National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Connection
Moving Toward a World Free of MS FALL 2011
Colorado-Wyoming Chapter
Colorado-Wyoming Chapter National MS Society 2011
Together We’re Unstoppable
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Inside MS Connection:
Advocacy Makes a Difference
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What’s Your Volunteer Personality? Workplace Giving Made Easy 1 page 11 800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) • cureMSco-wy.org page 13
From the President
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Colorado-Wyoming Chapter
It has been an extraordinary and successful year for our Chapter, thanks to the continued strong support of the community, our sponsors and partners and the committed efforts of our volunteers, board and staff who work to ensure every event held and program offered is a quality experience. It is with heartfelt gratitude that I thank everyone who has engaged with us. You are the power behind making a significant difference for the people affected by MS today and finding a cure so no one lives with MS in the future. Between April and September, the Chapter held a remarkable 27 fundraising events in Colorado and Wyoming, including 15 Walk MS walks, two Bike MS rides, five Hike MS hikes, our first Mud Run MS, three On the Move luncheons and one Dinner of Champions. Throughout these missiondriven endeavors, we experienced increased participation, increased average gift size and increased overall giving, allowing us to meet the growing needs of people affected by MS. We are stronger than ever and are poised to carry this momentum into 2012.
____________ …the Chapter will contribute more than $1 million to promising MS research projects. ____________
Thanks to these successes and outstanding stewardship, I am very pleased to share that for the second year in a row the Chapter will contribute more than $1 million to promising MS research projects. The future of a world free of MS rests in the research arena and we are privileged to be able to make this level of investment again. While there have been numerous achievements and highlights this year, I want to personally recognize the record-setting success of three remarkable teams: 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, Raw Hinies, and Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company. Each surpassed the cumulative $1 million fundraising mark this year, joining Team Sugar Bee, the only other team to achieve this in the Chapter’s history. Words cannot express our gratitude for their exemplary commitment to the MS community. Thank you for your engagement, for continuing the momentum, and for staying the course. Despite a challenging economic climate, we are stronger than ever, thanks to you. As we look to 2012 we remain dedicated to promoting awareness of MS, garnering support to beat MS, and advancing our mission, always with a focus on finding a cure.
Carrie H. Nolan Chapter President
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MS Connection • Fall 2011
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 does 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 Mary Hobson, Chair Brandt Wilkins, Chair Elect Michael King, Immediate Past Chair Michele Vaughan, Secretary Rob Hartnett, Treasurer Whit Conant Elizabeth Brandon Coors John Corboy, MD David Cordova George Garmany, MD Todd Hauer Claudia Curry Hill John Kivimaki Craig Lopez Kyle Ocasek Richard Raymond, MD Randy Schapiro, MD Kathryn Spritzer Jim Stevens Emeritus Trustees Ralph Holden David Lord Janet Savage ©2011 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Colorado-Wyoming Chapter
Moving Toward a World Free of MS
2011 Annual Meeting Together, We’re Unstoppable Five Locations Enhances Connectivity October 15, 2011
A great way for you to help us wrap up the fiscal year of the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter of the National MS Society is to attend the 2011 Annual Meeting –Together, We’re Unstoppable. You will have a unique opportunity to learn from some of the top minds in the MS field as they present varied topics, including what’s on the horizon with MS research and healthy options for living with MS. We will also recognize the outstanding efforts of local individuals who have made a positive contribution to our MS community. Successes and impacts of the past year and a preview of upcoming goals for 2012 will be shared, and the election of new Board members will take place. This Annual Meeting experience will be unlike any before. It will take place simultaneously at five locations throughout the Chapter. All locations will be linked electronically to share the successes and elect the Board of Trustees and then each site will go live with its own keynote speaker and awards presentation. You will be able to meet with representatives from your local office, meet various vendors from your community, and connect with others affected by MS living in your region. An important focus of the staff at the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter is the physical and mental well being of each and every person affected by MS—from individuals living with MS to their friends and families. Research reveals that having a strong social network has many benefits, from knowing you’re not alone to the security of having people you can turn to when you need information guidance or advice. The Annual Meeting is an ideal forum to connect with others, develop a sense of camaraderie, and solidify or begin to create a strong social network. In keeping with this year’s theme “Together, We’re Unstoppable,” what better way to show how unstoppable we really are than by meeting together at the same time, as one united force, across five different locations? We invite you to join with hundreds of others as the 52nd Annual Meeting convenes to show the world that the ColoradoWyoming Chapter of the National MS Society’s MS community is truly unstoppable. To register go to www.cureMSco-wy.org or call 800-344-4867 option 1.
Programs Program
Annual Meeting Details Denver Inverness Hotel 200 Inverness Drive Englewood, 80112 Keynote speaker: Andrew Woo, MD, PhD, “New Directions in Multiple Sclerosis” Colorado Springs Clarion Hotel 314 West Bijou Street Colorado Springs, 80905 Keynote speaker: Nicholas LaRocca, PhD, “MS Research—What’s on the Horizon” Grand Junction Double Tree Hotel 743 Horizon Drive, Grand Junction, 81506 Keynote speaker: William Shaffer, MD “Living Well with MS” Loveland McKee Conference and Wellness Center, 200 N. Boise Ave., Loveland, 80538 Keynote speaker: Peter Wade, MD “MS: Professional and Personal Perspective Over 31 Years” Cheyenne Little America Hotel and Resort 2800 West Lincolnway, Cheyenne, 82009 Keynote speaker: Randy Schapiro, MD “A Saga of MS Progress” Agenda 10 - 10:30 a.m. Registration and exhibits 10:30 - 11 a.m. Brunch and time to socialize 11 - 11:30 a.m. Annual Meeting (all locations will be connected through WebEx) 11:30 a.m. - Noon Awards Program Noon - 1 p.m. Keynote speaker
800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) • cureMSco-wy.org
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Programs Research Question: “What is happening in the area of repairing myelin?” Response prepared by our Research Advocates: Repairing the Damage Caused by MS (prepared by Research Advocate) Like the conductive wire exposed when the rubber insulation on an electrical cord is damaged, the exposed nerves and brain cells that result from demyelinization caused by MS will eventually break and fail to conduct messages. It’s great to see the number of new drugs becoming available (three just last year) that can help treat symptoms caused by MS and/or can help reduce the number of relapses. Many of these drugs are now available because of the National MS Society’s efforts to raise research dollars and to put them to good use. At this time, however, we have no approved therapies available to actually repair the damage that has been caused by an MS attack. We can only treat symptoms, not restore function. We need to be able to heal the nerves and brain cells, and to put their myelin protective coating back in place. We are getting much closer to that goal as a result of $15 million that the Society awarded to four research teams in the U.S. and Europe to do targeted research on nervous system repair and protection and to bring testing to clinical trials. This funding has allowed the four lead researchers to attract more “heads and hands” to address the issues and the findings to date are both remarkable and encouraging. To read about these teams and their exciting areas of research, go to www. nationalmssociety.org/research/researchwe-fund/targeted-research/nervoussystem-repair/index.aspx. Going to this website will also allow you to click on to a recording of a discussion among the four lead researchers.
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New!
Chapter Offers Personalized Responses to Research Questions If you have a personal research question related to an MS issue such as optic neuritis, brain atrophy, or pregnancy, where do you go? Or how do you find data and science communicated in simple language from a credible source? Enter our four Research Advocates who take your research-related questions and provide an expert personal response based on the latest information. All of our Research Advocates have a medical or science background and a direct connection to MS: Isabelle has a degree in sports medicine; Dick is retired from the practice of medicine; Margaret is an RN; and Pat is an RN and Nurse Practitioner. If you have a researchrelated question, take advantage of this resource. Send your inquiry to Sharon O’Hara at Sharon. ohara@nmss.org and she will direct it to one of the research advocates who will prepare a timely response. Thank you to our many donors who designate their contribution to research. Without you, we will not find a cure. If you have a research inquiry, please direct your question to Sharon.ohara@nmss.org or call 303-698-5422.
Moving Toward a World Free of MS
Programs Staying Healthy
How to Improve Your Quality of Life Rosalind Kalb, PhD, Vice President, Professional Resource Center, National MS Society
Question:
What is the most effective way to battle MS?
Answer: Early treatment is your best bet for delaying disease progression. There are ways to improve the daily activities in your life that don’t involve medication.
✓Get educated.
The more you know about MS, available treatment strategies and community resources, the more empowered you’ll feel to handle the unpredictable changes and challenges of MS.
✓Create your team.
Find a physician who will partner with you to manage the disease and engage other medical professionals in a coordinated and collaborative effort to treat your symptoms and optimize your quality of life.
✓Start treatment early.
The currently available disease-modifying medications are most effective early in the disease, when you may be feeling fine but the disease is active in ways that you cannot see or feel. Early treatment is your best bet for delaying disease progression.
✓Focus on wellness.
The healthier you are, the better equipped you’ll be to manage your MS. Exercise, a healthy, well-balanced diet, good stress management techniques, regular checkups and health screening tests are important for everyone with MS.
✓Pay attention to your mood.
Depression is one of the most treatable symptoms of MS, so discuss changes in your mood with your health care professional.
✓Think positively but be practical.
Planning for all the “what ifs” (I can’t work… I can’t walk… I can’t drive…) is the best way to feel prepared for the unpredictable. With strategies in mind to deal with possible changes down the road, you can focus on enjoying the here and now.
✓Be flexible.
The key to living fully with MS is your willingness to do things differently, using assistive technology to help you get where you want to go and do what you want to do.
✓Connect with others.
Whether in person or online, getting together with others to share ideas, feelings and solutions can help you feel less alone while facing the challenges of MS. 800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) • cureMSco-wy.org
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Programs Milestones
Making History—Three Teams Surpass $1 Million Fundraising Mark! Congratulations are in order as, during this year’s Walk MS and Bike MS, Colorado’s Ride, three teams did the extraordinary by surpassing $1 million in cumulative fundraising! They join Bike MS Team Sugar Bee, the only other team to achieve this hallmark in the Chapter’s history.
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty—20 Years and Going Strong After 20 years of continuous participation at Walk MS, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty’s 692-member Walk MS team made fundraising history when they became the first Walk team to pass $1 million in cumulative fundraising. This year the team raised more than $64,000, bringing their total giving to $1,045,000 and still giving. At a company gathering in August, Wendy Fisher, Director of Regulatory Affairs for 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty and Walk MS team captain shared “As a company, we are passionate about contributing to the National MS Society’s mission to free the world of multiple sclerosis, and to help make a difference in the lives of those who have been stricken with this horrible disease. We are proud of our 20-year relationship with the Society. Each year, we strive to increase our annual total contributions and number of participants. We hope to reach additional milestones for the Society as our relationship continues,” Fisher added.
Raw Hinies —A Passionate Commitment The Raw Hinies friends and family Bike MS team were also honored for their fundraising achievement. The Raw Hinies team was formed eight years ago when captain Jennifer Sales and four friends decided to form a
Friends and family Bike MS team the Raw Hinies surpassed the $1 million mark this year.
team and ride. Sales’ mother-in-law and a cousin were living with MS and she wanted to do something to make a difference. In 2004, the first-year team fielded 16 members and raised $36,100. This year, the 143-member Raw Hinies team raised more than $178,000, with more to come. This growth has come with kudos—they have been the top Colorado’s Ride fundraising team for the past three years and were the 19th highest Bike MS fundraising team in the nation as of 2009, per the most recent statistics available. Sales said that key to the team’s success has been keeping it fun coupled with a strong commitment. “Doing the ride is a great experience each year, but we never lose sight that we are riding to raise funds for a cause,” Sales said. “As we train and ride, we focus on people who live with the debilitating effects of MS—these are the people that keep us pedaling through the last mile,” she emphasized.
Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company—Commitment Beyond Sponsorship Bike MS title sponsor and team fielding Great-West Life
The Chapter’s first million dollar Walk MS team, 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty, at Denver City Park.
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Moving Toward a World Free of MS
Milestones
Thank You to our committed sponsors of Bike MS and Walk MS. Your philanthropic spirit, social leadership and passion for our community is greatly appreciated!
Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company became the first corporate Bike MS team to surpass the $1 million fundraising mark.
& Annuity Insurance Company became the first corporate Bike MS team to hit this elite fundraising level. “Great-West Life achieved the $1 million mark through sponsorship dollars, corporate matching gifts and team fundraising efforts,” said John Dubler, team captain. “Great-West Life initially became involved with Bike MS in 2001 as a way to rally around an employee who had MS,” said Christina Climaco, community support manager at Great-West Life. “The first year we had a team, the experience was so inspiring and such a boost to employee morale that the next year we decided to sponsor the event at the title level and have continued that role for ten years. This year our team of 75 raised more than $63,000, with dollars still be raised. The Ride is an ideal way to channel the passion for cycling to support a great cause,” she added. “These are just remarkable accomplishments and highlight the broad and committed level of community support we have,” said Carrie Nolan, president of the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter, National MS Society. “At times there are not words to express the gratitude we have for our supporters. The Chapter and the MS community thank these outstanding teams for their steadfast commitment and support and gratitude goes out to each and every one of our generous participants and supporters. These efforts are making a significant impact, allowing us to serve those living with MS today and will help the Chapter contribute $1 million to promising MS research that is yielding advances in treatments, while supporting the pathway to a cure.”
™
KJCT KOAA KISS FM Big Country Luna Bars Mad Greens
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Charles Schwab Anadarko IHS Pointb Morgan Stanley Smith Barney FedEx Kaiser Permanente Mad Greens Del Taco Three Tomatoes Clif Shot Earthgrains St. Anthony Hospital Universal Stylz
CHAPTER MEDIA SPONSORS
800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) • cureMSco-wy.org
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WALK MS 2011 RECAP
Fun, Sun and Commitment ! 2011 Walk MS and Bike MS Events Set Records Momentum was in full throttle throughout the Chapter’s 15 Walk MS events across Colorado and Wyoming and two Bike MS rides. The Chapter experienced record-setting attendance and increased fundraising, demonstrating ongoing commitment and strong community support to find a cure!
A record crowd of more than 8,000 attended Walk MS Denver in City Park on May 7.
Walk MS Highlights
Generations share their commitment to finding a cure during Walk MS.
2-10 Home Buyers Warranty Walk MS team reaches $1 million cumulative fundraising mark ■■ First Youth Achievement Award presented to Brighton Cub Scouts ■■ Walk MS Denver and Walk MS Casper set record attendance ■■
Photo courtesy Taryn Kapronica
______________________ “I appreciate all that you did to make the Denver MS Walk an amazing day …it has truly inspired me to work ten times harder.” ~Nina Duncan ______________________
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Brighton Cub Scouts, including Auggie Martinez, Brenden Laughlin and Duncan Presia-Robins, were recognized with the Chapter’s first Youth Achievement Award. The Scouts were inspired to earn the Disabilities Awareness academic pin and belt loop by Scout mom Jackie Martinez who lives with MS.
BIKE MS 2011 RECAP
Photo courtesy Geoff Guimaraes
Bike MS Highlights Great-West Life Bike MS presented by Newmont reached capacity for the 4th straight year ■■ First Bike MS corporate team—Great-West Life & Annuity Insurance Company—surpasses $1 million in cumulative fundraising ■■ Raw Hinies Friends and Family team surpasses $1 million in cumulative fundraising ■■ Bike MS Close Encounters sets record in participation and fundraising ■■
Johns Manville’s volunteers served up 2,000 snow cones to the cyclists. Volunteers from Johns Manville have been providing a rest stop for Bike MS participants for 15 years.
At Bike MS Close Encounters 214 cyclists and more than 100 volunteers enjoyed scenic Wyoming and set a fundraising record by raising more than $220,000!
Media Sponsor CBS4 Anchor Jim Benemann and Community Affairs Director Elaine Torres celebrate at the finish line. CBS4 fielded a team that also included Anchor Karen Leigh. Boulder resident Kathy Goodhew, who lives with MS, participated for the first time in Bike MS with elite cyclist Julie Guthrie, a member of The NOW and Novartis professional team, which was created by “The Amazing Race’s” Phil Keoghan.
800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) • cureMSco-wy.org
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Advocacy Walk MS
Moving Forward: Advocating to Obtain a Medical Exemption from Tiered-Electric Rates During the 2011 legislative session, Colorado activists worked diligently to craft and support a bill that would allow the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to grant Xcel Energy the authority to offer a medical exemption from the tiered rate system for people living with MS. The tiered rate system is designed to encourage energy conservation during the summer.
On August 24, the PUC Commissioners issued a Notice of Public Rate-Making (NOPR). Following the issuance of the NOPR, there was an opportunity for public comment that ran through September 23. Thank you to everyone who responded to this and watch for upcoming action alerts for future opportunities to participate and have our positions heard. If you would like to be added to the PUC listserv, which sends out updates regarding the medical exemption, please email Ellie Friedman at Ellie.Friedman@dora. state.co.us, with a request stating “Please add me to the Medical Exemption email distribution list.” Kirk Williams is the MS Activist who called this issue to our attention and is leading this volunteer effort. For any guidance or to learn more about the issue, contact him at kirkw@weplan.com. For further information please contact the Chapter’s Public Policy Coordinator, Erin O’Reilly at erin.oreilly@nmss.org or 303-698-5412.
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Act Now
One concerned person living with MS felt Xcel’s program could be harmful to people living with MS who depended on air conditioning to keep cool, as heat can cause an exacerbation for people living with MS. Thanks to the collective voices of many advocates, the Chapter was successful in passing legislation that is now in the regulatory process.
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Become an MS activist and be a voice for everyone affected by MS. Just follow simple steps below: • Visit www.curMSco-wy.org • Click on “Take Action” • Click on the green box “Become and MS Advocate,” then “Sign up here” • Complete the form and click “Submit”
Volunteering
Make Your Day By Helping Others
In Memoriam Lester Allen Murray
What’s Your Volunteer Personality?
Volunteers make a difference in a variety ways, from events and office support to one-on-one assistance.
January 24, 1947 – July 21, 2011
“I receive much more than I give” is a statement shared time and time again by people who volunteer their time and talents to help others. As an integral part of the Chapter’s team, more than 2,000 volunteers lend their support in many ways each year, extending the capacity of the Chapter to do more for the MS community.
If you want to join others in making an impact, but aren’t sure how you could contribute, just consider your volunteer personality. The Organizer: Do you love details and like to help get things done? Consider helping plan one of the Chapter’s many events or provide essential office support such as mailings and answering phones.
The Nurturer: Prefer to help people one-on-one? Share your time with someone living with MS and assist with errands, gardening or just pay a friendly visit. The Techie: If you enjoy working on computers, we’d love to have your help with research, data entry and online records.
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ACT NOW! Whatever your skills, they will be put to good use and will benefit many—perhaps you most of all! For more information or to sign up to volunteer, contact the Volunteer Hotline at 303-698-7470, option 4.
Lester was very active and passionate about supporting programs that helped others and was involved with the National MS Society through the MS Challenge Walk and The Wild West MS Walk About as well as many Chapter events. Lester will be remembered for his outgoing and gregarious personality, his generous spirit, and his big green gloves congratulating and cheering each and every last participant for their accomplishment. Lester made a huge difference in the lives of many and will be greatly missed.
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The Activist: Are you interested in policy and the political process? Become an MS activist and help to rally responses when needed, draft legislative updates for the website or assist with planning the annual MS Day at the Capitol. The Socializer: If you enjoy talking to and motivating people, you can help with the critical task of keeping event team captains well-informed, take on an eventday duty such as road marshal to keep participants safe, or assist with customer service activities.
In July the Chapter lost a very special friend, volunteer and champion, Lester Murray.
Did you know? Volunteers donated hours of service valued at more than $858,400 in 2010. More than 850 volunteers are needed to support Bike MS. 2,000 MS advocates play a key role in helping to advance legislation that aids the MS community.
800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) • cureMSco-wy.org 11
Of Note Denverite Goes the Distance for MS
Astoria, Ore. and ended on August 18 when he reached the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Portsmouth, N.H. He is proud that he biked the entire way, never taking a lift in the accompanying van. White also did numerous media interviews along the way to raise awareness of MS. To view his blog and photos or to make a donation, visit www.travisbikesmerica.com. Chapter Named as Charity Partner
Congratulations to Travis White, a 61-year-old Denverite who recently completed a 3,721-mile cycling ride across the northern U.S. while raising $31,000 for MS research. After his MS diagnosis in 2008 the retired software official decided to embark on this venture as his way to make a difference. Riding with a group associated with the America By Bicycle program, White’s trek began on June 20 in
A special thank you to Oppenheimer Funds, for selecting the ColoradoWyoming Chapter as their Employees’ Choice Charity for 2011. Their goal is to raise more than $80,000 through efforts with Walk MS- Denver, Bike MS and Hike MS- Winter Park. Your corporate leadership is exemplary and we are proud to be your partner.
MS Town Halls Update Wyoming Residents The Chapter held MS Town Hall meetings with local residents in Cody, Sheridan and Gillette, WY in August to explain the services, resources and expertise available through the Chapter. Meetings were well attended and many learned they can call 800 FIGHT MS (800-344-4867) for immediate help. Information about advocacy, financial assistance and educational programs were also shared. Representatives of the Chapter also learned about new, local community resources and agencies that could become partners with the Society and identified some areas that will require more advocacy in Wyoming. If you are interested in learning more about information shared at the Town Hall meetings, please contact our Program Manager, Cheryl Quinlan at Cheryl.quinlan@ nmss.org or call 307-265-3080.
An online gift can be made to the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter, National MS Society on Colorado Gives Day, December 6, 2011 using GivingFirst.org. Community First Foundation will be applying an incentive match to every gift made using givingfirst.org on that day. Last year, Coloradans generously donated $8.7 million to their favorite local charities on Colorado Gives Day. Whichever way you choose to donate to the Chapter, you will be making an impact by supporting programs, services and research that benefit the 88,000 people affected by MS in Colorado and Wyoming today, while providing hope for a world free of MS.
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Moving Toward a World Free of MS
Fundraising
Make a Difference Through Workplace Giving Workplace giving is an easy way to support local programs and services for the 88,000 people affected by MS in Colorado and Wyoming while funding more than 325 MS research projects worldwide. Many companies offer the opportunity for employees to make a charitable gift through a payroll deduction. It is easy and convenient and can increase your giving. For example, a $10 deduction from 26 pay periods would become a $260 gift to help people living with MS.
Workplace Giving The Chapter is a proud partner of Community Health Charities (CHC), which represents our nation’s most trusted health-related charities in workplace giving campaigns. Look for the National MS Society, Colorado-Wyoming Chapter listed under “Community Health Charities” in public and private sector campaign brochures. If you are a federal, state of Colorado or city/county of Denver employee you will find the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter, National MS Society and can designate your gift using the following codes: ■■
Combined Federal Campaign (CFC): 75847
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Colorado Combined Campaign (CCC): 0920
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Denver Employees Combined Campaign (DECC): 2520
____________________
…whatever workplace campaign is offered, you can always designate the National MS Society, Colorado-Wyoming Chapter to receive your gift…
____________________
Private sector employees who work for employers that include Community Health Charities in their workplace campaign will find the National MS Society, ColoradoWyoming Chapter giving option listed under Community Health Charities. If you don’t find Community Health Charities listed, ask your employer to contact CHC at 303-758-0069 to gain representation in your workplace campaign in the future.
If your employer has a workplace giving campaign, but only offers the United Way or a workplace giving program that does not include Community Health Charities, you can still give to us by using the write-in option near the bottom of the United Way Pledge card. Simply write National MS Society, Colorado-Wyoming Chapter in the space provided on the pledge card, and your gift will be passed on to us. Many employers also match gifts and volunteer hours made through these campaigns, so be sure to check as this option can increase your gift. Remember, whatever workplace campaign is offered, you can always designate the National MS Society, ColoradoWyoming Chapter to receive your gift by stating your choice clearly on the campaign form. If you would like someone from the Chapter to make a presentation to your workplace, please email emily.holterman@nmss.org or call 303-698-5405.
Where Your Donation Goes 81% of every dollar supports our programs, services and research
800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) • cureMSco-wy.org 13
Programs Programs/Services
Programs for Caregivers MS Caregivers Support Group 6 – 7:30 p.m., 2nd Thursday of the month, Oct. 13, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8. New Location! SarahCare Adult Day Center 8000 E. Quincy Ave., Denver 80237. Call LuAnn at 303-6987455 for information. If you don’t want to leave your loved one at home, onsite care is available for $12. Call ahead to make arrangements.
When it Hurts to Care: Compassion Fatigue We are also pleased to offer an educational program, in collaboration with the Parkinson Association of the Rockies. 6 – 8 p.m., November 15, 2011, Heritage Club Mountain View, 8101 E. Mississippi Ave., Denver, Colo 80247 To register, call: 1-800-344-4867 option 1. Dinner included.
MS Programs Near You Chapter Wide
Southern Colorado
Annual Meeting 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, October 15 5 regional locations
Self-Help Group, 9:30 – 11 a.m., 4th Saturday of the month, HealthSouth Rehab, Colorado Springs
Central Colorado
MS Clinic, 8:30 a.m. – Noon, 4th Wednesday of the month, HealthSouth Rehab, Colorado Springs
Assistive Technology Workshop, Tuesday, November 8
Ball and Mat therapy classes, Noon – 1 p.m., Wednesdays, Memorial Hospital Rehab, north location
For more information about our programs, call your local office or go to the calendar at www.cureMSco-wy.org under ‘Programs.’
Caregivers Educational Series 6 – 8 p.m., Heritage Club Mountain View 8101 E. Mississippi Ave., Denver 80247 September 20: Education PAR Excellence Series, The Destabilizing Nature of Illness and Disability. November 15: Education PAR Excellence Series, When it Hurts to Care—Compassion Fatigue. Newly Diagnosed Workshops 6:30 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, October 19 and 26, Chapter office, 900 S. Broadway, Suite 250, Denver 80209 Medicare Part D Enrollment Event 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., November 8 and 9 Chapter office, 900 S. Broadway, Denver, 80209
Northern Colorado Aquatics, 9:15 – 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, Mulberry Pool, Ft. Collins Dealing with Compassion Fatigue: A Program for Care Partners 6 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, November 9 CB & Potts Restaurant, Fort Collins Unleash Your Joy, 4-Week Appreciative Living Circle, 10:30 – Noon, November 7, 14, 21, 28, Longmont Library, Longmont
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MS Connection • Fall 2011
YMCA Punch Card Program Call 719-634-2984 for information, cost $20, Pueblo Fall Yoga Series, 5:45 – 6:45 p.m. Tuesdays starting October 11; Gill Fund building, 315 E. Costilla, Colorado Springs
MS Friends, Wednesday, November 16, Montrose
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Colorado Springs Holiday Party 6 p.m., Thursday, December 8, Mr. Biggs
Western Colorado
Lunch with Friends, 11:30 a.m., Friday, October 14, Down Valley Tavern, El Jebel
Chronic Disease Self-Management Classes, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Fridays, October 14 - November 18, Hilltop Services, 1355 Hermosa, Grand Junction
MS Yoga, 1:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Wednesdays, September 28 – November 16, Yoga West, Grand Junction Lunch with Friends, 11:30 a.m., Thursday, October 6, McCallister’s Deli, Grand Junction
Act Now Medicare Part D Enrollment: Oct. 15 - Dec. 7 Medicare prescription plans change each year, and it is important that you compare your current plan with others so you are sure you are getting the best coverage at the best price! Call a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor for free help to understand your options, make informed choices, and save money. In Colorado, call 1-888-696-7213. In Wyoming, call 1-800-856-4398
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MS Updates Delivered Quarterly via Email We’re changing the way we keep you informed. Starting in November, we’ll be supplementing our printed newsletter, MS Connection, with a new electronic publication, MS Update. If you’re already on MS Update will be sent to our email list, you’ll our email subscribers four receive MS Update times a year (in between each printed newsletter) and will be automatically later customized specifically for each region in the Chapter—Metro this fall. If not, sign up Denver, Northern Colorado, Wyoming, Western Colorado and or re-subscribe Southern Colorado. by visiting www. This means you, your family and friends can receive the latest nationalmssociety.org/ MS news in a timely, local and relevant electronic format. But MSupdate. don’t worry, MS Connection, our printed newsletter, will still be published four times a year.
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