National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Connection
Moving Toward a World Free of MS Spring 2012
Colorado-Wyoming Chapter
3 Rides: 1 Cure Bike MS Registration Now Open
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Inside MS Connection:
New Treatments
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Walk MS
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MuckRuckus MS Dinner of Champions 1-800 FIGHTpage MS (344-4867) • www.cureMSco-wy.org 9 page 11 1
From the President
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Colorado-Wyoming Chapter
Dear Friends: It’s time to spring into action and get moving for MS! This year we are holding 15 Walk MS events throughout Colorado and Wyoming—registration is open and we look forward to another strong showing of support from committed community members. Last year many of our walks experienced record-breaking attendance as 14,000 participants raised $1.6 million—one step at time. What an amazing show of support and commitment. Thanks to your support that helps to fund global research efforts, our family members, friends and colleagues living with MS now have access to eight disease-modifying drugs that reduce relapses and slow the progression of MS. There are also therapies available to treat MS symptoms. This is remarkable, as NO treatments for MS existed just 20 years ago. There still is much work left unfinished and we must continue to grow our resources to meet your expectations to STOP MS, RESTORE FUNCTION and END MS FOREVER.
________________ “Last year many of our walks experienced record-breaking attendance as 14,000 participants raised $1.6 million—one step at time. What an amazing show of support and commitment.”
This year as you enjoy the festivities during one of our walk, bike, hike or mud events, attend one of our inspiring luncheons or dinners, or when you simply make an outright donation, remember that you are contributing to programs and the research that is yielding significant results—results that are greatly enhancing the lives of people living with MS today. With each step you take and every gift you make, you are bringing us one step closer to a cure.
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Let’s keep the momentum going so we continue to make strides toward a world free of MS!
Carrie H. Nolan Chapter President
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 Kyle Ocasek Susan Pollard Richard Raymond, MD Randy Schapiro, MD Michele Vaughan Emeritus Trustees George Garmany, MD Ralph Holden David Lord Janet Savage ©2012 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Colorado-Wyoming Chapter
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MS Connection • Spring 2012
Moving Toward a World Free of MS
Programs Research
Walk MS Captain Shares Story Two-part MS New Therapies Give Hope to Those Living with MS Workshop Offers Insight By Beth Newsom
Two weeks after our high school cross country running team won the state championship, I woke up feeling like both of my legs were tingling. Three years later, I was diagnosed with MS and had to give up competitive running. That was 19 years ago. Though I don’t run now, I stay very active and am always aware of the latest research developments. I am a Walk MS Team Captain for “May You Dance.” The money raised is critical to fund research for MS therapies like Ampyra, a newer, oral symptom management medication that helps people like me walk.
Before starting Ampyra, I could only walk 50 feet without stopping. After closely following the results of clinical trials and hearing of Ampyra’s FDA approval, I talked with my rehabilitation physician and began taking it. After four months on Ampyra, I went to a track near my home and finished a full, daunting lap, using my walker and taking six rest breaks in an hour. Physical therapy (PT) is also critical to my success—I didn’t swallow a pill and hope for the best. My physical therapist teaches me exercises and stretches, and introduced me to a gait-assisted treadmill, which holds my upper body in place while I walk. Like a baby discovering how body parts work together, I have discovered that if I think and believe in myself, body parts are working together again. If one foot starts sliding into what used to be a certain fall, I can concentrate and it will move back. If my walker goes too fast, I can concentrate and pull it back. It’s not automatic. Ampyra and extensive daily PT has helped me rebuild strength and endurance in my legs and core, which also has helped my balance. In January, I walked around the track in only 20 minutes, with no stops to rest. If you are considering any new treatment, push yourself; test limits. Each treatment works differently for everyone. Before Ampyra, I kept walking as much as I could. Now I walk more, but I can also play catch and frisbee with my daughter and husband, button my clothes more easily, and sit straight. Rather than limits, I see possibilities.
Multiple Sclerosis is a dynamic disease that has many facets and learning about symptoms, treatments, support systems and the emotional impacts can seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Chapter workshops for individuals living with MS provide a safe and comfortable setting for learning about the disease, while providing best practices and practical takeaways. Join us for our next free workshop: MS Basics and More—A Two Part Series for People Dealing with Their Diagnosis. You and your guests will learn about medical concerns and the emotional impact of the disease through an informal, interactive session led by two trained MS practitioners—Kathy Aguirre MSW, LCSW and Lillie L. Denny RN, MSCN, CCRP. What: MS Basics and More—A Two Part Series for People Dealing with Their Diagnosis Where: Colorado-Wyoming Chapter 900 S. Broadway, Ste. 250 Denver, CO 80209 When: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 and Tuesday, April 24, 2012 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. RSVP: www.cureMSco-wy.org or 1-800-344-4867 option 1
We can all contribute what we can toward this cause, be it in money, time, or service. It’s really up to us. May we all dance.
1-800 FIGHT 800 MS FIGHT (344-4867) MS (344-4867) • www.cureMSco-wy.org • cureMSco-wy.org
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Programs Living With MS
Chapter’s Social Groups Connect Young Adults If you are in your 20’s or 30’s and are living with or affected by MS, make time to connect with friends who are facing similar situations by meeting up with others in fun, social settings. The Chapter has initiated several social groups for young adults across Colorado, which are popular and growing. In the Denver area, TheSocial is an informal meet-up group that gives young people a chance to get together and discuss MS in a relaxed and fun environment. Some events are educational and include speakers and discussion. Other times the gatherings are solely social. This is a great way to build a support system and meet people who understand your situation. Family and friends are welcome as well as suggestions for events and help with planning. To get connected with TheSocial, email thesocialdenver@gmail.com. In Northern Colorado, the Young and Active group started with 11 young adults and has expanded to more than 45 attendees. The group provides a relaxed, social environment to talk about MS, have fun, and meet new people. The Young and Active group meets quarterly for happy hour events at locations throughout Northern Colorado. For more information about this group, contact Jenny Tauchman at jenny.tauchman@nmss.org or visit www.cureMSco-wy.org. The Southern Colorado Young and Active Social Hour group meets quarterly to enjoy activities such as relaxing over an ice cold beverage at a happy hour or attending a Sky Sox game. For more information about the Young and Active Social Hour Group contact Jennifer Gibson at Jennifer.Gibson@nmss.org or go to www.cureMSco-wy.org. The Western Slope has a Young Professionals Social event, where periodically young professionals meet for a happy hour in Grand Junction. Like the other groups, significant others and friends are always welcome. For more information call 970-241-8975.
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MS Connection • Spring 2012
Progressive MS Questions Answered Learn answers to questions about progressive MS from treatment options to best practices for coping with the disease, as well as ways to optimally manage the disease and address its symptoms. Featured Speaker, Dorothy E. Northrop, MSW, ACSW will also discuss the emotional and family issues that often accompany progressive disease and ways to more effectively cope with those challenges. Teleconferences allow you to learn from the comfort of your own phone where ever is convenient for you free of charge. What: An In-Depth Look at Progressive MS Where: Thursday, May 3, 3012 When: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Why: Learn best practices for coping with the disease. RSVP: www.cureMSco-wy.org or 1-800 FIGHT MS option 1 (1-800-344-4867 option 1)
Moving Toward a World Free of MS
Programs& Services Programs
Inequality in Vehicle Valuation Prompts Action Chapter Takes Issue of Adaptive Equipment to Wyoming Legislature
Did you know that if you live in Wyoming and add adaptive equipment to your vehicle, you could be charged additional taxes? That’s right, the Chapter recently learned, thanks in part to Wyoming Activist Ede Dozier, that when a vehicle owner purchases medically adaptive equipment, it is up to the state’s 23 individual county assessors to determine whether the equipment is taxed as value added. At present, Wyoming does not differentiate between medically adaptive equipment and other add-ons such as specialty rims for tires that are purchased after-market. As many of you with medically adaptive equipment are aware, these modifications are specific to both driver and vehicle and are often added to allow mobility and increase safety. The equipment does not increase the value to anyone other than the drivers and their families. The increase in value is false and is an added burden for owners. Lawrence Wolfe, a partner with Holland & Hart, P.C. has offered his pro-bono lobbyist services to help create equality in Wyoming’s valuation process. He is helping the Chapter determine what can be done to rectify the problem at the legislative level and will be working throughout this legislative session. Updates on our progress will be provided as the session moves forward.
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If you are interested in receiving updates on this issue, please become an MS Activist through our website at http://bit.ly/zOSbZ3,or to learn more, please call Sharon O’Hara at 303-698-5422.
Getting Dirty in Wyoming for MS Mud Volleyball Tournament Celebrates 5th Year
Attention Wyoming volleyball and mud enthusiasts…Sign up today for the 5th Annual Mud Volleyball tournament and participate in the dirtiest event in Cheyenne this July, while helping to raise money and awareness for MS. Compete in a round robin style tournament with over 25 teams from around the state. The event includes pre-game warm up activities such as leapfrog and wheel barrel races through the mud, mud pie eating contests and alligator mud wrestling for the kids. Each team gets a before and after team photo. Form a team of eight to 12 players and register today at www.cheyennemudvolleyball.com. Participants ages 13 and up are eligible to play. Join the movement and join us for a Muddy good time.
1-800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) • www.cureMSco-wy.org
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WalkMS2012
Walk MS 2012– Register Today! 14 Events, 1 Destination: A World Free of MS
Register today for one of 14 Wells Fargo Walk MS presented by MS Lifelines events throughout Colorado and Wyoming and play a critical role in raising essential funds needed to support vital MS programs, services and research. Walk with friends, families, neighbors and coworkers this spring and help end MS forever. With every step you take, we move closer to finding a cure! Sign up today, or better yet, form a team and share in the hope for a world free of MS. It simple, easy and quick to register… all you need to do to is visit www.walkMScolorado.org or www. walkMSwyoming.org, or call 1-800-344-4867. Registration is your first step in the fight against MS.
Register at www.walkMScolorado.org or www.walkMSwyoming.org or call 1-800-344-4867!
Colorado Walk MS Check-in: 7:30 a.m. Walk starts: 9:30 a.m. May 5 Colorado Springs Monument Valley Park Denver Denver City Park Fort Collins Edora Park Grand Junction Canyon View Park May 12 Pueblo Lake Minnequa Athletic Complex May 19 Boulder County University of Colorado at Boulder Glenwood Springs No Name Rest Area, Glenwood Canyon Loveland Chapungu Sculpture Park
Wyoming Walk MS Check-in: 9 a.m. Walk starts: 10 a.m. April 14
Why Not Join a Team? Participating on a team is a great way to enhance your experience and meet new people, show some spirit and raise more funds for MS programs, services and research. If you would like more information about starting a team or information on how to join an existing team that is actively recruiting participants, please contact Kaylin Daniels at kaylin.daniels@nmss.org or 303-698-5413.
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MS Connection • Spring 2012
Cheyenne Lion’s Park Community House April 21 Casper Yellowstone Garage, 355 W. Yellowstone Gillette Campbell County Rec Center April 28 Evanston Bear River Community Center
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Rock Springs The Community Center June 9 Cody Beck Lake Park
WalkMS2012
Kick Off Walk MS 2012 Attention participants of the Fort Collins, Loveland/Centerra and Glenwood Springs Walk MS events—join fellow walkers for motivation and inspiration at your local Walk MS Kickoff party! Learn how you can encourage your friends, family members and co-workers to join the movement, while picking up important supplies and fundraising ideas. All those who attend will leave with a swag bag and be entered to win great prizes. RSVP is required. Glenwood Springs April 11, 2012, 5:30 - 7 p.m. Rivers Restaurant 2525 S. Grand Ave. Contact Tricia Williams at tricia.williams@nmss.org or 970-241-8975 Northern Colorado Fort Collins, Loveland/Centerra April 18, 2012, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Embassy Suites 4705 Clydesdale Pkwy. Contact Susan Barstad at susan.barstad@nmss.org or 970-482-5016
Why We Keep Walking Sometimes we get busy. Our weekends are packed with family gatherings and household chores, and there’s the grocery store list that needs attention. However, Walk MS participant Scott Kaplan reminds us why it is important to make the time to walk. He is one of thousands who will participate in one of the 14 Wells Fargo Walk MS presented by MS Lifelines events this year, all sharing the common goal to end MS forever. Scott was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2003, after months of symptoms and doctors’ appointments and just five months before his wedding. Scott responded well to treatments and his MS went to remission right around the time of the Walk MS 2003 event. “I did not want to go to Walk MS. I was in denial about my disease and was afraid of what I might encounter at the event. I wasn’t ready to let my guard down. Through some tough love and much convincing from my wife, I decided to participate,” Scott explained. He raised $500 his first year. Since Scott’s first Walk MS in 2003, he has walked every year with his wife Denise and cousin Pam, as well as many others who have come to celebrate life with him. As his team grew, so did his fundraising —he raised more than $12,000 last year! “I’m proud to say that my team continues to grow along with my fundraising,” Scott said. “I am proud to know that I’m making an impact … I’ll be there again this year and looking for you.” To learn more about Scott’s Walk MS participation or others who have joined the movement to end MS forever, visit http://bit.ly/z4kRpN.
New! “I am Why We Walk” T-shirts for Walk MS Individuals living with MS can pick up a FREE “I am Why We Walk” t-shirt the day of the event at the Mission MS area. Quantities are limited and will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
Thanks to Our Walk MS Sponsors!
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1-800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) • www.cureMSco-wy.org
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BikeMS2012
Bike MS Registration Now Open
Sign Up Before it Sells Out Be one of more than 3,000 cyclists who will ride this summer in the 2012 Newmont Bike MS, presented by Great-West Life, and help to raise over $3 million to support MS programs, services and research. You have three options for participating in this year’s event—choose from the full Two-day ride, One-day ride or Virtual ride.
Thanks to Our Bike MS Sponsors! TITLE SPONSOR
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Colorado’s Two-Day, 150-mile ride will take place on Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1 and starts and finishes in Westminster, Colo. The Ride travels through the majestic Colorado foothills and overnights in Fort Collins at Colorado State University, where you will enjoy a catered dinner, music and the excitement of the Team Village. On day two, you cycle around Horsetooth Reservoir and through historic Masonville on your way to the finish line. If the Two-day ride seems a little ambitious, or your schedule doesn’t allow you to give up a whole weekend, consider the One-Day Fort Collins Loop ride. Enjoy all the excitement of Bike MS while pedaling through the scenic foothills surrounding Fort Collins on our 25- or 40-mile course on Saturday, June 30. With the Virtual ride you can give your legs a break and still be a part of the action by raising vital funds. Ride along in spirit and receive a custom Bike MS t-shirt, dinner in Fort Collins or the finish line BBQ, and be eligible for fundraising clubs and prizes.
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Make sure to register today as Colorado’s Bike MS ride has sold out the last four years! For more information and to learn about bike safety, nutrition, training and fundraising workshops, visit www.bikeMScolorado.org.
Act Now Bike MS Close Encounters—Register Now!
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MS Connection • Spring 2012
Wyoming’s 2012 Bike MS Close Encounters ride takes place August 18 and 19. Each day begins and ends in Sundance, Wyo. Participants cycle across 80 miles of beautiful countryside through Northern Wyoming on day one and 77 miles via the gorgeous Black Hills of South Dakota on day two. To register visit www.bikeMSWyoming.org.
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HikeMS2012
Climbing to a World Free of MS Registration for Hike MS Now Open
Strap on you boots, fill up your water bottles and grab your friends and family….it’s time to Hike! Join us this summer as we climb our way to a cure for MS in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Hike MS is a day that brings friends, families, and coworkers together to embrace an important cause and to raise money to support essential MS programs, services, and research. We hike together to make a powerful statement and to keep moving toward a cure. Each step we take brings us closer to a world free of multiple sclerosis. With Hike routes varying from three to 10 miles, there’s a route for the whole family and we’ll be there every step of the way. Enjoy the majesty of Winter Park in August or the serenity of Copper Mountain in September. ®
Registration is now open at www.hikeMScolorado.org. The registration fee of $20* includes an official Hike MS t-shirt, continental breakfast, lunch and entertainment. For more information or assistance please contact us at www.coloradohikems@nmss.org or 303-698-7470 x2. *Hikers are required to raise or donate $50 before Hike MS.
MuckRuckusMS2012
It’s Dirty Work Ending MS… MuckRuckus MS Makes it Fun
Remember the good old days when playing in the mud was the best time you ever had with your friends….well now you can experience that moment once again and raise money for a good cause. That’s right….come play, roll, run, stomp and romp in the mud at the inaugural MuckRuckus MS event (formally Mud Run) on August 4 in Frazier, Colo. MuckRuckus MS is the muckiest event you’ll ever experience! Whether you participate with a team, or fulfill a personal goal, you’ll have a blast tackling this challenge course featuring miles of water, mud and muck. It’s for the active and the outgoing, as well as amateur and recreational athletes. Don’t miss the chance to have a blast sloshing, swinging and slipping through five miles of menacing challenges on course with both Recreational and Competitive routes. Form a Team. Register today. After all, this could be your mucky day. And we need your help to end MS forever. Where else can you play in the mud without disapproving looks from your neighbors? For more information and to register, visit www.MuckRuckusMS.org/Colorado or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MuckRuckusMScolorado.
1-800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) • www.cureMSco-wy.org
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Volunteering Walk MS
Bountiful Volunteer Opportunities Summer Events Offer Fun Ways to Get Involved Did you know National Volunteer Week is April 15 – 21, 2012? Now is the time to jumpstart your summer of giving by volunteering at one of our many fundraising events in Colorado or Wyoming. New volunteers and seasoned veterans are needed to help with a variety of Walk MS activities ranging from cheer crews and registration support to food and beverage service. All volunteers receive: ■■
Wrist band to enjoy a meal(s) during your shift(s)
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Custom MS volunteer t-shirt
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The satisfaction of supporting an incredible cause
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Overnight accommodations for Bike MS (based on number and location of shifts)
Continue your awesome service at either the 2012 Newmont Bike MS, presented by Great-West Life, in Fort Collins on June 30 – July 1 or at the Close Encounters Ride 2012 in Sundance, Wyo. on August 18 – 19. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to sign up and help. Volunteers are integral to the
Of Note
safety and success of these expansive events and provide the support, motivation and excitement needed for the participants traveling distances up to 150 miles.
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Bike MS volunteers are needed to work in the Beer Garden, at hydration stations, and as Route Marshals and luggage lifters. All training is provided, no experience is necessary. Sign up to become a Bike MS volunteer today and be a part of the longestrunning non-profit event of its kind in the region!
Act Now To register as an event volunteer for either Walk MS or Bike MS, visit www.volunteerMScolorado.org or www.volunteerMSwyoming.org. For additional information about these events or other opportunities call Amanda Douglass at 303-698-5443.
Meet Our New Chapter Board Members The Chapter Welcomes Four New Members to its Board of Trustees: Susan Pollard
Carl Berglind
Susan Pollard is the business project director in the Individual and Family Plan segment at Cigna Healthcare. Pollard, a graduate of the University South Florida, has more than 15 years of experience working in the Healthcare Payer and Managed Care industries. She is a member of Managed Care Executives and National Health Options.
Chris Doerr
Jeff Higgins
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Carl Berglind serves as associate general counsel for Emergency Medical Services Corporation, a leading healthcare services company with more
MS Connection • Spring 2012
than 25,000 employees. He is a graduate of Cornell Law School and Boston University. He has participated in Bike MS for the past three years and actively serves in the community. He lives in Denver with his wife and two children.
Chris Doerr is vice president of Information Technology for the Americas at Gambro Renal Products. Doerr received his MBA in economics from DePaul University and his community involvement includes serving on the Executive Advisory Board at
Regis University, School of Computer and Information Sciences. Jeff Higgins is a well respected and accomplished entrepreneur with 14 years of start up and turn-around experience, with a focus on helping organizations enhance quality and optimize efficiency. He currently serves as president of Validiti, a healthcare company specializing in best in class product tracking and validation technology. Other ventures include McKenzie Rhody and Hearn, Peak Nursing Team, All Set Restoration.
Garmany Honored as Emeritus Trustee Dr. George Garmany, Jr. was named an emeritus trustee of the Chapter. Garmany, a board certified neurologist who maintains a private practice with Associated Neurologists in Boulder, has served on the Chapter’s board for more than 30 years. He has held a lifelong interest in MS and has provided pro bono medical services to uninsured and underinsured people diagnosed with MS in the Boulder community throughout his career. Notably, in 1985 he founded Colorado’s Bike MS ride, which now raises more that $3 million annually.
Giving
New Donor Program
Golden Circle Recognizes $1,000+ Donors Individual giving is vital for the Chapter’s ability to fund programs and services for individuals living with MS, as well as groundbreaking research locally, nationally and globally. We sincerely value every dollar donated to the Chapter, and through our Golden Circle program the Chapter is able to recognize the special individuals who choose to give personal gifts of $1,000 or more to the Chapter during a fiscal year, which is currently October 1, 2011 – September 30, 2012. Members of the Golden Circle program receive unique benefits: ■■
Access to Chapter and national leadership
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Invitations to exclusive local and national special events
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Invitations to conference calls regarding the latest progress in MS research shared by world-renowned scientists and the opportunity to pose questions directly to the scientists
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Opportunities to connect with other Golden Circle members
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Donations can be given through direct gifts, workplace giving, foundations, and memorials or by participating in any of our many exciting fundraising events such as Hike MS or MuckRuckus MS. The program does not include sponsorship donations, matching programs gifts, or any gifts that are not 100 percent taxdeductible.
Now is an ideal time to join and make a significant impact! If you would like to learn more about this special membership program, or would like to donate $1,000 today, visit www.cureMSco-wy.org or contact Emily Holterman at 303-698-5405 or emily.holterman@nmss.org. We look forward to your membership.
Golden Circle Members The Chapter would like to thank the following members of the Golden Circle Club for supporting vital MS programs, services and research through generous donations made from October 1, 2011 - February 2012. Ray Anderson and Nancy Speer Herbert and Laura May Bacon Dorris Baker Laurie Bales Barish Family Foundation John and Carolyn Bliley Dee Blue Boettcher Foundation Susan and Douglas Butler Thomas and Paula Canning Courtney Chapman Travis Cooper Dr. John and Alix Corboy Glenn and Cecilia Curtis Corinne DiNardo Carolyn and Brent Drever Kevin and Susan Fink Paula and Stan Galloway Estate of Anna Grossman
Estate of Frances Fletcher Mark and Nancy Foster Donald Fritschie Rob and Melissa Hartnett Ruth Head Mary and Owen Hobson Robert Mathes and Brittany Hodges John Hopkins Helen Horii Michael and Twila Jenkins Loretta and Leigh Norgren Foundation Leonard Marx Jr. Angela and Daniel McKee Anne and Thomas Merrill Mary Milgrom Axson and Bryan Morgan Roger and Elaine Morin
Peter Mychaels Jane and Robert Nagel Michael Ross Raymond Satter Luci Smits Patricia Stevinson Emily Stump TWC Foundation Twelve Twenty One Fund Steve and Michele Vaughan Joseph and Linda Vumbaco Linda and Leonard Walmsley Sharlene Wanger Dave and Susie Wehrfritz Wet Paint Communications Teresa Wiley Ann Myers Williams and Bob Williams William Wilson
Champions of MS Honored On March 22, community leaders gathered to honor the 2012 Hope Award recipients Dave and Steve Nichols and MS Champion Phil Yastrow as part of the annual Northern Colorado Dinner of Champions. Special thanks to the Toney Family Foundation for their generous challenge grant of $10,000 that leveraged tens of thousands more dollars to fund promising research.
Hope Award Recipients Dave and Steve Nichols are true champions of philanthropy in Northern Colorado. Owners of High Country Beverage, they have contributed product and dollars to many of the region’s non-profit organizations, including over thousands for the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter. They believe it’s imperative to not only support your community, but also be active. They continue to encourage those around them—their 85 employees, their 1,200 customers, their 32 suppliers and their individual families—to BE part of something, HELP those in need, and always STRIVE for the greater good in serving others.
MS Champion Phil Yastrow, this year’s MS Champion, is a true leader in the MS community and has raised over $150,000 for MS programs, services and research through personal fundraisers. For Phil, raising funds for MS is a family affair—his two children, wife, parents, brother and many other family and friends have all contributed to ending MS forever. “Since my diagnosis, I have been on a mission to raise money and help KILL MS. The reason I have been so successful at fundraising is because of all my friends and especially my family,” Phil explains. Phil is a Technical Marketing Manager with Avago Technologies and his daughter Erin will be an MS society intern this summer.
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Broadway Station 900 S. Broadway, Ste. 250 Denver, CO 80209
Relevant, Timely and Local… Sign up today for the new and improved MS Update Don’t miss out on this timeliest, relevant and local MS news. The Chapter is now publishing MS Update, a quarterly e-newsletter, which features information especially for each region in the Chapter—Metro Denver, Northern Colorado, Wyoming, Western Slope and Southern Colorado. Subscribe today by visiting www. nationalmssociety.org/ MSupdate.
Mark Your Calendar and Register Today!
2012 Chapter Events Bike MS
Colorado 2-Day June 30 – July 1 Fort Collins Loop June 30 Wyoming August 18 – 19
Hike MS ®
Copper Mountain July 28 Winter Park September 1
MuckRuckus MS Frazier, Colorado August 4