Summer 2013 MS Connection Newsletter

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

SUMMER 2013

MS Connection Newsletter

Colorado-Wyoming Chapter

Colorado-Wyoming Chapter

Thanks for showing your silly!

The Walk MS Facebook Photobooth was a great success! Like us to find and print your memories.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

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Walk MS 2013 recap

MS & RURAL COMMUNITIES

Oral therapy Benefits

Colorado Health Benefit Exchange

Letter from the president

Dear Friends, As thousands of supporters came together and stepped out for our Walk MS events over the past several months, we have had the opportunity to unite, elevate community awareness, share stories and raise funds that continue the vital momentum to defeat MS. This year we also had the opportunity to reflect on the progress that has taken place since the Society initiated Walk MS 25 years ago.

Today it is hard to believe that when the first Walk MS event was held in 1988, no therapies existed for the treatment of MS. As of March 2013, with the approval of Techfidera (BG-12), there are now ten FDA-approved therapies for relapsing/remitting forms of MS. Support has also grown during this time – now more than 330,000 people participate in Walk MS events throughout the nation, raising more than $50 million each year. This is remarkable progress and has allowed many people living with MS to continue to work, raise families, and remain hopeful for the future.

While we can truly be inspired by the progress made, much work remains to find therapies that will stop progressive forms of MS – therapies that will reverse damage that MS has caused, and ultimately finding the cause, which will lead to prevention and a cure.

To this end, the Society recently launched the International Progressive MS Collaborative with MS Societies of Canada, Italy, Netherlands, the UK and the U.S. This is the largest effort to date to speed research to stop progressive forms of MS. One area I find very exciting is work being done to restore myelin and repair the nervous system. There is a new therapy called Lingo 1, which is in a Phase 1 clinical trial. This is being tested to restore myelin by clearing away the damage that is taking place in the brain and creating an environment for nerve cells to regenerate and form new myelin. This is science, not science fiction!

If you have ever questioned whether your efforts make a difference – wonder no more. Every step taken during Walk MS, as well as every mile pedaled during Bike MS, every mile hiked at Hike MS, every obstacle faced at MuckFest MS, every ask made to support our mission, has led us to this point. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Carrie H. Nolan President

MS Connection is published by the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter, National MS Society 900 S. Broadway, Suite 250 Denver, CO 80209 Info: 800 FIGHT MS (344-4867) Newsletter Distribution—If you have a change of address or would like to receive MS Connection electronically, please call 800-344-4867.

If you or someone you know has MS—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. Talk to your health care professional, or contact the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) to learn about ways to help manage multiple sclerosis and about the current research that may one day reveal a cure.

The NMSS does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The NMSS assumes no liability for the use of contents of any product or service mentioned. Information provided by the NMSS is based on professional advice and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions do not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The NMSS recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician. The NMSS is dedicated to a world free of MS. Chapter President Carrie H. Nolan Board of Trustees Brandt Wilkins, Chair Kyle Ocasek, Chair-Elect Kathryn Spritzer, Secretary Rob Hartnett, Treasurer Carl Berglind Whit Conant John Corboy, MD Claudia Curry Hill Chris Doerr Marley Hodgson III Craig Lopez Frank Monteiro Deborah O’Neil Richard Raymond, MD Randy Schapiro, MD Travis White Jo Wilson Emeritus Trustees George Garmany, MD Ralph Holden David Lord Janet Savage ©2013 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Colorado-Wyoming Chapter

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MS connection: Summer 2013

The Chapter would like to thank members of the Golden Circle Club for supporting vital MS programs, services and research through generous donations made from February - June 2013.

Golden Circle members give an outright gift of $1,000 or more.

IN THE NEWS

Deborah O’Neil New Board Member

Deborah O’Neil

Deborah O’Neil, Vice President of Assured Equity Management Corporation, was elected to the board of trustees of the ColoradoWyoming Chapter, National MS Society. Debbie works with privately held companies helping business owners with their benefit programs. Prior to moving to Denver, Debbie served in the U.S. Air Force for 8 years and led the

insurance design and financial planning organization of a large insurance company for 18 years.

Debbie is a graduate of University of Denver Sturm College of Law and is licensed to practice law in Colorado and Michigan. Debbie is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Colorado Women’s Bar Association. n

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Annual Meeting Big Changes In Store!

The Chapter is making some exciting changes to the format of our biggest program of the year. Beginning this October the Annual Meeting will be held by teleconference for three years with a live program every 4 years in each of our service areas.

The Annual Meeting is a great opportunity for our community members to learn about the progress the Chapter has made throughout the year and it’s vision for the future.

What’s in store this year: • Update on the latest MS research • Annual Treasurer’s report: your donation dollars at work • New Board of Directors elections • Volunteer of the Year and Legislator of the Year awards

New Volunteer Recognition Celebration: Our volunteers are key to the success of the Chapter and we want to recognize your hard work and commitment to ending MS forever.

Volunteers will be recognized and celebrated this fall by our local offices: • Nominees will be selected in September • Award recipients will posted to cureMSco-wy.org in October • Local celebrations will happen November - January (look for your invitation in the mail) Get to know our Board member nominees before voting! Bios with photos will be posted to our website.

Nominations for Board of Trustees Being Accepted If you or someone you know would like to be considered as a candidate for the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter Board of Trustees, send a letter of interest to Carla Smart or email carla.smart@nmss.org Note: Please put "Nomination for Board of Trustees" in the subject line. All letters must be received by September 1, 2013; you may submit a letter on your own behalf.

Colorado- Wyoming Chapter, NMSS 900 S. Broadway Ste. 250 Denver, CO 80209

¡NuEVA!

New Publication in Spanish El idioma de la esclerosis múltiple (Speaking the language of MS), a new Spanishlanguage publication, is now available on the Hispanic/ Latino experience of MS. Download your free copy and learn more at mueveteMS.org

CureMSco-wy.org 1-800-FIGHT MS (344-4867)

N AT I O N A L M S S O C I E T Y

Members Edythe and Stephen Alexander Thomas Angell William Ansteth Roger and Margaret Ayan Dr. Frank Barry Raymond Barton Greg Belfor James Bender Tim Blach La Verne Blecha Dee Blue Jordan Bonicelli Steven Borick Karen Burch Susan Burke Jeffrey Byrne Sue Cannon Dave Cecil Kurt Cellar Courtney Chapman Virginia Classon Bryan Close Frank Cohen Kenneth Cohen Estate of Ruth Combs Roxanne Conlin Shirley Cummings Diane and Edward Curland Claudia Curry Hill Christine Cutler Cheri Davis Allison and Jason DeYoung Katharine Dickson Kim and Christy Dittmar Chris and Mary Doerr Scott and Nancy Dumpert Diane Duplissis Bob and Margaret Eddy Stan and Carol Eilers Rick Eldridge Estate of Seymour Feder David Ferguson Kevin Filter Angela Fox Jim Fuqua Brendan and Shirl Gale Dee Garden Ginger Graham Denise and Steve Gunter Bradley and Melissa Gustafson Nick and Anne Hackstock Melody Hardy Chance Harlow Crystal Hathaway Tad Herz Chad Hester Continue

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ADVOCACY Changes in healthcare

Health Exchange

2014 will bring big changes in healthcare in Colorado, with the launch of Connect For Health Colorado, a new insurance marketplace that allows customers to compare prices and coverage across insurers. Many Colorado families living below 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Line will receive financial help to purchase coverage through the exchange/marketplace. In addition, more people with MS will have the health coverage they need when Medicaid coverage expands to all individuals living under 133 percent of the Federal Poverty Line next year.

Carrie Nolan and Wyoming activist Jonna Patton at the 2013 Public Policy Conference with Wyoming Senators Enzi and Barrasso to discuss legislation important to people living with MS.

Sharon O’Hara

Appointed to the CO Health Benefit Exchange Board Governor John Hickenlooper appointed the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter Executive Vice President, Sharon O’Hara, to the board that is responsible for building and operating the Internet health insurance marketplace, which is scheduled to launch on October 1, 2013.

Several patient-advocacy organizations, including the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, asked Hickenlooper to appoint O'Hara, who facilitates the Chronic Care Collaborative — a group of organizations advocating for residents with a variety of chronic diseases— and who is knowledgeable of the insurance needs of people who will be buying through the exchange.

Sharon O’Hara

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O’Hara holds a Master’s degree from the University of Chicago, School of Social Service Administration. Throughout her career she has held executive management positions with private community based health care organizations and with the nonprofit American Humane Association.

Wyoming will also see the development of a health exchange marketplace facilitated by the federal government and Wyomingites will be able to take advantage of subsidies to help them purchase coverage if their income is below 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Line. The state has decided not to expand its Medicaid program, and the Chapter will continue to work so that Wyomingites with MS have access to coverage and care.

For questions about the changes in the health care law and new programs, call 1-800 Fight MS option 1. You will be connected to our call center with experts to answer your questions.

Many people have reached out to the Chapter expressing their concerns about rising healthcare prices. We are committed to exploring policy options to help make care more affordable for people with MS. n

Is there a public policy issue you think we should be working on or do you want to get involved? Contact Allie Moore at 303-698-5435 or alexandra.moore@nmss.org

Upcoming Programs Online Managing Speech, Language and Cognitive Challenges, Aug. 13 Financial Wellness: Your Home

Powerful Tools for Family Caregivers 6 week class series, meets Thurs. beginning Aug. 8, Colorado Springs

Aug. 21

Northern Colorado

Social Security: Understanding a Critical Safety Net, Sept. 10

Support Partners Series: Nurturing Relationships

Financial Wellness: SSDI, Sept. 18 Financial Wellness: Prolonging Work Supports, Oct. 16

Denver Metro Area Optimizing Wellness: Learn from others in your MS community Aug. 2, Westminster

Southern Colorado Meet our Multiple Sclerosis

Experts and Get Answers about MS July 29, Location TBD

Sept. 9, Ft. Collins

Western Colorado Caregivers Conference Aug. 21, Grand Junction

WYOMING Advances in MS Treatment Sept. 20, Evanston

Improve MS with Physical Therapy, Sept. 26, Casper TO LEARN MORE, VISIT:

cureMSco-wy.org

MS connection: Summer 2013

OUTREACH Home, Safe Home Program Manager Jim Gunderson met Robin and Marvin Felz of rural Claremont Wyoming during a care management visit last spring. Both of the Felz’ are living with MS and rely on canes and walkers to get around.

To Gunderson's surprise, the entrance to their home was falling apart and posed a major safety hazard.

Gunderson wanted to help and approached the Home Depot in Sheridan, WY . Home Depot not only agreed to donate the materials, but also sent a crew of volunteers to build the new entry. All they asked was that the Chapter make a contribution to the project.

The new entry, featuring a deck and staircase, was designed to be easily modified to accommodate a wheelchair ramp if needed in the future.

Robin and Marvin contacted Gunderson to express their gratitude. They use their entry every day and are appreciative of the efforts by the Society and Home Depot to make their lives more comfortable. n

Rural and Proud of it!

According to the 2010 census, 35.2% of Wyoming and 13% of Colorado is considered rural. Accessing services, support, and quality healthcare can be difficult for our MS Society members living in rural areas. They have less access to physicians and health care resources, receive more MS care from general practitioners and have fewer visits to neurologists.

Expanding access to quality health care is a priority for the National MS Society. We've designated regional rural teams to increase access to specialized care in rural areas and provide professional education and MS training. We're working to forge partnerships with rural health providers and researching innovative models of telehealth projects to connect MS specialists with rural care providers.

MS education, services, and support are equally important. Our Chapter’s Programs and Services staff offer in-person education

N AT I O N A L M S S O C I E T Y

Members

Financial assistance provided by the Chapter for urgent needs such as medical equipment, cooling units and home or auto modifications is supported by funds raised at signature events such as Walk MS and Bike MS. Of every dollar raised, 81 cents goes toward research and programs.

The Chapter’s Independent Spirit Fund also provides resources to ensure people living with MS maintain mobility, social and day-to-day living independence. To lend a hand and support this fund, visit nationalMSsociety.org/ ISF or contact Kristin Gibbs, vice president of development at 303-698-5430.

programs and teleconferences. Our one-on-one direct care management and peer support services are available to all constituents regardless of location. Self-help, social and support groups are available throughout our communities, thanks to passionate and committed volunteers who organize and lead them.

The Internet and social media offer education and support opportunities like MSconnection.org an extraordinary social media community offering rural and urban constituents the opportunity to share, support and engage with a large MS community.

Where ever you live in our Chapter, connections are possible. 1-800-344-4867. n We want to Hear from

You!

CureMSco-wy.org 1-800-FIGHT MS (344-4867)

Gerald Hohenstein and Beth Spellicy Helen Horii Dirk Howell Eric Howland Katie Jardine Joseph Kasputys Kimberly Keen Stephen and Kim Keen Walter and Harriet Knox Joseph and Miss Kathleen Kopchik David and Bridget Kornder DeeAnna and Edwin Kraft Robert and Patricia Krause Mark Krivel Steve and Katherine Landmann John and Judith Lanning Scott Lawson Denise Lazarus Daniel Leever Donald Leforge Patrick Lindenbach Mary Locke Craig Lopez Loretta and Leigh Norgren Foundation Arthur Lovetere Daniel and Juana Lozano Chester Luby Dennis and Stephen Lynch Laurel Mauch Matthew McGee Anne and Thomas Merrill Carol Miller James and Ellie Mohler The Honorable Mary Mullarkey and Tom Korson Deb and Chris Munley Mark Murphy Kyle and Sarah Ocasek Beverly and Ronald Ocasek Shawn and Deborah O'Neil Charles Paul Cynthia Petrow D L Pickering Karen and Jim Possehl Jamie Presgrove Jane Quinette Muthukumarappan Ramurthy Craig and Wendy Reagor Roberta Ripley Jerry Roberts Susan Saul Josephine Wilson

Complete our online survey to let us know what you think about the MS Connection Newsletter! surveymonkey.com/s/D89MMDW

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RESEARCH EVENTS

Thousands Walk to End MS

There were people as far as the eye could see as more than 10,000 supporters convened at Denver City Park for in Walk MS Denver, which is expected to raise more than $1 million!

CBS 4 anchor Karen Leigh and weatherman Ed Greene were on hand at Walk MS Denver to cheer on walkers throughout the morning.

The Chapter held 12 Walk MS events between April 6 and June 8, which were resounding successes again this year.

“Thanks to thousands of supporters, we expect to reach our goal of $1.8 million this year, which is an all-time high for our Walk MS events,” said Kristin Gibbs, vice president of development.

Sharing an uplifting time with friends and family is an important part of every Walk MS. Chapter Walks across Colorado and Wyoming featured an array of fun activities ranging from a pancake breakfast in Glenwood Springs and Doggy Duds contests in Colorado Springs and Pueblo, to the presence of the University of Wyoming mascot Pistol Pete at the Laramie Walk, adding to the spirit of each event. This year the Denver Walk had a popular Facebook Photobooth area, where participants could get social and share their enthusiasm with friends worldwide after being photographed.

“Our thanks go out to all participants, volunteers and sponsors who keep the momentum going. Every step taken supports Chapter programs that assist people living with MS today and the promising research that moves us closer to more therapies and our ultimate goal of ending MS forever,” Gibbs added. n

Board Chair Brandt Wilkins and Chapter President Carrie Nolan at Walk MS Denver.

University of Wyoming mascot Pistol Pete checks out the Toyota MS van at Walk MS Laramie. The Rock Springs and Laramie Walks each exceeded fundraising goals by $9,000 to date!

Thank You Sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor

Official Vehicle of Walk MS

Our presenting sponsor for the 2013 Wyoming Walk MS and Bike MS events

Walk MS Boulder County: September 21 Walk with us this fall on the beautiful University of Colorado campus. The Walk begins at 9:30 a.m. To register, visit walkMScolorado.org

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MS connection: Summer 2013

EVENTS

Bike MSBike Colorado 2013 Newmont MS Presented

by Point B A great success with over 3,000 riders biking a combined 450,000 miles. The event will raise more than $3 million dollars to help us end MS. Look for the full event recap in our Fall MS Connections Newsletter!

Bike Colorado 2013 Hike MSMS Copper mountain Saturday, July 27. Walk-up registration is available! Hike routes vary from two to ten miles. $40 registration fee includes continental breakfast, BBQ lunch, custom event T-shirt and on-mountain support. hikeMS.com

Colorado and Wyoming

Mark your calendars!

Enjoy a cycling adventure with over 300 of your closest friends.

Rolling plains, mountain climbs, scenic vistas, and historic towns are waiting for you on Wyoming Bike MS. Join us on the ride of your life and see what the Wild West is truly all about.

WYOMING’S RIDE 2013

August 17-18, 2013: Wyoming

presented by

First Interstate Bank of Wyoming

bikeMSwyoming.org

MuckFest MS Denver is an unforgettable challenge course through miles of water, mud and muck that will test your mettle with physical fitness, teamwork and, of course, FUN! It is an inspiring experience whether you participate, volunteer or watch!

Follow MuckFest MS at facebook.com/MuckFest.

September 21, 2013: Larkspur

muckfestMS.com

This extraordinary fundraising event is driven by a group of community volunteers whose mission is to raise funds for the over 100,000 people affected by MS in our community. Join us as we work together to create a world free of multiple sclerosis.

Purchase tables or tickets today! RSVP: www.blacktiecolorado.com Event code: MSC924 or call 303-698-5446.

September 24, 2013: Denver

cureMSco-wy.org

Thank you to our 2013 event volunteers! Over 1,000 people have contributed their time and talent to the Chapter’s various events. We appreciate you. High five!

CureMSco-wy.org 1-800-FIGHT MS (344-4867)

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RESEARCH

Third Oral Therapy Approved by FDA On the eve of the 25th year of Walk MS the FDA approved Tecfidera (formerly “BG-12”), the third oral disease-modifying therapy for people with relapsing forms of MS. Great strides have been made since that first Walk MS in 1988. In less than two decades, MS has moved from an untreatable disease to one where there are now ten FDAapproved therapies for relapsing forms of MS. The Society is also at work gathering the forces of the global community to make similar strides for people with progressive forms of MS. To this end, the Society recently launched the International Progressive MS Collaborative, composed of MS Societies of Canada, Italy, Netherlands, the UK and the U.S., which is the largest effort to date to speed research to stop progressive forms of MS.

Oral Therapy Benefits for Young Mother Jenny Glennon knows firsthand the impact of MS. She was just 29 years old in 2010 when her first symptom surfaced while mowing the lawn. “I lost vision in one eye and thought something had either flown into my eye or somehow I had a detached retina,” Glennon said.

“Initially I was diagnosed with optic neuritis. A month later I had vision problems with my other eye and was also experiencing numbness in my legs and lower back. Following a spinal tap I was diagnosed with MS. “I never suspected MS, but immediately learned as much as I could. My diagnosis also came at a time when my husband Jim and I were entering our 30s and deciding to start a family. We began to think that maybe we shouldn’t have children - I was terrified of my husband having to care for a sick wife and a child,” she continued.

“After consulting my physician we decided to move ahead with our plans and not

let MS dictate our lives. It was the best decision we have ever made. Our daughter Alexandra was born in May 2012 and we love being parents,” Glennon said.

Today Jenny maintains a full schedule as a wife, mother and operations manager at a Denver financial firm. She takes Gilenya, one of several oral therapies now available to manage her MS. “I had been doing injections since 2010, which were painful and starting to cause some permanent muscle damage. Following my pregnancy, I went through tests to see if I was a candidate for an oral therapy and was able to start taking the drug last November.

While I’m thankful to have any medicines available, it was a relief to start taking a pill. Just 15 years ago people were told to go and make their homes wheelchair accessible. Now we have access to a choice of medications, which is incredible!”

The Glennon family participates in Walk MS and raised $8,500 this year. “We are glad to raise awareness and be part of a movement that will help lead to more treatments and a cure,” she emphasized.

“We want our daughter to live in a world free of MS.” n

NEW Intimacy and Family Planning Teleconference: Learn ways to confront the challenges of MS, grow closer together and deepen your sense of commitment as a couple.

Aug 1, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Register at cureMSco-wy.org or 1-800-344-4867 (Option 1)

CONNECT TO RESEARCH

Blog MSconnection.org/Blog

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We’re excited to announce that several new features —including the MS Connection Blog— are now available at MSconnection.org! Visit today to check out the new look and subscribe to receive blog posts by email. Get up-to-date MS research information from medical professionals and your peers.

MS connection: Summer 2013

RESEARCH

Exercise &

the Brain

Presentations at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting in March suggests that exercise keeps us physically fit and helps brain function too.

Exercise’s good effects A small study by scientists at the Kessler Research Institute found that 30 minutes of aerobic exercise done three times a week over three months improved memory and increased the volume of the hippocampus, a part of the brain involved with memory.

Another study examined the potential of long-term aerobic exercise to build endurance in people with MS. This study involved 60 people split into two groups: people who experienced fatigue and people who did not. Both groups performed individualized endurance exercises using treadmills. After six months, both groups showed improved oxygen consumption.

However, those who started out with fatigue showed improvement in their fatigue scores.

Exercises for the brain A team from the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan, Italy looked at the impacts of a 12-week computerized course that focused on training to increase memory and attention. They found indicators that brain activity had increased in specific areas which appeared to persist at least six months after the training was completed.

Researchers from Milan and from Kessler also reported that people with MS with more “brain reserve” (larger brain size) and more “cognitive reserve” (increasing the ability to withstand or postpone MS-associated decline in cognition with activities such as doing puzzles or playing music) were at lower risk for cognitive changes associated with brain lesions.

Even when brain size is accounted for, those with more cognitive reserve appear to have lower risk for cognitive changes.

There’s nothing any of us can do about the size of our brains. But growing evidence suggests that people may be able to build cognitive reserve. Actions we take can alter brain circuits, improve brain activity and possibly help slow the progression of MS. It’s exciting to think that actions we can take, such as some mental and physical training, can possibly slow the progression of MS. n Summaries of the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting can be viewed at abstracts2view.com/ann

Traveling with Medication and MS Traveling with MS can be a challenge, so we asked world traveler Gale House to share her tips on taking that summer vacation you’ve been dreaming about with confidence!

Packing Medications • Pack all unopened dose packs and prep items in a soft-sided insulated bag to keep with you as you travel.

• Wrap your dose packs in a washcloth, to prevent over chilling with frozen gel pack.

• Bring extra gel packs to swap with thawed packs as needed.

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When people ask why I use a cane, I say I have MS and it enables me to walk longer without tiring. It is amazing how many times I learn that they have a relative, friend or neighbor with MS. — Gale House

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• If you don’t have access to a refrigerator in your room, your hotel may refreeze them for you.

• Put your name and room number on the gel pack for easy identification.

• A thermometer is helpful for testing temperature in your insulated bag.

• Use a journal to record your injections.

• Plastic containers can store used syringes and needles to be disposed of safely.

CureMSco-wy.org 1-800-FIGHT MS (344-4867)

Getting Medication Through Airport Security • Pack a copy of your prescription with your name, date of birth and doctor’s signature and a letter from your doctor that states your medical condition and lists your medication.

• Syringes and frozen gel packs to keep medicine cool are allowed on airplanes, but are subject to TSA inspections.

• Gel packs that have thawed and become liquid may be confiscated by TSA, so remember to pack those backups in your checked luggage.

Have an article idea or want to share your story? Contact rebecca.spencer@nmss.org

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COMMUNITY Redefining Exercise with Improved Balance and Confidence

Pole Walking and MS

Pole walking, also known as Nordic walking, has become a popular aerobic exercise. We have found that it can also help people who struggle with balance problems and gait issues.

Our pole walking classes this spring taught participants how poles can be used to increase balance, allow for a more natural body posture, build core muscles, lessen the impact on lower joints and improve your heel strike and stride length allowing you to go longer distances.

Great Show of Support

Casper Walk Legion Coach Dennis Arner, or “Coach Arner,” always had a passion for sports. A well-known figure in Casper community sports, he coached baseball, football and soccer teams for years, impacting lives along the way.

Things changed for Coach Arner 18 years ago when he was diagnosed with MS. Today, although largely confined to his home, he still remains involved with his church and the Society, and can always be found at the annual Walk MS Casper.

Bobby Schoonover, head coach of Casper’s American Legion Baseball teams, has known Arner for years. “We coached against each other for many years and I view him as my coaching mentor. If you talk about

baseball in this community, Coach Arner’s name always comes up. He coached many of the older brothers of our kids playing today,” said Schoonover.

This year Schoonover organized a surprise for Arner. “We have our players do a community project each year to be more a part of the community,” Schoonover said.

“More than 40 players and six coaches from all three of Casper’s American Legion Baseball teams showed up in uniform to walk with Coach Arner as a display of unity.

It’s important for our players to be about more than baseball – to get involved and give back. The kids had a good time and it meant a lot to Coach Arner,” he added. n

Your Generous Gifts at Work

“It was exciting to see people who were afraid to walk around their block try a pair of walking poles and immediately feel more confident.

Poles really redefined how these women thought of their exercise routines and what they could do.

They were able to stand upright, not hunched over a cane or walker, and fit right in because walking poles are for everyone—not just people with mobility issues.”

— LeeAnn Bellum, Director, Care Management

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"

The residents at North Star wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU for the Home Depot gift cards at Christmas!

We now have a great raised vegetable garden full of vegetables! It is still a work in progress and we have a little more work to do to completely finish it but our veggies are planted and we can’t wait to watch them grow (we still need to put pavers or some kind of solid material under and around so it is easily accessible with — North Star wheelchairs). Now let’s hope we have A skilled nursing facility that serves green thumbs! people living with MS

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MS connection: Summer 2013

OF NOTE

TOYOTA Going the Extra Mile!

Thank you to our partner TOYOTA for going the extra mile and incentivising our Bike MS team members to turn in their bibs for an additional $25,000 to end MS forever.

Special thank you to the local Colorado dealers that participated in this promotion: Mountain States Toyota Stevinson Toyota West Stevinson Toyota East AutoNation Toyota Arapahoe Stapp Interstate Toyota Larry H. Miller Boulder Toyota Groove Toyota Pedersen Toyota

Thank you to our partner @ TOYOTA for the accessible Sienna minivan!

MSconnection.org

L Learn

Sh Share

Connectt C

Every Connection Counts

Join thousands of people supporting one another and exploring the issues that shape your world. Defy MS by connecting with people around the world striving to live their best lives.

Did You Know?

Reducing your body temperature by just one degree can improve coordination and balance.

Wearing cooling garments can help get your core body temperature down and allow you to stay active during the hot summer months.

For more on how to beat the heat this summer cureMSco-wy.org

Thank you Polar Products for providing

Find you r pics ! facebook.com/NMSsco.wy

CureMSco-wy.org 1-800-FIGHT MS (344-4867)

cooling gear for our 2013 Walk and Bike events. For more information about personal cooling products, or to purchase online visit

polarproducts.com

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Stay Connected MSCONNECTION.ORG

cureMSco-wy.org

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The Information Resource Center MONDAY – FRIDAY, 7a.m. – 5 p.m. (MST)

Multiple sclerosis experts with answers, solutions, resources and referrals for people living with MS, their family members, friends, employers, caregivers and health care professionals

The Information Resource Center For Answers to Questions about: • Treatment options • MS current research • Health specialist referrals • Financial assistance

• Learning opportunities • Community programs • Support groups • Advocacy and more!

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Any stage. Any need. Any time.