Chapter awards scholarships to 39 area students

Area High School, where she was active in musicals, speech team and choir. One of her fondest childhood memories is playing “sock fights” with her father. When Glass was 14, her father was diagnosed with MS. The onset of physical changes that ensued — including fatigue, tremor, cognitive decline and difficulty speaking — took a severe emotional toll on the entire family. But over time, Glass, and her family, learned to cope with the many challenges of the disease.

Glass says her father’s MS forced her to find qualities in herself she didn’t know existed, and while her father can no longer play “sock fights,” they have found new ways to spend time together.

“Instead of hurling socks at each other in the living room, we read together, have long conversations about religion and philosophy and watch Grey’s Anatomy every Thursday,” Glass said.

continued on Page 14

INSI

DE

THIS

ISSU

E:

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

VolunteersPage 9

EventsPage 8

GivingPage 11

ResearchPage 12

September-October 2008 Volume 21 • Issue 5 Minnesota Chapter

The economic impact of multiple sclerosis on families can delay or prevent qualified students from attending college, but the National

Multiple Sclerosis Society believes MS shouldn’t stand in the way of an education. In 2008 the National MS Society Scholarship Program awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarships to students across the country.

The Minnesota Chapter alone granted 39 scholarships — totaling $80,000 — to help college-bound students touched by MS in the local area pursue post-secondary

education. Of the 39, 15 were first-year scholarships. Meet two of this year’s recipients.

Elena Glass, Roseville, Minn.Elena Glass graduated from Roseville

612-335-7900 / 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 editor@mssociety.org

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.

© 2008 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

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 1-800-582-5296 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 suppliesn address labels

(1 inch by 2 5/8 inch)

n black permanent markers

n copy paper (various colors, sizes needed)

n envelopes (various sizes needed)

n file folders (regular and hanging)

Other suppliesn 5 megapixal or greater

digital cameras

n baby monitors

n bar and laundry soap

n CDs and DVDs

n external DVD burner

n first aid supplies (call for details)

n gift baskets for men

n gift baskets for women

n kitchen supplies (call for details)

n lanyards

n Metro Mobility tickets

n paper cups

n plastic gloves

n restaurant/store gift certificates and other prizes

n school supplies

n sunscreen

n themed decorations (western, Valentine’s Day, big city and baseball)

n toiletries

n toolbox

3TOLL FREE NUMBER 800 582 5296

Since the first case of multiple sclerosis was documented centuries ago,

many discoveries have been made along the way — most of which occurred

in the last 20 years. For instance, not too long ago doctors believed children didn’t develop MS. But with the help of improved diagnostic tools, growing evidence shows it’s not as uncommon as we once thought.

We now know that an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 children and adolescents in the U.S. live with the disease and children as young as age 2 can acquire MS and other demyelinating disorders. We also know there are some differences between children and adults with MS related to various symptoms and rate of disease progression.

While discoveries like this are critical to the MS movement, what comes after is what really propels us forward. Every time we learn something new about MS, we uncover clues about the disease and the way it affects people. For the movement to gain ground, we must explore these leads.

The National MS Society’s Promise: 2010 campaign was launched several years ago to explore highly promising areas of MS research. One of these four targeted areas is pediatric MS. To improve quality of care for young people with the disease and dramatically increase our understanding of pediatric MS, the society developed six regional pediatric MS care centers across

the country, including one at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. These new pediatric MS clinics are spearheading an international collaborative research effort to find clues about MS when it first presents itself.

By joining forces with researchers around the world and reaching out to this relatively small subset of the MS population, we are leading the way to new discoveries, not only in pediatric MS, but the disease as a whole.

I encourage you to explore this promising area of research yourself. On Page 13, read an interview with Dr. Nancy Kuntz, co-director of the Mayo Pediatric MS Clinic and member of the International Pediatric MS Study Group. And learn more about the Network of Pediatric MS Centers of Excellence and the latest progress in pediatric MS research on Page 6. Thank you to our many supporters and volunteers who make efforts like the new pediatric MS centers become reality.

Understanding MS from the very beginning

Letter from the president

Maureen Reeder Chapter President

LEARN MOREmayoclinic.org/multiple-sclerosis/children.html

nationalMSsociety.org/pediatricms

NEW

S B

RIE

FS

4 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

Be the next face of the “Why Women?” campaignThe “Why Women?” campaign explores gender-related MS research and shares the stories of nine extraordinary women living with the disease. Do you know a strong woman with MS? Nominate yourself or another woman to be one of three new faces of the campaign, which includes being featured at the MS Annual Convention. The deadline is Sept. 19. Complete the nomination at www.MSsociety.org or answer the following questions and mail your response to Attn: Jenna Washnieski, National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter, 200 12th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415.

Pharmaceutical companies join the MS movementBiogen Idec and EMD Serono have signed on as new sponsors of the Minnesota Chapter’s Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities, a three-day, 50-mile walk in the Twin Cities to help end MS. Biogen Idec is a gold level sponsor and EMD Serono is a silver level sponsor. The chapter also acknowledges that the care management program recently received two grants — one from Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals and

another from Biogen Idec. These grants will support, in part, the educational services provided to people with MS by social workers. Chapter social workers — or MS experts — are available to connect people with MS to resources and answer questions about living with the disease, housing options, Social Security, employment and more.

Attend the 2008 National ConferenceThe Minnesota Chapter, in collaboration with the North Central States Chapter, provides an all-inclusive motorcoach package to the National MS Society’s 2008 National Conference Nov. 5 to 7 in Chicago. Cost is $790 per person and includes conference fees, meals, motorcoach and a double occupancy

hotel room. Two routes are available Tuesday, Nov. 4. Route one departs from St. Cloud and Minneapolis and route two from Albert Lea and Rochester. The deadline to register is Oct. 15. To learn more or make reservations, contact Timothy Holtz at 612-335-7930 or tholtz@mssociety.org.

1. Your name, phone number and/or e-mail

address

2. Nominee’s name, phone number and/or e-mail address

3. Relationship to nominee

4. What makes this woman strong?

5. What makes this woman unique?

6. What can this woman teach others about MS?

5TOLL FREE NUMBER 800 582 5296

Live webcasts for young adults with MS

The National MS Society, in partnership with MS LifeLines®, will hold its third annual “Real Talk. Real Answers. Living with MS in Your 20s

and 30s” series. The series, which includes two live webcasts Sept. 16 and Nov. 18, is designed to give young adults living with multiple sclerosis a chance to take part in candid conversation about “real” topics that matter such as communicating with family and friends about MS, finding meaningful ways to get involved in support networks, learning to be your own best advocate, personal planning and more.

Each webcast includes an expert presenter, moderator and a group of young adults with MS for an interactive panel discussion including a question and answer session that allows “virtual” participants to submit questions in real-time. You will be able to participate live from wherever you are — virtually.

Access the live webcast events at www.RealTalkRealAnswers.com. Visit the site today to register and check out other resources about living with MS in your 20s and 30s, including tips from opinion leaders, journal entries from your peers who are living with MS and much more.

If you are unable to participate in a live webcast, the information will be posted at www.RealTalkRealAnswers.com after the event.

Real Talk. Real Answers. Living with MS in Your 20s and 30s is brought to you by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and MS LifeLines®, a free resource sponsored by EMD Serono and Pfizer.

NEW

S

Program topics and dates:

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 7 p.m.: Building your Future with Life Coach Caitlin Anderson

Tuesday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m.: Building and Maintaining Connections with Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor from the UCLA MS Achievement Center

6 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

Pediatric MS: Where are we now?

In 2004 the National MS Society launched Promise: 2010, a targeted research campaign to raise $30 million to support four vital, underexplored

areas, including pediatric multiple sclerosis.

Two years later the society established a fi rst-of-its-kind nationwide network of six Pediatric MS Centers of Excellence, including one at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., to care for children, under 18, with MS and other central nervous system demyelinating conditions. The centers work to set the highest standard for pediatric MS care, develop resources for families, health care professionals and the public, and gather critical data to help researchers better understand the course of MS in young people.

This June the Minnesota Chapter invited society staff and health care professionals throughout the region to attend an open house at the Mayo Clinic Pediatric MS Center to learn about this vital service for families and progress made in diagnosing, treating, and understanding pediatric MS.

Progress in care, education and researchSince opening in 2006, more than 600 children have received services at one of the regional centers. The network of centers also established work groups to achieve consensus on protocols for collecting data, MR imaging, and neuropsychological testing.

A comprehensive brochure about pediatric MS and the Pediatric MS Centers of Excellence was developed to educate the health care community and families with children living with MS. In addition, pediatric center staff have given more than 40 scientifi c presentations to share new information about pediatric MS and related disorders to improve quality of life and care for children and their families.

Another project in the pipeline could greatly improve our understanding of pediatric MS, and as result, the disease overall. The network is working with an outside company to create a national pediatric MS data center to store, monitor, and analyze aggregate data collected by each center.

See Page 13 for an interview with Dr. Nancy Kuntz, co-director of the Mayo Pediatric MS Center. To learn more about pediatric MS and the Pediatric MS Centers of Excellence, visit www.mayoclinic.org/multiple-sclerosis/children.html or www.nationalMSsociety.org/pediatricms.

NEW

S

Open house attendees observed a mural done by a local artist on display at the Mayo Clinic’s pediatric MS center.

7TOLL FREE NUMBER 800 582 5296

AD

VO

CACY

Be an activist, cast your vote

Exercising your right to vote is one of the simplest ways to be an activist. When you cast your ballot on election day — regardless of whom

you vote for, or for what reasons — you become your own advocate.

Minnesota boasts the highest voter turnout rate in the U.S. but still shows a lower voter turnout among people with disabilities. According to the National Council on Disability however, voter turnout among people with disabilities increased from the presidential elections in 2000 to 2004.

While voting accessibility has improved over time, people living with multiple sclerosis and other chronic conditions often still face barriers, whether it’s a lack of space for a motorized scooter, vision issues or fatigue. Here are some important things to know.

n If you are unable to leave your car to enter the polling place, “curbside voting” is available. Election judges will bring a ballot and any registration materials to you.

For more details about Election Day, including eligibility requirements, polling locations, registration and more, visit www.vote411.org. Or visit www.sos.state.mn.us/home/index.asp for Minnesota or http://elections.state.wi.us/ for Wisconsin or call 1-877-600-VOTE.

Voting guide for people with disabilities

n The Help America Vote Act of 2002 requires every polling place have at least one accessible voting booth, allowing people with disabilities to vote privately and independently. Call ahead to verify accessibility.

n If your assigned polling place won’t work for you, you can request an alternate location.

n You may bring someone with you to assist with reading and/or marking your ballot and election judges are available for assistance if needed.

n If you need transportation, call your political party, but do so in advance.

n Absentee voting is an option for people unable to leave their homes. Return your absentee ballot before the deadline, which is usually several days before Election Day. To learn more or have an absentee ballot mailed to you, visit www.sos.state.mn.us.

2008 ELECTION CRIB SHEETWhen do I vote?General election: Nov. 4

Where do I vote?To fi nd your polling place and district

information, call your county auditor’s offi ce

or visit http://pollfi nder.sos.state.mn.us/.

8 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

Announcing fi rst-annual Walk MS, Bike MS Cup winners

This year the Minnesota Chapter announced an exciting new competition for Walk MS and Bike MS teams. The Walk MS Cup

and Bike MS Cup are coveted, traveling trophies awarded yearly to Walk MS and Bike MS teams based on the amount of money raised, pledge average for the current year, percentage of fundraising growth from the previous year and percentage of team member growth from the previous year.

Winners of the cups are determined mainly on a team’s growth, which makes it possible for any team to win, no matter how big or small. The Minnesota Chapter is pleased to announce winners for this year’s Walk MS: Christopher & Banks Walk presented by Anchor Bank and Bike MS: Larkin Hoffman MS 150 Ride.

Magic PenniesLed by Michelle Smith, of Cottage Grove, Minn., team Magic Pennies walks for Smith’s mom, Penny Quinn, who has lived with multiple sclerosis for more than 25 years. Smith and her husband, Duane, have participated in the Christopher & Banks Twin Cities Walk for 18 years. Several years after the couple fi rst got involved, many family members and friends joined as well. Since the team’s offi cial inception in 1997, Magic Pennies has raised more than $82,000. This year the team raised nearly $17,500.

Larkin HoffmanTeam Larkin Hoffman is the Bike MS Cup winner for the Larkin Hoffman MS 150 Ride 2008. In the past two years, Team Larkin Hoffman, also title sponsor of the ride, has doubled in size and surpassed its fundraising goals. As a rookie team in 2007, captain Gary Van Cleve recruited 48 new participants and the team raised more than $40,000. In 2008, the team grew to 110 cyclists, raising more than $77,000. Larkin Hoffman seized the opportunity to unite employees, clients, friends and family to ride 150 miles together and help achieve a world free of MS.

EVEN

TS

Photograph by Kim Morris, ©2008

22 years of volunteering, thousands of thank-yous

Wally Kirchoff fi rst volunteered for a Minnesota Chapter event in 1986, several years after his wife, Linda, was diagnosed with multiple

sclerosis. Kirchoff was drawn to volunteer because it offered him a way to support a cause that hit close to home. More than two decades later, volunteering has become more gratifying than he ever imagined.

Today, Kirchoff is a staple on Bike MS rides and Walk MS: Christopher & Banks Twin Cities Walk presented by Anchor Bank. As lead volunteer of the intersection safety teams, Kirchoff coordinates groups of dedicated volunteers who monitor various points along Bike MS and Walk MS routes to ensure participants have a safe and enjoyable experience, from start to fi nish.

Linda also assists Kirchoff with his pre-event work by facilitating communication with intersection team members. Some years, Linda has even accompanied her husband on the events to help conduct radio and cell phone communications.

Kirchoff says that at fi rst, volunteering was a fun way to get involved in the MS movement, but since then, has come

9TOLL FREE NUMBER 800 582 5296

“When you volunteer, you become part of a family, I have made some great friends through my time volunteering.” — Wally Kirchoff

VO

LUN

TEERS

Wally Kirchoff, intersection safety volunteer at Bike MS: Star Tribune TRAM Ride 2008.

LEARN MOREContact Will Ziegenhagen at 612-335-7992 or wziegenhagen@MSsociety.org to learn more about volunteering.

Volunteer opportunitiesSept. 12-14, Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities

Three-day walk in the Twin Cities. Crew member and other volunteer opportunities are available.

to mean much more to him personally. Volunteering, he says, gives him the chance to say thank-you to some very important people: the riders, for helping to raise funds to support MS research and programs for people with MS; his fellow volunteers, for helping to ensure the events run smoothly; and most importantly, to Linda, who Kirchoff calls his inspiration.

“When you volunteer, you become part of a family,” Kirchoff said. “I have made some great friends through my time volunteering.”

If you are interested in volunteering for a Bike MS or Walk MS event, be sure to expect a heartfelt “thank-you” from Kirchoff.

10 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

CO

RP

OR

aTE

SP

OTL

IGH

T Local business leaders support MS youth programs

The Cub Foods Community Foundation is devoted to two key initiatives designed to make a difference in local communities — hunger relief and youth education. As part of its commitment to youth education, the foundation supports the National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter Scholarship Program, which helps local youth affected by multiple sclerosis pursue a college education (see cover story).

“Strong, healthy communities don’t just happen. We create them — all of us — not just with words, but with action,” said Lee Ann Jorgenson, Community Relations Manager for Cub Foods, a SUPERVALU company. “We set goals that we know will make a difference; we aim our efforts at achieving them; and then work together to make our communities better, stronger and healthier.”

In addition to supporting youth education, the foundation also assists local food shelves by providing donated food items. Cub Foods currently operates 75 stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa.

SUPERVALU INC. is also a supporter of the chapter’s scholarship program. SUPERVALU — one of Minnesota’s top public companies — is committed to affecting positive change in the communities its employees live and work. SUPERVALU has a signifi cant presence nationwide through its regional distribution centers and thousands of retail grocery stores.

Wal-Mart is another company committed to making an impact in the communities it serves. Based on the company’s philosophy to “operate globally, give back locally,” the Wal-Mart Foundation supports organizations that provide opportunities for individuals and families to live better. The following Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club locations made signifi cant contributions to 2008 MS Youth Camp: Blaine, Coon Rapids, Detroit Lakes, Hastings, Hudson, Wis., Inver Grove Heights, Oak Park Heights, Red Wing and the St. Cloud Sam’s Club. By supporting youth now, Wal-Mart hopes to help lay the ground work for future generations.

GET INVOLVEDIf your company would like to support chapter youth programs, contact Teri Cannon at 612-335-7925 or tcannon@MSsociety.org.

Money matters after an MS diagnosis

After a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, fi nancial stability, much like the disease itself, can seem uncertain. But by seeking expert

help to examine fi nancial and estate plans, insurance coverage, housing needs and more, it is possible to achieve fi nancial peace of mind.

“Taking action can really help people prepare for the certainty of uncertainty and thereby conquer fear,” said Gregory Anderson, a senior fi nancial advisor and chartered retirement planning counselor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. After Anderson’s neighbor was diagnosed with MS, he decided to join the MS movement by volunteering on the Minnesota Chapter’s development committee. He also is a top fundraiser, team captain and gold level sponsor for Bike MS: Star Tribune TRAM Ride.

According to Anderson, when it comes to managing personal fi nances, it is critical to build a team of trusted professional advisors, which may include a fi nancial planner, accountant, case worker or attorney. “You manage your MS symptoms with the help of an expert health care team. Why would you approach your fi nancial situation differently?” he said.

Anderson encourages each of his clients to focus on estate planning as a priority, regardless of the size of the estate. This means making sure the proper paperwork is in place, including a will, durable power of attorney and health care proxy.

“Making a plan now that spells out how your loved ones and favorite causes — like the National MS Society — will be cared for when you are gone is essential,” Anderson said.

Life insurance is also an important element of the estate plan, especially for parents and couples. “Ask your team of advisors to help you determine how much life insurance is enough and what options are available to you,” he said.

To learn more about fi nancial planning and to get a free copy of “Adapting: Financial Planning for a Life with Multiple Sclerosis,” visit www.MSsociety.org (click on Living with MS, then Insurance and Money Matters). To learn how you can include the society in your estate plans, contact Shannon at 612-335-7928 or swolkerstorfer@MSsociety.org.

11TOLL FREE NUMBER 800 582 5296

GIV

ING

Greg anderson, ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

12 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

RESE

ARC

H Use complementary/alternative therapies? NIH says it’s time to talk

According to some estimates, as many as 60 percent of people with multiple sclerosis use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). And at least one survey suggests only one-third of CAM users inform their health care providers, which can lead to dangerous drug interactions, a potential

misreading of symptoms and an overall lack of coordinated care.

It is time to talk about CAM, says the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine of the National Institutes of Health, which recently launched the “Time to Talk” campaign to encourage open discussion about CAM between patients and health care providers.

LEARN MOREVisit www.nationalMSsociety.org and search “CaM” for tips including a medicine tracking worksheet and the latest safety data on specifi c complementary therapies.

The “Time to Talk” campaign offers free tools and resources such as wallet cards, posters and tip sheets. Visit www.nccam.nih.gov/timetotalk or call 1-888-644-6226.

CAM includes products and practices — such as herbal supplements, meditation, chiropractic care and acupuncture — that come from various disciplines and traditions outside the realm of conventional medicine. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine provides these tips for people using CAM:

n Include all therapies and treatments you use when fi lling out a medical history form.

n Tell your health care providers about all of your therapies or treatments, including over-the-counter and prescription medicines and herbal and dietary supplements.

n If you are considering a new CAM therapy, ask your health care providers about safety, effectiveness and possible interactions with any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Treatment with oral Laquinimod, a product of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, reduced disease activity by 40.4 percent compared with inactive placebo in a phase 2 study of 306 people with relapsing-remitting MS. Laquinimod is believed to affect the immune attack on the brain and spinal cord that occurs in MS. A phase 3 study of Laquinimod is underway in 1,000 people with relapsing-remitting MS.

“We are encouraged by the MRI data from this publication,” said Dr. John R. Richert, executive vice president of research and clinical programs for the National MS Society. “We look forward to seeing further clinical and safety data from the phase 3 study, which will help to determine if this treatment can be used safely and effectively in people with MS.”

Study shows oral drug reduces disease activity

13TOLL FREE NUMBER 800 582 5296

RESEARCH

What do we know about environmental triggers?We know the fi rst 15 years of life impact whether someone will develop MS. It’s diffi cult to study triggers in adults because they aren’t always able to accurately recall their childhood environmental exposures.

are there benefi ts to studying children with MS?An advantage of pediatric MS research is having both the children and their parents available to provide details about environmental exposures. Additionally, we have parents and grandparents who are available to help us understand the genetic component by providing DNA samples.

Is there new pediatric MS research on the horizon?The study group proposed a broad investigation to look at many details of the experience of children with MS, including urban versus rural lifestyle, diet, immunizations, sun and vitamin D exposure and infectious disease exposure so we can correlate those with disease onset and symptoms. With this information we ask probing questions about MS triggers. Ultimately, results from this type of study can help us make recommendations for prevention.

What do you do outside the clinic?I am the mother of four children between ages 18 and 27. My youngest just graduated from high school. I’m approaching this new phase in life by developing a more active lifestyle and getting back into a walking regimen. I also enjoy reading in my free time.

Research pipeline

To improve care for children with MS, the National MS Society launched a series

of Pediatric MS Centers of Excellence, including one at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Nancy Kuntz, M.D., is a child neurologist and co-director at Mayo’s Pediatric MS Clinic. In an interview with the chapter, Kuntz explains the unique challenges and exciting potential of treating youth with MS.

How long have you worked in child neurology?I began child neurology in 1980 and started working with the Pediatric MS Clinic in 2006.

What makes the Mayo Pediatric MS Clinic special?One strength is our multidisciplinary team which includes physical therapists, social workers, nurses, MS specialists, pediatric specialists and more. This core team helps us address the unique challenges of our patients.

What is the International Pediatric Study Group?It’s a group of pediatric and adult MS experts who work to improve communication and collaboration among researchers and clinicians.

Tell me one of the group’s priorities.We are looking at environmental triggers of MS. In identical-twin studies where one twin has MS, the other twin has a 30 percent risk of developing the disease. This tells us that there are factors besides genetics that modify risk.

Dr. Nancy Kuntz

14 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

continued from Page 1

Glass plans to study vocal performance and psychology. She aspires to be a musician and may enter the field of music therapy. “I want to make others inspired and happy because of the music I create,” Glass said.

Brittany Groess, Zimmerman, Minn.Brittany Groess, a 2006 graduate of Zimmerman High School, managed varsity football and basketball teams and volunteered as a bible camp

counselor. After a brain tumor diagnosis at age 11, and several surgeries to follow, Groess faced another health challenge at age 19: She was diagnosed with MS.

Symptoms of the disease have created new challenges in Groess’s life. Vision problems make it difficult to drive a car and perform her cashier job, and fatigue and balance issues affect her ability to be an active teenager. But Groess says her biggest frustration is that the MS diagnosis put her college education on hold. This fall however, Groess plans to join the surgical technician program at Anoka Technical College.

“My MS diagnosis has been another set- back for me but I will not let it stop me from reaching my goal,” Groess said. “I have survived a brain tumor and all that came with it, I will survive MS as well.”

Looking to the futureThe core philosophy of the Minnesota Chapter Scholarship Program is to help

students affected by MS pursue their education through to a degree. To ensure the chapter’s ability to fund both new and renewed scholarships into the future, the chapter is working to establish an endowment to help secure a steady, annual stream of funding for years to come. To learn about making a donation to the scholarship program, contact Shannon at 612-335-7928 or swolkerstorfer@MSsociety.org.

Congratulations

The Minnesota Chapter congratulates the 13 other first-year scholarship recipients in 2008:

Anna Buckles, White Bear Township

Kathryn Doty, Minneapolis

Danielle Drazek, Little Canada

Angela Egeland, Blaine

Chantyl Hutton, St. Cloud

Julie Juchno, Hudson, Wis.

Abbey Nekola, Plymouth

Samantha Nordeen, Woodbury

Amanda Pfeffer, Hudson, Wis.

Amanda Skeivik, Afton

Amber Sumpter, Excelsior

Claire Traynor, Star Prairie, Wis.

Christina Trettel, Little Falls

LEARN MORETo learn more about all 39 scholarship recipients, visit the Client Programs page at www.MSsociety.org and click on family, care partner and youth programs.

NEW

S

Sept. 12–14 Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities

Sept. 25–Oct. 4 Canadian Cruise Sept. 27 Housing and Independence Workshop, St. Cloud

Oct. 10–12 Family Getaway, Alexandria

Oct. 18 Healthy Living with MS, Minneapolis

Nov. 5–7 2008 National Conference, Chicago

Nov. 21–23 MS Annual Convention, Minneapolis

Telephone consultations

* Telephone consultations are free and by appointment only

Family attorney consultations

Rod Jensen, attorney at law

Sept. 16 and Oct. 21

Employment consultations

Jennifer Johnson, tips on interviewing, resumes and more

Sept. 17 and Oct. 15

Employment discrimination/private disability consultations

Denise Tataryn, attorney at law

Oct. 1 and Nov. 5

Financial planning consultations

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

Oct. 13 and Nov. 10

CALEN

DA

R

15TOLL FREE NUMBER 800 582 5296

Programs Contact registration line:

612-335-7970

Telephone consultations Contact Sarah or Heather:

612-335-7900

Walk MS, Bike MS and motorsport events Contact Cortney: 612-335-7971

FOR INFORMaTION OR TO REGISTER

FREE MATTERFOR THE

BLIND ANDHANDICAPPED

200 12th Ave. S.Minneapolis, MN55415-1255

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

EVEN

TS The Ride Across Minnesota raises $1 million

Approximately 1,000 cyclists rode more than 250 miles July 20 to 25 as part of Bike MS: Star Tribune TRAM

Ride 2008, raising approximately $1 million to help create a world free of multiple sclerosis. Riders in the 19th annual event traveled through Minnesota’s Iron Range and scenic North Shore, stopping in Grand Rapids, Chisholm, Biwabik and Two Harbors before crossing the finish line at the University of Minnesota Duluth. The 2008 Bike MS series raised an estimated $4 million total.

This year, The Ride Across Minnesota brought cyclists from 22 U.S. states and at least three foreign countries.