Zimmermans, ZiMS Foundation to be honored at virtual National MS Society Ambassadors Ball

Longtime Nationals first baseman Ryan Zimmerman and his wife, Heather, will be honored with the Champion Award at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's virtual 42nd annual Ambassador's Ball on Sept. 30 from 7-8 p.m.

The Zimmermans will be honored for their important work through the ZiMS Foundation, which has raised both awareness and more than $3.5 million in the fight against multiple sclerosis since its founding in 2006. Ryan Zimmerman began the ZiMS Foundation after his mother, Cheryl, was diagnosed in 1995 with MS, which affects roughly 40,000 Americans and impacts the central nervous system.

Both Ryan and Heather Zimmerman will speak live at the event in a moderated discussion with Ambassadors Ball host Dave Johnson, the WTOP Radio sports director and voice of the Washington Wizards and D.C. United who was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis last year.

The event will feature a unique and international auction, including items donated by the ambassadors of Afghanistan, Estonia, France, Greece, Italy, Kazakhstan and Panama. Bidders can also bid on a chance to join Johnson in the booth at a Wizards game and a personalized signed Zimmerman jersey.

Over the last 41 years, the Ambassadors Ball has raised nearly $22 million so people affected by MS can live their best lives as the Nationals MS Society works to stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever. The Ambassadors Ball welcomes members of congress, ambassadors, business and philanthropic leaders and their spouses to celebrate international progress toward finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and connecting people with MS to the resources they need.

The Ambassadors Ball can be viewed virtually at www.ambassadorsballMS.org, and bidders can register for the event at that address.