Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC), is a rare and deadly neurodegenerative disease that primarily strikes children before or during adolescence. Unfortunately, this disease struck the Parseghian Family, prematurely ending the lives of three of Mike and Cindy Parseghian's (both are 1977 ND grads) four children; Michael, Marcia and Christa (pictured above). Since then, the Parseghian Family has dedicated their lives to finding the cause and cure for PNC through the efforts of The Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation. It was announced yesterday that the Foundation has given a generous gift to the University of Notre Dame to establish the Michael, Marcia and Christa Parseghian Endowment for Excellence to support NPC research and discovery and to build on the Foundation’s commitment to collaborate with young researchers at other institutions. Funds also will be dedicated in support of an annual NPC scientific conference that will be held at Notre Dame beginning in 2011, bringing together researchers from around the world to share discoveries and progress. Here's a story that NBC broadcast in 2008 on Coach Parseghian and his family's battle with PNC -- along with a link to the Foundation's website:
ARA'S MOST IMPORTANT GAME
A GOAL FOR LIFE -- PARSEGHIAN FOUNDATION WEBSITE
