Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation (Apmrf)

The Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation (APMRF) was founded in 1994. It is a grass-roots, 501(c)(3) organization involving volunteers across the country which funds research projects that will lead to a treatment for Niemann-Pick Type C disease. NP-C is a genetic disorder that usually affects children by interfering with their ability to metabolize cholesterol. The disease is progressive and always--until we find a cure--fatal. The Foundation is named in honor of Ara Parseghian, the legendary Notre Dame football coach, whose three youngest grandchildren in Tucson were diagnosed with the disease in 1994. Michael, age 9, died from the disease in 1997. Christa, age 10, passed away in October 2001 and Marcia in August of 2005.