Distinguished Women

Nancy Davis

When we began The Race in 1992, the face of MS treatment was very different than today. At that time there were few treatments available to help stop the progression of MS. Today there are three viable drugs on the market to lessen the devastation of the disease with many more on the horizon. There is now soon to be on the market a blood test which can diagnose MS and can even predict weeks in advance when an attack will strike. Through this marvelous advance we will be able to minimize the effects of a flare up by building up the immune system through proper nutrition, exercise and medications to counterbalance the impact.

The progress we have made would not have been possible without the generosity and commitment of my dedicated Co-chairs Tommy Hilfiger and John Sykes. Through the underwriting of the event, Tommy has made it possible to put all funds raised into very important research, and through VH1, John has made it possible to increase public awareness of MS.

The proceeds from The Race to Erase MS fund the Center Without Walls, a unique collaboration of six of the most eminent physicians, scientists and clinicians representing Harvard, Yale, USC, Oregon Health Services University, UC San Francisco and the Cleveland Clinic, whose joint efforts have fostered cutting edge discoveries that will help to improve the quality of life for 2.8 million Americans who are afflicted with MS.

A decade has passed since I was diagnosed with MS. On the day I realized I had made it through ten years, I took a long look at my life and thought, "I truly am the luckiest person in the world!" I talk to many people with MS not so fortunate. Like them, I am concerned about what the next decade will bring, but because of caring people like you, I am optimistic that there will be a cure. I thank you for bringing us one step closer to the day when MS will be forever erased from our planet.

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