CHERRY HILL, N.J., May 18, 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. Teva Neuroscience is the presenting sponsor of the gala. 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.
"As a leader in the field of neurology, Teva Neuroscience is honored to be a partner and work closely with the MSAA to help improve the lives of those living with multiple sclerosis. During the course of the past decade, Dr. Jack Burks has dedicated his time, energy, and resources to enhancing the offerings of the MSAA. We are excited to celebrate the accomplishments of Dr. Burks and the regional volunteers for their commitment to those affected by multiple sclerosis," states Marty Berndt, vice president of marketing for Teva Neuroscience.
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.
"MSAA enjoys a very special relationship with Teva Neuroscience. The people at Teva work with our staff in a true partnership and we feel very special that they have supported our MS programs and services," states MSAA President & CEO Douglas G. Franklin. "Some of the programs they have sponsored are our Healthcare Advisory Council, many of our public education forums and seminars, and special events like TransMontana and TransWyoming snowmobiling charity rides. They are wonderful corporate partners in the true sense of the word."
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.
MSAA will also be honoring volunteers from each of its 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 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