Advancing research for rare diseases doesn’t happen overnight—it starts with bold ideas, passionate scientists, and the support of a community that believes progress is possible.
Through the Million Dollar Bike Ride (MDBR), the Lymphangiomatosis & Gorham’s Disease Alliance (LGDA), in partnership with the Lymphatic Malformation Institute (LMI) and LGD Alliance Europe, has proudly funded the Alfie Milne Young Investigator Award—a grant designed to support early-career researchers dedicated to improving understanding and treatment of complex lymphatic anomalies (CLAs).
Why This Award Matters
For rare diseases like Gorham-Stout disease (GSD), generalized lymphatic anomaly (GLA), kaposiform lymphangiomatosis (KLA), central conducting lymphatic anomaly (CCLA) and isolated lymphatic malformations—research funding is limited.
The Alfie Milne Young Investigator Award helps bridge that gap by:
- Supporting innovative, early-stage research
- Encouraging new scientists to enter the lymphatic field
- Accelerating discoveries that can lead to better treatments and outcomes
- Each award represents more than funding—it represents hope.
Meet the Researchers Driving Progress
Over the years, this award has supported a growing group of dedicated investigators who are advancing the field in meaningful ways.
These researchers are exploring:
- The genetic drivers behind lymphatic anomalies
- New targeted therapies and treatment strategies
- Improved models to better understand disease progression
- Ways to personalize treatment for patients
- Their work is helping answer critical questions that patients and families face every day.
2025 Award Recipients
In 2025, thanks to the incredible support of our community, two promising researchers were funded:
- Lotte E.R. Kleimeier, MSc (Radboudumc)
Focused on optimizing personalized treatments for Central Conducting Lymphatic Anomalies (CCLA) - Dr. Svatava Merkle (Cincinnati Children’s Hospital)
Developing more effective, less toxic therapies for Kaposiform Lymphangiomatosis (KLA)
These projects represent the future of precision medicine in lymphatic disease—bringing us closer to treatments tailored to each patient’s unique condition.
A Growing Legacy of Impact
Since its inception, the Alfie Milne Young Investigator Award has supported a diverse group of researchers across institutions and countries, each contributing to a deeper understanding of lymphatic diseases.
Their collective work is:
- Expanding scientific knowledge
- Driving clinical innovation
- Creating momentum toward better care
- And importantly, it is building a pipeline of experts committed to this field for years to come.
How You Make This Possible
Every breakthrough begins with support.
The Alfie Milne Young Investigator Award is funded directly through community-driven efforts like the Million Dollar Bike Ride. That means every donation, every fundraiser, and every shared message contributes to real progress.
You can be part of this impact by:
- Donating to support research
- Starting a local fundraiser in your community
- Joining or supporting the CLA Team for MDBR
- Sharing this mission with others
Start your fundraiser or donate today
Looking Ahead
There is still so much to learn about lymphatic malformations and complex lymphatic anomalies. But with each researcher supported, each study launched, and each discovery made—we move closer to answers.
Together, we are not just funding research.
We are building a future where patients and families have better options, better care, and more hope.
