MS CONNECTION NEWSLETTER€¦ · 4 MS CONNECTION: FALL 2015 SAVE THE DATES LUNCHEONS AND FALLCRUSH...

FALL 2015 VOLUME 3, ISSUE 4 NMSS MID SOUTH CHAPTER

MS CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

03MY STORY SPOTLIGHT: DONNA EPPS GARRIS

04SAVE THE DATES: FALL CRUSH AND LUNCHEONS

06WORKPLACE AND COMMUNITY GIVING

09EXPLORE CHALLENGE WALK MS: SAVANNAH

CONGRATULATIONS2015 MID SOUTH SCHOLARS

From L to R

Austin Gomez, Baylee West, Austin Roach, and Matthew Thorne

From L to R Eleanore Czelusniak, Jacob Wyrick, Kevin Sam-mons, and Rebekah Beeton

2 MS CONNECTION: FALL 2015

COVER STORY: MID SOUTH SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

2015 SCHOLARSA huge congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients! In 2015, the Mid South Chapter awarded over $10,500 in scholar-ships to deserving students looking to advance their education.

Like us: http://www.facebook.com/NMSSMidSouth

Follow us: http://twitter.com/ NMSSMidSouth

Follow us: http://instagram.com/NMSSMidSouth

www.msmidsouth.org

Matthew Thorne - Goodspring, TN pursuing Engineering. Eleanore Czelusniak - Murfreesboro, TN pursuing Interior Design. Kevin Sammons - Oneida, TN pursuing Nursing. Austin Roach - Union City, TN pursuing Architecture. Rebekah Beeton - Bradyville TN pursuing Organization Leadership.Jacob Wyrick - Knoxville, TN pursuing Management. Austin Gomez - Maryville, TN pursuing Mechanical Engineering.Baylee West - Franklin, TN pursuing Child and Family Studies.

Congratulations scholarship winners; we salute you & your future!

When: Tuesday, October 13, 2015, 8:00 – 9:15 pm EST

“Tired of Being Tired? Tips & Techniques to Keep You Going” Presented by Patty Bobryk, MHS, PT, MSCS, ATP & Juliann Hanson-Zlatev, OTR

When: Tuesday, November 10, 2015, 8:00 - 9:15pm EST

“Getting Creative in the Kitchen with MS” Presented by Anna Cotton, OT & Denise Nowack, RDN

For call-in number, register at http://www.mscando.org/webinar .

For an additional list of upcoming live programs in your area, please call (800) 344-4867 and select option 1. You can also register online at www.msmidsouth.org by clicking on our Calendar.

To continue staying up to date on research and programs in your area, please share your email address with us by contacting chapter staff at: [email protected].

CAN DO MS:

WEBINARS/TELELEARNING

3NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867

MS AMBASSADOR: MY STORY

DONNA EPPS GARRIS Wow, who would have thought 26 years ago, I would have heard the words, “I am sorry to have to tell you this, but you have multiple sclerosis”. I was 30 and at the height of a very successful career. I was the only woman in my company in medical surgical sales, teaching doctors arthroscopic surgery and selling them the equipment. I was selling over a million dollars a year and feeling on top of the world. I had bought a house, drove a nice car, and then “it” happened. I was at a medical convention; at the end of one evening, I was in the lobby of the convention hall wrapping things up, when I just fell on the floor. It was embarrassing, confusing and scary all in one emotion. I can remember so vividly the look on the doctor’s face, when he said: you have multiple sclerosis (MS) and there is no known cure or treatment. I had heard of MS but really knew nothing about it. I was unable to return to work at the same capacity as before so, now having all this “non-working time”, I went to work, researching everything. I learned that MS is an auto-immune disease which attacks the central nervous system. It is 2-3 times more common in women than men, and generally diagnosed within the ages of 20-40. I was right in the middle of that range. Who is likely to get MS, no one knows. However, we do know about 2.3 million people are affected by MS worldwide. And MS affects everyone differently. No two are alike. Doing my due diligence, I also found the MS Center of Atlanta. I was so excited; all they saw were MS patients. Of course the doctor at the MS Center reiterated that there is no cure for MS, but life can be made comfortable and adaptable to living well with MS. And what a world of difference this made. Thanks to the monies applied to MS research by the Society, I found a disease modifying therapy that has been great for me. When people find out I have MS I hear the remarks, “But you look so good”. I just smile. MS hasn’t taken physical control of me yet. MS not only affects what you see physically, such as trouble walking and balance, but also the things you can’t see: fatigue, depression, spasticity, pain, numbness, among others.

This is why I choose to advocate for MS research, and why I continue to request support of the FDA and the American Disability Act. People living with MS need to act in solidarity with one another. That’s why I became a MS Ambassador and why I encourage everyone affected by the disease to get involved in some way. Every little bit helps move our mission forward. There is a saying I often like to quote: “The only thing you can be sure about when it comes to multiple sclero-sis, is that you can’t be sure about any-thing with multiple sclerosis.” For me, this makes for a lifetime filled with many happy surprises.

- Donna Epps Garris


SAVE THE DATES

LUNCHEONS AND FALLCRUSH

FallCrush Nashville will feature a locally sourced dinner by four celebrity chefs.

Hal Holden-Bache of Lockeland Table, Brandon Frohne of Forage South, Travis McShane of Adele’s and Pastry Chef Rachel De Jong of 5th & Taylor will each prepare a course paired with wines exclusively from the Carneros Region.

Carneros sits between Sonoma and Napa Valley, is amongst the most celebrated region viticulturally, and is famous for Pinot Noir and Chardonnary.

When: Sunday, October 18, 2015 from 4-8pm

Where: The Grand Barn at Green Door Gourmet, 7011 River Road Pk, Nashville TN

Featuring: Live & silent auction; tickets are $150 and $250 for VIP and Patron Party access.

*Please email [email protected] for more on auction donations and sponsorship opportunities; for tickets, visit: www.FallCrushMS.com.

Chair: Kim LeffewSpeaker: Kristie Salerno-KentDate: Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 10:30amLocation: The Chattanoogan, 1201 Broad St, Chattanooga, TN

Date: Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 11amLocation: Hillwood Country Club, 6201 Hickory Valley Rd, Nashville TN

*Tickets are available online; for more details on the luncheons, please email [email protected].


THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING

GOLF SCRAMBLE

This year marked the 20th anniversary of the Bob Mueller Celebrity Golf Scramble!

Over 25 teams came out to support us as we headed to Gaylord Springs Golf Links for another fabulous year of beautiful weather, competitive golf and a silent auction filled with southern charm.

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING

WALK MS

This year, Walk MS across the state raised impressive amounts to support local MS research!

Chattanooga: $19,731Clarksville: $54,622Cookeville: $18,144Greeneville: $21,327Knoxville: $66,070Memphis: $51,322Middle Tennessee: $118,048

The golf tournament raised over $75,500! Thank you to all sponsors, attendees and volunteers. You all did such an amazing job!

Fall Crush is Knoxville’s premier wine event. Join us as we celebrate the best of blends: wines from various vineyards, delicious food, a silent auction and live entertainment.

Special wines being featured: Bex Riesling, Cryptic Red, Four Vines Chardonnay, Raeburn Chardon-nay, Flint & Steel Sauvignon Blanc, Calista Coastal Pinot Noir, Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon.

*For sponsorship opportunities and silent auction donations please contact [email protected]


It’s that time of year again! Be on the lookout for your employer’s annual Employee Giving Program!

It’s quick. It’s easy. All you need is a pen to help us move closer to a world free of MS by designating your charitable contribution thru Workplace Giving to the National MS Society, Mid South Chapter.

Workplace giving is a great way for you and your employer to support the Society in our efforts to raise funds to fuel important research and provide critical services to people impacted by MS.

Why Give Through Workplace Giving?Participating in your employer’s charitable giving program is a convenient, easy way to help us move towards a world free of MS. By deducting a small amount of money from each paycheck, you can make a larger donation but in smaller, easy automatic installments. Also, many companies participating in workplace giving offer matching gifts allowing you to double your impact.

How You Can Get Involved?Contact your Human Resources Department. You can support the Society through one of the following workplace giving programs or your organizations employee giving club.

*Our Chapter’s Federal EIN # is 62-0693217.

Combined Federal Campaign: designated code is 83338

Community Health Charities:

Make sure you select designated code for National MS Society, Mid South Chapter for your area.

United Way: designated code is 7040

*If your employer does not have a workplace giving program, contact Deanna Jones at [email protected], and she will connect your employer to Community Health Charities.


COMPREHENSIVE MS CARE CENTERS Vanderbilt Multiple Sclerosis Center 3810 Bedford Avenue, Ste. 100 Nashville, TN (615) 343-1176

St. Thomas Medical Partners - Neurology 4230 Harding Road Ste. 501 Nashville, TN (615) 383-8575

Cole Neuroscience at UT Medical Center 1928 Alcoa Highway Ste. B-102 Knoxville, TN (865) 305-6740

WELCOME WESLEY; PARTNER IN CAREWe are so excited to announce Wesley Neurology, our newest Partner in MS Care, in West Tennessee! Congratulations on this outstanding distinction! Wesley Neurology, 8000 Centerview Parkway Suite 300, Cordova TN 38018

DO IT YOURSELF (DIY) FUNDRAISING

SUCCESS STORIES DIY fundraising has long since been a fun way for individuals and communities to come together in solidarity to raise funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis; here are some recent and unique ideas!

Boyd Buchanan School raised $5,660 The students at Boyd-Buchannon High School in Chattanooga in different grade levels competed against each other to see who could raise the most money for MS!

Reclaimed Design Works raised $894 A Nashville based design company hosted an open house and silent auction to benefit multiple sclerosis.

“Spring for MS Awareness” DIY raised $2,430 In May, Dickson resident Autumn Carter coordinated a Vendor and Craft Show in honor of her mother and others in the community living with MS.

The Mercy Lounge DIY raised over $3,000 Marlee Montgomery held a World MS Day Benefit Show to raise awareness and funds, complete with vendors, musical performances and fun giveaways!

MS AWARENESS: Smokies Baseball Night Out Matthew Tieng, diagnosed with MS at age 8 and is now 12, threw the first pitch at the August 18 game. The Smokies showed support by selling discounted tickets and many clients came out to raise awareness. Wesley Neurologists,

Drs. Tulio Bertorini and Rekha Pillai, accept Partner in MS Care certification from staff member, Sherry Bramucci.


Every once in a while, a challenge calls that you simply must answer. Challenge Walk MS is a three-day journey to walk 50 miles throughout and around historic Savannah, through Skidaway Island (The Land-ings) and finally to Tybee Island. Approximately 300 participants from across the country who have raised a minimum of $1,500 each will aim to raise a total of $675,000 to support MS. Registration is now open at www.ChallengeMS.org for a fee of $55 through October 1, 2015. Registration is open up to the event.

Last year 243 walkers & 115 volunteers raised more than $660,000. We can’t wait to top that in 2016.

This is more than just a fundraising event; Challenge Walk MS is a celebration for the entire community. The event itself creates a hope-filled and inspiring atmosphere for everyone affected by multiple sclerosis while generating a greater awareness of MS in the public at large. Families and friends are drawn closer to-gether, co-workers are united for a greater good, and people gain a better understanding of what MS is and how close we are coming to achieving a world free of MS. The Mid South Chapter team is: MS MOVERS.

For more information or to register for the event, call (800) 344-4867 or visit www.ChallengeMS.org.

CHALLENGE WALK MS: SAVANNAH


NATIONAL MULTIPLESCLEROSIS SOCIETY

Mid South Chapter214 Overlook Circle, Suite 153

Brentwood, TN 37027

STAFF

Jennifer LeeSE Regional Executive Vice President

Diane Payne VP, Finance & Administration

Leslie Morton Manager, Information Systems

Deanna JonesSr. Director, Community Development

Sherry BramucciDirector, Client Programs/Services

Abby Mullen Manager, Development

Teresa JohnsonCoordinator, Client Programs/Services

Kelsey VaughnCoordinator, Development

Sarah HisigerCoordinator, Development

© 2014 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mid South Chapter

MID SOUTH CHAPTER

ANNUAL CELEBRATIONWhen: Wednesday, November 18, 2015 from 5:30-7:30pmWhere: Mid South Chapter Office, 214 Overlook Circle Suite 153, Brentwood TNFeaturing: Business cocktail hour, light appetizers, awards, and a comprehensive year-end report

SAYING GOODBYE

STACY MULDER The National MS Society, Mid South Chapter staff and Board of Directors would like to announce the departure of Chapter President, Stacy Mulder.

“In my five years as the Mid South Chapter President, I created many wonderful relationships with inspiring clients, skilled fundraisers and generous board members, and it’s made my work such a pleasure. It’s quite bittersweet to be leaving those friends I’ve made as President, but I am excited to stay with the National MS Society as Vice President of Bike MS. I will remain physically located in Middle Tennessee and am looking forward to maintaining those special friendships I formed during my time with the Mid South Chapter. Additionally, I am proud to continue supporting the Society’s mission of ending MS forever. Thank you to all who made my time as Chapter President so exceptional; you are truly appreciated.” - Stacy Mulder, VP of Bike MS

IMPORTANT NOTICE:Mail for the Memphis, Knoxville, Tri Cities or Chattanooga markets can be sent to our Chapter headquarters, located in Brentwood TN.


MS SUPPORT For more information on our self help groups, includ-ing date, time and location of meetings, please contact the self help group leader listed below. If you have any interest in becoming a leader in your own area, please contact [email protected].

WEST TENNESSEEJackson Leader: Carol (731) 423-1656

Memphis Leader: Lowry (901) 382-9292

Memphis YAMS (Young Adults with MS) Leader: Nicole (901) 550-9242

EAST TENNESSEEBristol Leader: Sylvia (276) 466-9189

Greeneville Leader: Jan (423) 639-1904

Kingsport Leader: Judy (423) 357-6087

Knoxville Day Group Leaders: Victoria (865) 851-7135

Knoxville Cole MS Group Leader: Sallie (865) 305-6740

Maryville Leader: Debby (865) 379-9545

Morristown - Lakeway Leader: Marilyn (423) 235-6944

Jefferson City Leader: Sherrie (865) 660-6270

Johnson City Leader: Bonnie (423) 467-2597

McMinn, Meigs, Monroe County Leader: Amy (423) 263-5721

Chattanooga Leader: Aronna (423) 987-3069

Chattanooga Women Only Leader: Arica (423) 715-1036

MIDDLE TENNESSEENashville (Young Adults) Leader: TBD

Brentwood Leader: TBD

Waynesboro Leader: Lisa (931) 332-0649

Murfreesboro Leader: Angela (615) 925-9001

Clarksville Leader: Melba (931) 552-1486

Columbia Leader: Cheryl (931) 446-2439

Dickson Leader: Viola (615) 763-0523

Portland/Gallatin Leader: Kathy (615) 325-2196

Pulaski Leader: Grefonda (931) 363-4723

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

City, STPermit # (No.)

214 Overlook Circle Suite 153Brentwood, TN 37027

Yes! I will join the movement to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Please accept my gift in the amount of:

$1,000 Golden Circle Membership

$500 $250 $100 $50 Other $

Name Credit Card I wish to remain annonymous Expiration Date Address Signature City State Zip Please designate my tax-deductible gift for:Phone Number Local Mid South chapter programsE-mail National research programs My check (payable to NMSS) is enclosed. Other Please charge my: Visa MC AMEX Discover If none of the above is selected, your gift will be unrestricted.

MAIL TO: National MS Society, Mid South Chapter ∙ 214 Overlook Circle, Suite 153 ∙ Brentwood, TN 37027

MS CONNECTION NEWSLETTER€¦ · 4 MS CONNECTION: FALL 2015 SAVE THE DATES LUNCHEONS AND FALLCRUSH...

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