mission |
vision |
The TKO Strong Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of patients diagnosed with Microvillus Inclusion Disease. We are the only national non-profit organization that is committed to supporting families, promoting MVID awareness and raising funds for cutting edge research to find more effective treatment options and ultimately a cure.
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The development of safe and effective treatment options and ultimately a cure to eradicate Microvillus Inclusion Disease as well as other genetically caused diarrheal diseases.
"STAY TKO STRONG" |
Tom and Melissa Onorato founded the TKO Strong Foundation, after their oldest son Thomas Kevin Onorato was born in 2013. Thomas was diagnosed at birth with Microvillus Inclusion Disease. Onset of MVID symptoms occur in infancy, typically within days of birth. This devastating genetic disease results in intestinal failure. Thomas' body is unable to absorb nutrition and stay hydrated due to constant fluid loss. This condition is fatal if not treated aggressively. MVID patients are "fed" intravenously, using parenteral nutrition, which is the only treatment option available. The rarity of this disease, like other orphan diseases, is the cause for minimal research. There is no cure for Microvillus Inclusion Disease. After extensive research and speaking with other families and patients, it became evident to Thomas' parents that they needed to take matters into their own hands if they wanted to change the course of this understudied disease. Together, with devoted family, friends, and the community they have taken the initiative to raise money to support Microvillus Inclusion Disease research. Their hope is to bridge the gap between patients, researchers and physicians to find safe and effective treatment options and ultimately a cure.
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Co-Founders |
Board of Directors |
MELISSA A. ONORATO
THOMAS ONORATO OfficersPRESIDENT: MARK ONORATO
VICE-PRESIDENT: RICHARD GUEZ SECRETARY: ALEXIS ONORATO TREASURER: THOMAS ONORATO |
ALEXIS ONORATO
ALISON SCHWENZER ANTHONY TULLO CRAIG SCHMIDT JAMES FISCHMAN KASHIF UDDIN MARK ONORATO MELISSA A. ONORATO MICHAEL FITZGERALD REGINA PETERS RICHARD GUEZ SALVATORE VAGLICA THOMAS ONORATO WILLIAM PETERS |