Improving Lives ThroughAssistive Technology

The Power of You One individual can take a stand and make a difference. From holding a Do It Yourself Fundraiser to making a year-end donation, every contribution matters. Every donor, every volunteer and every fundraiser propels us forward, raising critical funds for MS research, programs and services.

We’re recognizing the great work you are doing in the National MS Society-Wisconsin Chapter Progress Report for Fiscal Year 2013, included with this issue. Read about the progress and achievements that were made as we wrap up 2014.

I’m also proud to say two of our local volunteers will be honored by the Society this fall for the impact they’ve made on the MS Movement: Dr. Alexander Ng for his research in MS and Kelly Malucha for her efforts in programs and services. Read more about them on page 4.

Remember, the power of this Movement starts with you.

In gratitude,

Colleen G. KaltPresident & CEO

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 MS Society at 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 MS Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The National MS 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 MS Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society- Wisconsin Chapter Board of Trustees

David Rodgers, Chair Briggs & Stratton CorporationMichael Lutze, Vice Chair Ernst & YoungTom Golden, Vice Chair M3 Insurance Solutions, Inc.Pamela Evason, Vice Chair Windermere Wealth Advisors, LLCJames Rose, Treasurer Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLPRobert Sowinski, Secretary Diversified Insurance SolutionsKenneth Minor, Past Chair Sonic Foundry, Inc.Colleen Kalt, President & CEO National MS Society- Wisconsin Chapter

Anne Brouwer McMillianDoolittle, LLPRobert Buhler Open Pantry Food Marts of Wisconsin, Inc. Dennis Christiansen Secured Retirement Strategies Group, LLCRobert Engel Retired, M&I BankPaul Jones Harley-Davidson, Inc.Fr. James Kaestner RetiredWayne Larsen Ladish Company FoundationMartin McLaughlin Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, s.c.David Raysich Plunkett Raysich ArchitectsJeffrey Steren Steren Management/McDonald’sRobyn Turtenwald Community Advocate

MS Connection | 2 The National MS Society is committed to creating a world free of MS.

MS Connection | 3

hristopher Luzzio, M.D., not only uses assistive technology to help his MS patients

with motor problems – he designs and builds it, too.

In addition to his duties as an MS clinician at UW Hospital and Clinics in Madison, Dr. Luzzio teaches at the University of Wisconsin College of Engineering. He has a background in bioengineering, specifically mechanical engineering and experience in making prototype devices.

Describing his interest in mechanical engineering, Dr. Luzzio said, “I’ve always been a tinkerer, taking apart machines and fixing them or figuring out how they work and building new ones.”

He added, “Bioengineering is applying engineering practice to solve problems in medicine or biology.” An example of this type of work would be the development of an artificial limb.

ENGINEERING TO MEDICINEDr. Luzzio mentors and teaches students at the University of Wisconsin College of Engineering in designing and fabricating assistive devices. He meets weekly with senior design students in

Assistive Technology Making everyday tasks easier for people with MS

a class led by associate professor, Heidi-Lynn Ploeg.

“Necessity is the mother of invention,” Dr. Luzzio said. “When I see a need for a device to help one of my patients, I present the challenge to our engineering design students.” The students then design a device, build a prototype and test it. The students also interact with the patients and get real- world experience as they seek solutions.

“I like the class because I find it rewarding to help educate young engineers,” he said. “My presence has helped bridge engineering education, medicine and community service.”

ASSISTIVE DEVICESDr. Luzzio, as well as Dr. Ploeg, are members of UW-CREATe (Center for Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology), an organization that finds independence and mobility solutions for people with disabilities. Dr. Luzzio’s latest project helped a patient with MS use an e-reader more efficiently by mounting it on a stand that includes a sensor connected to the patient’s finger. When the patient moves her finger, metal arms contact the screen and advance the page, something that was difficult for her to do.

C

Dr. Christopher Luzzio uses mechanical engineering to make assistive technology for people with disabilities.

Dr. Luzzio uses a sensor attached to his finger to turn the pages of an e-reader. The patients who uses the e-reader is diagnosed with MS.

Continued on Page 4

MS Connection | 4

Drs. Luzzio and Ploeg work with students to design assistive devices. Students are currently working on a retractable mini-drawbridge for an entryway.

Alexander Ng, Ph.D., F.A.C.S.M.

Dr. Luzzio’s work helps a wide range of people, not just those with MS.

One of Dr. Luzzio’s favorite projects was designing and building a prosthetic arm control system to help with fine motor skills. Additional projects Dr. Luzzio and the students have worked on include creating supports for weakened arms, various exercise machines and a wheelchair designed to help a person with severe leg weakness get back in the wheelchair more easily after a fall. This semester, students will continue working on a retractable mini-drawbridge to go over a sliding door entryway that they started last semester. Though Dr. Luzzio’s clinical schedule is full caring for MS patients, he hopes to spend more time in engineering research.

“What’s exciting is seeing a need, creating a solution for that need, and then making it into reality,” Dr. Luzzio said. “Unlike basic science investigations for MS (that require years to

reach unpredictable results), these activities lead quickly to an obtainable useful product that will help a person.”

lexander Ng and Kelly Malucha were selected for the National MS Society’s

Volunteer Hall of Fame. Dr. Ng, an associate professor of exercise science at Marquette University in Milwaukee and fellow with the American College of Sports Medicine,

will be inducted as a scientific researcher. He focuses on quality of life research in MS, looking at the benefits of exercise. He is currently studying the effects

of ballroom dancing in people with MS. Malucha is a registered nurse at the Center for Neurological Disorders at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare. Inducted for Programs and Services, Malucha brings a unique understanding of the disease to her job, as her sister was diagnosed with MS. She is able to help people better understand an MS diagnosis and teach them how they can navigate the network of resources available to them. They will be inducted during the Society’s Leadership Conference, November 6-8 in Fort Worth, Texas.

AHall of Fame Inductees Include Two From Wisconsin

Continued from Page 3

Kelly Malucha, R.N., MS Certified Nurse

MS Connection | 5

Making Connections Father and son raise funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis

an Guendert and his son Dylan had no connection to MS when they started

participating in fundraising events for the National MS Society-Wisconsin Chapter.

Dan’s first experience with the Wisconsin Chapter was during one of the very first Bike MS: Best Dam Bike Ride events in the mid-‘80s. He found a pamphlet for the bike ride at a Wheel & Sprocket store and decided to try it out with a friend. He said of the experience, “That first bike ride, we rode from Milwaukee to Beaver Dam, walked down the street to the park where there was food, drink and music and slept on a hardwood school gym floor!”

More than 20 years later, his son Dylan reintroduced the family to the Society, this time at the 2011 MS Snowmobile Tour.

“I joined the MS Snowmobile Tour because one of my good friends from up north was always talking about it and I love snowmobiling,” Dylan said. “It was so much fun. I will do the MS Snowmobile Tour until I am no longer able to ride a snowmobile.”

D

Dan volunteered at the MS Snowmobile Tour that same year. The experience inspired him, and after a 20-plus year hiatus, Dan decided to give the Best Dam Bike Ride another try. He completed his fifth ride this past August and is hooked on the event.

In 2013, Dan also took the plunge and participated in the MS Snowmobile Tour as a rider. He said, “I enjoy snowmobiling so much that when you combine it with fundraising for MS, it’s a win-win for me. It’s been a very fun event for the past two years for me.”

FINDING WAYS TO FUNDRAISE The Guenderts fundraise in a lot of unique ways to benefit MS. Dylan started his own Do It Yourself Fundraiser, The Dogleg Open. Dylan said, “I wanted to combine three of my favorite things: snowmobiling, golfing and doing good for others. And what better way to do so than to have fun making money for a great cause.”

Dan Guendert, on the right, helps at The Dogleg Open, a Do It Yourself Fundraiser started by his son Dylan. Also pictured are Dan’s son-in-law Austin Frederick, daughter Molly Frederick and wife Sherri Guendert (left to right).

Dan and Dylan at the MS Snowmobile Tour.Continued on Page 6

Win a 2015 POLARIS INDY 600 SNOWMOBILE through the MS Snowmobile Tour raffle, conducted by the Tour’s Volunteer Committee. Tickets are $10 each, or three tickets for $20. Tickets also include the chance to win cash prizes of $1,000 and $750, and registration for one rider for the 2016 MS Snowmobile Tour. A second raffle for a Triton snowmobile trailer, with each ticket costing $1 or six tickets for $5, also benefits the National MS Society.

The drawings will be held January 24, 2015, at the MS Snowmobile Tour. You do not have to be present to win. If you are interested in purchasing a ticket or helping display the snowmobile and trailer, please contact the Volunteer Committee at MSsnowtourraffle@gmail.com.

In Dylan’s words, The Dogleg Open “is a fun-filled golf outing with lots of great prizes, food and people coming together to help fight MS.” To date, the event has raised more than $24,000.

The Guenderts also excel at bringing in donations during the event weekends. During his first year at MS Snowmobile Tour in 2013, Dan held a “Cold Hard Cash” raffle, raising more than $600. He placed cash and coins in water and froze it, then raffled off the frozen money. This year at Bike MS: TOYOTA Best Dam Bike Ride, while his father was riding, Dylan held a raffle for a rifle his father had won from another fundraiser, raising more than $500.

MAKING CONNECTIONSAnd while they started with no personal connection, Dan said this about why he participates: “The lady with MS who waits along the road just outside of Madison is my main inspiration for riding Bike MS. She’s there every year, greeting riders as we pass by, and she has a sign that says, ‘I have MS. Thank you for riding.’ I stop and give her a hug every year.”

Dylan said, “There are so many people from multiple states that come together to do their part in creating a word free of MS.”

“Our involvement over the years has created some new friendships,” Dan continued. “Now we are more connected than ever through those friends.”

“ The lady with MS who waits along the road just outside of Madison is my main inspiration for riding Bike MS.”

- Dan Guendert

MS Snowmobile Tour Raffle

Continued from Page 5

MS Connection | 6

Walking better mattersWalking better mattersWalking better mattersWalking Only AMPYRA® (dalfampridine), an oral medication, improves walking in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). This was demonstrated by an increase in walking speed.

In people with MS—

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AMPYRA® (dalfampridine) is indicated as a treatment to improve walking in patients with MS.This was demonstrated by an increase in walking speed.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATIONDo not take AMPYRA if you • have ever had a seizure, • have certain types of kidney problems, or • are allergic to dalfampridine (4-aminopyridine),

the active ingredient in AMPYRA.Take AMPYRA exactly as prescribed by your doctor.Before taking AMPYRA, tell your doctor if you • have kidney problems or any other

medical conditions • are taking compounded 4-aminopyridine • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not

known if AMPYRA will harm your unborn baby. • are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed. It is not

known if AMPYRA passes into your breast milk. You and your doctor should decide if you will take AMPYRA or breast-feed. You should not do both.

• are taking any other medicinesStop taking AMPYRA and call your doctor right away if you have a seizure while taking AMPYRA. You could have a seizure even if you never had a seizure before. Your chance of having a seizure is higher if you take too much AMPYRA or if your kidneys have a mild decrease of function, which is common after age 50. Your doctor may do a blood test to check how well your kidneys are working before you start AMPYRA.

AMPYRA should not be taken with other forms of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, fampridine), since the active ingredient is the same.AMPYRA may cause serious side effects, including • severe allergic reactions. Stop taking AMPYRA and call

your doctor right away or get emergency medical help if you have shortness of breath or trouble breathing, swelling of your throat or tongue, or hives;

• kidney or bladder infections.The most common adverse events for AMPYRA in MS patients were urinary tract infection, trouble sleeping, dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, back pain, and problems with balance.Please see the Patient Medication Guide on the following page.You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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his summer, MS activists from across the country helped gather House of

Representative support for an amendment to double the funding for the MS Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, a program funded through the Department of Defense that funds innovative research. The measure passed the House thanks to that support and now awaits full approval in the U.S. Senate this fall.

Melissa Volz was one of thousands of Wisconsinites who helped make that happen.

“I just responded to an Action Alert email from the National MS Society, clicked the link they provided and sent a note to my representative,” said

Volz, a mother of two and a substitute teacher from Marshall, Wis.

Action Alerts is the term used for emails issued by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society when there is an opportunity to impact legislation that affects those living with MS.

Due to her keen interest in government relations, Volz was also invited to join the Wisconsin Chapter’s Government Relations Committee (GRC), a special volunteer committee dedicated to taking action on matters relating to public policy. Guided by the Society, the committee works to support certain public policy agendas, meets with legislators in Madison to describe their MS connection, and makes phone calls or sends emails or letters. Some have professional expertise in the area

T

In August, members of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Wisconsin Chapter’s Government Relations Committee (GRC) met with members of U.S. Senator Ron Johnson’s office. (l-r) Tawsif Anam, southwest regional director for Sen. Johnson; Jeffrey Steren, GRC and Wisconsin Chapter Board of Trustees member; Stephanie Richardson, GRC member; and Kris McHenry, southeast regional director for Sen. Johnson.

Let Your Voice Be HeardVolunteer advocates help everyone affected by MS

“ If you can talk to people, you can be an advocate . . .”

- Anne Brouwer

Melissa Volz is an MS advocate.

MS Connection | 9

Continued on Page 10

MS Connection | 10

of law, medicine or community organization. Others simply have a compelling story to tell and a desire to share it.

“If you can talk to people, you can be an advocate,” said Anne Brouwer, GRC chairperson and member of the Wisconsin Chapter’s Board of Trustees.

Political affiliation is set aside. “These are really human welfare issues,” Brouwer explained. “They’re not Democrat or Republican or anything else. MS doesn’t belong to any one party. We need broad bipartisan support to pass legislation.”

Ten people are members of the Wisconsin Chapter’s GRC.

“We look at how we can help move issues forward at the state and federal levels,” Brouwer explained.

At the Federal level, those issues include —

• Increased funding for MS research through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program as well as through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

• Separate funding for complex medical devices through Medicare so that people with advanced disability have access to wheelchair and adaptive seating systems.

• Ratification of the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), or Disability Treaty, to ensure all people living with disabilities have

“ They’re not Democrat or Republican or anything else. MS doesn’t belong to any one party. We need broad bipartisan support to pass legislation.”

- Anne Brouwer

increased independence to continue to work, serve, study, live or travel abroad.

At the state level, the GRC is working to support MS awareness and education, especially where it comes to the Make a Mark for MS Tax Check-off Program. It gives Wisconsin taxpayers the opportunity to make a donation through their tax form to support programs and services that improve quality of life and ensure continued independence for Wisconsinites diagnosed with MS.

“It’s important to support (the Tax Check-off Program) because the state is going to limit organizations that can participate to those that earn more than a certain level through the program,” Brouwer said. (See the spring edition of MS Connection for more on the program.)

In August, GRC members met with their Congressional representatives who returned to Wisconsin during their summer recess to discuss these issues and raise MS awareness overall.

“People would be surprised in learning how little senators and representatives hear from constituents. Sometimes it takes as little as four or five people to call their office to influence how they vote,” Brouwer said.

She added that there are many ways to get involved.

“You can talk to self-help groups, deliver letters and talk with legislators in Madison on World MS Day, or sign up to receive and respond to Action Alert emails,” Brouwer explained. “We just want people who are passionate, committed and have a story to tell.”

Anyone interested in learning more about the GRC or other ways to advocate on behalf of those with MS is welcome to contact Brouwer at abrouwer@wi.rr.com or Denise Jendusa from the National MS Society-Wisconsin Chapter at denise.jendusa@nmss.org.

Continued from Page 9

MS Connection | 11

Register for the 32nd Annual Bike MS: TOYOTA Best Dam Bike Ride, August 1-2, by January 31 for only $35. Visit bestdambikeride.org or call (262) 369-4400 for details.

Nearly 2,000 cyclists and volunteers participated in the 2014 Bike MS: TOYOTA Best Dam Bike Ride, held August 2- 3. From southern Wisconsin’s fast, flat roadways to its challenging hills, riders travelled from the Milwaukee area to Madison (with an overnight stopover in Whitewater) and are well on their way to reaching this year’s $1.5 million fundraising goal.

You can help get them up that final hill by making a donation online at bestdambikeride.org or by calling (262) 369-4400.

August 2-3, 2014

Best Two Days on a Bicycle

MS Connection | 12

Past Scholarship Recipient Gives Back Volunteering to help those diagnosed with MS

uke Thimmesch wants to be seen as just your average 21-year-old college student.

When he is not busy with classes he enjoys spending time with his campus youth group, musical extra-curriculars and attending college game days. But his story and journey, maturing into a passionate young professional, can be an

inspiration to all. Behind his relaxed appearance and humble demeanor, Thimmesch has a heart of gold driven by his love for his father and learning at a young age to put the needs of others in front of his own.

Thimmesch’s father was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis about 25 years ago, before Thimmesch and his older brother were born. Thimmesch

L

Luke Thimmesch donates his time and talents as a volunteer for the National MS Society-Wisconsin Chapter. His father, John, was diagnosed with MS approximately 25 years ago.

was unaware that his father even had the disease until he was about seven years old. Since that day his life has been anything but average. “Every young child grows up thinking that his dad is perfect and can do anything. I had to learn from a young age that because of multiple sclerosis, my dad had physical limitations,” he said.

Even though Thimmesch’s father has his multiple sclerosis under control through medication, he still often finds himself fatigued and unable to do strenuous physical activity or walk for long periods of time.

“I learned from an early age to help my dad with chores like mowing the lawn and putting up storm windows because when done by himself, they would fatigue him,” Thimmesch said. “I’m doing these things out of love and a desire to help.”

Thimmesch also thinks about what his father’s diagnosis means for the future. He said: “Every so often I will think and wonder about what will happen if I get this disease as well. My brother and I are nearing the age of when my father began showing symptoms. I often think, ‘What will happen if all of a sudden my dad’s disease rapidly progresses?’”

GO LUKE

!

“I really didn’t think that I would get it. I simply wrote my essay about the unseen ways that multiple sclerosis affects families. I was just putting my thoughts down on paper and the next thing I know I was receiving a scholarship.”

Thimmesch now attends the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he is pursing his degree in psychology with a minor in business.

After coming across the National MS Society-Wisconsin Chapter booth at a business fair this spring, Thimmesch realized he wanted to volunteer. “I realized how much I wanted to give back to the National MS Society for all they had done for me and the incredible opportunities they presented me with,” he said.

From there Thimmesch began to volunteer in the Wisconsin Chapter’s office one day a week. He made phone calls to people living with MS and their caregivers to make sure that their

MS Connection | 13

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Despite these thoughts, Thimmesch does not let the fear of multiple sclerosis stand in his way of striving for success and making a difference.

Thimmesch applied for a National Multiple Sclerosis Society scholarship in the fall of 2010, during his senior year of high school. The scholarship program is designed to help students with MS or who have a parent with MS fulfill their dreams of achieving a college education. Students are evaluated based on their academic achievements, extracurricular activities and a personal statement on how multiple sclerosis has affected their life.

“ I realized how much I wanted to give back to the National MS Society for all they had done for me. ”

- Luke Thimmesch

financial assistance and insurance paperwork was all in check. He also was there to provide a listening ear.

“A lot of people I talk to are going through worse situations than my family ever has. I can’t always help them out except to listen and to just let them talk. I’m happy to be a listening ear for them.”

Thimmesch plans to continue volunteering at the Wisconsin Chapter as his schedule permits and in the future participate in the Walk MS and Bike MS fundraising events.

“It truly has been our pleasure working with Luke,” said Rebecca Davis, mission delivery coordinator for the National MS Society-Wisconsin Chapter. “We’ve had the good fortune of getting to know him as a scholarship recipient, dedicated volunteer and young professional. He is such a passionate advocate for those living with MS and we look forward to a future of collaboration and partnership with him.”

To volunteer at the National MS Society-Wisconsin Chapter, call 262-369-4400 or visit www.wisMS.org

Written by Allysa Michaelsen, a marketing communications intern for the Wisconsin Chapter and a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She is studying communications with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in advertising.

Luke Thimmesch spent much of his volunteer time connecting with other families affected by MS.

GO LUKE

!

REDIT – a seemingly simple word representing a very complicated topic.

Given its importance in our daily lives, as well as its underlying complexity, it is very important to have a good handle on credit, credit scores and strategies to monitor and improve your credit.

CREDIT BASICS Credit is the ability to borrow money for an agreed-upon period of time (term) for an agreed-upon price (interest rate). There are several forms of credit including:

• Secured – Money being borrowed is backed by an asset. Should the borrower fail to live up to the terms of the credit arrangement, the lender can attempt to recover the funds by taking possession of the asset. Examples include home mortgages and car loans.

• Unsecured – Borrowing money that is not backed by an underlying asset. Credit card, medical and utilities bills are all examples of unsecured credit. Since there is no asset backing the obligation (and therefore higher risk to the lender), unsecured credit typically carries a higher interest rate than secured credit.

• Revolving – Borrower is approved for a set amount (called a credit limit) and money can be borrowed up to that amount at any time. Examples include credit cards and home equity lines.

• Installment – A certain amount of money is borrowed for a set period of time and it is repaid via a series of fixed or installment payments. Examples include mortgages, car loans and student loans.

CREDIT SCORES AND THEIR COMPOSITION Within the marketplace, there exists a uniform measure lenders use to evaluate a potential borrower’s eligibility for a loan and overall creditworthiness (the likelihood that they will repay the debt). This metric is known as a credit score.

Credit scores range from 300-850 (higher the number, stronger the score) and are tabulated by three primary credit reporting bureaus (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) utilizing a sophisticated algorithm. Potential lenders then access consumers’ scores from these groups when determining whether or not to lend money.

There are five main components to credit scores. Knowing them can prove very valuable if you are looking to maintain or improve your score.

PAYMENT HISTORY AND PUBLIC RECORDS Your payment history is a record of how you have paid off amounts owed in the past, including whether you have paid your obligations in full and whether you have consistently paid them on time. Public records (such as bankruptcies) also play a role in this component. Having a strong record of paying on time and a lack of public records will positively impact your credit score.

AMOUNTS OWED This component represents the amount of credit you currently have outstanding in comparison to the amount of credit you have available to you (known as your utilization

35%

30%

Pam Evason, CFA, CPA, is Managing Director at Windermere Wealth Advisors, LLC and serves on the Wisconsin Chapter Board of Trustees.

C

To Your Credit | PART ONEBy Pam Evason

MS Connection | 14

ratio). This factor also takes into account how many different accounts you have with balances, how much of your original loan still needs to be paid and the aggregate amount of all debt owed. In general, a lower utilization ratio and fewer accounts with balances are favorable to your score.

LENGTH OF CREDIT HISTORY This is the length of time during which you’ve had outstanding credit. In general, a longer credit history is a good thing – provided you have performed on your various obligations.

NEW ACCOUNTS Your credit score also tracks the amount of new credit you have recently sought. Opening multiple new accounts in a short period of time may have a negative impact on your score.

15%

10%

TYPES OF CREDIT This component evaluates the various types of credit you have available to you (i.e., secured, installment, revolving, etc). In general, having more types of credit is of benefit to you.

While there is a lot to know and understand about this important concept, there are a few key concepts you can master and a few key actions you can take to make significant progress with your credit.

Look for more information on how to improve your credit in the next issue of MS Connection.This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional guidance and assistance in planning your financial future. The matters discussed here are provided as a starting point for further discussions with an investment professional familiar with your specific situation.

Pam Evason, CFA, CPA is Managing Director at Windermere Wealth Advisors, LLC, an investment advisory firm located in Milwaukee, WI. If you have questions or comments, please contact Pam at 414.716.6150 or pam.evason@windermerewealth.com

10%

MS Connection | 15

Grants Support Research, Programs and Services The Wisconsin Chapter thanks the following organizations for the grants recently awarded in support of research, programs and services that are critical to people affected by MS.

• $1,200 — Runzheimer Foundation Inc. • $1,000 — William Stark Jones Foundation • $500 — Waukesha Rotary Club Charitable Fund Inc. • $300 — Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s

Colton Charitable Fund

In total, $3,000 was received in gifts and grants from April through June. If you are connected to a foundation that you would like to suggest for a grant opportunity, or for more information on how you can help, contact Cindy Yomantas at 262-369-4431 or cindy.yomantas@nmss.org.

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n the winter of 2012 in Cable, Wis., and in Rena, Norway, three skiers with multiple

sclerosis (MS) lined up on the start line of the Birkebeiner ski races in the United States and Norway, to test their ability to participate in and complete a grueling challenge. This story, and that of their diagnosis and travails with MS, is told in the documentary, “Multiple Sclerosis, the Vikings and Nordic Skiing,” shown on Wisconsin and Milwaukee Public TV networks in the winter of 2013-2014.

The documentary was the brain-child of Dr. Ian Duncan, professor of neuroscience and an MS researcher at UW-Madison, and made by Steinar Hybertsen, a Norwegian-American film director.

According to Dr. Duncan, the goal of the documentary was to demonstrate the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle for people with MS, and to inspire them to exercise. He said, “Exercise has objective scientific and clinical evidence of its benefit to MS patients.”

“Physical activity has always been an important part of my life – before and after I was diagnosed with MS,”

said Katie Brekke, a 29-year old from Minnesota who participated in the American Birkebeiner. “Of course I need to make modifications, but being diagnosed with something like this has a way of giving some perspective on the importance of maintaining your wellness. It is important to keep moving.”

Eric Tauchman, another American Birkebeiner participant diagnosed with MS, discovered after the film came out that it could inspire others.

The 36-year-old from Stevens Point, Wis., and Ph.D. student at Colorado State University, said, “I received a message that a newly diagnosed young woman was given a measure of hope through watching this film. I can’t think of a better justification for being a part of the film than that.”

The film catches up with the six skiers as they competed in the race. According to Norwegian participant Anne Ovrehus, 58, “Having a goal like doing the ski event was scary, but also motivating. During the race, I felt very strong and had a lot of power. I had the wonderful feeling mastering the same course as healthy people!”

“If we can help people with MS, then the whole mission of the project was a success. I hope it inspires people to make the best of their own situation,” said filmmaker Hybertsen. “And if being out there walking 10 minutes or skiing for two hours will help you, then I think we accomplished something with the film.”

The film can be viewed on the Wisconsin Public Television website at video.wpt.org/video/2365133541/.

I

Diagnosed with MS, Katie Brekke, shown with her husband, Christian, participated in the American Birkebeiner ski race and is one of three Americans featured in the film.

Exploring the Benefits of ExerciseDocumentary film focuses on MS and skiing

Dr. Ian Duncan combined his enthusiasm for skiing with his work as an MS researcher with the film, “Multiple Sclerosis, the Vikings and Nordic Skiing.”

MS Connection | 17

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MS Connection | 19

How We Move ItWisconsin Chapter News and Notes

PANEL EXPLORES THE IMPACT OF MS ON WOMEN The Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation and the National MS Society- Wisconsin Chapter are co-hosting a dialogue on multiple sclerosis on Wednesday, October 29 in Madison. An expert panel will discuss the impact MS has on women. Admission is free and breakfast will be provided, but prior registration is required. Visit wwhf.org/ annual-dialogues to register.

ANNUAL MEETING The Wisconsin Chapter’s Annual Meeting is scheduled for December 9 and will be held at the Chenequa Country Club, made possible through a generous donation. More information will be posted on www.wisMS.org.

BRING LEARNING HOME The National MS Society telelearning series for people with multiple sclerosis and their families aims to provide information and guidance on current matters essential to living one’s best life with MS. The series provides free telelearning sessions on seven different topics throughout the year, with each topic offered on two different dates and times. Each features topic-area expert(s) by phone with online presentations, and a Q&A session. Visit nationalMSsociety.org/telelearning or call 800-344-4867 to learn more.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR THOSE LIVING WITH MSFind the information and resources you need to stay financially secure. Whether you are looking for information on insurance or financial resources, you can access this information with the help of the Society. Visit nationalmssociety.org/Resources-Support/Insurance-and-Financial-Information or call an MS Navigator at 800-344-4867.

MS CONNECTION IS A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY-WISCONSIN CHAPTER.

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