the national multiple sclerosis society 2013 issue 3 ms … · 2014-01-24 · can summer camp get...

Issue 32013

The National Multiple Sclerosis SocietyAlabama-Mississippi Chapter

w w w . n a t i o n a l M S s o c i e t y . o r g / A L C • ( 8 0 0 ) 3 4 4 - 4 8 6 7

MS CONNECTION

Petting an owl. Canoe races. Smores. Pontoon boat rides. MS Experience Relays. Skits. Water slides. Can summer camp get any better? On Father’s Day weekend, 30 children ages 7-12 who have a family member affected by MS attended Kids Camp at Children’s Harbor on Alabama’s Lake Martin. With the help of our outstanding volunteer camp counselors, the kids enjoyed a fun-packed weekend built around the theme of the “Amazing Race.” Our campers rejoined their parents on Sunday with new friendships, new insights and increased understanding of the challenges faced by their mom or dad living with MS. Our thanks for the wonderful facilities generously donated by Children’s Harbor.

In This Issue:Kids Camp Recap.......................1

Meet Dr. Laganke......................2

Dr. Angela Chandler..................3

Dr. Riser & Tanner Center.......3

2013 Walk MS............................4

Advances in Pediatric MS......6

Be a Digital MS Activist..........7

2013 Bike MS.............................8

Dinner of Champions..............9

Everyday Matters....................10

Live Well Live Fully..................10

Evening of Wines.....................11

Leadership Class.......................11

Page 4

Page 8 1

K I DS C A M P WA SAMAZ ING

“Best time of my life to make friends and have fun!”

“I thought this was wonderful and I will

come back next year.”

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1-800-344-4867 | 2

2013 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Frank McPhillips, ChairMaynard Cooper & Gale

Hafiz Chandiwala, Vice ChairCoca Cola Bottling Co United

George Trible, TreasurerWells Fargo

Khurram Bashir, MD, UAB

Terry Brown, HealthSouth

Meredith Calhoun, Corporate Realty

Trey Clegg, Brasfield & Gorrie

Shannon Clemons, Digium

Jeremy DiPiazza, Hoar Construction

Edmond E. Hughes, Ingalls Shipbuilding

Inge Johnstone, Law Offices of F. Inge Johnstone

Doug Jones, Entergy

Christopher Leech, Regions Financial Corp.

Charley Long, IV, Southern Company

Lynn Lovelady, Energen

Paul McNeill, Merrill Lynch

J. Marshall Morrissette, III, BlueCross BlueShield of AL

Ron Mumbower, PhD, First Baptist Church of Jackson

Stacie Propst, PhD, GASP

Steve Reed, Go To Market Solutions

Emily Riser, MD, Tanner Center for MS

Sandy G. Robinson, Cabaniss Johnston Gardner Dumas & O’Neal

Dave Smith, Regions Financial

Craig Snell, Carr, Riggs & Ingram

Mark Tarr, HealthSouth

Lee Weathers, Retired

MS NEWS

Since 2007, Dr. Christopher LaGanke has raised more than $200,000 for the National MS Society.

“Dr. LaGanke has brought hope to many living with MS in this area,” says Brandy Harm, North Alabama Area

Coordinator for the National MS Society. “He truly has a passion to find a cure for this devastating disease.”

Dr. LaGanke and his team, the Joanne P. LaGanke MS Center Walk Team, participate annually in Walk MS: Cullman. The team is comprised of more than

345 members, including Dr. LaGanke’s entire family. This year, they helped the Cullman Walk set a record

$80,079 raised for the fight against MS!

MEET DR. LAGANKEIf MS specialists could receive People’s Choice awards from their patients, Dr. Christopher LaGanke would surely be an annual recipient. The founder of North Central Neurology Associates in Cullman, AL, a top neurology clinic specializing in multiple sclerosis, Dr. Laganke is a leading MS clinical researcher, an avid educator of both healthcare professionals and patients, and an advocate for those living with MS.

After completing his fellowship in neuroimmunology with world-renowned MS clinician Dr. John Whitaker at UAB in 1991-1992, LaGanke has gone on to achieve prominence in his own right as a principal investigator for numerous clinical trials. He is also the publisher of many articles relating to autoimmune diseases and MS and is a principal investigator in some of the world’s largest MS clinical trials.

The Joanne P. LaGanke MS Center is named in memory of his mother, who lived with MS. The clinic offers initial diagnosis, symptom management, clinical research, nursing, and wellness programs. After hours, the clinic hosts a number of programs including yoga classes for individuals with multiple sclerosis and NMSS self-help group meetings.

WALK MS AND DR. LAGANKE:

ANGELA CHANDLER, MD JACKSON MISS NEUROLOGIST StePS UP for MS MoVeMent

TANNER CENTERAND FOUNDATION FOR MS

3 | JoIn tHe MoVeMent: nationalMSsociety.org

MEET DR. LAGANKE

As a neurologist with Baptist Neurology Associates, Dr. Angela Chandler sees all type of patients. However, she reserves a special place in her practice for those living with MS. She is one of only a few neurologists in Mississippi who devote a significant amount of their practice to clinical care of MS patients. This past spring, Dr. Chandler also took on the task of chairing the 2013 Walk MS: Jackson, which, under her leadership, set new records for both participation and funds raised. Our thanks to Dr. Chandler for her amazing work on behalf of the Society.

The Tanner Center and Foundation for MS was recommended for designation as a center for comprehensive MS care by the Society’s National Comprehensive Care Review Committee. This committee, comprised of neurologists, nurses, social workers and chapter representatives, thoughtfully deliberated over the clinical profile they received to determine this recognition.

The Tanner Center and Foundation for MS is a comprehensive and collaborative clinic offering initial evaluations, second opinions, symptom management, infusion, rehabilitation, and clinical research. The mission of the center is to enhance the lives of persons living with multiple sclerosis.

The medical director of the Tanner Center is Dr. Emily S. Riser, who has practiced neurology since 1988, devoting the last ten years to MS care. Dr. Riser is certified in neurorehabilitation and is a firm believer in a multidisciplinary approach to MS. She completed a fellowship in neuroimaging, is the chair of the Clinical Advisory Committee, and is the leader of the Chapter’s NOW campaign. She is on the Board of Trustees for the NMSS and has participated in countless educational and fundraising events with the NMSS.

The Tanner Center offers people with MS a wonderful option for care, and the National Comprehensive Care Review Committee believes that this center could be used as an excellent model for others.

The Walk MS 2013 season has come to a close and thanks to the incredible efforts of our fundraisers, participants and volunteers, 2013 has been the most successful Walk campaign in the chapter’s history. Over a six-week period in March and April, Walk MS was held at 13 sites throughout Alabama and Mississippi. More than 5,000 Walk participants rallied together to support those affected by multiple sclerosis. Through the combined efforts of our participants and sponsors, $701,658 has been raised to support those living with MS and their families. A huge thank you to everyone who made this year’s Walk MS a huge success. Stay tuned for 2014 Walk MS dates and locations!

2013


SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2013CORPORATE PARTNERS

This spring, 77 Regions Bank branches in the Birmingham area participated in a campaign to raise awareness and funds for multiple sclerosis in conjunction with Walk MS: Birmingham. Together, these branches raised $74,834 through a paper shoe pin-up campaign. These Regions employees not only raised funds but also showcased their creativity during the process. Check out the results of the company’s paper shoe design contest!


1st Place: Regions – Northport(Alabama Football Theme)

2nd Place: Regions – Cahaba Heights (Jungle Theme)

2013 Mission Possible Awards

Mission Possible awards are received by teams and individuals who raised $1 per

person living with multiple sclerosis in each state.

Hafiz ChandiwalaSue GraphosJohn Bentley

Mindy LaGankeNella McGraw

Christopher LaGankeShannon Stewart

Joseph LeeJohn Hintz

Peggy HintzMichelle Austin

Joy DonaldMick HintzRenee Boyd

Regions - DeerfootAlabama Power & Southern Company MS

WalkersRegions - Pinson

Regions - NorthportBanking on a Cure

Lakeshore SplashersCobbs, Allen and Hall

Maynard Cooper & Gale, P.C.Joanne P. LaGankeLovelady’s Loafers Team Momentum

Shannon’s Southern BellesSt. Columba MS Defenders

ritalinda’s MSfitsTeam Ankit Kumar

MAMA”S MoVerSteam VitruviusTeam George

Hickory Grove United Methodist ChurchPorter’s Pacers

Trojans for a cureteam Vitruvius

Rushing for a CureFavor Pam

Captain Melanie’s TeamShipbuilders for a CURE

Hunt To Cure MSNavigator Credit Union

Happy Sharksteam Water Valley

Special KStumblin Toward A Cure

3rd Place Regions – Greystone (Barons Baseball Theme)

RESEARCH

research

Making advances in pediatric MsAn increasing number of medical centers across the United States are collaborating on research on how and why multiple sclerosis happens in young people. Their work is already yielding valuable information on early MS triggers.

a collaborative approachThe Network of Pediatric MS Centers was initiated in 2006 through a grant from the National MS Society. Thanks to its multidisciplinary approach, researchers at participating institutions are gathering important data on the disease.

“We have been able to unravel key features, such as distinct characteristics of the disease on the MRI and in the spinal fluid of patients younger than 11,” says Emmanuelle Waubant, PhD, professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at the University of California – San Francisco (UCSF), which is currently running a large study aimed at unraveling the triggers of pediatric MS. [See box at right, “What triggers MS?]

Thus far, the network has learned that MRIs of patients under 11 show larger and more poorly defined MS scars compared to adults,

and that MS scars in young patients often go away within a few months, which is very rare in adults. They also observed that the spinal fluid of young patients can show more inflammation than in adults.

These findings have helped make the way forward clearer. “Now that these distinct features in younger patients have been identified, accurate diagnosis in children with MS is made easier, and early treatment can better prevent disability onset,” says Dr. Waubant.

To learn more about pediatric MS and research in the field, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/pediatricMS.

Originally published in the Gateway Chapter’s MSConnection newsletter.

What triggers Ms?

The Network of Pediatric MS Centers is currently recruiting 640 children with relapsing-remitting MS or clinically isolated syndrome (a single episode of MS-like symptoms) and 1,280 children without MS for a multiyear study to determine risk factors for developing MS. “We expect the study will provide precious pieces of information on risk factors for MS in general, and maybe help develop new treatments or preventative strategies,” says lead investigator Emmanuelle Waubant, PhD. For more information about participating, and the 13 participating locations, contact janace.hart@ucsf@edu or call (415) 514-2476.


RESEARCH

ADVOCACY

Be A DigitAl MS ACtiViStIn 2012, MS activists sent tens of thousands of emails, placed hundreds of phone calls, and made hundreds of in-person visits to members of Congress asking for their support on issues important to people with multiple sclerosis and their families. And now there are more ways for MS activists to connect—online.

DriVing ChAngeDigital MS activists—like all MS activists—want to drive change and do so by amplifying their voice and connecting with elected officials over social media.

At www.nationalMSsociety.org/digiMSactivist, learn how to share your story, connect with other MS activists and build relationships through social media and email. The webpage includes ways to:

• Get informed. Become part of the MS Ac-tivist Network. Receive e-newsletters and Action Alerts about important pieces of legislation. Send emails with a few clicks of your mouse.

• Rise up. Learn where your elected officials stand. Speak out on issues important to you as a person affected by MS.

• Take Action. Build relationships with elect-ed officials by posting on and liking their

social media pages and by thanking them on Facebook or Twitter for their supportive actions.

• Recruit. Encourage others to join the move-ment by directing them to our video at ntl.ms/YouCanBeAnMSActivist, or to www.nationalMSsociety.org/digiMSactivist.

Become a digital MS activist and help shape the conversations today that will drive change tomorrow—we promise you, people will listen!

DeAr COlleAgue

“Dear Colleagues” are important tools in supporting legislation that impacts people with multiple sclerosis. They are letters sent by one or two members of Congress to fellow members, usually asking for co-sponsors on a new bill or seeking to influence recipients’ votes on a particular issue. The Society often helps compose letters that support legislation important to people with MS. MS Activists help gain signers through Action Alert emails.

This spring, Dear Colleagues were circu-lated in Congress to support $10 million in funding for the MS Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, $32 billion for the National Institutes of Health, and $2.5 million for the Lifespan Respite Program. The Congressional MS Caucus and MS activists are working in coalition with other groups to preserve these funding levels for FY 2014. To join the effort, go to www.nationalMSsoci-ety.org/MSActivist.



The 4th annual Bike MS: North Alabama, presented by the Athens- Limestone Hospital, was our most successful ever. More than 230 cyclists (up from 175 in 2012) raised almost $80,000 to help create a world free of MS. Next up is the Tour de Beach at Orange Beach, Ala., September 21-22, followed by the popular Bike to the Battlefield with routes between Clinton and Vicksburg, Miss. on October 7-8. Register to ride or volunteer for Bike MS today: www.bikems.org.

BIKE MS BIKE MS NORTH AL

2013


The National MS Society’s Dinner of Champions honors outstanding individuals who have made significant con-tributions to the community as civic and business lead-ers. The event helps to support the Society’s ongoing ef-forts to mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and address the challenges of everyone living with or affected by MS.

We are pleased to announce that our first-ever Mississippi Gulf Coast MS Dinner of Champions will be held Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Miss. The seated dinner and pro-gram will honor Congressman Steven Palazzo, who represents Missis-sippi’s 4th Congressional District.

The program will be highlighted by the presentation of the prestigious HOPE Award, the National MS Society’s highest honor, to Congressman Palazzo. The evening will also feature a cocktail reception, silent auction, “Champagne and Diamonds” raffle, and a gourmet dinner. We look for-ward to a great event.

For couples living with the challenges of MSSeptember 13-14, 2013 (Fri.-Sat.)

Hilton Garden Inn23092 Perdido Beach BlvdOrange Beach, AL 36561

Space limited. $50 per couple registration charge includesFriday lodging, and breakfast and lunch on Saturday

To register, call 800-344-4867, option 1, or www.nationalMSsociety.org/alc

Relationship Matters - Couples Retreat

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1-800-344-4867 | 10

Your Personal Plan to a Better LifeA Wellness Program for People with MS and their Support Partners

Facilitated by Serina Carpenter, MSN, RNPatient Care Services, Forest General Hospital

Saturday, September 28, 2013, 2012, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.Longleaf Trace Community Room

2895 W. 4th, Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401(Parking available at USM Parking Lot adjacent to Longleaf Trace)

Live Fully, Live Well is a comprehensive wellness program from the National MS Society for people living with MS and their support partners. Live Fully, Live Well covers topics affecting the whole family living with MS in order to strengthen relationships, increase understanding and pro-

mote improved health and quality of life.

Includes 2013 Hattiesburg Walk MS Celebration Luncheon – Noon to 1p.m.

THERE’S STILL TIME TO REGISTER

EVERYDAY MATTERS Put positive psychology to work in your life!

Living Your Best Life With Ms


Put positive psychology to work in your life!

The Birmingham MS Leadership Class campaign is a fund raising campaign that honors business professionals for outstanding contributions to the business, civic and cultural betterment of the city. Patrick Cummings, Vice President and Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial, served as 2013 Honorary Chair. Cummings presented this year’s Leadership Class with the prestigious Leadership Award at a reception on May 2nd in Birmingham.

We thank the members of the Class of 2013 for together raising over $100,000 in support of the Society’s mission. A complete listing of 2013 members can be found on our chapter website. Those achieving the Golden Circle level of fundraising within the Birmingham MS Leadership Class were Austin Boyd of Sterne Agee, Robert Dawson, Jr. of Southern Company, Jeff Decker of Gray Construction and Anne Marie Seibel, partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, LLP.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BIRMINGHAMMS LEADERSHIP CLASS OF 2013!

Special Thanks to Corporate Sponsors: BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama, EMD Serono/Pfizer, and HealthSouth.

28tH AnnUAL eVenIng of WIneS AUCtIonHELD SUNDAY, MAY 19TH AT THE COUNTRY CLUB OF BIRMINGHAM

The 2013 Evening of Wines raised over $215,000 to help support the Chapter’s client programs and services. Eileen Hallmark, Executive Vice President of Vineyard Brands, served as the 2013 Honorary Chairman. Special guest speaker Collins Clegg captivated the crowd with a moving account of her experience living with multiple sclerosis and also led the “Toast to a

Cure,” which generated over $83,000.

The crowd of almost 300 guests had the opportunity to bid on rare and large format wines, vacation packages and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to tour, taste and visit with top vintners. Through its unique model of connecting wine enthusiasts to raise money for people living with multiple sclerosis, the Evening of Wines has raised over $2.4 million since its inception in 1985. “This year’s event was the most successful in our 28-year history,” said Lee Weathers, an event founder and Alabama-Mississippi Chapter Board of Trustees member. “Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the Evening of Wines continues to grow both in attendance and money raised and has exceeded all expectations.”

2013 Honorary Chairman, Eileen Hallmark, and auction Committee member, Charlie Yeates

Guests enjoy bidding on some of the 150+ lots available at the 2013 Evening of Wines auction

Alabama-Mississippi Chapter813 Shades Creek ParkwaySuite 100-BBirmingham, AL 35209

JOIN THE MOVEMENT ON

National MS Society Alabama-Mississippi Chapter

@ALMS_NMSS

www.youtube.com/user/alcnmss

FACEBOOK, TWITTER, & YOUTUBE

FREE MATTERFOR THE

BLIND OR HANDICAPPED

1-800-344-4867.

July 8th-September 30th at a location of your choice.

123

STAND AGAINST MS!HELP TO CREATE A WORLD

FREE OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS!

the national multiple sclerosis society 2013 issue 3 ms … · 2014-01-24 · can summer camp get...

Documents