Impact Stories

Biesold Family and Groundbreaking Research

Biesold Family Gives To Groundbreaking Research

For 11 years Christie Biesold has suffered with psoriatic arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Her daughter and father-in-law also have the disease.

“Since Christie first learned of the important groundbreaking research BRI was doing with autoimmune diseases, we have been supporters,” says her husband Todd Biesold. “Our family is amazed by BRI’s work. We have had the opportunity to meet with researchers, as well as Dr. Buckner. The dedication and passion that is evident with all of them is very inspiring.”

Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI), led by President Jane Buckner, MD, is an internationally recognized leader dedicated to discovering causes and cures for autoimmune diseases. They affect one in 15 Americans.

Many Ways of Helping

Christie and Todd, as well Todd’s parents Bruce and Phyllis Biesold, give personally and through their family business Merlino Foods to support BRI. Todd’s sister and brother also give through Merlino Foods, a Seattle family-owned food supplier for restaurants, food-service companies and bakeries. By giving cash contributions, personal donations of stock as well as corporate gifts from Merlino Foods, the family has flexibility in giving times and modes. “We also use the opportunity to give ‘in honor of gifts’ for our family or our customers,” says Todd.

“We all hope that the researchers at BRI can find the ‘magic code’ to prevent and/or arrest the scourge of autoimmune diseases,” he explains. “Based on what we have learned from our visits, they are well on the road to that and we are optimistic.”