MNM_MSCxNFall2011

MINNESOTA CHAPTER

MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS | FALL 2011

Keep on climbing The ascent, which started July 13, brought climbers 19,341 feet above sea level. Graves climbed to 16,000 feet, where she was met by a case of acute mountain sickness and had to descend. Regardless of her bout with mountain sickness, Graves said, “This experience has changed my life, and if I can inspire or encourage even one person along the way, it will have been well worth it.”

After Graves was diagnosed with MS in 2009, she made sure it wouldn’t keep her from reaching any of her goals. The first question she asked her doctor was if she could continue to run. Fortunately, he gave her the go-ahead, and Graves has continued to participate in marathons, kayaking and now mountain climbing.

Brandis Graves

Brandis Graves, a Minnesota woman who lives with multiple sclerosis, just took on one of the world’s biggest and most beautiful challenges: Mount Kilimanjaro! A special expedition The Mount Kilimanjaro expedition was initiated visited Africa’s highest mountain in July to raise

by Lori Schneider, who made history in 2009 awareness of multiple sclerosis and give hope to as the first person with MS to reach the summit people living with the disease. continued on page 14

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

News Page 4

Volunteers Page 6

Research Page 8

Living Well with MS Page 10

612-335-7900 / 800-582-5296

Can you help us?

Publication of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

If you’re able to make an in-kind donation to the Minnesota Chapter, contact Teri at 612-335-7925 or teri.cannon@nmss.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 • Anna Kucera

Office and warehouse supplies n Power pallet jack

E-mail • editor@MSsociety.org

n MP-3 player

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 Electronic readers

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. © 2011 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

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(Kindle, Nook)

n Paper bags

n 1,200 lanyards

and clear nametag holders

n Fridge/freezer

(24.6 cu. ft., ice maker, frost free, reversible doors)

n Tissue paper

Emergency care package items for a person with MS

n Jump drives

n Phone cards

(gift, goodie bags)

(portable storage device)

n 18-gallon

storage bins

n Nursing 2011 drug

handbook

n Metro Mobility

tickets

n Gift cards for food

and daily living items (i.e. Cub, Target, Walgreens)

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 FROM THE PRESIDENT

No Opportunity Wasted

Mike Schrock Board Chair

It’s with great excitement I write to share with you the National MS Society’s new research campaign — NOW: No Opportunity Wasted Research Revolution. The Society has joined with Phil Keoghan from “The Amazing Race” to help lead this effort and has committed to raise $250 million by 2015 in support of MS research.

The Society conducted a survey with of thousands of donors, volunteers and people with MS across the country and realized an even greater need to supply more money for MS research, to provide an increased focus on progressive MS, and to support more scientists and clinicians interested in entering the field of MS. NOW is focused on three key areas: to STOP MS in its tracks, to RESTORE what’s been lost and to END MS forever. Advanced imaging and laboratory studies focused on tracking disease activity, and research on the immune molecules that launch attacks and the natural molecules that halt them are all ways the Society hopes to stop disease activity and prevent progression.

Identifying active molecules during the natural repair process and discovering new rehabilitation techniques will serve to restore function lost to nervous system damage. Finally, learning what triggers can cause or protect against MS, understanding how immune cells can be misguided and attack the brain, and gaining insight into genes’ role in MS will help end the disease forever.

I invite you to partner with us in our campaign to end multiple sclerosis NOW. You can become an MS Research Champion today by participating in a quick online training, watching a brand new research video filmed here in Minnesota and donating $30 toward NOW. You get your own NOW T-shirt and certificate when you finish. Wear it everywhere and ask your friends to join the MS research revolution!

It will take each and every one of us to make sure we reach our goal. Visit tinyurl.com/MSResearchChampion and get started.

Sincerely, Mike Schrock TOLL-FREE NUMBER 800 344 4867

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NEWS BRIEFS

What’s on MSConnection 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 “MSConnection News” on the left-hand side. From there, sort by topic or date.

n Take a quick survey

Take a survey about MSConnection, and let us know what you think about the publication you’re currently reading.

We need your input to shape the newsletter for future issues!

People can take the survey online at tinyurl.com/MSCsurveyMN or call 612-335-7918. Be ready to give your name, phone number and the best time of day to reach you, and a volunteer will return your call with a handful of questions.

Thank you in advance for your help! survey now.

Visit tinyurl.com/MSCsurveyMN to take the

Medicare “improvement standard” challenged For many people with MS, physical, speech or occupational therapy may be essential in preventing their abilities from deteriorating.

However, many of these folks have been denied medically necessary rehabilitation services for which they are eligible through Medicare because of something called the “improvement standard.”

The standard actually violates Medicare’s own official regulations, which state that “the restoration potential of a patient is not the deciding factor” for coverage and therapies which help prevent physical and cognitive 4

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deterioration or maintain optimal functioning, even if improvement is not expected, are to be covered.

This past January, a class-action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in Vermont, with the National MS Society as the first national health organization named plaintiff, and subsequently joined by the Alzheimer’s Association, United Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s Action Network and Paralyzed Veterans of America. The lawsuit seeks to assure that a person’s “improvement” status is not a basis for denying ongoing therapy services.

The outcome of the lawsuit will be reported online in the “Government News” section at nationalMSsociety.org/advocacy.

NEWS BRIEFS

Potential anti-spasticity treatment boosted by the Society’s Fast Forward program Key early-stage research on an oral treatment for spasticity, the painful and debilitating muscle spasms associated with MS, is underway at Canbex Therapeutics. The UK-based company received a $2.8 million Translation Award in March 2011, from the Wellcome Trust, a global charitable foundation,

to support this research. The work is being led by David Baker, Ph.D., an MS investigator under the National MS Society’s Promise: 2010 initiative. The Canbex spasticity program is supported by the Society’s Fast Forward initiative to move this potential therapy toward clinical trial more quickly.

Upcoming program highlights 20s and 30s social outing, Sept. 3, noon, Shakopee

Stay independent with home modifications, Sept. 10, 10-11:30 a.m.

Experience the excitement of horse racing at Canterbury Park with other people in their 20s and 30s who understand an MS diagnosis. Friends and family are also invited. Enjoy good food and even better company! To RSVP, contact Jill at 612-335-7938 or jill.parkinson@nmss.org.

Mark this unique tele-program on your calendar as home modification experts discuss simple ways to improve your quality of life. Learn how ramps, stair lifts, roll-in showers, ceiling lifts and other assistive technologies can help people with MS maximize their independence. Plus, get information about the Minnesota Chapter’s financial assistance grants, which can help with modification costs.

Call 866-417-3327 (code 6034762475) at 10 a.m. to join.

Connect locally: Adapting exercise or yoga, Sept. 6, 11:30 a.m., Duluth

Grieving lost dreams, welcoming new ones; Sept.17, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., St. Cloud

In addition to being essential to general health and well-being, exercise is helpful in managing many MS symptoms. More and more MS experts agree that yoga, with its emphasis on relaxation, breathing, stretching and deliberate movements, may be a good choice of exercise for some.

Join Robin Davidson, P.T., for a discussion and demonstrations on adapting exercise and yoga.

To RSVP, contact Bev at 218-624-1212 or bevs2@juno.com.

Whether you care for a person with MS or live with the disease yourself, MS can upset expectations and disrupt dreams. Learn strategies for facing challenges of the disease and attend afternoon breakout sessions addressing the needs of care partners as well as men and women living with MS. Register online at MSsociety.org or call 800-582-5296 (choose option one) by Sept. 12. continued on page 13

TOLL-FREE NUMBER 800 344 4867

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NEWS BRIEFS

Nominate your care partner and health care heroes Submit your nominations for the National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter’s Starfish and Luminary awards before the Sept. 23 deadline.

The Luminary Award recognizes the support, guidance and compassion of outstanding care

partners. Nominations may include a spouse, partner, child, parent, friend or anyone else who goes out of his or her way to bring joy to the life of a person with MS. The Starfish Award honors a neurologist, physician, nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, family counselor or any health care professional who consistently goes above and beyond his or her responsibilities to make a difference in the lives of people with MS. Visit MSSociety.org to complete your nominations.

volunteers

Upcoming volunteer opportunities Mud Run MS Twin Cities presented

by Subaru — Sept. 8 (4–8 p.m.) and 9 (8 a.m.–10 p.m.), Grumpy’s Bar & Grill, Roseville, and Sept. 10 at Trollhaugen Ski & Snowboard Resort, Dresser, WI Volunteers are needed to help with check-in Thursday and Friday and on the course Saturday.

Emerging MS Therapies Program — Sept. 17, Bloomington Assist with check-in at the beginning of the program.

Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities — Sept. 23-25, Twin Cities metro Give us a hand with this three-day walk that travels through Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Roseville and St. Paul.

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Run to Stop MS (Twin Cities Marathon) — Oct. 2, Minneapolis We’re looking for people to encourage our runners at the National MS Society cheering station along the route. Rowdiness is required!

Care Partner Appreciation Dinner — November, Twin Cities metro Help with check-in at the beginning of the annual dinner to recognize the importance of care partners.

Want to learn more about volunteering with the Society? Contact Will at 612-335-7992 or will.ziegenhagen@nmss.org.

ADVOCACY

Why attend a town hall meeting?

You’ve likely heard about town hall meetings, but do you know what they are and why they’re so important? Check out these frequently asked questions and get answers. Plus, look at the schedule below for a meeting near you.

What’s the purpose of a town hall meeting?

Town hall meetings are a way for a group of citizens to get together, hear from elected officials, ask questions, listen to stories and meet people in their community who share the same concerns.

What can I expect when I go to a meeting?

politics and more about people discussing issues that are important to them. It’s an excellent opportunity for a dialogue to take place between community members and elected officials. You may even be inspired to get involved with an issue that interests you!

This fall, the Minnesota Chapter is working with the Minnesota Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (MN-CCD) to hold town hall meetings across Minnesota. These meetings are a great way to meet your legislators, learn how the state budget affects people MS and other disabilities and get prepared to be an advocate in the 2012 session. n Moorhead, Sept. 15

Meetings are held in a well-known, accessible building in the community. You’ll typically listen to a presentation or to your elected officials speak. Afterward, you have the opportunity to ask questions and share your story.

n Bemidji, Oct. 4

I’m not comfortable sharing my story.

Can I just listen at the meeting?

n Worthington, Nov. 3

Certainly! Some people come to the meeting prepared to share their story and voice their concerns, but there’s no rule that says you have to speak up. Sometimes it’s interesting to just listen to the perspectives and stories of your community members. There’s a lot to learn from your neighbors.

n Rochester, TBD

I’m not very political. Why should I go to a meeting?

n Apple Valley/Burnsville, Oct. 10 n Willmar, Oct. 13 n St. Cloud, Oct. 17 n Duluth, Oct. 25 n Stillwater, TBD

For more information about town halls and getting involved with important issues in your community, contact Jenna at 612-335-7981 or jenna.washnieski@nmss.org.

For times and locations of town hall meetings across the state, visit tinyurl.com/MNtownhalls

Attending a town hall meeting can be an eyeopening experience. The meeting is less about TOLL-FREE NUMBER 800 344 4867

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research

Yuck factor: the sequel If drinking a glass of worm eggs could help with MS, people might just grimace and swallow.

Two recently published studies explore whether infection with relatively harmless parasitic worms, called helminths, can reduce disease activity.

and the study design made it difficult to draw firm conclusions about the treatment’s effectiveness. The second phase of this study is now under way.

In a previously reported Argentine study, Jorge Correale, M.D., and Mauricio Farez, M.D., at the Institute for Neurological Research, Buenos Aires, followed the disease course of 12 people with MS who ingested helminth eggs. They showed fewer relapses, better disability scores and lower MRI activity compared to uninfected people.

The idea stems from the “hygiene hypothesis,” which suggests an early lack of exposure to infectious agents may cause the immune system to later overreact and trigger MS.

In a follow-up study published in Journal of Neuroimmunology in January, the researchers report that in four infected participants who required antiparasitic treatment, MS symptoms and disease-related MRI activity subsequently increased. However, again, because the study was so small, further studies are needed to establish a direct link between parasites and improvements in MS.

In the first phase of a clinical trial (HelminthInduced Immunomodulation Therapy, or HINT) supported by the National MS Society, John Fleming, M.D., and colleagues at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, administered a drink containing helminth eggs to five people newly diagnosed with MS. The participants were then monitored with MRI scans.

Study results, published in Multiple Sclerosis Journal in March, showed participants tolerated the helminth treatment well and neurological symptoms did not get worse.

However, the small number of participants

Update on oral BG12 In April, Biogen Idec announced the experimental oral therapy BG-12 significantly reduced relapses in people with relapsing-remitting MS in a phase III trial.

American Academy of Neurology meeting The American Academy of Neurology’s (AAN) annual meeting, held April 9-16, in Honolulu, offered promising results about treatment of symptoms and better understanding of disease mechanisms. More than 500 presentations were given, including one by the 2011 John 8

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Dystel Prize for MS Research recipient, Dr. Brian Weinshenker with Mayo Clinic, related to his work toward understanding MS and the related disorder, neuromyelitis optica.

For more news from the AAN conference, go to nationalMSsociety.org/AANews.

LIVING well WITH MS

Wii and me

Excerpted from a story by Jonathan Rubin

Eighteen years ago, when I was 24, I lost the ability to compete. I’d played competitive sports my entire life. My competitive ability was taken away by my first major MS attack, one that left me dizzy, weak and bedridden (temporarily) for the first time in my life.

Soccer was my primary passion, with tennis and hockey following close behind. I was taught the “beautiful sport” of soccer first by Africans who lived in our apartment complex in Madison, Wis., when I was six. When my family moved to England for three years, I learned another version, English football. Then, back in the good ol’ U.S. of A., I played youth and varsity high school soccer. While at the University of California at Santa Cruz, I frequently played with members of the Banana Slugs Division III, but never went out for the team.

After my first MS attack, it took me a year to even kick a soccer ball (my legs were heavily affected). It was probably 18 months before a friend talked me into trying a pickup soccer game. I was a little slower, shakier and weaker, but it was soccer, by golly, and I loved it.

However, my MS has shifted into secondary progressive. I now walk with a cane and can only imagine playing in an actual soccer match. Tennis is a similar story. Running makes me dizzy and confused, neither of which is conducive to playing quality tennis.

Nintendo Wii gaming system again a champion (level 2000) tennis player. I can groundstroke endlessly, connect on every overhead slam and whip forehand winners crosscourt. I can serve big, rush the net and still backpedal to the baseline. I can sweat like a pig again! I’m, in a sense, complete.

I haven’t yet tried soccer and basketball on the Wii, and I’m not sure that Nintendo can capture the joy of those sports quite as well as they did with tennis. But I’m ready to start the PGA tour with Woods and Mickelson. Who wants to caddy?

Jonathan Rubin, who lives in Madison, Wis., is currently ranked 5,024 in the world on Wii Grand Slam Tennis and hopes to be number one by spring.

So this Christmas, my family and I bought the Wii Fit Plus game station from Nintendo.

Thanks to Wii, I can play golf, and I am once

TOLL-FREE NUMBER 800 344 4867

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LIVING well WITH MS

The benefits of denial Denial is not a river in Egypt. And it actually has a place in helping people absorb a diagnosis of MS. motivation and makes us less likely to adhere to treatment,” he said. “I encourage people to let go of the worst-case scenario and continue to live life, go to work, enjoy relationships and take some time to get used to having MS. Loved ones can help by giving their diagnosed friend or family member permission to deny and therefore cope.”

Denial allows people to take time to get used to a new situation and not focus on fears of what might happen down the road. “Denial gets a bad rap,” said David Rintell, Ed.D., a psychologist at Partners MS Center at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Mass., “but it can be very useful and is sometimes necessary.”

Denial is a very basic defense mechanism, explained Barbara Giesser, M.D., clinical director of the UCLA MS Program. “In the process of adapting to chronic illness, denial can be a useful first step in the process of acceptance.”

In fact, said Dr. Rintell, people who are unable to use denial may become disabled by anxiety.

“Hopelessness is destructive — it reduces

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However, said Dr. Giesser, denial doesn’t work long-term. “You have to move past denial in order to treat and make plans,” she cautioned.

“If instead of accepting your diagnosis, you believe the doctors made a mistake, you might not avail yourself of appropriate therapy for both disease and symptom management.”

To develop a sensible perspective, it’s important to get as much information as possible.

“Find a neurologist you can work with, who allows you to be active in your own care,” Dr. Giesser advised. “It’s less scary when you feel empowered.”

Dr. Rintell also suggested speaking with other people with MS or a professional with relevant experience. “After the initial shock, most people learn that MS can be a difficult illness, but they realize that they will be OK with it. Being optimistic turns out to be realistic.”

LIVING well WITH MS

Learn about primary-progressive MS There is more than one type of multiple sclerosis, and as people living with MS know, MS is different for everyone, regardless of diagnosis. One type of MS is known as primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS).

People diagnosed with PPMS make up nearly 10 percent of the population living with the disease. Those who live with PPMS experience a nearly continuous worsening of their disease from the onset, with no distinct relapses or remissions.

While other forms of MS may have very distinctive relapses or remissions, PPMS does not, making it more predictable then other forms of MS. Instead, there are variations in rate of progression over time, occasional plateaus and temporary minor improvements.

According to the McDonald criteria for a PPMS diagnosis, patients must have experienced one or more years of progressive neurological symptoms and no less than two of the of the following: a brain MRI showing lesions typical for MS, a spinal cord MRI showing lesions typical for MS and positive spinal tap.

Often, symptoms of PPMS don’t surface until age 40 or older, which is later than most forms of MS. Currently, there are no FDA-approved treatments for PPMS on the market. Since PPMS is not characterized by inflammation of the spinal cord, treatments for other forms of MS, which focus on reducing inflammation, are not successful.

For each person with PPMS, the rate of progression can be different. However, over time, patients with PPMS can expect to experience an increased difficulty in walking as a result of spastic paraparesis — the gradual stiffening of the legs. Tremors, numbness of the legs, weakness of one side of the body and balance problems may also be experienced. General symptoms of MS such as fatigue, memory loss and visual difficulties can also occur, and people with PPMS may notice problems with bladder, bowel and reproductive function over time as the disease progresses.

While the future for those with PPMS can be uncertain, many practical strategies can be taken to be prepared for the challenges of living with PPMS. Maintaining the ability to perform physical functions is important.

Physical and occupational therapy, exercise and regular stretching are all ways to facilitate continued mobility. Additionally, medications are available to alleviate other symptoms.

Learn more about living with PPMS, how it differs from other forms of MS and what research is being done on this type of MS at tinyurl.com/PPMSinfo

TOLL-FREE NUMBER 800 344 4867

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LIVING well WITH MS

Ten tips for hiring home help

By Al Tainsky Here are a few of my tips to finding your

own Mr. Wizard.

1. Have applicants supply the names, addresses and phone numbers of three personal or work references.

2. Hire someone with a clean driving record.

3. Have him or her agree to give one month’s notice — and do the same.

Respect, honesty, compassion, compatibility and civility are core ingredients of a successful caregiving relationship. But a sense of humor and a soupçon of soul don’t hurt either.

I was diagnosed with MS in 1987, but I trace the disease back to the 1950s and a summer so hot it melted the tar on Anderson Avenue in the Highbridge section of the Bronx.

4. Don’t hire an alcoholic. (I expect my caregivers to be clean and sober in my home.)

5. Keep food separate. (Sometimes we eat together, sometimes we don’t.)

6. The caregiver’s room should hold all the caregiver’s goods. (I have no room for storage and nothing should hinder my movement in my home.)

For nigh on 20 years, I have hired, fired and lived with caregivers. I call my current livein caregiver Mr. Wizard. His technical and computer skills are remarkable. He has a sense of humor and he taught Sunday school for about 14 years. His younger sister has an intellectual disability and the love he feels for her shows a man of substance.

7. No sleepovers and no inviting friends over without permission. (I need night coverage and that is non-negotiable.)

Al Tainsky was a journalist and sometime writer of comedy when he was diagnosed with MS 24 years ago. He continued to live independently and to write articles for Momentum magazine, Real Living with MS and other disability publications. He died of a heart attack in February.

We will miss his smarts and his spirit.

10. Don’t surrender control of your life to anyone. Need help? Call a friend, call a relative, call the Society, call the closest Independent Living Center, and if necessary, call the police.

8. Keep your computer and printer for your personal use only.

9. If a caregiver steals, lies or cheats, make a plan for coverage before firing the miscreant, so you’re not left on your own.

Wondering how to afford a caregiver? Call 800-344-4867 to talk to an MS Navigator®.

Also, visit nationalMSsociety.org for the brochure: “Hiring Help at Home.”

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Giving

Make a gift through payroll deduction Help move us closer to a world free of MS with a simple gift through payroll deduction.

Your donation helps fund critical programs and services for families affected by the disease from information and support to financial assistance.

Chapter directly. If your workplace participates in the Community Health Charities campaign, please choose the National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter to receive your gift. Or, if you participate in a United Way campaign, simply write in a designation to the National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter. Your campaign coordinator can help you.

For more information, please contact Chris at Does your employer participate in workplace giving? If so, your gift through payroll deduction 612-335-7965 or chris.neher@nmss.org. can benefit the National MS Society, Minnesota

Join Golden Circle The National MS Society’s Golden Circle honors donors who give $1,000 or more annually with a non-event gift. Golden Circle members have the chance to experience many unique opportunities, access to chapter and national leadership, invitations to exclusive local and national special events and offers to listen in on Society conference calls about the latest progress in MS research.

Last year marked the beginning of the Golden Circle program in Minnesota and more than 120 people have already become members. This year, Minnesota Golden Circle members got the chance to have lunch with Dr. Moses Rodriguez, a leading MS researcher with Mayo Clinic.

Consider joining Golden Circle and connecting with others who are also passionate about supporting people living with MS. For more information, contact Chris Neher at 612-335-7965 or chris.neher@nmss.org.

continued from page 5

Live fully, live well Oct. 15, 8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m., Bloomington Join the Minnesota Chapter and Can Do Multiple Sclerosis for a new comprehensive wellness program. This free, one-day event

is designed for people living with MS and their care partners. Register online at tinyurl.com/livefullylivewell or call Ron at 800-367-3101, ext. 1277.

TOLL-FREE NUMBER 800 344 4867

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CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT

Retail partners help mobilize the millions for MS and Diane Schlecht started the “Charity of the Month” program. Their customers can donate $1 with each coupon they redeem. Employees each nominated a charity and the winners were drawn from a hat to narrow their choices down to 12.

Crafts Direct is a family owned retail craft store in Waite Park, Minn. This year owners John

Amy Childs, who works at Crafts Direct and lives with MS, chose Walk MS: St. Cloud to receive May contributions. What a surprise when the Minnesota Chapter received $11,700 in June! Not only did Crafts Direct raise a great deal of money to support people living with MS in St. Cloud, they also spread awareness by promoting the National MS Society in their store, on their website, in email newsletters and with their advertising.

Sam’s Club joined the movement to end MS by fundraising in 600 clubs across the country. Ben Wolff, merchandising manager at the Fridley store, said, “Food is always a good way to fundraise with customers.”

More than 50 associates volunteered their time to sell coffee and cookies for a suggested price of $1. They were amazed how many customers shared a story about a loved one who lives with MS and donated more than $1. At the end of six short weeks, the Fridley location raised more than $10,000! Nationwide, Sam’s Club raised nearly $1.2 million for MS and spread MS awareness to millions of customers.

Nicole Olesen, Walk MS: St. Cloud coordinator

continued from page 1

of Mount Everest. According to Schneider, the purpose of the project was “about giving hope to those diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease, reminding them that life can still be full of excitement.”

Graves’ hope is that her motivation to maintain an active lifestyle after she was diagnosed will

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inspire others living with MS to keep climbing and reach their goals, whatever they are.

You can read Graves’ blog about her journey at brandisgraves.blogspot.com

CALENDAR

Sept. 10

Mud Run MS Twin Cities presented by Subaru

Sept. 23-25 Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities Oct. 2

Run to Stop MS Check out a list of upcoming community fundraising events 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 Call chapter to schedule appointment.

Employment discrimination/private disability consultations Denise Tataryn, attorney at law Sept. 1, Oct. 6, Nov. 3, Dec. 1

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 Ann: 612-335-7975

Financial planning consultations John Robinson, C.F.P.速, financial advisor Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12 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.

TOLL-FREE NUMBER 800 344 4867

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FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND OR HANDICAPPED

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

SEPT. 10, 2011 TROLLHAUGEN SKI & SNOWBOARD RESORT; DRESSER, WI 16

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Nonprofit US Postage

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Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 1759

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

SEPT. 10, 2011 TROLLHAUGEN SKI & SNOWBOARD RESORT; DRESSER, WI

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