MS Connection; September 2016 by Jennifer Staab

FALL 2016 PENNSYLVANIA KEYSTONE CHAPTER

MS CONNECTION NEWSLETTER THANK YOU-

FOR MAKING 2016 A WONDERFUL YEAR!

INSIDE 04 THIS ISSUE

CHAPTER: ANNUAL MEETING

05-06 12

EMPLOYMENT: TALKING TO YOUR EMPLOYER ABOUT MS

ADVOCACY: VOTING WITH MS

RESEARCH: UNDERSTANDING WELLNESS

2 NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter 1-800-344-4867 Pittsburgh Office 1501 Reedsdale St., Ste 105 Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Harrisburg Office 2000 Linglestown Rd, Ste 201 Harrisburg, PA 17110 Chairman: William Shrader Chapter President: Anne Mageras Design: Jennifer Skinner ÂŠ 2016 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Pennsylvania Keystone 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 Multiple Sclerosis 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.

MS CONNECTION: FALL 2016

TIME FOR A CHANGE, FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT, WILLIAM SHRADER It is hard to believe that three years has passed since I took over as Board Chair for the Central PA Chapter of the National MS Society. So much has happened in that time, it would be hard to recap all of it here, yet time has flown by. First, we had to consider replacing a President or realigning with the Western PA Chapter. After much debate and careful consideration, the Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter of the National MS Society was born. Then the real work got started. Integrating the two Chapters was no small task, but the respective staffs were up to the challenge. In addition to coming together as one team, our Mission to Improve the Lives of those Living with MS remained at the core of everything we do. Now two years later, we have expanded services, grown events, added donors and sponsors, improved access to care, and improved our own back office efficiency so more of every dollar we raise can go toward a World Free of MS. This summer has been a busy one for events, and there are still more to come. Our Chapter supports four MS Bike events, a summer camp for kids, the Annual George F. Hempt Polo Match in Central PA, Music for MS in Pittsburgh and three Golf Outings and then early this fall we will also have Lobster Fest in Altoona and Mille for MS in Central and Northeast PA. We end September with two, Women on the Move Luncheons, one in Lancaster and one in Pittsburgh. Hopefully we will see you at one or more of these events as a participant, a volunteer, or a spectator. So, where do we go from here? The Chapter Staff, while a bit smaller due to some centralization of finance responsibilities into the National Organization, is keenly focused on our Mission, and is

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continued from page 2 led by one of the best Presidents in the business. Doug Miner, former Board Chair of the Western PA Chapter is going to lead the board for the next year, fulfilling his board level obligation. In summary, the Chapter is in very good hands as I transition to the role of Prior Board Chair. The National MS Society remains a dynamic and focused organization that I believe will one day fund the dollar that Ends MS Forever. Thank you for your continued support of our programs and events, as well as the specific support you have given to me over the past three years, Together we are Stronger! n

A WORLD FREE OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

FROM THE CHAPTER PRESIDENT, ANNE MAGERAS While much has changed in the last three years since Bill Shrader became the Board Chair, one thing remains constant, our visions to create a world free of MS. Since we came together in October of 2014 to form the Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter, we have engaged 10 new Partners in MS Care and together we influence, lead and collaborate to expand resources to ensure access to quality health care. Services staff have expanded the REACH Program throughout our 56 counties. This unique, one of a kind program, provides relocation and safety assistance for those who are experiencing or at risk for domestic violence and connects people to resources so they can take fully informed actions. Connection groups are springing up in every major and secondary market and many connection groups are forming WALK MS teams to help raise awareness and funds to support the mission of the Society. Connecting people affected by MS to one another to share life experiences help identifies solutions so people with MS can live their best lives. Achieving wellness continues to be a goal for those living with MS and to that end we have expanded opportunities to attend, fitness, yoga, and aquatics classes as well as providing financial support. We have identified and trained new MS Activists to help seize opportunities and build pathways with government, communities and the private sector so people with MS get what they need. Our fund raising efforts have helped expand investments and worldwide collaborations to accelerate research to help us create a world free of MS. n

MS CONNECTION: FALL 2016

YOU ARE INVITED TO THE

ANNUAL MEETING AND HEALTH FAIR Thursday, November 3, 2016

Displays open at 4:30 p.m. ~ Evening concludes at 9:00 p.m. Choose from one of four locations! The Casino at Lakemont Park, Altoona Genetti Manor, Dickson City Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, New Cumberland Embassy Suites, Pittsburgh Join us for Vendor Displays, Research Update, Dinner & Keynote Speaker

RSVP by October 27, 2016 1 800-344-4867 or MSPAKeystone.org Dates, times and locations subject to change.

KEEP S’MYELIN The activity book is colorful and interactive and includes puzzles, games, coloring and more. Together with the parents’ supplement, these resources provide both parents and children ages 4-12 with the vocabulary they need to voice their concerns, dispel misunderstandings and myths about MS, and learn about MS as a family. Keep S’myelin provides an opportunity for children and parents to learn and talk about MS together, reducing isolation and normalizing their experiences. Call the Chapter at 1 800-344-4867 or email keepsmyelin@nmss.org.

BE AN MS ACTIVIST! We are people who want to do something about MS NOW. Become an MS Activist today! For more information on how you can become an MS Activist contact: Mara Brough, Senior Manager of Advocacy, PA & NJ at mara.brough@nmss.org or visit MSPAKeystone.org.

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LIVING WITH MS:

CHAPTER HOLIDAY GIFT PROGRAM Each year the NMSS coordinates this program to provide gifts to people living with MS who reside in long-term care facilities. Knowing that nursing homes and personal care homes can sometimes be lonely places, we strive to put smiles on the faces of these individuals and let them know that the National MS Society is thinking of them.

Brighten a person’s day! Volunteer or make a donation!

LIVING WITH MS

2016 MS SEMINARS:

We would like to challenge you to make a commitment to this great program and to directly impact a person’s life this holiday season!

Learn more or donate today! Call Pam at 1 800 344-4867 The Links at Hemlock Creek, 55 Williamsburg Boulevard, Bloomsburg, PA

Presented by: Dr. Douglas Nathanson, Neurologist, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center

October 5, 2016: MRI What Does it Mean? December 7, 2016: Exercise & PT

The Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter is pleased to present a series on a variety of topics related to MS. Registration is REQUIRED for each night.

Marzoni’s 26 Montage Mountain Road, Moosic, PA

Thank you to Biogen for its support of the 2016 MS Seminars.

November 7, 2016: Exercise & PT

MS CONNECTION: FALL 2016

EMPLOYMENT

TALKING TO YOUR EMPLOYER ABOUT MS BY CHRISTINA FORSTER

Disclosure in the workplace is a common concern for people with MS. It is a difficult, very personal and emotional decision that requires significant thought and knowledge. Every person has a different experience so you will need to carefully consider the pros and cons for disclosing or not for your unique situation. Disclosing has legal and job-related implications that can be ongoing. Although there may be good reasons to disclose medical information and very specific benefits to doing so, any decision you make today has immediate and long-term implications for your employment that need to be considered. Keep in mind that once information is given, it can never ADVERTISEMENT

be taken back, so it’s important to make certain that telling does benefit you. Whatever your decision, know your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or ADA and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) as well as your local human rights laws. Familiarize yourself with your company’s time and leave policies as well as short- or long-term disability plan requirements. There are several key issues to consider – who at work needs to know, when does your employer need to know, why would you employer need to know, and what do they need to know? Disclosing to your employer is something that might need to be revisited throughout your career, whether with the same employer or a new one. Planning ahead and educating yourself is essential and can help protect you should you decide to disclose. The only legal reason you would need to disclose is if you are requesting an accommodation in order to do the essential functions of your job. The ADA is the primary law that deals with disclosure and says that in order to request accommodations, a person must disclose. The accommodation can be requested during the interview process or over the course of your employment. Some of the practical or emotional reasons for disclosure include reducing stress, being able to more freely examine insurance and benefits, and simply making you feel more comfortable in case there is a change in your symptoms in the future. It is also important to be proactive and not delay until you have a poor performance evaluation. Once it has gotten to that point, it may be too late.

NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867 Be sure to consider both the legal and practical sides of disclosure, the advantages and disadvantages of disclosure, and explore the components of a disclosure script. Some general suggestions include: • Keep it brief, concise, and nearly devoid of technical medical terms, and end with how you manage your symptoms so you are able to get your job done. • Show how the disability is just one aspect of your life. • Assume the employer either knows nothing about your disability or perhaps has misconceptions. A large part of disclosing is educating your employer. • Write your disclosure script and practice it on friends and family.

email address: EmploymentQuestions@nmss. org and an Employment Specialist will respond within 48 hours. Whatever you decide, don’t do it alone. Being informed and planning ahead will put you in the best position for a successful disclosure. Remember that no two situations are the same and you want to be the one in control. n ADVERTISEMENT

There are several resources available to help you navigate this important decision. These resources include the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), a free service of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy and can be reached at www.askjan.org or by calling 800-526-7234. The National MS Society also offers various publications covering disclosure and other employment issues, as well as a disclosure tool. This information can be found online at: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/ResourcesSupport/Employment. If you would like to discuss your decision with someone at the National MS Society, find out about local employment resources, or be referred to an employment law attorney call 1-800-344-4867 to speak with an MS Navigator. Or feel free to pose your questions directly to this

National MS Society’s United Way workplace giving designation code for Allegheny County only is: 898

MS CONNECTION: FALL 2016

WAYS TO GIVE

LIVING WITH MS

BY SYDONNIE MCMILLIAN

BY KELLEN PROUSE

DEAR SCHOLARSHIP DONOR

WHAT FATIGUE MEANS TO ME

It is with eyes full of tears and a heart full of gratitude that I write this letter. I am a 35-year-old mom of two children, Jason and Jocelyn. When they were born, I was working while pursuing a degree in business administration. However, when my youngest was about six months old, I was taking her for a walk when my legs began to feel heavy and I fell. I began a two-year journey of testing and seeing specialists, with no answers until I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2012. I knew my children were growing up. They were so full of life and I felt like my life was being sucked from me one nerve cell at a time. I continued with school, but I could not work anymore. Then, even with Social Security Disability Insurance, I could no longer afford school. My financial aid and loans had run out and, as I wasn’t working, my credit was not good enough to secure a private loan. My school could only offer a payment plan. I convinced myself that I didn’t need a degree because my life was now going to be centered around MS. But I knew in my heart that I wanted that degree, and that I wanted to start a business from home that might possibly be a charity for people with disabilities due to autoimmune

NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867

SYDONNIE WITH JASON (L), NOW 6, AND JOCELYN (R), NOW 4. disease. So when I opened the letter yesterday saying I had been awarded a scholarship from the National MS Society, I nearly fell to the floor (and not because of a relapse!). If paper could talk, you would hear my screams of happiness. I want to share with my children that there are still amazing people in this world and that their mom just encountered some of that greatness. I have such joy and hope in my heart right now because getting my degree was something I didn’t think was possible and now, because of you, it is possible. With the biggest heart, I thank you. Sydonnie McMillian lives in Jersey City, New Jersey. n For information on how you can support Society Scholars like Sydonnie, visit nationalMSsociety.org/scholarship or call 1-800-344-4867.

Most folks have a pretty good idea of what the word “fatigue” means. But for me, using that word to describe the kind of exhaustion I experience doesn’t seem specific or accurate enough. When that tired sets in, I can’t just wait it out. It’s not like being worn out from a workout, where you can recover with a few hours of rest. The tiredness never comes on during bedtime; oh no, that would be way too easy. Instead, it comes on when I’m driving or trying to enjoy my son’s soccer game. I often think I can power through it. But if I don’t make it to the couch, you will see me slumped forward and most likely drooling in my lap. This can happen just about any time, anywhere. I have even fallen asleep mid-conversation. If we go for a walk, I will be wiped out for a day, maybe two. Even showering is tiring. But the harder part to explain is how emotional stress can knock me down just as much. Being nervous, upset, or stoked about something can really take it out of me. So, between the physical act of doing something, and the emotional stress of just about anything, I am pretty much always tired. That isn’t even counting the days where just sitting, doing absolutely nothing, kicks my butt.

MS-RELATED FATIGUE CAN BE HARD TO DESCRIBE PHOTO CREDIT: MEGHANN PROUSE Even though sleeping doesn’t necessarily make the tiredness go away, it’s something I do a lot of. That is one benefit to being on disability; there aren’t many, but I will take this one. The doc also advised me to get brain rest (much like meditation). Basically, I need to find a quiet place away from the computer and phone, and just be. I think that’s good advice for anyone though. I don’t speak for all people with MS when it comes to fatigue (since we all have different triggers), but our fatigue is very real, very hard to explain and very frustrating. I only fell asleep four times while writing this ... not too bad. n Originally published at MSconnection.org

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. Lexi, diagnosed 2009

Every Connection Counts at MSconnection.org

MS CONNECTION: FALL 2016

NETWORK WITH NATIONAL EMPLOYERS The National MS Society and the DirectEmployers Association are hosting an invitation-only online career fair on October 20 at 12 p.m. ET.

NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867

PHYSICIAN’S OUTREACH AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY

During the free fair, people with MS can live-chat with recruiters looking to hire individuals who bring diversity of all kinds—including disability—to their workforces. Register now (create a profile) or browse job postings in your area at

nationalMSsociety.jobs

ERIC ERIC DIAGNOSED 2004 DIAGNOSEDININ 2004

LAUREN SHRYNE

Learn more at nationalMSsociety.org/employment

CONNECTIONS GROUP

TRIBUTES AND MEMORIALS

The PA Keystone Chapter currently has 32 Connections groups throughout our Chapter area. Visit our the Chapter website at MSPAKeystone.org and click on the link “groups and discussions” for a group listing by county and explore the many different support groups that are available to you and your family. If you cannot attend an in-person support group, we offer support by telephone and online. Please contact our Chapter office for more information.

If you want to honor someone living with MS or memorialize a loved one who passed away, please consider naming the Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter of the National MS Society as the charity of your choice for donations. All contributions help to support local programs and services and fund MS-related research efforts. All tributes and memorial gifts are appreciated.

Perhaps you are interested in starting a support/self-help group in your area? For more information about how YOU can become a Connections leader, contact Kimilie at 1 800-344-4867, option 2 and email her at kimilie.pugh@nmss.org.

Heather Mayer, MS, PT PT / Neurological Specialist

The Village at Pittsburgh Mills 724-274-4333 1020 Village Center Drive, Suite N2D 724-274-4303 Tarentum, PA 15084 pghmills@westarmtherapy.com

SUSAN DIAGNOSED IN 1988

WILLIAM (LEFT) DIAGNOSED IN 2002

BROOKE DIAGNOSED IN 2009

Wednesday, October 26, 2016 6:30 PM Meet and Greet 7:00 PM Dinner and Lecture Alfred’s Victorian Restaurant 38 North Union St., Middletown PA 717-944-4929 PA Keystone Chapter is pleased to invite you to hear Troy Desai, MD from Allegheny Neurological Associates discuss A Case Based Management Approach to the Clinical Management of Relapsing MS Please RSVP to Robin Unangst at robin.unangst@nmss.org or call 717-509-6301 ext 62202 no later than October 19, 2016 Our thanks to Biogen for sponsoring this program.

12 RESEARCH

UNDERSTANDING WELLNESS BY NICHOLAS LAROCCA, PHD

A big part of my excitement at the annual meeting of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis, or ECTRIMS, in October 2015 was seeing so many researchers from around the world working hard to find the best solutions for people affected by MS. I found this to be especially true in the growing area of lifestyle and wellness research — exploring diet, exercise, physical activity and other approaches — all of which people can manage themselves to improve how they feel and possibly how their MS evolves. NUTRITION AND DIET The idea of intermittent fasting as a way to fight inflammation is being explored by MS researchers. But anyone who’s tried it knows how challenging it can be to stick with it. That’s why I was intrigued by a small trial involving 48 people with relapsing-remitting MS done by Dr. Markus Bock and colleagues (Universitätsmedizin Berlin). The investigators studied various diets that may affect “ketone bodies” — molecules in the liver that may protect the brain and spinal cord. Compared to participants who followed their usual diets, participants who followed either a “ketogenic diet” (a high-fat, adequate-protein,

MS CONNECTION: FALL 2016

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low-carbohydrate diet) or a prolonged-fasting diet (an initial seven-day fast followed by a Mediterranean diet) reported improved quality of life. These results are encouraging; hopefully we will see results in larger numbers of participants in the future. Another interesting study reported by Dr. Aiden Haghikia (Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany) and colleagues had previously found in mice that gut bacteria giving off short-chain (versus medium- or long-chain) fatty acids could protect against the development of MS-like attacks. To translate these results to human beings, the team administered daily capsules of “proprionate,” which contains short-chain fatty acids, to 18 healthy volunteers. They found no side effects, but more importantly, cells that activate immune attacks in MS were suppressed, while other cells, call Tregs, that turn off attacks, increased by 2530 percent. This early report shows the potential of a nutritional supplement that could be tested for its benefits in people with MS. EXERCISE AND INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY We are seeing more studies on the benefits of exercise and physical activity in people with MS. As research advances, we’ll share it so people with MS will have the information they need to

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WELLNESS IS OF GROWING INTEREST TO MS RESEARCHERS. choose what’s right for them. Researchers are looking at how exercise may lead to changes in brain function. Dr. Francesca Tona (Sapienza University, Rome) and colleagues looked first at whether 26 people with MS with balance problems would benefit from home-based training using videogames and the Wii balance board five times a week for 30minute sessions over 12 weeks. Many experienced improvements in their balance after the program. Next, the researchers explored how “functional connectivity” — the connections between different areas of the brain measured using neuroimaging — changed after the 12 weeks. They found increased connectivity in several areas of the brain including the cerebellum, which controls bodily movement. This is particularly exciting because participants didn’t have to go to a gym or healthcare facility; instead, they could access the technology and complete the sessions at home. This study also provided evidence for “neuroplasticity,” the idea that the brain is capable of changing in ways that may improve people’s day-to-day function. Meanwhile, a team from Denmark and Belgium led by Dr. Ulrik Halgas (Aarhus University)

13 noted that people with MS tend to lose muscle mass and that they have fewer “myogenic stem cells” — cells in the body that help rebuild muscle. The team reported that after a 12-week, high-intensity training program (involving exercise machines for strengthening upper and lower body muscles), the number of myogenic stem cells more than doubled in people with MS. This kind of exercise program may not be for everyone, but it’s encouraging to know that such regrowth is possible. IMPROVING COGNITIVE FUNCTION Finally, I am encouraged to see more studies that show how cognitive rehabilitation can improve learning and memory in people with MS. After all, cognition is an important part of what makes us feel well. A team from Italy and the United Kingdom, led by Dr. Micaela Mitolo, tested an intensive program designed to target multiple areas of the brain and thus multiple cognitive problems. Among the 15 people who underwent one-hour rehab sessions for five days a week for four weeks, cognitive function improved, even in areas not specifically involved in the training. Brain imaging also showed that compared to the participants who did not undergo the program, those who did experienced increased functional connectivity. To learn more, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/ research. n Nicholas LaRocca, PhD, is vice president of Health Care Delivery and Policy Research at the National MS Society. Originally published on: MSconnection.org/ blog.

14 ADVOCACY

VOTING WITH MS BY LAUREN SHRYNE

I have voted in every national election, and most state and local elections, since I turned 18. I’ve stood in lines outside of schools, courthouses, firehouses and retirement homes, eager to register my stance on candidates and issues that were important to me. I believe that voting is the most important way that we participate in the democratic system, and my belief in its importance has only gotten stronger since I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014. The many hurdles, both practical and emotional, that a person with a disability might face when trying to exercise their right to vote only became apparent as I faced them myself: losing the ability to walk to school, as after half a mile I found myself tripping and dizzy; becoming unable to summon the strength in my right hand to sign a receipt for my coffee; failing to recognize friends passing on the sidewalk as my vision blurred; missing meetings and blanking on names as my memory became unreliable. And I was very, very tired. At the height of an MS flare, when performing basic, necessary tasks requires momentous effort, voting might cede to more immediate concerns. But government can help by ensuring that polling places are accessible, by providing and maintaining accessible voting equipment, and by making sure that anyone who seeks

MS CONNECTION: FALL 2016 information on how to vote can easily find it. That’s where the U.S. Elections Assistance Commission (eac. gov) comes in as the primary resource for information regarding voting in the United States, including specific resources for voters with disabilities. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a meeting and training for a nationwide campaign to get out the disability vote - thereby harnessing our community’s power to influence decisions of particular importance to us, like social security, Medicare, healthcare, affordable housing, accessible transportation, employment and funding for MS research. In that first meeting, we discussed the potential power of the disability vote and the challenges that we face in exercising that power. But it all starts with a simple first step: registering to vote. Though facing an incurable and unpredictable

DID YOU KNOW? National MS Society programs are available to anyone affected by MS. To learn about programs available to you, visit MSPAKeystone.org and select “Resources & Support”

NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867 disease like MS is difficult, learning to advocate for myself and for others with MS has been profoundly empowering. Volunteering as an MS activist has encouraged me to educate my legislators about MS and urge them to support measures that make a real difference in the lives of people with MS. Now, by participating in a voting campaign, I help others in our oft-overlooked community to feel empowered to register their opinions and, hopefully, influence the political conversation. First, though, we have to show up. Register to vote! Go to nationalMSsociety.org/voterinfo to learn how. Lauren Shryne’s involvement with the National MS Society focuses primarily on volunteering Our voices are important It’s important that people with disabilities exercise their right to vote as fully as the general population. Currently, more than 1 out of 7 eligible voters have a disability; yet, the turnout rate of people with disabilities is nearly 6 percent lower than other Americans who are eligible to vote. At nationalMSsociety.org/voterinfo, learn your voting rights, including your protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act; how to register, including online; and how to ensure that your polling place is accessible to you. Remember that currently in 30 states citizens must comply with voter identification laws when voting in person — find out ahead of time what’s required in your state.

with the Government Relations Committee near where she lives in Somerville, Massachusetts, through which she connects with her elected representatives to support legislative initiatives that are important to people with MS. She is a lawyer, and voting really is one of her favorite things. n Get close to voting One way to join in the action is to be where the action is. Which is why Karen Kostelac, diagnosed with MS two years after casting her first vote, decided to go “all in,” working at polling locations, sometimes for more than 14 hours at a time. “I’ve helped people with everything from vision impairments to gait problems,” she says. She recommends that people living with MS take advantage of early voting accommodations. “The opportunity to vote early gets people in the door so they can take the time they need without being fatigued by long lines.” And don’t forget that activism doesn’t stop with voting — or an election. “Don’t forget to keep in touch with your elected officials,” says Kostelac. “Let them know that you are out there, you are following them, and that you’re an MS activist!” Visit nationalMSsociety.org/MSactivist to get involved. Knowledge Is Power is a six-week, free, at-home educational program for people who are newly diagnosed. To register call 1 800-344-4867, or visit nationalMSsociety.org/knowledge.

MS CONNECTION: FALL 2016

CYCLISTS ACCEPTED THE CHALLENGE

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OFF MY WAVE.

THE 2016 BIKE MS SERIES We are happy to report on the 2016 Bike MS Series, including Bike MS: Escape to the Lake presented by FedEx Ground, the Keystone Country Ride, Mason-Dixon Challenge presented by CapitalBlue Cross and the Cook Forest River Ride presented by Seneca Resources. The great success of all four of our Bike MS rides enables us to create awareness and raise critical funds that move us closer to a world free of MS. With nearly 1,800 cyclists, the 2016 Bike MS series raised more than $1.5 million! We are forever thankful to all the people who played a part in making the 2016 Bike MS season a success. From cyclists and volunteers, to sponsors and supporters, we are proud to call these people a part of our Bike MS family.

BIKEMS.ORG

O ce a n B e a c h na t i ve a n d l o c a l s u r f l e g e n d S te v e B e t t i s w a s d ia g n o s e d w i t h M S i n 2 0 0 6 . A l t h o u g h s u r f i n g i s s t ill ce n t r a l to h i s l i f e , h e h a s n’ t b e e n a b l e to g e t o u t o n t h e w a te r i n 10 y e a r s . F o r a m a n w h o s e da il y r o u t i n e a l w ay s i n c l u d e d a f e w w ave s , m o r e t h a n a d e c a d e o u t o f t h e s u r f i s j u s t to o l o n g . T h i s i s w hy t h e N a t i o n a l M S S o c i e t y te a m e d u p w i t h h i s b u d d y Ro b e r t “ W i n g n u t ” We ave r a n d u s e d v i r t ua l r e a l i t y to g e t S te ve b a c k o n h i s w ave . S e e t h e i r e x p e r i e n ce a n d f i n d o u t h o w y o u c a n s h a r e y o u r s a t W e A r e S t r o n g e rT h a n M S . o r g .

Together We Are Stronger

18 UPCOMING EVENTS:

2017 DICK’S SPORTING GOODS PITTSBURGH MARATHON REGISTRATION IS OFFICIALLY OPEN! Join us and Run for a Reason!

MS CONNECTION: FALL 2016

NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867

of ways participate and celebrate our shared Finish MS Team success. • The Saturday 5k is perfect for anyone just breaking into the running scene • Recruit some friends and family to form a relay team and split the miles! • Looking for a family fun event everyone can enjoy? Check out the Kids (1 mile) Marathon on Saturday! • Don’t run at all? Volunteer! Want to be a part of the Marathon excitement, but not quite ready to run with us?! Volunteer! We need 15 Volunteers to join our Finish MS Team to support the Expo Race Number Pick Up on Saturday, April 30th.

Do something good for yourself and for your community by joining our Finish MS Team as a Registration Deadline... Marathon registration runner or volunteer during Marathon ends March 31st! So what are you waiting for?! Weekend!

As a member of the 2017 Finish MS Team, Join our Finish MS team, commit to help raise we are committed to helping you reach your critical funds for those living with MS and enjoy mental, physical, and fundraising goals. We FREE registration for the 2017 Dick’s Sporting will provide you with all of the tools you need, Goods Pittsburgh Marathon on Sunday, May while our seasoned fundraising coach, Susan, 1st. Whether you are looking to run in the full is right alongside you to support you along marathon, half marathon, 5k or as part of a the way. If you have questions, do not hesitate relay team we want YOU to Run for a Reason! to call at 1 800-344-4867 and ask for Susan or email her directly at susan.cook@nmss.org! n Not Ready to run the whole (or half) marathon?! Join us for a running event without https://www.crowdrise. all the miles! We understand taking on the com/nationalmschallenge of a full or half marathon could be pachapterpitt2017 daunting to some—but that doesn’t mean you can’t join our Finish MS Team! There are plenty

KAREN (LEFT) DIAGNOSED IN 2007

Making a Difference Has Never Been Easier Participating in your employer’s charitable giving campaign is an easy way to have impact. Simply designate the amount you’d like to contribute, and your gift will be automatically deducted from your paycheck and donated. Remember to look for the National MS Society under Community Health Charities, or select CFC# 11409 in the Combined Federal Campaign.

To give, select CFC# 11409.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Pittsburgh, PA Permit # 3047

1501 Reedsdale St., Ste 105 Pittsburgh, PA 15233 1 800-344-4867

The official registration and financial information of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter, may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling, toll free within Pennsylvania, 1 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

ED IN 2015; LYNNE

OS HAYLEY (L), DIAGN

(R), DIAGNOSED IN

2008

Walk MS helps us team up with friends, loved ones and co-workers to raise funds that drive groundbreaking MS research, provide life-changing services and guarantee a supportive community for those who need it most. Together, we will end MS forever.

REGISTRATION OPENING SOON | WALKMS.ORG