Disney Entertainment Television Communications EVP Naomi Bulochnikov-Paul has been named as the recipient of Race to Erase MS’s 2026 Medal of Hope. She will be recognized at the 33rd annual Race to Erase MS Gala, hosted by The Bachelor host and ESPN sports analyst Jesse Palmer, which will take place on June 5 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.
Previous Medal of Hope recipients include Selma Blair, Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Sharon and Jack Osbourne.
“We are proud to honor Naomi with the Medal of Hope for her leadership, her advocacy, and for the example she sets for others learning to navigate life after an MS diagnosis while continuing to pursue what matters most,” Race to Erase MS founder Nancy Davis said.
Bulochnikov-Paul leads communications strategy for Disney’s portfolio of television brands, including ABC Entertainment, ABC News, Disney Branded Television, Hulu Originals, FX and National Geographic. She continued in her high-profile executive role through her diagnosis a couple of years ago and has since become a major advocate for reframing how people think about MS — helping shift the conversation from limitation to possibility while supporting research toward improving treatments and finding a cure.
For instance, Bulochnikov-Paul played a key role in ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy creating a guest starring role for Sigler, who has lived with MS for more than two decades. Sigler played a doctor with MS who is not defined by their affliction and has a full life and a career in the episode, “Heavy On Me,” which aired in January.
“I’m deeply grateful to Nancy and this extraordinary organization for the role they play in helping people turn what can feel like a moment of uncertainty into one of clarity, strength, and purpose,” Bulochnikov-Paul said. “It’s especially meaningful to stand alongside those driving real progress toward a cure and to be part of a committed, inspiring community dedicated to something far bigger than any one of us.”
Outside her professional life, Bulochnikov-Paul is the mom of three little boys.
Race to Erase MS was founded in 1993 by Nancy Davis and is dedicated to the treatment and ultimate cure of Multiple Sclerosis. Since the Race to Erase MS foundation was created, there has been more than $58 million raised and more than 26 FDA approved therapies to aggressively fight MS.
Palmer also hosts The Food Network’s Ultimate Baking Championship, Summer Baking Championship and Holiday Baking Championship.
