From left, National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter president Lisa Gerrol and Connecticut Chapter board of trustees members Everett G. Sussman and Terrance Walsh take a moment to pose at the Connecticut Chapter’s 2009 Annual Meeting. Sussman is the chairperson of the chapter’s Government Relations Committee and accepted the 2009 Outstanding Programs Committee Award on its behalf.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter honored its Government Relations Committee with the 2009 Outstanding Programs Committee Award at its 2009 annual meeting and awards ceremony, held Sunday, March 7, at the Hartford Marriott in Rocky Hill. “The Government Relations Committee has played an important role in advocating for those living with multiple sclerosis,” said Susan Raimondo, senior director of advocacy and programs, National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter. “Their testimonies, phone calls, e-mails, letters and visits with legislators are creating positive awareness of MS.”
The committee was honored for its efforts in strengthening and expanding the chapter’s annual MS Action Day, which was held on Tuesday, March 9, at the State Capitol in Hartford. Committee members actively reach out to legislators about issues affecting those living with MS through phone calls, e-mails, letters and visits.
In addition to its work on MS Action Day, members of the Government Relations Committee frequently testify at public hearings before the state legislature on crucial health care issues that affect the MS community.
Stratford attorney Everett G. Sussman, the committee’s chairperson and Connecticut Chapter Board of Trustees member, accepted the award on behalf of the Government Relations Committee at the awards ceremony.
Multiple sclerosis is a potentially debilitating disease affecting the central nervous system. The cause is unknown and there currently is no cure. Symptoms can include, among other things, numbness in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness, loss of mobility and, in some more severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted.
Funds raised through chapter events, such as Walk MS and Bike MS, ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure. Funds also provide for the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to more than 6,000 Connecticut residents diagnosed with MS.
For more information on multiple sclerosis, its effects and the many ways to help make a difference, e-mail programs@ctfightsMS.org or visit www.ctfightsMS.org.
