THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING THE ANNUAL MEETING
One hundred and fifty people attended the Annual Meeting at the Pricewaterhouse Coopers Building on Wednesday, March 14 hosted by Janice Dean, meteorologist for FOX News. In addition to hearing highlights from fiscal year 2011 and the slate of nominees for election to the Board of Trustees, Council Member G. Oliver Koppell received the Legislator of the Year Award and Dr. Elliot Frohman presented the keynote address entitled The Eyes as a Window into the Brain for MS. In addition, EJ Levy made a presentation on the No Opportunity Wasted (NOW) initiative.
The chapter awarded the following recipients for excellence in their various roles with the Society:
- Marni Blake Rothman, Volunteer of the Year
- Steven Radoslovich, Volunteer of the Year
- Select Equity Group Foundation, Corporate Foundation of the Year
- MS Hope for a Cure, Foundation of the Year
- Theresa LaRocca, Volunteer Hall of Fame, Health Professionals
- Andrea Glenn, Volunteer Hall of Fame, Programs and Services
- Rachael Stacom, Volunteer Hall of Fame, Advocacy
Dr. Elliot Frohman
Dr. Frohman is currently professor, with tenure, of neurology and ophthalmology and Director of the MS Program in the department of neurology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Frohman received his undergraduate training in biochemistry and cell biology at the University of California at San Diego and later completed the Physician Scientist Training Program for his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees at the University of California at Irvine. Dr. Frohman subsequently completed his residency and fellowship training in neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Hospital where he is a former chief resident. He is board certified in psychiatry and neurology. Since 2001 he has been the recipient of aUnited States Congressional Appropriations Bill to establish a comprehensive MS treatment training program at the University of Texas Southwestern School of Medicine incollaboration with the National MSSociety. Over 900 neurologists from all 50 states have trained atSouthwestern since the program’s inception. Dr. Frohman has published over 150 peer review articles and serves as a principal investigator on a number of MS clinical trials.
Dr. Frohman's presentation described how nerve cells in both the retina and optic nerve can be a means for to both protection and repair.
EJ Levy – No Opportunity Wasted
EJ is a member of the No Opportunity Wasted Research Campaign Cabinet, the fundraising leadership body for the $250 million five year national campaign aimed to Stop MS in its tracks, Restore lost function and repair damage and End MS forever.
CouncilMember G. Oliver KoppellLegislator of the Year
New York City Council Member G. Oliver Koppell represents the 11th district and has supported many important pieces of legislation that would improve the well-being of New Yorkers living with MS and those living with disabilities. He is the chair of the committee that oversees disability services and is also a member of the transportation committee. He has fought to keep rents affordable, challenged Access-A-Ride cuts and has led the fight for increased accessibility of New York City taxis.
The chapter was proud to present Council Member Koppell with this advocacy award in recognition of his commitment to relentlessly pursuing legislation that will improve the lives of people living with MS.