Three Outstanding Women Honored for Creating a World Free of MS

PHILADELPHIA, PA, May 27 (MARKET WIRE) --
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society will honor three exceptional
women who have made their marks against MS on Thursday, June 4 at the
seventh annual Women Against MS Luncheon, presented by sanofi aventis.

The Greater Delaware Valley Chapter's Woman of Spirit Award recognizes
women who have shown outstanding leadership skills and an unparalleled
commitment to making our community a better place to live.

The event, which will be held at the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue, also will
include a Chinese auction for great prizes such as a Molton Brown pamper
party, a Tiffany & Co. necklace and tickets to shows and sporting events,
plus special raffles for a Free People steamer trunk and a wine tasting by
celebrity "Wine-tertainer" Phillip Silverstone.

Women Against MS Luncheon
Thursday, June 4
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Park Hyatt at the Bellevue
200 South Broad Street, Philadelphia

More than 9,000 women -- mothers, sisters, daughters and friends --
are living with MS in the Greater Delaware Valley. The Women Against MS
Luncheon brings hundreds of people together to alleviate their challenges,
celebrate their successes and build a caring, supportive community.

This year, the Society will honor:

Estelle B. Richman, Pennsylvania Secretary of Public Welfare, for her
commitment to supporting people with disabilities in the Commonwealth,
including women living with MS.

As Secretary of Public Welfare, Richman is responsible for protecting the
most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, including people living with disabilities,
a role she championed previously as Director of Social Services for the
City of Philadelphia.

She challenges those around her to judge their success by quality, rather
than quantity, and envisions the creation of a more holistic and
user-friendly approach to service delivery. Accessible, integrated,
high-quality social services are critical to helping women living with MS
maintain their independence.

Romona Riscoe Benson, President and CEO, African American Museum in
Philadelphia, for her leadership in the African-American community and the
MS movement.

Benson, a resident of Camden, N.J., has been recognized by the
Philadelphia Tribune as one of the city's most influential
African-Americans. She uses her influence to help raise awareness of MS
in the black community through her involvement with the Women Against MS
movement and by speaking openly about the challenges of living with MS.

Benson doesn't let living with MS stop her from making her mark on
Philadelphia. Under her leadership, the once-struggling African American
Museum has thrived. It soon will unveil its new core exhibit, "Audacious
Freedom: African Americans in Philadelphia 1776 - 1876."

Cindy Bertrando, Partner, KPMG, for her dedication to fundraising for
vital programs, services and research through Walk MS and her support of
women professionals at KPMG.

Bertrando, a resident of Thornton, Pa., co-founded KPMG's Network of Women
Philadelphia chapter. She promotes work-life balance and mentoring to the
accounting firm's young women employees and has been an integral part of
reducing female turnover and increasing promotion rates at the firm. She
also is a member of the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania Women's
Initiative, devoted to supporting adolescent girls.

Bertrando captains KPMG's Walk MS team, which has grown to more than 100
walkers, thanks to her dedication and commitment. With her encouragement,
KPMG has become one of the top teams and sponsors at the Philadelphia Walk
MS site, raising more than $10,000 each year through grassroots
fundraising efforts, plus a generous corporate contribution. Bertrando
has also cycled in several MS fundraising events.

The Women Against MS Luncheon is supported by presenting sponsor sanofi
aventis and contributing sponsor Fox Rothschild.

To sponsor a table, purchase tickets or learn more, visit
http://main.nationalMSsociety.org/WAMS or contact Kristina Fransel at
215-271-1500 or wams@pae.nmss.org.

Contact:
Anne Krishnan
215-271-1500
anne.krishnan@pae.nmss.org

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