Ann Romney became a prominent advocate for neurological diseases following her personal diagnosis with multiple sclerosis in 1998, an experience that profoundly shaped her public and philanthropic career. Her early public service included co-chairing the Olympic Aid charity during the 2002 Winter Olympics and contributing to the United Way of Massachusetts Bay. From 2003 to 2007, Romney served as the First Lady of Massachusetts, acting as the governor’s liaison for federal faith-based initiatives. During this period, she actively engaged with children’s charities, including Best Friends and Operation Kids, and volunteered as an instructor at the Mother Caroline Academy in Boston.
Her experiences and family traditions were shared with a wider audience through her publication of ‘The Romney Family Table: Sharing Home-Cooked Recipes & Favorite Traditions’ in 2013. Leveraging her advocacy and personal insights, Ann Romney established the Ann Romney Center for Neurological Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston in 2014. As Global Ambassador for the center, she passionately advocates for advanced research into multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, and brain tumors, offering hope and driving critical funding. Her written works provide further inspiration; in 2015, she published her memoir ‘In This Together: My Story,’ which chronicled her battle with MS, alongside ‘Whatever You Choose to Be: 8 Tips for the Road Ahead,’ both sharing insights into resilience and purpose.
Romney continues her impactful career as an author and philanthropist. In 2019, she co-authored ‘Simple Truths for an Abundant Life: From One Generation to Another’ with her husband, offering intergenerational wisdom and guidance. Through her ongoing role as Global Ambassador for the Ann Romney Center for Neurological Diseases, she remains a leading voice in advancing medical research and public awareness for neurological conditions, solidifying her legacy as a dedicated advocate and influential public figure.