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Vanita Oelschlager of Bath Twp. is national volunteer of 2008
By Cheryl Powell
Beacon Journal medical writer
Published on Wednesday, Dec 17, 2008
An Akron-area writer and philanthropist who quietly helps care for her husband and thousands of other area residents who share his chronic illness is getting national recognition for her work.
Vanita Oelschlager recently was named the ''National Volunteer of the Year'' by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The Bath Township resident has been actively supporting the nonprofit group for about 20 years.
Her husband, Jim, the founder of Oak Associates mutual fund and investment company in Bath Township, has a progressive form of multiple sclerosis and relies on a wheelchair for mobility.
Oelschlager was nominated for the honor by the Ohio Buckeye Chapter of the National MS Society.
In the nomination form, chapter communications coordinator Guyla Wehman called Oelschlager ''an inspirational advocate who has shared her abilities and talents to improve the quality of life for people living with MS.''
The Ohio chapter didn't notify her that she was being nominated for the honor until after she actually won.
If they asked her ahead of time, she said, ''they knew I would refuse it.
''I would say, 'There are so many people out there who have done so much more than me.' '' she said. ''I feel like there are so many people out there who need to be recognized.''
Seven years ago, the Oelschlagers founded the Oak Clinic for Multiple Sclerosis. The society-affiliated medical clinic in Green treats about 2,000 patients with the potentially disabling neurological disorder, regardless of their ability to pay.
Oelschlager said she and her husband subsidize the clinic annually to make sure no one is turned away.
''We will pay for everything for people who can't afford it, who really, really cannot do it and can't get any type of insurance,'' she said.
Dr. Timothy Carrabine, medical director of the Oak Clinic, said Oelschlager has been a ''huge supporter'' of making the practice a comprehensive center and encouraged the employment of a full-time social worker to help patients and their families.
She often spends time at the clinic and gives talks, particularly to other caregivers, he said.
''She's very uplifting,'' he said. ''She's very compassionate and understanding and caring.''
The couple have made numerous other financial contributions for the MS cause, including a $1 million fund for MS research.
Oelschlager also has shared her experiences with multiple sclerosis in books she has written, with proceeds benefiting the society.
In addition, she has given numerous community talks on the disease and how it impacts the lives of families.
''She really has such a presence in our community,'' said Sidney Wittenberg, senior director of special projects field operations for the society. ''She really helps tell our story and increase awareness.''
Multiple sclerosis is an incurable condition of the central nervous system that interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the rest of the body. Symptoms vary in severity and can range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis.
About 400,000 people nationwide have the disease.
Cheryl Powell can be reached at 330-996-3902 or chpowell@thebeaconjournal.com.
An Akron-area writer and philanthropist who quietly helps care for her husband and thousands of other area residents who share his chronic illness is getting national recognition for her work.
Vanita Oelschlager recently was named the ''National Volunteer of the Year'' by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The Bath Township resident has been actively supporting the nonprofit group for about 20 years.
Her husband, Jim, the founder of Oak Associates mutual fund and investment company in Bath Township, has a progressive form of multiple sclerosis and relies on a wheelchair for mobility.
Oelschlager was nominated for the honor by the Ohio Buckeye Chapter of the National MS Society.
In the nomination form, chapter communications coordinator Guyla Wehman called Oelschlager ''an inspirational advocate who has shared her abilities and talents to improve the quality of life for people living with MS.''
The Ohio chapter didn't notify her that she was being nominated for the honor until after she actually won.
If they asked her ahead of time, she said, ''they knew I would refuse it.
''I would say, 'There are so many people out there who have done so much more than me.' '' she said. ''I feel like there are so many people out there who need to be recognized.''
Seven years ago, the Oelschlagers founded the Oak Clinic for Multiple Sclerosis. The society-affiliated medical clinic in Green treats about 2,000 patients with the potentially disabling neurological disorder, regardless of their ability to pay.
Oelschlager said she and her husband subsidize the clinic annually to make sure no one is turned away.
''We will pay for everything for people who can't afford it, who really, really cannot do it and can't get any type of insurance,'' she said.
Dr. Timothy Carrabine, medical director of the Oak Clinic, said Oelschlager has been a ''huge supporter'' of making the practice a comprehensive center and encouraged the employment of a full-time social worker to help patients and their families.
She often spends time at the clinic and gives talks, particularly to other caregivers, he said.
''She's very uplifting,'' he said. ''She's very compassionate and understanding and caring.''
The couple have made numerous other financial contributions for the MS cause, including a $1 million fund for MS research.
Oelschlager also has shared her experiences with multiple sclerosis in books she has written, with proceeds benefiting the society.
In addition, she has given numerous community talks on the disease and how it impacts the lives of families.
''She really has such a presence in our community,'' said Sidney Wittenberg, senior director of special projects field operations for the society. ''She really helps tell our story and increase awareness.''
Multiple sclerosis is an incurable condition of the central nervous system that interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the rest of the body. Symptoms vary in severity and can range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis.
About 400,000 people nationwide have the disease.
Cheryl Powell can be reached at 330-996-3902 or chpowell@thebeaconjournal.com.
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