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Cynthia Perry - Nominated by David Perry, Timberlake, N.C. 
My wife is my 100 percent caregiver. We don’t qualify for any outside help 
except occasional PT or OT for six weeks. My wife gets my compression socks on 
in the morning, which has made her hands weak. She gets me into my wheelchair. 
She cleans me up after bathroom use daily, sometimes two or three times a day. 
Gets me in the shower, gets me dressed, and gets me back in bed. She cuts the 
grass and keeps our house clean. She needs surgery on her knees but put it off to 
care for me. Hopefully, we will get enough help so she can get the surgery. 
Darren Ripley - Nominated by Laura Rossignol-Ripley, Vassalboro, Maine 
My husband would dislike this nomination — he refuses to be called a caregiver. 
He insists he’s simply my husband, doing all he can to make my life easier. We fell 
in love 10 years ago after years of friendship and past heartache. I warned him my 
MS would only get worse, but he said, “I’ve done my research,” and chose me  
anyway. Since then, he has proven me wrong for believing I was broken and unlovable. 
He gives everything without complaint. Despite working full-time, he comes home ready to 
help, asking, “What can I do for you, my love?” His devotion is constant, his love immeasurable. 
I truly could not imagine this journey without him. 
Ken Morton Veerasawmy - Nominated by Diana Schott, Washington, N.J. 
My team consists of a multitude of loving dedicated individuals. My wonderful 
children assumed all responsibilities initially. Mort, my boyfriend (significant 
other), became a vital support as my disease progressed. He's an extraordinary 
partner and caregiver of everything not covered by the employees. I'm now 
disabled with only some use of my right arm. I'm wheelchair-bound, requiring 
assistance with almost everything. Mort's jobs around the house are endless: chef, dog care, 
lawnmower, driver, etc. He covers when the aides cancel and provides mental support. His 
strong morals and grounded perspective guide me through my challenging times. I'd be lost 
without him. 
Ways You Can Help Us Help Others 
Matching gifts are a great way to double the effect of a gift to MS Focus. Ask the 
company you work for if they have a matching gift program or encourage them 
to set one up. 
Individual companies vary but every matching gift program can increase 
your donation to MS Focus and make your dollars go further to help those living 
with MS. 
Many companies would love to support a charity if given the opportunity, 
so ask them to support MS Focus: the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

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