MS Connection, summer 2009

MINNESOTA CHAPTER

MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS | VOLUME 22 • EDITION 2

2009 a landmark year for Bike MS In 1980, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter held the nation’s first Bike MS ride to raise funds to support programs and services for people living with MS in the chapter area and drive research to find a cure. The first annual MS 150 Ride — a two-day, 150-mile bike ride — drew 200 cyclists and raised $33,000.

After hearing about the success of the Minnesota Chapter’s MS 150, other National MS Society chapters began hosting similar rides around the country the following year. In 1985, the National MS Society adopted the MS 150 as an official event, and today, more than 100 MS 150 rides and other Bike MS events are held each year from coast to coast.

BIKEMS To register for a 2009 Bike MS event, visit bikeMSminnesota.org.

Since the very first ride — right here in Minnesota — Bike MS events have raised more than $600 million total. In 2009 the Minnesota Chapter’s Bike MS: Larkin Hoffman MS 150 celebrates its 30th annual ride. Another notable milestone, the Star Tribune TRAM Ride, or The Ride Across Minnesota, marks its 20th annual ride. continued on Page 14

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

News Page 5

Events Page 6

Living well with MS Page 7

Research Page 8

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 Cannon at 612-335-7925 or tcannon@MSsociety.org. To see the full in-kind list, visit www.MSsociety.org and click “Donate.”

Minnesota Chapter

Chair • Karen Larson Chapter President • Maureen Reeder Newsletter Editor • Emily Wilson

On the Move Luncheon silent auction items (needed by June 30) n roundtrip airfaire to Chicago for two

E-mail • editor@mssociety.org

n Nintendo Wii game system

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.

n gift cards for local restaurants (not coupons)

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. © 2009 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

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n tickets to Timberwolves, Vikings or Wild games

Sept. 1, 2009, or later

Bike MS: Star Tribune TRAM Ride (needed by July 10) n 1,000 individually-wrapped, non-perishable snack items

MS Camp (needed by July 10) n 120 new sweatshirts, sizes medium to XX-large n non-latex gloves, sizes medium (10 boxes),

large (20 boxes) and extra-large (10 boxes)

n 100 Chux bed protector disposable underpads n 15 full-size flat sheets

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.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Together we ride, together we move Put on a party hat, or better yet, a bike helmet!

This year we celebrate the 30th annual Bike MS: Larkin Hoffman MS 150 Ride and the 20th annual Bike MS: Star Tribune TRAM Ride. Over the years, I have peddled my way through many of these rides and made countless memories in the process. These memories are precious as they provided a needed respite and inspired me to greater things.

Thank you to anyone who has been a part of these amazing rides. Yes, MS Society bike rides have been a great success — and it all started right here at home. The Minnesota Chapter held the first MS 150 in 1980. Today the MS 150 and other bike rides are held in every state and over the years have raised more than $600 million.

When my sister, Melissa, and I did our first MS 150 more than two decades ago, neither of us had any experience. I wore denim shorts, or “cutoffs,” and plastic flip flops. On that first ride, we made a point to start together and hold hands while on our bikes! “We’re doing it for mom” we said, with tears in our eyes.

We rode a hard 75 miles in driving wind and were among the last 10 riders to finish that day. Mom would have been proud.

I rode my very first TRAM ride — The Ride Across Minnesota — in 1990 and have participated, in some way, every year since.

I am certain I have the world’s largest collection of TRAM T-shirts, which I will show off at this year’s event.

In the earlier years, I rode TRAM as a television news reporter, shooting stories along the way.

This was before laptop computers and the

Chapter President Maureen Reeder with husband, Glenn, on Bike MS: Star Tribune TRAM Ride 2000.

Internet, and at night I’d sit in my tent with a flashlight in my mouth pointed at the notebook as I wrote the day’s story. I thought I had the best job in the world — until I went to work for the MS Society.

I’ve heard many times that MS Society bike rides are life changing. What’s your Bike MS story? We’d love to hear it. E-mail us at editor@MSsociety.org. And, if for one reason or another, you’ve stopped riding, think about coming back. We need you now more than ever and would love to have you back.

Learn about these rides at bikeMSminnesota.org.

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NEWS BRIEFS

What’s on MS Connection Online right now? n Are you getting enough vitamin D?

When you see this icon, it means

Does it matter?

Recent studies have changed our understanding of the role of vitamin D in health and disease. Learn about important implications for people with MS.

n MS Learn Online teaches job strategies

The society’s new “MS in the Workplace” webcast offers tools to help people with MS re-enter the workforce.

New publication simplifies legal rights of people with MS A new 60-page booklet outlining the legal rights of people with multiple sclerosis is now available in PDF format at nationalMSsociety.org (click Living with MS, Employment, then Knowing Your Rights). “Know Your Rights: A Legal Guide for People Living with Multiple Sclerosis” includes listings of local resources, form letters and helpful guides for navigating legal issues related to employment, Social Security Disability Insurance, family law, insurance and more. Members of the National

there’s expanded coverage of this topic online. Visit MSsociety.org and check out the news section on the right hand side.

Help us save money, get your news online You can find all the same articles from the MS Connection online. Help us save money by opting to no longer receive the MS Connection through postal mail. You can also receive e-mail alerts when the latest issue is available online in PDF format. To stop receiving the print version and/or sign up for MS Connection e-mail alerts, visit the chapter news page at www.MSsociety.org.

MS Society, Greater Washington Chapter’s Legal Assistance Committee developed the publication in collaboration with three Washington-based law firms. To obtain a hard-copy version of this publication, contact the Minnesota Chapter.

Chapter launches Facebook page The National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter recently launched a Facebook page to keep people affected by MS connected to the chapter and informed about upcoming programs, events and more. With more than 200 million members, Facebook.com is the largest social-networking Web site and one of the 4

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fastest-growing Internet sites in the world.

The chapter Facebook page features breaking news, photo albums, and timely information about upcoming programs and fundraising events and ways to get involved. To become a fan of the Minnesota Chapter, search for “National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter.”

NEWS BRIEFS

Federal stimulus package includes help for COBRA coverage The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed into law in February provides premium assistance to help involuntarily unemployed workers purchase COBRA health insurance through their former employer or other continuation coverage. Under the act, eligible

unemployed workers receive a 65 percent reduction in monthly premiums, for up to nine months. For information about eligibility requirements in Minnesota, visit familiesusa. org/issues/private-insurance/understandingcobra-premium.html or call 866-444-3272.

Disability community rallies to oppose budget cuts Nearly 1,500 people gathered at the state Capitol in St. Paul, Minn., Saturday, March 7, for a statewide rally to show support for programs for people with disabilities and older Minnesotans. Due to the state’s nearly $5 billion budget deficit, the Minnesota Department of Human Services faces significant cuts, which could have a direct impact on state, county and city programs that many people with multiple sclerosis rely on.

To view photos of the rally, visit www.tinyurl.com/march7rally.

Nearly 1,500 people attended a statewide rally March 7 to take a stand against budget cuts to state-funded programs for people with disabilities and the elderly.

New partnership to receive up to $19 million in support to speed MS research Fast Forward, LLC, a subsidiary of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and EMD Serono recently announced an exciting collaboration to evaluate and fund a select group of highlypromising MS research projects — with up to $19 million in financial support from

EMD Serono parent company Merck KGaA. The National MS Society launched Fast Forward in 2008 to help bridge the gap between research and drug development and speed the delivery of new treatments to people with MS. Learn more at FastForward.org.

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EVENTS

Luncheon to feature new name and keynote Kevin Kling The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter’s annual fundraising luncheon, formerly known as the Women Against MS luncheon, showcases a new name in 2009. The new title — On the Move Luncheon — speaks to the significant growth of the event and the momentum participants have built since its inception in 1999.

The On the Move Luncheon, sponsored by Teva Neuroscience and Biogen Idec, is from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 13, at the Depot in Minneapolis. The luncheon brings people together to raise funds to support MS research and programs and services for people living with MS in Minnesota and western

Well-known humorist to speak at luncheon

Wisconsin and includes an inspirational speaker, live auction and networking opportunities.

The event also features a silent auction to benefit the Minnesota Chapter Scholarship Program, which helps local college-bound students touched by MS pursue post-secondary education. In 2008 the silent auction raised more than $28,000 to support the program.

In total, last year’s luncheon raised $115,000.

JOIN US Luncheon seats are available for $100. To reserve a seat, visit www.MSsociety.org or contact Rachel Hughes at 612-335-7965 or rhughes@MSsociety.org.

The On the Move Luncheon features Minnesota’s-own Kevin Kling as keynote speaker. Kling is a playwright and storyteller whose commentaries can be heard on National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered.” His plays and adaptations have been performed around the world.

Kling’s captivating autobiographical tales include hopping freight trains, getting hit by lightning, performing his banned play in Czechoslovakia, growing up in Minnesota and eating things before knowing what they are. Kling was born with a congenital birth defect — his left arm is shorter than his right, and his left hand has no wrist or thumb. Even after a motorcycle accident rendered his right arm immobile, Kling continues to actively write plays and stories.

Kevin Kling

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Kling, who resides in Minneapolis, is known for his super-sized determination and candid sense of humor, which shine through despite the daily challenges of life with physical disabilities.

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LIVING well WITH MS

A little help can go a long way An Independent Living Grant for adaptive equipment helped Stellmacher purchase the scooter without breaking the bank.

Susan Stellmacher An unpredictable disease in nature, multiple sclerosis can often lead to unforeseen expenses.

The Minnesota Chapter provides Independent Living Grants to help people with MS and their families purchase products and services to adapt to the disease throughout its course.

Susan Stellmacher, a resident of Kingsley Commons in Minneapolis, knows firsthand the impact Independent Living Grants can make in the day-to-day lives of people with MS. Before she had a motorized scooter, Stellmacher used a walker to get from one place to the next. But as her MS symptoms began to worsen, the walker became less and less practical.

“To walk 25 feet was a huge undertaking,” Stellmacher said. “It got to a point when I rarely left my apartment; I just didn’t have the energy to go anywhere.”

Stellmacher felt isolated and unproductive.

Her physician recommended a motorized scooter. Since her insurance company wouldn’t cover the entire purchase, Stellmacher was left with the remaining cost of the scooter. That’s where the Minnesota Chapter came in.

Today, Stellmacher is making the most of her new-found independence. She volunteers regularly at the chapter office, serves on the Public Outreach Advisory Group, participates in the Mentor Program and is a grassroots activist for people with MS. Stellmacher also organized and led a team of Kingsley Commons residents for Walk MS Twin Cities 2009.

What you need to know Independent Living Grants are available in the categories listed below. To learn more about eligibility requirements, contact Scott Ahlgren at 612-335-7967 or 800-582-5296.

Aids for Daily Living Grant Non-medical devices that simplify daily tasks, like accessible garden tools or cooling vests.

Care Partner Relief Grant Respite care so care partners can take time off to relax or attend to personal matters.

Adaptive Equipment/Home and Vehicle Modification Grant Items range from walking aids to scooters to scooter lifts for vehicles.

Chore Services Grant Daily chore and house maintenance services such as laundry, meal preparation or snow removal.

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RESEARCH

Estriol study now taking participants in Minneapolis

to uncover the majority of MS risk genes, which would pave the way for understanding the basic cause of MS and developing new therapies.

Learn about genetics and MS at The National MS Society the research page on www.MSsociety.org. Click on “About MS,” then “Who gets MS.” is funding a two-year, controlled clinical Researchers convene to discuss trial of the estrogen MS triggers, risk factors estriol added to standard multiple sclerosis therapy at 16 U.S. medical centers, including Many scientists believe people genetically the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. If susceptible to MS encounter an unknown successful, the trial could lay the groundwork trigger, years before symptoms occur. Scientists for a larger, definitive trial that could lead to a still don’t know what the triggers are, or when new oral MS treatment for women. The trial they occur. The society held an international is for women ages 18 to 50 with relapsingworkshop to develop strategies to identify remitting MS. Criteria for this study was changed MS triggers and risk factors, factors that drive in early 2009 to include women previously progression and predict prognosis, and studies ® treated with an interferon or Copaxone . To to determine its prevalence and incidence in inquire about the Minneapolis study, contact the U.S. Sarah Hilbert at 612-624-5978.

Read about MS risk factors at the research page on www.MSsociety.org. Click on studies bolster possible link “intriguing leads on the horizon.”

Between Epstein-Barr, MS

Researchers at the University of Buffalo, New York, report two studies that add to growing evidence linking the Epstein-Barr Virus to multiple sclerosis. One study suggests a link between EBV exposure and the loss of nerve tissue, while the other explores interactions between a person’s genes and EBV.

Genetics studies yield new clues to why people get MS

FDA approves changes to Copaxone® labeling The U.S. Food and Drug Administration extended Copaxone® labeling to include people with MS who have experienced a first clinical episode and have MRI features consistent with the disease. Research suggests MS damage can occur early in the course of the disease, and that early use of treatment can delay onset and forestall future disability to some extent.

Studies exploring genes that may be related to Read the full report on these susceptibility and severity of MS are providing new clues about why people get MS. Additional and other studies at MS Connection Online. large-scale studies already underway promise

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RESEARCH

Research pipeline Dr. Gareth Parry is medical director of the MS Center and Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit and professor of neurology at the University of Minnesota.

In an interview with Dr. Gareth Parry the Minnesota Chapter, Parry explained a current project, future directions in research and the joys of caring for people with MS. Tell me about one of your current research projects.

The University of Minnesota is part of a network of eight regional MS centers, called the Upper Midwest MS Study Group, working together to improve the care of people with MS. This group is currently investigating the characteristics of MS in people diagnosed over age 50.

What is unique about people diagnosed with MS after age 50?

There is an old idea that MS is exclusively a disease of young people. However more people between 50 and 70 have MS than we previously thought. Since they are assumed to be too old to develop MS, it’s often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed.

What do you expect to learn from this study?

We hypothesize most patients will have progressive MS since later-onset cases tend to be more progressive. We also hope this study shows later-onset MS is more common than has generally been appreciated.

What are the implications of this research?

While the majority of this cohort will have progressive MS, the rest of the group may have MS that is potentially treatable. However, because their doctors thought they were too old to have MS, this group has been deprived of treatment. This research can provide practical implications for disease management and care.

What else is in the pipeline for this study group?

We are looking at a couple of projects. The first is a vitamin D project for people with clinically isolated syndromes. The other project would investigate a product to reduce injection site reactions. Both of these projects are dependant upon funding.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

I get a “primary care” feel from treating patients with MS because I get to be engaged with things, like a woman’s pregnancy for example. I also enjoy clinical research and establishing the University as a place for this kind of research.

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

I’m an outdoor person who hates the cold, so Minnesota is a bit of a challenge for me.

I enjoy hiking and backpacking on the West Coast where I used to live. Plus, I love to eat and enjoy trying new restaurants with my wife.

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ADVOCACY

MS activists push research funding, MS registry and health care reform In March, MS activists and volunteers from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., for the National MS Society’s 2009 Public Policy Conference. Representatives from the Minnesota Chapter met with members of the U.S. Congress and Senate to discuss key priorities for this year’s federal legislative session, including increased funding for MS research, the creation of a national MS registry and comprehensive health care reform.

Increase funding for MS research The National MS Society is requesting $15 million be allocated to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) for MS research in 2010. This request comes on the heels of a $5 million appropriation for MS research to the CDMRP in 2009. MS research under the CDMRP is largely focused on the potential link between combat service and an increased incidence rate of MS. If granted, these funds could help scientists identify environmental causes of MS, new treatments and a cure.

Create MS registry to track incidence, prevalence The society also is advocating on behalf of the National MS and Parkinson’s Disease Registry Act. Currently, the U.S. does not have a coordinated system to collect and analyze data on MS. Accurate knowledge and information about MS incidence and prevalence is critical to better understanding

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the disease. An MS registry could indicate promising areas of MS research, show genetic and environmental risk factors and support the discovery of improved treatments and a cure. Increased awareness of the number of people living with MS may also help promote MS advocacy efforts and identify changes in health care needs.

Reform health care Health care reform is one of our nation’s most pressing domestic issues today. Last year the National MS Society adopted new national health care reform principles to serve as a platform to shape the policies that affect people with MS and their families. These cornerstone principles include accessible health care coverage, affordable health care services, access to high-quality, long-term care services and the elimination of disparities in care.

Learn more about the National MS Society’s federal priorities at www.nationalMSsociety.org/advocacy.

VOLUNTEERS

Veteran volunteers share Bike MS memories Bike MS events have created many memories for participants. But Bike MS rides can be just as memorable for the volunteers who work behind the scenes to make each ride go off without a hitch. Two veteran Bike MS volunteers shared some of their favorite memories with the Minnesota Chapter.

Craig Hanson, a volunteer ride marshal for Bike MS events, got involved as a way to support friends living with multiple sclerosis. Since the inception of Bike MS: Star Tribune TRAM Ride 20 years ago, Hanson has Craig Hanson volunteered for every ride but one. The one year he missed was because of his own wedding.

As a ride marshal, Hanson rides the entire route to ensure the safety of cyclists, which is one of his favorite things about The Ride Across Minnesota. “TRAM gives me a chance to see all different parts of the state, but at a much slower pace than if I were driving a car,” Hanson said.

Hanson, who says the northern routes are his favorite, also looks forward to meeting new people every year and reconnecting with old friends. Hanson also has raised nearly $50,000 for the MS Society.

Curt Muller (middle)

For Curt Muller, a 12-year TRAM intersection safety volunteer, the weatherrelated memories stick out the most.

Muller remembers a close call on the 2003 TRAM Ride in Redwood Falls, Minn., when he and other volunteers and staff had to escort hundreds of cyclists to safety shelters due to a tornado warning.

During the 2005 ride, while staying in Biwabik, Minn., Muller recalls waking up to find ice on the windshield of his motor home. That morning, cyclists also woke up to find their bikes covered in ice. “As it turns out, that was the coldest day ever recorded in July,” Muller said.

Volunteer opportunities Bike MS: Larkin Hoffman MS 150 Ride June 12-14

Ride MS: Motorcycle Tour Aug. 15-16

MS Camp Aug. 23-28

Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities Sept. 11-13

Movement Ambassador Ongoing

Telephone bank Ongoing Learn more about volunteer opportunities at www.MSsociety.org.

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GIVING

Every step matters There are exactly 117 steps leading to the vacation cottage that Mary Lynn McGinley and her husband, Dennis, rent every year in Wisconsin. Mary Lynn is grateful she can still complete all those steps. While it may not pose a challenge to most people, to those living with multiple sclerosis, 117 steps can be an extraordinary feat.

Mary Lynn was diagnosed with MS in 1998, after experiencing a bout of optic neuritis.

Shortly after her diagnosis, she picked up an MS Society brochure from her neurologist’s office and soon became connected with a self-help group in her area — the St. Paul Care to Share group. Today, Mary Lynn serves as a co-facilitator of the group.

Mary Lynn believes self-help groups and other MS Society programs provide a valuable opportunity to connect people with MS to others who understand the challenges of the disease — people who understand just how daunting 117 steps can be.

That’s why the McGinleys make gifts to the National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter whenever they can — to help drive research for a cure and fund programs that connect people with MS to those who understand the day-to-day challenges.

Mary Lynn and Dennis are members of the Minnesota Chapter’s Discovery Circle, a special group of donors who help lead the way in funding programs, services and research with their annual outright gifts of $250 or more. To Mary Lynn, making small gifts here and there to the MS Society is a lot like walking up the steps to her cottage: it may not seem like a lot, but every contribution, no matter how small, can amount to big progress for the MS movement.

“We get more out of the MS Society than what we put in,” Mary Lynn said. “I wish we could give more.”

LEARN MORE To learn more about joining the Discovery Circle, contact Rachel Hughes at 612-335-7965 or rhughes@MSsociety.org.

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CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT

Dedicated companies, well-rounded support The enormous success of Bike MS: Larkin Hoffman MS 150 Ride since its inception 30 years ago is due in part to generous support from corporate partners. Financial support from dozens of companies helps to make the ride a reality, but companies whose employees volunteer along the route make the event run smoothly from start to finish — unloading supply trucks, setting up tents, serving snacks, mixing energy drinks, hauling water, hanging banners and even cleaning up trash.

Andersen Windows

In addition to providing financial support and volunteers, many Larkin Hoffman MS 150 corporate partners even recruit a company team for the ride. Each of the following companies provides three-fold support to Bike MS: Larkin Hoffman MS 150 Ride through a restricted financial contribution, volunteer support and a company team that raises funds to help end multiple sclerosis.

sponsor since 2005

sponsor since 2002

Assurant

sponsor since 2005

C.H. Robinson Worldwide sponsor since 2002

Comcast

sponsor since 1991

Donaldson Express Scripts sponsor since 2007

Larkin Hoffman Daly & Lindgren Ltd. title sponsor since 2007

Luther Westside Volkswagen sponsor since 2004

Private Bank Minnesota sponsor since 2008

Walman Optical sponsor since 2004

(top) Larkin Hoffman volunteers on the 2008 MS 150 Ride. (right) Donaldson volunteers prepare food for cyclists during the 2007 ride.

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from page 1

150 miles of memories

Two cyclists cross the finish line at the 1997 MS 150 Ride. That year, cyclists raised more than $800,000 to help end MS. Bike MS: Larkin Hoffman MS 150 Ride — a two-day, 150-mile ride from Proctor, Minn., to the Twin Cities — is the biggest weekend bike ride in Minnesota. Since its humble beginnings 30 years ago, the MS 150 has grown to be the single largest nonprofit organized bike ride in the country.

The Minnesota Chapter expects nearly 1,000 cyclists will participate in this year’s ride, July 26 to 31, and raise approximately $950,000.

Among the 1,000 participants, 16 will ride for their 20th consecutive year, including Ed and Jean Whitford of Little Falls, Minn.

The Whitfords first got involved with the ride because they loved cycling, but over time, they have met people who are personally affected

by MS, which they say has inspired them to keep riding. “You become aware of what people have to go through and it raises your awareness,” Ed said.

To commemorate the 20-year milestone, the 2009 ride takes cyclists back to a borderto-border route, similar to the original 1990 TRAM. Cyclists start in Ortonville, Minn., and travel through Montevideo, Minn., Redwood Falls, Minn., St. Peter, Minn., and New Prague, Minn., before crossing the finish line in Welch Village near Red Wing, Minn.

The Larkin Hoffman MS 150 Ride 2009 is set for June 12 to 14. This year the Minnesota Chapter expects more than 3,000 cyclists will participate in the 30th annual ride and raise more than $2.5 million.

20 years of Minnesota’s best Bike MS: Star Tribune The Ride Across Minnesota celebrates 20 years in 2009. The first TRAM Ride — then called “TRAM 250” — was held Jean and Ed Whitford, 20-year TRAM riders, in 1990. Since then the ride has attracted at the Mississippi headwaters during the thousands of cyclists year after year to 2007 TRAM Ride. experience the best of small-town Minnesota.

Learn more or register for a 2009 Bike MS event at bikeMSminnesota.org.

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CALENDAR

June 6

Moving Forward with MS, Mankato

June 12–14

Bike MS: Larkin Hoffman MS 150 Ride, Duluth to the Twin Cities

June 15–20

June 20

Youth Camp, Finland, Minn.

July 26–31

Bike MS: Star Tribune TRAM Ride, Ortonville, Montevideo, Redwood Falls, St. Peter, New Prague and Welch Village

Aug. 1

Moving Forward with MS, Minneapolis

Aug. 13

On the Move Luncheon, Minneapolis

Aug. 15–16

Ride MS: Motorcycle Tour, St. Paul, Telemark, Wis., and St. Croix, Wis.

Aug. 24–28

MS Camp, Maple Lake

Living with MS, Ely

Telephone consultations * Telephone consultations are free and by appointment only Family attorney consultations Rod Jensen, attorney at law June 23, July 28 and Aug. 25 Employment consultations Jennifer Johnson, tips on interviewing, resumes and more June 16, July 21 and Aug. 18

For information or to register 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

Employment discrimination/private disability consultations Denise Tataryn, attorney at law June 3, July 1 and Aug. 5 Financial planning consultations John Robinson, C.F.P.®, financial advisor June 15, July 20 and Aug. 17 TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867

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PAID

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

NEWS

MS Awareness Week makes local, national impact

People raised awareness about MS during an all-orange photo shoot, led by photographer Antonio Collodoro, on Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis.

During MS Awareness Week March 2 to 8, hundreds of people in Minnesota and western Wisconsin canvassed their communities with events, “street teams” and other activities to raise awareness about the disease. On the national stage, the week was marked by the first ever federal MS Awareness Week Resolution in Congress and received national media attention with public service announcements airing on digital billboards in Times Square and coverage on NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America and the CBS Early Show.

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