Calhoun Bone Pain Project

Fibrous dysplasia (fragile bones). It is caused by a chance mutation in GNAS coding for the protein Gs alpha. The Gs alpha is constantly on (like a jammed accelerator) – this causes over-production of several hormones and abnormal bone growth. It’s progressive. Fibrous dysplasia is crippling, deforming and painful. Fibrous dysplasia shows no mercy.

For these bones there is no treatment outside of surgery which often fails. Pain is treated with bisphosphonate infusions – a drug famous in the news for causing osteonecrosis of the jaw and other undesirable side effects. Narcotics are sometimes an option, but no parent really wants his or her child functionally dependent on narcotics on a long term basis (often challenging to explain at school during “don’t do drugs” week).

Dr. Patrick Mantyh is ready and willing to take on bone pain related to fibrous dysplasia. He is the smartest bone pain researcher in the USA (maybe the world). Just takes funding. Billy's got $15.32, that's a start.

More, http://calhounbonepainproject.blogspot.com.

1. Maximize Funding for Dr. Patrick Mantyh's Lab

2. Launch the research fund (October 2010)

3. Rock n' Roll Mardi Gras Marathon, Team "Aaargh, running for me matey Billy!"