Connection Moving Toward a World Free of MS
®
Programs
Moving Toward a World Free of MS SPRING/SUMMER 2010
IN THIS ISSUE:
A Doctor Who Understands MS from Head to Toe Q & A with Neurologist William Shaffer, MD, who also has MS
Kathryn, MS Activist, diagnosed with MS in 1984
Inside MS Connection:
MS in the News page 4
Advocacy page 5
Volunteers Research 1-800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) • cureMScolorado.org page 11 page 8
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A Message from the President Dear Friends, The Colorado Chapter is relentlessly pursuing its mission to improve the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis by expanding community partnerships, creating new efficiencies, and enhancing opportunities for everyone to be involved in the MS Movement. There are many ways to get involved with the Colorado Chapter. Our special events include nine Walk MS events in the month of May, Bike MS in June, Hike MS in July, the Dinner of Champions and our Women on the Move Luncheons in the late summer and fall. These events are a great way to support the chapter and forge new friendships through participation, sponsorship, fundraising and volunteering. Speaking of volunteering, we are always looking for individuals or groups of volunteers who can lend their time and talents, either for an event or any of the numerous chapter initiatives that drive funding for research and allow us to improve quality of life through programs and services that help over 76,000 Coloradans affected by MS. And please remember when you participate you are actually changing lives — beginning with your own. The National MS Society is the go-to organization for MS research. I’m very excited about the advances in research including the recent FDA approval of an oral medication to improve walking in people with any type of MS. In addition, the FDA has given priority review status to a pending disease-modifying oral medication.
Most recently when news about CCSVI (Venous Insufficiency) spread around the globe at lightning speed, the Society very quickly took steps to establish and fund a critical scientific research process which is expected to result in CCSVI studies beginning as soon as July. You are always invited to visit our website www. cureMScolorado.org frequently to find the most current research updates. Advocacy continues to be an important strategy to improve the lives of people living with MS. The Colorado Chapter was recognized at the National MS Society’s Public Policy Conference for our outstanding collaborative efforts in creating and leading the Chronic Care Collaborative. Our Chapter also secured passage of legislation broadening Medicaid coverage to adults without dependent children and prohibiting the insurance companies from excluding payment for services of persons in clinical trials. Thanks to all of you who help generate critical resources to further our shared mission of delivering comprehensive programs and services while providing funding resources for promising research in prevention, treatment, and a cure. Warm regards,
Carrie Nolan Chapter President
The MS Society Joins the Social Media Movement The Colorado Chapter launched its Facebook Fan Page in January 2010 and in just two months the page has acquired more than 1,100 fans. Facebook allows the Chapter to update fans about programs, services, research, advocacy efforts, and events. It is also a tool for fans to share their stories, experiences, and support with those affected by MS. 2 MS Connection • Spring/Summer 2010
While Facebook is great for raising awareness, it can also assist in raising funds. All Walk MS and Bike MS participants have the opportunity to use Boundless Fundraising, an application that allows event participants to add a link to their Facebook profile, directing people to the donation page of their participation center. Facebook is a fast and
easy way for participants to extend their fundraising efforts as well as engage others.
Help the Colorado Chapter reach its goal of 2,010 fans in 2010. Join us at: www.facebook.com/ NMSSColoradoChapter
Moving Toward a World Free of MS
News
Media Partners Raise Awareness and Donations for Multiple Sclerosis Curing MS Matters to Me. While working as a reporter in Nashville, TN, I worked with an incredible young woman by the name of Andrea Lindsley. She was my 5 o’clock producer and quite the dynamo. We quickly became friends and she soon shared with me that she had multiple sclerosis. Not long after sharing that news with me, she ended up leaving the TV business she loved, for a job a little less stressful. Her doctor and husband encouraged her to try and slow down. We’ve been the best of friends now for nine years, and she never ceases to amaze me. She’s a hard worker, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a loving wife, an incredible
role model and a remarkable, Karen Leigh, CBS 4 News Anchor (left), devoted friend. She’s an impressive with friend, Andrea Lindsley role model for anyone, especially those battling MS. I didn’t know anything about MS until meeting Andrea. Since then, I try to do whatever I can to help battle the disease, whether it’s donating money, or my time. I would love to see a world free of MS. I am committed to making a difference — for my dear friend Andrea and for the 76,000 Coloradans affected by multiple sclerosis.
It is an incredible cause. If you have seen someone in the advanced stages, you know why you need to help. My brother was diagnosed over We also need to provide support seven years ago. I am very close to to those in the early stage. Yes, they my brother and I don’t want to see need financial support, but they need anyone else have to wrestle with emotional support as well. If you can’t this disease. give financially, you can volunteer or give of yourself in some other way. If there is anything we can do by bonding together, raising money for My goal is to raise awareness for research, increasing awareness, and multiple sclerosis by getting kindred supporting the MS Society, we should spirits together; to not only to raise do it. We need to help those people money for the MS Society, but to who have MS and work toward also raise awareness for the imporfinding a cure. tance of the fight against this disease. During the course of the Walk, we’ll If you can’t do the Walk, find someone make new friends, get together with who is and support them financially. old friends and it will be a great
I’ve Seen the Effects of This Disease Firsthand.
bonding experience. We will enjoy the beautiful Colorado weather while we work to put an end to multiple sclerosis. This will be one step toward that goal and the more people who participate will put us that much closer to that goal.
Ginger, KBCO On-Air Personality
1-800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) • cureMScolorado.org
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News
Taking MS One Day at a Time “Relieved,” a response you would not
perform her duties due to cognitive issues and was laid off in 2006. “Not being able to work was very devasexpect to hear to the question, “How did you tating for me. I’m a people person, so if I can’t give to people and the feel when you were diagnosed with MS?” kids, then my new passion is to give to the MS Society and help them to In a recent interview with Karen to provide details that may be teach others about MS,“ explained Leigh, news anchor for CBS 4, Kathy forgotten or under-communicated. Kathy. Kathy works with the Boulder Goodhew described her relief to Ken offered the advice of patience community to coordinate volunteers finally receive a diagnosis of multiple when dealing with someone who for speaking engagements to raise sclerosis for her symptoms which had has MS. “I have to remind myself awareness for MS. started when she was in high school that she’s doing her best and that her and had spanned her entire adult best today may not be what her best Kathy and Ken Goodhew continue life. “I was just happy to know what was yesterday or a week ago. But, we to support the National MS Society, it was so that I could start treating it,” remain hopeful and believe medica- Colorado Chapter as the top fundexplained Kathy. tions will help and that it will happen, raising team for Walk MS in Boulder. maybe not a cure right away, but Ken has a Bike MS team and has Over the years, Kathy has experi- something to slow the disease.“ recruited his daughters to be a part of enced the symptoms of tremors, Colorado’s ride. Kathy and Ken enjoy fatigue, and spinal pain, along with After working 26 years as a pediatric spending time with their daughters balance and walking issues, but nurse, Kathy was no longer able to and taking it one day at a time. doctors were reluctant to diagnose her with multiple sclerosis until Kathy Goodhew and her husband, Ken, (right) she exhibited more symptoms on are interviewed by Karen Leigh, CBS 4 anchor, a regular basis. Kathy was offi- to raise awareness for MS. cially diagnosed in 2004 when her symptoms became increasingly worse with severe dizziness and compromised cognitive abilities. Her husband and caregiver, Ken, did some research about multiple sclerosis and acknowledged that Kathy exhibited every symptom on the list, which illustrated the importance of having someone else who is a part of your life to take notice and inventory of your symptoms. It also helps to have someone attend doctor’s appointments with you
4 MS Connection • Spring/Summer 2010
Moving Toward a World Free of MS
Advocacy
The Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society strongly encourages support for the home health industry as a long-term care strategy to help people living with MS remain financially, mentally and physically secure.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
in the Lives of People Living with MS
Kathryn, MS Activis diagnosed with MS in 198
Over the summer, the Home Health Care Task Force was convened to explore gaps in consumer safety. Licensure requirements exist for only one type of home health business: the home care agencies. The other type of business, home care placement agencies, is not required to be licensed because these caregivers or aides work on a contractual basis. The task force met to explore options to ensure maximum consumer safety across the board. By pursuing licensure or certification of aides in home care placement agencies, safety regulations and oversight would increase. The following is a conversation with Ms. Parisi about her experience on the task force:
I was excited, but also nervous at the same time. I was fortunate to be connected with two other consumer representatives who also represent chronic disease organizations and they were both very well-informed. Their prior experience and prep work really helped me feel comfortable going in.
Q:
What were your impressions of the legislators? What was the best part of the process? Some legislators were more responsive than others. Overall, it made me realize how important it was to provide a face to the legislators about issues in the chronic disease world.
Kathryn Parisi, MS activist and volunteer, was featured in the National MS Society’s “Move It!” campaign to raise awareness for MS.
How will you move it
nationalMSsociety.or
Q:
How did you first hear about the task force? What was the application process like? I received an e-mail blast through the National MS Society asking for advocates to apply for the consumer positions on the task force. I asked the public policy coordinator that my name be included in the application pool. My previous experience, both positive and negative, gave me a stake in the results of the task force.
Q:
How did you feel when you found out you were chosen to participate? Did the meetings live up to your expectations?
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The task force completed its work in mid-September with the drafting of two legislative bills. The home health bills were suspended for the time being; however, Ms. Parisi’s work was not in vain. The Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society and their
Q:
Would you do this again if given the chance? Will you continue with advocacy?
Chronic Care Collaborative colleagues plan to continue efforts to ensure consumer safety in home care — and this is where our advocates are needed, to share their stories and experiences, to contribute to policy changes.
issues out there that affect those of us with MS, and it is most beneficial to our population when people connect with their local representatives.
Yes, I would definitely participate again, and will participate in other advocacy efforts. There are a lot of 1-800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) • cureMScolorado.org
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Programs & Services
Colorado Chapter Care Manager Shares Her Personal and Professional Passion
Did You Know...
It started personally when her mother’s best friend had multiple sclerosis and later when she was diagnosed with MS in March of 2005. Kera Miller provides personal and professional insights about MS as a care manager for the Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society.
We offer:
Kera was initially diagnosed in an emergency room after she was admitted to their intensive care unit for “It’s really about dizziness, vertigo and Kera Miller, Care Manager blurred vision. She was connecting people on the verge of underto resources they going surgery for what and I love to give back the doctors believed don’t know about” to a community I am was brain cancer when a part of and to an further testing over a three-day period organization that will be around if I revealed she had multiple sclerosis. need help.” Kera didn’t have time to dwell on the diagnosis or let the fear of MS Kera has been with the Colorado take over—she was busy finishing Chapter for nearly two years and grad school and holding down two talks with people who have been jobs. The hospital referred her to a diagnosed with multiple sclerosis neurologist who got her started on a and identifies what their needs are treatment plan right away. and how the society can help them— everything from home renovations to After learning more about the paying energy bills and other financial National MS Society, Kera signed up assistance to counseling and help with for Walk MS Colorado, and her sister filling out applications for federal or is captain of a Bike MS team for the state programs. third consecutive year and one of the ride’s top fundraisers. “It’s really about connecting people to resources they don’t know about— “I was raised to help people,” explains everything from exercise classes, to Kera. “This is an amazing organization eyeglasses, to getting a ramp put on and they help people. I am of able their house,” describes Kera. mind and body and I can help people
The Colorado Chapter offers valuable resources, programs, and services for people newly diagnosed to those with advanced MS as well as friends and family. Support for Living with MS • Dealing with MS in Your Important Relationships • Protecting Your Employment Options • Managing Insurance and Money Matters • Promoting Function, Independence, and Mobility • Expanding Support Groups and Self-Help Groups Care Management • Resource Referrals • Counseling Services • Limited Financial Assistance • Home Care Services Community Programs • Education • Wellness Programs • Symptoms Management • Research Updates Information Resource Center Call to obtain answers to questions about: • Multiple Sclerosis • Current Research and Treatments • Community and Medical Resource Referrals • Health and Social Security Benefits . . . and thousands of other questions Knowledge, help, and support are just a call away. 1-800-FIGHT MS (344-4867)
6 MS Connection • Spring/Summer 2010
Programs & Services
Self-help Group Sets the Standard because we all have MS,” said Sandy, another member. “The group shows you the varieties of the disease,” said Jenny, another Parker Pals member. “Other people don’t get it,” she said, referring to the challenges of discussing the many forms of MS with the public
by Danielle English, Colorado Chapter Volunteer
Hidden away in a meeting room just outside Denver are more than 50 of the most upbeat, energetic, and good-humored people along the Front Range—and they meet every month to learn from each other’s struggle with multiple sclerosis. Together they share how they are personally dealing with symptom Parker Pals sets the standard for a management, medications, health great self-help group. What makes insurance, and so much more. The them great is their desire to support atmosphere tends to be lighthearted each other and learn from each as members share their feelings and support each other—with a general demeanor of sitting back and laughing.
legislation that helps people with MS (see Kathryn’s story on page 5). Parker Pals has a Walk MS team, a yoga group, a Bike MS Team, a water aquatics group, a walking group to keep moving forward, and members who have created a quilt to raffle as a fundraiser, to name a few. It’s clear that Parker Pals is more than a selfhelp group. It’s a place for people with MS of all ages to get together, have fun, and make a difference in the world.
Ashley, the group’s youngest member, who is a master’s student, ended the meeting with an anonymous quote that sums up the meaning of Parker While Parker Pals doesn’t focus just Pals: “Tell me, and I forget. Show me, on treatments and everyone isn’t and I remember. Involve me, and I always laughing, the point is that the understand.” group is focused on being positive and supporting one another. The members of Parker Pals are involved. They make a difference. One member in particular is They’re changing the world of MS. working hard to spread awareness so that others do “get it.” Kathryn, diagnosed in 1984, no longer has use For more information of her arms and legs due to MS and about self-help groups, has had to have home aides assist her since the disease took over her body. chapter-sponsored support other as well as educational topics “It takes over your private and family presented by guest speakers who life,” she said. groups, and wellness discuss current topics relevant to programs in your area, the understanding and management So, when she heard the National MS of MS. They also enjoy learning Society was developing a task force to visit cureMScolorado.org. about the benefits of different types go to the State Capitol, she was ready of fitness training and wellness to take control and do something If you would like a printed programs and putting those into about the disease. “I thought, ‘I think version of these resources, practice and sharing the results. I want to do this,’” Kathryn said. “I like the inclusiveness,” said Dan, a member of Parker Pals. “I like it
And so she went to the capitol, in her wheelchair, ready to fight for
1-800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) • cureMScolorado.org
please contact Dale.Last@nmss.org. 7
Research
Ampyra Symptomatic Medicine Approved by FDA to Improve Walking for People with All Types of MS Ampyra™ dalfampridine (pronounced amPEERah and formerly known as fampridine SR, from Acorda Therapeutics) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January for its ability to improve walking in people with any type of MS. This is the first prescription medication specifically approved to treat a symptom of MS, and it represents a big step forward for the many people who may benefit.
pores, or potassium channels, on the surface of nerve fibers. This blocking ability may improve the conduction of nerve signals in nerve fibers whose insulating myelin coating has been damaged by MS. The first studies of this potassium-blocking approach in people with MS were supported by the National MS Society.
by people with MS to manage specific symptoms, such as spasticity, fatigue or depression. While there are FDA-approved disease-modifying therapies that are partially effective against some forms of the disease, as well as rehabilitation and symptomatic treatments for some symptoms, until now there was no pharmacologic treatment available Ampyra is a symptomatic therapy for MS-related difficulty walking. drug that addresses a specific symptom of multiple sclerosis, but For more information about Ampyra taking it does not change the under- and other research updates, go to Ampyra is a tablet containing lying course of the disease or limit cureMScolorado.org and click on the a sustained-release formula of the damage caused by the disease. Research tab. 4-aminopyridine, which blocks tiny There are many medications taken
Blood Drainage in the Brain and Spinal Cord May Contribute to Nervous System Damage in MS Recent reports are calling attention to the idea that a phenomenon called Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI), a reported abnormality in blood drainage from the brain and spinal cord, may contribute to nervous system damage in MS. This hypothesis has been put forth by Dr. Paulo Zamboni from the University of Ferrara in Italy. Based on the results of his initial preliminary findings, Dr. Zamboni states that this pilot study warrants a subsequent larger and better controlled study to definitively evaluate the possible impact of CCSVI on the disease process in MS. It has been proposed by Dr. Zamboni, 8 MS Connection • Spring/Summer 2010
but not yet proven, that CCSVI may be corrected through endovascular surgery, which involves inserting a tiny balloon or stent into blocked veins in order to permit the flow of blood out of the brain and spinal cord, a procedure that has been called “liberation therapy” in some reports. The National MS Society is undertaking the funding of new research on CCSVI in MS and has invited investigators worldwide to apply for grants that would explore this lead. In response to a January 6 deadline, the National MS Society and the MS Society of Canada received numerous letters of intent from investigators
from seven countries. These letters of intent, which briefly describe the proposed research, will be reviewed and those that meet grant guidelines will be invited to submit full research proposals. The applications will undergo an accelerated review process by an international panel being convened in cooperation with other MS Societies to ensure an expedited, coordinated response. If this hypothesis is confirmed, it may open up new research avenues into the underlying pathology of MS and new treatment approaches to therapy.
Moving Toward a World Free of MS
Living with MS
A Doctor Who Understands MS from Head to Toe William R. Shaffer, MD, is a neurologist with multiple sclerosis and he offers a comprehensive perspective and a unique expertise in his Greeley, Colorado, practice. What is the best way to choose and work with a new neurologist? You’re the boss. You should work together with your doctor and share as much information as possible. I think people think they can’t say things to their doctor or challenge them. I believe a person’s healthcare is the most important thing, so if they want a second opinion, I definitely encourage that. Take the time to understand the doctor’s philosophy on prescribing medications and how they plan to follow your interactions with multiple sclerosis.
How effective are MRIs for diagnosing MS and how often should I get them? I often hear of MS patients getting MRIs to see how they are doing. It’s not an end all be all. I will use an MRI to diagnose MS but I will not use an MRI to see how they are doing; rather, I see them in person and gauge how they are doing over time. I will look for the more subtle things like cognitive issues and ask the family or friends who are with them about the patient’s memory issues, or a change in their symptoms or mood. Some people will get an MRI every year and see more white lesions on their brain but are doing well and others will hardly see any additional white lesions and they are doing worse. An MRI is good at detecting the disease but will not necessarily tell you if the person is responding to medication and to what degree—for that we need a clinical treatment—a visit to the doctor’s office.
William, Neurologist, Society Physician Fellowship Research Award Recipient, diagnosed with MS in 2002
When I work out at the gym, my MS gets worse. Should I stop working out? Sometimes people are led to believe that working out makes their multiple sclerosis worse. When, in fact, the rise in body temperature may bring out the symptoms
How will you move it? nationalMSsociety.org
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of MS, it does not cause attacks or exacerbations. Once the body cools down, the elevated symptoms should subside. When I was first diagnosed and I exercised, I would lose the feeling and control in my left arm and it scared me. Once my body cooled down, the feeling came back and I was fine. So it is easy to see that people with MS would draw the conclusion that working out is not good for them when in fact the opposite is true—it’s important to stay active and eat healthy. What misconceptions or misdiagnoses are there about MS? I see migraines a lot or complicated migraines and they can have similar symptoms of multiple sclerosis such as numbness, weakness, and visual auras and often affect young women. I had a woman come to me that was diagnosed with MS and came to me for a second opinion. Her MRI revealed little white spots which are very different than the white lesions of multiple sclerosis. As it turned out, she suffered from migraines but did not have MS.
Also, there is a tendency to blame everything on MS. Some people don’t sleep well at night and blame MS when it could be sleep apnea. Others experience fatigue and blame their MS when it could be their diet or a part of depression. It’s hard because there are so many symptoms to MS.
Dr. William Shaffer was featured in the National MS Society’s “Move It” campaign to increase awareness for MS.
11/13/09 9:18 AM
1-800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) • cureMScolorado.org
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Volunteers
Suzanne Cross Earns Volunteer of the Year Award I love volunteering, I volunteer because I can. Working with the National MS Society can fit into almost anyone’s schedule. If you can give one hour or six, they really appreciate all our help. I have volunteered for almost 10 years and there is always new stuff to do and people to help. They know I don’t get on my computer every day, so they call me if something comes up for me to do. They take the time to figure out how we prefer to be contacted. All the staff members are great, very helpful, fun to be around. They are flexible on which hours and which days I can work and willing to work with my schedule. Please join us, have fun and I will show you where the candy jar is. Suzanne, Volunteer of the Year
Volunteer Discovers It’s Never Too Late to Start
M
y personal experience with MS began 24 years ago. At the time I was diagnosed, the resources available to those of us adapting to life with MS were limited. Today the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) is an indispensible resource of support, knowledge and training, as well as volunteer opportunities. That commitment, and my own desire to be of service, brought me to the doors of NMSS. Suzi Clarke, Volunteer
Although I have had MS for many years, I never took advantage of the many resources available through NMSS. After some serious 10 MS Connection • Spring/Summer 2010
deliberation one evening, I went to sleep determined to become more involved. “What better way than to volunteer,” I thought. The question then became, “How?”
Carrie Nolan, president of the Colorado Chapter of the NMSS (right) presents Suzanne Cross with the Volunteer of the Year Award.
welcoming. I am now much more familiar with the services offered by NMSS and feel comfortable accessing them should the need arise.
NMSS continues to be a positive force in our community, and my hope is that more people will find their way to our doors, just as I have. The opportunities are limitless and the When I read the local newspaper the sense of fulfillment is exhilarating. next morning, there was a wonderful article about Suzanne, the MS My desire is to help raise awareness Society’s Volunteer of the Year. It and financial support for NMSS and seemed like a sure sign. There was a our community. Be it volunteering or number to call if you had an interest donations, we can all find a way to be in volunteering. I called that day and of service. I have seen the hard work began volunteering the very next week. and time the staff and volunteers contribute, and can think of no better It has truly been a positive experience. way to support our community. Everyone at the Colorado Chapter has been incredibly friendly and I wish I had made that call years ago.
Moving Toward a World Free of MS
Volunteers
Boulder Physician Honored by COPIC Medical Foundation for Outstanding Volunteer Service Dr. George P. Garmany, Jr., received the 2010 Harold E. Williamson Award from the COPIC Medical Foundation on March 11, 2010. This award is presented each year to recognize a physician for volunteer medical services and contributions to the community that extend beyond day-to-day activities. This honor includes a $10,000 donation from the COPIC Medical Foundation to the 501(c)(3) organization of the recipient’s choice, which Dr. Garmany has directed to the Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society. Dr. Garmany is a board certified neurologist who maintains a private practice with Associated Neurologists in Boulder, a community he has served more than 30 years. He has held a lifelong interest in multiple sclerosis
(MS) and has provided pro bono medical services to uninsured and underinsured persons diagnosed with MS in the Boulder community throughout his career. Garmany gives more than 300 hours annually to the Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society, where he chairs the Clinical Advisory Committee and serves as a volunteer speaker with the Chapter’s program for newly diagnosed individuals. One of his most notable contributions to the Colorado Chapter was founding the Bike MS event in 1985. Today Bike MS is the third-largest nonprofit fundraising MS bike ride in the nation, with more than 3,000 cyclists participating in a two-day, 150-mile ride that raises nearly $3 million for programs and research.
Dr. George P. Garmany, Jr., (center) is congratulated by Dr. Ted Clarke, chairman and CEO, COPIC, and Mary Hobson, board chair, Colorado Chapter, National MS Society, as he receives the COPIC Medical Foundation’s Harold E. Williamson Award for outstanding volunteer service.
Did you know? In 2009... • 1,600+ people volunteered with the Colorado Chapter • 39,000 volunteer hours were donated • 700 volunteers supported Bike MS • 900 volunteers supported 9 statewide Walk MS events
You Can Make a Difference in the Lives of Over 76,000 Coloradans Affected by Multiple Sclerosis... • Donate to an Event or the Colorado Chapter • Participate in an Event • Form a Team for Walk MS, Bike MS, or Hike MS • Volunteer for an Event or Year-round • Sponsor an Event • Start a Fundraising Event in Your Community
• $800,000+ estimated dollar value of volunteer time • Volunteer impact—PRICELESS!
Opportunities include: • Administrative and Professional • Community Events • Chapter Events • Leadership and Ambassadors • Programs, Advocacy, and Services
1-800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) • cureMScolorado.org
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Events
Walk MS
9 walks in May in communities across Colorado
JULY
24
2010
Hike MS
Find out more at www.walkMScolorado.org.
Saturday, July 24th Durango • Copper Mountain A hike that is perfect for everyone. Three beautiful routes of varying terrain. After the hike, participants will enjoy a tasty BBQ lunch, live music, and good company. For more information and to register as an individual or team, go to hikeMScolorado.org.
New!
We walk together to make a powerful statement and to keep moving toward a cure. Each May, over 10,000 Coloradans participate in Walk MS events across the state. We walk with a purpose!
Bike MS
June 26 & 27th Westminster to/from Ft. Collins Bike MS is a two-day inspirational ride covering 150 miles though majestic Colorado. You’re up for the challenge — and ready for the ride of your life! The sense of accomplishment you’ll feel as you cross the finish line will be matched by the difference you’ll make in the lives of people affected by MS. Find out more at www.bikeMScolorado.org.
The Colorado Chapter Fundraising Tool Kit
Find out everything you need to know about fundraising for Walk MS, Bike MS, Hike MS or your own community fundraising event to benefit the Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society. Tools include: • How to put together a fundraising team • Sample correspondence letters to get sponsorships or donations • Creating team spirit • Who to approach when fundraising and how • And many, many more tools! To view the new Colorado Chapter Fundraising Tool Kit, visit our website at cureMScolorado.org or call to request an interactive CD.
12 MS Connection • Spring/Summer 2010
Moving Toward a World Free of MS
Events
Women on the Move Luncheons The Women on the Move MS Luncheon (formerly Women Against MS Luncheon) is an extraordinary event driven by passionate volunteers who want to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis. Women on the Move Luncheons will be held in three communities across the state: Aspen, Denver, and Fort Collins. The funds raised at these community events will support essential programs and services that serve the 76,000 Coloradans affected by MS and contribute to research efforts that will one day lead to a world free of MS. The Women on the Move Luncheon in Denver on Tuesday, September 14 will feature keynote speaker Cami Walker. Cami Walker is the author of the New York Times bestseller 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2006, she created the online 29-Day Giving Challenge (www.29Gifts.org) in April 2008 and has continued her own giving cycle every month since. 29 Gifts is a global giving movement
with nearly 10,000 members in 42 countries and changes lives, and the world, one gift at a time.
the top of six of the seven world’s highest mountains—the first person with MS to do so. Mt. Everest, the highest mountain on Earth, still The Fort Collins Women on the awaits for 2010. Move Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, October 5 at the Hilton The Aspen Women on the Move Fort Collins and will feature keynote Luncheon will be held Thursday, August speaker Wendy Booker. In June of 19 at the Aspen Historical Society.
An extraordinary event driven by passionate volunteers who want to raise awareness for MS. 1998, this mother of three was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. Today, it takes more than summiting the highest mountains in the world and multiple sclerosis to tame her drive for success. Wendy Booker has successfully reached the
For more information and sponsorship opportunities for Women on the Move Luncheons, please contact Emily Suess, community development manager, at emily.suess@nmss. org or 303-698-5405.
Exemplary Northern Colorado Community Members Honored at Dinner of Champions The Colorado Chapter, National MS and Brant Gluth of Fort Collins was also Society honored three exemplary honored with the Chapter’s MS Champion Northern Colorado community Award, which is presented to someone living members for their service to with MS who has not let the challenges of enhancing the lives of people living with MS at the 16th living with MS become an obstacle to leading a Annual Northern Colorado Dinner of Champions. full life. Brothers Chad and Troy McWhinney of McWhinney A silent and live auction was also part of the evening’s Enterprises, Loveland, were recognized with the celebration, which raised over $90,000 to support Chapter’s prestigious 2010 Hope Award for outstand- Chapter programs, services, and research. ing community service, leadership, and philanthropy 1-800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) • cureMScolorado.org
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join the
conversation
Your questions about living with MS answered LIVE! Talk MS is taking the show on the road! • Your questions answered by leading physicians and nurses • Connect with others living with MS Don’t Miss Out! • Share your perspective Bring your friends.
Sat., Apr. 24, 2010 Registration: 9:30 am Program: 10:00 am Marriott Denver Tech Center 4900 South Syracuse Street Denver, CO 80237
Featuring: • Dr. Randall Schapiro • Dr. William Shaffer • MS LifeLines® Nurse Amy Burnett, RN, BSN, MSCN • MS LifeLines® Ambassador Nicole B.
Register today for this free event. Call 1-866-756-0494
Complimentary refreshments will be served - and parking is free. Please contact the venue directly for directions from your local area. Please use convention center entrance located to the right of the hotel. For more information about other talk MS programs, visit www.mslifelines.com
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Moving Toward a World Free of MS
Information
Colorado Chapter Offices Metro Denver Office Broadway Station 900 S. Broadway, Ste 250 Denver, CO 80209 Tel: 303-698-7400 1 -800-344 -4867
Northern Office 1525 Riverside Avenue, Ste A Fort Collins, CO 80524 Tel: 970-482-5016 1 -800-344 -4867
Western Slope Office 2232 N. 7th Street, Ste 14 Grand Junction, CO 81501 Tel: 970-241-8975 1 -800-344 -4867
Southern Office 616 North Tejon Street Colorado Springs, CO 80903 Tel: 719-634-2984 1 -800-344 -4867
1-800-FIGHT MS (1-800-344-4867) Publication of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Colorado Chapter Broadway Station 900 S. Broadway, Ste 250 Denver, CO 80209
If you or someone you know has MS: Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDAapproved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with multiple sclerosis. Talk to your health care professional, or contact the National MS Society at www.nationalMSsociety.org or 1-800-344-4867, to learn about ways to help manage multiple sclerosis and about current research that may one day reveal a cure. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society assumes no liability for the use of contents of any product or service mentioned. Information provided by the Society is based upon professional advice and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to a world free of MS. Š2010 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Colorado Chapter 1-800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) • cureMScolorado.org
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Broadway Station 900 S. Broadway, Ste 250 Denver, CO 80209
SAVE THE DATE SPRING EVENTS 2010
FALL EVENTS 2010
Walk MS
Women on the Move Luncheons
May 1
Denver • Fort Collins
May 8
Colorado Springs • Grand Junction Loveland/Centerra
May 15
Boulder/Longmont • Pueblo Glenwood Springs
May 22
Winter Park
SUMMER EVENTS 2010 Bike MS June 26 & 27
Westminster to/from Ft. Collins
Hike MS July 24
Durango • Copper Mountain
August 19 September 14 October 5
Aspen Denver Fort Collins