Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: The Giorgio Foundation
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 118 McDonald Drive
City: Duncansville
State: PA
Postal Code: 16635
Main Phone: (814)686-2256
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.endnf1.org
Employer ID Number: 46-6548416
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: March 26, 2024
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: Dermal Neurofiroma Consortium
Project Description:

Established in 2014, the mission of The Giorgio Foundation is to fund research related to pediatric neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), a devastating genetic disorder which causes uncontrolled tumor growth. We seek $10,000 to support our Dermal Neurofibroma Consortium to advance very specific research and offer children hope for tumor-free lives. This collaboration with our “dream team” of researchers has already resulted in 15 groundbreaking studies conducted at academic institutions including University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, University of Texas Southwestern and Washington University in St. Louis. Occurring in about 1 in every 3,000 births, NF1 is referred to by medical authorities as "the most common disorder you’ve probably never heard of.” The painful, disfiguring tumors that grow on the skin (dermal neurofibromas) affect 90% of NF1 patients beginning at puberty. These tumors are not life-threatening, but they are horribly life-altering. The Giorgio Foundation was inspired by Giorgio Borzellino and established by his family. Born a perfectly healthy baby, Giorgio was diagnosed with NF1 at age five.

The Giorgio Foundation has no overhead. All administrative expenses are funded by a separate nonprofit. Thus, every dollar contributed to The Giorgio Foundation goes directly toward much-needed research ($3.2 million as of 12/31/23). Insights derived from the science we support are relevant to the estimated 2 million who suffer with NF1 and the family members who are part of a difficult and unpredictable journey. A dream team of researchers has proven that the deformed NF1 gene can be made whole through what is known as trans-splicing. Additional research is needed to continue exploration of the power of the gene correction in slowing or even stopping tumor growth. An advancement such as this for a disorder like NF1 has great value for other researchers examining a wide range of similar disorders.

Total Project Budget: $100,000.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Over $56,000 has been raised this year to support the Dermal Neurofribroma Consortium through a fundraiser supported by area businesses that includes: McCartney’s Hollidaysburg Family Dental NPC SpillTech New Pig Energy Interpak MasonWays Plastics LLC

Project Duration: Through December 31, 2024
Geographical Area Served: Project is national in scope
Age Group To Be Served: Children under 21 affected by NF1

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Judy
Contact Last Name: Meehan
Contact Title: Donor Relations Manager
Contact Phone: (703)713-5552
Contact Email: judymeeh@newpig.com