Race to Erase MS Founder Nancy Davis on Her Mission to Find a Cure and the Foundation’s 2024 Gala

Race to Erase MS is an incredible organization that's raised more than $58 million for multiple sclerosis research over the last three decades, and it all started with founder Nancy Davis.

The philanthropist, mom, fashion designer and author started Race to Erase MS back in 1993, just two years after being diagnosed with the disorder herself, with a powerful mission of finding the cure for MS within her lifetime. The organization's flagship event, the Race to Erase MS Gala, is a massive fundraiser featuring top-tier celebrity talent, with past performers including Elton John, Avril Lavigne, Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind & Fire, just to name a few. This year's event, the 31st annual Race to Erase MS Gala, will be held on Friday, May 10 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, California, and ahead of the big day, we got the chance to speak with Nancy herself to learn more about her mission and the event. Read our full interview below.

Sweety High: Can you tell us a little bit about your own journey with MS, and your mission to find a cure?

Nancy Davis: I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 33 in 1991. After being told by my doctors that I would be "lucky" to operate a remote control on my TV, I realized I was too young and too busy to let the disease stop my life in its tracks. I became determined to devote my time, relationships and resources to finding a cure. I have been dedicated and hopeful in my efforts to find a cure for MS in my lifetime.

(Photo credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Race to Erase MS)

 

SH: When did you first establish Race to Erase MS? How has it evolved over the years to where it is today?

ND: In 1993, I founded the Race to Erase MS, which is dedicated to funding research through its Center Without Walls program in an effort to find a cure for MS. When I was first diagnosed, there was no known cause, cure or drugs on the market for MS, and a true lack of hope. To date, we have raised over $58 million for multiple sclerosis research and there are now 24 FDA-approved drugs to help stop the progression of MS, with more exciting therapies coming through the pipeline.

(Image courtesy of Race to Erase MS)

 

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SH: What does it mean to you to be celebrating the 31st annual Race to Erase MS event?

ND: When we first hosted the gala, it was an intimate ski getaway weekend in Aspen, Colorado.

(Image courtesy of Race to Erase MS)

The gala then eventually moved to Los Angeles as a spectacular celebrity benefit held annually, and we celebrated its 30th anniversary just this past year. We are so excited to continue with this event and host this year's 31st annual gala. It means so much to me to be able to continue raising funds for our cause in our search to find a cure.

 

SH: How do proceeds from the event go to benefit MS research?

ND: The annual gala directly benefits the foundation's Center Without Walls program, a unique collaboration between the world's leading MS research scientists and investigators, currently representing Harvard, Yale, Cedars Sinai, University of Southern California, Oregon Health Science University, UC San Francisco, Johns Hopkins and UCLA, who have bolstered their individual efforts into collective action that has led to exciting discoveries in the search for a cure.

Race to Erase MS has contributed to help bring FDA-approved medications to the market. There are now over 24 drugs available to prevent relapses or slow down disability.

(Photo credit: Rich Fury/Getty Images for Race to Erase MS)

 

SH: Can you tell us a little bit about the performers who'll be at the event this year? What has it meant to you to have them involved?

ND: The evening will feature incredible live performances from Natasha Bedingfield and A Great Big World. We absolutely love Natasha Bedingfield and A Great Big World and feel so honored to have them as our headliners for this year's event.

 

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SH: How can our readers get involved and chip into the cause?

ND: Readers can get involved through general donations, purchasing tickets or sponsorships for our annual gala, or donating to our silent auction or gala gift bags.

 

Please find additional information and links regarding this below:

• Every dollar counts in our quest to find a cure for MS. Funds raised support our Center Without Walls Program. We are so grateful for every contribution made to further our mission to Erase MS. You can make a donation HERE.
• Individual tickets for our Annual Race to Erase MS are $1000. In addition, there are also opportunities for various levels of sponsorship. For more information please call us at 310-440-4842 or visit our current event page.
• We welcome donations to our Silent Auction, or product for our gala gift bags. Please click the links above for more information and to download the forms.

 

SH: Is there anything else we should know about the event this year?

ND: We are so excited to have Caroline Rhea as this year's host and the evening will boast an incredible live auction and fashion show from L'AGENCE. It is an evening you won't want to miss!

(Photo credit: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Race to Erase MS)

 

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