Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society eNewsletter

Moving Toward a World Free of MS Programs

1-800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) • cureMScolorado.org 1

Kathryn, MS Activist, diagnosed with MS in 1984

How will you move it?nationalMSsociety.org

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®

A Doctor Who Understands

MS from Head to Toe

Q & A with Neurologist William Shaffer, MD,

who also has MS

IN THIS ISSUE:

ConnectionMoving Toward a World Free of MS SPRING/SUMMER 2010

MS in the Newspage 4

Volunteerspage 11

Researchpage 8

Advocacypage 5

Inside MS Connection:

2 MS Connection • Spring/Summer 2010

A Message from the President

The Colorado Chapter launched its Facebook Fan Page in January 2010 and in just two months the page has acquired more than 1,100 fans. Facebook allows the Chapter to update fans about programs, services, research, advocacy efforts, and events. It is also a tool for fans to share their stories, experiences, and support with those affected by MS.

While Facebook is great for raising awareness, it can also assist in raising funds. All Walk MS and Bike MS participants have the opportunity to use Boundless Fundraising, an application that allows event participants to add a link to their Facebook profile, directing people to the donation page of their partici-pation center. Facebook is a fast and

easy way for participants to extend their fundraising efforts as well as engage others.

The MS Society Joins the Social Media Movement

Help the Colorado Chapter reach its goal of 2,010 fans in 2010. Join us at: www.facebook.com/NMSSColoradoChapter

Dear Friends,

The Colorado Chapter is relentlessly pursuing its mission to improve the lives of people living with multiple scle-rosis by expanding community partnerships, creating new efficiencies, and enhancing opportunities for everyone to be involved in the MS Movement.

There are many ways to get involved with the Colorado Chapter. Our special events include nine Walk MS events in the month of May, Bike MS in June, Hike MS in July, the Dinner of Champions and our Women on the Move Luncheons in the late summer and fall. These events are a great way to support the chapter and forge new friendships through participation, sponsorship, fundraising and volunteering. Speaking of volunteer-ing, we are always looking for individuals or groups of volunteers who can lend their time and talents, either for an event or any of the numerous chapter initia-tives that drive funding for research and allow us to improve quality of life through programs and services that help over 76,000 Coloradans affected by MS. And please remember when you participate you are actually changing lives — beginning with your own.

The National MS Society is the go-to organization for MS research. I’m very excited about the advances in research including the recent FDA approval of an oral medication to improve walking in people with any type of MS. In addition, the FDA has given priority review status to a pending disease-modifying oral medication.

Most recently when news about CCSVI (Venous Insufficiency) spread around the globe at lightning speed, the Society very quickly took steps to establish and fund a critical scientific research process which is expected to result in CCSVI studies beginning as soon as July. You are always invited to visit our website www.cureMScolorado.org frequently to find the most current research updates.

Advocacy continues to be an important strategy to improve the lives of people living with MS. The Colorado Chapter was recognized at the National MS Society’s Public Policy Conference for our outstanding collaborative efforts in creating and leading the Chronic Care Collaborative. Our Chapter also secured passage of legislation broadening Medicaid coverage to adults without dependent children and prohibiting the insur-ance companies from excluding payment for services of persons in clinical trials.

Thanks to all of you who help generate critical re-sources to further our shared mission of delivering comprehensive programs and services while providing

funding resources for prom-ising research in prevention, treatment, and a cure.

Warm regards,

Carrie NolanChapter President

Moving Toward a World Free of MS


News

While working as a reporter in Nashville, TN, I worked with an incredible young woman by the name of Andrea Lindsley. She was my 5 o’clock producer and quite the dynamo. We quickly became friends and she soon shared with me that she had multiple sclerosis.

Not long after sharing that news with me, she ended up leaving the TV business she loved, for a job a little less stressful. Her doctor and husband encouraged her to try and slow down. We’ve been the best of friends now for nine years, and she never ceases to amaze me. She’s a hard worker, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a loving wife, an incredible

role model and a remarkable, devoted friend. She’s an impressive role model for anyone, especially those battling MS.

I didn’t know anything about MS until meeting Andrea. Since then, I try to do whatever I can to help battle the disease, whether it’s donating money, or my time. I would love to see a world free of MS.

I am committed to making a differ-ence — for my dear friend Andrea and for the 76,000 Coloradans affected by multiple sclerosis.

Karen Leigh, CBS 4 News Anchor (left), with friend, Andrea Lindsley

My brother was diagnosed over seven years ago. I am very close to my brother and I don’t want to see anyone else have to wrestle with this disease.

If there is anything we can do by bonding together, raising money for research, increasing awareness, and supporting the MS Society, we should do it. We need to help those people who have MS and work toward finding a cure.

If you can’t do the Walk, find someone who is and support them financially.

It is an incredible cause. If you have seen someone in the advanced stages, you know why you need to help. We also need to provide support to those in the early stage. Yes, they need financial support, but they need emotional support as well. If you can’t give financially, you can volunteer or give of yourself in some other way.

My goal is to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis by getting kindred spirits together; to not only to raise money for the MS Society, but to also raise awareness for the impor-tance of the fight against this disease. During the course of the Walk, we’ll make new friends, get together with old friends and it will be a great

bonding experience. We will enjoy the beautiful Colorado weather while we work to put an end to multiple sclerosis. This will be one step toward that goal and the more people who participate will put us that much closer to that goal.

Media Partners Raise Awareness and Donations for Multiple Sclerosis

Ginger, KBCO On-Air Personality

I’ve Seen the Effects of This Disease Firsthand.

Curing MS Matters to Me.


News

In a recent interview with Karen Leigh, news anchor for CBS 4, Kathy Goodhew described her relief to finally receive a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis for her symptoms which had started when she was in high school and had spanned her entire adult life. “I was just happy to know what it was so that I could start treating it,” explained Kathy.

Over the years, Kathy has experi-enced the symptoms of tremors, fatigue, and spinal pain, along with balance and walking issues, but doctors were reluctant to diagnose her with multiple sclerosis until she exhibited more symptoms on a regular basis. Kathy was offi-cially diagnosed in 2004 when her symptoms became increasingly worse with severe dizziness and compromised cognitive abilities. Her husband and caregiver, Ken, did some research about multiple sclerosis and acknowledged that Kathy exhibited every symptom on the list, which illustrated the impor-tance of having someone else who is a part of your life to take notice and inventory of your symptoms. It also helps to have someone attend doctor’s appointments with you

to provide details that may be forgotten or under-communicated. Ken offered the advice of patience when dealing with someone who has MS. “I have to remind myself that she’s doing her best and that her best today may not be what her best was yesterday or a week ago. But, we remain hopeful and believe medica-tions will help and that it will happen, maybe not a cure right away, but something to slow the disease.“

After working 26 years as a pediatric nurse, Kathy was no longer able to

perform her duties due to cognitive issues and was laid off in 2006. “Not being able to work was very devas-tating for me. I’m a people person, so if I can’t give to people and the kids, then my new passion is to give to the MS Society and help them to teach others about MS,“ explained Kathy. Kathy works with the Boulder community to coordinate volunteers for speaking engagements to raise awareness for MS.

Kathy and Ken Goodhew continue to support the National MS Society, Colorado Chapter as the top fund-raising team for Walk MS in Boulder. Ken has a Bike MS team and has recruited his daughters to be a part of Colorado’s ride. Kathy and Ken enjoy spending time with their daughters and taking it one day at a time.

Taking MS One Day at a Time

Kathy Goodhew and her husband, Ken, (right) are interviewed by Karen Leigh, CBS 4 anchor, to raise awareness for MS.

“Relieved,” a response you would not expect to hear to the question, “How did you

feel when you were diagnosed with MS?”



Kathryn, MS Activist, diagnosed with MS in 1984


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Advocacy

Over the summer, the Home Health Care Task Force was convened to explore gaps in consumer safety. Licensure requirements exist for only one type of home health business: the home care agencies. The other type of business, home care placement agencies, is not required to be licensed because these caregivers or aides work on a contractual basis. The task force met to explore options to ensure maximum consumer safety across the board. By pursuing licensure or certification of aides in home care placement agencies, safety regulations and oversight would increase. The following is a conversation with Ms. Parisi about her experience on the task force:

How did you first hear about the task force? What was the

application process like?

I received an e-mail blast through the National MS Society asking for advocates to apply for the consumer positions on the task force. I asked the public policy coordinator that my name be included in the application pool. My previous experience, both positive and negative, gave me a stake in the results of the task force.

How did you feel when you found out you were chosen to

participate? Did the meetings live up to your expectations?

I was excited, but also nervous at the same time. I was fortunate to be connected with two other consumer representatives who also represent chronic disease organizations and they were both very well-informed. Their prior experience and prep work really helped me feel comfortable going in.

What were your impressions of the legislators? What was

the best part of the process?

Some legislators were more responsive than others. Overall, it made me realize how important it was to provide a face to the legislators about issues in the chronic disease world.

Would you do this again if given the chance? Will you

continue with advocacy?

Yes, I would definitely participate again, and will participate in other advocacy efforts. There are a lot of

issues out there that affect those of us with MS, and it is most beneficial to our population when people connect with their local representatives.

in the Lives of People Living with MSMAKING A DIFFERENCE

The Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society strongly encourages support for the home health industry

as a long-term care strategy to help people living with MS remain financially, mentally and physically secure.

The task force completed its work in mid-September with the drafting of two legislative bills. The home health bills were suspended for the time being; however, Ms. Parisi’s work was not in vain. The Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society and their

Chronic Care Collaborative colleagues plan to continue efforts to ensure consumer safety in home care — and this is where our advocates are needed, to share their stories and experiences, to contribute to policy changes.

Q:

Q:

Q:

Q:

Kathryn Parisi, MS activist and volunteer, was featured in the National MS Society’s “Move It!” campaign to raise awareness for MS.


Programs & Services

It started personally when her mother’s best friend had multiple sclerosis and later when she was diagnosed with MS in March of 2005. Kera Miller provides personal and professional insights about MS as a care manager for the Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society.

Kera was initially diagnosed in an emergency room after she was admitted to their in-tensive care unit for dizziness, vertigo and blurred vision. She was on the verge of under-going surgery for what the doctors believed was brain cancer when further testing over a three-day period revealed she had multiple sclerosis. Kera didn’t have time to dwell on the diagnosis or let the fear of MS take over—she was busy finishing grad school and holding down two jobs. The hospital referred her to a neurologist who got her started on a treatment plan right away.

After learning more about the National MS Society, Kera signed up for Walk MS Colorado, and her sister is captain of a Bike MS team for the third consecutive year and one of the ride’s top fundraisers.

“I was raised to help people,” explains Kera. “This is an amazing organization and they help people. I am of able mind and body and I can help people

and I love to give back to a community I am a part of and to an

organization that will be around if I need help.”

Kera has been with the Colorado Chapter for nearly two years and talks with people who have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and identifies what their needs are and how the society can help them—everything from home renovations to paying energy bills and other financial assistance to counseling and help with filling out applications for federal or state programs.

“It’s really about connecting people to resources they don’t know about— everything from exercise classes, to eyeglasses, to getting a ramp put on their house,” describes Kera.

Colorado Chapter Care Manager Shares Her Personal and Professional Passion

Did You Know...The Colorado Chapter offers valuable resources, programs, and services for people newly diagnosed to those with advanced MS as well as friends and family.

We offer:

Support for Living with MS

• Dealing with MS in Your Important Relationships • Protecting Your Employment Options • Managing Insurance and Money Matters • Promoting Function, Independence, and Mobility • Expanding Support Groups and Self-Help Groups

Care Management

• Resource Referrals• Counseling Services• Limited Financial Assistance• Home Care Services

Community Programs

• Education• Wellness Programs• Symptoms Management• Research Updates

Information Resource CenterCall to obtain answers to questions about:

• Multiple Sclerosis• Current Research and Treatments• Community and Medical Resource Referrals• Health and Social Security Benefits . . . and thousands of other questions

Knowledge, help, and support are just a call away. 1-800-FIGHT MS (344-4867)

“It’s really about

connecting people

to resources they

don’t know about”

Kera Miller, Care Manager

by Danielle English, Colorado Chapter Volunteer Hidden away in a meeting room just outside Denver are more than 50 of the most upbeat, energetic, and good-humored people along the Front Range—and they meet every month to learn from each other’s struggle with multiple sclerosis.

Parker Pals sets the standard for a great self-help group. What makes them great is their desire to support each other and learn from each

other as well as educational topics presented by guest speakers who discuss current topics relevant to the understanding and management of MS. They also enjoy learning about the benefits of different types of fitness training and wellness programs and putting those into practice and sharing the results.

“I like the inclusiveness,” said Dan, a member of Parker Pals. “I like it

because we all have MS,” said Sandy, another member. “The group shows you the varieties of the disease,” said Jenny, another Parker Pals member. “Other people don’t get it,” she said, referring to the challenges of discussing the many forms of MS with the public

Together they share how they are personally dealing with symptom management, medications, health insurance, and so much more. The atmosphere tends to be lighthearted as members share their feelings and support each other—with a general demeanor of sitting back and laughing.

While Parker Pals doesn’t focus just on treatments and everyone isn’t always laughing, the point is that the group is focused on being positive and supporting one another.

One member in particular is working hard to spread awareness so that others do “get it.” Kathryn, diagnosed in 1984, no longer has use of her arms and legs due to MS and has had to have home aides assist her since the disease took over her body. “It takes over your private and family life,” she said.

So, when she heard the National MS Society was developing a task force to go to the State Capitol, she was ready to take control and do something about the disease. “I thought, ‘I think I want to do this,’” Kathryn said.

And so she went to the capitol, in her wheelchair, ready to fight for

legislation that helps people with MS (see Kathryn’s story on page 5).

Parker Pals has a Walk MS team, a yoga group, a Bike MS Team, a water aquatics group, a walking group to keep moving forward, and members who have created a quilt to raffle as a fundraiser, to name a few. It’s clear that Parker Pals is more than a self-help group. It’s a place for people with MS of all ages to get together, have fun, and make a difference in the world.

Ashley, the group’s youngest member, who is a master’s student, ended the meeting with an anonymous quote that sums up the meaning of Parker Pals: “Tell me, and I forget. Show me, and I remember. Involve me, and I understand.”

The members of Parker Pals are involved. They make a difference. They’re changing the world of MS.

Self-help Group Sets the Standard

Programs & Services

For more information

about self-help groups,

chapter-sponsored support

groups, and wellness

programs in your area,

visit cureMScolorado.org.

If you would like a printed

version of these resources,

please contact

[email protected].


Research

Recent reports are calling attention to the idea that a phenomenon called Chronic Cerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI), a reported abnormality in blood drainage from the brain and spinal cord, may contribute to nervous system damage in MS. This hypothesis has been put forth by Dr. Paulo Zamboni from the University of Ferrara in Italy.

Based on the results of his initial preliminary findings, Dr. Zamboni states that this pilot study warrants a subsequent larger and better controlled study to definitively evaluate the possible impact of CCSVI on the disease process in MS. It has been proposed by Dr. Zamboni,

but not yet proven, that CCSVI may be corrected through endo-vascular surgery, which involves inserting a tiny balloon or stent into blocked veins in order to permit the flow of blood out of the brain and spinal cord, a procedure that has been called “liberation therapy” in some reports.

The National MS Society is under-taking the funding of new research on CCSVI in MS and has invited investigators worldwide to apply for grants that would explore this lead. In response to a January 6 deadline, the National MS Society and the MS Society of Canada received numerous letters of intent from investigators

from seven countries. These letters of intent, which briefly describe the proposed research, will be reviewed and those that meet grant guidelines will be invited to submit full research proposals.

The applications will undergo an accelerated review process by an international panel being convened in cooperation with other MS Societies to ensure an expedited, coordinated response. If this hypoth-esis is confirmed, it may open up new research avenues into the underlying pathology of MS and new treatment approaches to therapy.

Ampyra™ dalfampridine (pro-nounced amPEERah and formerly known as fampridine SR, from Acorda Therapeutics) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January for its ability to improve walking in people with any type of MS. This is the first prescription medica-tion specifically approved to treat a symptom of MS, and it represents a big step forward for the many people who may benefit.

Ampyra is a tablet containing a sustained-release formula of 4-aminopyridine, which blocks tiny

pores, or potassium channels, on the surface of nerve fibers. This blocking ability may improve the conduction of nerve signals in nerve fibers whose insulating myelin coating has been damaged by MS. The first studies of this potassium-blocking approach in people with MS were supported by the National MS Society.

Ampyra is a symptomatic therapy drug that addresses a specific symptom of multiple sclerosis, but taking it does not change the under-lying course of the disease or limit the damage caused by the disease. There are many medications taken

by people with MS to manage specific symptoms, such as spastici-ty, fatigue or depression. While there are FDA-approved disease-modi-fying therapies that are partially effective against some forms of the disease, as well as rehabilitation and symptomatic treatments for some symptoms, until now there was no pharmacologic treatment available for MS-related difficulty walking.

For more information about Ampyra and other research updates, go to cureMScolorado.org and click on the Research tab.

Blood Drainage in the Brain and Spinal Cord May Contribute to Nervous System Damage in MS

Ampyra Symptomatic Medicine Approved by FDA to Improve Walking for People with All Types of MS




Living with MS

William R. Shaffer, MD, is a neurolo-gist with multiple sclerosis and he offers a comprehensive perspective and a unique expertise in his Greeley, Colorado, practice.

What is the best way to choose and work with a new neurologist? You’re the boss. You should work together with your doctor and share as much information as possible. I think people think they can’t say things to their doctor or challenge them. I believe a person’s healthcare is the most important thing, so if they want a second opinion, I definitely encourage that. Take the time to understand the doctor’s philosophy on prescribing medications and how they plan to follow your interactions with multiple sclerosis.

How effective are MRIs for diag-nosing MS and how often should I get them? I often hear of MS patients getting MRIs to see how they are doing. It’s not an end all be all. I will use an MRI to diagnose MS but I will not use an MRI to see how they are doing; rather, I see them in person and gauge how they are doing over time. I will look for the more subtle things like cognitive issues and ask the family or friends who are with them about the patient’s memory issues, or a change in their symptoms or mood. Some people will get an MRI every year and see more white lesions on their brain but are doing well and others will hardly see any additional white lesions and they are doing worse. An MRI is good at detecting the disease but will not

necessarily tell you if the person is responding to medication and to what degree—for that we need a clinical treatment—a visit to the doctor’s office.

When I work out at the gym, my MS gets worse. Should I stop working out? Sometimes people are led to believe that working out makes their multiple sclerosis worse. When, in fact, the rise in body temperature may bring out the symptoms

of MS, it does not cause attacks or exacerbations. Once the body cools down, the elevated symptoms should subside. When I was first diagnosed and I exercised, I would lose the feeling and control in my left arm and it scared me. Once my body cooled down, the feeling came back and I was fine. So it is easy to see that people with MS would draw the conclu-sion that working out is not good for them when in fact the opposite is true—it’s important to stay active and eat healthy.

What misconceptions or misdiagnoses are there about MS? I see migraines a lot or complicated migraines and they can have similar symptoms of multiple sclerosis such as numbness, weakness, and visual auras and often affect young women. I had a woman come to me that was diagnosed with MS and came to me for a second opinion. Her MRI revealed little white spots which are very different than the white lesions of multiple sclerosis. As it turned out, she suffered from migraines but did not have MS.

Also, there is a tendency to blame everything on MS. Some people don’t sleep well at night and blame MS when it could be sleep apnea. Others experience fatigue and blame their MS when it could be their diet or a part of depression. It’s hard because there are so many symptoms to MS.

A Doctor Who Understands MS from Head to Toe

William, Neurologist,Society Physician Fellowship

Research Award Recipient,diagnosed with MS in 2002


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Dr. William Shaffer was featured in the National MS Society’s

“Move It” campaign to increase awareness for MS.


My personal experience

with MS began 24 years ago. At the time I was diagnosed, the resources available to those of us adapting to life with MS were limited. Today the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) is an indispensible resource of support, knowledge and training, as well as volunteer opportunities. That commitment, and my own desire to be of service, brought me to the doors of NMSS.

Although I have had MS for many years, I never took advantage of the many resources available through NMSS. After some serious

deliberation one evening, I went to sleep determined to become more involved. “What better way than to volunteer,” I thought. The question then became, “How?”

When I read the local newspaper the next morning, there was a wonderful article about Suzanne, the MS Society’s Volunteer of the Year. It seemed like a sure sign. There was a number to call if you had an interest in volunteering. I called that day and began volunteering the very next week. It has truly been a positive experience. Everyone at the Colorado Chapter has been incredibly friendly and

welcoming. I am now much more familiar with the services offered by NMSS and feel comfortable accessing them should the need arise.

NMSS continues to be a positive force in our community, and my hope is that more people will find their way to our doors, just as I have. The opportunities are limitless and the sense of fulfillment is exhilarating. My desire is to help raise awareness and financial support for NMSS and our community. Be it volunteering or donations, we can all find a way to be of service. I have seen the hard work and time the staff and volunteers contribute, and can think of no better way to support our community.

I wish I had made that call years ago.

I love volunteering, I volunteer because I can. Working with the National MS Society can fit into almost anyone’s schedule. If you can give one hour or six, they really appreciate all our help. I have volunteered for almost 10 years and there is always new stuff to do and people to help. They know I don’t get on my computer every day, so they call me if something comes up for me to do. They take the time to figure out how we prefer to be contacted. All the staff members are great, very helpful, fun to be around. They are flexible on which hours and which days I can work and willing to work with my schedule.

Please join us, have fun and I will show you where the candy jar is. Suzanne,Volunteer of the Year

Carrie Nolan, president of the Colorado Chapter of the NMSS (right) presents Suzanne Cross with the Volunteer of the Year Award.

Suzi Clarke, Volunteer

Suzanne Cross Earns Volunteer of the Year Award

Volunteer Discovers It’s Never Too Late to Start

Volunteers


Moving Toward a World Free of MS Volunteers

Dr. George P. Garmany, Jr., received the 2010 Harold E. Williamson Award from the COPIC Medical Foundation on March 11, 2010. This award is presented each year to recognize a physician for volunteer medical services and contributions to the community that extend beyond day-to-day activities. This honor includes a $10,000 donation from the COPIC Medical Foundation to the 501(c)(3) organization of the recipient’s choice, which Dr. Garmany has directed to the Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society.

Dr. Garmany is a board certified neu-rologist who maintains a private prac-tice with Associated Neurologists in Boulder, a community he has served more than 30 years. He has held a lifelong interest in multiple sclerosis

(MS) and has provided pro bono medical services to uninsured and underinsured persons diagnosed with MS in the Boulder community throughout his career.

Garmany gives more than 300 hours annually to the Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society, where he chairs the Clinical Advisory Committee and serves as a volunteer speaker with the Chapter’s program for newly diagnosed individuals. One of his most notable contributions to the Colorado Chapter was founding the Bike MS event in 1985. Today Bike MS is the third-largest non-profit fundraising MS bike ride in the nation, with more than 3,000 cyclists participating in a two-day, 150-mile ride that raises nearly $3 million for programs and research.

Boulder Physician Honored by COPIC Medical Foundation for Outstanding Volunteer Service

Did you know? In 2009...

• 1,600+ people volunteered with the Colorado Chapter

• 39,000 volunteer hours were donated

• 700 volunteers supported Bike MS

• 900 volunteers supported 9 statewide Walk MS events

• $800,000+ estimated dollar value of volunteer time

• Volunteer impact—PRICELESS!

Opportunities include:

• Administrative and Professional • Community Events • Chapter Events • Leadership and Ambassadors • Programs, Advocacy, and Services

Dr. George P. Garmany, Jr., (center) is congratulated by Dr. Ted Clarke, chairman and CEO, COPIC, and Mary Hobson, board chair, Colorado Chapter, National MS Society, as he receives the COPIC Medical Foundation’s Harold E. Williamson Award for outstanding volunteer service.

You Can Make a Difference in the Lives of Over 76,000 Coloradans Affected by Multiple Sclerosis...

• Donate to an Event or the Colorado Chapter• Participate in an Event• Form a Team for Walk MS, Bike MS, or Hike MS• Volunteer for an Event or Year-round• Sponsor an Event • Start a Fundraising Event in Your Community


Events

Find out everything you need to know about fundraising for Walk MS, Bike MS, Hike MS or your own community fundraising event to benefi t the Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society.

Tools include:

• How to put together a fundraising team• Sample correspondence letters to get sponsorships or donations• Creating team spirit• Who to approach when fundraising and how• And many, many more tools!

To view the new Colorado Chapter Fundraising Tool Kit, visit our website at cureMScolorado.org or call to request an interactive CD.

JULY24 2010

The Colorado Chapter Fundraising Tool Kit

Hike MSSaturday, July 24th Durango • Copper Mountain

A hike that is perfect for everyone. Three beautiful routes of varying terrain. After the hike, participants will enjoy a tasty BBQ lunch, live music, and good company.

For more information and to register as an individual or team, go to hikeMScolorado.org.

Walk MS9 walks in May in communities across Colorado

We walk together to make a powerful statement and to keep moving toward a cure. Each May, over 10,000 Coloradans participate in Walk MS events across the state. We walk with a purpose!

Find out more at www.walkMScolorado.org.

Bike MSJune 26 & 27thWestminster to/from Ft. Collins

Bike MS is a two-day inspirational ride covering 150 miles though majestic Colorado. You’re up for the challenge — and ready for the ride of your life! The sense of accomplishment you’ll feel as you cross the fi nish line will be matched by the difference you’ll make in the lives of people affected by MS.

Find out more at www.bikeMScolorado.org.

New!


The Colorado Chapter, National MS Society honored three exemplary Northern Colorado community members for their service to enhancing the lives of people living with MS at the 16th Annual Northern Colorado Dinner of Champions.

Brothers Chad and Troy McWhinney of McWhinney Enterprises, Loveland, were recognized with the Chapter’s prestigious 2010 Hope Award for outstand-ing community service, leadership, and philanthropy

and Brant Gluth of Fort Collins was also honored with the Chapter’s MS Champion Award, which is presented to someone living with MS who has not let the challenges of

living with MS become an obstacle to leading a full life.

A silent and live auction was also part of the evening’s celebration, which raised over $90,000 to support Chapter programs, services, and research.

Moving Toward a World Free of MS Events

The Women on the Move MS Luncheon (formerly Women Against MS Luncheon) is an extraordinary event driven by passionate volunteers who want to raise awareness for multiple sclerosis. Women on the Move Luncheons will be held in three communities across the state: Aspen, Denver, and Fort Collins. The funds raised at these community events will support essential programs and services that serve the 76,000 Coloradans affected by MS and con-tribute to research efforts that will one day lead to a world free of MS.

The Women on the Move Luncheon in Denver on Tuesday, September 14 will feature keynote speaker Cami Walker. Cami Walker is the author of the New York Times bestseller 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2006, she created the online 29-Day Giving Challenge (www.29Gifts.org) in April 2008 and has continued her own giving cycle every month since. 29 Gifts is a global giving movement

with nearly 10,000 members in 42 countries and changes lives, and the world, one gift at a time.

The Fort Collins Women on the Move Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, October 5 at the Hilton Fort Collins and will feature keynote speaker Wendy Booker. In June of

1998, this mother of three was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS. Today, it takes more than summiting the highest mountains in the world and multiple sclerosis to tame her drive for success. Wendy Booker has successfully reached the

the top of six of the seven world’s highest mountains—the first person with MS to do so. Mt. Everest, the highest mountain on Earth, still awaits for 2010.

The Aspen Women on the Move Luncheon will be held Thursday, August 19 at the Aspen Historical Society.

For more information and sponsor-ship opportunities for Women on the Move Luncheons, please contact Emily Suess, community develop-ment manager, at [email protected] or 303-698-5405.

Women on the Move Luncheons

Exemplary Northern Colorado Community Members Honored at Dinner of Champions

An extraordinary event driven by

passionate volunteers who want to raise awareness for MS.

join theconversation

Your questions about living with MS answered LIVE!Talk MS is taking the show on the road!

Sat., Apr. 24, 2010Registration: 9:30 amProgram: 10:00 am

Marriott Denver Tech Center4900 South Syracuse StreetDenver, CO 80237

Featuring:• Dr. Randall Schapiro• Dr. William Shaffer • MS LifeLines® Nurse Amy Burnett, RN, BSN, MSCN • MS LifeLines® Ambassador Nicole B.

Call 1-866-756-0494Register today for this free event.

©2010 EMD Serono, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Don’t Miss Out! Bring your friends.

• Your questions answered by leading physicians and nurses• Connect with others living with MS• Share your perspective

For more information about other talk MS programs, visit www.mslifelines.com

Complimentary refreshments will be served - and parking is free. Please contact the venue directly for directions from your local area.

Please use convention center entrance located to the right of the hotel.



Information

Metro Denver OfficeBroadway Station900 S. Broadway, Ste 250Denver, CO 80209 Tel: 303-698-74001 -800-344 -4867

Northern Office1525 Riverside Avenue, Ste AFort Collins, CO 80524Tel: 970-482-50161 -800-344 -4867

Western Slope Office2232 N. 7th Street, Ste 14Grand Junction, CO 81501Tel: 970-241-89751 -800-344 -4867

Southern Office616 North Tejon StreetColorado Springs, CO 80903Tel: 719-634-29841 -800-344 -4867

Colorado Chapter Offices

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 MS Society at www.nationalMSsociety.org or 1-800-344-4867, to learn about ways to help manage multiple sclerosis and about current research that may one day reveal a cure. 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 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 is dedicated to a world free of MS.

©2010 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Colorado Chapter

1-800-FIGHT MS (1-800-344-4867)

Publication of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Colorado Chapter

Broadway Station900 S. Broadway, Ste 250 Denver, CO 80209

If you or someone you know has MS:

Women on the Move Luncheons

®

Broadway Station900 S. Broadway, Ste 250Denver, CO 80209

SAVE THE DATE

May 1 May 8

May 15

May 22

Bike MS June 26 & 27

Hike MS July 24

Denver • Fort Collins

Colorado Springs • Grand Junction Loveland/Centerra

Boulder/Longmont • PuebloGlenwood Springs

Winter Park

Walk MS

SPRING EVENTS 2010

SUMMER EVENTS 2010

FALL EVENTS 2010

Aspen

Denver

Fort Collins

August 19

September 14

October 5

Durango • Copper Mountain

Westminster to/from Ft. Collins

Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society eNewsletter

Documents

Transcript of Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society eNewsletter