spring 2011 msconnection arkansas

MS Activists on the Hill for Annual Public Policy Day By Jessica Fisher

A group of four Arkansas MS Activists spent March 7-9 advocating for policies that affect those who live with MS in Washington, D.C. On Wednesday, March 7, we spent the day

marching about our nation’s Capitol meeting with our Arkansas Representatives and Senators. We met with Representative Tim Griffin (R-2), Representative Mike Ross (D-4) and Senator John Boozman (R), and then we met with the rest of the legislators’ aides and legislative directors. Tim Griffin has agreed to join the Congressional MS Caucus and he robustly supported our federal public policy priorities, which include increased access to neurologists, expanding current and developing new Adult Day Achievement Centers and continued funding of Congressionally Directed Medical Research Funding (CDMRP-MSRP). Representative Mike Ross continues to support our priorities as he historically has done. Senator John Boozman even came out of the Senate Chamber to greet us, talk with us about the issues we think are important, and escort us back to his office! We feel we had a very successful time with our federal leaders of

M OV I N G TOWA R D A W O R L D F R E E O F M S S P R I N G 2 0 1 1

A R K A N S A S

Welcome New Staff Member PAGE 4

Register for Walk MS Events PAGE 5

CONTINuED PAGE 3

MS Activists Julie Cawthron, Jessica Fisher, Doug Coy and Debora Ray at the Capitol.

The Cane Mutiny PAGE 10

2 I JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org 3TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 I

THE MSCONNECTION is published by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Arkansas, 1100 N. University, Suite 255, Little Rock, ARK 72207.

Little Rock Office 501-663-8104Outside Little Rock 800-344-4867Little Rock Fax 501-666-4355Arkansas E-mailstaff’s first name.last [email protected] www.msarkansas.org

Vice President • Paula H. CortnerDevelopment Manager • Lisa BrownPrograms & Services Manager • Brooke TeeterPrograms & Services Coordinator • Jessica FisherPR/Marketing Intern • Lindsay WileyNewsletter Editor • Brandi Davidson

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 Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The Society assumes no liability for the use or contents of any product or service mentioned.

©2011 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Arkansas

What does MS = to You? By Brandi Davidson

People all over the nation are coming together to share, educate and build awareness about what multiple sclerosis means to them. Together, we are a powerful movement, working to create a world free of MS. Will you share what MS equals to you?

The National MS Society is collecting and displaying on its website “MS =” responses contributed to its MSequals website and Facebook pages. Just a few of the thoughts shared by people you might know are:

• “MS= remembering the quiet daily struggles of dear friends” says actor Bill Pullman

• “MS = no opportunity wasted,” shares The Amazing Race host, Phil Keoghan

• “MS= reminding myself that I never really wanted to be a tight rope walker anyway,” retorts comedian Jonathan Katz

Progress on MS can’t wait. Be a part of moving us closer to a world free of MS and in shaping the face of what MS means to you and those you love.

Answer “What does MS = to you?” at nationalMSsociety.org/msequals

For more information on MS awareness and the MS= responses, contact Brandi Davidson at 918-488-0882 or e-mail at [email protected].

MS =

MS Entrepreneurs

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s MS Entrepreneurs program rewards creative, innovative individuals who are passionate about developing new ways to improve the lives of people affected by multiple sclerosis. The MS Entrepreneur project launched in 2008, with grants awarded for projects in five different categories, all with the purpose of meeting an unmet need in the MS community.

Anyone with the passion and time to identify a need and develop a solution can be an MS Entrepreneur. Applications for MS Entrepreneurs grants are accepted year-round and are reviewed quarterly (next review deadline is April 15, 2011) by the volunteer engagement team. Please fill out our on-line application at www.MSEntrepreneurs.org. Included in the application are the criteria for selection and instruction on the application process.

For more information, visit www.MSEntrepreneurs.org.

MS Entrepreneurs is managed from the National MS Society’s Houston office. Applications are accepted from those in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

MS Entrepreneurs is made possible by Kanaly Trust.

FROM PAGE 1

Arkansas raising awareness and advocating for policies that improve the lives and future of those who are affected by multiple sclerosis!


NEWS

MS Activists Doug Coy, Julie Cawthron, Jessica Fisher, Congressman Tim Griffin and Debora Ray at the Capitol.

Welcome New Staff Marketing Intern, Lindsay Wiley• Lindsay joined the Arkansas office as the Marketing Intern in February.

• She currently works at Dillard’s corporate office in Little Rock as a technical support analyst.

• Graduate of University of Arkansas, received a bachelor’s degree in marketing.

• Lindsay and her fiancé have a beautiful nine-month old baby boy named Cade.

• “I was inspired to work for the National MS Society, Arkansas because I love working to help people and I know that working with the Society will give me the chance to really make a difference.”

NEWS


South Central Celebrates unstoppable Achievements at 2011 Annual MeetingBy James Black

Residents across five states got connected in a new way in the new year.

The National MS Society’s 2011 South Central Conference and Annual Meeting was the first to be broadcast live over the Internet. Webcast from host city Tulsa, Okla., the Jan. 29 event marked the latest advance in keeping everyone affected by multiple sclerosis plugged in to the Society’s achievements and happenings.

The 2011 Annual Meeting also marked the first united forum of its kind for the Society’s South Central states of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas and New Mexico. The states have united to tackle MS head-on and to better help everyone affected by this unpredictable disease.

South Central’s five-state partnership serves more than 80,000 people in 438 counties in Texas,

Oklahoma, Arkansas and New Mexico, and in 64 parishes in Louisiana. That is the equivalent of one-fifth of the estimated 400,000 men, women and children living with MS in the United States.

In addition to the meeting’s business portion, during which the South Central slate of officers and board members was approved, the January event was an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the organization’s local achievements in 2010.

The entire one-hour 2011 South Central Annual Meeting program video can be viewed online. Visit JointheMovementLoneStar.org, click “Programs and Services” in the left-hand navigation bar, then click “2011 Annual Meeting.”


TEAM TALkWalk MS is the rallying point of the MS movementWalk is the rallying point of the MS movement, a community coming together to raise funds and celebrate hope for the future. Registration for spring Walk MS events is now open!

Walker Spotlight: “It’s very hard living with this debilitating disease and often feels like no one understands. But I know if I stop moving the disease wins. That is why I wanted to do the MS walk this year. To tell the disease it will never win its battle with me!” said Kara Martin, diagnosed in June 2010, who is participating in this year’s Walk MS Little Rock event with her team, Team KaraBoo. Thank you Kara for your inspiration!

Join us at one of the following Walk MS sites this spring and Join the Movement.

Texarkana: Saturday, April 2 Little Rock: Saturday, April 9 Northwest Arkansas: Saturday, April 16Jonesboro: Saturday, April 23Hot Springs: Saturday, April 30

Register at walkMSarkansas.org or call 1-800-344-4867, option 2. Visit our website for more information on starting a Walk team, fundraising and online tools.

We come together to make a bold statement: We will achieve a world free of MS!

TEAM TALk


2011 Bike MS: Ride the Rock The Bike MS Arkansas ride with presenting sponsor Toyota has a new look and a new name this year! The ride will be in the Little Rock area and central Arkansas. Stay tuned to find out more about the exciting new ride that is set for Sept. 10 & 11. Riders and volunteers can find out more at bikeMSarkansas.org


PROGRAMSStudy: Risk of First Neurologic Event Decreases with Sun Exposure and Vitamin DHigher levels of sun exposure and higher blood levels of vitamin D were both associated with decreased risk of having a first demyelinating event that can be the first indicator of multiple sclerosis, according to a comprehensive study in Australia called the Ausimmune Study. A first demyelinating event is also known as clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), a first neurologic episode caused by inflammation/demyelination in the brain or spinal cord.

Robyn Lucas, Ph.D., and Anthony McMichael, Ph.D., with The Australian National University in Canberra and colleagues across Australia reported their findings in this study supported by the National MS Society, the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, the ANZ William Buckland Foundation, and MS Research Australia.

In all parts of the world, MS is more common at latitudes farther from the equator and less common in areas closer to the equator. Previous studies have found evidence suggesting that higher lifetime exposure to sunlight – through which the skin makes vitamin D – and higher blood levels of vitamin D may reduce a person’s risk of developing MS.

The Ausimmune Study investigated whether increased exposure to sunlight in those living closer to the equator and the resultant vitamin D may be protective against MS. The team investigated sun exposure and vitamin D levels in people who had not yet been diagnosed with MS, but who had experienced a CIS, which often, but not always, leads to a diagnosis of MS.Investigators recruited participants who were between 18 and 59 years of age, and who lived in four geographic regions of Australia between

Nov. 1, 2003, and Dec. 31, 2006. The four regions were characterized by differing distance from the equator. A total of 216 people were enrolled who had experienced a CIS. A total of 395 controls were randomly selected and matched to the CIS cases in age, gender, and study region.Sun exposure was measured in several ways, including by participant reports on how much time they spent in the sun during different periods of life starting from age 6, and also by examination of the skin for sun damage and measurements of skin pigment. The latitude and longitude of participants’ residence were also recorded as an indicator of ambient ultraviolet light. Vitamin D levels were measured by a blood sample taken at entry into the study.

Results showed that higher recent or lifetime sun exposure and higher blood levels of vitamin D at study entry were independently linked with a reduced risk of CIS. Investigators reported that people with the highest levels of vitamin D at entry were less likely to have a CIS than those with the lowest levels. Taken together, differences in sun exposure, vitamin D levels and skin type accounted for a 32.4 percent increase in CIS incidence from the low to high latitude regions of Australia.

The findings provide additional support for previous suggestions that sun exposure and vitamin D may help protect against developing MS. It remains to be seen whether safe and effective strategies can be developed that utilize this potential protection without the risks involved in overexposure to the sun or overdoses of vitamin D supplements, and whether these findings have relevance for individuals who already have MS.

8 I JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

PROGRAMS

Family Day in Oklahoma Inviting Those from Arkansas to AttendBy Sharleen Dupee

Mark your calendars for this year’s Family Day to be held at the Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum on Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.) Families will enjoy more than 2,800 animals, with nine indoor heated and air-conditioned eco-themed buildings-nearly 500 species of animals and plenty of exhibits, indoors and out! Participants will also enjoy a children’s playground, children’s

zoo and animal interaction area along with the safari train and wildlife carousel. Lunch is included in your registration.

For more information on this program visit us online at nationalMSsociety.org/ok or call 1-800-344-4867, option 1.

Batesville Area – Looking for a co-leader!! Jamie 870-834-3604

Hot Springs AreaCharles & Theresa 501-624-6033

Greater Little Rock AreaStuart 501-835-6776Merten 501-223-8427

Northeast Arkansas Susan 870-239-2561

Springdale AreaJan & Hilde 479-445-6776

Rogers AreaSusie 479-633-6694Sandra 479-685-4383

Pine Bluff AreaMyKenya 870-592-0055

Van Buren AreaByna 479-650-6415Doug 479-462-9024

Self-Help Groups & Leaders

Get Your Arkansas MS License Plate Today!As of January 2011 the National MS Society, Arkansas now has a specialty license plate! When renewing your car tags please consider purchasing a specialty plate. Please visit www.dfa.arkansas.gov and search for specialty plates for more information or you may contact the National MS Society, Arkansas office at

501-663-8104. The National MS Society will receive $15 donation from the purchase of each plate.

This money will be designated to create further awareness for multiple sclerosis to help create a world free of MS.

9TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 I

NEWLY DIAGNOSED

CONNECT WITH ANMSFRIEND

No matter how wonderful friends and family can be, there are times when people want to talk to someone who understands exactly what they are going through—someonewho has MS, too.

That’s where MSFriends come in. Volunteers with MS connect with callers to share how they live with MS and to help with problem-solving or challenges people with MS face in relationships. They may also help with symptom management. People can call to speak to an MSFriend at 866-673-7436, 7 a.m. until midnight, Eastern Time. Or they can leave a message and get a call back the next day.

The program got its start in 2005 under the umbrella of the VisionWorks Foundation, but is

now being administered directly by the Society.“This allows us to expand the ways people living with MS can connect,” said Kimberly Koch, MPA, associate vice president, Familyand Support Programs for the Society. “It’snationwide, so people can get involved even if their chapter doesn’t have a peer supportprogram.”

There are currently about 40 volunteers. Koch hopes to expand this to about 100. All have MS themselves, but in the future, other familymembers or care partners may be recruited. The main difference between the Society’s MS Navigator® program and MSFriends is that the Navigators’ primary job is to get people referred and connected to resources, while the Friends’ job is to listen and provide emotional support.If you’d like to be an MSFriend, call us about training.

MSFriends averages 9,000 calls a year, and they are completely confidential. “MSFriends allows people to connect when they feel like it, unlike self-help groups, which meet at a specific time,” said Koch. “If your question comes up at an odd hour, there’s a place to reach out for support.”

LIVING WITH MS


THE CANE MUTINYBY SISTER KAREN ZIELINSKI, OSF

Was I imaginingeyes on me asI crossed theroom? No.They werewatching me.

It seemed likehours to walkacross thedining room tothe cafeterialine the firsttime I usedmy cane. I was

embarrassed and self-conscious. I was not yet40 years old; it was the 16th year of my MSdiagnosis. My physical therapist suggested Iuse a cane to get around since my balance wasoff and my legs were weak. She told me a canewould give me more support and stability,andkeep me from falling and breaking a bone. Itwould also signal others to be careful aroundme, to give me a little more space. It madegood sense—but it made me feel like a nerd.

People had known for years that I had MS;now messages filtered back to me via friendsthat “Karen’s MS is really bad. She is walkingwith a cane now!” There are many invisibleMS symptoms, but using a cane is a deadgiveaway of weakness in my body and theprogression of the disease.

In a world where physical appearance andindependence are so highly valued, walking

with a cane through a public place wasnot easy. I was proud. The cane showedmy physical weakness. I felt like I was theentertainment of the day.

After a few weeks, I just accepted it as part ofthe many losses of living with MS. If someonestared at me, I stared back at them and asked“What?!” I told them I used a cane for safety.

The irony was that as much I tried to fight theemotional stigma of using a cane, I came toappreciate how much better I walked withone. Eventually, I realized the cane was part ofaccepting reality—acknowledging that I had achronic disease and needed a walking aid.

I swallowed my pride in two ways: I remindedmyself that I could still walk, although in alimited way, and I remembered that nobody’sperfect.

Karen Zielinski is a Franciscan nun anddirector of the Canticle Studio for the Sistersof St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio. She is afreelance writer and former Board chair of theNorthwestern Ohio Chapter.

There’s more to this!

Go to Walking (Gait), Balance &Coordination Problems at www.nationalMSsociety.org/walking_gait_problems for an overview of resourcesand a list of articles, brochures and videosexploring what can be done for walkingproblems. Or call us for help!1-800-344-4867.


RESEARCHRESEA

RCH

RESEARCH NEXT STEPS

The turn of the year saw MS researchers assessing their progress in a number of areas. A think tank on progressive MS brought together MS investigators, research funding agencies and industry representatives. And, in January,Dr. Timothy Coetzee, chief research officer of the Society (see News), moderated a panel of MS researchers in a live webcast, “Repairing the Nervous System in MS: Progress and Next Steps.”

How does MS progress?

At the think tank, which was hosted by the Society and its commercial drug development entity Fast Forward last December in Boston, Society President and CEO Joyce Nelson pointedout that progressive MS is the centerpiece of the Society’s Strategic Response for the next five years, with a focus on:

• Researching what leads to disease progression,

• Finding ways to repair damage to the nervous system,

• Accelerating the development of new therapies.

Better identification faster

Finding ways to more quickly identify progressive MS based on biology rather than on symptoms would mean therapies could be tested earlier in the course of the disease and possibly protect the nervous system from injury.

Some evidence indicates that nerve degeneration occurs independently of inflammatory events, but there is other evidence that degeneration stops when inflammationsubsides. Therefore, more research is needed to understand the cause of underlying nerve damage in progressive MS and to identify new targets for therapies. Participants also discussed the need for biomarkers—“footprints” that could help identify or predict MS progression. Think tank participants reported that steady progress is being made in finding noninvasive ways of detecting nervous system damage and whether protection or repair are taking place.

Additional issues

The participants discussed other importantissues, as well. Many clinical trials do not run long enough to make clear whether there is an effect against slow progression. The traditional measurement of disability progression, the EDSS scale, is not sensitive to subtle change, which poses a problem in monitoring progressive MS.

LIVING WITH MS


And, some previous trials used a mixedpopulation of people with primaryprogressive MS and secondary progressiveMS. Since it’s not clear that all types ofprogressive MS would respond the same way,mixing participants may beone reason that some pasttrials were not successful.

For a complete wrap-up ofthe meeting and a webcastfeaturing a panel of severalparticipants, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/thinktank.

Repairing the nervoussystem

On January 11, Dr. Coetzee, chief researchofficer of the National MS Society, wasjoined by Drs. Peter Calabresi, Ian D.Duncan, Charles ffrench-Constant and GavinGiovannoni for the webcast, “Repairing theNervous System in MS: Progress and NextSteps.” The four researchers recently servedas leaders of four international teams in theNational MS Society’s Nervous System Repairand Protection Initiative, funded through thePromise: 2010 campaign.

The investigators discussed research on theways that nerve fibers, or axons, and theirprotective myelin coatings are damaged.Certain drugs the experts have studiedseem to prevent nerve cells from dying in ananimal model. Since some of these drugs arecommercially available right now for other

diseases, they are good candidates for futureclinical trials.

New drugs emerging

The researchers also talked about repairingthe nervous system bystimulating the body’s ownrepair cells to be more active orby trying several types of stemcells to repair myelin. Part ofthe conversation included hownewer approved treatmentsmay help in the battle toprotect the nervous system inpeople with MS.

“For the first time we’re really starting to seethe emergence of very, very effective drugs fortreating inflammation,” Dr. Giovannoni said,noting that these therapies might also help tostave off nervous system damage and allownatural repair processes to work, althoughthis has not yet been proven. “We’ve seenpeople who have highly active disease goingon these drugs and improving,” he said.

For a full report or to read a transcript of thewebcast, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/webcasts.

Part of the conversation included how newer approved treatments may help

in the battle to protect the nervous system in

people with MS.

SIGN UP FOR OURMONTHLY MS eNEWS

Get the latest news on research in your inbox.Go to nationalMSsociety.org/signup.


MONEY MATTERS

HOW TO GET STARTEDWITH SSDI

In order toqualify for SSDI(Social SecurityDisabilityInsurance)benefits, aperson needsto have paidsufficient FICAtaxes, therebyearning “workcredits,” inaddition

to having a disability that makes holding aregular job impossible. Visit www.ssa.gov/pubs/10029.html for an overview of eligibilityrequirements and work credits, which areearned each quarter of a year an individual isemployed.

The SSA (Social Security Administration)recognizes MS-related difficulty with motorskills, concentration, memory, fatigue, vision orside effects of medications as among the criteriafor receiving benefits.

The SSA will require the following:

• The names and contact information ofdoctors, caseworkers, hospitals and clinicsinvolved, the dates of visits and copies of anymedical records.

• The names and dosages of all prescriptionmedicines.

• Laboratory and test results.

• Work records from your employer. Lettersfrom colleagues or supervisors that supportthe claim.

Start the process

Ask your neurologist (and occupationaltherapist, if relevant) to evaluate your ability tocontinue working. “Make sure you have yourdoctor’s help and encouragement from thebeginning,” said Kris Erickson, MSCIR, MSSMC, health insurance manager of the National MSSociety. “Without that, your claim may beturned down and you’ll have to appeal.”

“We also recommend that you journal yoursymptoms,” Erickson added. “A description ofwhat is happening on a day-to-day basis canmake a big difference, especially if you haveinvisible MS symptoms. Saying ‘extremelytired,’ for example, is less useful than saying ‘MSfatigue, four 45-minute naps a day that interferewith bathing, eating, cleaning the house.’”

You can apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability. Or call 800-772-1213to schedule an in-person or phone appointment.Keep copies of all the information you give toor receive from the SSA, as well as the contactinformation for your SSA interviewer. Bepatient, persistent and punctual. “And don’tbe afraid to ask for help,” Erickson said. An MSNavigator® can provide you with materialsto help with the initial application; call1-800-344-4867. In the event of a rejection, the Navigator will connect you with theappropriate professionals to assist in organizingan appeal. For more information, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/SSDI or www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.

Social SecurityDisability Bene�ts

A GUIDE FOR PEOPLE LIVINGWITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

For more information, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/SSDI

WAYS TO GIVE


SECRETS OF WALK MSFUNDRAISING STARSOur Walk MS volunteers raise remarkable sums year after year, often in the face of jobs, familyobligations and even MS itself. We asked six fundraising champs from around the country for their secrets.

EAST

Tracey and Dennis Seabolt, Annapolis, Md.

Together they average $11,514 raised per year.

“We walk for the vastnetwork of friends and acquaintances living with MS we now have” since Tracey’s sister was diagnosed in 2000, Dennis said. They use every way they can to spread the word—happy hour fundraisers, Facebook, T-shirts. “Let people know what you’re doing and why you’re doing it,” Tracey said.

Top tip: Don’t be afraid to ask! “I’ll go in a restaurant and ask them to sponsor us for an event. I walk in a dry cleaner or 7-Eleven and ask them to put up a poster,” said Dennis. “Weraised $600 from a bowl where people left their change. I send letters and postcards, asking people who gave before to give more, even double it.”

WEST

Josh Albers, Torrance, Calif.

The 25 family members and friends who walk as Joshie’sChicken Monkeys raise about $10,000 a year.

Josh’s children ask their teachers, grandparents and friends, his mom hits up her local Rotary club and Josh’s employer has a matching program. “I’m pretty vocal with my MS—people who know me know I have it. I ask everybody—you never know who will say yes.”

Top tip: Make your team fun. People want to join if it looks like you’re having a good time. “We’re doing something serious but we don’t take ourselves seriously. We stop along the route for dance routines and we sing songs the whole time.”

SOUTHEAST

Anthony Poggioli,Apex, N.C.

$26,235 raised in 2010

Anthony is captain of Chrissy’s Crew, named for

his wife. He’s in sales and marketing, and says about his regular letters and updates, “There’sa way of asking without asking. It’s not being sneaky, but to create excitement and energy. Youdon’t want to guilt people, but you do want to strike a chord.”

Top tip: Keep it simple. “I’m not a big believer in doing multiple events—people have limited time and money. You don’t want to overwhelm them. The goal is obviously dollars, but the Walkis also a day of hope and celebration.”


WAYS TO GIVE

SOUTH CENTRAL

Debbie Christensen,Edmond, Okla.

Top fundraiser for theOklahoma City Walk forthe past 10 years, Debbie’s79’ers, named for the year

Debbie graduated from high school, garnersbetween $8,500 and $14,000 a year.

Debbie writes personal letters to some 300people. “And if they don’t respond, I might senda second letter.” She added, “I can’t hold a penso my mother and mother-in-law do a lot of mywriting. A friend copies my letters. My churchdonates the postage. My friends donate theenvelopes.”

Top tip: Include a self-addressed stampedenvelope to make it easy for people to sendback a check. “It makes all the difference in theworld.”

MIDWEST

Dolores Bopp Potterton,Naperville, Ill.

Her team, Walking withDolores, raises an averageof $50,000 a year.

Dolores hosts a “Making Dreams Come True”gala that 150 people attend, with everythingdonated. “The Walk is what gets me throughthe whole year. What I love is it’s a celebrationof people coming together and saying, ‘Enoughof this disease.’” Dolores also organizes young

people to go on service trips. “When people seethat I don’t focus only on myself and that I’mhelping others, they open their pockets.”

Top tip: Tell your story wherever you go.“Many people aren’t knowledgeable about thedisease, or live with it in silence.”

NORTHEAST

Karen Waldron,Albany, N.Y.

Raised $17,000 in 2010

Karen and her teamWaldron’s Walkers have

participated in Walk MS every year sinceher diagnosis in 1997. Her favorite part ofthe whole event is a fundraising luncheon,auction and raffle that Karen’s mother, SylviaD’Aprile, hosts at a local steakhouse. “Theluncheon is a celebration of the Walk becauselots of people are involved in both,” Karensaid. The restaurant donates the food and thestaff donates their time. “We frequent thatrestaurant, and a cousin is an assistant manager.We just asked them one year and they saidsure.” Each year the luncheon for Waldron’sWalkers has increased in size, funds raised andawareness spread.

Top tip: Try asking a restaurant or other placewhere you already have a relationship to host afundraiser to raise awareness of the Walk.

ArkansasNational Multiple Sclerosis Society1100 N. University, Suite 255Little Rock, AR 72207

CHANGE SERVICEREQUESTED

POSTAL CARRIER – DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DO NOT DELAY

April2 Walk MS Texarkana 9 Walk MS Little Rock16 Walk MS Northwest Arkansas

(Bentonville & Fayetteville)23 Walk MS Jonesboro30 Walk MS Hot Springs

Save the DateMay27 MS Night with the Travelers

June4 Family Day at the Zoo (Tulsa, Ok)

spring 2011 msconnection arkansas

Documents

national ms society

website ms

arkansas ms activists

ms equals

ms events page

congressional ms caucus

ms activists julie cawthron

representative tim griffin