Helen Altonn, Star-Bulletin science and medical reporter, has won a 2001 MS Public Education Award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for her article "Equal Access Urged to Power Trio of MS Drugs." Star-Bulletin writer
honored for MS articleStar-Bulletin staff
Altonn received third prize in the Regional Print-Science/Medical category for her article on drugs that reduce the number and severity of MS attacks. The article reported on the consequences resulting from three of the four drugs being priced out of reach of many MS patients. Those drugs are Avonex, Betaseron and Copaxone.
First place in the regional publications category went to Mary Harmon of the Women's Health Advisor for her article "When the Doctor Suspects MS." Second prize was awarded to the Hartford Courant's Hilary Waldman, for "Scientists Hunt Key to MS Treatment."
The annual awards are presented to print and broadcast journalists who make significant contributions to the public's understanding of multiple sclerosis during each preceding year.
Altonn was awarded a cash prize of $100 and a plaque for enhancing public understanding of multiple sclerosis.
National and regional winners were selected in categories of print-science/medical, print-general/lifestyle and broadcast. Entries were published or aired during the preceding year.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society