University of Central Florida College of Medicine
Medical Education Building
6850 Lake Nona Blvd
Orlando, FL 32827
Keynote Speaker
Dr. James Hickman
Dr. James Hickman is a professor of Chemistry, Biomolecular Science and Electrical Engineering at the University of Central Florida. Dr. Hickman received his PHD from MIT and has been performing research in the field of nanoscience for over 15 years. He leads a group using hybrid systems for biological computation as well as fundamental investigations in neuroscience and cell biology. His current research focuses on using these systems to repair the myelin sheath.
2011 Award Winners
It is important to recognize the efforts of volunteers who approached a tough year with a new resolve in order to meet the needs of those living with MS, with an ultimate goal of creating a world free of MS. The following mission awards were given at the Research Symposium and Annual Conference:
Walk MS Top Team & Top Individual Fundraiser
MaSquerade & Ande Felder
MaSquerade is a labor of love for Ander Felder and her family. In 2012, MaSquerade will be celebrating its tenth anniversary. We would like to thank Ander for her tremendous deidcation and leadership. Because of Ande's commitment to creating a world free of MS, MaSquerade raised $16,500 this year--making Ande the top individual fundraiser, and team MaSquerade the top team for this year's walk.
Milestone Award
Darla Freeman-LeVay
Darla Freeman-LeVay is a speech language pathologist who specializes in cognition therapy. In 2011 she created a cognition group at the USF MS clinic, presented at several local self help groups, and hosted the chapter's monthly teleconference. In addition, Darla also championed to create a professional education program for Speech Pathology. Through working with the Mid Florida chapter the program was established, and trained more than 100 therapists in the Tampa and Orlando area. Darla's efforts have enabled significant milestones to be achieved in the areas of Cognitive Education and Professional Education, which will lead to improved care for people with MS.
Sally Buegeleisen Memorial Impact Award
Judy Heath
Judy Heath is one of those people who makes an instant impression and a long-term impact. She is the co-founder of The Village People support group. Judy has relentlessly pursued all avenues to ensure that her group members have the resources and support they need to maintain their quality of life. When a new member contacts Judy, she makes sure they know what local resources are available. When they come to a meeting for the first time, she partners them with more involved members so they can feel welcome. If a member has a particular need, whether its help completing a form, getting to an appointment, having companionship while they undergo some medical treatment, Judy ensures that someone is there. Judy regularly checks in on group members that are homebound. When a number of members received poor care at the local hospital, Judy rallied with other members and made the hospital aware of the issue. While helping others get the most out of their lives seems to be a daunting task for most people, Judy seems to be energized by her involvement. The Village People Support Group would be lost without her.
Visionary of the Year Award
Susan Struder
For those living with MS in more rural communities, access to information and the opportunity to socialize with others living with MS can be scarce. Living in New Port Richey, Susan envisioned a group where people with MS could gather for education and support. That vision has grown into a support group with over 25 members. Susan is extremely proactive in ensuring that all members are up to date on new research, programs and services available. She is passionate about her desire to help those with MS and participates in the annual MS Walk to help raise money so that more resources are available in our communities. For those feeling alone, Susan is a beacon and a vision of what life with MS can be.
Volunteer of the Year Award
Jackie Durning
Jackie serves on the Tampa Walk committee and is responsible for the crucial task of recruiting and managing over 150 volunteers. This year Jackie offered to volunteer for Kids Camp; she volunteered to lead a scrapbooking activity to help the kids capture their camp memories. She secured donations and personally donated all of the supplies. Each child walked away with a scrap book and picture from camp. Jackie also served on the scholarship review committee, helping select the recipients of the chapter’s annual scholarships. Jackie is the epitome of going above and beyond.
The following is the list of award winners who were not able to be in attendance to accept their award:
Bike MS Top Fundraiser Award- Mark Eberbach
Mark Eberbach has been cycling for a number of years and has been consistently at the top of our fundraising list for Bike MS. Mark also happens to be the team captain for the top team, Team Grupetto-USA which raised $85,567.12 this year. Individually, Mark has generated over $115,000 in the last four years for the National MS Society Mid Florida Chapter.
Bike MS Top Fundraiser Award- Mike Esmonde
Mike Esmonde has been riding in Bike MS for over 20 years. Through his efforts alone, Mike has raised over $1 million towards research and local programs.
Corporate Star Award - Fores ters
A Corporate Star is a corporation that encourages volunteerism, supports events, contributes sponsorship dollars, establishes corporate teams and provides expertise and leadership to the Mid Florida Chapter. The Foresters exemplify those attributes and their commitment to the MS Society. The Foresters believe in giving back to the community and encourage their members to volunteer. For the last 18 years the local members of the Foresters have chosen the MS Bike Ride as their community event. What began as a small group of volunteers serving lunch at a rest stop has grown into a group of 80+ volunteers providing refreshments, encouragement and assistance at the rest stops on both days of the tour. Not only do the Foresters provide volunteer manpower and leadership to support the society’s work, but they have also been a corporate sponsor of the MS Bike Ride for the last five years
Making A Difference Award- Diane Davis
Self help groups are a vital component of the emotional support offered by the Mid Florida Chapter for people living with MS. These groups are led by volunteers in the community who are dedicated to making sure no one suffers a diagnosis of MS alone. Diane Davis had been a part of a large group in Central Brevard for many years. Diane noticed a need in another part of the county to serve people with MS, so Diane started another group serving the Eau Gallie area. Diane continues to help grow the Central Brevard group, and also serves on the committee for the Brevard Walk. She has not let MS limit her life, her only limit is to how much she can give to help those living with MS.
Photos From the 2011 Research Symposium and Annual Conference:
 |
 |
| 2011 Award Winners with Mid Florida Chapter President Carrol Franklin |
Board Members of the Mid Florida Chapter in Attendance at the 2011 Annual Meeting |
 |
 |
| Program & Services Director Pat Chuck Setting up the MS Booth at the 2011 Annual Meeting | Peer Support Volunteer Nayda Thanking Carrol |
 |
 |
| Board Member Susan Struder giving a speech after receiving her award. |
Board Member Michael Morgan |
UCF Professor Dr. Steven Lambert with Medical Student
Volunteers Renatta and Mohammed.
Staff Recognition
The Mid Florida Chapter would like to congratulate Doris Lill and Pat Chuck for completing 10 years of service. Thank you both so much for all of your hard work and dedication to the National MS Society.
 |
 |
|
Program & Services Coordinator Pat Chuck Receiving 10 Year Anniversary pin from chapter President Carrol Franklin |
Community Outreach Volunteer Manager Doris Lill Receiving 10 Year Anniversary pin from Chapter President Carrol Franklin |