Non-Profit Report: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Upstate New York Chapter Inc. helps people affected by multiple sclerosis by funding research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education and providing programs that help people with MS and their families move their lives forward.

The chapter was founded in 1951 and called Rochester Area Multiple Sclerosis; it became an official chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in 1952. It has grown to become the Upstate New York Chapter, serving more than 12,800 people with MS and their families in 50 counties.

Programs include:
 Professional counseling;
 Peer-facilitated support groups;
 Educational seminars;
 Referrals to neurologists and healthcare professionals;
 National teleconferences and online programs; and
 Wellness and social programs to assist people who are living with MS and their families in leading productive and fulfilling lives.

The organization provides financial assistance for adaptive equipment, assistive devices and other medical services through the Andrew J. Kirch Assistive Technology Trust and MS Independence Program.

The National MS Society Upstate New York Chapter also invests in research that supports more than 380 research projects around the world aimed at stopping MS, restoring lost function and ending the disease. The chapter collaborates worldwide to develop solutions and therapies for everyone affected by MS.

The organization educates the public about MS through an annual awareness campaign, ongoing public service announcements, publications and community engagement initiatives.

Stephanie Kunes-Mincer is president and CEO; there are 25 employees. Chapter headquarters is at 1000 Elmwood Ave., Suite 900.The website is www.msupstateny.org.

Financial Record    Year ended Sept. 30, 2014
Revenue        %
Special events    $1,988,243    62
Public support    1,092,956    34
Other    115,725    4
Total revenue    $3,196,924    100

Expenses        %
Programs and services    $2,497,991    78
Fundraising    588,015    19
Management and general    104,246    3
Total expenses    $3,190,252    100
Excess (deficiency) of revenue over expenses    $6,672

Board of Directors
Karen Waldron, chairman
Pamela Salisbury, co-vice chairman
Mitchell Pawluk, co-vice chairman
Christina Connors, secretary
Charles Cleary, treasurer
Kathy Birk M.D.
Mark Boucher
Kenneth Buschner
Jennifer Capezzuto
Keith Edwards M.D.
Kevin Espinosa
Robert Fluck Jr.
Nancy Holtby
Bryan Kenny
Jennifer McKenzie
Richard Mengel
Christine Sisto Mertes
Thomas Muller
Susan Radzyminski
Julie Ann Short
Tracey Wardwell
Eric Webber

2/20/15 (c) 2015 Rochester Business Journal. To obtain permission to reprint this article, call 585-546-8303 or email [email protected].