March 30, 2023
For Immediate Release
Contact: Christopher O’Brien, President: (845) 297-1111 or (914) 755-4407
Creation of a Charitable Foundation under IRS code 501(c)(3) named MS Food and Fitness Challenge was announced today by Laura Cantor, the Foundation’s Secretary. The nonprofit charitable foundation will be based in Fishkill, NY with its work initially to be done locally in the Hudson Valley and to expand regionally.
“The creation of this charitable organization is a result of much brainstorming by friends and family as the result of local resident Bridget O’Brien being diagnosed with MS, and the journey she has set upon to beat this disease”, Ms. Cantor explained. “While there currently is no cure for the various forms of Multiple Sclerosis, there is evidence that proper diet and exercise can stem the advance of the disease. Current medical thinking is to cure or mitigate the effects of the disease with a magic pill. While these “remedies” may be FDA approved, most of these “medications” have grave side effects up to and including death”.
Local restaurateur, Co-founder, and Foundation President Chris O’Brien, “Bridget and I started on this journey in early 2022 with the shocking discovery that my healthy active wife, mother and grandmother is diagnosed with progressive MS. We sought the best experts, researchers, best doctors, and hospitals. We were doing what we thought was best for her. The medical establishment had a uniform answer for us; take dangerous medications, but we chose a different route.”
Treasurer Jay Cantor, “We couldn’t go to just any restaurant since choices are so slim for someone with autoimmune diseases. With Chris being a chef, we decided to talk about promoting menu items and challenge the culinary community to accommodate patrons with autoimmune diseases. Let’s start a movement in our local culinary community.”
Former John Jay High School teacher, Sporting Clay Instructor and MS Food and Fitness Foundation Director Tom Fiumarello, “Chris came to me with this idea. My wife Judy and I decided to get involved. We decided to have a sporting clay event followed by a golf event.”
Secretary Laura Cantor, “We are excited and pleased to announce MS Food and Fitness Challenge Foundation initial fundraising event date of Friday, May 19, 2023. There will be two events that day with the opportunity to participate in one or both, and/or join us for dinner and cocktails.” Live music provided by Hurricane Annie Teed. Our keynote speaker, Mr. David Lyons who also has MS, will share with you his life changing battle and his uplifting challenging story as to how he refused to give in to MS and how he has changed his life the lives of so many through his work globally. Many details to follow, but we are certainly looking for major sponsors, golfers, shooters, and volunteers. Finally, if you can’t join us, find it in your heart to make any tax-deductible donation amount. Any amount will help us achieve our goals.
For more information, please contact Christopher O’Brien at:
Work: 845-297-1111
Mobile: 914-755-4407
email: info@msfoodandfitnesschallenge.org