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History
History
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The Edward J. and Louise E. Mellen Center for
Multiple Sclerosis Research and Treatment was established
in 1984 through the gift of $2 million to the Cleveland Clinic
from the Mellen Foundation.
Edward J. and Louise E. Mellen were prominent
members of the Cleveland community. Shortly after their marriage
in 1942, Louise was diagnosed with MS. Throughout the course
of their lives, the Mellens worked together to combat the
disease.
Inspired by the Mellens’ personal struggle
with MS, the board of directors of the Mellen Foundation decided
to fund energetic, compassionate and effective methods of
coping with and treating MS.
The Mellen Center’s care, research and
education programs are supported by ongoing funding through
donations from people who have been served by the center and
their families and friends, as well as the MS Women’s
Committee and the Ohio Buckeye Chapter of the National Multiple
Sclerosis Society. Additional funding support comes from research
grants and the fees for services paid by the people who receive
care at the Mellen Center.
The Mellen Center is very proud of the progress
that has been made since 1984. Our progress has resulted from
our dedicated staff, courageous patients, and many generous
benefactors who believe in our cause.
The Mellen Center is the largest and most comprehensive
program for MS care and research worldwide. We have pioneered
the integration of Advance Practice Nurses (APN), the highest
level of independent nursing care available. These nurses
participate in over 18,000 follow-up care visits yearly, meeting
the needs of the patient, the family and caregivers. With
the decline in reimbursement for patient visits and the general
economic downturn, we need additional philanthropic support
for our nursing program
In 1999, we opened a unique patient resource
center, the Multiple Sclerosis Learning Center. The Learning
Center assists patients, families, and clinicians seeking
information about MS. Thousands of patients and their families
have benefited from these educational resources. However,
medical insurance and Medicare do not cover these programs.
They are funded entirely by philanthropic
contributions. Additional support is needed to further develop
our education programs.
We developed a Day Treatment Program, where
patients can learn from other individuals with MS, doctors,
nurses, physical and occupational therapists, and social workers.
Nurses, physical and occupational therapists and social workers
are available to discuss the many ways MS affects their daily
life, job and relationships. This program
is possibly because of the generosity of our donors.
Please consider a gift to help
the Mellen Center provide compassionate care that is vital
to our patients and to continue our search for the cure. If
you have any questions about making gift to The Edward J.
and Louise E. Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment
and Research, please contact Jason Gray at (216) 445-0503.
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