In 1996, Iva Shaljian, a remarkable donor and dedicated friend of the National MS Society, was planning for her “sunset” years. As she put it: “I want to turn uncertainties into possibilities.” It took a few years to fully understand what Iva meant.
Iva’s early life in California was devoted to helping her father run a small store. It was hard work with long hours, but it created a nest egg for her father and ultimately for her. Iva’s beloved brother George had MS and she was with him every day of his 35-year struggle with the disease. After his death, Iva memorialized his life with a few generous gifts in his name. She also made the Southern California Chapter a beneficiary in her will.
The Chapter remembers Iva Shaljian and her generosity through The Iva Shaljian Home Assistance Support. This very special fund pays for a licensed home care agency to work with families for up to 8 consecutive days, four hours a day after a hospital stay or exacerbation.