MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners recognized Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, observed March 8–14, during a public meeting this week, honoring residents, advocates and families affected by the disease.
Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw presented a proclamation on behalf of the board to Chester Township resident Craig Chomiak, who has been living with multiple sclerosis for 34 years. The proclamation acknowledged the impact of the disease and the continued work to support people with MS while advancing research for improved treatments and a potential cure.
“Multiple sclerosis affects nearly one million Americans and remains an unpredictable and often disabling disease of the central nervous system,” Director Shaw said. “Your experiences remind us why raising awareness and supporting research remains so important.”
Chomiak was joined during the presentation by Brigitte Delaney, a member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society New Jersey Metro Chapter Board of Trustees, as well as Morris County Sheriff James Gannon and former Morris County Commissioner Kathy DeFillippo and her husband, Roxbury Township Councilman Bob DeFillippo.
Several of those present have personal connections to the disease. Both of DeFillippo’s sisters battled MS, with one later dying from complications of the illness. Gannon lost his wife of 26 years, Lisa, in 2010 after her battle with the disease.
During the meeting, Gannon presented Chomiak with a plaque from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office recognizing his work raising awareness and supporting the MS community.
“I’ve attended many events and functions to raise awareness. Thank you for what you do and for bringing awareness to this. It’s really important,” Sheriff Gannon said. “God bless you, and I wish you all the success with your own recovery.”
Chomiak, who volunteers and raises funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, serves as co-chair of the Northwest New Jersey Community Council for the organization’s New Jersey Metro Chapter. After accepting the proclamation, he spoke about the challenges of living with the disease.
“MS is a disease that many people have heard of, but few truly understand until it touches their lives personally,” Chomiak said. “What I’ve learned along this journey is that MS doesn’t define a person’s life — it reveals their resilience.”
“I’ve been fortunate to live in a community like Morris County. Support from family, friends, neighbors, doctors and organizations makes an enormous difference in how people navigate this disease,” he continued.
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease in which the immune system attacks the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibers, disrupting communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Symptoms vary widely and may include numbness, weakness, fatigue, vision problems and difficulty walking.
Nearly 1 million people in the United States are living with MS, including an estimated 14,000 residents in New Jersey. While there is currently no cure, advances in treatment and research have improved quality of life for many people living with the disease.
County officials encouraged residents to learn more about multiple sclerosis and support individuals and families affected by the condition. More information is available through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
