Oakdale Resident Makes 'Volunteer Hall of Fame'

Oakdale resident Dan Rude was recently inducted into the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Hall of Fame for his impact in raising awareness about MS. 

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Upper Midwest Chapter nominated Rude for the National MS Society National Volunteer Hall of Fame ― Programs and Services award. Rude won the national award and was inducted into the National MS Society Volunteer Hall of Fame Nov. 8.

"Rude demonstrates unparalleled passion and is the perfect example of the importance of connections in the Society’s work to create a world free of MS. He joins a group of select individuals who serve as the top volunteers in the nation for the Society," according to a release from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. 

Rude is known for being an extension of the National MS Society in his community. Beyond providing support to his wife, who lives with multiple sclerosis, he’s an MS group leader and mentor and informs other people affected by MS about education opportunities, resources and services provided by the chapter. 

Rude helped shape the chapter’s strategy for addressing care partner needs as a member of the Care Partner Advisory Group ― a team that meets quarterly to help plan and promote care partner events in the upper Midwest.

Rude also serves as a spokesperson and advocate ― he recently shared his story at the federal level to help secure funds for Lifespan Respite Care Act and continues to raise awareness locally.

"Working as a volunteer for the National MS Society and its Upper Midwest Chapter is very satisfying and gives me a deep sense of accomplishment. Being a care partner to someone who has MS has has helped me discover a greater appreciation for the little things in life. Someone has said MS is a terrible way to meet the nicest people. I am humbled by this honor and I'm grateful for the recognition and the opportunity it offers to share our MS story," Rude said in an email to Oakdale Patch.

He is the president of the Oakdale Business and Professional Association. Rude also runs his own small business, TeqOne, which provides IT service and support solutions, among other offerings.

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