Sylvia Lawry founded the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in 1946, hoping to cure her brother Bernard's MS, and she led the Society as Chief Executive until 1982. Bernard passed away in 1973, followed by Sylvia in 2001. The Lawry legacy is an international movement that aggressively funds research, advocates for change, and provides programs and services that help everyone affected by MS move their lives forward.
The Lawry Circle is comprised of people who know we must vigilantly pursue a world free of multiple sclerosis. Lawry Circle members demonstrate their commitment to improving the lives of those affected by MS by establishing a deferred gift for the Society through their will, trust or estate plan. Through their generosity, Lawry Circle members offer a lasting legacy of support to all people affected by MS.
You can also join the Lawry Circle by writing a legally valid will or, for free, and including the National MS Society. We’ve partnered with FreeWill to give you an online tool that will help you create a legacy and become a member in 20 minutes or less. Learn more and get started here.
Deferred Gifts
Deferred gifts represent an expression of lifetime commitment to the Society. There are no minimum gift levels, and Lawry Circle membership is for life. Examples of deferred gifts include but are not limited to:
- Bequest intentions in a will
- Charitable gift annuities
- Charitable trusts
- Designating the Society as beneficiary of a retirement account
- Designating the Society as beneficiary of a life insurance policy — or the donation of a policy
Free Estate Planning Tool
Join fellow the Society supporters on Giving Docs, a safe, secure and free-for-life suite of estate plan essentials. If you choose to include the Society in your estate plans, you'll be eligible for legacy society benefits!
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