The Tanner Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 for people with Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and ALS. The foundation was started in 2003 by Dr. Emily Riser to provide educational opportunities to persons with multiple sclerosis, family members and health care professionals. The Foundation is named after Anthony Tanner, a former executive of a health care institution, who has MS. Tony Tanner continues to be a great advocate, philanthropist, and champion for individuals with MS.


In 2015 the Foundation’s Board identified a need within our community to broaden the Foundation’s mission to include all neurological diseases. A primary goal of the Foundation’s work is to provide support to help reduce the financial and psychological burdens experienced by people living with neurological diseases, particularly ALS, MS and Parkinson’s Disease.
The Tanner Foundation has participated in the CMSC Rehabilitation Fellowship Program sponsoring fellows from across the United States and Canada interested in specializing in MS care.

Mary T. Miller
Executive Director
Jonathan Tanner, Board President, Novo Nordisk
Ashley Powell, Board Secretary, Civic Volunteer
Mikki O’Neil, Milestone Motion
Yolanda Wheeler, PHD, CRNP, CPNP-AC, UAB
Mary Beth Buckley, Civic Volunteer
Tina Styslinger, Civic Volunteer
Emily Riser
John Riser
Will Riser
Caitlin O. Tanner
Laurie E. Tanner
Tony Tanner
Christopher B. Tanner
Elizabeth A. Tanner
Elizabeth W. Tanner
Jonathan A. Tanner
Tracy Tracy