In Memoriam: Lael Anne Stone, MD (1959–2019)

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What can one say that will capture the essence of Lael? She was a remarkable woman, a woman of valor who made the world of MS change. She was a visionary who saw possibilities in every opportunity. She was beloved by all those who knew her, learned from her, and worked with her. Her loss leaves an empty space in many lives and in the world of MS. Condolences are not enough. Words cannot capture it. Lael was a gift to all who knew her, and now that gift has been taken away. May her memory be a blessing.

—June Halper, MSN, APN-C, MSCN, FAAN

A friend gone too soon.

How do you eulogize a friend?

Someone who knew and remembered details of your life that you long forgot? Call her humble? Call her brilliant? Call her compassionate? Many will miss you, but we will never forget you. You touched so many people and made them feel so positive about themselves. You always doubted your contributions, even though extolled by others. Some of the currency for ego you lamented, but the currency of what matters can't be seen. It is the hearts you touched, the people you gave hope to, and the delight you brought to all who were lucky enough to interact with you.

The world is such a better place because you were in it—and you have left your gifts to the world to your sons who will carry your spirit forward—and we are lucky for that.

Rest in peace good friend. I will miss you.

—Gary R. Cutter, PhD

I was lucky to have my office right across from Lael Stone's for 10 years. She took me in as a friend and colleague from the start of my career at Mellen Center, but over time she took me in as an extension of her family. She was a lifelong learner and contributed immensely to the field of MS. In addition, she had an exceptional interest and knowledge of mental health issues in the MS person and taught me much of what I know, frequently offering a new article or explanation of the biopsychosocial conceptualization of a person. She offered all of her patients access to our care, believing in the benefits of behavioral medicine in the MS person. Personally, I got used to her presence and friendship. She often ate breakfast and lunch in my office, while she shared stories of patients and her sons. There was no mom more proud of her sons, Matt and Geoff, than Lael and no patient more lucky to have her as their doctor. I feel the same way, lucky to have had her influence and friendship in my life. Her absence is noticeable to all; for me I miss her stopping in after her clinic, I miss having dinner at her house with her boys, I miss her passing down her boys' clothes or matchbox cars, I miss her handing me a book or an article that she thought of me while reading, I miss her contribution to the field and her presence in all of our lives. She made an incredible contribution to our field, she was well known for her expertise, but from the human perspective, she always made each person she was with feel like the center of her universe. She built up her patients and peers in her presence. She had many gifts, but her friendship and how she treated people were by far her greatest.

—Amy B. Sullivan, PsyD

Lael cared deeply about her patients and was committed to helping them live healthy lives. She perfectly blended science and evidence-based medicine with empathy and the art of healing. Lael understood that MS affects every aspect of a patient's life. She taught many advanced practice clinicians, students, residents, and fellows the importance of looking beyond the neurologic exam and imaging to consider the whole person in front of them. She was also quick to offer help with difficult cases, career decisions, or book recommendations. Like many of the fellows who trained with her, I am a better clinician and colleague because of Lael's example.

—Mary Alissa Willis, MD