Behind every breakthrough in Complex Lymphatic Anomalies (CLAs), there’s a researcher asking the right questions—and a community that believes in their work.
At the Lymphangiomatosis & Gorham’s Disease Alliance (LGDA), we know that progress in rare disease research requires bold ideas, expert mentorship, and early support. That’s exactly why the Alfie Milne Young Investigator Award, established in partnership with the Lymphatic Malformation Institute (LMI), is so vital.
Empowering the Next Generation of Researchers
Named after a remarkable CLA patient, the Alfie Milne Young Investigator Award funds early-career scientists committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of CLAs. These $25,000 grants are often the first opportunity for a young researcher to independently pursue a novel idea in lymphatic science.
Thanks to your generous support, award recipients have:
- Become postdoctoral researchers at prestigious institutions
- Received additional funding to expand their projects
- Earned academic appointments in medical schools
- Published their findings in peer-reviewed journals
- Presented at the International Conference for Complex Lymphatic Anomalies or the, sharing their insights with global experts
These aren’t just milestones for individuals—they’re building blocks for the entire CLA field.
Where Donations Become Discovery: The Role of the Million Dollar Bike Ride
Each year, the LGDA community participates in the Million Dollar Bike Ride (MDBR), hosted by the Penn Orphan Disease Center. The funds raised go directly to support the Alfie Milne Young Investigator Award.
In 2024, our donors helped fund cutting-edge research into genetic mutations like KRAS and NRAS, the role of the immune system in CLAs, and new models to better understand disease progression. These are crucial steps toward better diagnostics, improved care, and ultimately, cures.
But we’re not done yet.
Why Your Support Still Matters
We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, but the journey is far from over. New researchers need support. Promising projects await funding. And every family affected by CLAs is waiting for answers.
This year, we’ve set an ambitious goal: to raise $30,000 through the Million Dollar Bike Ride to continue funding young investigators and advancing life-changing research.
Thank You for Fueling Hope
To our donors, fundraisers, riders, and volunteers: thank you. Your dedication has directly funded scientists who are reshaping the future of CLA care. Because of you, promising research has left the lab and entered the scientific conversation. Because of you, hope is growing stronger.
Want to help drive the next discovery?
Donate to Team CLA for the Million Dollar Bike Ride
Your support today can help unlock the breakthroughs of tomorrow.
