About AL Amyloidosis

Amyloidosis is a rare disease that occurs when a substance called amyloid builds up in your organs. Amyloid is an abnormal protein that is produced in your bone marrow and can be deposited in any tissue or organ. Amyloidosis can affect different organs in different people, and there are different types of amyloid. Amyloidosis frequently affects the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system, and digestive tract. Severe amyloidosis can lead to life-threatening organ failure.

AL amyloidosis (immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis) is the most common type and can affect your heart, kidneys, skin, nerves and liver. Previously known as primary amyloidosis, AL amyloidosis occurs when your bone marrow produces abnormal antibodies that can't be broken down. The antibodies are deposited in your tissues as amyloid, interfering with normal function.

Although there is no current cure for Amyloidosis, the JPB Foundations’ goal is to raise and donate $100,000 in 2020 to Mayo Clinic in Joey’s name. This money will be used to support funding of a study that was completed, resulting in testing that can diagnose AL Amyloidosis earlier. Will you help us reach our goal?