Up Front
Notable Programs, Resources, and Events
By Gina Ross Murdoch
MSAA President and CEO
Happy spring! I’m pleased to share a few exciting updates. One of our programmatic highlights is a comprehensive, nationwide initiative aimed at better understanding how MSAA and other patient advocates can effectively close gaps in care for underserved communities. Titled “MS Ecosystem Framework,” this project involved a national needs assessment survey and roundtable discussions, with the goal of personalized and targeted interventions for individuals living with MS. For more information, please see our “Program Notes” column.
I would also like to remind our readers about our upcoming 11th Improving Lives Benefit, taking place on Wednesday, May 14th, at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia. This is MSAA’s most significant fundraiser of the year and excitement is building as we continue to prepare for this important event. We are pleased to once again offer a livestreaming option for all those interested in attending this event virtually, from the comfort of their home.
Each year at our Improving Lives Benefit, we recognize two very special honorees who have made vital contributions to the care and well-being of individuals with MS. This year, our Mission Honoree is Barry A. Singer, MD. Dr. Singer is the Director and Founder of The MS Center for Innovations in Care at the Missouri Baptist Medical Center and has been an integral part of MSAA’s mission. In addition to our Mission Honoree, we are also recognizing Cionic as our Corporate Honoree. Cionic is a medical technology company that develops bionic clothing to help improve walking and strength.
MS advocate and motivational speaker Tyler Campbell will once again be hosting our Improving Lives Benefit. His energy brings excitement to the room as he inspires all who attend with his heartfelt stories of overcoming challenges and embracing future aspirations. If you would like to join us at this uplifting event – either in person or virtually via livestreaming – please see our “Thoughts About Giving” column.
Of course, our Improving Lives Benefit is just one piece of our fundraising efforts to further develop and grow MSAA’s urgently needed programs and services. Another very special fundraising initiative is Team MSAA’s participation in the annual runDisney events. This year, people living with MS and their family members joined together as Team MSAA to support MSAA’s mission of Improving Lives Today. As always, these events were a great success and I want to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who participated.
I would also like to highlight the success of this year’s MS Awareness Month, which took place in March. Our theme, “Empowered from the Start with MSAA,” focused on education and support for individuals who are newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. In addition to the newly diagnosed population, the entire MS community may benefit from these resources as well, which may be accessed by visiting mymsaa.org/awarenessmonth.
One of many programs featured during MS Awareness Month in March was the launch of our 2025-2026 Art Showcase on MSAA’s website. Each year, we add another collection of amazing art pieces to our online gallery. All artwork is created by individuals with MS and is accompanied by each artist’s inspiring story. To view this year’s Art Showcase, please visit mymsaa.org/artshowcase2025.
In addition, I would like to emphasize the importance of this edition’s cover story, which highlights the different types of therapy that are critical to the care and well-being of individuals with MS. Encompassing physical, speech, and occupational therapies, this article features three experts in the field, each providing detailed explanations on how these therapies can benefit those experiencing the different symptoms of MS, while also increasing strength, function, and overall safety.
And finally, I would like to conclude with a message about spring, which is a time of awakening and starting anew. I hope that all of our readers may experience their own forms of renewal this spring season – whether improving physical and emotional health, expanding interests, or developing new skills. Whatever your goals are, please know that we are always here to support you.
Gina Ross Murdoch is a seasoned executive in non-profit management. Her career includes leadership positions with chapters of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as well as the American Diabetes Association. Earlier, Ms. Murdoch spent 14 years overseeing development activities at a large chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, leading explosive growth initiatives and ground-breaking strategic projects. She currently serves as Treasurer of the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition (MSC), a group of nine separate organizations dedicated to supporting the MS community. Ms. Murdoch has held several elected positions in her town; volunteers for her college alma mater, Drew University; and recently, earned her Master’s in Business Administration from Boston University.
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