Spastic Paraplegia Foundation, Inc

The Spastic Paraplegia Foundation (SPF) is dedicated to finding a cure and providing support to those affected by Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) and Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS) -- two degenerative neurological diseases in the same family as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) -- that affect approximately 24,000 men, women and children in North America alone. Specifically, the SPF awards hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to support scientists thanks to funds raised from 11 nationwide TeamWalks (e.g. walk-a-thons) and similar type fundraisers, as well as from foundation, individual, and corporate supporters. Throughout the year, the SPF organizes a national conference and approximately 15 local support group meetings to enable HSP and PLS persons and their families to learn, get empowered, make a difference in their personal situation and their communities.