Morris County Recognizes Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week
Published on March 12, 2026
Commissioners Honor Residents, Advocates and Families Affected by MS
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners recognized Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, observed March 8–14, during its public meeting last night, honoring residents, advocates and families whose lives have been affected by the disease.
Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw presented a proclamation on behalf of the board to Craig Chomiak, a Chester Township resident who has been living with multiple sclerosis for 34 years. The proclamation recognizes the impact of the disease and ongoing efforts to support individuals with MS while advancing research toward better treatments and, ultimately, a 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.”
Joining Chomiak for the presentation was Brigitte Delaney, a member of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society New Jersey Metro Chapter Board of Trustees, as well as Sheriff James Gannon, former Morris County Commissioner Kathy DeFillippo and her husband, Roxbury Township Councilman Bob DeFillippo, all of whom have personally experienced the impacts of MS.
Both of Kathy DeFillippo’s sisters battled the illness, with one succumbing to its complications. Gannon lost his wife of 26 years, Lisa, in 2010 after her courageous battle with MS. During the meeting, Gannon presented Chomiak with a plaque of recognition from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office for his dedication to 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, an active volunteer and fundraiser for the National MS Society, serves as co-chair of the Northwest New Jersey Community Council for the organization’s New Jersey Metro Chapter. Following the proclamation presentation, he spoke about the realities of living with MS and the importance of continued awareness and support.
“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.
DeFillippo has long supported MS awareness and research. She served for 10 years on the board of the National MS Society’s New Jersey Metro Chapter through 2016 and helped bring the organization’s Walk MS fundraiser to Roxbury during her time in township offices, including as mayor in 2009 and as a councilwoman from 2006 to 2013.
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 approximately 14,000 residents in New Jersey. While there is currently no cure, advances in treatment and research have improved quality of life for many individuals with the disease.
The Morris County proclamation encourages residents to learn more about multiple sclerosis and support individuals and families affected by the condition. For more information about MS, visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website.
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Photo 1: (l-r) Commissioner Douglas Cabana, Sheriff James Gannon, Commissioner Deputy Director John Krickus, Kathy DeFillippo, Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw, Craig Chomiak, Brigitte Delaney, Commissioners Tayfun Selen, Deborah Smith, Christine Myers and Thomas Mastrangelo.
Photo 2: Craig Chomiak (left) accepting the MS Awareness Week proclamation from Director Shaw.
Photo 3: Craig Chomiak (left) accepting the recognition plaque from Sheriff James Gannon.