I am thrilled to write my first column as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society president and CEO. While I am new to this role, I am not new to the MS movement.Serving the MS community has been major part of my professional life.I was first connected to the MS movement as a researcher funded by the Society. A few years later, I joined the organization as the director of research training programs. Over the years, I have served in various positions — most recently as chief advocacy, services and science officer — which have given me the incredible privilege to meet people living with MS, researchers, healthcare professionals and supporters from across the globe.We are here to finish what Sylvia Lawry started when she put an ad in the New York Times on May 1, 1945. It was a sister’s act of love for her brother.She felt helpless because someone she loved was struggling, and she decided to do something about it. What started as a feeling turned to action, and that action birthed the modern MS movement that brings us together today. Regardless of our individual connections to MS, all of us, like Sylvia, are here because we care.Since our founding, we have seen the transformation of diagnosis, treatment and care of people with MS. I have no doubt that a cure is within our reach.While I am incredibly proud of the progress we have made, I believe we have more to do.As CEO, I am focused on rallying everyone who wants to be part of our movement to find a cure for the disease and continue to transform the journey for those living with MS.I look forward to working alongside you to realize our vision of a world free of MS.Thank you for reading.Dr. Tim Coetzee
