2008 Woodie Awards
Professor dedicates 20 years to M.S education
By: Brian McLean
Issue date: 2/20/08 Section: News
|
Silkwood-Sherer, an assistant professor of physical therapy, teaches courses on the treatment of neurological disorders, and is chair of the programs committee for local activities in the National Multiple Sclerosis society.
"I think M.S. is a very difficult disease to live with," she said.
Silkwood-Sherer's volunteer hours, gathered across 20 years of service, were recognized last November at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's 2007 National Conference, when Silkwood-Sherer was inducted into the National Volunteer Hall of Fame for Programs and Services.
M.S. is a disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, affecting muscle control, vision, balance and sensation.
Silkwood-Sherer said she joined the group after meeting someone with M.S. The disease has an unpredictable nature, and she felt she could help alleviate victims' daily struggles, she said.
Silkwood-Sherer said she did not know she would receive the honor.
"I was really amazed," she said.
Silkwood-Sherer's work encompasses things such as equipment services and information referral, all of which help people with M.S. to live their lives.
The group also partakes in various advocacy programs, she said.
"It's amazing how people with M.S. try to hide their M.S. from employers," she said.
Rose Taylor, vice president of programs for the Michigan chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, nominated Silkwood-Sherer for the honor. She has great expertise and people skills, Taylor said.
"She's just an excellent spokesperson - an excellent ambassador for our chapter," Taylor said.
Taylor said Silkwood-Sherer has been instrumental in the development and implementation of the chapter's programs.
Her commitment is astonishing, Taylor said.
"It has made such an impact on the way we do things," she said. "I just don't think we could have a better volunteer."
Of November's inductees, Silkwood-Sherer was the only one from Michigan, and was one of about 30 people, Taylor said.
"I was ecstatic," she said. "It's wonderful that she has it … she is just incredible.
Herm Triezenberg, physical therapy department chairman, said Silkwood-Sherer is highly committed to M.S. patients.
Silkwood-Sherer is the department's specialist in neurology, he said.
"She's a real hard-working faculty," he said. "It's great to have her around."
Though most of her volunteer efforts are done individually, he said, the department and faculty support her activism.
Helping M.S. patients is a worthwhile cause, Triezenberg said.
"It's her service to the community - well and beyond the call," he said.
news@cm-life.com
Be the first to comment on this story