Ending Multiple Sclerosis forever is one volunteer’s goal

Dr. Vanessa Branch Chairwoman of the National MS Society NWA fundraiser, A Vintage Affair for MS Day Job: Radiologist at MANA (Medical Associates of Northwest Arkansas), specialized in neuroradiology

■ Mission:

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society exists because there are people with MS. Our vision is a world free of MS. Everything we do is focused so that people affected by MS can live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever.

■ Services provided: The National MS Society is the gathering place for people with MS, their family and loved ones, healthcare providers, volunteers, donors, fundraisers, advocates, community leaders and all those that seek a world free of MS — a place to connect and take action. We offer support groups for people living with or affected by MS; extensive MS-related educational resources; and finally our renowned MS Navigator program where highly skilled professionals connect people with information, resources and support in order to navigate the challenges of MS unique to each person’s individual experience.

■ Service area: The National MS Society is a collective community across the nation. Local resources and events are available throughout all of Arkansas.

How is your organization’s mission unique? The National MS Society’s mission is unique because we work to stop MS in its tracks through fundraising and extensive research allocation. We work to restore what’s been lost by research and on-the-ground services to people affected. We are more than an organization. We are a movement, united in our collective power to do something about MS now and end this disease forever.

Why do you volunteer for a nonprofit organization? Do you have a personal connection to the mission? If so, what is it? I volunteer because I want to support my close family and friends who live with MS. Every one of us can make a difference. No matter how small the contribution, collectively we can make a big change.

“The greatest of all mistakes is to do nothing because you think you can only do a little.” — Zig Ziglar What part of your role fills the most of your time? Fundraising and event planning for the fundraiser.

What have you learned on the job that you didn’t expect? I have been pleasantly surprised by the outpouring of support and donations we have received in Northwest Arkansas. NWA is a special community, full of kindness and people who are willing to help to make a difference. I feel blessed to be able to call Northwest Arkansas home.

I am also in awe at the strength of those who live with MS and fight this disease on a daily basis. Their courage and fortitude inspire me. They are simply amazing people.

Biggest challenge? The biggest challenge our organization faces is the disease we fight — MS. Every day we work toward ending MS forever. My goal is to raise awareness and knowledge of MS in the public, as it is often a misunderstood disease. In doing so, I hope to enlist their support of our efforts and to help people who live with MS.

Volunteer opportunities? Yes! People can volunteer at Walk MS, Bike MS or in our local community. Go to nationalMSsociety. org and see our posts at facebook.com/NWAMSSOCIETY.

■ Upcoming fundraisers/ events: A Vintage Affair for MS in Northwest Arkansas on April 6; Walk MS: Fayetteville on April 7; Kendra Scott Gives Back Party at our home on April 24; and Bike MS on Sept. 8-9.

Branch