GBS|CIDP Foundation International announces the first recipient of the Benson Fellowship to fund a Peripheral Inflammatory Neuropathy Fellowship

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Nov 11, 2014, 09:17 ET

NARBERTH, Pa., Nov. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The GBS|CIDP Foundation International has announced the recipient of the first Benson Fellowship. This year's winner is Dr. Ruth Huizinga, from Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Ruth presented her project, "High innate responsiveness to microbial triggers predisposing to the Guillain- Barre' syndrome: identification of genetic casual variants" at the Foundation's 13^th International Symposium. She was recommended by the Foundation's Medical Advisory Board and was unanimously selected by the Board of Directors for this prestigious award.

The Fellowship awards up to $150,000 per year for up to three years to fund peripheral inflammatory neuropathy research. The grant was established in honor of Robert Benson, a survivor of Guillain-Barre' syndrome, and his wife Estelle Benson.

Guillain-Barre' syndrome (GBS) and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) are extremely rare peripheral inflammatory neuropathy disorders. These disorders can be life threatening or permanently disabling, making early and accurate diagnosis critical.

About GBS|CIDP Foundation International

The Foundation, founded in 1981 by Robert and Estelle Benson, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals and families worldwide affected by GBS, CIDP, and related syndromes, such as Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN). Its activities include: providing a network for all patients, their caregivers and families, developing and presenting educational programs, sponsoring research, and engaging in patient advocacy.

The GBS|CIDP Foundation International has a membership of over 35,000 patients and family members effected by the challenges of GBS, CIDP, or related syndromes, such as MMN, who receive support from 188 chapters located in 43 countries around the world.

For further information, please contact:
Ken Singleton, Executive Director
(610) 667-0131
[email protected]

GBS|CIDP Foundation International

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SOURCE GBS/CIPD Foundation International