Weyman has a long history of involvement with the MS movement, in his home state of Georgia, and at national and international levels. He became aware of MS at an early age because his aunt was severely affected by the disease. His father was subsequently diagnosed, but with more manageable symptoms, giving Weyman an insight into the wide variability of MS.

Weyman himself was diagnosed with MS in 1990, a year after his sister had been. His sister now uses a wheelchair while Weyman himself is still able to "walk, work, and do the things I choose to do". He said, "That difference in severity really rings in my ears".

In a powerful address to the MSIF Council Meeting on 12 November 2011, Weyman urged people to look beyond national and cultural differences to work together to build the global "anti-MS movement".

He said "I know that everybody in this room has their own personal story about the pain, the loss and the tragedy that can be MS. But I think the more we share our stories the more we will realise that they are similar. Although we come from different cultures and different countries we have more in common than we have differences."

Weyman spoke of the importance of the International Federation in a changing world. He said, "Most of the strong institutions in the world right now think of themselves in a post-national context. The world is changing, extremely rapidly and there are things we can’t predict about how the world will be in two, three or five years. Globalisation is going to be the order of the day. If you don’t work together across borders then you are not going to accomplish anything."

Weyman reminded delegates that the formation and development of MS support organisations has been part of MSIF’s mission from the very beginning. He said, "It is incumbent on us to carry out that original intention of the MSIF. [Development of MS organisations] is a key part of our mission - we need to reconcentrate on that mission."

About Weyman

Weyman Johnson has served the US National MS Society (NMSS) in various roles, including Chair of the Board of Directors.

He has practised as an attorney for over 30 years, specialising in labour relations and employment law, and teaches as an adjunct professor at the University of Georgia School of Law.

He takes over from Sarah Phillips of the UK, who chaired the MSIF Board for seven years. Sarah's dedication to the global MS movement was celebrated at a number of events in New Delhi.

Read more about the New Delhi meetings