Back to News Index
Randall T. Schapiro, M.D., of Shoreview, MN, Receives Decade of Achievement in MS Award
Honoree Makes Extraordinary Contributions to the MS Community
Washington, D.C., January 6, 2004 – The Betaseron® Champions of Courage SM program announces that Randall T. Schapiro, M.D., is one of the top 15 winners of The Decade of Achievement in MS Award. Dr. Schapiro and his fellow honorees were determined to have exhibited extraordinary dedication to the MS community within the last 10 years, and include people with MS, their friends and family, companies, and members of the MS medical community.
The award commemorates the 10th anniversary of the availability of Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s Betaseron® (interferon beta-1b), and is sponsored by the Betaseron Champions of Courage, a program that supports people with MS who have inspiring goals, and who have made significant contributions to their families, community, or the lives of those affected by MS.
"Dr. Schapiro’s talent, dedication and compassion have made him a leader in the field of MS care," said Eric Simons, chairman of the Betaseron Champions of Courage Advisory Board. "We are honored to recognize him with a Decade of Achievement in MS Award."
Fairview MS Center
Schapiro founded the first comprehensive MS Center in 1977, the Fairview MS Center in Minneapolis, which he continues to direct. The Center began at the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology, then moved to Fairview-University Medical Center, and recently moved back to the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology. It is one of the oldest and largest MS centers in the world.
"Dr. Schapiro has a long history of leading and advocating to improve the lives of those with Multiple Sclerosis," said Gordon Alexander, M.D., president of Fairview-University Medical Center. "He understands and attends to the needs of patients – from medical, emotional and spiritual perspectives."
"Dr. Randy Schapiro has been a personal friend, as well as a consultant for my complex MS patients for over 25 years," said Daniel C. Randa, M.D., president of the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology, Ltd. "His expertise in the field of MS is nationally recognized and highly respected by physicians and patients alike. The Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology is delighted to have him join our staff."
Schapiro currently serves on the board of the National MS Society and has served on the local board for 28 years. He has been elected to the National MS Society Hall of Fame and serves on the Medical Advisory Board for the International MS Society. He has lectured and written extensively on MS management and is known for using humor to help patients deal with sensitive subjects.
"Dr. Schapiro is much beloved by his patients," said Maureen Reeder, National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter President. "He cares deeply about each of them and has dedicated his life to service to people with MS. His innovative comprehensive MS program includes everything from the first MS Achievement Center, coordinated rehab services, home care services, outpatient and inpatient care, to education and research. No one else offers such comprehensive care to meet the many needs of the person with MS."
Award Specifics
The Betaseron Champions of Courage received more than 160 nominations for the award. All nominees received an award certificate, as well as a Decade of Achievement in MS Award t-shirt and a letter of congratulations from the Betaseron Champions of Courage Advisory Board. From these 160 nominations, 15 were chosen for an additional level of recognition.
The 15 top award winners received a plaque and a letter of congratulations from the Betaseron Champions of Courage Advisory Board. They also will have their story featured on the www.championsofcourage.org web site, and in other materials.
About the Betaseron Champions of Courage
Funded by a grant from Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the Betaseron Champions of Courage program provides grants to people who are coping successfully with MS and who have a project that will inspire others. Since the program was introduced in 1999, more than 30 individuals have received grants to underwrite motivating projects.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that randomly attacks the brain and spinal cord, wearing away control over the body. Symptoms may range from numbness to paralysis and blindness. Though no cure yet exists, therapies are now available that affect the underlying disease course, as well as manage symptoms. MS affects more than a third of a million people in the U.S. alone, with someone being newly diagnosed virtually each hour.
For more information about applying for a Betaseron Champions of Courage grant or the Decade of Achievement in MS Award visit www.championsofcourage.org.
###
Contact: |
Sheila Marmion
|
