CHERRY HILL, N.J., May 11, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- On Thursday, May 19, 2005, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) will mark its 35th anniversary in style at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. During the gala, MSAA will honor Dr. Jack Burks for his dedicated service to MSAA and the MS community. The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America will also be honoring MSAA volunteers who go above and beyond the call of duty.
Founded on June 6, 1970, MSAA has been a part of the MS community for three-and-a-half decades. Today, MSAA offers a wealth of programs and services which include: MSAA's extended-hour and bilingual Helpline; extensive information and support available through a series of publications, MSAA's newly redesigned website, and an extensive lending library; an equipment distribution and loan program, as well as a cooling program offering cooling garments to assist with symptom relief; financial and advocacy assistance for diagnostic and follow-up MRI scans; home modifications for increased accessibility and safety; regional support groups, events, and a national networking program. All of these programs are free and focus on MSAA's mission of easing the day-to-day challenges of individuals with MS and their care partners. MSAA's reach is far and wide, as all 50 states have a region dedicated to providing various programs and services to clients.
"To celebrate 35 years of providing support and services to people challenged by MS is an honor we share with everyone associated with MSAA. We've reached this milestone thanks to our entire family of staff, volunteers, vendors and corporate partners," states MSAA President and CEO Douglas G. Franklin. "Together, we have all made good things happen and we couldn't do it without such great support."
As a part of the 35th anniversary celebration, MSAA will be honoring Dr. Burks who joined MSAA earlier in the decade and currently serves as vice president and chief medical officer. Dr. Burks oversees all medical information written and distributed by MSAA, in addition to writing a column for MSAA's magazine, The Motivator. Dr. Burks was also instrumental in MSAA forming the Healthcare Advisory Council. Headed by Dr. Burks, the Council is a group of healthcare professionals from several disciplines. This is a group dedicated to addressing MSAA's work as it relates to the different areas of medical treatments, information, and the development of an optimal overall healthcare plan.
In addition to his role at MSAA, Dr. Burks is a clinical professor of medicine in neurology at the University of Nevada School of Medicine in Reno, Nevada, and a member of the Medical Advisory Board of the National MS Society. He has edited two textbooks on MS, and in the 1970s, Dr. Burks established the Rocky Mountain MS Center in Colorado, one of the nation's first comprehensive MS centers.
MSAA will also be honoring volunteers from each of it's regions during the 35th Anniversary Gala. These volunteers are also MSAA clients and they have been an inspiration to the many individuals they help. The following are the volunteers along with the region they represent: Shirley Spencer, Northeast Region; Betty Halley, Midwest Region; Vicky Stanfield, Southeast Region; Judy Baker, South-Central Region; and Char Kaber, Northwest Region. All volunteers will receive a special award recognizing their contributions to MSAA and the community they serve.
The 35th Anniversary Gala is being partially funded by the following corporate sponsors: Teva Neuroscience; Berlex; The Heritage Company; Serono, Inc./Pfizer, Inc.; The Wheelchair Man Company; Direct Mail Processors; Raffa & Associates, P.C.; TeleResponse Center, Inc.; EU Services; and Creative Direct Response.
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America is a national nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people affected by multiple sclerosis. MSAA offers programs and services including a toll-free Helpline (1-800-532-7667); support groups; equipment ranging from grab bars to wheelchairs; home modifications; MRI funding and insurance advocacy; educational literature including a quarterly magazine, The Motivator; Lending Library; cooling program for heat-sensitive individuals; awareness events, and more.
The most common neurological disorder diagnosed in young adults, multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. This disorder damages or destroys the protective covering (known as myelin) surrounding the nerves, causing reduced communication between the brain and nerve pathways. Common symptoms include visual problems, overwhelming fatigue, difficulty with balance and coordination, and various levels of impaired mobility. MS is not contagious or fatal.
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America logo can be found at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1392