Jock MacDougall was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a debilitating neurological disease with no cure, at age 42.

The once-avid athlete has had to curtail his sports activities. But he’s found another passion: fundraising.

In 2013, Jock, his friends and his neurologist, Dr. Stanley Hashimoto, raised $300,000 in just four months for two pieces of equipment for Dr. Jacqueline Quandt’s research lab at UBC Hospital: a fluorescence microscope and a flow cytometer. The equipment vastly boosts the efficiency of her world-class research into neuroinflammation.

“The rate at which we could make new discoveries used to take much longer. With this equipment, we can acquire data fast and reliably. That means translating our findings to patient outcomes sooner. We all benefit.”

The first fundraiser went so well that Jock’s group is now raising $160,000 for a component for the digital fluorescence microscope the first fundraiser purchased, and for materials and lab staff needed to study MS onset and progression in patients.

Jock knew little about fundraising when he decided to donate funds to advance MS research. Dr. Hashimoto suggested contacting Dr. Quandt, who articulated ways donors can support research programs along with specific equipment she needed.

Jock says raising funds for equipment was key because donors could “see and touch” where their money went.

The efforts of his group show what happens when motivated, committed people unite for a common cause.

“If you put your mind to something and seek experts to help you, you can surprise yourself with your success,” he says.

For Dr. Quandt, “I have no better partners in my research than people living with MS. Research means hope.”

To support MS research at UBC Hospital, please donate.