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Brett Massingham of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Receives Decade of Achievement in MS Award
Honoree Makes Extraordinary Contributions to the MS Community
Washington, D.C., January 9, 2004 – The Betaseron® Champions of Courage SM program announces that Brett Massingham is one of the top 15 winners of The Decade of Achievement in MS Award. Brett 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.
"Brett stood out for the way he has continued to play golf and inspire people," said Eric Simons, chairman of the Betaseron Champions of Courage Advisory Board. "Brett’s example is inspirational to many people."
For the love of the game
Brett, age 39, who has had MS since 1995, gained national attention when he qualified for and played in the PGA tour’s 2002 Nissan Open, becoming the only person ever with MS to compete in a PGA Tour event. Brett serves as national spokesperson for the Gimbel MS Center in Teaneck, NJ and chairs their annual golf outing.
"Brett’s accomplishments on the golf course are only the beginning of his story and wonderfully inspiring characteristics," says Lisa Futterman of the Gimbel MS Center, who nominated him for this award. "Not only has he demonstrated unflagging determination to achieve his goal on the golf course, he also displays a most uncommon, wholly positive attitude about his MS. He spreads his positive attitude to everyone with whom he comes in contact."
When Brett received his diagnosis in 1995, his doctors told him he probably would not be able to play golf and advised him to find another profession. At that time he was working as the head pro at a golf course in Southern California. He had always dreamed of competing competitively and was not about to give up on that dream. Through hard work and determination he was able to restore his game so he could continue his professional golf career.
"I hope others will see that no matter what the challenges are, you can still achieve your dreams," says Brett.
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.
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Contact: |
Sheila Marmion
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