msc mi vol 8 iss 1

8/6/2019 MSC MI Vol 8 Iss 1

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MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS | VOLUME 8 • EDITION 1

MSCONNECTION

JOIN THE MOVEMENT JOIN THE MOVEMENT JOIN THE MOVEMENT JOIN THE MOVEMENT JOIN THE MOVEMENT JOIN THE MOVEMENT JOIN THE MOVEMENT JOIN THE MOVEMENT MICHIGAN CHAPTER

The Chapter’s Annual Meeting

and Recognition Breakfast washeld at the Troy CommunityCenter on Saturday, November13, 2010. Approximately 200guests were present at the eventto hear from Chapter Board of Trustees Chair, Dean Munger, and Chapter President, ElanaSullivan, who presented theannual state of the Chapteraddress. Sullivan gave a detailedreport on the Chapter’s year andsuccessful events and programsand also recognized four dearChapter volunteers who passedaway in 2010: Kevin Degen,Milton I. Firestone,

Judge Hilda Gage, andMichael Rokosz.

Keynote Speakers Kathleen

and Joe Flaherty of Almont, MIshared their experience of theirdaughter’s MS diagnosis. Clairewas diagnosed with MS threeyears ago at the age of seven.Multiple sclerosis (MS) is usuallyconsidered to be a disease of young adults, but it’s estimatedthat 2 to 3% of patients withMS are under age 18. It is rarelyseen in very young children andthe percentages increase withage. Kathleen and Joe wentfrom experiencing frustrationwith doctors who didn’t knowenough about the disease inchildren to make a referral ora diagnosis, to researching

2010 Annual Meeting andRecognition BreakfastOutstanding Volunteers and Fundraisers Honored

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Getting Ready for WarmerWeather PAGE 5

Make Your Voice HeardPAGE 9

Free Legal ClinicPAGE 11

JOIN THE MOVEMENTPAGE 13

• National Multiple SclerosisSociety, Michigan Chapter

• Bike MS – Michigan Chapter

• Walk MS – Michigan Chapter

• Golf MS

• da Vinci Awards

• MS Awareness Week

The National MS SocietyMichigan Chapter is on

Facebook! Look for:

Continued on page 2

The Flaherty Family



MSCONNECTIONA PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONALMULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY,MICHIGAN CHAPTER

21311 Civic Center Dr.Southeld, MI 48076-3911

Ph: 800 344 4867 or 248 351 2190

Fax: 248 350 0029

E-mail: [email protected]

Chapter Chair • Dean Munger

Chapter President • Elana Sullivan

Newsletter Editor • Chris Collins

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society

does not endorse products, services or

manufacturers. Such names appear here

solely because they are considered valuable

information. The National Multiple

Sclerosis Society assumes no liability

for the use of contents of any product or

service mentioned.

Information provided by the Society is

based upon professional advice, published

experience and expert opinion. Information

provided in response to questions does not

constitute therapeutic recommendations

or prescriptions. The National Multiple

Sclerosis Society recommends that all

questions and information be discussed

with a personal physician.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is

dedicated to ending the devastating effects

of MS.

© Copyright 2011 National MS Society, Michigan Chapter

2 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

answers on their own and nding hope andsupport through the National MS Society andthe Pediatric MS Center in Buffalo, NY. Clairehas been relapse free for two years.

Numerous volunteers and members of thecommunity were also recognized for theirachievements during this year’s AnnualMeeting. They included:

Barbara Barton received the MS AchievementAward for the combination of her experiencewith MS and deep commitment to Michigan’sdisability community.

Don Wolcott received the Richard EnnisAward for his accomplishments anddedication to the National MS Society. He hasvolunteered at many fundraising and programevents over the years, and also has reached theVIP Circle level for his personal fundraisingefforts.

Representative Ellen Cogen Lipton receivedthe Public Ofcial of the Year Award for herunwavering support of issues important topeople with MS.

This year, the Advocate of the Year Awardwas renamed in honor of a dear friend of theChapter who recently passed away. MiltFirestone was an active, highly respected, and

Annual Meetingcontinued from page 1

(left to right) Dean Munger, Don Wolcott & Elana Sullivan



GO GREEN & HELP SAVE

THOUSANDS! Did you know that with your help theMichigan Chapter can save thousands of dollars annually? Our environment wouldalso benet by the huge reduction of paperusage. How can you help? Sign up now toreceive MS Connection and other mailingselectronically.

Try it. If you change your mind, we can alwaysput you back on the list to receive printedcopies. To sign up, visit our website atwww.nationalmssociety.org/mig. Completethe short form, and that’s it!

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 3

NEWS

valued member of the Chapter’s Government

Relations Committee since its formation in theearly 1990s. Milt was also an enthusiastic memberof the Chapter Board of Trustees for manyyears. Milt’s wife Renee Firestone, son JosephFirestone and his wife Lily Ciccodicola anddaughter Karen Firestone Rossen presented theMilton I. Firestone Advocate of the Year Award toVaughn Thompson.

The 2010 George A.L. Gant Award was presentedto four extraordinary Chapter volunteers:

• Fred Moses of the Eastern region

• Fred May of the Southeastern region

• Nancy Beukema of the Upper Peninsularegion

• Tracy Tanis of the Western region

The 2010 Corporation of the Year Award waspresented to Marketing Associates of Detroit for

their outstanding support of the Chapter throughour Walk MS and da Vinci Awards programs.

The Ford Motor Company received the ShiningStar Award in recognition of the outstandingfundraising efforts of its employees throughoutthe year.

Congratulations and THANK YOU to all of ourspecial 2010 Award recipients.

Knowledge Is Power is a six-week free,at-home educational program for peoplewho are newly diagnosed. Mail or e-mailformats. To register, call 1-800-344-4867,or visit nationalMSsociety.org/knowledge

T a h i r a h

d i a g n o s e d

i n

2 0 0 4

(left to right) Renee Firestone, Joseph Firestone,Lily Ciccodicola & Karen Firestone Rossen.


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LIVING WITH MS

R E S E A R C H

LEARN ABOUT MS—ANYTIME

For 10 years, MS Learn Online has providededucational webcasts, featuring healthprofessionals from all over North America,accessible at nationalMSsociety.org/mslearnonline any time, day or night.

A recent feature presentation is “Gettinga Good Night’s Sleep with MS,” in whichRock Heyman, MD, chief of the division of Neuroimmunology and director of the MSCenter, the University of Pittsburgh, explainswhy people with MS seem to be more proneto sleep disorders. He has some tips for dealingwith the problem.

Another new presentation is on Gilenya, therst oral disease-modifying therapy to beFDA-approved. Aaron Miller, MD, professor of neurology at Mount Sinai and medical directorat the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center forMultiple Sclerosis in New York City, discussesGilenya in two sessions covering how it works,

who might benet, pros, cons and potentialside effects. There are more than 50 otherLearn Online videos available. Transcripts (.pdf

format) and podcasts (.mp3 audio format) areavailable for most programs.

Correspondents who interview the MS expertsnot only have a professional background inbroadcasting, they have MS themselves. “Sowhat they want to know is often what otherpeople with MS want to know,” said JulieGibson, special projects consultant for theSociety.

Sign up at nationalmssociety.org/mslearnonline to receive an e-mail whenever anew webcast debuts.

Dr. Aaron Miller discusses Gilenya, the rst FDA-approved oraltherapy for MS.

Explore Learn Online videos online:

Basic Facts of MS, Treatments,Symptom Management, Healthy Living,Progressive MS, Research, Family Lifeand Relationships, Employment andInsurance, and En Español.

On the rst and third Thursdays of eachmonth, two new videos are added. Anupdate on disease-modifying therapy isgenerally added once a year.

In a hurry?

Visit Daily Minutes. In 60 seconds you’llget some basics on Who Gets MS, What isMyelin, What is Relapsing-Remitting MS–and more. Click on the Daily Minute linkin the blue box at nationalMSsociety.org/mslearnonline.



LIVING WITH MS


GETTING READY FOR WARMER WEATHERAfter a cold and snowy winter many in

Michigan look forward to the warm, sunnydays of spring and summer. Some personswith MS, however, are less excited aboutthe rising temperatures because their bodiesare heat sensitive. MS research has provenheat and humidity often aggravate commonMS symptoms and cooling the body canhelp provide temporary relief for peopleexperiencing distress from these symptoms.

The Chapter offers solutions for keeping thebody temperature cooler through its FinancialAssistance program. The most commonportable cooling product is a vest that can beworn under or over clothing. The vest containsinsulated pockets which hold small ice packs.Other products that might provide relief areneck and wrist wraps. People wearing theseitems often experience a level of cooling relief which allows them to enjoy outdoor activities.

For indoor relief, there is also nancialassistance available for window air conditioningunits. These units are standard window unitsthat can cool a room approximately 150 squarefeet. The Chapter arranges the delivery of

the units to the home but arrangements for

installation have to be made independently.People with MS who have mobility issues maynd getting out of their homes difcult. TheChapter is able to help with nancial assistanceand referrals for companies and agencies thatinstall outdoor permanent ramps. In the past,the Chapter has worked with several UnitedWay ofces that offer ramp building programsfor those who qualify. A call to a local United

Way is a good place for persons to start in theirsearch for assistance putting a ramp on theirhome.

As a reminder to qualify for nancial assistancefrom the Chapter, an application needs to besubmitted along with a conrmation of MSdiagnosis and a prescription from a physicianindicating the need for a cooling garment, an airconditioner, or a ramp. Call 1-800-344-4867,

then select Option 1 to start the process.

MSAA also offers a cooling productsprogram for those that qualify.Call 1-800-532-7667 to learn more.



RESEARCH

THE WORLD OF MSRESEARCH

In October, more than 5,500 neurologists andother investigators from around the worldcovered almost every aspect of current MSresearch in some 900 scientic presentationsand posters at the annual ECTRIMS (EuropeanCommittee for Treatment and Research inMultiple Sclerosis) conference in Gothenberg,Sweden.

Some research highlights

A newly completed two-year, phase III trial of teriunomide, an oral compound that inhibitsspecic immune cells,in 1,088 people withrelapsing MS, foundpositive results. Dr. PaulO’Connor of the Universityof Toronto reported thattwo different doses of

teriunomide signicantlyreduced the rate of MSrelapses by up to 31.5%compared to placebo,and that the higher dosereduced the risk of disability progression by29.8%. It also reduced the risk of new MS lesionsand reduced disease activity. Additional clinicaltrials are under way.

Other medications also show promise at varioustrial stages. An oral compound called rategrast caused a signicant decrease in the rate of newMRI-detected lesions in a six-month trial inrelapsing-remitting MS. Ocrelizumab, whichtargets and kills immune B cells, reduced newlesions by at least 89% over placebo in a 24-weektrial.

In a separate session, Dr. Antonio Uccelli of the University of Genoa described attemptsto stop MS progression using infusions of anindividual’s own bone marrow or blood stem

cells (mesenchymal cells). Dr. Uccelli is nowcollaborating on a study that he hopes will showthat these cells are benecial.

Restoring function

Several research teams reported progressin improving quality of life and specicsymptoms, including fatigue and mobilityissues, through group physical therapy, and

supervised aerobics, yoga and resistance trainingclasses. Another study suggested that memorytraining can improve brain function. Many

reports focused on CCSVI (chronic cerebrospinal venousinsufciency), with mixedor conicting results. Labstudies identied additionalmolecules that may blockthe ability of myelin-making

cells to repair damage causedby MS; selectively turningthem off could be useful forencouraging myelin repair inpeople with MS.

Risk factors

Dr. Trond Riise of the University of Bergenreviewed the growing list of factors that may

contribute to an individual’s susceptibility todeveloping MS, and pointed to current studiesthat may lead to a better understanding of theinteractions and variations of these multiple riskfactors.

For a more complete report on the conference,search “ECTRIMS” at nationalmssociety.org .

Two different doses of teriunomide signicantly

reduced the rate of MSrelapses by up to 31.5%

compared to placebo, andthe higher dose reduced therisk of disability progression

by 29.8%.


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MONEY MATTERS

THE FIRST STEPSTO SMART MONEYMANAGEMENTBY REBECCA A. CLAY

Financial planning is crucial for people withMS and their families: As the disease continues,expenses tend to grow which may bring difcultnancial choices. Early planning can help.

Get started: Call us

Begin by calling 1-800-344-4867 to connect with an MSNavigator™. This highly trainedprofessional can refer you toservice providers who can helpyou address issues like healthinsurance, employment andtaxes.

Next: Read up

One key resource the Navigator will recommendis a brochure called Adapting: FinancialPlanning for a Life with Multiple Sclerosis.

Full of worksheets, tips, and references, the 72-page publication is an overview of your nancialoptions. The Navigator can mail you a free copy,or you can download it at nationalmssociety.org/nancialplanning.

Finally: Talk to a professionalYou may need more specic information, whichmeans consulting one-on-one with a nancialplanning professional.

Through the Society’s partnership with theSociety of Financial Service Professionals(SFSP), the Financial Education Partners

Program provides free personal counseling.

In this program, you receive advice duringa telephone session with a volunteer from

SFSP’s membership. These volunteers arecertied public accountants, attorneys, or otherprofessionals.

The more honest and open you are, the moreyour advisor can help. Sessions are completelycondential, and the volunteers are not thereto sell you anything but to share their nancialknowledge.

Be aware that the program

cannot help with crisis needs,such as foreclosure assistance. Itis not a funding source and offersno programs for indigent care.

The idea is to help you forge aworkable plan to prevent crises

from occurring in the future.

While the advisor can’t serve as a long-termadvisor, he or she can get you started toward

whatever your nancial goals might be.

Rebecca A. Clay is an award-winning writer inWashington, DC. She specializes in health issues.

Forge a workableplan to prevent criseslike foreclosure from

occurring.

FREE TAX PREPARATIONSERVICES

The IRS will help you prepare tax returns.

The online Interactive Tax Assistant answersquestions about deductions, eligibility forcredit and more. For those who qualify, the IRS’sVolunteer Income Tax Assistance program offersfree tax help by certied volunteers. Call 1-800-906-9887. For general information, go towww.irs.gov or the IRS general number,

1-800-829-1040.



ADVOCACY

Legal BriefsBy Ina Cohen

There are many legal issues thathave particular impact on the livesof those diagnosed with MS. Whilethe local chapter cannot providelegal services, it does try to provide

general information and referrals toresources. Ina C. Cohen is an attorney and member of the Board of Trustees, National MultipleSclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter, Inc.

Economy Woes!Everyone is under nancial pressure. Here issome information that might be useful:

1. When you receive a bill from a creditor,look at it! Make sure you know the creditor,what it represents and whether the amountis correct. If not, the law provides certainrights that you should use. The creditor isrequired to include a notice on the bill of how to get further information but you mustdo so within thirty (30) days. Sometimes,the documentation is lost or is inaccurateand you can challenge the claim successfully.

2. There are federal and state laws that protectyou from harassing calls, the times you canbe called, etc. If a creditor is abusive orharasses you, keep track in writing so youcan take action if necessary. You can informthem you don’t want any further contact butyou must do so in writing.

3. If you receive a summons and complaint,don’t ignore it. If you cannot afford legalrepresentation, go to court yourself. If you default by not appearing, the entire

amount will be claimed plus additionalcourt costs and interest and a judgment willbe entered. After the judgment becomesnal (the appeal period expires), thecreditor can take legal steps to satisfy the

judgment (garnishment – get money fromyour bank accounts, an employer or anyoneholding your assets or an attachment – seizeproperty to satisfy the money claim). If a judgment does get entered, you can lea request for installment payments and if the request is granted, no garnishmentsor attachments can occur as long as you

comply with the installment plan approved.4. Garnishments and attachments can only

be done after a court judgment has beenentered.

5. There are a number of statutes that protectmilitary personnel so if you are part of themilitary, nd out your rights from a militaryservice organization or the Departmentof Military and Veteran Affairs (State of Michigan).

6. If you have student loans and are disabled,investigate whether there is a waiver of payments upon proof of disability.

7. If you are receiving Social Security disabilitybenets or Supplemental Security benets,they are not subject to creditors’ claimsor garnishment (except for taxes or child/

spousal support) but only if you can provethat the money is from one of those sources.If you commingle SS benets or SSI withother money, you may lose the protection.

8. Don’t rush into bankruptcy if your onlysources of income are disability benets,SS benets, SSI, unemployment benets,etc. as it may be unnecessary and just cost




ADVOCACY


you the bankruptcy expenses. Do consultwith someone who will give you an honestopinion.

9. Be cautious about debt repair services orservices that offer to negotiate with yourcreditors. Very few will do what theyclaim and they often charge large fees andaccomplish little of what is promised. If youare in serious trouble, consult a bankruptcyattorney and inquire whether your situationwould be suitable for such services.

10. If you have unpaid medical bills from

hospitals, call the billing department todetermine whether you qualify for a waiverunder the Hill-Burton law. This federal lawrequires institutions that receive federalmoney to provide a certain amount of freemedical care.

Don’t ignore your nancial issues. Seek outassistance or advice from reputable professionalsIf you belong to a credit union, most havepersons trained in helping consumers analyzetheir situations and provide assistance. Finally, you can register for our legal clinic which occurson the rst Saturday of the even numberedmonths.

SIGN UP FOR THE NEXT LEGAL CLINIC

Talk with an attorney for free about issuesrelated to MS. Future Legal Clinics in 2011will take place April 2nd, June 4th, August6th, October 1st and December 3rd. Callahead to schedule your session at 1-800-344-4867, option 1.

The Michigan legislaturefaces very tough decisionsas they construct theFY12 budget. We needMS activists to tellstate legislators theimportance of statefunding for home care.Legislation to expand

health care access will be introduced soon andneeds your support as well.

Join us for MS Day at the Capital onWednesday, May 25, 2011 in Lansing. Meet in small groups with your MichiganRepresentative and Michigan Senator - expressthe needs of people with MS - tell your story of living with MS - ask boldly for support.

Training about the issues and preparationfor our appointments will be conducted viaa toll free conference call. Assistance withtransportation will be available. Register by calling 1-800-344-4867 or email [email protected] for moreinformation.

People who can’t make it to Lansing can joinMS Day at the Capital by being a virtual MS

activist. Join the Action Alert network. Go towww.nationalmssociety.org/mig. Then clickon ‘Take Action’ in the left column. You willreceive a sample email message to send to yourlegislators during MS Day at the Capital. Youwill also receive announcements throughoutthe year when it is the most effective time toexpress your opinion. Speak up now!

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD – Be an MS Activist



MICHIGAN CHAPTER PROGRAM CALENDARMS My Choice will be held on Saturday,

April 16, 2011 at St. Mary’s Education Center in Saginaw, MI. Topics will include Yoga,eliminating barriers to recreation and leisure,health eating, and benets of pet therapy.

Ask the Expert will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011, noon to 2:30 p.m. at the Holiday InnExpress- Petoskey. A panel of a neurologist, aphysiatrist and a urologist knowledgeable aboutMS will be available to answer your MS-related

questions. Call 800-344-4867, option 1 toregister.

U.P. Spring Conference will be held atMarquette General Hospital on Saturday May 14, 2011. Topics will include the NAEP “Who?Why? How? Searching for the Cause of MS.”Also, an expert panel will be available todiscuss new treatments for MS and possibleinteractions with prescription and over the

counter medications.

Gateway to Wellness is a six-week program,held in Grand Blanc, MI. There will be sixWednesday evening sessions, running from May 11-June 15, 2011, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Youwill learn how to make informed choices aboutlifestyles and medical care. Learn exercises thatare safe and practice setting realistic personalgoals so that you can achieve a balance of play,

work, family and self-care activities in your life.Request an application by calling 1-800-344- 4867 option #1 or send an email to [email protected].

MS Day at the Capital, on Wednesday, May

25, 2011 in Lansing is for all MS activists toexpress their needs to their state legislators. Training via teleconference will be providedbefore the event. Email [email protected] for more information.

“8 Hours to a Lifetime of RelationshipSatisfaction” will be offered at the Hampton Innand Suites in Grand Blanc. In this program forcouples affected by MS, participants will learn

problem solving techniques, communicationskills, and much more. The program will be heldSaturday, June 18, 2011 with Doug Schwentor,LMSW as facilitator.

MS Aquatics is available free at the TraverseCity Civic Center Pool, 1125 Civic Center Dr.,Traverse City. Eight Saturday sessions held April2, 2011 to June 4, 2011 (no session on April 23and May 28), 9:50 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. include

guided water exercise. Participants do not needto know how to swim. Caregivers are invitedto participate as helpers. Funded by Tharpmemorial. Call 800-344-4867, option 1 for more information.

SAVE THE DATE!!!

“Ancient Treasures for Modern Health”will be held on Wednesday, May 4 from 12:00-

3:00 p.m. (and repeated on Friday, May 20 from 5:00-8:00 p.m.) in Farmington Hills. Withmany people pursuing complementary andalternative therapies, it is essential to educateyourself about therapies you choose. At thisprogram you will have the opportunity toexperience and learn more about Adaptive Yoga


REGIONAL NEWS



REGIONAL NEWS

for MS, Ayurveda (a holistic system of health

and healing with a philosophy of balancedliving in harmony with nature), SpiritualWellness and Supported Relaxation, as well asother complementary therapies. Look for anupcoming e-mail, check our website, or call 800-344-4867, option 1 for more informationon this exciting program AFTER MARCH 15.

FREE STATEWIDE LEGAL CLINIC

Talk with an attorney for free. People withMS schedule condential calls. Issues must berelated to MS. Consult with the attorney aboutthe following topics:

• Divorce/Child Custody• Job Discrimination• Employee Benets• Financial Planning

• Power of Attorney• Social Security Disability• Insurance: Medicaid & Medicare

Clinics are scheduled six times a year on therst Saturday of every even numbered month.Future Clinics in 2011 will take place April2nd, June 4th, August 6th, October 1st andDecember 3rd. Call ahead to schedule your session at 1-800-344-4867, option 1.

PROGRAM PLANNING

ASSISTANCE NEEDEDIf you live Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe,Washtenaw, or St. Clair counties and would beinterested in working on a committee to helpplan and carry out programs serving the MSCommunity, please contact Sue at 800-344- 4867, option 2, ext. 232. Committee meetingsare typically held at the ofce in Southeld.

MS LEARN ONLINEMS Learn Online programs addressresearch, intimacy and symptommanagement. They are all accessibleany time of the day or night.No registration is required. Go tonationalMSsociety.org/mslearnonline.

WELCOMESYOUR WORK

MSWorld, the Society’s online partner,

invites you to share your stories, poemsand artwork, and to meet your peersthrough message boards and chatrooms. Membership in this global onlinecommunity is free and condential. Jointoday at msworld.org.



WAYS TO GIVE

CREATE A FUNDRAISERTO REMEMBER

Did you knowthere are literallythousands of ways you canhelp? Peoplewho want tocontribute to themission to endMS are invited

to dream upand produceoriginal eventsthat raise moneyfor research andcare.

Every year, all over the country, volunteersorganize and host golf, billiards and bowling

tournaments, auctions and rafes, dinners,concerts, rummage sales, wine tastings,barbecues, motorcycle fun rides, skiing daysand dances. Other events that raise thousandsof dollars in Michigan include a martial

arts ghtingcompetition,fashion shows,recitals, a

Wii Bowling Tournament,the “Thrilla at

the Villa” boxing event, and the L. Barge Golf Outing. Holiday themes are also popular, suchas Easter egg hunts or Halloween parties witha pay-to-enter costume contest. The types of

benets to create arelimited only by theimagination.

“The idea is to turnsomeone’s passioninto a fundraiser,”said Betty Ross, theSociety’s associate

vice president for Campaign Development.

These events may raise anything from a fewhundred to tens of thousands of dollars.

There’s no minimum required and certainly nomaximum, Ross said. And you don’t even haveto create a brand-new event, she added. You canadd a fundraising element to pretty much anyexisting occasion.

How much time it takes to prepare dependson how elaborate the plans are. They can be assimple as asking friends to pay a few dollars atthe door to attend a private party. On the other

hand, a large-scale gala might take four to sixmonths, or even longer, to plan.

“We have a lot of cool Societyevents, but people have theirown interests,” said Ross.“Community events reecthow you want to be involved.”

Have a great idea? Call us and

ask for the Community EventOrganizer Guidelines and theCommunity Event Information

Form, or enter as a search term atwww.nationalMSsociety.org/mig.



Walk MS is a simple, but incrediblypowerful way for you to share in the hopefor the future.

In 2010 over 8,000 people cametogether at thirteen Walk MS sitesacross the state and raised morethan $1.1 million! The events

were the rallying point of the MSMovement in Michigan, a time anda place for us to stand together and to be together— to help raise critical funds that support cuttingedge research, drive change through advocacy,facilitate professional education and provideprograms and services to help people with MSmove their lives forward.

Has anyone ever asked you if there is something

that they can do to help you? The answer isYES! Please invite them to join you at oneof the Walk MS sites in 2011. Whether it’swalking, volunteering or simply being there toraise awareness about MS, everyone plays animportant role. Believe that you can help becauseevery movement you make and every dollar raisedsupports the mission of the National MS Society.

2011 Walk MS Dates & LocationsApril 30 I Midland I Lansing I TroyMay 7 I Ann Arbor I Detroit I KalamazooMay 14 I Frankenmuth I St. Clair I WyandotteMay 21 I Grand Rapids

June 25 I Traverse CitySeptember 10 I Grand Haven I MilfordSeptember 17 I West Branch

For more information or to register today, visit ourwebsite: walkMSmi.org or call 248-936-0343.

Four Rides.One Destination.A World Free of MS.

Last year 1,300 cyclists andvolunteers gathered over four

weekends to conquer the challenge of cyclingup to 100 miles a day, enjoyed entertainmentat overnights and built camaraderie with teammembers. Together their efforts raised close to$800,000 in the ght against multiple sclerosis.

2011 will be the 26th anniversary of the BikeMS Ride in Michigan, and during that time more

Circle of Friends team,Bike MS Mid Michigan Ride 2010

FUNDRAISING

JOIN THEMOVEMENT

IN 2011

2011

Ride 2011

Continued on page 14



FUNDRAISING

2010 Top Teamsand Fundraisers

Top 5 2010 Walk MSFundraisers:

Tracy Tanis ............................... $20,281Rosalind Nadeau ................... $15,520Christine Davis ....................... $13,050

Justin Champion .....................$11,801Amanda Palmer .........................$8,155

Top 5 2010 Bike MS Fundraisers:

Bruce Kantor ............................$26,467Ely Tama ....................................$20,461Anne Coursey ......................... $10,870Lawrence Chockley .................$8,637Ed Rightor ....................................$8,195

Top 5 2010 MS Longest Dayof Golf Fundraisers:Dean Munger ............................$6,515

Jim Gismondi .............................$4,445Bill Pikarski .................................$4,088Carl Kandilian .............................$3,108Beth Rose ....................................$2,885

Top 10 2010 Teams: Team Ford..............................$140,361Dow/TCC ............................... $109,957

Team GM ................................. $70,522Circle of Friends ..................... $36,221Comerica Bank ....................... $26,379Pat’s Parade of Champions . $24,802Real Estate One ...................... $24,201

Team AAA ................................$22,131 Team AOSE ............................. $22,045Roz’s Rangers ...........................$21,916

JOIN THE MOVEMENT IN 2011 continued from page 13

than $16 million has been raised by thousands of peoplefrom across our great state. We strive to offer riders of allexperience levels an excellent cycling experience with fullysupported routes. With a choice of four extraordinary rides

in Michigan, the Bike MS experience is the ride of your life.We invite you to join us and choose your ride today!

2011 BIKE MS Ride Dates & LocationsWest Michigan I June 11-12Mid Michigan I July 16-17Fall Breakaway I September 17Bavarian Breakaway I September 24-25

For more information or to register today visit our website:

bikeMSmi.org or call 248-936-0343.

Do you or someone you know lovethe game of golf? Have you ever wantedto golf and raise funds for the National MSSociety? This summer you will be able todo just that! Create a team and commit toraising $100 or more per golfer. Then choose

one of our partner golf courses where your team will play36 holes of FREE golf or choose a course of your own. Either

way people with MS win. Continue fundraising throughSeptember 30th and be eligible for great prizes.

Register today at golfMSmi.org!

For more information about Golf MS, or if you areinterested in hosting your own golf related event or activity such as a company golf outing, call Bill Pikarski at248.936.0350 or email [email protected].

Join us at the 2011 International da VinciAwards celebrating innovative assistiveand adaptive technologies. This gala awardspresentation will be held on September 22ndat the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn,Michigan. Nominations will beaccepted online starting April 1st atdavinciawards.org.

GOLF



FUNDRAISING

in the movement towards aworld free of MS.

Over 18,000 people in

Michigan live with multiplesclerosis. MS is most often diagnosed betweenthe ages of 20 & 50 and two-thirds of thosediagnosed are women.

The 1st Annual Women on the Move event willtake place on Tuesday, August 30th in Detroit.

The First Lady of Detroit, Yvette Bing, is theHonorary Chairperson of this luncheon thatwill bring women together to learn more about

multiple sclerosis and raise funds to help thoseaffected by MS.

For more information about how you can beinvolved with Women on the Move, contactPatti Radzik at (248) 936-0342 or [email protected]. To purchase tickets, visitnationalmssociety.org/mig.

MS Leadership Class

honors individuals inSoutheast Michiganwho are “on the rise” in

the workplace and in the community.

Nominated by their peers, the members of theMS Leadership Class will conduct a special giftscampaign that will raise funds for MS researchand for programs & services in Michigan. Theprogram kicks off in May and the Class of 2011will be honored at a special cocktail receptionwhen the campaign concludes in September.

Do you know someone who would be a goodcandidate for the MS Leadership Class of 2011?To nominate someone, call (248) 936-0342 or email Patti Radzik at [email protected] more information, visitnationalMSsociety.org/mig.

For more information contact Bill Pikarski at(248) 936-0350 or [email protected] see last year’s da Vinci Awards winners go to

youtube.com/davinciawards.

Making Strides AgainstMultiple Sclerosis (MSAMS) is a group of dedicated runnerswhose single cause is to helpcreate a world free of MS through

awareness and fundraising. You can participate inany running event held anywhere in the country,

including marathons, 5Ks, relays, etc. The funds you raise help support researchprograms, education and services for clients andfamily members throughout Michigan. Most of all, you will be moving us closer to a world freeof MS!

For more information, please visit our websiteat nationalmssociety.org/mig or contactBris Roberts at 248-936-0365 or via email at

[email protected].

NEW WAYS TO JOIN THEMOVEMENT IN 2011!

Women on the Move, one of the NationalMS Society’s premier fundraising events, is anempowering way for women to support women

2011

2010 da Vinci Award winners



21311 Civic Center DriveSoutheld, MI 48076-3911

Mailing Label ChangesPlease check the appropriate box

below, correct the label then return to

National MS Society, MI Chapter

qName change or misspelled

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via e-mail. My e-mail address is:

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If You or Someone You Know Has MSEarly and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people withmultiple sclerosis. Learn about your options by talking to your health care professional and contactingthe National MS Society at nationalMSsociety.org or 1.800.344.4867, option 1.

Future ads for medical equipment willbe placed on our website instead of MSConnection. If you are interested in placinga free ad to sell your medical equipmentsend a detailed description of the item,along with the price and your phonenumber or other contact information.

Send the ads to: MS Connection,

National MS Society Michigan Chapter,21311 Civic Center Dr, Southeld, MI 48076or e-mail [email protected].

EQUIPMENT CLASSIFIEDS: Host Your Own Fundraising Event!

From carwashes, lacrosse tournaments, bakesales to martial arts tournaments, people putan impressive amount of time, resources andimagination into fundraising to create a worldfree of MS.

By coordinating your group’s very own event,you help bring research and programs to themore than 18,000 people living with MS inMichigan. Join the Movement today!

For more information, please visit our websiteat nationalMSsociety.org/mig or contact us at(248) 351-2190

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