NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG/PAE | PAE@NMSS.ORG
2012 ANNUAL MEETING: A YEAR TO CELEBRATE Nearly 500 members of the local MS community came together to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year and hear what’s on the horizon at the 2012 Annual Meeting: A Year to Celebrate on December 4 in Cherry Hill, N.J. The chapter provided an update on how it is helping local people living with MS and honored the efforts of key volunteers in the MS movement.
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Dr. Judith Grinspan received the inaugural Professional Impact Award. Dr. Grinspan is a Research Associate Professor of Neurology at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Mahoney Institute for Neurological Science at the University of Pennsylvania. A leader in her field, Dr. Grinspan’s lab studies the controls of the development of the myelinating cells of the central nervous system, from stem cells through to myelination. Her research takes a look at repairing the myelinating sheath around the central nervous system to restore function that has been lost due to multiple sclerosis. Independence Blue Cross (IBC) was recognized as Corporate Champion for 2012. No company has had as great and wide ranging an impact as IBC. IBC’s Blue Crew was heavily involved in our Walk MS and Bike MS events this past year. They helped stuff envelopes before the events and even helped unload after. As well, IBC was a major supporter of our Women Against MS Luncheon and MS Dinner of Champions.
Senator Fred Madden received the Legislator of the Year Award. A champion for people living with MS, he was instrumental in the passing of the New Jersey Multiple Sclerosis Task Force Bill that was signed into law by Governor Christie in January of this year. He co-sponsored a bill that provides increases in allowance paid for veterans with MS. As Vice-Chair of the Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, Senator Madden has offered his support to a wide range of legislation that will help people living with MS.
Long-time volunteer Dennis Dougherty received the Thacher Longstreth Award. This award pays tribute to the founder of our chapter and someone who had an unparalleled influence on the fight against MS during the early days of the National MS Society. Not only is Dennis an invaluable part of the chapter’s development team, he takes a leadership role in services and MS advocacy. Dennis’ relationship with the chapter began nearly 20 years ago as a cyclist... which led to serving as chair of the ride’s planning committee for three years. Each year he continues to lead the development of the bike tour’s 100-mile route and has put considerable time into our Walk MS and Challenge Walk MS events. He also recruited South Jersey homebuilders to help with home modifications, and has taken a leadership role on the New Jersey Government Relations Committee.