Up Front: Record-Breaking Outreach Funded by Your Generosity
By Gina Ross Murdoch
MSAA President and CEO
Welcome to fall! Thank you all for the warm welcome into the MSAA family. It has been an exciting few months filled with new directions and record-breaking outreach.
Over the last few months, I have had the chance to dive further into the great work that MSAA does – all supported by our donors, event participants, corporate partners, mission partners, and you… our MSAA family. MSAA continues to be a leading resource for the MS community and maintains an excellent reputation as being uniquely responsive to the needs of all those affected by multiple sclerosis.
MSAA President and CEO Gina Ross Murdoch prepares for her first ride in MSAA’s annual Lone Star Roundup Cattle Drive in Grandview, Texas! This event raises much-needed funding for MSAA’s vital programs and services.
Over the last few months, we restarted the MRI Access Fund to much excitement. The vital need of this program became even more evident during its short suspension. We heard from many clients and providers about how important this program continues to be. We are thrilled to have it back. In addition, we broke a record in July, having provided cooling vests and accessories to nearly 1,000 people during the month, illustrating the essential need for this program. These are just two examples of how MSAA is committed to meeting the important needs of our clients.
In August, we launched My MSAA Community at healthunlocked.com/MyMSAA, a new peer-to-peer online community. This forum offers a welcoming and safe haven to all affected by MS, to share their stories and find information and support. In just the first few weeks, members of the forum grew by 500, bringing a voice and support to so many individuals. To learn more about this exciting new service, please see Program Notes from this issue of The Motivator.
At the time this issue of our magazine was in production, we held our annual Lone Star Roundup Cattle Drive in Dallas, Texas and our Gary Wallace Memorial Golf Tournament in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Last year these events raised close to $100,000 for our mission and the many individuals we serve. As a new member of the MSAA team, I am so happy to take part in both events… from riding the range as a cattle-hand in Texas to driving a ball down the fairway as a golfer in New Jersey.
In addition to the money raised at these types of events, we still need your help to make our vital programs and services possible. I encourage you to keep MSAA in mind as you consider your year-end gifts. Many companies will match your contribution, doubling and even tripling your generosity. To make a donation, please visit support.mymsaa.org/donate, which includes an option for matching gifts. To learn about other ways to give, please visit mymsaa.org and view the different options under “Donate.” We thank you for your support!
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, she 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. An active member of the community, Ms. Murdoch has held several town positions and volunteers for her college alma mater, Drew University.