Defining an MS Nurse: Linda Morgante, RN, MSN, MSCN

Linda Morgante passed away yesterday, March 26, 2007, after a courageous struggle with cancer.

Linda Morgante first entered the world of multiple sclerosis and the life of June Halper in 1986. During the next few years, she became a leading figure in multiple sclerosis by her work and who she was. Until her death, she was a vital part of IOMSN and world of MS nursing worldwide. She touched the lives of thousands of physicians, nurses and patients and their families during the past years. She inspired her students to reach for excellence in nursing. She inspired us all by who she was and what she stood for: HOPE.

There has never been and there will never be a woman like her: her persona was her beautiful self, her soft voice, her sensitivity to others, her tenderness and skills as a nurse, her great dignity and intelligence. We all seek perfection and Linda would be the first to say she was not perfect. But she was! No task was too hard for her; no challenge too great; no time was too late for her; she never said no. She walked through life as a role model, friend, wife, counselor, lecturer, writer, and teacher. To Joe Porcelli, her beloved husband, she was a caring and loving companion and lifetime partner To her nurse friends and colleagues she was a friend, generous collaborator and mentor. She embodied the self that all of us dream that we can be.

So, how can she no longer be with us? Shockingly, she passed away on Monday, March 26, 2007 after a brief, devastating illness. How could this be? We are amazed that this woman of courage who inspired hope and spirituality is no longer walking among us. We are stunned at our loss; at the prospect of never hearing her voice; never working with her again; never laughing and joking about our challenges as MS nurses.

Linda inspired hope and caring in the world of multiple sclerosis. She left each of us in a better place when she touched our lives. Joe, our love and sorrow for your loss knows no bounds. Please know that we are here for you and will never forget Linda. She will live on through you and through her friends.

In her memory we must do something; we must establish a lasting memorial to her spirit of giving and life of hope. We must each get a HOPE Rock and leave it where patients and families can see it and touch it. But where is Linda? How painful this time is for all who knew her. How can we get through this? Linda would quietly say to me "Now June..."

We know and hope that she is watching us and coaching us in our lives and in our work. We thank God that we had her with us even ever so briefly. We must pledge to continue our work as physicians, MS nurses, as women and men who care, with a pledge to sustain Hope throughout the rest of our lives.

Linda our dear friend, rest in peace. We will never forget you!

June Halper, MSCN, ANP, FAAN