Volunteer Team of the Year: Barry Engelman

If you want to know why Barry Engelman and his family work so hard raising funds for multiple sclerosis, you need look no further than his 31-year-old son, who was diagnosed with the disease a decade ago.

“When my brother was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago, it changed us all forever,” said Traci Engelman, Mr. Engelman’s daughter. “It’s taught us not to take things for granted … It has also made the word “MS’ part of our daily vocabulary as well as a focus of our daily lives.”

Mr. Engelman, an adviser in Los Angeles for Ameriprise Financial Services Inc., Ms. Engelman, a paraplanner in his office, and the rest of his fundraising team, won the Volunteer Team of the Year award on behalf of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Southern California and Nevada Chapter. In the last 10 years, the team has raised $600,000 to fight MS.

“The award money will go to support programs and research,” said Ms. Engelman, who spoke on behalf of the team, as her father was out of the country.

Although his initial symptoms were debilitating, Traci’s brother, who did not want to be identified to guard his privacy, has not let his illness slow him down. He studied international relations, worked overseas in Africa and the Middle East, and now is employed in public administration. With the help of medications, his symptoms mostly have stabilized.

“What keeps us going year after year is witnessing my brother achieving his goals in life,” said Ms. Engelman. “We love to see the look on his face and that of his 3-year-old daughter when he lifts her over his head to sit on his shoulders.

“One of the greatest areas of impact [of the award] is publicity — it’s a huge deal. At the corporate level, Ameriprise has been getting the word out across its national network and sending press releases to the local papers,” Ms. Engelman said.

“Many people don’t know anything about MS, even though it’s the leading disabling disease among young adults.

“We want people who are diagnosed or who’ve been living with MS for some time to know they’re not alone in this fight to end the disease,” Ms. Engelman said.

People also don’t realize the impact MS has on both patients and families.

“This honor helps us refuel emotionally — the volunteers, my dad and myself. At times, it feels intimidating to approach people year after year for financial support, especially in these economic times,” she said.

Some days, the road to finding a cure feels longer than others, but the volunteer work is a source of hope, she said.

“To receive this award and recognition from our peers in the financial industry inspires us to keep pushing forward,” Ms. Engelman said.