MS Connection, summer 2010

MINNESOTA CHAPTER

MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS | SUMMER 2010

Run for MS in 2010 — marathon or mud In 2010, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter is launching two new events to raise funds to help create a world free of MS. One involves large amounts of dirt and grime while the other, just a lot of sweat. But for both events, two things stay the same — each calls for a lot of running and a whole lot more heart. continued on Page 14

Participants at an MS Mud Run held in Jacksonville, Fla.

Minnesota Chapter names new president Holly Anderson, a seven-year veteran of the MS movement, has been named president of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter. Most recently the executive vice president of the Minnesota Chapter, Anderson has worked tirelessly on behalf of and with people with MS in Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

Anderson replaces Maureen Reeder, who joined the chapter in 1998 and served as president for

12 years until her recent promotion to regional executive vice president for 11 states in the Midwest.

“The Minnesota Chapter Board of Trustees is thrilled to welcome Holly Anderson as president of the Minnesota Chapter,” said Karen Larson, chair of the board of trustees. “Her passion for people with MS and her desire to find a world free of MS will serve this chapter well.” continued on Page 6

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

News Page 5

Advocacy Page 9

Giving Page 10

Research Page 12

612-335-7900 / 800-582-5296

Can you help us?

Publication of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

If you are able to make an in-kind donation to the Minnesota Chapter, contact Teri at 612-335-7925 or tcannon@MSsociety.org.

To see the full in-kind list, visit MSsociety.org and click “Donate.”

Minnesota Chapter

Chair • Karen Larson Chapter President • Holly Anderson Newsletter Editor • Emily Wilson E-mail • editor@MSsociety.org 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, 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 National Multiple Sclerosis Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. © 2010 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

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Programs supplies n phone cards

n staple guns and

n scrapbooking

n sunscreen

Event supplies n 10-by-10 E-Z UP Express canopies

n flip video camcorder

n Cowbells and

n Olympus xD-Picture

n duct tape

n personal paper

supplies

pom-poms

n gift cards

($20 or more)

n individually wrapped

snacks (300-3,500)

n paper cups

(eight-ounce, 2,500)

n paper towels n permanent markers

staples (T50 or JT22) (SPF 15 or higher)

n ground coffee

(regular and decaf) Card (2 GB) shredders

n printing 10-key

calculators

n three-ring tab

dividers

n trash bags

(16 or 55 gallon)

n sticky notes

(black, king-size)

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.

The National MS Society’s medical advisors recommend that people with MS talk with their health care professionals about using these medications and about effective strategies and treatments to manage symptoms. If you or someone you know has MS, please contact the society at nationalMSsociety.org or 800-582-5296 to learn more.

NOTE FROM THE BOARD

Join me for an unforgettable ride “I am committed to doing my part in the MS movement, but I also know no one can do it alone. That’s why I am passionate about rallying others to join me in supporting this great cause.”

Since joining the National Mike Schrock Multiple Sclerosis Society, Board Vice Chair Minnesota Chapter’s Board of Trustees in 2004, I’ve met so many people whose lives have been touched by MS. Each of their stories have compelled me to do everything I can to help us move closer to a cure — even if it means 150 miles on a bike, headwinds and all.

I first participated in the MS 150 Ride in 2005, and let me tell you, this was one amazing experience. I have to admit, I was a little nervous about tackling that first ride with so little training. Once we got started though, it felt great to be pedaling alongside so many committed people, and the camaraderie made the miles go by quickly. As we neared the finish line, I was amazed by the cheering volunteers and thrilled to see how much the ride meant to all of those who are in some way affected

by MS. At that moment, I knew this was something I’d be a part of for years to come.

Five years later, the MS 150 is still one of the highlights of my summer. Every year, I look forward to taking on that two-day, 150-mile

challenge and seeing thousands of people come together to work toward a common goal — a world free of MS. I am committed to doing my part in the MS movement, but I also know no one can do it alone. That’s why I am passionate about rallying others to join me in supporting this great cause.

This year, I’m assembling a team with the company I work for, Pentair Inc., to ride on the MS 150. So far, team Pentair is 13 members strong with nearly $5,000 raised in donations.

I can’t wait to see the looks of satisfaction and accomplishment on my teammates’ faces after they cross the finish line. I am certain they’ll truly understand what brings all of us back year after year.

I hope you’ll join me, team Pentair and many others for Bike MS 2010. Whether you ride, volunteer or donate to a cyclist, my promise to you — it will be an experience you won’t forget.

Get involved Learn more at bikeMSminnesota.org.

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NEWS BRIEFS

What’s on MS Connection Online right now?

When you see this

icon, it means there’s expanded coverage online. Follow the instructions at the end of the article to find the extra coverage, or just browse the news section of our Web site.

Visit www.MSsociety.org and click on “MS Connection News” on the left-hand side.

From there, sort by topic or date.

n In MS, relationship matters

MS doesn’t make relationships easier, but it can make them matter even more.

Learn about the Relationship Matters program in the Living Well with MS section of MS Connection Online.

n Monitor our progress this events season

Curious to know how events like Walk MS and Bike MS are doing this event season?

Visit the events section of MS Connection Online to get the latest details.

MS Awareness Week in numbers

Elizabeth Carlson and Randy Ruden struck a pose at the all-orange photo shoot at the Mall of America.

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During MS Awareness Week March 8 to 14, people across the Minnesota Chapter area took action to spread the word about multiple sclerosis.

Throughout the week, nearly 140 activists contacted their legislators and more than 20 attended a Senate hearing on the chapter’s

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prescription co-pay bill; nearly 50 people attended a happy hour event for people touched by MS in their 20s and 30s; more than 150 people attended an all-orange photo shoot at the Mall of America; the chapter received 200 new Facebook fans; more than 20 MS ambassadors spoke to groups in their communities about MS; nearly 800 people watched the chapter’s MS Awareness Week viral video on YouTube; more than 20 feature stories about people affected by MS ran in newspapers statewide; and 10 Twin Cities news anchors wore orange on air to kick off the week.

On top of that, countless volunteers supported the MS movement by wearing orange, updating their Facebook status, promoting Walk MS and Bike MS events and much more.

NEWS BRIEFS

Chapter wins Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award Minnesota Chapter President Holly Anderson (right) accepts the Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award.

This April, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter was presented with a 2010 Psychologically Healthy

Workplace Award for its commitment to communicating with employees and employee involvement. The annual award is given by the Psychologically Healthy Workplace Program — a collaborative effort between the American Psychological Association and the APA Practice Organization — and is designed to educate the employer community about the link between employee health and well-being and organizational performance. The chapter was one of two organizations to win the award in Minnesota.

Tune in to “MS from A to Z” online MS from A to Z features MS experts speaking on researchchannel.org. Episodes can be watched online at any time or downloaded as an MP3 file. a range of topics such as alternative medicine, cognitive issues, depression, employment, new Tune in at researchchannel.org directions in research, pain, vitamins and more. (search for “MS from A to Z”).

The online series — produced by the University of Washington — provides monthly episodes at

MS Activists make MS a priority on Capitol Hill

MS activists met with Senator Al Franken at the 2010 Public Policy Conference.

At the 2010 MS Public Policy Conference this past March, MS activists from Minnesota joined others from across the country to push forward major initiatives to support people living with the disease and their families.

Conference attendees sought co-sponsors for the National MS and Parkinson’s Disease Registries Act, which could provide invaluable information on the incidence and prevalence of the disease, and urged legislators to commit a much-needed $94.81 million to respite care for families and caregivers. MS activists also advocated for a $15 million appropriation to the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs for MS research.

Learn more about federal issues at nationalMSsociety.org/advocacy.

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NEWS

Minnesota Chapter names new president continued from Page 1

Holly Anderson

Anderson said the opportunity to lead the Minnesota Chapter — one of the society’s largest chapters, which has a history of excellence in service and program delivery for people living with MS — was a dream come true.

“I have met thousands of people who want to see a world free of MS in their lifetimes,” said Anderson. “As chapter president, I am committed to working hand in hand with people with MS, their friends and family, our strong leadership volunteers and the community at large to ensure we meet the needs of every person who lives with multiple sclerosis as we move forward toward that ultimate goal.”

Anderson has been working in the nonprofit arena for more than a dozen years. She began her nonprofit career in Washington, D.C., working for the National Consumers

League and later the National Mental Health Association where she served in leadership roles in communications and public affairs.

She managed communications and public awareness campaigns on important health issues such as drug labeling, food safety and mental health parity.

In 2002, Anderson moved to Minnesota and began her career at the MS Society as vice president of marketing and communications.

In her tenure in this position, the chapter won seven national communications awards, increased revenue by more than $1 million and doubled participation in key programs.

As executive vice president, Anderson oversaw the chapter’s annual planning and budgeting and successfully worked to maintain program and service levels for people with MS through the economic storm of 2009.

Meet Holly To share your ideas, questions or concerns with Holly, e-mail her at Holly@MSsociety.org. You can also follow Holly on Twitter at Twitter.com/HollyMSsociety.

New Challenge Walk MS finish line in 2010 Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities, Sept. 24 to 26, showcases a new finish line in 2010.

Participants in the three-day, 50-mile walk take the final steps of their journey through Minneapolis’ historic northeast neighborhood with a grand finish at Boom Island, located along the Mississippi River.

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Anyone interested in learning more about Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities is encouraged to attend an Explore the Challenge meeting, which will be held through June. Attendees receive a free MS wristband. Can’t make it?

Contact Cortney at 612-335-7971 or cdahl@MSsociety.org to set up a one-on-one appointment.

LIVING well WITH MS

When the diagnosis is primary progressive A new resource is available Beat the heat this summer for people living with primary progressive Summer is here, which means multiple sclerosis. In the temperatures are on the rise. book “Primary Progressive Heat can aggravate many MS Multiple Sclerosis: What symptoms including fatigue, You Need to Know,” weakness and vision problems. experts address symptom Here are some common management, treatment options, rehabilitation, minimizers: technology, quality-of-life issues, care partner n Drink plenty of fluids — cool water is resources and more. best — and avoid caffeine as this acts as The book, sponsored by the National MS Society a diuretic. and the Multiple Sclerosis Association of n Use fans, air conditioning or even handAmerica, comes with a DVD featuring people held spray bottles. Air-conditioners can living with primary-progressive MS, including be tax-deductible with a document Minnesota Chapter volunteers Tom Holtackers from your physician. Plus, the Minnesota and David Chaikin.

Chapter’s Independent Living Grant can help cover the cost.

The book and DVD were developed with recommendations from a society task force n Exercise in a cool environment, and if you on the needs of people affected by this type are exercising outside, pick the cooler times of MS. Publication and free copies to people of the day, usually early morning or evening. with primary-progressive MS have been n Wear commercial cooling garments such made possible by an educational grant from as vests, headbands and neckbands, or Genentech. a simple damp towel can help, too. The To get your free copy, call 800-344-4867. chapter can also help cover the cost of cooling garments.

For more facts and strategies, n A cool bath or shower can help reduce visit nationalMSsociety.org/ppmsweb. core body temperature following activity or exposure to a hot environment.

Healthy living tip Aside from stress that arises in daily life for everyone, MS can be a whole other source of stress, which affects your emotional and physical well-being.

Visit tinyurl.com/MS-and-heat to get more tips on beating the heat.

Learn tips for managing stress at tinyurl.com/MS-stress.

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volunteers

Volunteers needed for first-ever Mud Run Plenty of day-of volunteer opportunities are available as well including helping at water stations and the finish line, handing out timing chips and monitoring obstacles along the route.

Certified lifeguards are also needed to ensure safety at obstacles involving pools of water.

A participant crawls through an obstacle at a Mud Run event in Fort Worth, Texas.

The inception of Mud Run Twin Cities (see cover story) means a variety of new and exciting volunteer opportunities are available for anyone interested in getting involved. The muddy, boot-camp style run is set for Saturday, Sept. 11, at Trollhaugen Resort in Dresser, Wis., and will require a lot of helping hands in order to run smoothly.

Participants in Mud Run Twin Cities trudge their way through various obstacles along a 10-kilometer course made almost entirely of mud. The National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter is seeking volunteers to help build the course over a three-week period prior to the event. Groups of 15 to 20 volunteers are needed each day to assist with this labor-intensive job.

Anyone interested in volunteering for course construction must be available for both daytime and evening hours.

The chapter also needs volunteers to help at the packet pick-up for runners the day before the event, Friday, Sept. 10.

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If you are interested in volunteering at this brand new, exciting event, contact Will Ziegenhagen at 612-335-7992 or wziegenhagen@MSsociety.org.

Volunteer opportunities Bike MS: C.H. Robinson Worldwide MS 150 Ride, June 11–13 Two-day ride from Proctor to the Twin Cities with an overnight in Hinckley

Bike MS: Star Tribune TRAM Ride, July 25–30 Five-day ride beginning and ending in Alexandria with overnights in Little Falls, Pequot Lakes, Wadena and Fergus Falls

Majestic Shores Resort, (formerly MS Camp) Aug. 21–26 Vacation for people living with MS at Camp Courage in Maple Lake

MS Youth Camp, Aug. 23–28 Camp for youth with a close connection to MS at Camp Friendship in Annandale Check out the latest volunteer opportunities at MSsociety.org. Click on “Volunteer” on the left-hand side.

ADVOCACY

Pop quiz: What kind of activist are you?

Have you ever taken a personality quiz? Find out what kind of activist you are!

Select the choice that best describes how you would respond to each scenario.

1. You’re at the county fair and see your state representative talking to attendees. a. Keep walking. They probably don’t have time. b. Shake the representative’s hand and share your elevator speech c. Share your story, follow up with an e-mail invitation to a local group meeting and contact the MS Society to share your exciting encounter.

2. You receive an e-mail or Facebook post from the MS Society asking you to contact congress about an MS-related issue. a. There are enough people responding. My response won’t matter. b. Respond right away, and forward it to five friends. c. Respond and forward it to someone who personally knows the congress member and can put in a good word.

3. The MS Society is holding a rally at the Capitol. a. Mark your calendar, but probably won’t go. b. Plan to attend and bring a couple friends. c. Mark your calendar, and ask your legislators to meet you there.

4. You’ve seen several letters to the editor in the paper about issues affecting people with disabilities. a. Keep an eye on the paper for a few weeks, and see how it works out. b. Write your own letter to tell your story. c. Contact the society and your legislators to see if we can make change.

How did you do?

Mostly As — You are hesitant, but know when opportunities exist. No worries, we have lots of easy ways to get involved.

Mostly Bs — You are a true grassroots activist and recognize the power of getting others involved. Consider becoming an activist leader in your district!

Mostly Cs — Not only are you a stellar grassroots activist, you also know how to engage “movers and shakers.” The MS Society needs your help with our new Grasstops Activist program. Get details by contacting Jenna at 612-335-7981 or jwashnieski@MSsociety.org.

Visit MSsociety.org and click on “Take Action” to find easy ways to take action if you’re an A, B or C. TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867

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giving

Annual luncheon features violin virtuoso, Julliard grad About On the Move

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter’s 2010 On the Move Luncheon features keynote speaker Jourdan Urbach — a violin virtuoso and Julliard graduate.

Jourdan Urbach

Currently a freshman at Yale University, Urbach was selected as the youngest neuroscience researcher at Harvard University Medical School’s immunogenetics laboratory, under the direction of Dr. David Hafler of the International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium. He is also founder and director of Children Helping Children, a musical charity organization that raises funds through Concerts for a Cure for cutting-edge neurological research, pediatric hospital divisions and international medical organizations targeting the eradication of neurological disease.

Urbach’s most recent endeavor is as president and founder of the International Coalition of College Philanthropists, whose goal is to celebrate and encourage humanitarian leadership among college students by creating an elite Honor Society for Philanthropy.

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David Chaikin

On the Move Luncheon is an inspiring, motivational and empowering event that brings people together to raise funds to end MS. This year’s luncheon features special guest David Chaikin, Minnesota Chapter volunteer.

Gifts made the day of the luncheon will support the Minnesota Chapter Scholarship Program, which helps students touched by MS pursue post-secondary education. Additional gifts made the day of the luncheon will be generously matched by Christopher & Banks, up to $25,000.

To reserve your seat or inquire about hosting a table, visit nationalmssociety.org/OTM or contact Rachel Hughes at 612-335-7965 or rhughes@MSsociety.org.

Thursday, Aug. 19 The Depot, Minneapolis, 225 Third Ave. S. 10 – 11:30 a.m. check-in, networking and silent auction 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. luncheon, presentation and live auction

CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT

Medtronic steps up as Walk MS sponsor Medtronic is a Minnesota-based company committed to innovating for life by pushing the boundaries of medical technology and changing the way the world treats chronic disease. As part of Medtronic’s efforts to help people with severe spasticity associated with

multiple sclerosis, the company signed on as a silver-level sponsor of Walk MS: Christopher & Banks Walk presented by Walser 2010, which was held May 2 in 18 sites throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

To learn more about the work Medtronic is doing to help people with spasticity, visit www.spasticity.com.

Bike MS cyclists engage their companies as sponsors time,” Brewer said. Because the company has a love for both cycling and camping, Hoigaard’s became the newest bike shop and official camping sponsor of all three Bike MS events.

“Spokes of Hope” Team Hoigaard’s For several years, Hoigaard’s sponsored the Bike MS: C.H. Robinson Worldwide MS 150 Ride team Spokes of Hope by providing jerseys and support to team members. But when the company president joined the team, Hoigaard’s commitment grew. Todd Brewer joined hundreds of other cyclists as a first-time MS 150 rider in 2009. It didn’t take long for him to realize his company should be an official sponsor. “We knew that we had to get more involved; all of our employees who rode had such a great

Dan Haag, vice president of human resources at Mortenson Construction, also rode his first Bike MS event in 2009. He joined Team Mortenson to support the company’s new wellness initiative. One of Mortenson’s company values is stewardship and riding Bike MS meets their objectives of encouraging volunteerism, supporting the community and supporting causes that employees are passionate about. To take the company’s support even further, Mortenson Construction expanded its team across the country and signed on as an official Bike MS sponsor.

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research

FDA approves Botox® for treating spasticity A new use for Botox was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, providing an additional treatment option for people with MS or other disorders who may experience spasticity in muscles of the elbow, wrist and fingers. Spasticity is an often painful muscle tightness that makes movements difficult. ®

Two new studies link EBV to MS risk Two new studies add to a growing body of evidence that shows a possible role for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the development of MS. The cause of MS is unknown but is thought to occur when susceptible individuals encounter a trigger in their environment.

Several previous studies suggest a possible link between EBV and MS, but other infectious agents have also been linked to MS, leading some researchers to suggest that the way the immune system responds to infections, rather than the infectious agent itself, may lead to the onset of MS. Learn more about possible MS triggers at tinyurl.com/MS-triggers.

FDA grants priority review for oral drug Gilenia® The FDA has granted priority review for Novartis International AG’s oral therapy Gilenia®, formerly known as fingolimod. A priority review is given to drugs that offer major advances in treatment.

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Australian study questions early disease events in MS Investigators at the University of Sydney have published a study suggesting that the earliest activity seen in the brain in MS is the destruction of cells that make myelin, occurring before the onset of immune activity usually blamed for triggering the disease. This provocative study, co-funded by many sources including the National MS Society, opens up new possibilities for finding the cause of the disease and developing new treatments.

Note: The availability of donor brain specimens was crucial to this and other studies focusing on disease pathology.

Learn about participating in an MS brain bank at nationalMSsociety.org/Research and click on “Researchers Need You.”

New study could help predict responses to MS therapy Why do some people respond to MS diseasemodifying therapies and others do not? This is the question underlying a newly published study that, with further research, could lead to tools to predict who would do best on which therapy and usher in the beginning of personalized medicine for people with MS. The study, funded in part by the society, was published in Nature Medicine in late March.

Read the full report on these and other studies at nationalMSsociety.org/research.

research

Research pipeline In 2009, Dr. Marc Patterson was named director of the Mayo Clinic’s Pediatric MS Center of Excellence, one of six centers established by the National MS Society to provide comprehensive care to children and teens with Dr. Marc MS. Patterson shared his Patterson vision for pediatric MS care and research with the chapter.

How did you get involved with MS? My interest in child neurology started when I was in medical school in Australia and continued through fellowships at the National Institutes of Health and Mayo Clinic. I first encountered children with MS at Mayo many years ago; the opportunity to get more intensively involved with MS came when I was asked to step into the role of director.

What is the prevalence of MS in children?

Two percent of MS cases start in people under age 10. There is a ballpark estimate of 20,000 to 30,000 pediatric MS cases in the U.S. Are you seeing an increase in children who are diagnosed with MS? Yes. I think it’s because of increased awareness of MS and also better diagnostic tools. MRIs have revolutionized clinical practice in both our ability to diagnose MS and to assess response to MS treatment.

How do the centers work together?

Each of the pediatric centers is collaborating through the network and sharing information, which goes into a shared database. We’re looking at similarities and differences in pediatric MS cases so we can learn more about the disease.

As the director of this center, what vision or goals do you have?

I’d like to make sure medical professionals and support organizations communicate that these centers are available and ensure that every child with MS can have access to specialist centers like this. Plus, I’d like to continue to expand the research program. Unfortunately, we treat children by extrapolating what happens in adults. We will continue to expand research and work with families to recruit children to get involved in studies.

Any additional goals?

It’s always important to continue to raise awareness of MS. It is important for both the medical profession and public to understand that this disease occurs in children. Plus, it’s important to continue to collaborate with the MS Society. They are a successful and enthusiastic group. It really is a partnership, and we all bring different abilities together for the benefit of people with MS. What do you like to do for fun?

I like to get outside and ride my bike and swim.

I like to travel and have the opportunity to speak to groups across the world. I think travel really does broaden you. And I like going to the symphony and the opera.

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from page 1

Mud Run Twin Cities

Run to Stop MS

The first-ever Mud Run Twin Cities — to be held Sept. 11 at the Trollhaugen Ski and Snowboard Resort in Dresser, Wis., — offers a chance to get dirty for a good cause. The 10-kilometer race (approximately six miles) takes participants through a military-style obstacle course made almost entirely of mud.

Also new this year, participants in the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon Oct. 3, can raise funds for the Minnesota Chapter through Run to Stop MS.

The Minnesota Chapter is one of three National MS Society chapters piloting the MS Mud Run this year, which attracts people of all skill levels and is the fastest-growing adventure race in the country. The Jacksonville Chapter, which launched the event in 2009 with 900 participants, brought 2,800 runners to the 2010 event, raising more than $400,000.

Participants in Mud Run Twin Cities raise a minimum of $100 in donations and choose to run in either a competitive or non-competitive division. Competitive divisions include teams of five (co-ed, all male or all female), teams of two (no gender requirements) or individual. The non-competitive division is available for any team with two to five members.

Ready to get dirty?

Sign up at MSsociety.org or learn about Mud Run volunteer opportunities on Page 8.

The chapter receives a special allotment of participation slots after general registration is closed, which are open to anyone wishing to join the Run to Stop MS team. The chapter covers the cost of registration and participants then raise at least $1,000 in donations.

Members of the Run to Stop MS team receive personalized training, fundraising Web page and coach, Run to Stop MS runner’s singlet and exclusive discounts on fitness gear.

The Run to Stop MS team is lead by Volunteer Marathon Team Coordinator Cindy Machus, an experienced distance runner who helps organize training runs, answer questions about the event, Cindy Machus motivate team members and more. Machus didn’t have a connection to MS until last year when her youngest daughter was diagnosed with the disease.

“Since my daughter’s diagnosis, it has become a personal commitment of mine to be involved with the MS Society, joining efforts with them to help fight MS,” Machus said.

Run with us Register or learn more at MSsociety.org.

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CALENDAR

June 5

Day Trip, Harriet Island, St. Paul

June 5

20s and 30s social outing, Plymouth

June 5

Summer MS research symposium, Worthington

June 11-13

Bike MS: C.H. Robinson Worldwide MS 150 Ride

July 25-30

Bike MS: Star Tribune TRAM Ride

Aug. 14-15

Ride MS: Motorcycle Tour

Aug. 19

On the Move Luncheon, Minneapolis

Aug. 22-26

Majestic Shores Resort (formerly MS Camp), Maple Lake

Aug. 23-28

Youth Camp, Annandale

Sept. 11

Mud Run: Twin Cities

Sept. 24-26 Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities Oct. 3

Run to Stop MS

Telephone consultations *Free and by appointment only Family attorney consultations Rod Jensen, attorney at law Call chapter to schedule appointment.

Employment consultations Jennifer Johnson, tips on interviewing, resumes and more, June 15, July 20 and Aug. 17

For information or to register Programs Contact registration line: 612-335-7900 800-582-5296 Telephone consultations Contact Sarah, Jill or Heather: 612-335-7900 Walk MS, Bike MS and motorsport events Contact Cortney: 612-335-7971

Employment discrimination/private disability consultations Denise Tataryn, attorney at law, June 3, July 1 and Aug. 5 Financial planning consultations John Robinson, C.F.P.速, financial advisor, June 21, July 19 and Aug. 16 Newly diagnosed consultations Call 612-335-7938 to schedule a face-to-face or phone consultation with a Minnesota Chapter social worker. Some evening and Saturday times are available.

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FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND OR HANDICAPPED

200 12th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55415-1255

research

Landmark findings in genetics research

Dr. David Hafler — professor and chairman of the department of neurology at the Yale School of Medicine and a central figure in the advancement of genetics research in multiple sclerosis — recently announced 34 genes have been confirmed in association with MS, with 16

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another 50 to 60 likely to be confirmed in the near future. In investigating these genes, Hafler and other researchers found nearly all were immune-related, which he believes should close lingering debate on whether MS is in fact an autoimmune disease. These landmark findings lay the groundwork for further discovery in genetics as it relates to new treatments, predicting the course of MS and customizing therapies. Hafler’s work is part of the societyfunded International MS Genetics Consortium, whose collaboration has dramatically helped speed progress in this area.

To learn more, visit nationalMSsociety.org/research.

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200 12th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55415-1255

research

Landmark findings in genetics research

Dr. David Hafler — professor and chairman of the department of neurology at the Yale School of Medicine and a central figure in the advancement of genetics research in multiple sclerosis — recently announced 34 genes have been confirmed in association with MS, with

another 50 to 60 likely to be confirmed in the near future. In investigating these genes, Hafler and other researchers found nearly all were immune-related, which he believes should close lingering debate on whether MS is in fact an autoimmune disease. These landmark findings lay the groundwork for further discovery in genetics as it relates to new treatments, predicting the course of MS and customizing therapies. Hafler’s work is part of the societyfunded International MS Genetics Consortium, whose collaboration has dramatically helped speed progress in this area.

To learn more, visit nationalMSsociety.org/research.