National Reyes Syndrome Foundation, Inc.

In 1974, the National Reye's Syndrome Foundation, a health advocacy organization, was incorporated as a 501(c)3 charity, whose mission is to eradicate the incidence of Reye's Syndrome. Although believed to be primarily a children's disease, Reye's Syndrome can strike any age, gender, and race. Typically following a viral illness (cold, influenza, chicken pox, etc.), Reye's Syndrome affects all organs of the body, but targets the liver and the brain.  Early diagnosis is essential if treatment is to be successful. To date, the cause and cure remain a mystery. Studies have shown that using aspirin and salicylate-containing medications to treat the symptoms of viral illnesses increase the chance of developing Reye's Syndrome.