Following a busy day of arriving in New York City on Tuesday, the Oceans of Hope crew had the opportunity to visit the Tisch MS Research Center of New York yesterday. All were eager to learn more about the renowned facility and meet Dr. Saud A. Sadiq, the Director and Chief Research Scientist. The Tisch MS Research Center and the International MS Management Practice opened their doors together in 2006, establishing the largest MS center in the world.

“It was really interesting to see all the research facilities,” said Christina Engstrøm, a crew member sailing into New York City on Oceans of Hope and also continuing the voyage south for the next few weeks to Fort Lauderdale. “They had everything gathered under one roof. The doctors, research, MRIs, Neuropsychology, and social services. The idea that you can get stuck with only one needle per visit is very appealing to those living with MS.”

In addition to Dr. Sadiq, the Oceans of Hope crew met with Violaine K. Harris, PhD, a Sr. Research Scientist at Tisch. Dr. Harris has been developing cell therapy strategies to treat multiple sclerosis at the Tisch Center. In particular, Dr. Harris and her team have investigated adult stem cells from the bone marrow an autologous source of cells capable of repair and regeneration in MS.

An interesting and educational experience for all! Thanks to the Tisch MS Research Center for spending time with the Oceans of Hope crew.

Photo: Dr. Harris, Dr. Mikkel Anthonisen (Founder and CEO of Oceans of Hope), and Dr. Sadiq