MS Society Announces John Alexander Media Awards Recipients, Canada

Main Category: Multiple Sclerosis
Article Date: 11 Jul 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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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 http://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.

http://www.mssociety.ca