Multiple Sclerosis State Chapters Merge

HARTFORD — On October 1, the Western Connecticut Chapter and the Greater Connecticut Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society merged to become one, joining forces to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis (MS).

“By consolidating operations, we are able to leverage more local resources and expand programs and services for those in our state living with the effects of multiple sclerosis,” said Lisa Gerrol, Greater Connecticut Chapter president. “Through this unified approach, we can create a stronger team with an even more effective approach to fulfilling our mission.”

Ms Gerrol will serve as the president of the united chapters. She joined the Hartford-based Greater Connecticut Chapter in 1994. At that time, the chapter budget was approximately $500,000, of which about $230,000 was spent on programs and services.

Under her leadership, the chapter grew significantly, last year raising $3.2 million and spending $2.3 million on programs and services. Ms Gerrol’s most recent accomplishment includes spearheading the launch of the first comprehensive MS care center in Connecticut. The Greater Connecticut Chapter served Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland, and Windham Counties.

The Western Connecticut Chapter most recently led by interim president Nancy Hoffman, raised more than $1.7 million in 2006 and provided $765,000 in programs and services. The Western Chapter, located in Norwalk, has provided programs to those diagnosed with MS residing in Litchfield and Fairfield Counties.

 “We are an organization committed to doing something about MS now,” said Ms Gerrol. “We are building a movement that will move us closer to a world free of MS. To do this, we must move ahead, adopting forward thinking strategies and conducting business a little differently than in years past. We remain committed to addressing the challenges of each person whose life is affected by MS.”

More than 6,000 Connecticut residents have multiple sclerosis. The effects of MS are unpredictable. Symptoms can include numbness and tingling in the extremities, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness, fatigue and, in some severe cases, total paralysis.

The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted, and there is no cure. Funds raised through chapter events ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure and provide for the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to residents statewide diagnosed with MS.

The newly formed Connecticut Chapter will have offices in Hartford and Norwalk and will serve all Connecticut counties. The organization will continue to focus on delivering quality events that maximize donor dollars and will continue to provide a host of programs and services supporting those in Connecticut affected by MS.

Members requesting program information can contact a Connecticut Chapter representative by calling 800-344-4867. Comprehensive information on multiple sclerosis, programs and services, support groups, and special events can be located at www.ctfightsMS.org.

All members will continue to receive an organizational 20-page quarterly newsletter, MS Connection, monthly online e-news updates and quarterly issues of Programs Connection. To subscribe to any or all of these publications, contact Karen E. Butler, vice president of communications, at 860-714-2300, extension 230.