A letter from Cyndi Zagieboylo: Accelerating toward a world free of MS

by Cyndi Zagieboylo

This October, we will launch our fiscal year 2022-2024 Strategic Plan. The plan declares the impact we are working toward as we pursue our updated mission: We will cure multiple sclerosis while empowering people affected by MS to live their best lives.

This strategic plan addresses the unique experiences of all people affected by MS and our role in reaching a better future while highlighting our firmly held belief that together we are stronger.

In developing the plan, the Strategic Plan Development Advisory Committee first learned as much as we could about the unique experiences of everyone living with MS. The effects of MS on people’s lives can be determined primarily by whether they were diagnosed before there were any disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) or when early drug therapies became available. Today, people get diagnosed faster and have many more therapy options.

We also envisioned the future for people who have yet to be diagnosed with MS. Many weighed in with perspectives and ideas. Perhaps you were one of them.

Building on 75 years of progress, we are accelerating toward a world free of MS.

The focus of our strategic plan is on four impact areas:

1. Accelerate cures through global leadership
2. Improve access to personalized, affordable, high-quality MS healthcare
3. Strengthen the MS movement through more and deeper connections
4. Empower people affected by MS to solve everyday challenges

Mike Pongon, chair of the Strategic Plan Development Advisory Committee, sums it up: “This plan unleashes our entire organization to move the needle for people with MS. It will take all of us with our unique talents working together to accomplish this ambitious plan, but I know we can do it!”

I agree. This plan provides us the direction and focus needed to accelerate progress while ensuring we can take advantage of opportunities that arise and effectively pivot when needed.

Do you see yourself and your priorities in the strategic plan? As always, I’d love to hear your ideas.

Let’s keep in touch!

Cyndi Zagieboylo
President & CEO
National MS Society

Let me know your thoughts. Email me at cyndi@nmss.org.