The Kiwanis Neuroscience Research Foundation has been the Illinois – Eastern Iowa District Project for 60 years, and Kiwanis, Circle K, and Key Club all work together to help fund it. Circle K’s fundraising goal for the 2018-2019 service year is $4,500. Click here for information on Holiday Embrace, our annual fundraiser for this cause.

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KNRF, though not a disease in itself, is a symptom of various diseases or conditions of the central nervous system that cause spasticity, or stiff or rigid muscles. It can be caused by trauma, infections, strokes, skull fractures, and injury to the brain or spinal
cord. This damage may occur before or after birth. The effects of Spastic Paralysis involve a loss of control of muscles, and they can range from something small, like a speech impediment, to paralysis that prevents walking or other movements. The severity depends on the part of the brain or spinal cord that is damaged.

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Founded in 1952, the Kiwanis Neuroscience Research Foundation’s purpose is to provide financial grants to top-level medical and scientific researchers specializing in Spastic Paralysis and other diseases of the central nervous system. Research has included a number of related conditions, including Spina Bifida, Fragile X Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Alzheimer’s Disease, and premature birth and high-risk newborns.

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There are plenty of ways to help: spreading awareness, holding a fundraiser, attending Holiday Embrace, and participating in penny wars at district events, just to name a few!