Community Corner

Murrieta Woman Honored For Work With MS Patients

Denise Kish, who suffers from multiple sclerosis herself, was named "Self Help Group Leader of the Year" for 2011.

A Murrieta woman has been recognized for her work with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Southern California and Nevada Chapter.

Denise Kish of Murrieta was named the "Self Help Group Leader of the Year" for 2011, according to a news release. Kish accepted her award from Mary Ann Holm, manager of clinical services, during a ceremony Monday in Los Angeles.

Kish, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1993, has been a self-help group leader with the organization for 12 years after she took over an existing group in San Diego, according to the news release.

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"Every time she has moved since then she has started another group—Upland, Temecula and Brea," said Chapter Spokesperson Kathy Hairston. "Her husband, Chuck, arranges his work schedule to ensure that she is at all four of the meetings she leads."

Kish was not expecting the recognition and was pleasantly surprised.

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“Most MS Group leaders perform this volunteer position because we feel we can make a difference in the lives of others who have this disease," Kish said, according to the news release. "I know I enjoy it and it always comes back tenfold to me in many other ways.”

In addition to leading self-help groups, Kish is a member of the MS Walk 2012 southwest Riverside County Team “Our Hope.” The will take place April 28 in Murrieta's . It is one of 15 walks across southern California, central California and Nevada scheduled for the same day.

To learn more about multiple sclerosis, an often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system, visit Nmss.org/cal.

For information on Walk MS 2012, the primary fund-raising source for the organization, visit Walktoendms.org or call 310-479-4456. Volunteers, donors, sponsors and walkers are needed.


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