FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MS Society recognizes journalism excellence
John Alexander Media Awards winners announced
Toronto – November 27, 2006 – The Multiple Sclerosis Society
of Canada is proud to announce the recipients of the 2005 Multiple Sclerosis
John Alexander Media Awards. The broadcast award was given to Brett Mitchell
and Avis Favaro for an episode of W5 entitled The Pioneers, while the
print award was presented to Jason Paul for the article A Noble Cause.
The John Alexander Media Awards were established to honour John Alexander,
a long-time volunteer with the MS Society and a veteran of the advertising
world. It recognizes outstanding achievement in writing and broadcasting
about multiple sclerosis and pays tribute to the late John Alexander’s
contribution to increasing public awareness of MS in Canada.
The Pioneers is a one-hour television broadcast documenting the journey
of Dyan Dixon who underwent a ground-breaking but risky procedure involving
a bone marrow transplant in the hopes that this therapy would arrest progress
of the disease. This research project is supported by MS Society of Canada
fundraising and is being watched closely by MS experts around the world.
A Noble Cause tells the story of Marilyn Persi, who lives with MS, and
her dog Noble. The piece showcased Noble’s ability to help Marilyn
with everyday tasks and highlighted her strength in handling
the challenges MS brings. Marilyn is a dedicated MS Society volunteer
who
recently won
the Sir David Flavelle Award of Distinction, which acknowledges
a person who inspires admiration, hope, courage and strength
in others.
“We are proud to recognize the outstanding efforts of Brett, Avis
and Jason through the John Alexander Media awards,” says Alistair
M. Fraser, president of the MS Society of Canada. “These compelling
stories have increased awareness of MS and raised the bar in terms of
journalistic excellence.”
The John Alexander Media Awards are awarded annually in broadcast and
print categories. The 2006 award submissions are due January
31, 2007 and will cover stories aired or published between September
1 2005 and
December 31, 2006. For more information, visit www.mssociety.ca.
Winners in each category are awarded $500.
About Multiple Sclerosis and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the brain
and spinal cord. It is the most common neurological disease of young adults
in Canada. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15-40,
and the unpredictable effects of MS last for the rest of their lives.
The MS Society provides services to people with MS and their families
and funds research to find the cause and cure.
Contact Information:
Stewart Wong
National Manager, Media Relations
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Telephone: 416-967-3025
stewart.wong@mssociety.ca
www.mssociety.ca
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