Welcome to the RMS Family Foundation

Established in 2020, the RMS Family Foundation is a private initiative dedicated to driving transformative change in the realm of early onset Parkinson’s disease and related movement disorders. Founded with a passionate vision, we are committed to accelerating the development of innovative treatments and therapies that can change the trajectory of these conditions.
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Our Mission

At the heart of our mission is the goal to provide accelerated funding for groundbreaking approaches aimed at slowing the progression of early onset Parkinson’s disease and related movement disorders. Through strategic support, we strive to fast-track early phase 1 clinical trials, uncovering new disease-modifying treatments that may otherwise take years to reach patients in need.
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Embracing Hope: Our Founder's Journey

The RMS Family Foundation is driven by the deeply personal experience of our founder, Dr. Randy Schilsky. Dr. Schilsky is a Healthcare Executive, whose career spanned over 30 years as a Doctor of Chiropractic and CEO of a large urgent care and family practice organization. He began his battle as a person with young onset Parkinson’s disease in his early 30s during the height of his career. After 17 years of doctor visits, diagnostic testing, countless medications and chronic pain, Dr. Schilsky ultimately came to a diagnosis through the clinical manifestations of chronic Parkinson’s progression, ultimately confirmed by DAT scan in 2019. After diagnosis, it became Dr. Schilsky’s mission and the mission of his foundation to bring awareness to patients and healthcare providers of the warning signs, biomarkers, and cutting edge diagnostic testing for this disease such that treatment can be initiated sooner and disease progression can be halted through active research and early intervention. This journey underscores our understanding of the challenges faced by individuals who may spend years without a formal diagnosis, leading to unnecessary suffering. It fuels our determination to make a difference and drive impactful change through research.

Key Areas of Focus

Our foundation places special emphasis on advancing research in key areas:

 

  1. Dr. Randy M. Schilsky Movement Disorder Fellowship Grants: Schilsky Fellowship has supported four fellows since its inception in 2022. The Fellowship is critical to allow an immersive research experience during Year 2. Schilsky Fellows contribute to solving major unmet needs and learning cutting-edge concepts and methodologies. Learn More
  2. Neuroinflammation Markers and Treatment: We recognize the critical role of neuroinflammation in Parkinson’s disease. Our foundation is dedicated to advancing research in this domain, seeking to identify markers and treatments that hold the potential to redefine patient outcomes.
  3. Gut-Brain Axis Exploration: Understanding the connection between the gut and the brain is a pivotal avenue in Parkinson’s research. We support projects exploring this axis, aiming to reveal new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
  4. Slowing Young Onset Parkinson’s Progression: We understand the unique challenges faced by those diagnosed at a young age. Our foundation prioritizes funding for clinically significant therapies aimed at slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease in younger individuals, fostering improved quality of life.

Past Achievements

Over the past years, we have made substantial contributions to advancing Parkinson’s research. Our collaboration with Johns Hopkins University has resulted in $500,000 in funding, symbolizing our commitment to fostering impactful partnerships.

A note of gratitude from Johns Hopkins: “Research funded by the RMS Foundation has helped to understand the role of a specific receptor on immune cells in the brain and its ability to serve as a marker of brain immune activation in the earliest detectable stages of Parkinson’s disease, even before it can be diagnosed clinically, using a type of brain imaging called PET. This will allow personalized assessments of brain immune activation in people with this early stage of PD and will help to drive the development of clinical trials focused on delaying or preventing the development of PD.”

In 2023-2025, our collaboration with Duke University resulted in fellowship grants from the RMS Family Foundation in the amount of $250,000 in funding for four movement disorder fellowships.

Latest Endeavors

In our continued pursuit of progress, we are proud to have recently awarded a movement disorders fellowship grant in partnership with the Duke University Department of Neurology Movement Disorders Clinic. This grant empowers researchers to explore innovative ideas, contributing to our shared mission.

  • Gift from Schilsky Foundation Expands Scope of Movement Disorders Fellowship at Duke
    The Duke Neurology Department has expanded its movement disorders fellowship program to provide fellows with a research-immersive second year, thanks to a pledge from Dr. Randy Schilsky and his RMS Family Foundation…
    Read More or see the latest 2024-2025 highlights.

Join the Movement

As we embark on this journey of hope and transformation, we invite you to join us in making a lasting impact. Whether through support, collaboration, or raising awareness, your involvement can contribute to shaping a brighter future for those affected by Parkinson’s disease and related movement disorders.

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Get in Touch

We welcome your inquiries, partnership proposals, and shared enthusiasm. For more information or to explore how you can contribute, please fill out the form below. 

You can also use the form below for more information on our Movement Disorder Fellowship Grants.

Together, let’s drive change, foster hope, and build a world where Parkinson’s disease no longer defines lives.

The RMS Family Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization operating as a public charity (EIN 84-2894011). Click here for our 501(c)(3) Determination Letter. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.