MISSION:
The MARS Foundation was organized to fund research that will move us closer to a world free of multiple sclerosis. MS is a disease of the central nervous system that can affect the way a person moves, feels and thinks. Nearly 4,600 Iowans live with MS every day. Our way of fighting this disease is to raise funds for research for a cure. Additionally, we are helping to improve the quality of life of local Iowans affected with MS.
The Impact of our Supporters
2025
Mayo Clinic in Rochester- MARS gifted $100,000. The gifts to the Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology are directly impacting ground breaking research towards finding a cure for MS.
National MS Society- International Progressive MS Alliance- MARS gifted $38,000. MARS is excited to be part of the International Progressive MS Alliance. Their focus is to understand, prevent and reverse progression. They are focusing on new and innovative ways to identify triggers that cause Progressive MS. Understanding these triggers and what causes them, helps researchers focus on developing treatments that will slow, stop, and ultimately, reverse disability in MS patients in Progressive stages of Multiple Sclerosis. These new breakthrough treatments, can have great impact on not just reversing disability, but in leading to a cure.
Yoke Ministries- MARS gifted $5,000. Yoke Ministries strives to support those living with MS. They provide Treatment Day care packages for those going through treatment.
2024
Mayo Clinic in Rochester- MARS gifted $100,000. The gifts to the Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology are directly impacting ground breaking research towards finding a cure for MS.
MS Moments- MARS gifted $10,000 to help MS patients and their families receive quality of life services.
National MS Society- MARS gifted $10,000 to help fund research projects that were specifically selected by the MARS Foundation.
Yoke Ministries- MARS gifted $5,000. Yoke Ministries strives to support those living with MS. They provide Treatment Day care packages for those going through treatment.
2023
Mayo Clinic in Rochester- MARS gifted $100,000. The gifts to the Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology are directly impacting ground breaking research towards finding a cure for MS.
MercyOne- MARS gifted $15,000 to continue the MS day program that was started in 2019.
MS Moments- MARS gifted $10,000 to help MS patients and their families receive quality of life services.
National MS Society- MARS gifted $15,000 to help fund research projects that were specifically selected by the MARS Foundation.
Yoke Ministries- MARS gifted $5,000. Yoke Ministries strives to support those living with MS. They provide Treatment Day care packages for those going through treatment.
2022
Mayo Clinic in Rochester- MARS gifted $50,000, and was blessed enough to once again receive a match from Wayne and Marlene Anderson for a total of $100,000. This gift goes to the Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology. they continue to make ground breaking strides towards finding a cure for MS.
MercyOne- MARS gifted $15,000 to continue the MS day program that was started in 2019.
MS Moments- MARS gifted $15,000 to help MS patients and their families receive quality of life services.
National MS Society- MARS gifted $15,000 to help fund research projects that were specifically selected by the MARS Foundation.
Yoke Ministries- MARS gifted $5,000. Yoke Ministries stives to support those living with MS. They provide Treatment Day care packages for those going through treatment.
2021
Celebrated 20 years of MARS, and fundraising efforts raised over $100,000! The board voted to donate a total of $100,000 to be divided among four organizations that have great impact on the MS patients in our community.
Mayo Clinic in Rochester- MARS gifted $50,000 plus a match from Wayne and Marleen Anderson for a total of $100,000. This is the largest donation the MARS Foundation has ever given.
MS Moments- MARS gifted $20,000 to help MS patients and their families receive quality of life services.
MercyOne- MARS gifted $15,000 to continue the MS day program that was started in 2019. The program consists of four 50- minute sessions every Wednesday. The facilitators of each include a speech language pathologist, nurse educator, occupational therapist and a physical therapist. The topics of education/activity include music, yoga, tai chi, vision, communication, cognition, memory, art, strength training, aerobic exercise, energy conservation, anger, meditation, depression, and educate on community resources that are not familiar to all participants, such as MSAA, MSF, NMSS, and MS Moments. In addition, the benefits of an online support group and MS Camp for kids. Lastly, DMT overview of treatments and differences along with the potential side effects vs. benefit, and JCV and how it relates to any DMT. This program was put on hold due to the pandemic.
National MS Society- MARS gifted $15,000 to help fund research projects that were specifically selected by the MARS Foundation.
2020
Though the year may not have gone as planned due to the pandemic, with the help of our amazing sponsors and a matching gift, the Mars Foundation was able to raise $32,000. Money was distributed to continue impacting patients and families with MS.
MS Moments was gifted $7,000 to provide grants for quality-of-life services that help MS patients and their families all over the state of Iowa.
Mayo Clinic received $25,000 thanks to an anonymous matching donor. The Mayo Clinic continues to conduct research to help find a cure for MS. The work they are doing is very exciting and definitely moving in the right direction!