Up Front
By Douglas G. Franklin
MSAA President & Chief Executive Officer
The first half of 2006 is proving to be extremely busy for MSAA and other MS organizations. Many of us have joined together to advocate for important issues affecting individuals with MS.
The MS community is well aware of the highly publicized debate over whether or not Tysabri¨ (natalizumab) should return to the marketplace. In early March, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Advisory Committee Meeting was held to discuss Tysabri's effectiveness versus the potential for serious adverse events. The Committee ultimately decided that the benefits of this drug outweigh the risks, recommending its return to the marketplace for treating individuals with the relapsing-remitting form of MS.
I represented MSAA at the meeting and advocated for the safety measures recommended by the FDA's Advisory Committee. While safety must be a primary consideration, MSAA enthusiastically supports the development of new medications to treat MS.
March was also MS Awareness Month, which brought together a synergy of effort among the different MS organizations with the goal of working together to benefit the entire MS community. Also in March, MSAA joined with the other MS organizations to advocate for greatly needed funds to be made available for MS research through the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
I am pleased MSAA participated in the NMSS's 15th Annual MS Public Policy Conference held in Washington, DC. This important event is highlighted by "MS Day on the Hill," where attendees visit Congress members on behalf of people with MS.
Once again, MSAA is playing an active role in two important annual medical conferences: the American Academy of Neurology (AAN)'s Annual Meeting held in early April, and the Consortium of MS Centers (CMSC)'s Annual Meeting held in early June. MSAA has a booth and staff at both conferences, giving MSAA representatives an opportunity to interact with a variety of MS specialists.
I am proud to announce that MSAA had a poster accepted for presentation at the CMSC Annual Meeting. The poster details the final analysis of MSAA's Needs Assessment Survey.
MSAA, in conjunction with the MS Foundation and the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), will present a workshop at the CMSC meeting. The workshop is titled, "MS Coalition Resources - A Hands-on Approach" and will define the programs and resources available through the MS Coalition.
I am truly pleased to see MSAA's work expand even further to encompass matters of national importance — including advocacy for drug safety, advocacy for the approval of new treatments, and advocacy for MS research funding. I look forward to the new challenges and many achievements that await us as we work to fulfill our urgent mission.
Douglas G. Franklin joined MSAA as President & Chief Executive Officer in 1999 and has strategically guided its national outreach and corporate partnership support to unprecedented levels. Mr. Franklin is a former national trainer for the Drucker Foundation and is an internationally published expert in the field of social marketing who holds degrees from four universities. He currently serves on the national board of the Key Philanthropic Organizations Committee of the American Society of Association Executives and is a member of the Executive Committee of Health First — America's Charities Board in Washington, DC.
Meet MSAA Board Member Ila Bhatnagar
Ila Bhatnagar is a lawyer in Westmont, New Jersey and has been a member of MSAA's Board of Directors since the fall of 2003. Ila became involved with MSAA through an event that paired lawyers of the Camden County Bar Association with nonprofit organizations in the Camden County, New Jersey area (where MSAA's national headquarters is located). Ila, who was one of the co-chairs of the event, invited MSAA to attend. After speaking with MSAA's President and CEO Doug Franklin and later meeting Bob Rapp, MSAA's vice president for programs and evaluation, Ila thought MSAA would be a great fit for her.
"When I learned about what MSAA does, their mission as an organization, and how they directly work with people in the MS community, I was drawn to them," Ila states. "My specialty as a lawyer is in labor and employment law, which puts me in constant contact with individuals who have disabilities. This experience enables me to better understand the needs of the MS community. I enjoy helping people and MSAA gives me the opportunity to do that."
Since joining MSAA's Board, Ila has seen tremendous growth and numerous achievements, but an event held last May has had the greatest impact. "The one event that stands out in my mind, which best illustrates the growth MSAA has experienced, is the 35th Anniversary Gala," Ila explains. "That event was a great example of everything that MSAA has done over the years — including the advancement of corporate relationships, fundraising, public education events, and the different programs and services — all coming together in one evening."
Through Ila's eyes, the future looks bright for MSAA. "Our organization is in a very positive position for serving the MS community," says Ila. "Using the results of MSAA's Needs Assessment Survey, our organization will be able to directly serve the MS population better and in a more focused manner."
Ila is a native of Lynchburg, Virginia, who now resides in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. She currently serves as chair of the Nominating Committee with MSAA's Board of Directors.
— Amanda Bednar
