Our Mission
AIMS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct support to individuals affected by Multiple Sclerosis, raising public awareness and the understanding of MS.
Our HISTORY
AIMS: How We Got Here — Our Journey to the 11th Annual Golf Outing
AIMS began long before it officially incorporated in February 2015. Its roots trace back to January 2011, when a small grassroots effort called Team Gizmo emerged. Named after a resilient Persian cat whose fighting spirit inspired everyone around him, Team Gizmo was created by David “Mikey” Alcozer, who had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2007. This was all from fellow Abt Electronics employees who put together events in honor of Team Gizmo.
After experiencing a significant relapse while shoveling snow in December 2010, Mikey — supported tirelessly by family and friends — began raising MS awareness through bake sales, driving‑range events, bar gatherings, bowling fundraisers, National MS Society walks, and selling Team Gizmo apparel.
The momentum grew quickly.
The annual golf outing became a symbol of that growth. What started in 2011 with two teams of four in the “Good Fellas Golf Outing” tripled the following year. By 2014, 116 golfers were participating, with all proceeds supporting the National MS Society’s Northern Illinois Chapter.
As Team Gizmo’s social media presence expanded, individuals diagnosed with MS from across the country began reaching out to Mikey. His blend of optimism, honesty, and lived experience offered hope to people facing new diagnoses, relapses, and life-changing challenges. That growing need — and the desire to support individuals directly — led to the transformation of Team Gizmo into:
AIMS: Assisting Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis,
an Illinois nonprofit corporation and registered 501(c)(3).
Since then, AIMS has spent more than a decade providing direct, meaningful support to MS fighters. We have donated mobility scooters, sent holiday care packages, hosted MS meetups, and helped individuals with yard work, snow removal, washroom arm‑bar installations, and navigating state caregiver‑assistance applications. Every act of support reflects our mission: creating connection, community, and hope for people living with MS.
AIMS proudly celebrates 11 years of assisting individuals with Multiple Sclerosis — and we are just weeks away from our 11th Annual Golf Outing. What began as a small grassroots effort has grown into a powerful community movement fueled by generosity, compassion, and unwavering support.
We invite you to be part of our BIG DAY.
Click here to sign up for golf, buy raffle tickets, or join us for the dinner.
The AIMS Team deeply appreciates every donation, sponsor, golfer, dinner guest, and volunteer. Each year, we feel the AIMS cup overflow — and it’s because of you.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
David Mikey Alcozer
AIMS President
“I have MS. MS doesn’t have me. It’s true. I will stand tall knowing what I know now and support those who were in my shoes. The faster we invest time into learning - the better we can be. Denial and fear are evil and will make our missions on earth more difficult than they need to be.
I fight MS till the day it ends!”