MSConnection Dec-Feb 2012

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 | D E C - F E B • 2 0 1 2

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

UTAH - SOUTHERN IDAHO CHAPTER

POlE WAlkINg PAgE 4

RESEARCH UPDATE PAgE 8

NECk OF THE WOODS PAgE 6

“PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE” CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

THANKYOU

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE MANy ACHIEVEMENTS TO APPLAUD THIS yEARAs another year comes to a close, it’s a good time to pause and reflect on the progress made. Our community, volunteers, donors and staff have all worked passionately in 2011 to further our mission of creating a world free of MS. This year we celebrate the following great achievements:

• 936individualvolunteerswhogave10,148hoursofserviceorganizing events, providing office administration support, leading mission programs, serving on committees and helping people with MS.

• 10,060passionateeventparticipantswhowalked,ranandcycled. Togethertheyraisedmorethan$2.8milliontohelpfundresearch and services to support people impacted by MS.

Weestimatethat1in300peopleinourarealiveswithMS,and6,600ofthem have registered with the Chapter to receive information and support services. We celebrate the progress made in 2011 to more effectively deliver programs and services to our two states. We’ve expanded social work services throughout our chapter and grown our direct assistance to include Self Improvement Grants to individuals, scholarships to students living with or affected by MS, and financial assistance when MS creates gaps in a family’s budget. The Chapter worked to build relationships with healthcare professionals and community agencies to insure we

2011: Lots to cheer about!

The Chapter celebrates:

• 936volunteers

• 10,060eventparticipants

• $2.8millionraised

• Qualityprograms&services for people with MS

• Homeoftwo “Partner in MS Care” centers

•Morefundingforresearch

VOlUNTEER SPOTlIgHT PAgE 11

SUPPORTING THE MISSION

Walk MS 2011TeamS&M $20,211 GregEades

TeamBeaver $16,677 DavidPhillips

CYPRUS $12,740 CamilleTripp

VMSAgainstMS $9,000 KathyCamomile

GalleryMAR $6,385 MarenMullin

TeamRAMS $6,210LittleDaveStephenson

TheLittleChamps $6,085 AmieSchaeffer

CBHWalkstars $5,573 MichelleJacobi

Bob’sArmy $5,337 RobertWelker

TheLucky13’s $4,441 JessicaBowers

HIP HIP HOORAy! CONGRATULATIONS TOP TEAMS & CAPTAINS

TEAMCAPTAINKICKOFF

Calling all team captains! It’s time to start planning forthe2012events.Doyouleadateamorareyouinterestedinstartingone?PleasejoinusatourfirstTeamCaptainKickOffmeetingsof2012.Lookfor more information online or contact [email protected].

January25,2012|TBD,Boise

February4,2012UniversityGuestHouse,SaltLakeCity

MS AWARENESSWEEK

MSAwarenessWeek(March11-18,2012)isquickly approaching. We all can grow awareness. Whatwillyoudo?Doyouhaveconnectionsinyour community to help get the word out and paint the town orange? Take advantage of MS Awareness Week and use it as a great opportu-nity to tell people about MS, to attract new team members, to host a community fundraising event or to get involved by volunteering or advocating for MS issues. Start making plans and help make a bold statement!

Bike MS 2011TeamBadAssCoffee $85,955 AnnHoffman

TeamHarmons $81,360 GregJones

CyprusCreditUnion $56,171 JessicaTaylor

TeamFLH $54,771 KimberlyGerard

TEAMUHP $30,350 StevenMartin

TeamBrain $30,225 AmyDavis

WasatchAdvisors $29,600 JedWilliams

SaddleSoar $27,207 ClayDean-Perry

L-3Communications $23,249 BrianBarnett

FabianLaw $21,085 JayBell

Mud Run MS Utah (renamed Muckruckus MS!)

TeameBay $2,836 JessicaFernandez

Mudbusters $2,380 KristiCumming

MuddersinZion $2,255 EricWhite

RollinInIt! $2,003 ChelseyHood

TheMuddSlingers $2,000 RobertHarmon

TOll FREE NUMBER 800 344 4867 | 3

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

CONTINUED FROM COVER

have resources and referrals for everyone who calls looking for information and support for their unique circumstances.

We’re also proud to be the home of two “Partner in MS Care” centers–theUniversityofUtah’sDepartmentofNeurologyMSClinicandRockyMountainMSClinic.Bothwererecognizedin2011bytheNationalMSSocietyasleadersincomprehensivecare. This rigorous and prestigious designation has only been awardedto40clinicsin19states.OurChapterishometotwoofthese!WecongratulateDrs.JohnRoseandJohnFoleyforbeingfrontrunners in clinical care, as well as the many other clinicians in our area who collaborate and work together to serve our population so well.

The Society remains committed to finding a cure for MS. Today weareinvesting$42.6milliononthemostpromisingMSresearch projects around the world. Right here in our chapter the University of Utah received some of those funds to support Dr.GaelYonnetasanMSClinicalFellow,andtofundtheDataCoordinatingandAnalysisCenterfortheSociety’sNetworkofPediatric MS Centers.

Inaddition,the$250millionNOWcampaign(NoOpportunityWasted)waslaunchedthisyearasaboldinitiativetofundresearch to stop disease progression, to restore lost function, and to end MS forever.

There is more progress to be made and together we can create a world free of MS! Please join us in 2012 – volunteer, participate in an event, seek out a program or tell a friend about the great work beingdonebytheNationalMSSociety.

Thank you!

Annette Royle-Mitchell Chapter President

800 -344-4867PUBLICATIONOFTHENATIONALMULTIPLESCLEROSISSOCIETYUTAH-SOUTHERNIDAHOCHAPTER

Studies show that early and ongoing treatmentwithanFDA-approvedtherapycan reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with multiple sclerosis. Talk to your health careprofessionalorcontacttheNationalMS Society at nationalMSsociety.org or 800-344-4867tolearnaboutwaystohelpmanage multiple sclerosis and about current research that may one day reveal a cure.

TheNationalMultipleSclerosisSocietydoes not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuableinformation.TheNational 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, experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations orprescriptions.TheNationalMultipleSclerosis Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician.

TheNationalMultipleSclerosisSocietyisdedicated to creating a world free of MS.

©2011NationalMultipleSclerosisSociety,Utah-Southern Idaho Chapter

NationalMSSociety Utah-Southern Idaho Chapter 6364S.HighlandDrive,Suite101 SaltLakeCity,UT84121

BoiseOffice 6901W.EmeraldStreet, Suite207Boise,ID83704

Followus: facebook.com/MSutahIdaho twitter.com/CureMSutahIdaho

4 | cureMSutah.org - cureMSidaho.org

SELFIMPROVEMENTGRANTS

EachyearSelfImprovementGrantsaregivento help fund personal wellness initiatives and make it easier for people with MS in the Chapter to adopt healthy pursuits. The grant is a reimbursement of up to $100 toward activities such as a gym membership, yoga classes, physical therapy co-pays or nutrition counseling, among other healthy activities.

Applytoday!Learnmoreonourwebsiteorcall800-344-4867(option1).

LIVING WITH MS

Potential tools in the walking arsenal that people with MS might want to consider are walking poles. These are an adjustable-length ski pole – like shafts made of very light metal (such as titanium,carbonfiberoraluminum)withhandles(calledgrips).Manyhaveadjustable wrist straps and tips designed for walking onflat,steeporruggedterrain. Because they are used in pairs, poles—which lie between a cane and a

walker on the continuum of assistive devices—offer increased balance, steadiness and support, according toSueKushner,PT,MS,associateprofessorofphysicaltherapy, Slippery Rock University, Penn., who has spent much of her career working with people who have MS. “You can move a little faster, because bilateral support gives more stability and speed,” she said.

Studies suggest that poles reduce the force on joints and help distribute the body’s weight better, meaning lessworkforthelegs,knees,feet,hipandback.Lessstress on the lower body translates into less fatigue, a frequent symptom of MS.

“If you use poles instead of a cane, you may conserve energy,”Kushnersaid.

ACE-certifiedpersonaltrainerJayahFayePaleytookuppole walking when she met a nice fellow using poles, who was, she said, “poetry in motion on the trail.” She was so takenwithbothhim(theymarriedin2003)andthepolesthat she made a career of teaching people to use them optimally.

PaleyhascreatedtwotrainingDVDs,includingoneforpeople with mobility challenges. “With minimal training –

usuallylessthananhour–youcanwalkmorefluidlyandwith a natural pattern because you recruit and strengthen the muscles that support and elongate the spine,” she said.

Otherbenefits,Paleyadded,areconfidenceandfocus.“You are walking for exercise, not just strolling – the poles areconsistentreminderstomovebetter.”LearnmoreatPolesForMobility.com.

POLE PRIMER

“Talk to your physical therapist before you try them,” physicaltherapistSueKushnercautioned.Thenchoosepolesbasedonyourheight,weight,handsize,issues(balance,forexample)andyourfitnessormobilitygoals.

“Make sure they’re the proper height—about waist level, a little higher than a cane—and a comfortable weight. If you’re using them all day, you do care about their weight, especially if you have any weakness in your wrist muscles,”Kushneradded.

One drawback is that you can’t carry much with poles inbothhands.However,abackpackisonepossiblesolution.

Goodpolescostabout$90to$140andshouldlast a lifetime.

WALK THIS WAy: USING WALKING POLES


LIVING WITH MS

ANNUALMEETING

SELF-HELP GROUPS: LEARN, GROW, AND CONNECTFromIdaho’sTreasureandMagicValleysdowntoUtah’sDixieregion,andeverywhereinbetween,self-help groups are an important part of the NationalMSSociety’smissionto“addressthechallenges of everyone affected by MS.” Groups are typically comprised of people living with MS and can include care partners or other family members as well as newcomers. The self-help group leaders are trained by the Society to guide productive discussions and inform members about helpful programs and services the Society offers.

Meetings typically happen once a month and provide an opportunity for participants to share with each other what it means to live with MS, including setbacks and successes. In addition, some leaders invite healthcare professionals or other community leaders to speak about issues related to MS and local services. Many attendees also form a bond of camaraderie and gather together for other events like Walk MS.

There are a multitude of benefits from participating, including, but certainly not limited to, learning new information, connecting with others who face similar challenges, feeling less isolated, feeling more empowered to live well, improving coping skills, and finding reassurance and support from others who have similar experiences.

Currently, there are support groups in Boise, Nampa,TwinFalls,IdahoFalls,Ogden,Centerville,SaltLakeCity,WestJordan,Provo,Price,CedarCity, and St. George. If you are interested in joining a self-help group or would like to start one, please contact the Chapterat800-344-4867.Takeadvantageoftheopportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others in a self-help group near you!

ApplicationsfortheNationalMSSociety’sscholarship program are now available online and due January 13, 2012.Qualifiedstudentsplanning to pursue a college or technical school degree and who either have MS themselves or a parent with MS can receive scholarships ranging from$1,000-$3,000.PeoplelivingwithMSwhohave not yet been to a secondary school also may apply.

This past spring, the Chapter awarded $21,000 in scholarships to 12 deserving students from Idaho and Utah. Together with chapters across the country,morethan$1millionwasawarded.Learnabout past Chapter recipients at cureMSutah.org or cureMSidaho.org.

Start the 2012 application process now. Visit nationalMSsociety.org/scholarship.

SOCIETy SCHOLARSHIPS

Celebrate a year of accomplishments and hear from relationship expert Matt Townsend who led several MS programs this past year with the Chapter. At-tend in-person or watch online. Advance registration requiredviaourwebsiteorbycalling800-344-4867(option1).

January19,20126–9p.m.

SheratonHotel,SaltLakeCityTBD,Boise

OnlineviaWebEx The evening also will include election of the Board of Trustees. Board nomination forms, available year roundonline,mustbesubmittedbyDecember30,2011. If you cannot attend but would like to vote by proxy, please complete and return a proxy form from ourwebsitebyJanuary6,2012.


yOUR NECK OF THE WOODS

NEWS

There are a lot of good things happening throughout the [email protected].

BOISE

Dance for Awareness The annual Irish dance festival, BoiseFeisbytheRiver,includeda special dance competition –DanceStrong–inhonorof11-year-old Sydney Renspurger who is a dancer living with MS. The dance category helped to educate the community and show them MS affects people of all ages.

CEDAR CITy

Congrats Ruth! CedarCityMayorJoeBurgessdeclared September 20, 2011, RuthBarrowDay.Formorethan18years,Barrowhascampaignedfor a cure for MS as a Walk MS team captain, top fundraiser and awareness builder. The team surprised her with the well-deserved declaration.

IDAHO FALLS An Awesome Auction DavidPhillips,theteamcaptainof Team Beaver, held an auction raising$16,000forhisWalkMSteam.NotonlydidTeamBeaverraise the most money, they also had the most participants and eye catching orange t-shirts at the IdahoFallswalk!

MERIDIAN

Society Social AfestivefallFamilyNightwasheldatLinderFarmsinOctober.More than 100 people living with or impacted by MS turned outtohavefuninthemaze,pick pumpkins and get to know one another, as well as meet theChapter’snewPrograms&ServicesDirectorJudyBishop.

SALT LAKE CITy

Locals in Ny Times Abby West, namesake of the Bike MS Utah team Abby’s Avengers, andhersonDr.TimothyWest,who was inspired by his mother to become an MS doctor, shared theirstoryintheNewYorkTimesmagazine’sspecialinsertonMS.Themagazinehasanestimatedreadershipofmorethan4million.

Good Work MichaelJ.Workman,thisyear’s“Above and Beyond” award recipientattheChapter’s33rdAnnualDinnerofChampions,wasalso highlighted in Utah Business

magazine’s2011HealthcareHeroesforhisworkasaphysicaltherapist.

Thank you SELs A small celebration was held for theChapter’s17SpecialEventLeaderswholendtheirtimetohelp manage the hundreds of volunteers who make all the large events run smoothly. Special thankstoSELJoeJohnsonwhoalso helps out in the office and reaches out to people newly diagnosed with MS. Want to learn [email protected].

TOOELE

Racing Awareness RacecardriverDavidPeterson,inspired by a friend who has MS, addedtheMSCommunityEventslogo to his racecar to help raise awareness. This past fall he raced inUtah–Delta,Price,Ephriam,andinLasVegas.Petersonhopesto compete at tracks in Idaho inthenewyear.FollowhimonTwitter@dpeterson_6.

Renspurger prepares for Boise Feis

Workman with former Utah Jazz Coach Jerry Sloan at the Dinner of Champions


LIVING WITH MS

JOIN THE MS COMMUNITyWhether you have recently been diagnosed with MS or have been living with it for many years, there is a community of people who share your experiences. Are you a part of it?

The Utah-Southern Idaho Chapter is here to help you connect whether in person at a Society social, over the phone with a support volunteer, or by providing the information you need to help manage your MS. And, that’s just a start to the many avenues available to get connected.

Educational Programs – Visit our Chapter calendar online to see a list of upcoming programs either locally in town or via webinars and teleconferences. The Society partnerswithamixoforganizationstohelpmakethelatest educational and wellness opportunities available.

Community Resources – The Chapter has an extensive list of community resources, including neurologists,

mental health professionals, and state and local government agencies that provide services to Utah and southern Idaho residents with MS.

Self-help Groups – There are regular meetings throughouttheChapter.Learnmoreonpage5.

Trained Professionals–HaveaninquiryaboutFDA-approved treatments, a particular MS symptom or not sure what questions to ask yourself when considering disclosing your MS to your employer? A Society staff member can help.

Want to get involved more? There are many ways from volunteering, becoming an MS advocate, and spreading MSawarenesstohostingaDIYcommunityfundraiserorstarting a team for Walk MS or Bike MS.

LearnmoreandjointheMSmovementtoday.Wearestronger together.

– Paid Advertisement – Not a National MS Society Program –


RESEARCH

PEDIATRIC MS STUDIES RECEIVE NIH GRANT

The Society’s network of Pediatric MS Centers has been awarded a five-year grant from the NationalInstitutesofHealthtostudygeneticandenvironmental risk factors for MS in children with the disease. The study will enroll children and teens with MS and matched controls without MS for a single visit to one of 10 centers around the country –inCalifornia,NewYork,Massachusetts,Alabama,Minnesota,Texas,PennsylvaniaandWashington.Fournew centers are part of this project in addition to the six created with support from the Society’s Promise: 2010 campaign.

Hereinourchapter,theUniversityofUtahwasselected by the Society to manage the MS Pediatric DataCoordinatingandAnalysisCenterthatwillstudyand review data collected from all the Pediatric MS Centers located throughout the country.

To learn more about the study including referral information,pleaseemailjanace.hart@ucsf.eduorcall415-514-2476.FormoreinformationaboutpediatricMS, visit nationalMSsociety.org/pediatricMS.

PREGNANCy AND MSResearchcontinuestoconfirmit’sOKtomixpregnancy and MS.

A study published online in Annals of Neurology June27,2011,compared432birthstowomenwithMSand2,975birthstowomenwithoutMS,confirming previous findings that, overall, the women with MS had normal pregnancies. The mean birth weight and gestational age of babies did not differ and women with MS were not at greater risk of adverse deliveries, including Caesarean sections.

It was the first study in which researchers were able to control for other factors that could affect outcomes, such as disability levels, obstetrical history and body mass index.

CCSVI STUDIES ONE-yEAR UPDATE

CLINICAL TRIALS UPDATEThe Society’s annual list of clinical trials in MS is now available online at nationalMSsociety.org/clinicaltrials.

Itfeatures130studiesthatareinprogressorrecentlycompleted. These cover neuro-protective agents; symptom medications; rehabilitation interventions such as cycling for improving MS-related depression, mobility and cognitive function; and more.

Morethan52,000volunteershaveparticipatedorare currently participating in these studies. Their participation—and yours—makes it possible to look forward to new therapies for MS.

The first-year progress reports from seven Society-funded studies of CCSVI, or chronic cerebrospinal venousinsufficiency,werereleasedJuly14,2011.Theresearch teams report being on track in collecting objective and comprehensive data. The studies were launchedwithamorethan$2.4millioncommitmentfromtheMSSocietyofCanadaandtheNationalMSSociety.

The research teams have recruited a broad spectrum of people with and without MS. Already more than486peoplehavebeenscannedusingvariousimaging technologies. Only by refining imaging methods can investigators more reliably validate if a person actually has CCSVI and better understand its relationship to the MS disease process.

The full results, to be released after completion, will help guide future steps, including the development of clinical trials to test whether treating CCSVI is safe and effective for people with MS.

In the meantime, several of the teams will present preliminary results at medical meetings later this year. To read more about the studies and to get the news of results, visit nationalMSsociety.org/ccsvi.


SUPPORTING THE MISSION

This past fall the Chapter had five Walks in five weeks with more than 1,200 people walking strong!

DavidElganandhisteamtheMagicValleyCrazyBunchcametoWalkMSTwinFallswithamissiontoraise awareness, funds, and to have fun. One of the largest teams there, they boldly made a statement dressed head to toe in orange and black, including fuzzycrochetedstripedlegwarmers.TheteamgatheredinhonorofElgan,whowasdiagnosedwithMSin2010.Theyraisedmorethan$1,400andwonthe team t-shirt contest. This group of close and as theysay“crazy”friendsmadeamemorableimpacttheir first time walking.

HollyTracy,diagnosedin2009attheageof22,decided she was going to conquer all of the 2011 Walk MS events in Utah. One problem, two were onthesamedayatoppositeendsofthestate.Herteam, the Monster Stompers, didn’t miss a step. All attendedSaltLakeCity’sinAprilandtheydividedand overcame as a team in September with Tracy

andcrewinOgdenandheryoungersister,Kaitlyn,leading teammates in St. George.

“Participating in the walk means to me that I can conquer MS and show the world that I am not going to let a little thing like MS slow me down,” said Tracy. “I love participating in the walk to see all the supporters that come or the others like myself conquering the disease.” What’s your Walk MS story? Send it to [email protected].

CONGRATSWALKMS2011

The Chapter’s seven Walk MS events, including BoiseandSaltLakeCityinApril,raisedmorethan$450,000.Thankyouformakingstridesfor a world free of MS!

SHINE: BE AN MS AWARENESS STAR!Throughout Idaho and Utah people are building aware-ness about MS. The Chapter wants to hear all about it and shout your praises for mak-ing a difference and helping to educate the community about the MS Movement.

Please share your activity, as each quarter an MS Awareness Star will be highlighted for outstanding awareness building efforts. Activities can be a mix of things from wearing MS event t-shirts as a group, hosting an information table, meeting with legislativeofficials,havingafundraiser,sharingyourstory with a local club or using a creative outlet to tell the community what MS means to you. It all helps to get people involved, to learn more and to understand the impact of MS.

Make sure to send a brief description that includes whowasinvolved(itcanbeonepersonoragroup)and a photo, if possible. The event must have happened within three months of the deadlines listed below. The selected activity will be highlighted in the MSConnec-tion and our website.

[email protected](orviamailtotheaddressonbackoftheMSConnection)bythefollowingdates:January2,April2,July9, September4.

* The activity must have taken place within the three months prior to the date noted. There is a star in all of us helping to shed a light on MS awareness.Let’sshine!

WALK MS: CRAzy ABOUT STOMPING MS


ADVOCACy

Carleen AstleLeslieFieldBrynn BartonJeff&DebbieBarton FamilyandFriendsRobert Lester BrownCarollynDayeBonnie RockwoodDianeShupe

Luacine BunnellRalph&AnnAngerbauerRichard&RuthBellistonDavid&JudyDunfordJanet Olsen DiederichPaul SchneiterBarbaraF.WoodyMark Empey FisherAnn Bjorklund

Donna HarwoodAnn PetersonRichard KimballLauriFranksMr.&Mrs.EzekielR. DumkeJr.Jerry LuffChris TimothyGloria Burgess SalladayMark&JulianaLliteras

UP-TO-DATE FAQS ON THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT To help people with MS understand the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or ACA, signed into law March 2010, the Society regularly updates FrequentlyAskedQuestionsonitswebsiteat nationalMSsociety.org/ACAFAQ.

Onthispage,peoplecanfindanswerstoquestionslike:What if I am about to lose my COBRA coverage? Can children with pre-existing conditions get coverage? Doesthelawlimitlifetimeorannualcapsonindividualcoverage?Whatare“HealthInsuranceExchanges”? Can private insurance companies cancel my policy? What about long-term care? When will the “donut hole” inMedicarePartDphaseout?

TheFAQsalsoexploretheregulationspertainingtotheACA provisions, as well as legal challenges the ACA faces. In addition, there are many links to fact sheets and useful websites that provide more in-depth information on specificissues.

As various provisions of the ACA kick in over the next few years, the Society will continue providing up-to-date information and links.

MEMORIALS

NEW ADA RULES More than 20 years after the enactment of the AmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA),noteworthychanges went into effect March 2011. These demonstrateacontinuedcommitmenttorealizingthefullpotentialoftheADAandtoproperlyenforcingcivilrights of people living with disabilities.

Thedefinitionof“disability”hadbeenselectivelynarrowedovertheyears.Now,theEqualEmploymentOpportunity Commission’s new regulation is clear. Disabilityisdefinedasaphysicalormentalimpairmentthat substantially limits one or more major life activities, regardless if the disability is in remission.

Multiple sclerosis will almost always meet the “disability” criteria because MS limits a major life activity(namely,neurologicalfunction).

The revised regulations also adopt the 2010 Standards forAccessibleDesign,settingminimumrequirementsfor new construction or alterations of facilities of some 80,000stateandlocalgovernmentsandofmorethanseven million public places, including stores, restaurants, hotels, malls, libraries, museums, sports arenas, theaters,medicaloffices,pollingplacesandemergencypreparedness centers.

Learnmoreat ada.gov. AlsovisittheADANationalNetworkatadata.org orcall800-949-4232fortrainingonhowtoimplementtheADAinourarea.

– Memorials and Tributes are a great way to honor a loved one.


VOLUNTEER

GARy SHELTONThe Balloon Man and More

Chances are you have met Gary Shelton. As a Society volunteer for more than two decades, Shelton has helped out in the office, at special events, and in the community.

He was diagnosed with MS in January 1989 whileworking as a welder. A doctor referred him to the Society,andinFebruarythatyearhebeganvolunteeringweekly in the office stuffing envelopes, filing papers,

and making phone calls. He willingly did any task orproject that he could.

Walk MS was the first event Shelton “fell in love with.” With three years of working at the Utah State Fairblowing up balloons under his belt, he became the Walk MS balloon man, blowing up hundreds of balloons at the event. Shelton also got involved with Bike MS and has been managing bike lock-up ever since. “It’s just great seeing the same people every year,” he said. That’s just the tip of the iceberg of why he lends his support.

When not volunteering, Shelton enjoys riding his bike, working on cars, and spending time with his six grandchildren. He also went skydiving for the firsttime two years ago and can’t wait to do it again. “I’m not going to let MS stop me,” he said. Shelton is a great example of someone who struggles with MS but finds solace in volunteering and connecting with the MS community. “You just have to deal with it and move on with life.”

WANTEDVOLUNTEERSIDAHO:Doyoulovevolunteeringandwanttodomore? Are you able to help out at multiple special events and are talented at leading people? You couldbeaSpecialEventLeader!

UTAH: The Women on the Move Champagne Luncheon&FashionShowisonFebruary25and is in need of volunteers to help with set-up, registration, raffle tickets and more.

BOISE & SALT LAKE CITy: JoinusandlearnmoreattheVolunteerSocialsinSaltLakeCity(January10)andBoise(January26). Contact [email protected] today!

Volunteer Gary Shelton doesn’t let MS slow him down.

Did you know 87 cents of every dollar donated to theChapter goes to support the mission? And those that give more than $1,000 annually become part of the prestigious Golden Circle donor group.

By making a year-end gift, you can help the Society continue to provide programs and services all year long to thousands of people living with MS in addition to helping fund research that is so vitally important.

Please consider making your tax-deductible year-end gift today.Donateonlineormailyourchecktotheaddressonthe back cover of the MSConnection.

Thank you!

SUPPORT THE MISSIONyEAR-END GIVING

6364 S. Highland Drive, Suite 101Salt lake City, UT 84121

Change Service Requested

deceMBer14 NationalMSSocietyNightat Zoolights,SLC

January10 VolunteerSocial,SLC12 ExtraGentleYogaforPeople with MS, Boise19 AnnualMeeting,SLC, Boise&online25 TeamCaptainKickOff,Boise26 Volunteer Social, Boise26 Traveling: Tips for Those with Disability,SLC

FeBruary4 TeamCaptainKickOff,SLC 14 UndertheRotunda,SLC&Boise23 Balance Techniques for a Better ActiveLifewithMS,SLC25 WomenontheMoveLuncheon, SLC

March 11-18 MS Awareness Week 29 FightingFatigue,SLC

april21 Walk MS Boise 26 ImprovingQualityofLife inMS,SLC

28 WalkMSSLC * Additional Walk MS events for the year TBA

MayTBD Research Symposium 17 MS&MobilityAdaptive Devices,SLC ongoingM,W,F WRAPMSExerciseGroup, University of UtahT MSExerciseGroup, Orem Sports MedicineT,TH MS Aquatics Class, West Boise YMCA

Newprogramsarealwaysbeingaddedandmanyrequireadvanceregistration.Pleasecheckonline(cureMSutah.orgorcureMSidaho.org)orcall800-344-4867formoreinformationandtoRSVP.

CALENDAR @ A GLANCE

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MSConnection Dec-Feb 2012