Supporting Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Research

To better understand the cause and effect of PTSD, The Battle Within Foundation announced a first-round $25,000 donation to the Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI). This initial contribution will be used to enable the expansion of their neurocognitive disorder research. The funds garnered for the donation were collected from tributes made directly to BWF in memory of Lady Joanne Kessler, the wife of MW Richard J. Kessler, the Grand Master of New York State Masons.

By using our reach and connections in the veteran services community, along with the fundraising expertise of the MMRI, we are proud to announce that we have entered into an agreement to raise $250,000 – the entry point for funding a brand new cognitive research program, as well as open the door to government funding to perpetuate that research.

Our two organizations have joined forces to break new ground in studying PTSD at the molecular and genetic level. Dr. Kontaridis is optimistic that this research has the potential to yield tangible and meaningful results for our American
heroes.

Founded in 1958, MMRI is an internationally recognized biomedical research institute located in Utica, New York. Their research, led by Dr. Maria Kontaridis, the Executive Director and Gordon K. Moe Professor and Chair of Biomedical Research and Translational Medicine, is primarily focused on understanding the mechanisms that
cause heart disease, brain functional anomalies, and autoimmune disease.

“As the scope of MMRI’s research on neurocognitive disorders continues
to diversify, we will also focus our efforts on better understanding
PTSD. In collaboration with numerous others in our region who
are working tirelessly towards bettering this cause, we hope our efforts

will help make a difference in the lives of all those suffering from
this devastating disorder.”
- Dr. Maria Kontaridis

For more information about MMRI, please visit mmri.edu