Microscope Symbolizes Hope

Jenny and Jim Zinkan raise funds, donate a microscope toward the fight against MS, ALS

Erik Pioro, MD, PhD felt the kind of genuine excitement a child feels at Christmas when he learned that his department was receiving the microscope he’d wanted for nearly 8 years via a fundraiser the Zinkan family established that supports projects at Cleveland Clinic’s Neurological Institute. 

“All I can do is raise the money to put it in the hands of the people who can find a cure.  We can’t find a cure, we can only fund a cure,” Jenny Zinkan says.

Jenny and Jim Zinkan were inspired to create the Reason for Hope fundraising ball because members of their family were affected by neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which often is referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease. 

“The name of our event is Reason for Hope.  We want to give people hope, particularly for those who have ALS.  Once you’re diagnosed, there is no hope because currently there is no cure, and there’s no medication.  It’s that simple.  That’s the reality,” says Mrs. Zinkan, who, along with her husband, is a member of Cleveland Clinic’s Neurological Institute leadership board, which raises money for institute priorities.

Microscope Donation Symbolizes Hope

Proceeds from the Reason for Hope annual ball are donated yearly to Cleveland Clinic’s Neurological Institute, with support alternating each year between MS and ALS research. 

This year proceeds from the event purchased a light and fluorescence Leica microscope, valued at $80,000, for research by Erik Pioro, MD, PhD, Director, Section of ALS and Related Disorders, Neurological Institute.

The microscope allows Dr. Pioro immediately to view and analyze patients’ biopsy slides in his office, instead of scheduling time in a shared microscope lab, or sending the slides to a lab technician to view and interpret. 

The computer-linked microscope can photograph slides for later analysis and magnify and share images with fellows, residents and staff for joint analysis. 

“The microscope gives me the ability to review slides right away so I can provide direct insight into a patient’s case.  Indirectly, the microscope allows me the time and ability to analyze the slides that I’m studying to hopefully better understand and help patients with ALS,” Dr. Pioro says.

Funding the Fight Against MS, ALS
This year, the Zinkans and Reason for Hope board members chose to donate something tangible toward the fight against MS and ALS, such as research equipment or a research position, rather than making a monetary donation, as they did in 2006 and 2007.

Mrs. Zinkan believes people who participate in the event feel they achieved something when they know what the proceeds are benefiting. 

“It’s like getting your favorite toy at Christmas.  I was honored and humbled by the Zinkans willingness to contribute something that is this big as far as cost and that was so important to what I needed,” Dr. Pioro says. 

Reason for Hope Ball

The 2008 Reason for Hope ball was held in September at the InterContinental Hotel on Cleveland Clinic’s campus.  The event attracted nearly 350 guests, an increase from 220 in 2007.  Attendees enjoyed dinner, bid on silent auction items and were entertained by Shaker Dance Academy performers and Shout, a live band. 

At the event, an individual is honored with the Reason for Hope award.  This year’s recipient was Fred DeGrandis, President and CEO, Cleveland Clinic Regional Hospitals, for establishing the Northern Ohio Chapter of the ALS Association. 

Mr. DeGrandis joins past recipients, Bruce Trapp, PhD, Department Chair, Neurosciences (2007) and Dr. Pioro (2006).

Mrs. Zinkan is delighted that the event continues to grow each year.  She says it’s difficult to bring awareness to the prevalence of neurological conditions.

“That’s why I do the Reason for Hope ball.  It’s about awareness.  You need to get exposure,” Mrs. Zinkan says.

Learn more about Reason for Hope, and view event photos.

To make a gift supporting the Neurological Institute or any area of Cleveland Clinic, visit iSupport, our secure online giving site, or call Institutional Relations and Development at 216.444.1245 or toll-free at 800.223.2273, ext. 41245.

Related Links

Neurological Institute

Multiple sclerosis