Listen Up, Multiple Sclerosis Strikes More Women than Men
It is a staggering statistic: two to three times as many women have multiple sclerosis (MS) as men.
Paramus, NJ (PRWEB) October 29, 2005 -- It is a staggering statistic: two to three times as many women have multiple sclerosis (MS) as men.
MS is a chronic, often progressive and disabling disease of the central nervous system. Local numbers easily support the national figures, as women account for 75% of the 5,000 people with MS served by the National MS Society Greater North Jersey Chapter. With that in mind, and to increase awareness of MS, the Chapter has planned its second annual WOMEN AGAINST MS (or WAMS) Luncheon.
The event will be held on Thursday, November 17, 2005 at the Crystal Plaza, a restored turn-of-the century mansion in Livingston, New Jersey. Rain Pryor, MS Ambassador and daughter of actor/comedian Richard Pryor, will present the keynote address. Ms. Pryor will talk candidly about her father’s struggle with MS and its effect on her family. She will offer encouragement and inspiration to others who are similarly afflicted. Brenda Blackmon, co-anchor of UPN-TV News will serve as emcee.
Co-chairs of the luncheon are Chapter Board of Trustees members Kelly Waters and Kim Miller-Olko. “The debilitating effects of MS have impacted the women’s community, and the WAMS event is central to focusing on this,” said Waters. “The afternoon will spotlight the physical and emotional difficulties in dealing with MS, and the critical support needed for ongoing programs and services in our area,” stated Miller-Olko.
The luncheon will also honor two long-time supporters in the fight against MS, Ruth Cowan and Dr. Joanne Conroy.
Mrs. Cowan is a dedicated 30-year volunteer to the chapter, and most notably, founder and president of the chapter’s “Swim-In” program. The program provides a free once a week recreational swim session for people with MS, and is co-sponsored by the chapter and the National Council of Jewish Women, Bergen County Section. Mrs. Cowan resides in Teaneck, NJ.
Dr. Conroy is executive vice president of Atlantic Health System (AHS) and chief operating officer of Morristown Memorial Hospital (MMH). Conroy will discuss AHS and MMH’s experience in developing innovative systems to keep employees healthy. She will also detail ways to adapt a work environment when a disability or injury occurs.
Proceeds from the WAMS event will help fund local MS programs and services, and support the national research effort to find the cause and cure for MS. The Greater North Jersey Chapter provides over 100 programs and services to approximately 5,000 people with MS and their families and caregivers.
Individual tickets to the luncheon are $150, and corporate sponsorships are available. For tickets and additional information about WAMS, please contact Joeen Ciannella, National MS Society’s Greater North Jersey Chapter at 201-967-5599 ext. 208.
Press Contact: Rob Schaublin
(973) 523-5141
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