The diagnosis came as a shock. Naomi Bulochnikov-Paul, a senior executive at Disney and a mother of three, suddenly faced a future defined by a chronic, unpredictable autoimmune disease. Multiple sclerosis affects about 1 million Americans. It is a life-altering reality. But for Bulochnikov-Paul, it was not the end of the story.

At the annual Race to Erase MS gala on Friday, Bulochnikov-Paul stood before a crowd at the Fairmont Century Plaza to accept an honor for her resilience. She did not speak in vague terms. She spoke about the fear, the professional pressure, and the choice to reject the victim label. She chose to own her narrative instead.

The Power of a Support System

Bulochnikov-Paul, the executive VP of communications for Disney Entertainment Television, credits her survival to a robust support network. She singled out Disney president and chief creative officer Dana Walden for her unwavering presence. When Bulochnikov-Paul received her initial diagnosis, Walden did not just offer well wishes. She showed up.

“Even though Dana is one of the busiest people in Hollywood, she came to my first doctor’s appointment with a notebook and a pen,” Bulochnikov-Paul recalled. “Like it was the most important meeting of her day.”

When Walden asked if she needed time off, Bulochnikov-Paul refused. She needed normalcy. Walden’s response became a mantra for the executive: “MS doesn’t know what’s coming for it.”

Changing the Perception of MS

Philanthropist Nancy Davis, who launched Race to Erase MS in 1994, noted that Bulochnikov-Paul’s public openness marks a significant shift in how the disease is managed. In the 1990s, patients were often told to simply go home and rest. Today, the focus is on active management and research.

“It’s a disease that looks invisible to most people,” Davis told Variety. “Naomi has a job that is very demanding 24/7 and she is the mother of three kids.”

Since its inception, the Race to Erase MS organization has raised more than $57 million. These funds support both immediate drug development and long-term research into potential cures. For Bulochnikov-Paul, the work is personal. It is also a way to channel her energy into something tangible.

Key Takeaways

  • Bulochnikov-Paul, a senior Disney executive, is using her platform to destigmatize MS by living openly with the diagnosis.
  • The Race to Erase MS gala has raised over $57 million since 1994 to fund research and management solutions for the disease.
  • Corporate support, exemplified by Disney’s Dana Walden, played a critical role in Bulochnikov-Paul’s ability to maintain her career while managing her health.

Choosing Power Over Fear

Bulochnikov-Paul’s journey is not just about medical management. It is about mindset. She recalled a conversation with her husband about the possibility of needing a cane in the future. His response was simple: “Babe, your family will be your cane.”

She continues to work at the highest levels of Disney, balancing a demanding schedule with the realities of her condition. The next major milestone for the organization is the upcoming annual research summit in the fall, where scientists will present data on new therapeutic pathways. For Bulochnikov-Paul, the work continues. She is not slowing down.