Harry Potter Author Donates Millions to Multiple Sclerosis Research

Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling recently donated £10,000,000 to multiple sclerosis (MS) research — that translates into more than $15 million U.S. dollars.

The money will go to the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic at Edinburgh University which was named for Ms. Rowling’s late mother. The clinic plans to “focus on patient-based studies to help find treatments that could slow progression of the disease, working towards the eventual aim of stopping and reversing it.”

The BBC quotes the author as saying, “I have just turned 45, the age at which my mother, Anne, died of complications related to her MS. I know that she would rather have had her name on this clinic than on any statue, flower garden, or commemorative plaque, so this donation is on her behalf, too; and in gratitude for everything she gave me in her far-too-short life.”

Her mother died before Ms. Rowling completed her work on the first Harry Potter book and never got to enjoy her daughter’s success.

“I cannot think of anything more important, or of more lasting value, than to help the university attract world-class minds in the field of neuroregeneration, to build on its long and illustrious history of medical research and, ultimately, to seek a cure for a very Scottish disease.” – J. K. Rowling (Scotland has one of the highest rates of MS in the world.)

Work at the clinic will also focus on other neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Motor Neurone disease.

Thank you, J. K. Rowling, for your very generous donation. It is a great tribute to your mother and an incredible gift to those of us who live with multiple sclerosis — and to future generations.

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_{Photo used under Wikimedia Commons License with thanks to Sjhill}

Writer Ann Pietrangelo embraces the concept of personal responsibility for health and wellness. As a person living with multiple sclerosis, she combines a healthy lifestyle and education with modern medicine, and seeks to provide information and support to others. She is a regular contributor to Care2 Causes. Follow on Twitter @AnnPietrangelo

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Michele W.

2:45AM PST on Jan 26, 2012

Thank you

send a green star

Rosie L.

11:35AM PST on Jan 24, 2012

ty!

Tvshow T.

9:09AM PDT on Jul 16, 2011

Watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

http://goo.gl/2wMyj

http://uswatchtv.blogspot.com/

Lamia A.

12:00AM PDT on Jun 24, 2011

I meant emphasis*and funding* :) my bad

11:58PM PDT on Jun 23, 2011

My boyfriend who just turned 24 found out he has ms and it's been quite an adjustment for him but he's so positive about the whole thing, I sometimes forget he has it. It's wonderful that she donated it to such a worthy cause. So much Pharos is put on cancer and aids and such illnesses that we often times forget that there are other serious debilitating illnesses out there, all of which deserve equal amounts of attention, finding and research. Big ups to her and I don't mind that I've supported Harry potter now...

Robert O.

2:32PM PDT on Jun 13, 2011

Good for her! That's much better than the wealthy people and wealthy celebrities that hold onto their money so tightly their knuckles turn white. With success and greatness come obligations and responsibilities of a higher caliber that must be addressed. Thanks Ann.

KS G.

6:42AM PDT on Apr 7, 2011

Thanks for the article.

NoNoNoNoNOMAIL T.

3:22PM PST on Jan 12, 2011

Well she's got to donate to something, so what better way than to help find a cure for a disease that took your Mom's life?

She's a billionaire so her $15M (USD) donation is just a drop in the bucket for her. But it will live far beyond her lifetime, and will help so many people who are devastated with MS.

What a wonderful legacy.

Past Member .

11:22AM PST on Dec 2, 2010

Thanks. Your a star Jk. It's such a worth while cause.

Margaret D.

4:52AM PDT on Oct 1, 2010

Thank you for this article... It is so good to see J.K.R is donating to such a wonderful cause.
ps. I read and enjoyed all her books!