Mrs Uma Aaltonen – in memoriam

http://www.ms-in-europe.org

The European Multiple Sclerosis Platform (EMSP) is saddened to learn of the death of former Finnish MEP Mrs Uma Aaltonen.

Mrs Aaltonen, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1993, died suddenly on Tuesday morning (13 July) after a short illness. She was 68.

Following her diagnosis, she quickly became a devoted advocate and spokesperson for people with MS.

She was closely involved with the EMSP and the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), and was especially concerned with the effects of discriminatory treatment toward people with MS within the European Union.

Being a Member of the European Parliament, she was the driving force behind the first report and resolution of the Parliament calling for equal access to high quality services and therapies for PwMS all over Europe.

“Life is too short and too valuable to be spent with moaning and complaints – I enjoy my life and I try to make it meaningful not only for myself but –even more important – for others”, Uma once said.

Dorothea Pitschnau-Michel, President of EMSP, said: “People who knew Uma are in shock and disbelief after her all too sudden death. I am sure I am speaking on behalf of the whole European MS community when I say that we are grateful for all the support we received from Uma over the years, and extend our condolences to her family.”