SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – April 29, 2008 - The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has honored Central Michigan University assistant professor Debbie Silkwood-Sherer for more than 20 years of service and countless hours of dedicated volunteer work. Silkwood-Sherer is a resident of Holt, Mich.
Silkwood-Sherer was inducted into the National Volunteer Hall of Fame for Programs and Services at the National MS Society’s Leadership Conference recently held in Dallas. Nearly 1,000 people attended the induction ceremony including celebrities diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, such as Sue Thomas of the crime series “F. B. Eye” and Dave Landers of “Laverne and Shirley” fame.
”It was a surprise,” said Silkwood-Sherer, who teaches graduate classes in CMU’s physical therapy program and courses on the treatment of neurological disorders. “I did not know that I would be inducted until I received a letter from the Michigan Chapter’s president Elana Sullivan. It was a tremendous honor.”
Through her years of volunteering with the National MS Society, she has helped develop services and programs for the newly diagnosed. She has also served on the Michigan Chapter’s Board of Trustees for 17 years.
”MS is probably one of the most difficult diseases, because you may wake up one day and you’re fine, but the next day you wake up and you can’t move. This disease is unpredictable, and to watch individuals who have MS is to be continually amazed by their progress and determination.”
”You volunteer because you want to give back,” Silkwood-Sherer explained. “Find an organization you believe in - one that makes you feel good and that you personally find rewarding. Then you will be with them for a while, like I have been with the National MS Society.”
Portions of this content provided courtesy of Central Michigan University Public Relations and Marketing department.