Todd Siebert Memorial Foundation donates to Ball State ALS research

Nonprofit honors Batesville man who passed from ALS

(MUNCIE, Ind.) – A foundation created in honor of a Batesville resident is providing a significant contribution to ALS research at Ball State University. 

Todd Siebert passed away at the age of 51 from ALS in 2021. The Todd Siebert Memorial Foundation was created to spread awareness and funds to find a cure for the disease. 

The nonprofit has donated $25,000 to the Smaldino ALS/FTD Research Project Fund within BSU’s Department of Biology.

The funds will be used to develop treatment options for ALS as well as FTD, which neither currently has a cure or life-extending treatment options. 

Dr. Philip Smaldino, associate professor of cell biology, leads a team of undergraduate and graduate students to understand these diseases at cellular and molecular levels. 

“The funding, support, and awareness we have gained from the Todd Seibert Memorial Foundation has allowed me to develop my laboratory skills, share our science, and advance our current understanding of ALS,” said Joseph Gumina, graduate student researcher in the Smaldino Lab.

The Todd Siebert Memorial Foundation has previously contributed to the Smaldino ALS/FTD Research Project Fund.

You can learn more about the local nonprofit by clicking here.