Hometown Hero Takes Strides Against MS

Disasters always puts our blessings in perspective. But for some people, bad news doesn’t just cloud a day or a few weeks — it moves in and makes itself at home.

And it’s easy to remember to give the kids a kiss every morning for a month or so after a crisis, but making a permanent change in your lifestyle takes an unusual — even heroic — act of superhuman commitment.

When Jennifer Gold’s family was hit with a crisis, instead of glossing over it like most people would and trying to move on, she acknowledged it and rearranged her entire life to optimize the manner in which she could respond. Gold’s husband, Scott, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2002, shortly after their daughter was born. Almost immediately, she threw herself into researching the disease and helping find ways to contribute to its eventual eradication.

“We have been very active in fundraising for the MS Society,” Jennifer Gold said. "The year that Scott was diagnosed, we formed a team for Walk MS, ‘Going for the Gold,' and we have walked every year — rain or shine.”

Jennifer Gold has also spent many years working as a volunteer for the Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society in White Plains. In 2006, she was given an Outstanding Program Volunteer award for her efforts. Last year, Jennifer Gold appeared on “Good Morning America” during MS awareness week along with other outstanding chapter volunteers.

Jennifer Gold is being honored again this Wednesday at a Women on the Move luncheon for Hometown Heroes who have made a significant impact on research initiatives, services and educational programs for people living with MS. The luncheon is being held at the Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff Manor. In addition to honoring Gold, the musician Kristie Salerno Kent (an artist also diagnosed with MS) will perform and a boutique showcasing handbags, jewelry, clothing and home goods will be introduced, with all purchases benefiting the National MS Society.

Jennifer Gold says that the diagnosis, while certainly being a setback, has helped both her and her husband focus on the important things in life, like each other and their two children, Zachary, 12, and Gillian, 9.

“When I now reflect on Scott's diagnosis and how it has affected our lives, I realize that in some ways MS has motivated us to be our best selves,” Jennifer Gold said. “By that, I mean that we live each day to the fullest since we do not know what the future holds.”

Scott Gold has also been able to stay active and continue to work as an attorney at a large firm in Manhattan, due partly to the advancements in medication and research made in recent years.

“Scott is more physically active than ever — coaching both of our kids' soccer teams and always up for a bike ride or friendly tennis game,” Jennifer Gold said.

Naturally, the Golds are still holding their breath for the what may be around the corner.

“We recognize that Scott is very fortunate to be able to manage this disease without it interfering in his day to day activities, his career, or his family,” Jennifer Gold said. “Of course, we still worry about what the future holds. It's not just Scott and his well-being, but the uncertainty about genetic predisposition and our kids' future that we are concerned about. We therefore are motivated to do what we can to help find a cure.”

The Golds met in 1986 as undergraduates at Cornell University. Upon graduation, they both entered law school (Jennifer went to New York University, whereas Scott went to Georgetown Law School). Jennifer Gold worked for several years as a real estate attorney. Currently, she is a listings editor at the Rivertowns Enterprise, her hometown newspaper in Ardsley. In her free time, she continues to do everything she can to find a cure, watches baseball with Zachary, crafts with Gillian and travels with her husband. 

To learn more about the National MS Society, visit its website or call (212) 463-7787.

Editor's Note: In the article's ninth paragraph, it was incorrectly stated that Jennifer Gold continued to work as an attorney despite her husband's illness. The author intended to state that Scott Gold continued to practice law amidst his diagnosis.

Patch regrets the error.