MS Connection, Jan/Feb 2008

We are MS activists

Your MS activism, big or small, can move us closer to a world free of multiple sclerosis. Activism can take

place anytime, anywhere and can occur in all shapes and sizes. Just like MS changes from one person to the next, your activism is an individual reflection of what is important to you.

Nationwide, people affected by MS relentlessly advocate every day to advance federal, state and community policies and programs. Thousands are joining the movement and taking action.

You might see MS activists in orange around town or at the state Capitol. Many are individuals who live with MS. Some are friends and family members. Many are people who simply recognize their passion and ability to help move us closer to a world free of this disease.

Together we help raise awareness about MS issues. We share our personal stories. We ask

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M O V I N G T O W A R D A W O R L D F R E E O F M S

Note from the boardPage 3

NewsPage 7

I Joined the MovementPage 10

EventsPage 11

January-February 2008 Volume 21 • Issue 1 Minnesota Chapter

our elected officials to make positive changes that benefit people living with MS. MS activists speak up.

Hot issue in 2008This year’s key proposal brings focus to the needs of family caregivers. Many of these “informal” caregivers provide health-related services that often go unrecognized in legislative discussions surrounding the costs of health care. Family caregivers saved

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612-335-7900 / 1-800-582-5296

Publication of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter 200 12th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55415

Chair Karen Larson

Chapter President Maureen Reeder

Newsletter Editor Emily Wilson

E-mail [email protected]

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. Sponsorship of society programs or events does not connote that the National Multiple Sclerosis Society recognizes superiority in products or services provided by the sponsoring entity over other entities providing like or similar products or services.

To obtain an audio tape of MS Connection, call Timothy Holtz at the Minnesota Chapter.

© 2007 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

Call for board candidatesTo propose a candidate to the chapter’s board of trustees, write to Susan A. Hagstrum, Ph.D., chair of the governance committee, by April 1. Mail nominations to 200 12th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415. The committee will select the best-qualified candidates and present a slate of nominees at the MS Annual Convention. Nominees will not be taken at the meeting.

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. The National MS Society’s medical advisors recommend that people with MS talk with their health care professionals about using these medications and about effective strategies and treatments to manage symptoms. If you or someone you know has MS, please contact the society at www.nationalmssociety.org or 1-800-FIGHT-MS to learn more.

2 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

Can you help us?The Minnesota Chapter is always looking for in-kind donations. If you are able to donate any items on the list below, please call the Chapter.

Office supplies

n name badge labels

n folders/notebooks

n three-ring, 1/2-inch blue or white binders

Equipment

n 15-inch LCD monitor

n CDs/DVDs

n DVD player

First aid supplies

n cold packs

n four-inch Ace wraps

n pill boxes (4xs/day)

Other supplies

n hand soap

n baby monitors

n turning sheets

n shampoo/conditioner

n Metro Mobility tickets

n disposable cutting boards, dish cloths and roasting tins

n sharp kitchen knives

n restaurant/store gift certificates/giveaway prizes

Some people might be discouraged about the lack of progress that has

been made in finding a cure for MS. After all, MS was first recognized as a

distinct disease in 1868 and today we don’t have a cure and have limited treatment. But I don’t feel discouraged because virtually all of the progress in understanding and treating MS has taken place over the last 20 years. If we can move forward that fast in 20 years, who knows what the next 20 years will bring—or if we’ll even need that long to free the world of MS.

My mother was diagnosed with MS 40 years ago. Today diagnosis is made by use of MRIs and spinal fluid analysis while 40 years ago it was based on the elimination of other possibilities.

Until 1993, there were no effective drug treatments for MS. Today there are six treatments that help alter the course of relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive MS.

Today the National MS Society is a stronger, more integrated organization, reaching out with greater resources to help not only people with MS but their children and caregivers.

The Minnesota Chapter provides numerous family and youth programs so families today get the support they need as they live with MS. Nationally, the society has launched a new initiative called Fast Forward with a goal to dramatically increase the number of potential drugs in development for people with MS,

Note from the board

Karen Larson Board Chair

3TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 582 5296

and increase the probability of effective new treatments reaching the people who need them. All of these efforts give me hope that we’re headed in the right direction

But while many things have changed for people with MS, what hasn’t changed is that people are still being diagnosed with the disease.

Around the time of my Mom’s diagnosis, my family had moved to a new neighborhood. Our new neighbors became her friends and support system. There were six women who looked out for her and offered her support during her life. Two of those six women now have children with MS. As long as people are still being diagnosed, our movement must grow.

While my Mom had the unfortunate diagnosis of MS, she was extremely fortunate to have my dad as her caregiver. He stood by her and cared for her in our home until it was physically impossible to do so. But as long as we still need caregivers, our movement must grow.

While we’ve seen advances in research, disease treatment and quality of life for people with MS, it isn’t enough. It will only be enough when we no longer have a reason to meet and we can talk about MS like we do about polio – something from the past.

I thank you for the opportunity to serve as chair of the Minnesota Chapter Board of Trustees. I am ready and willing to serve all of you as we charge toward a world free of MS.

Our movement must grow

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2007 Employer of the Year AwardsThe Minnesota Chapter is proud to announce its 2007 Employer of the Year Awardees: Pelican Valley Health Center in the category

of companies with fewer than 100 employees and Educational Credit Management Corporation in the category of companies with more than 100 employees. The award recognizes employers that have made significant contributions in the hiring and retention of workers with multiple sclerosis and other

disabilities. The award also recognizes employers for positive employment practices.

Society launches drug development initiativeThe National MS Society recently announced the creation of Fast Forward, a technology-transfer initiative aimed at translating promising laboratory discoveries into effective new treatments for multiple sclerosis. Fast Forward will identify, evaluate and partner with start-up and existing companies to develop novel therapies or repurpose existing drugs for the treatment of MS. Fast Forward, a wholly owned subsidiary of the society, is

currently evaluating business proposals and plans to make initial investments in early 2008. The initiative has already secured $4.5 million of the $30 million it plans to raise during the next six years to fund the investments.

LEARN MOREFor more information about Fast Forward, visit www.fastforward.org.

MS Society, local business leaders recognizedThe Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s 2007 ranking of the top 25 fundraising events (Nov. 23 issue) included the Minnesota Chapter’s Bike MS: Larkin Hoffman MS 150 ranked No. 2; Walk MS: Christopher & Banks Walk presented by Anchor Bank No. 4; Bike MS: Star Tribune TRAM No. 11; and Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities No. 17.

The journal also named Larry Schmid, CFO of Great River Energy and member of the Minnesota Chapter Board of Trustees, as CFO of the Year for large private companies, and recognized Bill Cook, CEO of Donaldson Co. Inc., in the Corporate Philanthropy section for his involvement with the Bike MS: Larkin Hoffman MS 150.


Chapter elects three new board membersAt the National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter’s Annual Convention, held Nov. 16 to 18 in Minneapolis, the chapter elected three new members to its board of trustees. The chapter welcomes the following new members:

David ChaikinDavid Chaikin, of Eden Prairie, Minn., is a former Marine who has completed two marathons. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1992. His recent retirement, after 25 years in the high tech

electronics industry, has allowed him to become more involved with the chapter in a variety of ways. Chaikin serves on the chapter’s long term housing committee and the scholarship review committee. He also participates in the Mentor Program and Champions Against MS. Chaikin is a member of the chapter’s speakers bureau and represents the chapter as a Community Health Charities Campaign Ambassador.

Devon WashingtonSince moving to Minneapolis in 2006, Devon Washington has been an active volunteer with the Minnesota Chapter. Washington’s mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis when he was

a teenager. He provides leadership as the chapter’s Teen Council Mentor and serves on the chapter’s strategic planning task force, programs committee and the scholarship task force and review team, which helped to fund scholarships for 25 students affected by MS in 2007, totaling $55,000.

William C. Gillispie, Jr.In addition to joining the Minnesota Chapter board, William C. Gillispie, Jr. of Minneapolis, joined the National MS Society board at this year’s National Conference in Dallas. Gillispie is corporate vice

president of grocery, frozen, dairy, specialty and ethnic with SUPERVALU, Inc. Prior to joining the Minnesota Chapter board, Gillispie was a member of the Greater Illinois Chapter board, but continued to volunteer at local events and sponsor local event participants. Gillispie’s recruitment and creativity has led his Walk MS Team Gillispie to grow to more than 100 walkers from eight different states in 2007. In just eight years, Team Gillispie has raised more than $500,000.

2008 Minnesota Chapter

Board of Trustees officer appointments: Karen Larson of Little Canada, Minn., elected chair;

Michael Schrock of Orono, Minn., elected vice chair;

Larry Schmid of Chaska, Minn., elected treasurer;

Susan Hagstrum, Ph.D., of Minneapolis, elected secretary.

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David Chaikin

Devon Washington

William C. Gillispie, Jr.


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Hope Award given to longtime MS activist, leader

At the National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter’s annual Sylvies awards dinner, Bill MacNally, of Blaine, Minn., was

named the recipient of the Norman Cohn Hope Award, the most prestigious honor given by the Minnesota Chapter. The award is presented to an MS Society volunteer who exhibits vision, extensive civic voluntary action and exemplifies hope for a world free of multiple sclerosis.

For 15 years, MacNally has been a leader, mentor and relentless advocate for people with MS and he has led the chapter in bold new directions to better meet the needs of all people affected by the disease.

After the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 was adopted, MacNally led the chapter to implement 10 Medicare Part D educational programs. In 2006 and 2007, he influenced

legislation to reduce prescription drug co-payments. MacNally worked to cultivate a relationship with Congressman Jim Ramstad that led Ramstad to co-sponsor several society initiatives in recent years. MacNally actively participates in programs

and events and helped the chapter develop a critical assessment tool in identifying areas in need of improvement to ensure the chapter best meets the needs of people affected by MS.

Bill MacNally

MEET THE ELITERead more about this year’s award winners on Pages 7 to 9.

Join the movement March 10 to 17Last year during MS Awareness Week, the National MS Society encouraged you to join the movement to end MS. With your help, we were able to raise awareness across the chapter and nationwide. This year during MS Awareness Week March 10 to 17, we again invite you to join and engage others in the movement to end MS. During MS Awareness Week we will be alerting you to simple things you can do at home, work or in your community to spread awareness and help create a world free of MS. Contact the chapter to learn more or to share your ideas for MS Awareness Week activities.

Look for these billboards in the Twin Cities metro area

starting in January.

Corporations recognizedAlso at the national conference, Christopher & Banks received the Shining Star Award, the top honor for a national corporate star, for its support of Walk MS and for its MS jewelry line launched in spring 2007. Also, Bike MS team NatureWorks/Cargill received a national team award for Greatest Fundraising Growth.

Chapter awarded for programs, fundraisingThe Minnesota Chapter was one of three finalists for the coveted Cavallo Award, an award given to chapters for providing outstanding programs and services for people living with MS and their families. The chapter also received a Million Dollar Milestone award for raising $3 million on this year’s Bike MS events.

Cincoski named volunteer of the yearDr. Martha Cincoski was awarded the National Volunteer of the Year Award for her leadership and unfailing support in research advocacy. Diagnosed with MS while working as a

resident surgeon in the Navy, Cincoski has been a leading research advocate for more than eight years, helping all people affected by MS understand the complex nature of the disease. Martha spearheaded a “Quality of Life” project and under her leadership the society provided more than $230,000 in grants in 2006 to local MS clinics. Cincoski also worked to make Kingsley Commons—the first-ever housing development in Minnesota designed specifically for people with MS—a reality.

A lifetime of serviceReggie Walton was awarded a National Lifetime Achievement Award for his 36 years of service to the National MS Society. His service includes volunteering for many years at MS Camp and Bike MS.

Walton helped initiate the chapter’s MS River Road Run Motorcycle Tour and has participated in the event since its inception, personally raising more than $7,000. In 2006, he had the idea to end the motorcycle tour at MS Camp— a hit among riders and campers alike. 7TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 582 5296 7TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 582 5296

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Minnesota well-decorated after national conferenceThe Minnesota Chapter, two chapter volunteers, a Bike MS team and a

corporation all received awards at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Conference in Dallas, Oct. 24 to 26.

Martha Cincoski, M.D.

Reggie Walton

Minnesota Chapter representatives accepted a Million Dollar Milestone Award at the National Conference held in Dallas.


Volunteers recognized at SylviesThe National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter depends on thousands of dedicated volunteers each year to help make its programs, services and events a reality. To recognize volunteers who have joined the movement to end MS in extraordinary ways, the chapter holds the Sylvies—an annual awards dinner named in honor of National MS Society founder Sylvia Lawry.

The 2007 Sylvies was held Saturday, Nov. 17, in conjunction with the MS Annual Convention in Minneapolis. To learn how you can become a Sylvies winner, contact Rachel Ring or Will Ziegenhagen, volunteer coordinators, at 612-335-7900 or 1-800-582-5296.

2007 volunteer Sylvie recipients

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Chapter awards

Norman Cohn Hope Award

Bill MacNally

Chapter All Stars

David Chaikin

Pam Hieb

Rookie All Stars

Anne Hallgren

Denise Watts

Group All Stars

Blaine Police Department

Fergus Falls Star Tribune MS TRAM Committee

Walman Optical

Leadership All Stars

Erin Weber

Kingsley Commons Task Force—

Mavis Beck; LeRoy Bendickson; Martha Cincoski, M.D.; Cindy Gackle; Kerry Keller; Judy McLeod; Robert D. Miller; Jim Mulhern; Louann Replogle; Sandy Silver; and Judy Soderberg

Scholarship Task Force—

Monica Dahl; Susan A. Hagstrum, Ph.D.; and Michael Schrock

Office All Stars

Ray Brigleb

Kathy French

Linda Gill

Jeannean Klempka

Joan Lewison

Bill Rowe

National awards

National Volunteer of the Year

Martha Cincoski, M.D.

National Lifetime Achievement Award

Reggie Walton


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TEERSVolunteer opportunitiesMay 3-9 and Aug. 16-22, MS Camp

Weeklong program for adults living with MS in Maple Lake, Minn. Volunteer nurses and cabin assistants needed.

May 4, Walk MS: Christopher & Banks Walk presented by Anchor Bank

Walks held in 17 sites throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Volunteers needed for registration, set-up, route support, first aid and more.

May 10, Bike MS: Allianz Twin Cities Ride

One-day bike ride. Starts and ends at the Maplewood Community Center. Volunteers needed to help with route support, registration, food services and more.

June 6-8, Bike MS: Larkin Hoffman MS 150 Ride

Two-day bike ride from Proctor to the Twin Cities with an overnight at Grand Casino Hinckley. Volunteers needed at start and finish lines, rest stops, overnight sites and more.

June 14-21, Youth Camp

Help provide a fun, safe experience for youth as they play, learn and address issues related to MS in their families. Counselors, especially males, and nurses needed.

National MS Society President and CEO Joyce Nelson (left) and Minnesota Chapter President Maureen Reeder (center) spoke with Anne Hallgren, Rookie Volunteer All Star award winner, during a reception held prior to the Sylvies awards show.

Chapter awards continued

Programs All Stars

Marge and Ray Berg

Margit Whitam

Laura Winterstein

Special Events All Stars

Cortney Dahl

Jim Daly

Jon Linde

Youth Volunteer All Stars

Sean and Ryan Scharlau

Teen Council


Giving back in more ways than one

When St. Paul resident Jim Philippy—a pharmacist for more than 42 years—was diagnosed with primary-

progressive multiple sclerosis in 1995, he knew little about the disease or the National MS Society. But when a friend told him about the Christopher & Banks MS Walk, Philippy learned more about the MS Society and the variety of programs and services available through the Minnesota Chapter.

To help keep other people with MS moving forward, Philippy makes a generous donation each year, which allows the MS Society to continue to expand and improve valuable programs and services and help more people affected by the disease. Philippy is a member of the Minnesota Chapter’s Discovery Circle, which recognizes individuals and organizations who make annual financial contributions of $1,000 or more to the society.

Philippy feels his financial contributions to the society help those with MS who are unable to work, something he is still able to do. “In many respects I feel fortunate to be able to work full time,” Philippy said. “My gift is a way to help find the cure and support others who aren’t able to work.”

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Not only does he donate his financial resources to the MS Society, Philippy also donates his time as a volunteer. He works in the chapter office every Wednesday to help with a variety of projects. Philippy also serves as a mentor to a Minnesota Chapter scholarship

recipient. Philippy said he enjoys working with college students and also serves as a mentor to pharmacy students attending the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities.

As an MS Society donor and volunteer, Philippy feels very strongly about the value of the MS Society. “When a person is first diagnosed with MS, it can be very traumatic. You will have many questions and might be unsure where to get the answers. The MS Society can be a big help,” he said.

Philippy also wants people to know that the MS Society is not just funding research, but providing practical assistance on a daily basis to help people manage their MS and cope with the challenges it presents.

For more information about becoming a Discovery Circle member, contact Shannon Wolkerstorfer at 612-335-7928 or [email protected].

Jim Philippy

“My gift is a way to help find the cure and support others who aren’t able to work.”


2008 eventsWhen you join a Walk MS, Bike MS or other MS event, you become a part of

the powerful movement that will end MS forever.

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The National MS Society believes that moving is not just something you can or can’t do, but rather is who you are. This is why we sponsor events like Walk MS and Bike MS—to raise funds for research, as well as comprehensive programs and services for people with MS —moving closer to a world free of MS.

To learn more, talk to an MS staff member today, visit www.MSsociety.org, or call 1-800-FIGHT-MS.

Walk MS: Christopher & Banks Walk

presented by Anchor Bank May 4, 2008 Walk in 17 cities statewide.

Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities Sept. 12–14, 2008 Three-day, 50-mile walk in the Twin Cities.

Bike MS: Allianz Twin Cities Ride May 10, 2008 Choose a 30-or 60-mile route featuring the Gateway trail.

Bike MS: Larkin Hoffman MS 150 Ride June 6–8, 2008 150-mile bike ride from Duluth to the Twin Cities.

Bike MS: Star Tribune The Ride Across Minnesota July 20–25, 2008 Ride through Minnesota’s Iron Range and North Shore.

MS River Road Run Aug. 16–17, 2008 Weekend motorcycle tour.

MS Sno Rally Feb. 21–24, 2008 Three-day snowmobile event in Grand Rapids.

Women Against MS Aug. 7, 2008 Benefit luncheon and silent auction at the Depot in Minneapolis with keynote speaker Sue Thomas.


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Eye Scanning Device Detects MS Nervous System DamageUsing a new machine called an optical coherence tomography scanner, or OCT, investigators have reported that thinning of the nerve layer at the back of the eye echoes evidence of brain shrinkage in MS, detected with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The study, funded by the National MS Society’s Promise: 2010 initiative on Nervous System Repair and Protection, suggests that OCT may detect global information about disease progression in the brains of people with MS, and may ultimately prove useful for measuring the success of clinical trials aiming to protect or repair the nervous system.

“This is just one example of the important progress being made by more than 50 investigators collaborating in our Nervous System Repair and Protection initiative,” said John R. Richert, MD, Executive Vice President of the society’s research and clinical programs. “The goal is to pave the way for clinical testing of therapies to protect and restore function in people with MS; I’m happy to say that the pace of this vital endeavor is accelerating.”

Dr. Jonathan Calkwood of the Schapiro Center for Multiple Sclerosis in Golden Valley, Minn., is a Neuro-Ophthalmology specialist and is using an OCT.

Study Finds Evidence of Epstein-Barr Virus in Multiple Sclerosis Brain TissuesInvestigators have reported finding traces of Epstein-Barr virus in postmortem brains examined from people with different forms of MS. They found the traces of EBV infection in immune cells (B cells and plasma cells) that had infiltrated the brain in 21 out of 22 brains from people with MS, but not in brains from people who had other neurological diseases that, like MS, involve inflammation. If these exciting findings are confirmed by other laboratories, they add to growing evidence of a link between EBV and MS. However, it is not possible through this study to determine whether EBV causes MS, or whether its presence is a consequence of MS.

“These results are very intriguing,” said Dr. John R. Richert, executive vice president of research and clinical programs at the National MS Society. “While they don’t prove that EBV causes MS, they add to a growing body of evidence pointing to EBV as a culprit. If confirmed, then research aimed at understanding how EBV interacts with the immune system in MS will be key. Furthermore, finding ways to treat EBV infection and developing an EBV vaccine would become of paramount importance in our efforts, both because these measures may represent the major means of determining if EBV plays a causative role in MS, and also because of their potential to treat or prevent the disease.”

published in 2004 identified more than 5,000 cases of MS among veterans that were deemed “service-connected.”

In late 2006, the society began a nationwide petition drive urging Congress to support funding for MS research through the CDMRP. The petition garnered more than 100,000 signatures.

In March 2007, MS activists who attended the annual MS Public Policy Conference in Washington, DC, brought the issue to Capitol Hill in person.


The push for new MS research funding

RESEARCH

For the past year, the society and thousands of MS activists have been aggressively pursuing a new avenue of federal funding for MS research:

Legislation that would designate $15 million for MS research through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) at the Department of Defense.

Unfortunately, the bill that passed in the House on Aug. 5, 2007, did not include funding for MS research. But MS activists did not give up. In late September, Congressman John Murtha (D, Pennsylvania) finally agreed to fight for at least $10 million for MS research during the conference committee, which came after the Senate voted on the bill.

When the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee approved their FY 2008 spending in mid-September, the bill included language to support MS research. Even though it was not in the program we requested, it will provide a new avenue for funding. We will continue pursuing CDMRP.

About the fundsThe CDMRP provides funding for research through the Department of Defense as directed by members of Congress. Activists believe that MS research would be an appropriate target of these funds: A study

WHAT’S NEXTFor the latest, go to msactivist.blogspot.com, and to learn how to help, join the movement at nationalmssociety.org/advocacy.

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the U.S. economy an estimated $350 billion in 2006. In 2008 the society will champion a bill proposing a $1,200 tax credit per year for caregivers.

What can you do?To kick off MS Awareness Week, March 10 to 16, the Minnesota Chapter will hold the 2008 Capitol Conference March 10 and 11 at the State Capitol in St. Paul. The conference is open to all MS activists throughout the state. There is no fee to attend this program and the MS Society will provide transportation and lodging for participants coming from outside the seven-county metro area. Participants will be asked to share their personal stories.

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This two-day event is for anyone affected by MS. Participants will have the opportunity to educate state leaders about MS issues by sharing their personal stories with their state senators and representatives as well as meet and network with others affected by MS.

In order to see solutions in 2008, the Minnesota Chapter needs every MS activist to speak up.

If you are interested in joining the movement as an MS activist, bring your family and friends and join us at this year’s Capitol Conference. To register, contact Kari Harju at 1-800-582-5296 or [email protected]. To view the agenda, find issue updates or register online, visit www.mssociety.org.

Taming work stress• To help slow down your mind, inhale while

thinking the word “peace,” then exhale to the word “tension.” Even five minutes of quiet breathing can bring some relief.

For more ideas, view the Taming Stress brochure at nationalmssociety.org/TamingStress.

Having any chronic illness increases stress. Multiple sclerosis is no exception. Dealing with work-related stress can often increase stress levels. When dealing with stress at work, here are a few things to keep in mind.

• Take a short break right at your desk.

• Mute the phone and the computer.

• Take off your glasses if you wear them.

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Darlene Larson shows how she makes her mark against MS.

Jan. 19 Wellness Conference, St. Paul

Jan. 25–27 Care Partner Getaway, Plymouth

Feb. 2 Moving Forward, Rochester

Feb. 8–10 Men’s Getaway, Alexandria

Feb. 21–24 MS Sno Rally Snowmobile Tour, Grand Rapids

Feb. 23 Women’s Conference, Plymouth

March 1 Fitness and MS, Hudson, Wis.

March 10–11 Capital Conference, St. Paul

March 10–19 MS Awareness Week

March 8 Moving Forward, St. Paul

Telephone consultations

* Telephone consultations are free and by appointment only

Family attorney consultations

Rod Jensen, attorney at law

Jan. 15 and Feb. 19

Employment consultations

Jennifer Johnson, tips on interviewing, resumes and more

Jan. 24, Feb. 7, Feb. 21 and March 6

Employment discrimination/private disability consultations

Denise Tataryn, attorney at law

Feb. 11 and March 10

Financial planning consultations

John Robinson, C.F.P.®, financial advisor

Dec. 10 and Jan. 14

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Programs Contact registration line:

612-335-7970

Telephone consultations Contact Sarah or Heather:

612-335-7900

Walk, bike and motorsport events Contact Erin: 612-335-7950

FOR INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER

FREE MATTERFOR THE

BLIND ANDHANDICAPPED

200 12th Ave. S.Minneapolis, MN554115-1255

2007 convention: humor, inspiration, entertainment

The MS Annual Convention, held Nov. 16 to 18 in Minneapolis, showcased keynote speakers comedian Jonathan Katz, actress and musician Rain Pryor, renowned researcher Dr. Ian

Duncan and National MS Society President and CEO Joyce Nelson. The weekend included conferences for health professionals and self-help group facilitators and an inspirational Caregiver Appreciation Dinner. During Saturday’s general sessions attendees learned the many ways the society is moving closer to a world free of MS and had the chance to visit more than 80 exhibitors showcasing products and services for people with disabilities. Another highlight was Saturday evening, when top volunteers, fundraisers, corporate partners and donors were recognized at the Sylvies awards show.

Rain Pryor entertained attendees at the second-annual Caregiver Appreciation Dinner.

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MS Connection, Jan/Feb 2008