Charlottesville Woman Honored For Triumph Over MS
Washington, DC, April 26, 2000 – Lisa Eorio, a 44-year-old Charlottesville resident, alumna and research scientist at the University of Virginia who has battled multiple sclerosis (MS) for 24 years, recently received a Betaseron® Multiple Sclerosis Champions of CourageSM grant, in recognition for her tremendous accomplishments, despite this often disabling disease. Lisa will use her grant to organize a specialized exercise program for community members with MS.
The Betaseron® Champions of CourageSM program recognizes the accomplishments of people with MS and provides grants to help people with MS achieve their goals and inspire others. “Lisa’s courage and perseverance are tremendous,” commented Eric Simons, motivational speaker and chairman of the Betaseron® Champions of Courage Board. “We hope her story will inspire others with MS.”
The Value of Exercise
Diagnosed in 1976 at the age of 21, Lisa’s first 10 years with MS were relatively symptom free. But by 1990, in the middle of graduate school at the University of Virginia, her condition worsened. She began to have symptoms like weakness in her arms, hands and legs, as well as mental and physical exhaustion.
Her deteriorating physical condition prompted her to begin physical therapy. Since 1990, she has maintained an exercise program which has been key to managing her MS symptoms and has enabled her to continue her education and advance her career. Lisa received her MA in Economics and a Ph.D. in Sociology by 1996, and works as a research scientist in mental health at the University of Virginia.
She credits the University’s Athletic Training/Sports Medicine department for providing her with the support needed to continue her fitness program over the past ten years. “I have seen friends with MS lose function, not wholly from progression in the disease process, but also from lack of activity,” says Lisa. “I have had the good fortune of benefiting from a regular exercise program, and I want to help others with MS by providing them with this invaluable opportunity.”
Lisa’s Champions of Courage grant will enable her to help others in her community with MS to develop and maintain an individualized exercise program. During the 12 bi-weekly sessions, which begin May 2, participants and their partners will receive personalized support from physical therapists, athletic trainers, sports psychologist and each other. Videotapes of the sessions and exercise equipment are also provided free of charge to participants.
About the Betaseron® Multiple Sclerosis Champions of CourageSM Program
Funded by a grant from Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the Betaseron® Champions of CourageSM program provides grants to people taking the MS medication Betaseron® who have demonstrated unique courage or initiative in overcoming MS. To apply for a grant, individuals must be taking Betaseron®, describe their community service activities, and outline how they will use a grant to inspire others. Applications can be obtained by visiting www.championsofcourage.org, or by calling 1-202-363-3378. Applications are reviewed three times per year: in February, June and October.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease that randomly attacks the central nervous system, affecting the brain and spinal cord, wearing away control over the body. Symptoms may range from numbness to paralysis and blindness. No cure exists; however, therapies to treat symptoms and reduce the number and severity of attacks are available. MS afflicts up to 350,000 people in the U.S.
