New partnership with MS Society seeks to “Get on TOP of MS” by raising awareness and donations for critical MS research
Washington, D.C. (June 7, 2022) – WTOP has officially announced a partnership with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Greater DC-Maryland Chapter, an organization working to improve the quality of life for people affected by MS in Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. and raise funds for critical MS research. The National MS Society is the largest private funder of MS research in the world, investing more than $1 billion to date.
Multiple Sclerosis became personal for WTOP when both WTOP Senior Sports Director, Dave Johnson and WTOP Anchor/Reporter, Mike Murillo were diagnosed with the disease in 2019 and 2016 respectively. In fact, Dave and Mike will be contributing to the campaign by sharing their stories about how MS has effected them and their families.
“MS look out we are coming after you. We have the community and we have the support,” said WTOP’s Dave Johnson. “My mom lost her battle to MS in 1979, and now with my WTOP family and the MS Society we are going to finish the fight.”
“I am so thankful to have benefited from new treatments for MS but there is so much still to do including finding ways to repair the damage the disease can cause,” said WTOP’s Mike Murillo. “With your help I truly believe there will soon come a day when we can say there’s a cure for MS!”
The partnership aims to “Get on TOP of MS” by amplifying the mission of the National MS Society, which is to cure MS while empowering people affected by MS to live their best lives. Through a series of on-air and online promotions, WTOP will raise awareness for the MS Society. Announcements will highlight various MS events in our community in an effort to increase registrations and ultimately donations. WTOP will also highlight volunteer opportunities throughout the year to support this very important cause.
“Together with Mike and Dave we wanted to do everything we could to help amplify the critical mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society,” said WTOP General Manager, Joel Oxley. “Our hope is that through this partnership we can help those in their journey with MS and work towards a world free of this devastating disease.”
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include disabling fatigue, mobility challenges, cognitive changes, and vision issues.
In 2019, a new study discovered nearly 1 million people living with MS in the United States, twice as many as previously reported.
“We are sincerely grateful for WTOP and their amazing partnership in joining our quest towards a world free of MS,” commented Chartese Berry, President of the National MS Society Greater DC-Maryland Chapter. “Their strong reach in the region will help immensely in raising much needed awareness and funds to support Dave, Mike, and the nearly one million people in the US living with MS.”
Click here for more information about the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, volunteer opportunities or to make a donation.
About WTOP News
WTOP serves the Washington D.C. metro area 24/7 with top news, traffic and weather. WTOP can be heard on 103.5 FM, 107.7 FM and 103.9 FM. WTOP’s live stream and news content are also available on any device at WTOP.com, the WTOP app and on smart speakers like Alexa and Google Home. WTOP and its sister news operation, Federal News Network, are owned by Hubbard Radio, LLC. WTOP produces over a dozen podcasts including WTOP’s American Nightmare Series, Colors: A Dialogue on Race in America, The Week on the Hill and Target USA.
About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include disabling fatigue, mobility challenges, cognitive changes, and vision issues. An estimated 1 million people live with MS in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimize disability. Significant progress is being made to achieve a world free of MS.
About National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The National MS Society, founded in 1946, funds cutting-edge research, drives change through advocacy, and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. To learn more and get involved, please visit nationalMSsociety.org.
Press Contact:
For WTOP
Elly Rowe
