FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NBC 30 Partners With Chapter To Name 2007 WAMS Event (Greater Hartford)

HARTFORD, Conn. Local broadcast station NBC 30 is partnering with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter, serving as title sponsor for the 2007 Women Against MS (WAMS) Luncheon. The 7th annual luncheon will be held Friday, Nov. 16, at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, Conn. Keisha Grant, morning news anchor with NBC 30, has been named mistress of ceremonies for a third year. Grant joined the station in 2003 and is the recipient of a 2002 Regional Emmy, as well as numerous other awards, including honors from the Society of Professional Journalists.

"The NBC 30 Women Against MS Luncheon is a significant addition to our station’s Partners In A Caring Community Campaign," said David Doebler, President and General Manager of NBC 30. "We are proud to be working with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to raise awareness and funds to aid in research. We know that this luncheon will make a difference in the lives of many Connecticut residents."

National bestselling novelist Jacqueline Mitchard has been named keynote speaker. Mitchard authored the critically-acclaimed The Breakdown Lane, a novel about living with the sudden onset of a chronic illness. Mitchard’s own lifelong friend, Jeanine, was diagnosed several years ago with multiple sclerosis.

Mitchard’s first novel, The Deep End of the Ocean, was named by USA Today as one of the ten most influential books released over the past 25 years. The same book was recognized by the Oprah Winfrey Book Club. The Deep End of the Ocean was later made into a feature film starring Michelle Pfeiffer. Mitchard recently joined forces with the National MS Society to help raise awareness in support of her lifelong friend’s battle against the disease.

According to statistics, three times as many women are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) as are men. As a result, women across the nation now come together annually, state by state and chapter by chapter, to learn, through inspirational personal accounts, about the effects of this potentially debilitating disease and the latest advances in treatment and care. These same women join together to raise critically-needed funds to facilitate scientific research to find a cure. The money raised also provides for vital programs and services offered by local chapters. Since 2001, these dynamic groups have been known as Women Against MS or WAMS.

"We are delighted NBC 30 is partnering with us," said Kara Preston, who oversees the development department at the Greater Connecticut Chapter. "This partnership will enable us to raise awareness and promote this dynamic event in which funds are raised to help find a cure for multiple sclerosis."

Last year, the Greater Hartford luncheon raised more than $100,000. Over the past four years, the Greater Connecticut Chapter WAMS luncheons have raised more than $470,000. For more information on attending the NBC 30 Women Against MS Luncheon, please contact Kristen Mauro, development specialist, at (860) 714-2300, ext. 224, or visit http://www.ctfightsms.org/.

9/4/07

Karen E. Butler
Vice President of Communications
Greater Connecticut Chapter
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cell +1.860.997.4487
 
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Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Talk to your health care professional and contact the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nationalmssociety.org or 1.800.FIGHT MS to learn about ways to help manage multiple sclerosis and about current research that may one day reveal a cure.