Izabela Odrobinska

Izabela was born in Gdansk, Poland in 1968. She was diagnosed with MS in 1997. Since 2001, she has used a wheelchair, hearing aid and optical aid. However, this has not stopped her from using her experience as a journalist to raise awareness of MS and fight for the rights of people with MS and all those with disabilities.

Izabela played a fundamental role in establishing the Polish MS Society in the international MS arena and was instrumental in obtaining a grant from the European MS Platform, which enabled the Polish MS Society to hire more staff and find a new office.

Izabela also initiated the Coalition for MS Persons in Poland. The Coalition is a social movement whose aim is to introduce in a unified system of financing the DMDs treatment for MS patients in Poland and to lobby for a National Programme for MS Treatment.

She served as Vice Chairman of the Warsaw Branch of the Polish MS Society from 2002–2004 and as Vice President of the Polish MS Society until 2005 where she is now President. She has also served as Chairman of the Council of the Institute of Patient’s Rights.

Izabela’s outstanding spirit and fighting attitude became an inspiration for many people, not only those with MS. In recognition of her valuable contribution to the fight against MS, Izabela was awarded the 2005 Wolfensohn Award.