CSU President Tony Frank and the University will be presented with the Hope Award at the annual Multiple Sclerosis Society Dinner of Champions in September.
CSU is receiving the award for its long-standing support of the MS Society, which seeks a cure for the disease, which affects more than 100,000 Coloradans. The Hope Award is the most prestigious honor given by the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter of the National MS Society.
“This is a wonderful honor that really is a tribute to Colorado State University’s longstanding support of the National MS Society and our local chapter,” Frank said. “The MS Society is our partner in research and in supporting members of our community who are living with multiple sclerosis, and they share our university’s deep commitment to advancing human health and wellness through research and outreach. I sincerely appreciate this recognition for our campus.”
Long association with MS Society
The honor is the first for the university, though several people connected to CSU have won the Hope Award in the past.
“We are pleased to publicly honor and recognize CSU President Frank and the University this year,” said chapter president Carrie Nolan. “This is the 10th year that CSU has hosted our Bike MS Colorado ride, which raises nearly $4 million annually for programs and research that benefit more than 100,000 people affected by MS in Colorado and Wyoming. CSU’s commitment and support has contributed to the continued success of this signature event.
“In addition to volunteer and publicity support for Bike MS, the university engages volunteers through other field campuses, such as CSU-Pueblo, and MS research is being conducted by CSU faculty, which contributes to the significant progress that has been made.”
Still seeking a cause, cure
The cause and cure of MS remain unknown, but there are 14 FDA-approved therapies to manage MS, where none existed two decades ago.
“We remain firm in our resolve to stop MS, reverse damage caused by MS and end MS forever. Thanks to the support of Tony Frank and organizations such as CSU, it is a very hopeful time,” Nolan emphasized.
Jonna Patton will be recognized with the Chapter’s MS Champion award, which recognizes a person living with MS who has raised awareness of MS, and generated involvement and support for the local MS community. The Cheyenne, Wyo., resident was diagnosed in 1997 at age 25, and in the 19 years since her diagnosis she has served as an MS volunteer, fundraiser, Bike MS team captain and member of the Chapter’s government relations committee, and has provided support to the Society’s National Information and Resource Center.
The Dinner of Champions will be Sept. 7 at the Embassy Suites in Loveland. Tickets are $150 per person. For more information or to register, visit www.cureMSco-wy.org or call (970) 494-5986.
