In memory of our dear colleague Linda Morgante, this award is presented each year for the poster which best represents a spirit of optimism and possibility related to clinical care or education for patients with MS and their families.

This award was named in honor of Linda Morgante, whose vision of HOPE has changed the face of Multiple Sclerosis nursing. Linda was one of the founding members of the IOMSN, contributed to numerous articles and books on the topic of MS nursing and spoke internationally and extensively on MS nursing and the importance of HOPE.

In the words of Linda, "Hope is an essential element of life - it embodies our vision of the future, our opinion of ourselves and others, and our sense of control over the events and direction of our lives. Hope's presence for someone suffering from a chronic debilitating illness can provide the energy necessary to promote health, and enhance well-being."

Linda believed the experience of hope was limitless and empowering. She proved that in all that she did in nursing, in IOMSN, and in teaching. Her memory and vision of HOPE lives on through her family, friends, patients, and students.

AWARD CRITERIA:

• The poster must include the Concept of Hope in some aspect
• Membership in IOMSN is NOT required
• A committee will review the posters at the CMSC Annual Meeting and rate (using a 0 - 4 grading system). The past and current president of IOMSN may provide input into the scoring
• The candidate must recognize the behaviors that reflect hope and identify variables that make an impact on the process of hoping

* The award will be presented at the CMSC business meeting.

CURRENT AWARDEE:

PAST AWARDEES: