Hancock grant spurs Boston Cure national launch, name change

A local nonprofit working to cure multiple sclerosis has landed a partnership with Boston insurer John Hancock that will help it launch nationally.

The Waltham-based Boston Cure Project has changed its name to Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis as a result of the partnership with the long-term-care business unit of John Hancock, itself owned by Toronto-based Manulife.

The partnership, managed through John Hancock's Long Term Care Community Service Program, includes a $50,000 grant for Accelerated Cure Project.

According to the Accelerated Cure Project's President and CEO Art Mellor, an entrepreneur who was diagnosed with MS in 2000, the partnership launches his organization into the national arena. He plans to open an affiliate entity in Connecticut, New Hampshire or Wisconsin -- his home state -- this year.

In addition, John Hancock agreed to be involved in the nonprofit's volunteer, marketing and public relations efforts. The deal also includes five Boston Marathon numbers, in which runners agree to raise money for the organization in exchange for wearing the those numbers.