 25, my life took a drastic turn when I received the diagnosis of a relapsing-remitting form of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). For the first years after my diagnosis, I spent my time navigating doctors’ appointments, physical therapy, and managing my new reality.
I also dedicated a significant amount of time to introspection. I was consumed with questions about accessing top-tier medical professionals and discovering the latest groundbreaking treatments that could benefit me. I was convinced that my experience with MS would not conform to the typical case.
However, as the progression of the disease began to manifest more visibly, I was confronted with the harsh reality. While I may not have the power to halt the deterioration of my own body, I realized the need to think and dream bigger—How can I make a meaningful impact on the future reality of everyone diagnosed with MS after me?
In 2004, I asked my parents, Dan and Bonnie Wieden, to reconsider our family’s customary Christmas gift-giving traditions, asking for a shift toward giving outward on things that could have a lasting impact. That Christmas, I received a beautifully crafted white leather-bound book. Within its pages lay a heartfelt note from my parents, a testament to their support and belief in my vision.
“This year you asked your family to please consider giving less personal gifts to each other and to reach outside ourselves to see if we can improve the lives of others. We have taken your request very seriously.
After speaking with Dr. Bourdette, your mother and I have committed one million dollars to start a new and unique fund in your honor.
Merry Christmas, honey, you continue to teach us all.
All our love,
Mom and Dad”
Upon receiving the gift, I knew this was my chance to think and dream bigger—not just for myself but for every person suffering from MS.
The Laura Fund: 2004 - 2023
Over the past two decades, the Laura Fund at OHSU has spearheaded high-risk MS research and innovation through research grants under the stewardship of my father, Dan, and my neurologist, Dr. Dennis Bourdette.
Initially, I actively shaped the Fund’s trajectory, participating in critical decision-making processes and fostering connections with patients, researchers, and influencers worldwide.
However, the demands of my family life and my own evolving disabilities limited my involvement to that of a participant. Yet, as I witnessed my father’s health decline and his eventual passing in September of ‘22, I recognized that the time had come for me to assume the mantle of leadership of The Laura Fund.
The Laura Fund: Today, 2024
I am eager to embrace my newfound roles as an advocate, disruptor, and MS provocateur.
Driven by an unwavering passion and determination, I am committed to propelling the Laura Fund towards its ultimate goal: finding a cure for MS. I fervently desire to expand the Fund’s reach beyond OHSU, catalyzing research, innovation, and unconventional approaches on a global scale.
I am convinced MS can be cured in my lifetime. Will you join me in this fight?
- Laura Wieden