PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Connecticut Chapter Tel: 860.913.2550 1.800.FIGHT MS (344.4867) Fax: 860.761.2466
CONNECTION
www.ctfightsMS.org www.nationalmssociety.org
John W. “Jack” Betkoski, III Chairperson, Board of Trustees Lisa Gerrol President and Chief Executive Officer 860.913.2550, ext. 52531 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN Kara Preston Associate Vice President 860.913.2550, ext. 52533 COMMUNICATIONS Karen E. Butler Vice President 860.913.2550, ext. 52530 DEVELOPMENT Nicole Tobin Marohn Vice President 860.913.2550, ext. 52544 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Loretta Sfiridis Associate Vice President 860.913.2550, ext. 52525 PROGRAMS & SERVICES Lynette J. Coleman Associate Vice President 860.913.2550, ext. 52538 MANAGING EDITOR Karen E. Butler EDITOR IN CHIEF Jacqueline Sembor GRAPHIC DESIGN Hal Wood SPECIAL THANKS
CALL TO ACTION Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s medical advisors recommend that people with MS talk with their health care professional about using one of these medications and about strategies and effective treatments to manage symptoms. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is committed to ensuring that people with MS have the information and quality care that they need to live healthy, productive and independent lives. If you or someone you know has MS, please contact the National Multiple Sclerosis Society today at nationalMSsociety.org or 1.800.FIGHT MS to learn about ways to help manage multiple sclerosis and about current research that may one day reveal a cure.
A World Free of MS
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he past few months have seemingly flown by for the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter. In a span of 50 days, the chapter hosted five fundraising events, as well as seven programs, specifically for people affected by MS. A few poignant and encouraging moments stand out in my mind. Led by our Walk MS spokesperson Stephanie Haughney, of Stratford, and News 8 anchor Darren Kramer, more than 10,000 Connecticut residents stepped out for Walk MS! Together, this passionate and unrelenting army has currently raised more than $1.2 million in support of our 6,000 Connecticut neighbors battling the effects of MS. This amazing show of support certainly signifies that we ARE leaders in a movement bent on engagement and action. In May, former golf professional Greg Jacobson, of Wilton, bravely shared his story with golfers participating in the 9th Annual Golf MS Classic presented by GE Capital Real Estate. After a day on the course watching from the sidelines, Jacobson, speaking at the evening dinner program, struggled to maintain his composure as he said haltingly, “All Lisa Gerrol emotions aside, and to be perfectly honest, my wife would like to be a golf widow.” Jacobson, engaging and challenging a room filled to capacity, continued, “as tough as the game of golf is, it does not compare to the difficulty of trying to succeed at the game of life when MS enters your world.” Again, I found myself pausing to reflect. We are, together, most definitely raising awareness, engaging others to do something about MS now. At the annual Hayley’s Hope and Michaela’s Miracle MS Memorial Fund Scholarship Reception in June, MS spokesperson Lindsay Noble, diagnosed with MS at the age of 14, was the recipient of one of 19 scholarships granted to college-bound freshmen. “Having MS has actually given me a positive outlook on life,” said Lindsay. “Because of my MS, I have the confidence to overcome any obstacle that I may face in the future.” As I looked across the room, surveying the many young people receiving MS scholarships that evening, I was reminded that our chapter and those supporting us are indeed leveraging resources to help minimize the financial impact of MS on individual families. You and I are a driving force – a force to be reckoned with. We will accept nothing but breakthrough results. The National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, is here to see that our journey will lead to a cure and a world free of MS. We are, as our core values indicate, a passionate collective striving to improve quality of life while on a relentless quest for the cure. Thank you for your support. Thank you for sharing in our commitment to people affected by MS. This battle takes an army. Thank you for enlisting in this movement to do something about MS, NOW.
Lisa
Lisa Gerrol President and Chief Executive Officer
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