Thankful for My Team

Posted on November 28, 2022 by MSAA

By Gina Ross Murdoch

Recently, my son Steve approached me with an idea. “Mom, how about we create a mother and son team supporting MSAA for the Disney Marathon Weekend?” Having participated before with TeamMSAA in the Disney events and getting the opportunity to do this with my son, I was all in with his great suggestion. It also made me think about how thankful I am to have his support as a team member in our collective efforts to raise funds and awareness for the MS community.

*Gina, MSAA President and CEO, and family*

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Letters to Myself

Posted on June 8, 2022 by MSAA

By Gina Ross Murdoch

As we approach the end of our fiscal year, I find myself reflecting on the last year. We have all seen such change in our lives and our organization that a moment to think seemed appropriate. A colleague recently spoke about the power of writing “a letter to myself,” telling the “past MSAA” what was ahead. I also see great value in writing a letter to our “future MSAA” with our hopes and dreams.

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Becoming Aware

Posted on March 2, 2022 by MSAA

By Gina Ross Murdoch

Welcome to MS Awareness Month! Over the next five weeks, MSAA and the entire multiple sclerosis community will focus on a myriad of areas around living with MS, diagnosis, research, advocacy, and the impact MS has on loved ones. These are all important areas of focus throughout the year but now, in March, we take time to really lean in on what they mean for the nearly one million individuals living with MS and those who love them.

Awareness is defined as “knowledge or perception of a situation or fact” and “concern about and well-informed interest in a particular situation or development.” These definitions give us a good starting point, but “awareness” goes much deeper than that.

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Thankfulness and Kindness

Posted on November 24, 2021 by MSAA

By Gina Ross Murdoch

In years past, we would enter November with thoughts about upcoming family gatherings, parties, crowded shopping malls, and many other group activities. This year, we continue to view these activities with uncertainty and cautiousness for our safety. We are somewhat there in many areas but still not fully “back to normal.” The holiday season looks different but this time of togetherness, family, and helping others is as strong as ever.

So, what does the “season of giving” and thankfulness look like in our world today? It looks like gifts of kindness, large and small, as it has always been. It looks like neighbors helping neighbors and, hopefully, being kind to yourself as well. In our quickly changing and virtual world, the power of personal connections and family are more important now than ever.

A small act of kindness such as taking someone to a holiday lunch may now change to dropping off a special goody to someone who cannot go to that favorite restaurant. Kindness may be in the form of using your newfound crafty talent to make a personal gift and sending a surprise through the mail. It may also translate to giving yourself the small kindness of patience and understanding as we continue to navigate the current climate. Whatever your kindness may be, sharing of yourself and your talents will inevitably result in a thankful recipient. We all can make a difference, and all have the ability to make someone’s today just a little bit brighter. Even if we are still living in a somewhat socially distant world, connection to others remains essential.

Expressions of kindness continue to be seen through supportive groups that are important to you, such as the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America and the entire MS community. What may be a small act of kindness in your eyes can be a life-changing event in someone else’s existence. We often receive heartwarming notes of appreciation from those who have received a cooling vest or walker, explaining that these free services from MSAA have vastly impacted their lives. A walker may be the one thing needed to help a parent escort their daughter down the aisle, or a cooling vest could make the difference in allowing a grandparent to see their grandchild play baseball. These are just a few examples of how the power of generosity can improve a single life.

Throughout these challenging times, MSAA is thankful that we have maintained our Cooling, Equipment, and MRI programs as well as provided a wide variety of educational programs about COVID-19 and MS, the importance of mental and emotional wellness, and have continued to raise awareness about how MS impacts communities of color. Each day, MSAA receives many requests for support and information. Addressing those needs and being there for everyone impacted by MS is why we exist. MSAA appreciates the incredible support we have received in the past and we continue to rely on that support to be there for the MS community in the future.

Your acts of kindness create a significant impact. We rely on each other for support and compassion, as well as guidance, laughter, hope, and help. MSAA is thankful for the many people who continue to provide for our mission – you are critically important to Improving Lives Today. Wishing you a wonderful holiday!

Give Thanks

Image of lantern surrounded by gourds.

*Gina Ross Murdoch is a seasoned executive in non-profit management and has served as MSAA’s President and CEO since 2016. Her career includes leadership positions with chapters of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as well as the American Diabetes Association. Earlier, she spent 14 years overseeing development activities at a large chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, leading explosive growth initiatives and ground-breaking strategic projects. You can contact her at president@mymsaa.org to share your thoughts on how MSAA is improving lives today, or to learn how to get involved in our mission.

Backyard Clutter

Posted on July 30, 2021 by MSAA

By Gina Ross Murdoch

As a result of the pandemic and of being more aware of my surroundings, I have found a new love for gardening. This is what happens when you are spending more time at home and taking stock of your environment. I see my growing love of gardening as a metaphor for what has been going on over the last year and a half and how so many of us are looking in our own backyards (actual or virtual) for joy, comfort, and beauty.

I started tackling a very large project in the backyard feeling underprepared and overwhelmed. Landscaping has not been a love of mine in the past, so I was approaching this large project as a novice. Questions filled my mind including: How long would this project take? Do I have the time to accomplish the task? What expertise do I need to select plantings properly? And will the project be a success? However, I was determined to dive in and create a beautiful rose garden that would provide endless beauty and delight to my family.

I decided to take the project one small step at a time giving myself adequate time in between to rest, reflect, and approach the project each time with a renewed sense of excitement. There were days when the task was daunting and times that I truly believed that my vision would never be realized. But bit by bit, square foot by square foot, I removed all the brush and got down to beautiful brown dirt. At this point, I had removed all the distractions and was down to a blank slate. I now had the opportunity to decide what I wanted to plant. I had eliminated all the backyard clutter and arrived at a space where there were endless possibilities.

I chose all roses including yellow, white, pink, red, and multicolor for my planter. I then built a rock wall around this beautiful new area to preserve the work that I had done and highlight the beauty of the arrangement. When I stepped back and looked around, I was proud of taking on such a large project, getting way out of my comfort zone and trying something new.

During these challenging times, I have spoken to so many who have found ways to look into their own metaphorical backyards, clean out clutter, and plant new ideas. That introspection and re-evaluation is never easy. It often pushes you out of your comfort zone, but that is where new growth is planted and thrives. We have all needed to adapt, re-evaluate, reflect, and change. Approaching a project that will both challenge and delight you can be a transformative experience. Mine centered on gardening. Your project could be much different but still lead you to a new sense of accomplishment. I only offer the suggestion that you give yourself time to advance and rest. Both are critical when traveling your journey of discovery.

I hope you will all find delight in tending to your own gardens whether that may be physically, virtually, mentally, or spiritually, and I hope you enjoy the fruits of your labor and learn as much as I have.

MSAA’s Mission with the Mouse

Posted on January 22, 2018 by MSAA

By Gina Ross Murdoch, MSAA President & CEO

Recently, MSAA embarked on a new initiative of endurance events including the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, Tough Mudder Race Series, and the Disney World® Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna®. This was an opportunity for us to engage people across the country in our mission to support the entire MS community. Wanting to jump in and be part of this important effort, I signed up for my third half marathon at Disney World.

Team MSAA-Disney included fourteen runners participating in the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Full Marathon and, for two overachievers, all four consecutively! I selected the half marathon which is 13.1 miles. Training for the 13.1 mile half marathon is a grueling process that takes dedication and stamina. However, living with the uncertainty and challenges of multiple sclerosis is much more difficult than training for any endurance event. As one of the participants, I sent out my fundraising emails and received some wonderful donations. I was proud to be a full member of Team MSAA.

As my inspiration, I reached out to board members, volunteers and friends across the country to add their name to my running singlet.

As you can see, I carried the names of so many people who struggle every day with multiple sclerosis.

Race weekend – let’s do this!

Ready to run, tutu and all!

We begin at a very, very cold start with 60,000 Disney runners including 13 Team MSAA members.

Rosa and Ramón in their Team MSAA shirts stopped by for a photo before we take off

The fireworks explode and we are on our way! Throughout the run, I see elite athletes running easily and I see others digging down deep to finish this challenge.

Here I am at the 3-mile mark with Nemo and Dory – still a long way to go!

I reach the 7 mile mark and I am tired. I grab a drink and look down at my singlet and see the names of so many who are tired every day and not just this one day. I think about their stories of their diagnosis, their journey, their challenges and they inspire me to continue on in their honor. As you can see in the photo below, those living with multiple sclerosis, those caring for a loved one living with multiple sclerosis, the entire medical community that has dedicated their lives to research and care, propelled me through the next 6.1 miles and I cross the finish line!!

Victory! I crossed the finish line inspired by all of the members of the MS community.

On Sunday, I am cheering for Team MSAA members Bekah, Rachael, and Michelle who are participating in the full marathon. Bekah and Rachel are completing the Dopey Challenge which consists of a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Full Marathon over the four days of the event. They run in honor of their father, Dan, who lives with multiple sclerosis.

Here’s a picture of Rachael and Bekah after they completed the Dopey Challenge on Sunday. What an incredible accomplishment!

I received texts along the way as they cross milestones of 5K, 10K, 20K, 23 miles, and come ever closer to that 26.2 mile marathon finish line. I received the final text that all three runners have now completed the run and are receiving their well-deserved medals. The amazing thing is that Bekah, Rachael, Michelle and the entire team were thankful to have the opportunity to participate in this event and support our mission. It is the members of the MSAA staff who are honored and humbled by their efforts over so many months to physically train, mentally prepare, and financially support our mission. I could not be prouder of my fellow Team MSAA members who participated in everything from the 5K to the Dopey Challenge. You are inspiring, amazing, and incredible people!!

A Message from Our New President & CEO – Gina Ross Murdoch

Posted on January 13, 2016 by MSAA

Welcome to 2016! As we begin a new year, I am thrilled and honored to be assuming the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of our Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. My fourteen years with the National MS Society galvanized my dedication to all affected by MS. I join our organization building on the great foundation established by Doug Franklin, Bob Rapp, the Board of Directors, volunteers, and the entire staff. These visionary leaders have made a significant impact on the lives of those affected by multiple sclerosis. Through their dedication to improving lives, so many of our members have received much-needed equipment, critical MRIs, cutting-edge technology via our My MS Manager mobile app, and invaluable information through our programs. I would be remiss if I didn’t start off my first post with a heartfelt thank you for all that they have done.

Going into this new year, we face challenges and new opportunities. The worlds of healthcare, insurance and research are constantly changing. Despite this varied landscape, we at YOUR MSAA remain singular in our focus to improve lives. Although this is our singular focus, it is not our singular responsibility. I encourage each and every one of you to get involved in MSAA activities and help us expand the word about how we are here to help. Multiple sclerosis is unpredictable. I have seen that all too well in my many years engaged with our community. I have seen some do well on our ever growing list of disease-modifying treatments. I have also seen those who have lost so much to MS and the overwhelming effects of that diagnosis on their families.

Now as we face the challenges and opportunities of a new year, I invite you to be an advocate for MSAA, for yourself and for those still to be diagnosed. We have made an impact but every week 200 more people need our help, need our information, need our support. Collectively, our MSAA members are in the hundreds of thousands – a very powerful agent for improving lives. My goal is to work collectively with staff, board members, volunteers, and our partners to continue our key programs while also investigating what new services our members need tomorrow. Together, we can take the good work of MSAA to so many more. Together, we can touch more lives and IMPROVE more lives. You will hear me a lot during this year – where we are, what we are doing and how YOU can be a part of our next chapter. I encourage you to reach out to me and let us know about opportunities in your town, your state and your region. A constant flow of information leads to quicker and better ideas.

I thank you in advance for your involvement, your passion, your feedback, and your dedication to Improving Lives and Planning for Tomorrow.

Happy New Year,

Gina Ross Murdoch
MSAA President & CEO

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