CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Connecticut Chapter T EL: 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 DEVELOPMENT Nicole Tobin Marohn Vice President 860.913.2550, ext. 52544 FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Loretta Sfiridis 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.
W
MS Destroys Connection, Connection Destroys MS
e are committed to the fight against MS and relentless in our pursuit of a cure. Whether raising awareness or critically needed funds, it’s true – every connection counts. At no time was it more evident than over the past several months as the chapter launched full force into our event season. At every turn, by engaging others in our cause, we saw the power for change. One very significant connection revolves around our longtime relationship with Travelers, the second largest writer of U.S. commercial property casualty insurance and the third largest writer of U.S. personal insurance. For many years, Travelers has supported Walk MS both as a presenting sponsor and a title sponsor. Each year, the Travelers Walk MS fundraising team hosts a Valentine’s Day rose sale. This year’s rose sale raised a record $7,859. Last year the 50-member team raised more than $62,000 to support people living with multiple sclerosis. Since 2008 the Travelers team has raised more than $310,000. Now, this is a Jack Betkoski, III connection that counts. It was the weekend of April 5 and 6 when we truly saw the command of connections. More than 10,000 participants from across the state rallied to raise more than $1 million to support people in Connecticut battling multiple sclerosis. We witnessed people from every corner creating amazing connections – connections stronger than the ones multiple sclerosis destroys. During MS Awareness Week, I gathered with more than 100 MS activists and legislators at the state capitol to discuss the continuation of state funded programs that assist those in our state living with multiple sclerosis. The following week, four Connecticut Chapter representatives traveled to Washington D.C. to continue our work on a national level and to meet others engaged in the same fight. We invite you to get connected, too. Volunteer, join an event, raise awareness and raise funds. Most of all, invite others to join you in the quest to do something about MS – now. Every connection counts. From fundraising events to influencing policy to giving financially, every one of us can make a difference. On behalf of the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter Board of Trustees, I want to thank you for making Every Connection Count!
Jack
John “Jack” Betkoski, III Chairperson