A longtime Disney communications executive was recognized this week for turning a deeply personal health journey into a public message of strength and advocacy.
Disney Television VP Honored at MS Gala
Disney executive Naomi Bulochnikov-Paul was honored with the Medal of Hope at the annual Race to Erase MS gala on Friday night, where she spoke about living with multiple sclerosis and the support system that has helped her navigate the diagnosis.
Bulochnikov-Paul, Executive Vice President of Communications for Disney, received recognition during the event at the Fairmont Century Plaza. While speaking to attendees, she reflected on the shock of learning she had MS, particularly while balancing a high-profile role at Disney and life as a mother of three young children.
Rather than keeping the diagnosis private, Bulochnikov-Paul said she decided to confront it publicly and take control of her own story. She spoke about not allowing MS to define her, leaning on her professional experience to give her strength:
“I decided I wasn’t gonna let MS define me. I’ve spent my entire career in communications. I know how to own a narrative. And I sure as hell was going to own mine.”
During her remarks, Bulochnikov-Paul credited her Disney colleagues with helping her through the early stages of her diagnosis.
She specifically recognized Dana Walden, President and Chief Creative Officer of The Walt Disney Company, for offering personal support. Bulochnikov-Paul recalled Walden’s encouragement at a critical moment in her journey:
“Even though Dana is one of the busiest people in Hollywood, she came to my first doctor’s appointment with a notebook and a pen, like it was the most important meeting of her day. After the appointment, she asked if I wanted to take some time off. I said ‘No.’ Because what I needed in that moment was normalcy. And what she said next put me on the path that brought me here tonight. She said, ‘MS doesn’t know what’s coming for it.’ “
Walden was also in attendance at the gala alongside Debra OConnell, President of News Groups and Networks at Disney Entertainment.
Race to Erase MS was founded by philanthropist Nancy Davis, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis more than three decades ago. The organization raises funds for MS research and has contributed more than $57 million toward efforts to better understand, treat, and potentially cure the disease since launching in 1994.
Davis praised Bulochnikov-Paul as an example of how far MS research and treatment have come, while also noting the importance of continuing to educate the public about a disease that can often be invisible to others.
The evening highlighted both the ongoing challenges of living with multiple sclerosis and the progress made through decades of advocacy, research, and fundraising. For Bulochnikov-Paul, the gala served as an opportunity to use her platform not only to share her own experience but to help push awareness and support for others living with MS.
You can learn more about MS and ways to donate to the cause from their official website.
Do you know someone living with MS, or have you engaged with Race to Erase MS in the past? We encourage you to share your journey with us on social media.
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