MS Connection, Fall 2010

MINNESOTA CHAPTER

MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS | FALL 2010

$100,000 awarded to help area scholars touched by MS four years ago — was created to help students whose lives have been touched by MS move forward with their education in spite of the many financial challenges the disease presents.

In addition, the Minnesota Chapter granted the first-ever Best Buy @ 15 Scholarship to Connor Harthorn, a ninth-grade student whose father lives with MS. The Best Buy @ 15 program — made possible by a $30,000 endowment from Scholarship recipients posed for a group photo the Best Buy Children’s Foundation — was at the 2010 Scholarship Celebration in July. established to encourage young teens affected In 2010, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, by MS to stay on track toward post-secondary Minnesota Chapter awarded college scholarships education and remain active and involved in to 55 students touched by MS in Minnesota their school and community. and western Wisconsin — totaling $100,000.

Nationally, the society granted nearly $1 million Finding meaning, moving to 470 scholars across the country this year. forward Of this year’s local scholarships, 11 were awarded to first-year students, and 44 students received renewed scholarships to continue working toward their degrees. The program — which launched

Mary Horton, of Minnesota City, Minn., was named this year’s Minnesota Chapter Top Scholar. At first glance, she is the typical well-rounded, talented student — good continued on Page 14

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

News Page 5

Volunteers Page 6

Living Well With MS Page 9

Research Page 10

612-335-7900 / 800-582-5296

Can you help us?

Publication of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

If you are able to make an in-kind donation to the Minnesota Chapter, contact Teri at 612-335-7925 or tcannon@MSsociety.org.

To see the full in-kind list, visit MSsociety.org and click “Donate.”

Minnesota Chapter

Board Chair • Michael V. Schrock Chapter President • Holly Anderson Newsletter Editor • Emily Wilson E-mail • editor@MSsociety.org The National Multiple Sclerosis Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The National 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, published experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. © 2010 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

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Programs supplies n school supplies n phone cards n gas cards

Emergency care package for a person with MS (needed regularly) n regular-size bars of soap n laundry detergent n toothbrushes and

toothpaste

n full-size bottles

of shampoo and conditioner

n Metro Mobility

tickets

n gift card for food/

daily living items (such as Cub Foods or Target)

Office supplies n 1” three-ring binders (12) n colored cardstock

(8 1/2” x 11”)

n colored copy paper

(8 1/2” x 11”)

n flip video camcorder n HandiTAK reusable

adhesive

n personal paper

shredder

n trash bags

(16 or 55 gallon)

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 visit nationalMSsociety.org or call 800-582-5296 to learn more.

LETTER NOTEFROM FROMTHE THEPRESIDENT BOARD

Follow the yellow-brick road This summer, I’ve been traveling around the chapter area as part of our MS Society town hall forum series. This has been such an amazing opportunity for me to hear your stories and ideas Holly Anderson and learn more about the president issues that matter to you and your families. These forums, which will continue throughout the fall, are helping us build our 2011 legislative platform, plan key programs and above all, better serve you and your community.

faced, and they agreed to work together, as a team, to overcome those challenges. In the end, they found skills deep within themselves that proved vital in reaching their final goal.

In traveling from one community to the next, I’ve noticed something that might seem a little strange. The interstates, highways and county roads of the Midwest have started to resemble one big winding road — a yellow-brick road, to be more specific. Perhaps my 4-year-old’s recent fixation with “The Wizard of Oz” is partly to blame, but nonetheless, this brings up an important point about what it takes to bring about a world free of MS.

That’s why I call on each and every one of you to raise your voice and attend a town hall or contact us about the challenges that affect your day-to-day life. The MS Society is here with you and for you to make sure your voice is heard. We’re here to ensure you have what you need from the MS Society, the government, your community and your health care providers.

Let’s work together to face our challenges.

Let’s find those strengths within ourselves we didn’t know we had. And let’s link arms and follow that yellow brick road toward a world free of MS.

When Dorothy set out on the yellow brick road, she had a clear goal in mind — to get herself to Emerald City and find her way home.

Along the way, she met three friends. Each of them talked openly about the challenges they

Just like MS itself, the issues people with MS face vary from one person to the next. But we have similarities: each of us brings our own unique strength to this movement and shares in the desire to create a world free of the disease.

I believe, like Dorothy and her companions, we can only bring about real change if we face our challenges head on together. Our challenges won’t involve flying monkeys or wicked witches, but they are significant.

Get involved Learn how you can get involved on page 12.

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NEWS BRIEFS

What’s on MS Connection Online right now?

When you see this

icon, it means there’s expanded coverage online. Follow the instructions at the end of the article to find the extra information, or just browse the news section of our website.

Visit MSsociety.org and click on “MS Connection News” on the left-hand side. From there, sort by topic or date.

n A wheelchair at the airport? You bet!

Get one woman’s take on the ins and outs of air travel for people with MS. Visit the “Living Well with MS” section of MS Connection News for this web-only feature.

n An engaging tale of love, life and living with MS

Don’t miss “Above the 37th Parallel,” a one-woman play about humor and humility while living with MS Oct. 30 and 31 at the St. Anthony Main Event Centre in Minneapolis.

Tickets benefit the Minnesota Chapter. To purchase your ticket, call Cortney at 612-335-7971.

Local activist visits White House to celebrate ADA anniversary Bill MacNally (far left) joined other MS activists at the White House for an ADA celebration.

Minnesota Chapter volunteer and board member Bill MacNally joined a select group of MS activists to help celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at the White House July 26.

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MacNally, who lives with MS, has been actively involved in the society’s advocacy work both locally and nationally.

Signed into law in 1990, the ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers and changing perceptions, increasing full participation in community life.

According to society leaders, however, the full promise of the ADA will only be reached if we remain focused and committed to our efforts for full implementations of ADA and to advocate for people living with disabilities.

Visit nationalMSsociety.org/ADA.

NEWS BRIEFS

Chapter grants $20,000 to support assistive technology for people with MS The National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter recently awarded a $20,000 grant to Fairview Rehabilitation Services to help people with MS acquire assistive technology, such as computer screen reading programs, voice recognition software and electronic organizers. Fairview’s Assistive Technology Program evaluates

people with disabilities and provides equipment recommendations to improve their independence.

The grant will help cover the cost of equipment and training for people with MS. To learn more, contact Fairview’s Assistive Technology Clinic at 612-273-6830.

Calling all exceptional employers The Minnesota support and comply with the Americans with Chapter will present Disabilities Act and take one or more actions the Employer of the to increase or enhance the work life of the Year award at the MS person with MS. If you know an employer that Annual Convention, follows the spirit of the ADA, please submit a Saturday, Jan. 22, nomination form by Friday, Oct. 1.

2011 (see back page). The award Nominate your employer recognizes Visit tinyurl.com/Employer-MS to nominate employers who have gone out of their way your employer. Questions? Contact Emily at to ensure people with multiple sclerosis are 612-335-7931 or ewilson@MSsociety.org. able to stay on the job. These exceptional employers have an employee with MS,

Teen’s 16th birthday becomes opportunity to give back While many teenagers think of their 16th birthday as a time for gifts galore, one area teen saw this milestone event as an opportunity to make a difference. Last winter, Kelsey Krueger, of Kelsey Krueger St. Cloud, Minn., brought her birthday party attendees on a shopping trip and requested they bring spending money in lieu of gifts. She provided a list of in-kind donation needs for the MS

Society and other local charities and challenged the group to find the best deals. Krueger and her friends had a blast canvassing the mall for a good cause, and in the end, came home with two car loads of items. While coffee pots, paper towels and white boards aren’t on the typical teenager’s wish list — to Krueger, giving back beats an iPod any day.

To view the chapter’s in-kind list, see page 2 or visit MSsociety.org and click on “Donate.”

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volunteers

Make a friend: volunteer Before their first telephone conversation four years ago, the only thing Bakko and Yobbie knew they had in common was MS; both have lived with the disease for the more than 20 years. It didn’t take long before the two women discovered they had much more in common, including grandchildren, a busy schedule and a need for friends who understand life with a chronic illness.

Since then, Bakko and Yobbie’s phone conversations have continued on a weekly basis, and both agree that their friendship has enriched each other’s lives and made coping with the daily effects of MS a little bit easier.

Mentor Program participants Van Bakko (left) and Bev Yobbie

“We look forward to our calls each week,” says Bakko. “It’s another person in your life who cares. It’s another friend to have with common life obstacles.”

Bakko and Yobbie met each other in person At the National MS Society, Minnesota for the first time recently. “After four years,” Chapter, volunteers are integral partners in Yobbie says “it was nice to match a face with helping us move toward a world free of multiple a voice.” sclerosis. Whether helping out at a fundraising The Mentor Program is a fun and fulfilling event, program or in the chapter office — way to volunteer at the Minnesota Chapter. volunteering offers an opportunity to change Currently, there are 35 active relationships lives, including your own. among people with MS, care partners and Van Bakko, of Wanamingo, Minn., and Bev scholarship recipients.

Yobbie, of White Bear Lake, Minn., did not consider themselves volunteers when they first “We know there isn’t one type of support that joined the Mentor Program, which pairs people is right for each person, just like there’s not a affected by MS to provide mutual support and one-size-fits-all volunteer position,” Minnesota companionship. But this unique program is just Chapter Mentor Program Coordinator Connie one of the many ways to join the chapter’s vast Gunderson-Warner. “Everyone is different. For some people, the support from a one-on-one network of volunteers. connection is the best fit to meet their needs.”

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volunteers

Get involved Interested in joining the Mentor Program? Contact Connie Gunderson-Warner at 612-335-7964 or cgundersonwarner@MSsociety.org.

Volunteer opportunities Mud Run Twin Cities, Sept. 11 A muddy, 10K race in Dresser, Wis.

Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities, Sept. 24-26 Three-day, 50-mile walk in the Twin Cities

Check out the latest volunteer opportunities at MSsociety.org. Click on “Volunteer” on the left-hand side.

GIVING

Effortless ways to contribute Sometimes, our busy lives can get in the way of giving back. But there’s a simple, hassle-free way to support the MS movement — all by going to work. If your company participates in a workplace giving campaign, sign up to use automatic payroll deduction to make regular gifts to the National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter. If your workplace participates in the Community Health Charities campaign, consider choosing the society as your gift recipient. Or, if your workplace participates in a United Way campaign, write in a designation to the chapter. Your campaign coordinator can help you.

If you are unable to make your gift through a workplace giving campaign, there’s another quick and easy way to support the society. By setting up a sustaining gift with your credit card, you can make regular donations to the chapter. You decide how much to give and how often — it’s that easy. To set up your donation online, visit MSsociety.org and click “Donate.”

For more information about workplace giving or sustaining gifts, contact Lindsay at 612-335-7976 or lhansen@MSsociety.org.

Tell us about your gift If you choose to support the MS Society through a workplace giving campaign, please let us know so we can thank you!

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events

Chapter expects 2010 events to raise $6 million As of press time, the National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter’s event season had hit the half-way mark, with five events yet to be held.

Here’s an update on our progress.

The fundraising season kicked off in February with the MS Sno Rally Snowmobile Tour, which brought nearly 40 riders and raised approximately $60,000. Walk MS: Christopher & Banks Walk presented by Walser drew more than 10,000 people at 18 sites throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. In all, Walk MS participants rallied together in their communities and raised nearly $2 million.

The chapter’s 2010 Bike MS series started May 8 with the Allianz Twin Cities Ride, raising more than $200,000, followed by the 8

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31st annual C.H. Robinson Worldwide MS 150 Ride June 11 to 13. More than 3,300 cyclists participated in the two-day, 150-mile ride from Proctor, Minn., to the Twin Cities, raising $2.6 million. The series came to a close with the Star Tribune TRAM Ride, which is projected to raise nearly $800,000.

The Minnesota Chapter anticipates 2010 events will raise approximately $6 million to help fund programs and services for the nearly 10,000 people living with MS in Minnesota and western Wisconsin and drive research for a cure.

MSsociety.org.

Register for a 2011 event at

LIVING well WITH MS

At-home job opportunities — too good to be true?

Multiple sclerosis often affects a person’s ability to work outside the home, which leads some people to explore at-home employment. While many opportunities are available, it’s important to be careful about “toogood-to-be-true” job offers.

According to the FTC, legitimate work-at-home programs should tell you, in writing, what’s involved. The FTC also suggests researching the company with the Better Business Bureau or your state’s Attorney General’s office. You can also do an Internet search on the company to read about consumer experiences with the company.

Some companies offer to pay people for stuffing envelopes or completing online surveys, but require an up-front fee to cover shipping costs of the envelopes. In some cases, these envelopes are never shipped, and the person ends up losing money. Before pursuing an offer like this, the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Bureau of Consumer Protection suggests asking the following questions:

If you feel you have been scammed by a work-at-home program, don’t sit back! Let the company know you plan to contact law enforcement if they do not resolve the issue.

Or, consider filing a complaint with one or more of the following agencies:

n Who will pay me? n Where is your business located? n How long have you been in business? n How and when will I get my first paycheck?

n Federal Trade Commission: ftc.gov/complaint

or 877-FTC-HELP

n State’s Attorney General’s office: naag.org n Better Business Bureau: bbb.org n Local consumer protection offices n Local postmaster (to investigate fraudulent

mail practices): postalinspectors.uspis.gov

n Will I be paid a salary or will my pay be

based on commission?

n What will I have to do? n What is the total cost of the envelope

stuffing program?

n What will I get for my money? n Will I have to pay for supplies, ads

or postage?

n Advertising manager of the publication that

ran the ad

Healthy living tip In addition to being essential to general health and well-being, exercise is helpful in managing many MS symptoms.

Visit tinyurl.com/exercise-MS to learn exercise tips.

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research

More than $2.4 million committed to CCSVI research Following a rigorous, expedited review process by an international review panel of experts, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (U.S.) and the MS Society of Canada announced a combined commitment of more than $2.4 million to support seven new research projects focusing on the role of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) in multiple sclerosis. CCSVI refers to abnormal blood drainage from the brain and spinal cord, a condition which recent studies have named as a potential contributor to nervous system damage in MS. “We don’t know yet whether CCSVI contributes to MS disease activity, and there have been conflicting data as to the frequency of this condition in people with MS,” said National MS Society Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Aaron Miller, Professor of Neurology and Medical Director of the MS Center at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City. “The newly funded studies should bring clarity to the debate, and we should know very soon what this phenomenon means in MS and what the next steps should be.”

To get the latest on CCSVI and learn more about funded studies, visit nationalMSsociety.org/CCSVI.

Fingolimod could soon become first oral treatment A U.S. Food and Drug Administration panel recently recommended approval of oral fingolimod (formerly called Gilenia, Novartis International AG) for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS. If approved, fingolimod 10

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would be the first-ever oral disease-modifying therapy for MS. A final decision is expected in September 2010.

FDA grants fast track status to two MS drugs The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently designated the experimental MS drugs intravenous alemtuzumab and oral cladribine as “Fast Track Products,” which should expedite their future review.

In a large-scale phase 3 clinical trial, cladribine tablets significantly reduced relapse rates and other disease activity in people with relapsing forms of the disease. The drug’s priority review status comes after a set-back in 2009, when drug-maker EMD Serono received a “refuse to file” in response to its initial application, which usually means the FDA has deemed the application incomplete. Intravenous alemtuzumab (Genzyme Corporation) is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed at a specific protein on the surface of immune cells. Its ability to target immune cells led to its testing as a possible treatment for relapsingremitting MS. Priority review status is given to drugs that offer major advances in treatment or provide a treatment where no adequate therapy exists.

The goal for completing a “fast track” review is six months from when the application is submitted.

To learn more about these treatments, see Dr. Loren Rolak’s report in the society’s June 30 webcast at tinyurl.com/June-30-webcast.

research

Study presents clues to source patterns of the stress-related hormone cortisol.

The results warrant further study to determine of MS-related depression A National MS Society-funded team found evidence that depression is linked to brain volume loss in specific subregions of an area called the “hippocampus,” which is known to be important in memory. Tissue loss in this area was also linked with abnormal secretion

any cause-effect relationship, but are an important clue to a symptom that can interfere greatly with the quality of life of people with MS. The results also hint that this shrinkage may be reversible with effective treatment of depression in MS.

Research pipeline Dr. Michael Sethna has been a neurologist at Noran Clinic since 1997. The Minnesota Chapter had a chance to talk to Dr. Sethna about his take on the latest research news.

How did you get involved Dr. Sethna in MS? I am trained as a neurologist and have always been very interested in the immune system. In fact, after my residency, I entered a graduate program and received a Ph.D. in immunology, and my thesis work included injecting interferons into brains of mice and rats.

It looks like there are now two potential oral treatments being investigated by the FDA. As a clinician, how do you respond to patients who are anxious for the day they no longer have to give themselves shots?

I tell my patients that well within their lifetimes, there will be treatments that will, in effect, turn off MS once it has appeared. I am optimistic that these treatments will be oral. I view my job as helping them be in the best possible shape when that day comes, using the tools we have at the time.

There has been so much talk about CCSVI lately. Being in the neurology field, what is your impression of these studies?

There have been so many things about MS that have come out and looked spectacular to begin with, and when you look more closely, they didn’t pan out. The observation that the drainage of venous blood from the brain may be seriously impeded in many persons with MS is fascinating. We wouldn’t be talking about this if it weren’t a tantalizing observation. However, this study doesn’t imply causation and needs to be assessed more carefully.

What do you like to do when you’re not in the clinic?

I like to yank buckthorn out of my yard and turn it into woodchips, and to organize the tools in my workshop.

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ADVOCACY

Your voice matters Tell us what matters to you

Cast your vote

The Minnesota Chapter has been busy holding town hall meetings, listening to stories of people affected by MS and collecting ideas for how we can build a better MS movement. This input will help create the chapter’s 2011 legislative platform, plan important programs and better serve you and your community.

Looking for another way to get involved?

Cast your vote Tuesday, Nov. 2. Not only does voting make your voice heard, it helps your community. Communities with greater voter turnouts are stronger, healthier and have more social capital. This means the community has greater social networks and is more able to mobilize around important issues. This is especially important in our MS community.

The Minnesota Chapter will continue to host town hall meetings and candidate forums throughout the fall, and we encourage you to attend. Our chapter’s advocacy priorities will come directly from people affected by MS, which is why we want you to speak up about the issues that affect you and your family.

To find an MS Society town hall forum near you, visit MSsociety.org and click “Take Action.”

In addition, the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities is hosting candidate forums in the following communities: Duluth, Edina, Lake Elmo, Marshall, Red Wing, St. Cloud and St. Paul.

Visit mnccd.org to find a Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities candidate forum near you.

To get all your questions answered about voting, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website at sos.state.mn.us. This site has information about polling places, registration, candidates and more. Plus, if you have questions or would like to help reach out to voters in your community, contact Jenna at the Minnesota Chapter at 612-335-7981 or jwashnieski@MSsociety.org.

What’s on the balloT? n Federal n U.S. Representatives n State Executive Officers n Governor and Lieutenant Governor n Secretary of State n State Auditor n Attorney General n State Legislature n State Senators n State Representatives n State Judiciary

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CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT

Cummins NPower gives MS 150 a power boost

Every year, top fundraising teams on Bike MS: C.H. Robinson Worldwide MS 150 Ride celebrate their success by enjoying food, fun and festivities in Team Tent Village at the Grand Casino Hinckley overnight site. Over the last several years, MS 150 teams have

grown considerably, and so has Team Tent Village. When the village needed a power boost this summer, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter turned to longtime corporate partner, Cummins NPower.

In addition to making annual donations, the company offered its products and expertise to power more than 30 team tents, the food tent and all the festivities in Hinckley!

FOX-9 gets muddy for MS The Minnesota Chapter welcomes FOX-9 News as the official broadcast sponsor of the inaugural Mud Run Twin Cities. Not only is the station helping to promote the firsttime event over the airwaves this summer and fall, chief meteorologist Ian Leonard will trade in his suit for fatigues and combat boots as a participant in the muddy, 10K race through a military-style

obstacle course. The chapter expects more than 1,000 people will participate in this year’s Mud Run and raise $150,000 to support programs and services for people with MS in Minnesota and western Wisconsin and drive research for a cure. Leonard forecasts Sept. 11 will be a clear, sunny day with a 100 percent chance of mud.

Ian Leonard

Novartis supports Majestic Shores Resort

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation recently joined the MS movement as the newest donor for Majestic Shores Resort, formally MS Camp — a weeklong recreational program for adults living with MS held at Camp Courage in Maple

Lake, Minn. “The adventure of going ‘up north’ is well known to people in Minnesota,” said Peg McCormick, RN, BSN, Director of Alliance Development for Novartis. “Novartis applauds the Minnesota Chapter’s efforts to make this wonderful leisure and support experience available to those that may not otherwise have that opportunity.”

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from page 1

Mary Horton

grades; involved in band, music, soccer and other after-school activities; and strong leadership skills from her involvement in student government positions. But Horton has faced some not-so-typical obstacles throughout her life.

She and her four siblings were raised by her dad after her mother’s MS forced her to enter a long-term care facility, which became like a second home for her family. When her mother passed away, Horton wanted to find a way to make a difference in the lives of others, including their families, who live with MS. “I want my mom’s MS and death to have meaning,” she said. “I want others to not suffer — I want to help find a cure.”

That’s why Horton, who plans to attend the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, has decided to concentrate her studies on genetics and cell biology in order to pursue a career in medical research.

2011 applications Scholarship applications for 2011 awards will be accepted between Oct. 1, 2010, and Jan. 14, 2011. Stay tuned to tinyurl.com/MS-scholars for more details.

Support the scholarship program To learn about making a donation to the Scholarship Program, contact Shannon at 612-335-7928 or swolkerstorfer@MSsociety.org.

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Congratulations The Minnesota Chapter congratulates all 2010 scholars, including the nine Scholars of Distinction listed below.

National Top Scholar Mary Horton; Minnesota City, Minn.

Pentair Foundation Endowed Scholarship Ashley Brule; Savage, Minn.

Christopher & Banks Endowed Scholarship Brittany Trettel; Little Falls, Minn.

Lauren and Alex Schrock Endowed Scholarship Taylor Jobin; Rosemount, Minn.

Cub Cares Community Foundation Scholarship Robert Lehn; St. Joseph, Minn.

Brittany Groess Scholarship Cody Gensen; New Richmond, Wis. Brittany Groess Scholarship Brittany Groess; Zimmerman, Minn.

Brittany Groess Scholarship Heather Rice; Eveleth, Minn.

Lois and Bob Eichhorst Scholarship, in memory of Bob Eichhorst Amanda Pfeffer; Hudson, Wis. Meet all 55 scholars and learn about 2011 applications at tinyurl.com/MS-scholars.

CALENDAR

Sept. 11

Mud Run Twin Cities

Sept. 11

Fall MS research symposium, Proctor

Sept. 24-26 Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities Oct. 3

Run to Stop MS

Jan. 21-23

MS Annual Convention

Check out a list of upcoming community fundraisers at tinyurl.com/MS-CommunityEvents.

Telephone consultations *Free and by appointment only Family attorney consultations Rod Jensen, attorney at law, Call chapter to schedule appointment.

Employment consultations Jennifer Johnson, tips on interviewing, resumes and more, Sept. 21, Oct. 19 and Nov. 16

For information or to register Programs Contact registration line: 612-335-7900 800-582-5296 Telephone consultations Contact Sarah, Jill or Heather: 612-335-7900 Fundraising events Contact Cortney: 612-335-7971

Employment discrimination/private disability consultations Denise Tataryn, attorney at law, Sept. 2, Oct. 7 and Nov. 4 Financial planning consultations John Robinson, C.F.P.速, financial advisor, Sept. 20, Oct. 18 and Nov. 15 Newly diagnosed consultations Call 612-335-7938 to schedule a face-to-face or phone consultation with a Minnesota Chapter social worker. Some evening and Saturday times are available.

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Nonprofit US Postage

PAID

Minneapolis, MN Permit No. 1759

200 12th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55415-1255

NEWS

Save the date!

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter’s MS Annual Convention will be held Jan. 21 to 23, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency in Minneapolis.

n accepted a Marianne Gree t last year’s rd a volunteer awa show.

Sylvies awards

The convention kicks off Friday, Jan. 21, with a conference for health care professionals who work with people with MS. The general session Saturday features an exhibit hall, an inspirational program, the chapter’s annual meeting and special sessions for club and group leaders, Movement Ambassadors and team captains. The weekend also includes the Sylvies awards banquet Saturday evening, celebrating top volunteers, fundraisers, donors and corporate partners, and a Sunday session for club and group leaders.

Stay tuned to MSsociety.org for more convention details.