Each year, OMRF’s Multiple Sclerosis Advocate Award Dinner honors those making a difference for people with MS. Every dollar raised goes directly to scientists studying MS at OMRF and to improving care for patients in the MS Center of Excellence.
Led by Dr. Gabriel Pardo, OMRF’s MS Center of Excellence provides comprehensive and compassionate medical care to 3,000 patients with MS from across Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and Arkansas. At OMRF, people of all ages receive full-service care for this devastating disease, including neurological consultation and disease management, neuro-ophthalmology, infusion, clinical trials, physical therapy, spasticity management, mobility assessment and wellness education.
Attendance at the dinner is by invitation only and includes corporate and foundation sponsors, OMRF’s Board of Directors, major supporters and community and business leaders.
2025 MS Advocate Award Recipient
Frank Merrick (posthumous)
We are profoundly honored to posthumously award Frank Merrick the 2025 MS Advocate Award. A steadfast supporter of OMRF’s mission, Frank served on the Board of Directors prior to being named the Vice President of Development in the mid-1990s. He was a tireless advocate for our MS Research Program and Clinic, demonstrating unwavering generosity and passion. His efforts not only advanced groundbreaking research but also profoundly improved the lives of countless individuals living with multiple sclerosis. Frank’s legacy of leadership, compassion, and commitment to improving the lives of others will forever inspire us.
2025 MS Dinner Sponsors
Presenting
Ellis-Payne Fund
Catalyst
Clyde R. Evans Charitable Trust
Billie & Ross McKnight
Lou & Jim Morris
Susan & William Thomas
Visionary
Mo Anderson
Continental Resources
Susan & Louis Dakil
Foundation Management Inc.
Helmerich Trust
Debbi Merrick
Gail & Rick Muncrief
Stark Family Foundation
Pioneer
Bank of Oklahoma
Genentech
Ann & Burns Hargis
Herman Meinders
Polly & Larry Nichols
ONE Gas
TG Therapeutics
Advocate
American Fidelity Foundation
Biogen Idec
Braum’s Ice Cream
Choctaw Nation
The Dillingham Foundation
EMD Serono
Sherri & Bill Lance
OG&E
Rosanne & Barry Pollard
Presbyterian Health Foundation
Simple Modern
Linda & Steve Slawson
Jill & Sean Trauchke
Wedel Rahill & Associates, CPA’s, PLC
