CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
Fall 2015
Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. have joined forces so people affected by MS can live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever.
15,000 CONSTITUENTS
31 COUNTIES
D.C.
NoVa.
Md.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 02
REALIGNING A GREATER CHAPTER
07
RALLY FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH
08
NEW DIRECTIONS IN DIET AND MS
1800 M Street NW Suite B 50 North Washington, D.C. 20036 202-296-5363
2219 York Road Suite 302 Timonium, MD 21093 443-641-1224
nationalmssocietydc
Š 2015 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater DC-Maryland Chapter
Information provided by the Society is based upon professional advice, published experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The National MS Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician. The Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The Society assumes no liability for the use or contents of any product or service mentioned.
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AN INTRODUCTION TO A GREATER CHAPTER
The Maryland Chapter and National Capital Chapter of the National MS Society have joined forces. Moving forward October 1, 2015 as The Greater DC Maryland Chapter, we now serve more than 15,000 people living with MS in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas, as well as 31 counties across Maryland and Northern Virginia. This is great news for people affected by MS in D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia.
Our offices will remain located in Washington, D.C. and Timonium, Maryland. The staff and volunteers in both locations will continue to deliver connection opportunities, services and advocacy to and for the Greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and Maryland residents and partner with local companies, volunteers and organizations to ensure that Society fundraising activities like Bike MS and Walk MS will continue and grow.
There are three driving goals behind this change: to enhance MS education, support, advocacy and services for people affected by MS; to raise more money and increase our commitment to MS research; and to improve operating efficiencies.
The combined strengths of volunteers, staff and others who care about MS in the Greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and Maryland will move us closer to the ultimate goal we all share—regardless of the name of our state or chapter—a world free of MS.
By combining the talents of our boards, staff and volunteers, we can: enhance connection opportunities, services and advocacy for those living with MS and their families and friends; increase fundraising effectiveness; and streamline operations to reduce costs.
We welcome your thoughts and ideas to maximize our new partnership to achieve our unified vision. Kind regards, The Greater DC-Maryland Chapter
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SCHOLARSHIP
WINNERS
MARYLAND SCHOLARS
Madeleine Buckley Chesapeake Beach, Md. Syracuse University Magazine Journalism “The MS Society has helped give me the opportunity to be at Syracuse University, and Syracuse has provided me the opportunity to be even stronger in my service to others.”
Yelyzaveta Chernova Gaithersburg, Md. Towson University Exercise Science “I plan to make a difference in the lives of those who still have the chance to walk once I graduate with my doctoral degree in physical therapy. I want to help rehabilitate those who are in need, because that is what I would want for my mother.”
Aubrey Courtney Cumberland, Md. St. Francis University Business “MS has impacted my life in somewhat of a negative way, but it has been a life lesson learned because of my mother’s illness. She has taught me not to ever give up, no matter how hard the circumstances are.” Aariti Shah Bel Air, Md. University of Maryland, Baltimore County Biochemistry “I want to contribute to the biomedical field by obtaining a Ph.D. in pharmacology. I aspire to one day develop a single medication that can help MS patients permanently.”
Md.
Negar Mehrabkhani Hyattsville, Md. Montgomery College, Takoma Park Life Science/Pre-med “I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis a few days after I graduated from high school. I was so excited to start the next chapter of my life and everything just changed after my diagnosis.”
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Trisha Pilgrim Hyattsville, Md. Montgomery College Creative Writing/Pre-Med “As a student at Emory, people did not understand what multiple sclerosis was; some had never heard of it before.”
Alyssa Kopsidas Derwood, Md. Lynchburg College Exercise Physiology “My father’s condition has been a prime contributor to my decision to pursue a career in physical therapy. Seeing the way that his physical therapists help and motive him encourage my goal to study exercise physiology.”
Jake Tarte Mount Airy, Md. Frederick Community College Architecture “The disease has not only taken the toll on my Dad, but on me too. I just want to know what is going to happen to him so I can brace myself for when it actually does happen.” Jenna Lupiwok Berlin, Md. University of Maryland College Park Political Science “My mom taught me that, regardless of our struggles, there is still so much to be grateful for. She always makes the best of every situation and reminds me to be happy for what we have.”
Evan Ogden Bristow, Va. James Madison University Pre-law “Although multiple sclerosis has affected both my family’s life and my life in negative ways, without the illness I would not be close to the man I am today or possess the skills and drive that attributes to any success I have.”
NORTHERN VIRGINIA SCHOLARS Hannah Steiner Springfield, Va. United States Naval Academy Nuclear Engineering “I am a nuclear physicist and a sailor. I may never make a contribution to ending MS in the way a doctor or a pathologist might, but I can support the men and women who are making those breakthroughs.”
Liam Kelley Lorton, Va. Drexel University Mechanical Engineering “As an engineer, I would mature my science fair robot, which is designed to aid the disabled who have mobility issues. The robot locates and retrieves objects such as keys, medicine or a cellphone.”
Heather Ogden Bristow, Va. Virginia Commonwealth University Technical Theatre, emphasis in stage management “As I grew older, it became more and more clear as to what my father’s diagnosis truly meant. It meant that not only my father would be forever changed, but that my entire family would.”
NoVa.
Emma Boyd Haymarket, Va. University of Virginia Biology “One of the best ways that I believe I can give back to the world is by helping others; my ultimate goal would be to find a cure for MS.”
D.C. SCHOLAR
Elisabeth Fisher Washington, DC New York University – Shanghai Global China Studies “Being open about my mother’s diagnosis has brought awareness to my community in ways I never anticipated. My small university is now more aware of autoimmune diseases as a whole and we have had plenty of conversations …discussing conditions that cannot be seen.”
D.C.
Christopher Rybicki-Williams Gainesville, Va. James Madison University Computer Science, minor in robotics “It has given me the strength to face life in its ups and downs, and without my step dad or his multiple sclerosis, I doubt that I would be the same person as I am now.”
MS shouldn’t stand in the way of an education. This is why the National MS Society's scholarship program exists — to help highly qualified students who have been diagnosed with MS or who have a parent with MS achieve their dreams of going to college. The Society established its scholarship program in 2003 and the program continues to grow both in terms of support and scholarships awarded. In its first year of operation the program awarded 36 scholarships for a total of $68,000; in 2015 over $1 million was awarded to 834 scholars. Learn more and apply today for our 2016 scholarship at: www.nationalmssociety.org/scholarship.
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list. She works as a supervisor at Hard Rock Café, is an assistant at Howard’s financial aid office, a hairdresser and an intern at the National MS Society, Greater DC-Maryland Chapter. By Greta Haupt
A FIRSTHAND GUIDE TO TACKLING COLLEGE AND MS People living with multiple sclerosis are most often diagnosed in their early 20’s. This is a vital time for young adults, many of whom attend college, where rest is rare and the pressure of success is constant. But what happens when a student faces an additional challenge beyond the workload, such as an MS diagnosis? Is there a way for individuals with MS to live healthy lives, while also making the most out of their college experience?
In December 2012, then 19-year-old Janae was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis after a recurring numbing in her arm spread throughout her entire upper body. She had a limited knowledge of the disease when she was first diagnosed. Only after some astute research did Janae realize she was dealing with something very serious. “I saw it was time to put on my gear and get ready to fight.” she said. “I wasn’t going to let MS define me; I was going to define MS.” Janae remembers watching her mom battle breast cancer for 15 years. That memory is what helps get her through her own diagnosis.
According to two college students—one enrolled at Howard University and the other at the University of Virginia—the answer is “yes”. Both thrive in competitive environments and maintain relentlessly inspirational and optimistic outlooks for their future success.
“Don’t fall into the negativity that comes with illness,” she said. “Do what you would normally do, but just know you have this one thing you have to be more careful with. It only has so much control.”
Rising senior at Howard University, Janae Madric, studies public relations with a concentration in strategic legal and management communications. Janae makes the most of her higher education experience as a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America and also maintains an active lifestyle. Janae talks about living with MS as if it were another item on her to-do
She took her doctor’s advice, altering her daily college schedule to make time for the things she knew would help improve her quality of life. On Saturdays, Janae receives a self-administered shot, and all mornings start before sunrise to ensure enough time for exercise. A diet of healthy foods and allotting time in her busy schedule
“IT ONLY HAS SO MUCH CONTROL.”
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for sleep gives her body the strength it needs, according to Janae. “These lifestyle changes are not a setback,” she said. “But rather a way to fight back so that I can remain the same dedicated college student and leader I was before my diagnosis.”
“It’s terrifying to not know how your health will play out in the future,” she said. “But those are not things I dwell on.” Amazing support from her friends, family and the MS community is what drives her positive and life–loving attitude, according to Kelsey. Additionally, the support she receives goes beyond words of encouragement and assistance.
A rising third year—a term UVA students use to describe their junior year—Kelsey Bowman is a double major in psychology Her friends and family came together to and a new program in UVA’s create a team for Curry School of Education Walk MS: Charlottescalled “Youth and Social in which they “IT WAS HARD TO ville Innovation.” raised an astounding $11,000. “In addition WRAP MY HEAD In December 2012, Kelsey to friends and family, AROUND THE experienced numbing senthe MS community sations in her feet, back and has been a huge FACT THAT I, AN fingers. “Originally, I thought inspiration to me,” INVINCIBLE it was a pinched nerve, so I she said. It is within the MS society where went to a sports doctor, who YOUNG ADULT, she meets people referred me to several neuwho change her life, HAD A CHRONIC rologists throughout Virginaccording to Kelsey. ia,” she said. “No one could ILLNESS.” figure out what went wrong, “I met a woman who but I wanted answers.” has had MS for over Every month, Kelsey 20 years,” she said. “I checked back with the neuadmire that she mainrologists to see if they had any updates. tains an optimistic and happy attitude despite the struggles of living with MS. PosIt was not until October of 2013, almost a itivity can really have an effect on the full year after the numbing first occurred, way you live.” that spots on her spine and brain were found. Kelsey recalled initial fears surThrough lifestyle changes and external rounding her diagnosis. “At first, it was support, both students balance the hard to wrap my head around the fact known deadlines and stress associated that I, an invincible young adult, had a with college with the unpredictability of chronic illness,” she said. MS. While multiple sclerosis is a tremendous struggle, their inspiring posiKelsey had just started to adjust as a first tivity and relentless pursuit of their goals is an inspiration. year and an MS diagnosis was not something she had incorporated into her future plans.
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FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH Nearly 300 individuals, including a number of MS activists, from 40 states and the District of Columbia spent a day on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., September 17 meeting with 250 House and Senate offices to request that our elected officials provide robust, sustained and predictable funding increases for the National Institutes of Health. Over 125 health organizations were represented. MS activists around the country amplified the voice of the MS movement on the day through social media and emails sent directly to elected officials. The "Rally for Medical Research Hill Day" included speeches from influential policymakers,
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including: Tom Cole (R-OK), House Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman; Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), who previously served as the Ranking Member on the Senate Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee; Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), who currently serves as Ranking Member on both the Senate Labor-Health and Human Services (HHS)-Education Appropriations Subcommittee as well as the Senate Health, Environment, Labor, and Pensions Committee (the respective committees in the Senate that have jurisdiction over NIH appropriations and authorization issues).
Research funding is the National MS Society's top-tier request for FY 2016. The amount of MS research funding is declining due to the drop in government funding. Since FY 2011, the Society has increased its year-to-year funding by $12.7 million, while NIH year-to-year funding has decreased by $20 million. Join the MS Activist Network at www.nationalmssociety.org. Receive updates and action opportunities on federal, state and local policy affecting the MS community. In just a few clicks, you can email your public officials about why an issue is important to you.
RESEARCH
NEW DIRECTIONS IN DIET AND MS by Nicholas LaRocca, PhD
To think that you might be able to change the course of multiple sclerosis, or at least relieve symptoms, by eating or not eating specific types of food is enticing. However, “the proof is in the pudding,” scientifically speaking, since studying diet is challenging. That’s why it’s been exciting to see how many researchers were trying to do just that at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting, which took place in Washington, D.C., this April. Diet and MS was the subject of numerous platform talks and poster sessions, showing that clinicians and researchers are asking the same questions we hear so often from people who live with MS.
DIET AND MS SYMPTOMS
In a small study, Dr. Rocco Totaro and a team from the University of L’Aquila in Italy tested whether a six-week diet that was low in saturated animal fats, and high in antioxidants, would be associated with positive changes in body composition and fatigue in 17 people with relapsing-remitting MS. In their study, the participants’ percentage of body fat decreased, and their fatigue as measured by a clinical scale lessened significantly as well. We need more and larger studies like this, to show how diet may impact symptoms that affect the lives of people with MS.
COFFEE MAY LOWER THE RISK OF DEVELOPING MS, ALTHOUGH MORE RESEARCH IS NEEDED What does it mean for you now? A healthy diet certainly can’t hurt, and it may even help both MS and general health. (Abstract P2.211)
MORE ON SALT
We’re hearing more and more about the possibility that salt may increase the immune activity in the brain and spinal cord in MS. A team from the Network of Pediatric MS Centers showed that this may not be the case in children. Looking at salt intake prior to diagnosis among 174 children or adolescents with MS, compared with 337 people without the disease, they saw no increased risk of developing MS with excess sodium intake. It will be interesting to see if this finding is confirmed, and whether it helps us to understand if, when and how salt becomes a factor in MS. (Abstract S38.003).
COFFEE AND MS
Previous studies have suggested that caffeine may protect against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, but there haven’t been any definitive stud-
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ies in MS thus far. So I was intrigued by a study by an international team led by Johns Hopkins University researcher Dr. Ellen Mowry, which looked at coffee consumption in two large data sets—in a group of 1,629 Swedish people with MS and 2,807 people without MS, as well as a group of 584 people with MS and 581 controls enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente health plan of Northern California. In the Swedish study, drinking six cups of coffee a day was associated with a reduced risk of developing MS, and four cups a day did the same in the American study. Studies like this may help us figure out how to prevent MS in the future. What this study doesn’t tell us is whether or how drinking coffee may impact MS in people who already have the disease, so it’s probably not a good idea to increase coffee consumption until we know more. (S45.004)
LOOKING IN THE GUT
Gut bacteria is another area where research is increasing, and it presents the exciting possibility that probiotic strategies may ultimately be developed to treat MS. I’m pleased that a small pilot grant from the National MS Society helped launch the MS Microbiome Consortium, a collaboration of researchers in California, Colorado and New York who presented some early findings from their analysis of blood and stool samples from people with MS treated with glatiramer acetate, untreated individuals and healthy controls.
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They found differences in gut bacteria between the treated and untreated individuals and also between those with MS and healthy controls. The team recently won a Collaborative MS Research Center Award from the Society to pursue this promising
research. I’m eager to see more from this group, and to see how their findings can be translated into a way of stopping immune attacks in MS. (Abstract P2.205)
A NEW ERA
Not so long ago, searching the medical literature for “diet and MS” yielded little. I’m thrilled to see that we are entering an era where diet and lifestyle are truly considered to be factors that can help lead to innovative treatments and ultimately free the world of MS. Visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/signup to sign up for MS eNews and stay up to date on MS research. Nicholas LaRocca is the vice president of Health Care Delivery and Policy Research at the National MS Society. Originally published on MSconnection.org/blog
The holiday season just got a little sweeter thanks to Guittard Chocolate Company! For every $35 you donate to the National MS Society through December 1, you will earn an entry to win “Chocolate of the Month.” The winner can look forward to a unique chocolate package mailed to them each month in 2016. Visit bit.ly/MSandGuittard to donate!
AN AUTHOR’S MS ACTIVISM David Baldacci has published thirty novels that all are national and international bestsellers. Leaving his career as a trial lawyer behind, several of his novels have also been adapted for film and television. The narrative David is most fond of writing however, is one that tells of defeating multiple sclerosis. Baldacci’s life has been affected by MS in such a way that he currently sits on the National MS Society board in his hometown of Richmond, Va. David’s work earned him the position of National MS Society Ambassador, which he has held since 2002. Though fiercely dedicated to ending MS, Baldacci’s philanthropic eggs lie in several baskets. He and his wife, Michelle, cofounded The Wish You Well Foundation, an organization dedicated to
WRITTEN BY GENNY KELLEY
fostering and promoting the development and expansion of new and existing literacy and educational programs throughout the United States. David’s relationship with MS is tangential. His sister, Sharon, currently lives with MS and has done so since the early 1980’s. David has made a full-time job out of raising awareness and increasing volunteer participation to end MS forever. “I remember the day I found out that my sister had MS,” said David. “She called and said ‘hey I want to come up to tell you something.’ I had no idea what it was.” While then 22-year-old David and 25-year-old Sharon walked around the campus during her visit the siblings stopped and sat along a brick wall,— at which point Sharon delivered the news that she had been diagnosed with MS. “I remember the summer before when I
was working in Richmond, I had done some research for her because she woke up one morning blind in one eye and we didn’t know what it was,” said David. Sharon’s sight came back, though not quite the same, but no one really thought anything more about the incident. During the early 1980’s, misdiagnoses were frequent, according to David. Sharon suffered and went to several more doctors before coming across a specialist who recognized her symptoms as MS.
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“That day is vivid in my memory all these years later,” he said. “She was a hard-hitting journalist who wanted to work for a major newspaper then, all of a sudden, she had this challenge and decisions to make about her life and what her life was going to be like.” Sharon, however, is not one to let MS dictate who she is or decide what her life is going to be like, according to David. “I think really her phenomenal attitude and positive outlook on her life has really helped
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her live her life to the fullest,” he said. “The mind is the most powerful tool we will ever have. But because it is so strong, if you can turn it into a positive direction like my sister has, physically, it can have phenomenally good results.” For those who are starting on their journey with MS—whether they are personally affected or want to get involved— David’s advice is to learn as much about the disease as possible. “Getting large groups of people together for a common cause is a
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wonderful thing,” he said. “You can build support on social media— support groups, donation groups, and you can build teams of walkers and riders for Walk:MS and Bike:MS.” It was after becoming involved that David realized the plethora of opportunities available. “You have to look back and think what can I reasonably do, what am I interested in, what do I like to do,” he said. “Once you figure it out, just go for it.”
THE 37TH ANNUAL AMBASSADORS BALL Washington, D.C.On September 8th, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Greater DC-Maryland Chapter hosted the 37th annual Ambassadors Ball at the Marriott Marquis.
the cause by participating in a silent auction with item that included opportunities to dine with Ambassadors at their embassies, exotic getaways, native food and wine, and world-wide cultural experiences.
The night opened with a welcome video by President Bill Clinton, followed by the welcoming of newly-assigned Ambassadors and their spouses to the District. Honored at the event for their support of charitable activities and humanitarian endeavors was the Washington Diplomatic Corps.
The 2015 co-chairs were Mrs. Erica Castro, spouse of HUD Secretary Julian Castro, Brian Rodgers, spouse of Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington and Honorary Chair, Former United States Chief of Protocol Ambassador Capricia Penavic Marshall.
This year’s Ambassadors Ball contributed to the more than $20 million that the event has raised throughout its history. Funds raised will continue to move research forward to identify the cause of and cure for multiple sclerosis, a disease that affects 400,000 Americans and 2.5 million people worldwide. Guests contributed to
The 2015 Vision Awards were presented to Secretary John Kerry, Senator John McCain of Arizona, as well as Representative Fred Upton of Michigan and Representative Diana DeGette of Colorado.
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For more information on the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater DC- Maryland Chapter, visit www.nmss-dcmd.org.
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) delivers a speech after reciving a 2015 Vision Award at the 37th Annual Ambassadors Ball. Capricia Marshall and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak raise a glass to ending MS.
State Department Special Advisor for International Disability Rights Judy Heumann delivers a speech during the 37th Annual Ambassadors Ball. (Photos/Damien Salas)
Making Strides for MS, MS the young professionals’ volunteer committee of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater DC-MaryDC-Mary land Chapter, is proud to announce the Third Annual Making Strides Soirée Dec. 12, at Historic Eastern MarMar ket's North Hall. The Soirée will bring together young profession-
als from the Greater D.C.-Maryland area for an upscale night. Join us from 8 p.m. to midnight in your best cocktail attire for music, dancing, open bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Guests will also have the opportunity to bid on spectacular gift packages in a D.C. neighborhood-themed silent
auction. All proceeds from the Making Strides Soirée will benefit people living with MS in our community and help fund MS research. Join us in raising a glass to ending MS forever! For more information and to buy your tickets, visit: http://goo.gl/9WOmhR
Walk MS connects people living with MS and those who care about them. When you participate in this community event, the funds you raise give hope to everyone impacted by MS! Walk MS takes place in communities across Md., NoVa., and Washington, D.C. in April 2016. Register, learn more and donate today at:
www.walkMS.org.
walk to create a world free of MS
See more photos from D.C., Md., and NoVa. Walks on the next page.
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This year we were thrilled to expand our Challenge Walk MS family! After celebrating 13 years and raising over $2 million in revenue, the National Capital Chapter joined the Maryland Chapter for their first event as the newly realigned Greater DC-Maryland Chapter in beautiful, scenic, Easton, Maryland! On September 12-13, 2015, walkers had the opportunity to walk 30 miles, winding down the Chesapeake Bay through historic Cambridge and St. Michaels. We loved experiencing Challenge Walk with you all and look forward to 2016.
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SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM OUR BIKE MS EVENTS ON THE NEXT PAGE
Bike MS: Chesapeake Challenge and Bike MS: Ride the Vine were tremendous successes! The 2-day cycling events offered a perfect experience for cyclists of all levels and abilities with a variety of route options. In 2016, our realigned Greater DC-Maryland Chapter will put on our first Bike MS together and we are excited about sharing it with the entire Bike MS community! Next year on Maryland’s eastern shore, participants will enjoy quaint, scenic, waterfront communities like Tilghman Island, Oxford, St. Michaels, Trappe and ride on the Oxford Bellevue ferry after lunch. Our Bike MS: Chesapeake Challenge is
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fully supported with rest stops stocked with snacks, ice-cold drinks and cheering volunteers. All along the routes you’ll find Support and Gear vehicles, professional medical volunteers and bike mechanics to keep you going to the finish line. The sense of accomplishment you’ll feel as you cross the finish line can only be matched by the difference you’ll be making in the lives of everyone affected by MS. All participants agree to raise at least $300, though most raise significantly more. The money you raise will fund research into the cause, cure and treatment of MS as well as funding education, advocacy, and local programs that enhance the quality of life for people affected by MS. Register today at: www.bikems.org.
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GREATER DC-MARYLAND CHAPTER NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2015. Dear Members, You are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Members (“Meeting”) of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Capital Chapter (“Chapter”). The Meeting will be held at the Greenbelt Marriott on Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please register by November 6, by calling 1-800-344-4867 option 1, or by registering online at http://bit.ly/1LYHiy4. Purpose: The purpose of the Meeting is for the Members to vote on a resolution passed by the Chapter’s Board of Trustees in its meeting held on September 24, 2015. The Trustees voted to recommend to the membership to dissolve the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Capital Chapter (a District of Columbia Corporation) (“Separately Incorporated Entity”) and turn over assets prior to such dissolution, to the extent there are any, held by the Separately Incorporated Entity to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (“Society”). Trustee Resolution: The following language is contained in the Board of Trustees’ Resolution dated September 24, 2015: BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board approves recommending to members the dissolution of the separately incorporated entity called the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Capital Chapter and, if approved by members, will act in a timely fashion to formally dissolve the National Capital Chapter by filing the required documentation with District of Columbia authorities and by transferring separately held assets, to the extent there are any, to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The National Capital Chapter will continue to serve individuals affected by multiple sclerosis as a chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Issue for Consideration: The purpose of the meeting is to vote on a proposal to dissolve and liquidate the Separately Incorporated Entity called the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Capital Chapter. Liquidation will occur by turning over all property and funds to the extent held by the Separately Incorporated Entity, to the Society. If the proposal receives approval by a majority of the members present in person or by proxy, the officers of the Separately Incorporated Entity are authorized and directed to file all required documentation with District of Columbia authorities and take such other actions as necessary or appropriate for carrying out such dissolution, liquidation and termination. Sincerely,
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Russell Parker Greater DC-Maryland Chapter Board Chairman
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Ocean City - Boardwalk Inlet Manassas - The Harris Pavilion
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Frederick - Harry Grove Stadium Bowie - Bowie Town Center Hagerstown - Antietam National Battlefield
Saturday, April 23, 2016
DC - The Yards Park Cumberland - Western MD Railway Station
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Columbia - Howard Community College Waldorf - C. Paul Barnhart Elementary School Rockville - Rockville Town Square
Sunday, April 10, 2016 Annapolis - Navy Stadium Reston - Reston Town Center Salisbury - Salisbury Zoo
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Hunt Valley - Hunt Valley Towne Center Bel Air - Bel Air High School
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Baltimore City - Power Plant Live! Westminster - Carroll Community College
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Women on the Move DC - Wardman Park Marriott
Saturday and Sunday, June 4-5, 2016
Bike MS: Chesapeake Challenge Talbot County Community Center
AUTOS-4-MS 100% of proceeds go to the National MS Society
We received $350
We received $575
We received $4,200
We received $1,200
We received $4,200
We received $11,750
Help drive MS away - donate your vehicle today!
www.AUTOS 4MS .org
We acceptall vehicles, regardless of condition
Donating is easysimply click or call: www.AUTOS4MS.org or 1-877-672-8864
Donate your car, bike, RV or boat before December 31 to get your 2014 tax deduction!