January 2017

COMMUNITY
South Florida Chapter’s
34th Annual MS Gala Luncheon
by Jayne Bonilla
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
While this year marks the
National MS Society, South
Florida Chapter’s 34th Annual
Gala Luncheon on January 18, it was
seven years ago that my friend Noreen
received a phone call that changed
her life. Noreen’s 28-year-old daughter
complained of a tingling sensation
on one side of her body. She insisted
her daughter seek immediate medical
attention while Noreen boarded the
next flight to New York, distraught with
worry. A series of doctor’s visits and
tests confirmed an MS diagnosis. “I was
devastated,” Noreen said. “I don’t care
how old they are, our children are always
our babies. I’m the mom; this should
happen to me, not my child.”
Noreen returned home to Florida in
search of answers. “I was beside myself.
I felt helpless,” Noreen said. She called
the National MS Society, asking a million
questions. Along with answers came
comfort and a plan of action. The MS
Society became a place for Noreen to
devote her energy. “I felt empowered
like never before. I’ve become stronger,
resourceful, and proactive,” she
said. Noreen’s daughter, now 35, is
a mother of two healthy children and
remains active, positive, and compliant.
Noreen still flies to New York as often
as possible. Now it’s to babysit her
grandchildren and celebrate.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society
is working toward a cure for MS. The
South Florida Chapter hosts the largest
luncheon worldwide, drawing more than
1,000 guests from Broward, Miami-
Dade, and Palm Beach counties every
year. To date, The MS Gala Luncheon
has raised 6.7 million dollars to help the
Society fund cutting-edge research,
drive change through advocacy, facilitate
professional education, and offer
programs and services designed for the
9,000 people with MS and their families
in the South Florida area.
When you attend this year’s Gala,
you can expect magic to happen
the moment you enter the room.
Friendship, fashion, flavor, and
fervor will be on the menu.
Highly acclaimed designer Mayda
Cisneros will be debuting her Spring
2017 Couture Collection during the
fashion show.
“This is my third year participating in this
extraordinary event. It is an honor to
collaborate with such a wonderful group
of women. They each put their entire
heart into this Gala and their dedication is
incomparable,” Mayda said. Showcasing
her original designs, cocktail, evening
wear, bridal wear, and custom couture,
Mayda’s passion for fashion is as much
a part of her success as is her empathy
for others. A proponent of a variety of
charities, Mayda has pledged to give
a percentage of the sales from her
collection to The National MS Society.
Karen Schneier
Dresbach
This year The
Society’s MS Hope
Award, the National
MS Society’s
highest volunteer
award, will be
presented to Karen
Schneier Dresbach,
president of the
National MS
Society, South
Florida Chapter,
for the past 17
years. Karen
believes her work
with The National
MS Society is her “calling.” Karen is
drawn to the MS community, whose
collective vision is to eradicate MS, a
disease that affects more than 2.3 million
people worldwide. “My goal is to change
people’s lives, one person at a time, so
that they may live their lives in a most
dignified way,” Karen said. Under Karen’s
leadership, more than $50 million dollars
has been raised, designating $10 million
to MS research. She has pioneered
countless programs in wellness,
education, kids and teen camps, men’s
and women’s retreats, and continues
to rally to discuss the importance of
access to healthcare, drug therapies,
and quality of life. “Karen Schneier
Dresbach is one of the most dedicated
hard-working professionals in the entire
world of MS,” said David Schulman, Vice
Chair, National MS Society, South Florida
Chapter
Board of
Trustees.
“Through
her efforts,
the South
Florida
Chapter
has
improved
the lives
of literally
thousands
of people
with MS. I
Davie Schulman, left,
Karen Schneier Dresbach,
and Carrie Schulman.
can’t think of another person who would
be more deserving than Karen to receive
this year’s Hope Award,” Schulman said.
Karen feels like a member of the MS
family. “We struggle together and we
celebrate together. The phone rings in
the middle of the night, and I am always
there to pick up.” At the helm, she has
made an impact on the lives of many.
But Karen insists that it is she who is
impacted. “The people I have met have
made me into the person I am today.”
Karen credits her committee with
creating a bigger and better Gala each
year. She is grateful for their devotion,
ideas, talents, and energy. As a result,
The South Florida Chapter has the
largest MS luncheon in the world. “We
just keep raising the bar.” Raising the
bar means raising awareness, funds,
and hope. With a corps of volunteers,
sponsors, and advocates who give their
heart and soul every day Karen knows
that “mountains can be moved.”
IF YOU GO
DATE: Wednesday, January 18
TIME: 10am to 1:30pm
WHERE: Broward County Convention
Center, 950 Eisenhower Blvd. Fort
Lauderdale
Visit: nationalMSsociety.org
For information about reserving tickets,
becoming a supporter, volunteer
opportunities and more, call Monica
Whiting at 954-676-3925 or Monica.
Whiting@nmss.org.
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JANUARY 2017