MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS September-October 2008
Volume 21 • Issue 5
Minnesota Chapter
Chapter awards scholarships to 39 area students
T
he economic impact of multiple sclerosis on families can delay or prevent qualified students from attending college, but the National Multiple Sclerosis Society believes MS shouldn’t stand in the way of an education. In 2008 the National MS Society Scholarship Program awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarships to students across the country. The Minnesota Chapter alone granted 39 scholarships — totaling $80,000 — to help college-bound students touched by MS in the local area pursue post-secondary education. Of the 39, 15 were first-year scholarships. Meet two of this year’s recipients.
Elena Glass, Roseville, Minn.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Elena Glass graduated from Roseville
Events Page 8
Volunteers Page 9
Area High School, where she was active in musicals, speech team and choir. One of her fondest childhood memories is playing “sock fights” with her father. When Glass was 14, her father was diagnosed with MS. The onset of physical changes that ensued — including fatigue, tremor, cognitive decline and difficulty speaking — took a severe emotional toll on the entire family. But over time, Glass, and her family, learned to cope with the many challenges of the disease. Glass says her father’s MS forced her to find qualities in herself she didn’t know existed, and while her father can no longer play “sock fights,” they have found new ways to spend time together. “Instead of hurling socks at each other in the living room, we read together, have long conversations about religion and philosophy and watch Grey’s Anatomy every Thursday,” Glass said. continued on Page 14
Giving Page 11
Research Page 12
Can you help us? 612-335-7900 / 800-582-5296 Publication of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter 200 12th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55415 Chair Karen Larson Chapter President Maureen Reeder Newsletter Editor Emily Wilson E-mail editor@mssociety.org 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. Sponsorship of society programs or events does not connote that the National Multiple Sclerosis Society recognizes superiority in products or services provided by the sponsoring entity over other entities providing like or similar products or services. To obtain an audio tape of MS Connection, call Timothy Holtz at the Minnesota Chapter. © 2008 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter
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The Minnesota Chapter is always looking for in-kind donations. If you are able to donate any items on the list below, please call the chapter.
Office supplies
n gift baskets for men
n address labels
n gift baskets for
(1 inch by 2 5/8 inch) n black permanent
markers n copy paper (various
colors, sizes needed) n envelopes (various
sizes needed) n file folders (regular
and hanging)
Other supplies n 5 megapixal or greater
digital cameras n baby monitors n bar and laundry soap n CDs and DVDs n external DVD burner n first aid supplies
(call for details)
women n kitchen supplies
(call for details) n lanyards n Metro Mobility tickets n paper cups n plastic gloves n restaurant/store gift
certificates and other prizes n school supplies n sunscreen n themed decorations
(western, Valentine’s Day, big city and baseball) n toiletries n toolbox
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 Understanding MS from the very beginning
S
ince the first case of multiple sclerosis was documented centuries ago, many discoveries have Maureen Reeder been made along the way Chapter President — most of which occurred in the last 20 years. For instance, not too long ago doctors believed children didn’t develop MS. But with the help of improved diagnostic tools, growing evidence shows it’s not as uncommon as we once thought. We now know that an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 children and adolescents in the U.S. live with the disease and children as young as age 2 can acquire MS and other demyelinating disorders. We also know there are some differences between children and adults with MS related to various symptoms and rate of disease progression. While discoveries like this are critical to the MS movement, what comes after is what really propels us forward. Every time we learn something new about MS, we uncover clues about the disease and the way it affects people. For the movement to gain ground, we must explore these leads. The National MS Society’s Promise: 2010 campaign was launched several years ago to explore highly promising areas of MS research. One of these four targeted areas is pediatric MS. To improve quality of care for young people with the disease and dramatically increase our understanding of pediatric MS, the society developed six regional pediatric MS care centers across
the country, including one at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. These new pediatric MS clinics are spearheading an international collaborative research effort to find clues about MS when it first presents itself. By joining forces with researchers around the world and reaching out to this relatively small subset of the MS population, we are leading the way to new discoveries, not only in pediatric MS, but the disease as a whole. I encourage you to explore this promising area of research yourself. On Page 13, read an interview with Dr. Nancy Kuntz, co-director of the Mayo Pediatric MS Clinic and member of the International Pediatric MS Study Group. And learn more about the Network of Pediatric MS Centers of Excellence and the latest progress in pediatric MS research on Page 6. Thank you to our many supporters and volunteers who make efforts like the new pediatric MS centers become reality.
LEARN MORE mayoclinic.org/multiple-sclerosis/ children.html nationalMSsociety.org/pediatricms
TOLL FREE NUMBER 800 582 5296
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NEWS BRIEFS
Be the next face of the “Why Women?” campaign The “Why Women?” campaign explores gender-related MS research and shares the stories of nine extraordinary women living with the disease. Do you know a strong woman with MS? Nominate yourself or another woman to be one of three new faces of the campaign, which includes being featured at the MS Annual Convention. The deadline is Sept. 19. Complete the nomination at www.MSsociety.org or answer the following questions and mail your response to Attn: Jenna Washnieski, National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter, 200 12th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415.
1. Your name, phone number and/or e-mail
address
2. Nominee’s name, phone number and/or e-mail address 3. Relationship to nominee 4. What makes this woman strong? 5. What makes this woman unique? 6. What can this woman teach others about MS?
Pharmaceutical companies join the MS movement Biogen Idec and EMD Serono have signed on as new sponsors of the Minnesota Chapter’s Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities, a three-day, 50-mile walk in the Twin Cities to help end MS. Biogen Idec is a gold level sponsor and EMD Serono is a silver level sponsor. The chapter also acknowledges that the care management program recently received two grants — one from Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals and
another from Biogen Idec. These grants will support, in part, the educational services provided to people with MS by social workers. Chapter social workers — or MS experts — are available to connect people with MS to resources and answer questions about living with the disease, housing options, Social Security, employment and more.
Attend the 2008 National Conference The Minnesota Chapter, in collaboration with the North Central States Chapter, provides an all-inclusive motorcoach package to the National MS Society’s 2008 National Conference Nov. 5 to 7 in Chicago. Cost is $790 per person and includes conference fees, meals, motorcoach and a double occupancy 4
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hotel room. Two routes are available Tuesday, Nov. 4. Route one departs from St. Cloud and Minneapolis and route two from Albert Lea and Rochester. The deadline to register is Oct. 15. To learn more or make reservations, contact Timothy Holtz at 612-335-7930 or tholtz@mssociety.org.
NEWS
Live webcasts for young adults with MS
T
he National MS Society, in partnership with MS LifeLines®, will hold its third annual “Real Talk. Real Answers. Living with MS in Your 20s and 30s” series. The series, which includes two live webcasts Sept. 16 and Nov. 18, is designed to give young adults living with multiple sclerosis a chance to take part in candid conversation about “real” topics that matter such as communicating with family and friends about MS, finding meaningful ways to get involved in support networks, learning to be your own best advocate, personal planning and more.
If you are unable to participate in a live webcast, the information will be posted at www.RealTalkRealAnswers.com after the event.
Each webcast includes an expert presenter, Real Talk. Real Answers. Living with MS moderator and a group of young adults in Your 20s and 30s is brought to you with MS for an interactive panel discussion by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society including a question and answer session and MS LifeLines®, a free resource sponsored that allows “virtual” participants to submit by EMD Serono and Pfizer. questions in real-time. You will be able to participate live from wherever you are Program topics and dates: — virtually. Tuesday, Sept. 16, 7 p.m.: Building your Access the live webcast events at Future with Life Coach Caitlin Anderson www.RealTalkRealAnswers.com. Visit the site today to register and check out Tuesday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m.: Building other resources about living with MS and Maintaining Connections with in your 20s and 30s, including tips from Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor from the opinion leaders, journal entries from UCLA MS Achievement Center your peers who are living with MS and much more.
TOLL FREE NUMBER 800 582 5296
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NEWS
Pediatric MS: Where are we now?
I
n 2004 the National MS Society launched Promise: 2010, a targeted research campaign to raise $30 million to support four vital, underexplored areas, including pediatric multiple sclerosis. Two years later the society established a first-of-its-kind nationwide network of six Pediatric MS Centers of Excellence, including one at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., to care for children, under 18, with MS and other central nervous system demyelinating conditions. The centers work to set the highest standard for pediatric MS care, develop resources for families, health care professionals and the public, and gather critical data to help researchers better understand the course of MS in young people. This June the Minnesota Chapter invited society staff and health care professionals throughout the region to attend an open house at the Mayo Clinic Pediatric MS Center to learn about this vital service for families and progress made in diagnosing, treating, and understanding pediatric MS.
Progress in care, education and research Since opening in 2006, more than 600 children have received services at one of the regional centers. The network of centers also established work groups to achieve consensus on protocols for collecting data, MR imaging, and neuropsychological testing. A comprehensive brochure about pediatric MS and the Pediatric MS Centers of Excellence was developed to educate the health care community and families with children living with MS. In addition, pediatric center staff have given more than 40 scientific presentations to share new information about pediatric MS and related disorders to improve quality of life and care for children and their families. Another project in the pipeline could greatly improve our understanding of pediatric MS, and as result, the disease overall. The network is working with an outside company to create a national pediatric MS data center to store, monitor, and analyze aggregate data collected by each center. See Page 13 for an interview with Dr. Nancy Kuntz, co-director of the Mayo Pediatric MS Center. To learn more about pediatric MS and the Pediatric MS Centers of Excellence, visit www.mayoclinic.org/multiple-sclerosis/ children.html or www.nationalMSsociety.org/ pediatricms.
Open house attendees observed a mural done by a local artist on display at the Mayo Clinic’s pediatric MS center.
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ADVOCACY
Be an activist, cast your vote
E
xercising your right to vote is one of the simplest ways to be an activist. When you cast your ballot on election day — regardless of whom you vote for, or for what reasons — you become your own advocate. Minnesota boasts the highest voter turnout rate in the U.S. but still shows a lower voter turnout among people with disabilities. According to the National Council on Disability however, voter turnout among people with disabilities increased from the presidential elections in 2000 to 2004. While voting accessibility has improved over time, people living with multiple sclerosis and other chronic conditions often still face barriers, whether it’s a lack of space for a motorized scooter, vision issues or fatigue. Here are some important things to know.
Voting guide for people with disabilities n The Help America Vote Act of 2002 requires
every polling place have at least one accessible voting booth, allowing people with disabilities to vote privately and independently. Call ahead to verify accessibility. n If your assigned polling place won’t work for
you, you can request an alternate location. n You may bring someone with you to
assist with reading and/or marking your ballot and election judges are available for assistance if needed. n If you need transportation, call your
political party, but do so in advance. n Absentee voting is an option for people
unable to leave their homes. Return your absentee ballot before the deadline, which is usually several days before Election Day. To learn more or have an absentee ballot mailed to you, visit www.sos.state.mn.us.
n If you are unable to leave your car to enter
the polling place, “curbside voting” is available. Election judges will bring a ballot and any registration materials to you. For more details about Election Day, including eligibility requirements, polling locations, registration and more, visit www.vote411.org. Or visit www.sos.state. mn.us/home/index.asp for Minnesota or http://elections.state.wi.us/ for Wisconsin or call 1-877-600-VOTE.
2008 ELECTION CRIB SHEET When do I vote? General election: Nov. 4 Where do I vote? To find your polling place and district information, call your county auditor’s office or visit http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/. TOLL FREE NUMBER 800 582 5296
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EVENTS
Announcing first-annual Walk MS, Bike MS Cup winners
T
his year the Minnesota Chapter announced an exciting new competition for Walk MS and Bike MS teams. The Walk MS Cup and Bike MS Cup are coveted, traveling trophies awarded yearly to Walk MS and Bike MS teams based on the amount of money raised, pledge average for the current year, percentage of fundraising growth from the previous year and percentage of team member growth from the previous year. Winners of the cups are determined mainly on a team’s growth, which makes it possible for any team to win, no matter how big or small. The Minnesota Chapter is pleased to announce winners for this year’s Walk MS: Christopher & Banks Walk presented by Anchor Bank and Bike MS: Larkin Hoffman MS 150 Ride.
Magic Pennies Led by Michelle Smith, of Cottage Grove, Minn., team Magic Pennies walks for Smith’s mom, Penny Quinn, who has lived with multiple sclerosis for more than 25 years. Smith and her husband, Duane, have participated in the Christopher & Banks Twin Cities Walk for 18 years. Several years after the couple first got involved, many family members and friends joined as well. Since the team’s official inception in 1997, Magic Pennies has raised more than $82,000. This year the team raised nearly $17,500.
Larkin Hoffman Team Larkin Hoffman is the Bike MS Cup winner for the Larkin Hoffman MS 150 Ride 2008. In the past two years, Team Larkin Hoffman, also title sponsor of the ride, has doubled in size and surpassed its fundraising goals. As a rookie team in 2007, captain Gary Van Cleve recruited 48 new participants and the team raised more than $40,000. In 2008, the team grew to 110 cyclists, raising more than $77,000. Larkin Hoffman seized the opportunity to unite employees, clients, friends and family to ride 150 miles together and help achieve a world free of MS.
Photograph by Kim Morris, ©2008
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VOLUNTEERS
22 years of volunteering, thousands of thank-yous “When you volunteer, you become part of a family, I have made some great friends through my time volunteering.” — Wally Kirchoff
W
ally Kirchoff first volunteered for a Minnesota Chapter event in 1986, several years after his wife, Linda, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Kirchoff was drawn to volunteer because it offered him a way to support a cause that hit close to home. More than two decades later, volunteering has become more gratifying than he ever imagined. Today, Kirchoff is a staple on Bike MS rides and Walk MS: Christopher & Banks Twin Cities Walk presented by Anchor Bank. As lead volunteer of the intersection safety teams, Kirchoff coordinates groups of dedicated volunteers who monitor various points along Bike MS and Walk MS routes to ensure participants have a safe and enjoyable experience, from start to finish. Linda also assists Kirchoff with his pre-event work by facilitating communication with intersection team members. Some years, Linda has even accompanied her husband on the events to help conduct radio and cell phone communications. Kirchoff says that at first, volunteering was a fun way to get involved in the MS movement, but since then, has come
LEARN MORE Contact Will Ziegenhagen at 612-335-7992 or wziegenhagen@MSsociety.org to learn more about volunteering.
Wally Kirchoff, intersection safety volunteer at Bike MS: Star Tribune TRAM Ride 2008.
to mean much more to him personally. Volunteering, he says, gives him the chance to say thank-you to some very important people: the riders, for helping to raise funds to support MS research and programs for people with MS; his fellow volunteers, for helping to ensure the events run smoothly; and most importantly, to Linda, who Kirchoff calls his inspiration. “When you volunteer, you become part of a family,” Kirchoff said. “I have made some great friends through my time volunteering.” If you are interested in volunteering for a Bike MS or Walk MS event, be sure to expect a heartfelt “thank-you” from Kirchoff.
Volunteer opportunities Sept. 12-14, Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities Three-day walk in the Twin Cities. Crew member and other volunteer opportunities are available. TOLL FREE NUMBER 800 582 5296
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CORPORaTE SPOTLIGHT
Local business leaders support MS youth programs
The Cub Foods Community Foundation is devoted to two key initiatives designed to make a difference in local communities — hunger relief and youth education. As part of its commitment to youth education, the foundation supports the National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter Scholarship Program, which helps local youth affected by multiple sclerosis pursue a college education (see cover story). “Strong, healthy communities don’t just happen. We create them — all of us — not just with words, but with action,” said Lee Ann Jorgenson, Community Relations Manager for Cub Foods, a SUPERVALU company. “We set goals that we know will make a difference; we aim our efforts at achieving them; and then work together to make our communities better, stronger and healthier.” In addition to supporting youth education, the foundation also assists local food shelves by providing donated food items. Cub Foods currently operates 75 stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa.
SUPERVALU INC. is also a supporter of the chapter’s scholarship program. SUPERVALU — one of Minnesota’s top public companies — is committed to affecting positive change in the communities its employees live and work. SUPERVALU has a significant presence nationwide through its regional distribution centers and thousands of retail grocery stores.
Wal-Mart is another company committed to making an impact in the communities it serves. Based on the company’s philosophy to “operate globally, give back locally,” the Wal-Mart Foundation supports organizations that provide opportunities for individuals and families to live better. The following Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club locations made significant contributions to 2008 MS Youth Camp: Blaine, Coon Rapids, Detroit Lakes, Hastings, Hudson, Wis., Inver Grove Heights, Oak Park Heights, Red Wing and the St. Cloud Sam’s Club. By supporting youth now, Wal-Mart hopes to help lay the ground work for future generations.
GET INVOLVED If your company would like to support chapter youth programs, contact Teri Cannon at 612-335-7925 or tcannon@MSsociety.org.
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GIVING
Money matters after an MS diagnosis
A
fter a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, financial stability, much like the disease itself, can seem uncertain. But by seeking expert help to examine financial and estate plans, insurance coverage, housing needs and more, it is possible to achieve financial peace of mind.
“Taking action can really help people prepare for the certainty of uncertainty and thereby conquer fear,” said Gregory Anderson, a senior financial advisor and chartered retirement planning counselor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. After Anderson’s neighbor was diagnosed with MS, he decided to join the MS movement by volunteering on the Minnesota Chapter’s development committee. He also is a top fundraiser, team captain and gold level sponsor for Bike MS: Star Tribune TRAM Ride. According to Anderson, when it comes to managing personal finances, it is critical to build a team of trusted professional advisors, which may include a financial planner, accountant, case worker or attorney. “You manage your MS symptoms with the help of an expert health care team. Why would you approach your financial situation differently?” he said. Anderson encourages each of his clients to focus on estate planning as a priority, regardless of the size of the estate. This means making sure the proper paperwork is in place, including a will, durable power of attorney and health care proxy.
Greg anderson, ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
“Making a plan now that spells out how your loved ones and favorite causes — like the National MS Society — will be cared for when you are gone is essential,” Anderson said. Life insurance is also an important element of the estate plan, especially for parents and couples. “Ask your team of advisors to help you determine how much life insurance is enough and what options are available to you,” he said. To learn more about financial planning and to get a free copy of “Adapting: Financial Planning for a Life with Multiple Sclerosis,” visit www.MSsociety.org (click on Living with MS, then Insurance and Money Matters). To learn how you can include the society in your estate plans, contact Shannon at 612-335-7928 or swolkerstorfer@MSsociety.org.
TOLL FREE NUMBER 800 582 5296 11
RESEARCH
Use complementary/alternative therapies? NIH says it’s time to talk
A
ccording to some estimates, as many as 60 percent of people with multiple sclerosis use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). And at least one survey suggests only one-third of CAM users inform their health care providers, which can lead to dangerous drug interactions, a potential misreading of symptoms and an overall lack of coordinated care.
It is time to talk about CAM, says the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine of the National Institutes of Health, which recently launched the “Time to Talk” campaign to encourage open discussion about CAM between patients and health care providers. CAM includes products and practices — such as herbal supplements, meditation, chiropractic care and acupuncture — that come from various disciplines and traditions outside the realm of conventional medicine. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine provides these tips for people using CAM: n Include all therapies and treatments
you use when filling out a medical history form. n Tell your health care providers about
all of your therapies or treatments, including over-the-counter and prescription medicines and herbal and dietary supplements.
n If you are considering a new CAM therapy,
ask your health care providers about safety, effectiveness and possible interactions with any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
LEARN MORE Visit www.nationalMSsociety.org and search “CaM” for tips including a medicine tracking worksheet and the latest safety data on specific complementary therapies. The “Time to Talk” campaign offers free tools and resources such as wallet cards, posters and tip sheets. Visit www.nccam. nih.gov/timetotalk or call 1-888-644-6226.
Study shows oral drug reduces disease activity Treatment with oral Laquinimod, a product of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, reduced disease activity by 40.4 percent compared with inactive placebo in a phase 2 study of 306 people with relapsing-remitting MS. Laquinimod is believed to affect the immune attack on the brain and spinal cord that occurs in MS. A phase 3 study of Laquinimod is underway in 1,000 people with relapsing-remitting MS. 12 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
“We are encouraged by the MRI data from this publication,” said Dr. John R. Richert, executive vice president of research and clinical programs for the National MS Society. “We look forward to seeing further clinical and safety data from the phase 3 study, which will help to determine if this treatment can be used safely and effectively in people with MS.”
RESEARCH
Research pipeline
T
o improve care for children with MS, the National MS Society launched a series of Pediatric MS Centers of Excellence, including one at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Nancy Kuntz, M.D., is a child neurologist and co- Dr. Nancy Kuntz director at Mayo’s Pediatric MS Clinic. In an interview with the chapter, Kuntz explains the unique challenges and exciting potential of treating youth with MS.
What do we know about environmental triggers? We know the first 15 years of life impact whether someone will develop MS. It’s difficult to study triggers in adults because they aren’t always able to accurately recall their childhood environmental exposures.
are there benefits to studying children with MS?
I began child neurology in 1980 and started working with the Pediatric MS Clinic in 2006.
An advantage of pediatric MS research is having both the children and their parents available to provide details about environmental exposures. Additionally, we have parents and grandparents who are available to help us understand the genetic component by providing DNA samples.
What makes the Mayo Pediatric MS Clinic special?
Is there new pediatric MS research on the horizon?
How long have you worked in child neurology?
One strength is our multidisciplinary team which includes physical therapists, social workers, nurses, MS specialists, pediatric specialists and more. This core team helps us address the unique challenges of our patients.
What is the International Pediatric Study Group? It’s a group of pediatric and adult MS experts who work to improve communication and collaboration among researchers and clinicians.
Tell me one of the group’s priorities. We are looking at environmental triggers of MS. In identical-twin studies where one twin has MS, the other twin has a 30 percent risk of developing the disease. This tells us that there are factors besides genetics that modify risk.
The study group proposed a broad investigation to look at many details of the experience of children with MS, including urban versus rural lifestyle, diet, immunizations, sun and vitamin D exposure and infectious disease exposure so we can correlate those with disease onset and symptoms. With this information we ask probing questions about MS triggers. Ultimately, results from this type of study can help us make recommendations for prevention.
What do you do outside the clinic? I am the mother of four children between ages 18 and 27. My youngest just graduated from high school. I’m approaching this new phase in life by developing a more active lifestyle and getting back into a walking regimen. I also enjoy reading in my free time. TOLL FREE NUMBER 800 582 5296 13
NEWS
continued from Page 1
Glass plans to study vocal performance and psychology. She aspires to be a musician and may enter the field of music therapy. “I want to make others inspired and happy because of the music I create,” Glass said.
students affected by MS pursue their education through to a degree. To ensure the chapter’s ability to fund both new and renewed scholarships into the future, the chapter is working to establish an endowment to help secure a steady, annual stream of funding for years to come. To learn about making a donation to the scholarship program, contact Shannon at 612-335-7928 or swolkerstorfer@MSsociety.org.
Brittany Groess, Zimmerman, Minn. Brittany Groess, a 2006 graduate of Zimmerman High School, managed varsity football and basketball teams and volunteered as a bible camp counselor. After a brain tumor diagnosis at age 11, and several surgeries to follow, Groess faced another health challenge at age 19: She was diagnosed with MS. Symptoms of the disease have created new challenges in Groess’s life. Vision problems make it difficult to drive a car and perform her cashier job, and fatigue and balance issues affect her ability to be an active teenager. But Groess says her biggest frustration is that the MS diagnosis put her college education on hold. This fall however, Groess plans to join the surgical technician program at Anoka Technical College. “My MS diagnosis has been another setback for me but I will not let it stop me from reaching my goal,” Groess said. “I have survived a brain tumor and all that came with it, I will survive MS as well.”
Looking to the future The core philosophy of the Minnesota Chapter Scholarship Program is to help 14 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
Congratulations The Minnesota Chapter congratulates the 13 other first-year scholarship recipients in 2008: Anna Buckles, White Bear Township Kathryn Doty, Minneapolis Danielle Drazek, Little Canada Angela Egeland, Blaine Chantyl Hutton, St. Cloud Julie Juchno, Hudson, Wis. Abbey Nekola, Plymouth Samantha Nordeen, Woodbury Amanda Pfeffer, Hudson, Wis. Amanda Skeivik, Afton Amber Sumpter, Excelsior Claire Traynor, Star Prairie, Wis. Christina Trettel, Little Falls
LEARN MORE To learn more about all 39 scholarship recipients, visit the Client Programs page at www.MSsociety.org and click on family, care partner and youth programs.
CALENDAR
Sept. 12–14
Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities
Sept. 25–Oct. 4 Canadian Cruise Sept. 27 Housing and Independence Workshop, St. Cloud Oct. 10–12
Family Getaway, Alexandria
Oct. 18
Healthy Living with MS, Minneapolis
Nov. 5–7
2008 National Conference, Chicago
Nov. 21–23
MS Annual Convention, Minneapolis
Telephone consultations * Telephone consultations are free and by appointment only Family attorney consultations Rod Jensen, attorney at law Sept. 16 and Oct. 21 Employment consultations Jennifer Johnson, tips on interviewing, resumes and more Sept. 17 and Oct. 15
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 Oct. 1 and Nov. 5 Financial planning consultations John Robinson, C.F.P.®, financial advisor Oct. 13 and Nov. 10
TOLL FREE NUMBER 800 582 5296 15
EVENTS
The Ride Across Minnesota raises $1 million
A This year, The Ride Across Minnesota brought cyclists from 22 U.S. states and at least three foreign countries.
pproximately 1,000 cyclists rode more than 250 miles July 20 to 25 as part of Bike MS: Star Tribune TRAM Ride 2008, raising approximately $1 million to help create a world free of multiple sclerosis. Riders in the 19th annual event traveled through Minnesota’s Iron Range and scenic North Shore, stopping in Grand Rapids, Chisholm, Biwabik and Two Harbors before crossing the finish line at the University of Minnesota Duluth. The 2008 Bike MS series raised an estimated $4 million total.
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