The ICA is very honored to serve as the grant administrater for the Fishbein Family Interstitial Cystitis Research Foundation. A charitable foundation, the Fishbein Foundation was established in 1997 to further the cause of medical research into interstitial cystitis. The Fishbein Foundation's mission is twofold:
- Find the causes of, and a cure for, IC
- Relieve discomfort in patients until that goal can be achieved
Laurie Nelson Fishbein had never heard of interstitial cystitis until a few years ago when 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.
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Finally, 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." |