Grant applications for the Fishbein Family Interstitial Cystitis (IC) Research Foundation are on hold until further notice.
A charitable foundation, the Fishbein Family Interstitial Cystitis (IC) Research Foundation was established in 1997 to further the cause of medical research into interstitial cystitis. The Fishbein Foundation's mission is to find the causes of, and a cure for, IC and the relieve discomfort in patients until that goal can be achieved.
Laurie Nelson Fishbein had never heard of interstitial cystitis until her daughter, Kara, who was barely 20 years old, began to experience unexplained symptoms of urinary pain, frequency and urgency. As Kara’s condition worsened, the Fishbeins went from doctor to doctor, feeling increasingly frustrated and helpless while seeing their daughter suffer. Eventually they obtained a diagnosis of interstitial cystitis. Kara tried every known treatment protocol, but her condition failed to improve. Kara’s identical twin sister Beth then began to have symptoms of IC too.
After speaking with Dr. Vicki Ratner, Founder and President Emeritus of the ICA, the Fishbeins decided to establish a foundation that would endow research into this debilitating disease. "Scientists need to understand how devastating this disease can be, both to the patients and their families," Mrs. Fishbein, President of the Fishbein Family IC Research Foundation, says. "The impact on the patient’s life as well as the lives of those around her is immeasurable. Imagine being a 20-year-old and not being able to live the way you want to because of chronic pain and discomfort."
For more than a decade, the Fishbein Family IC Research Foundation has promoted and funded research on interstitial cystitis -- and has been an exceptionally successful program. Highlights include the work of:
- Susan Keay, MD, PhD in isolating a urinary marker (APF) that is unique to IC patients.
- Deborah Erickson, MD on urinary markers.
- Jack Warren, MD on the genetics of IC.
- Michael Chancellor, MD with gene therapy for IC.
Many of the Foundation-funded research projects have gone on to receive National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding. The importance of this cannot be overstated since NIH funding allows researchers to further pursue the work they began thanks to initial Fishbein Foundation funding and is a reflection of the:
- Generous amount of funding provided by the Fishbein Family IC Research Foundation
- Excellent work of the researchers
- Dedication and expertise of the scientific review committees
- ICA’s ongoing networking within the research community.
Below is a list of grants recently funded by the Fishbein Foundation. You will also find a brief summary of each project, and where available, the results of the study.
The ICA serves as the grant administrator for the Fishbein Foundation. Contact us for additional information and grant application information.
Revised September 16, 2009