Letter from the president
Dear Friends, The Chapter’s signature outdoor events are a critical part of our annual fundraising efforts and impact how much we are able to invest in research and our ability to offer a wide range of services that benefit people affected by MS throughout Colorado and Wyoming. This year, unprecedented wildfires along Colorado’s Front Range presented many challenges for one of our top fundraising efforts – Bike MS Colorado. High temperatures, uncertain air quality and route changes did not deter the resolute commitment of our participants. Thanks to our dedicated cyclists and the exceptional efforts of our staff and volunteers, who adapted to continually changing circumstances, we were able to raise more than $3.5 million, exceeding our goal for 2012. During this period of great loss and uncertainty, time and time again those directly affected exhibited that people - not things - are at the heart of what matters most. In the spirit of the approaching the holiday season, I ask that you consider making a gift honoring someone you care for or a donation to the Chapter in lieu of a traditional present this year. Gifts that help others are meaningful and rewarding; they never break, wear out or are discarded. I want to thank our board chair Brandt Wilkins and top fundraiser David Alexander for creating the new Independent Spirit Fund. Brandt and David recognized a need and acted on it by making a gift to establish this fund, which will specifically help people living with MS remain independent. They have challenged the Chapter to raise an additional $100,000, which presents another wonderful giving opportunity. As we approach the end of another year, it is always a time for reflection. I am honored to represent this outstanding organization. Each and every day I am connected to donors, sponsors, researchers, staff members and volunteers who are all part of a strong community driving progress that leads us closer to our united goal of a world free of MS. And for that, I am thankful.
Sincerely,
Carrie H. Nolan Chapter President
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Colorado-Wyoming Chapter
MS Connection is published by the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter, National MS Society 900 S. Broadway, Suite 250 Denver, CO 80209 Info: 800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) Newsletter Distribution—If you have a change of address or would like to receive MS Connection electronically, please call 800-344-4867. If you or someone you know has MS—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. Talk to your health care professional, or contact the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) to learn about ways to help manage multiple sclerosis and about the current research that may one day reveal a cure. The NMSS does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The NMSS assumes no liability for the use of contents of any product or service mentioned. Information provided by the NMSS is based on professional advice and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions do not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The NMSS recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician. The NMSS is dedicated to a world free of MS. Chapter President Carrie H. Nolan Board of Trustees Brandt Wilkins, Chair Mary Hobson, Immediate Past Chair Kathryn Spritzer, Secretary Rob Hartnett, Treasurer Carl Berglind Whit Conant Elizabeth Brandon Coors John Corboy, MD David Cordova Claudia Curry Hill Chris Doerr Jeff Higgins Craig Lopez Frank Monteiro Kyle Ocasek Susan Pollard Richard Raymond, MD Randy Schapiro, MD Michele Vaughan Travis White Jo Wilson Emeritus Trustees George Garmany, MD Ralph Holden David Lord Janet Savage ©2012 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Colorado-Wyoming Chapter
MS connection: Fall 2012