Centers for Multiple Sclerosis 2026 MS Health and Wellness Symposium

October 15, 2026

St. Leo the Great’s Catholic Church Life Center
28388 Beaumont Rd
Bonita Springs, Florida (map)

About the Symposium

It was so great to see so many of you at the Centers for Multiple Sclerosis second annual MS Health and Wellness Symposium on October 15, 2026.
The event was a unique opportunity to gather the community with local MS professionals and share information, helpful habits, and personal experiences.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our speakers: Dr. Catherine Bergman, for helping us better understand the cognitive effects of MS; Dr. Matthew Baker, for sharing insights into MS progression; Julie Hill, RD, FMCP, for highlighting the role of nutrition; Steve Doerfler, for inspiring us with his story of resilience and philanthropy; and Georgina Percel, for leading an engaging, movement-focused session.

A special thank-you to Impact Partners Dr. Matthew Baker, Biogen, and TG Pharmaceutical; MS Momentum Breakfast Sponsor Genentech and Refresh Break Sponsor Lee Health, and to all our generous Vendor Expo sponsors and participants.

Shout out to our delicious food vendors who kept everyone energized! 

  • Hole in One Bagels
  • Mario’s Meat Market & Deli
  • Mare Terra
  • Limoncello’s
  • Sneaky Pete’s
  • Bella Luna Pizza & Pasta

Last but not least, our essential volunteers and Board Members. Your support makes these educational opportunities possible and strengthens our MS community.

symposium

Keynote Speaker

Steve Doerfler Keynote Speaker

Steve Doerfler

Steve Doerfler is currently Board Chairman of Metalcraft Inc., Mason City, IA, a private, 75-year-old worldwide leader of durable, barcode and passive RFID (radio frequency identification) nameplate and label solutions, used to track and control assets, equipment and provide access control. Steve’s Metalcraft career started in 1984, leading the company as CEO from October 2012 through September 2023. Metalcraft has 125 members with annual revenue of $30 million.

Steve was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2012, ironically three years after his business partner and former CEO received the same diagnosis in 2009. Throughout his tenure as CEO, he balanced leading the company with the ongoing challenges of managing MS.

Steve has personally benefited from a range of physical therapies that have helped him manage the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis. Recognizing that many of these therapies can be cost-prohibitive, he became increasingly aware that individuals living with MS often face significant financial barriers to accessing care. Inspired by what he describes as a Holy Spirit moment, Steve and his wife, Laura, established a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in August 2025, Persevering One Step at a Time Foundation, to expand access to these therapies for individuals with MS who need financial assistance, with the broader objective of helping them maintain mobility. Steve is currently very active in leading Persevering One Step at a Time Foundation as President. Additional information is available in “My Story” at www.perseveringonestep.com.

Laura and Steve are committed to helping as many individuals living with MS as possible.

Our Sponsors

Centers for Multiple Sclerosis is grateful to our sponsors who help make this event possible. 

Impact Partners

Dr. Matthew Baker

TG Therapeutics

MS Momentum Breakfast Sponsor

Genentech

MS Refresh Break Sponsor

Lee Health

Our Expo Vendors

Centers for Multiple Sclerosis is excited to bring together vendors and businesses that serve the ms community with our attendees. 

Registration

Registration is free and open to people with multiple sclerosis and their caregiver.