February 2023 Newsletter

Celebrating Black MS Specialists

Happy Black History Month, We Are ILL Family! We know that Black patients have better health outcomes under the care of Black clinicians, so this month we’re celebrating and honoring the Black MS Specialists who are making a difference in our lives and in the multiple sclerosis space.

Special shout out to Dr. Mitzi Joi Williams — our beloved WAI board member, a Board-Certified neurologist, Fellowship trained MS Specialist, and co-founder of the Joi Life Foundation — for being a generous partner with a true heart for Black women living with MS.

We’d also like to thank Dr. Jacqueline Rosenthal and Dr. Annette Okai for their willingness to share their vast expertise with our community. You’ll hear more from them in our MS Awareness Month programming in March.

And to all the Black MS Specialists out there, you are appreciated!

Genentech’s The Black MS Experience

For decades, experts believed MS was a disease of young, white women. However, studies show just as many Black individuals have MS as their white counterparts, and the incidence may be higher, particularly in Black women, than in other ethnic populations.

Genetech recently brought together an inspirational group of Black women living with or connected to MS to have an authentic conversation about their experiences, finding strength, and becoming an active participant in your healthcare journey.

Hear from We Are ILL founder and CEO Victoria Reese (diagnosed in 2012), Dr. Mitzi Joi Williams, poet and advocate Azure Antoinette (diagnosed in 2009), Brandee Evans (actor and MS caregiver for her mother), and Dana Spencer (Genentech diversity & inclusion board member) in this trio of videos.

Wanted: Volunteers

We are a small but mighty organization, and we could use the support of our community to help out in a variety of ways, including fundraising, events, project management, research, programming and more. Sound like something you want to be a part of? If so, click the button below to fill out the registration form.

In Case You Missed It …

Victoria on “Sherri”

Victoria made us proud when she joined Dr. Mitzi on Sherri Shepherd’s TV show last month. They discussed the misconceptions around multiple sclerosis and the need for more inclusivity in clinical trials. It’s a big deal that MS and We Are ILL were called into the spotlight on this nationally syndicated daytime talk show!

WAI on BMS Health Equity Alliance

Upcoming Events

February 16

MSAA Webinar — Intimacy with MS: Understanding Affectionate, Romantic & Self-Love with Dr. Hunter