National Multiple Sclerosis Society honors UNMC duo

Kathi Healy, left, and Mary Filipi.

The Nebraska Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society recently honored two UNMC employees as Nebraska MS “Advocates of the Year.” The awards were presented during the chapter’s annual meeting on Nov. 8.

Mary Filipi and Kathi Healy received the “Advocates of the Year” award. Employed by UNMC’s MS clinic, the pair assist people with multiple sclerosis as they face medical and lifestyle issues that may be impacted by the disease such as employment and schooling. Filipi and Healy also are involved in the vital education programs sponsored by the National MS Society and held throughout Nebraska and Southwest Iowa for anyone diagnosed with or touched by MS.

Kathi Healy, left, and Mary Filipi receive their award from NMSS Chapter Board of Trustees Chair Sally Zipursky and NMSS Chapter President Pattie Gorham.

“The National MS Society is driven by the outstanding leadership of volunteers,” said Nebraska Chapter President Pattie Gorham. “Mary and Kathi are just a few examples of the committed and dedicated volunteers making a huge difference in the lives of those touched by multiple sclerosis.”

Thanks to significant advances in research, the FDA has approved several treatments that may alter the underlying course of multiple sclerosis, and early treatment is critically important. People with MS should consult their doctors about using one of the FDA-approved medications and other effective treatments for the symptoms of MS. For more information on MS, contact the Nebraska Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at 1-800-FIGHT-MS or www.nationalmssociety.org.