Tony Napolitano ’97

Tell Us Why this Organization/Cause is Important to You or the Nominee
I first learned about the devastating impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) when the father of one of my wife’s coworkers was diagnosed with the disease. He later received a cancer diagnosis, but chose not to pursue treatment due to the toll MS had taken on his body. This stark choice between life and death underscored the seriousness of the disease for me.

My family faced an MS scare when an MRI for my wife, who was suffering from migraines, revealed potential MS lesions. Fortunately, a follow-up MRI came back clear, but the prospect of confronting this disease was frightening.

Years later, the mother of my friend Laura passed away due to complications from multiple sclerosis. In her mother’s honor, Laura founded a fundraising team to participate in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Bike MS: Bay to Bay event. As an avid cyclist, Laura eventually convinced me to join her on rides from Irvine to San Diego.

Bike MS, which features more than 50 rides nationwide, raises more money for multiple sclerosis than any other cycling event. To date, Bike MS cyclists, volunteers, and donors have raised over $1 billion to help people affected by MS live their best lives. It is truly awe-inspiring to see 1,500 to 2,000 cyclists, some living with MS, come together for a weekend ride.

Length of Service with this Organization/Cause
Present

Share Advice to Guide Students Hoping to Pursue a Career with Social Impact or in Nonprofit Industries
First, there are many opportunities to give back to the community while at LMU through the various service organizations, environmental clubs, and community outreach organizations. Hopefully, that will spark an interest or even a passion to pursue once you graduate from LMU. Second, LMU does a wonderful job of providing service opportunities to its alumni through its “Alumni for Others” programs as well as opportunities to give your time and talent to the university through LMU’s many advisory boards. I highly encourage any recent alums to participate in these programs to remain connected with your alma mater and build relationships with your fellow alumni. Finally, there is no such thing as not having enough time to be of service to others. Even if you can only spare an hour or two every couple of months, you will still live out the university’s mission of being “men and women for others.”

How Can Others Help or Get Involved
The best way to get involved with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Bike MS events (as well as Walk MS or Hike MS) is to go online to events.nationalmssociety.org, find an event, sign up, and do a bit of training with fellow participants. It is a truly rewarding experience that you will not regret.