In 1946, Sylvia Lawry’s search for answers about her brother’s newly diagnosed MS led her to establish what would later become the National MS Society. Today, her individual determination has become a global movement committed to a world free of MS. It is in this spirit that the 1946 Society was formed.
We all make small purchases without giving them a second thought – music downloads, movie rentals, fast food runs, and trips to the local coffee house. Now, for less than $20 per month – that’s just one cup of coffee each week – you can support important programs and services for those with MS in our community and fund the most promising MS research. All you have to do is make a monthly gift of $19.46 or any amount ending in 9.46 (e.g. $29.46, $59.46, $149.46 etc.) with your debit or credit card.
- To set up your automatic payments through the chapter – or to learn more, please contact Karen.Barton@nmss.org at 760-448-8412.
- Use your own online banking system to set up an automatic monthly payment. Payments should be made to the Pacific South Coast Chapter, National MS Society and include 1946 Society on the memo.
Sylvia Lawry founded the National MS Society in 1946, hoping to cure her brother Bernard’s MS, and led the Society as chief executive until 1982. Bernard passed away in 1973 and Sylvia died in 2001. While the cure eluded her, Lawry’s legacy is a national movement that aggressively funds research, advocates for change, and provides programs and services that help all Americans affected by MS move their lives forward.
The Lawry Circle is comprised of generous and caring individuals who know that the quest for a world free of MS must continue. It honors donors who have informed the Society of their intention to help create a better future for the MS community through a gift in their will, trust or estate plan. The Lawry Circle recognizes and honors people who have demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the lives of those with MS by establishing a deferred gift for the Society. Due to their generosity, a lasting legacy of hope and support is given to thousands of individuals and families living with multiple sclerosis.
Benefits of Membership
The most significant benefit of belonging to the Lawry Circle for most people is the feeling of personal satisfaction they enjoy when they have demonstrated their commitment to the continuation of essential Pacific South Coast Chapter programs and vital national MS research efforts.
For many, the substantial tax benefits allowed by the IRS for such commitments are also important and allow our benefactors to give much more than would otherwise be possible. When members leave bequests to the MS Society in their wills, their estates pay no estate taxes on the amounts passing to us. Other special benefits include: recognition in appropriate publications, invitations to special events and research symposia, and subscriptions to the MS Connections newsletter.
Become a Member of the Lawry Circle
Please contact Karen.Barton@nmss.org at 760-448-8412 if you have remembered the chapter in your estate plans.