Up Front

Topping the agenda for this issue's Up Front column is the news of the FDA's approval of the drug Tysabri® in November. This brings the number of approved long-term treatments for MS to six (including Novantrone®, which is a two-to-three-year treatment). How different today is in comparison to less than 15 years ago, before the first of these disease-modifying treatments for MS became available.

Although the approval of Tysabri does not mean a cure for MS at this time, and more studies and data are needed before its long-term safety and effectiveness are fully known, the addition of another long-term treatment for MS is a strong reminder of the ongoing large-scale and impassioned research in the quest to conquer MS. Until the time that a cure is discovered, MSAA will continue steadfast in its mission to ease the day-to-day challenges of individuals with MS and their care partners.

This brings me to the next vital item on the Up Front agenda, which determines how MSAA will continue to accomplish its mission. I'm referring to MSAA's new strategic planning for the upcoming years. This has been in the works for several months, and with the present strategic plan nearly completed and scheduled to run through June 2005, MSAA's Board and staff are poised for embarking upon their new objectives come July 1st.

In mid-January, MSAA held a Board of Directors' meeting, a Healthcare Advisory Council meeting, and a joint-planning session with both groups to discuss needs assessment and ultimately propose new strategic planning for the years ahead. Our leadership must have a clear and realistic picture of the MS's needs. We also strive to realize our own (MSAA's) capabilities as well as the emerging trends in the MS world. From this, we can develop a clear and consistent strategy and direction for MSAA that anticipates what the priorities will be.

Providing new and valuable assistance in reaching these goals are two new Board members who can offer fresh perspectives through their diverse backgrounds. Jeri Canter is a pharmacist residing in eastern Florida. Her knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry, combined with her commitment to assure that her clients receive safe and appropriate prescriptions, will be of great benefit to our organization. Tracey Edwards is an entertainer and a former Home Shopping Network personality living in southern Florida. Her experience with the media, promotions, communications, and performance will also be a strong asset to our Board. I would like to welcome them both to MSAA while expressing my sincere appreciation for their time and expertise that they have generously volunteered.

I would like to conclude with a few important notes. First, I want to thank everyone who volunteered to be a part of our annual Sweeten the Season fundraising campaign. Thousands of card candy canes were sent out prior to the holidays and the money raised will be of great help in funding MSAA programs and services.

Second, since its launch last summer, MSAA's redesigned website has exceeded 300,000 visits from individuals browsing the internet. This is quite an accomplishment, and if you haven't been to our website or logged on lately, please visit us soon at www.msaa.com.

Finally, I want everyone to know that preparations for MSAA's 35th anniversary are well underway. Although the official anniversary date is June 5th, we will be having a year-long tribute throughout 2005. Regional events are scheduled throughout the year at our six regions across the nation and a 35th anniversary booklet is now being distributed. A special event honoring Dr. Jack Burks, MSAA's vice president and chief medical officer, will be held on May 19th in Philadelphia. The year 2005 marks a milestone in MSAA's history, and we hope everyone will join in commemorating our organization's work to help individuals with MS, their care partners, and their families.

Douglas G. Franklin has been President and Chief Executive Officer of MSAA since April 1999. Mr. Franklin has 25 years experience in senior association management in the nonprofit sector and is an internationally published expert in the field of social marketing. A former national trainer for the Peter Drucker Foundation, Mr. Franklin has conducted workshops in strategic planning and marketing development in more than 15 countries worldwide. He is a firm believer in the benefits of social investment for both the private and public sector workplaces.