Danny Velasquez and Debbie Worthen named to board of Trustees for the National MS Society Utah-Southern Idaho Chapter

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Longtime MS community support group leader Danny Velasquez and KUTV2 (CBS) meteorologist Debbie Worthen have been named to the National MS Society Utah-Southern Idaho Board of Trustees announced Chapter President Annette Royle.
“Danny and Debbie bring a real passion for helping people with multiple sclerosis move their lives forward,” said Royle. “They are great additions and will add valuable perspectives to support us with our important work, creating a world free of MS.”
The Chapter’s Board of Trustees’ goals include mobilizing people and resources to drive research for a cure and addressing the challenges of everyone affected by MS. It is responsible for governing the business and affairs of the Chapter to ensure activities support the mission, a world free of MS. Board members serve in a variety of roles helping to grow awareness, education, advocacy and fundraising efforts.
The Chapter’s board, currently led by Chairman Bob Harmon of Harmon’s Grocery, is comprised of a mix of business and community leaders as well as research and medical experts.
Velasquez has volunteered with the Chapter for more than a decade as a support group leader. He has assisted with Chapter programs to better serve people with MS in Southeastern Utah. He served on the Chapter’s 2009-2011 Strategic Planning Committee. Velasquez is a national trainer for the Society helping to educate new support group leaders around the country and is a driving force behind the local group in Price.
“I consider this an honor serving on the Chapter’s Board of Trustees,” commented Velasquez. “I may have multiple sclerosis, but multiple sclerosis doesn’t have me. MS affects everyone differently and when you recognize how it affects you, you can then make the necessary adjustments in your life to move forward in spite of MS. Living with multiple sclerosis is all about making adjustments to the many surprises of MS. Living in a rural area, I look forward to bringing that perspective and my experiences to the Board of Trustees as we work together toward finding a cure.”
In 2007, Velasquez was honored by the Chapter at the annual Dinner of Champions with the Living with Hope Award, recognizing inspirational community champions. He has worked tirelessly to help people face the challenges MS brings to daily life.
Velasquez is a longtime employee of PacifiCorp, where he is the Lead Senior Technical Trainer for the Hunter Power Plant in Southeastern Utah. He was diagnosed with MS in 1997.