Tireless MS research
advocate wins isle award

One of the founders of the
MS Society’s local division is
recognized for his long devotion

Retired Army Col. Victor J. Hawthorne has received a Distinguished Service Award from the Hawaii Division, National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Hawthorne, one of the founding fathers of the MS Society in Hawaii and an emeritus board member of the Hawaii Division, received the award at a recent Promise 2010 reception in his honor at the Oahu Country Club.

Promise 2010 is a national effort to raise at least $30 million for unexplored areas of MS research and patient care that hold great potential. The Hawaii Division raised $7,000 at the Promise 2010 reception.

As a board member of the MS Society from 1969 to 1998, Hawthorne chaired many special events and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the MS Society. He is continuing his commitment through Promise 2010. He said he has lived with MS for 44 years as a husband and father.

His wife, Dorothy, was diagnosed with MS in 1961, 32 years before the first treatment. She died in 1999.

His daughter was diagnosed with MS several years ago and is living in California.

"I know how difficult it can be on everyone in the family," he said. "That's why I'm still involved with the MS Society, and that's why MS research is important."

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50.

Nearly 4,900 Hawaii people are affected by MS, including family members, care partners and employers, the MS Society said.

"The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are giving hope to those affected by the disease," it said.

The National MS Society's mission is to end the devastating effects of the disease.

The Hawaii Division provides education, emotional support, family programs and other services to islanders with MS and their loved ones.

For more information, call 800-FIGHT MS or visit www.nationalmssociety.org.