In Memoriam: June Halper, MSN, APN-C, FAAN, MSCN

June Halper, MSN, ASPN-C, FAAN, MSCN passed away on July 24, 2024, at age 86. Ms. Halper was a founding member of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and served as the organization’s President from 1995 to 1997 and as its Executive Director/CEO from 1992 until her death. Ms. Halper was passionate about multiple sclerosis (MS) nursing care, providing lifelong service to the field; through her leadership, she transformed the landscape of treatment and support for people with MS.

Ms. Halper was a celebrated advocate for MS caregivers, and in 2002 she served as the Founding Director and CEO of the International Organization of MS Nurses (IOMSN). She also was responsible for the development of the first international certification examination in MS nursing through her work in establishing the Multiple Sclerosis Nursing International Credentialing Board (MSNICB). Additionally, Ms. Halper chaired multiple efforts by the Multiple Sclerosis Nurse Specialist Consensus Committee. In 1999, Ms. Halper was inducted into the American Academy of Nursing as a Fellow, and she also was recognized by the IOMSN through the organization’s first Award for Excellence in Nursing in Multiple Sclerosis.

Ms. Halper earned her MSN in Nursing from Seton Hall University and, in addition to her advocacy and leadership work, served as an Editor or Co-editor for publications including Multiple Sclerosis: A Self-Care Guide to Wellness and Nursing Practices in Multiple Sclerosis: A Core Curriculum.