Dale Kempen (pictured below with Ken)

At the time of Ken's diagnosis the illness was not well known in South Africa and Dale went the extra mile to gather information to assist her 44-year-old husband. She gave up her own job two years later due to the rapid progression of Ken's MS. The Kempens had, in the meantime, discovered and joined a small support group where they lived in Alberton, South Africa. They also joined the Multiple Sclerosis SA Inland Branch.

When the support group leader resigned, it was a foregone conclusion that Dale would take over the position and over the years the group has grown from seven members to the present figure of 81.

Throughout, Dale involved their three children, family and friends in her quest to be educated about MS. The children would always interact with newly diagnosed families at support group meetings, sharing, teaching and caring. Of course today Dale and Ken's grandchildren are being schooled in the same fashion and family involvement is continued.





Dale is a 'hands on' leader. Support group member Carol Booyse comments "She is always there for us, at any time of the night or day." Carol was diagnosed in 2002 and has a daughter with Down's syndrome. Dale's support and help in acquiring information on her daughter's condition was invaluable.

Her care and leadership has bound the group tightly together, they share each others' joys, grief and hardships. Andrea Hohenwarter (diagnosed in 1991) says "She is such an activist, backs every member of the group and has such practical experience for every day coping." Dale arranges frequent information sessions with medical professionals for the group and phones through, or personally delivers the data to those members who are housebound and cannot attend. She raises her own funds in aid of social support for the group members and advocates MS at every opportunity.

The group co-operates closely with the society and information is shared and exchanged on a regular basis. In a country with its own singular challenges this co-existence is invaluable. Outcomes of surveys taken by the group has been of tremendous value to the society to learn and understand MS in a South African perspective.

Now Dale is 61 years old and Ken is 80% bedridden. But with Dale's help he still participates in support group events when possible. He certainly does not look 64 years of age. Many tease and say it is due to the special care he has received! Dale has shown a singular tenacity – she has risen above a situation and made it her own, made it her family's own and tirelessly serves 81 people with MS and their families

2009 Nominations

The judges of the award would like to express their thanks, admiration and support to all the nominees:

• Ariel Laufer, Argentina


• Lois Gatley, Australia


• Johan Palmen, Belgium


• Charlie Broderick, Canada


• Günter Porst, Germany


• Mary O’Boyle, Ireland


• Trygve Stoelheim, Norway


• Florin Crainic, Romania


• Jozef Meričko, Slovakia