Jeffrey Gingold
Jeffrey Gingold is an advocate, ambassador, mentor and Walk team captain for the Society. He helped establish an income tax “check-off” for voluntary giving to MS programs in Wisconsin. As an internationally-acclaimed author, Jeffrey has been an outspoken advocate for addressing the cognitive challenges of MS. He has been featured on national television and radio shows, podcasts, webcasts, and international programs.
Jeffery Hamilton
Jeffery Hamilton, of Orlando Florida was diagnosed with MS over 20 years ago. He is an MS support group leader facilitating two groups, with membership of over 400 people. And he can be seen volunteering at almost all of the Mid Florida Chapter programs and events. Jeffrey’s goals are to help all people who are affected by MS. In his words, “I understand that I don’t have the education to find the cure but I know this mouth of mine can work to educate people and raise dollars to find a cure for MS”.
Judy Heath and Joe Renshaw
Judy, who has relapsing-remitting MS, lives in The Villages, FL with her husband, Ronn. As the co-founder of the self-help group, the MS Village People, Judy has relentlessly pursued all avenues to ensure group members have the resources and support they need to maintain their quality of life. Helping others get the most out of their lives for Judy is energizing. From welcoming new members to the group, making visits to the homebound, accompanying others while they undergo medical treatment to raising funds for a cure, Judy’s tireless efforts as co-chair of the MS Village People is an inspiration to all.
Joe and his wife Elaine, who has progressive MS, live in The Villages, FL where Joe co-chairs the self-help group, the MS Village People. Having devoted his life to the work of the group since co-founding it in 2005, Joe works tirelessly every day to ensure that the lives of those living with MS are rich and full. Whether organizing a cruise to the Caribbean for group members, providing a medically focused education program or raising necessary funds for a cure, Joe is in the forefront making sure he is at the top of his game as a group leader to help meet the diversity of needs of the group’s MS clients and their caregivers.
Ann Marie Johnson
Ann Marie Johnson was diagnosed with MS in 2002 and has not stopped giving since. She has made herself available in person, print and video to help educate people about living with MS, particularly becoming a spokesperson for African Americans with MS. As a peer counselor to those newly diagnosed, raising awareness , raising funds, and advocating for change, Ann Marie’s endless enthusiasm and support for the National MS Society and our mission is contagious.
Sarah Keitt
Sarah Keitt first became involved in the Society 12 years ago, soon after her diagnosis. Her dedication and leadership skills made her an obvious choice for the Chapter Programs Committee and soon after she was selected for the National Programs Advisory Committee. She served for five years, acting as mentor for chapter support. Along with her volunteerism in chapter programs, Sarah moderates an online chat support group and works as a reviewer for the CDMRP.
Jinjer LeVan
In 2009 Jinjer LeVan was awarded the Kanaly Trust Foundation MS Entrepreneur Grant and developed a MS Symptom Experience Kit that can be replicated. She is a MS Ambassador, Guest Speaker at Self Help Groups, Advocate at the State Level, MS Awareness Week Public Speaker, a Walk Team Captain and Walk Committee Member. Jinjer is 1 of approximately 10 people in the country with M.S. and a genetic mutation, Leiber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy.
Dan Rude
Dan Rude, a 10-year volunteer with the National MS Society, has made significant contributions to the MS movement. Shortly after his wife was diagnosed with MS in 2002, Dan decided to do everything in his power to support her and others living with the disease. As a dedicated MS group leader, he’s a treasured volunteer who delivers valuable programming to the MS community and passionately advocates for people with MS and their care partners.