Society's Joyce Nelson Thanks Senator Byron Dorgan

(left to right): Shawn O'Neail, Vice President of Federal Government Relations; Senator Byron Dorgan (ND);
Joyce Nelson, President & CEO; David Chatel, Executive Vice President of Advocacy

During her visit to Washington, D.C. last week, President & CEO of the National MS Society Joyce Nelson visited Capitol Hill to thank Senator Byron Dorgan (ND) for his lengthy service in the United States Congress and for his bold activism as Senate Co-Chair of the Congressional MS Caucus. Retiring this year, Senator Dorgan served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1992. Under his leadership and in close collaboration with Co-Chair Orrin Hatch (UT), the MS Caucus has grown to an impressive 23 members. True to the Caucus's mission, Senator Dorgan has helped raise awareness about MS, actively engages in discussions about access to quality health care, and seeks and pursues creative solutions to the challenges facing people living with MS and their families.

One of his most notable achievements, Senator Dorgan introduced and has helped shepherd through the Senate the National MS and Parkinson's Disease Registries Act (S. 1273). Currently, a national coordinated system to collect and analyze data on MS and other neurological conditions does not exist. Broadened in the House to the National Neurological Disease Surveillance System Act (H.R. 1362), this legislation could help uncover and inform promising areas of research, such as genetic and environmental risk factors and support the discovery of disease therapies, treatments, and one day--a cure. The National MS Society applauds Senator Dorgan for his long-time commitment, as he has undoubtedly helped move us closer to a world free of MS.

Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. (PA) will serve as MS Caucus Co-Chair, alongside Senator Orrin Hatch, in the 112th Congress.