“Be aware. Be compassionate. Be supportive.” This is the motto Joe Conlon lives by and the message he shares with others through not only his words, but also his actions. Joe has been volunteering with the National MS Society, Greater Illinois Chapter since 2011. As a member of the MS Ambassador Program, Joe educates and encourages others to join the MS Society mission of creating a world free of MS. As a representative of the MS Society, Joe speaks to individuals — both with and without connections to MS — at various events, including fundraisers and health fairs.

Aside from raising awareness, Joe believes his role as a volunteer allows him to focus on caregivers and their need for support.

“In several of the events I speak at, I have time to talk one-on-one with attendees,” said Joe. “Many of these people — business owners, truck drivers, male and female — show the same need: They want someone to listen and care.”

Joe’s brother-in-law, who lives with MS, inspired Joe to Join the Movement. For the past three years, Joe has volunteered to encourage others to do the same by giving back to their own communities. With each speaking engagement, Joe ends his presentation with this request: “Be aware. Be compassionate. Be Supportive.”