Dana's Angels Research Trust (DART)

Dana’s Angels Research Trust (DART), a 501(c)(3) organization with strictly charitable purposes, was founded by Phil and Andrea Marella to fund medical research, medical education, or medical or hospital care for the treatment or cure of Niemann-Pick Type C disease (NPC) or other similar genetic diseases.

The Marella’s daughter, Dana, the inspiration behind DART, was diagnosed with NPC at the age of eight and fought a courageous battle for 12 years before her passing in 2013. Her younger brother Andrew, also diagnosed with NPC, is currently benefiting from clinical trials supported by DART, allowing him to live a fuller life and recently celebrated his 25th birthday in June - a particular milestone for NPC patients, who prior to DART’s efforts, often only survived into their teens.