(l-r) Lisa Gerrol, CT Chapter President and Chief Professional Officer, National MS Society, congratulates 2009 MS Gala honoree Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum, Chairman, Mohegan Tribal Council.
Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum, Chairman, Mohegan Tribal Council, was named Multiple Sclerosis (MS) CT Citizen of the Year at the 2009 MS Gala held at Mohegan Sun Thursday, July 23. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, CT Chapter presents the award annually to individuals exemplifying extraordinary leadership, outstanding civic and community service and a longstanding commitment to humanitarian endeavors.
Bruce, who attended Norwich public schools, served as an active member of the Mohegan Tribe for many years. First elected to the Tribal Council in 2004, he won re-election in 2005 and was then selected by fellow councilors to serve as chairman of the Mohegan Tribal Council.
Prior to serving on the Tribal Council, Bruce was manager of cultural programs where he established and developed multiple programs, including the continuation of the Mohegan Language Restoration Project, formation of Native flute, singing, dancing, folklore and craft classes and other efforts celebrating Mohegan culture and heritage.
As leader within the Tribe’s cultural and community programs department, Bruce played a key role in the expansion of educational and cultural outreach activities to schools and public, as well as, working on the Green Corn Festival and serving as Wigwam Director and manager of Cultural Week at Fort Shantok.
“Chairman Bozsum is a significant advocate for the CT Chapter and its constituents,” said Lisa Gerrol, CT Chapter President and Chief Professional Officer. “Mohegan Sun supports many of our efforts, including our two-day bike ride and its annual gala event. We are delighted to recognize and honor Chairman Bozsum for his commitment to help ensure that the lives of people with MS keep moving forward.”
More than 6,000 CT residents live with multiple sclerosis, a chronic and often disabling disease of the central nervous system. There currently is no cure. Symptoms can include, among other things, numbness in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness and, in some more severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted.
The 2009 MS Gala, held in conjunction with the Beyonce concert, raised more than $100,000. Funds raised through chapter events, such as the MS Gala, enable the CT Chapter to provide vital programs and services to those affected by multiple sclerosis. Funds also support groundbreaking research to find better treatments and a cure.
For more about programs and services offered by the CT Chapter, or to make a donation, please visit www.ctfightsms.org or call 1.800.FIGHT MS.
