FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MS Society announces John Alexander
Media Awards recipients
Toronto – July 3, 2007 – The Multiple Sclerosis Society of
Canada is proud to announce the winners of the 2006 Multiple Sclerosis
John Alexander Media Awards. Abigail Cukier received the print award for
her article Multiple sclerosis not just an adult’s disease, while
The Beat 94.5 FM was presented the broadcast award for their
work on MS Victory Radiothon.
The awards recognize outstanding achievement in writing and broadcasting
about multiple sclerosis and pay tribute to the late John Alexander’s
contribution to increasing public awareness of MS in Canada. It was established
to honour John Alexander, a long-time volunteer with the MS Society and
a veteran of the advertising world.
“We congratulate Abigail and The Beat 94.5 FM for their outstanding
work,” says Yves Savoie, president of the MS Society of Canada. “Their
efforts helped raise awareness of multiple sclerosis and encourage
excellence in journalism.”
Abigail Cukier’s piece told the story of Caitlin Kernaghan who
was diagnosed with MS when she was eight years old. It described Caitlin’s
ability to cope with living with MS at a young age and the support she
receives from her family and friends. It also highlighted the fact that
multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects children. Her story appeared
in the community newspaper, Stoney Creek News.
The Beat 94.5’s MS Victory Radiothon shared the stories
of persons affected by MS and the challenges that the disease
has brought to their
lives. MS scientists had the opportunity to talk about the progress
of multiple sclerosis research and available MS treatments. The
program spoke
truthfully about the unpredictability and complexity of the disease
and the hope to find a cure. The Beat 94.5 is a FM music radio
station in
Vancouver, British Columbia.
The awards are for broadcast and print pieces aired or published between
September 1, 2005 and December 31, 2006. Winners in each category
are awarded $500. The eligibility period for the 2007 John Alexander
Media Awards will be from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007.
For details
about the 2007 awards, visit www.mssociety.ca/en/awards.htm
About Multiple Sclerosis and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of
Canada
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the brain
and spinal cord. It is the most common neurological disease of young adults
in Canada. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15-40,
and the unpredictable effects of MS last for the rest of their lives.
The MS Society provides services to people with MS and their families
and funds research to find the cause and cure.
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Contact information:
Stewart Wong
National Manager, Media Relations
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Telephone: 416-967-3025
stewart.wong@mssociety.ca
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