http://www.nationalmssociety.org/News-2002Oct24.asp

October 25, 2002

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society joins the countless numbers of Senator Paul Wellstone's family, friends, constituents, and supporters in expressing our grief on the loss of the Senator, his wife Sheila, and daughter Marcia.

"Through the years, Senator Paul Wellstone has been an invaluable supporter of not only the MS cause but also improved healthcare and patient protection for all Americans. We will miss him immeasurably," says General Mike Dugan, President and CEO of the National MS Society.

Born on July 21, 1944, he was first elected to the Senate in 1990. In 1994 Wellstone was honored as the National MS Society's Senator of the Year because of his championing of healthcare reform.

In 2002, he announced that he had multiple sclerosis. The Society applauded his courage and the way he openly decided to share his MS diagnosis with the American public. We were pleased and encouraged that it had not deterred him from seeking re-election in a tough political climate as we knew how important it was for him to continue serving the citizens of Minnesota. He will be missed by all who knew him and all who benefited from his dedication as senior senator from Minnesota.
 

© 2002 The National Multiple Sclerosis Society