The incurably ill For Animal Research (iiFAR) was founded in 1985 by Rick
Simpson in response to animal rights advocates protesting the University of
Arizona's use of animals in research. Rick was one of 80 multiple sclerosis (MS)
patients participating in an experimental treatment program at the university
when the protest took place. He happened to see a television interview of a
local activist at the demonstration which made him think of how he was
benefiting from animal research.
Rick's first question when asked to participate in the experimental program was
whether the drug, cyclosporine, had been tested on animals. It had been, of
course. Within the first week of treatment, Rick experienced some dramatic
improvements in his condition. He regained bowel and bladder control as well as
the ability to walk without a cane. Seeing someone protest against what had
given him not only hope but also an improved quality of life stirred a
motivating anger in Rick.
He contacted several other MS patients to discuss a plan of action. The next day
iiFAR was conceived. Starting as a local group of MS patients in Tucson,
Arizona, it soon became apparent the impact such an organization could have on
the public's understanding of animal research. Local animal rights groups could
not get news coverage without the media calling iiFAR for a response.
Early media coverage led to the formation of other local iiFAR groups in
Florida, California, Oregon, Washington, Missouri, Michigan, Illinois, Texas,
Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Georgia. In an effort to share knowledge with and
provide support to these new local groups, the Tucson group became a national
organization.
iiFAR is incorporated in the state of Arizona as a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) IRS tax
exempt organization. The national office is located in Lansing, Michigan and is
staffed by a Chief Executive Officer and a part-time office assistant.
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