MS Connection February 2011

Connection Moving Toward a World Free of MS

®

Programs

Moving Toward a World Free of MS FEBRUARY 2011

Colorado-Wyoming Chapter

IN THIS ISSUE:

page 7 Inside MS Connection:

Research page 3

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Dinner of Champions page 11

Walk MS

Mud Run MS

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A Message from the President Dear Friends, As we prepare for our 2011 signature fundraising events, I am struck by the relentless commitment of our teams. Last year, our teams raised close to $3.5 million. Thank you to all our teams and individuals who raise significant dollars for people living with MS; your impact is truly felt by everyone affected by multiple sclerosis. Thank you to all teams, captains, volunteers, participants, sponsors and donors for your ongoing support in our shared journey for a world free of MS. As a Chapter, we value the importance of teamwork, striving to build and enhance partnerships throughout the communities we serve. Our teamwork and collaboration is evident in many areas. For example in the research field, we provide significant funds for the University of Colorado to conduct promising research; a great

partnership. When it comes to offering critical services, our Chapter relies on the support of community agencies, public resources and private contributions to leverage the available financial assistance dollars. In fact, for every dollar we spend on financial assistance we are able to leverage 3 more dollars; thanks to our partners. Teams that work collaboratively obtain greater resources, results and rewards.

As Andrew Carnegie said, “Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” Whether we are volunteers, donors, community organizations, public agencies or staff, we are a team, the Colorado-Wyoming team, combining our efforts as we move closer to a world free of MS. Happy New Year!

Carrie H. Nolan

MS Connection February 2011 issue is published by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Colorado-Wyoming Chapter.

The Gift of Hope

Planned Giving Opportunities at the National MS Society There are many ways to include us in your retirement and estate planning that can provide income and tax advantages to you now, while at the same time helping to secure future funding of the National MS Society; including but not limited to, bequests, trusts, gift annuities and IRA gifts.

other planned gift, you are joining a very special group of honored and recognized people.

The National MS Society recognizes planned gift donors in our Lawry Circle. The Lawry Circle consists of a special group of people who are committed to providing a legacy of support to secure the future of our mission to free of the world of MS and to provide critical services and programs to those affected by MS. With your bequest or

The guidance and expertise of an estate planning attorney or qualified professional advisor is essential to assure that your wishes are properly designated and that your will complies with requirements of your state’s laws. The information here is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal or tax advice. The National MS Society encourages you to seek the advice of your own professional advisors.

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For more information about making the ColoradoWyoming Chapter part of your estate planning, please contact Kristin Gibbs, Vice President of Development, at kristin.gibbs@nmss.org or 303-698-5430.

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Moving Toward a World Free of MS

Programs Research

Moving Toward a

Better Understanding of Progressive MS The hopes of most people who have MS today rest on finding a way to stop disease progression and reverse the damage to restore lost functions. MS progression can be slow or it can be fast, but most agree that it occurs in the majority of those who have the disease, even those successfully treated for relapses. A think tank recently convened in Boston by the National MS Society, bringing together MS investigators, research funding agencies and industry representatives, to map out next steps to move the field toward better understanding of factors underlying MS progression and to increase the number and quality of clinical trials in progressive MS. To ensure momentum from this think tank, the Society is holding talks with MS Societies internationally to lay the groundwork for a consortium on progressive MS research. In addition, the steering committee that convened the think tank will identify a few key areas of research needed in progressive MS, and form study groups that will make recommendations for moving the field forward in these areas.

Questions on Research Projects Three research advocates, with medical backgrounds and experience, are ready to answer your specific questions or keep you apprised of research efforts.

The Research Advocates have spent the last several months becoming versed in the scope of the Society’s research mission and more importantly the current state of MS research. They welcome your interest and are able to share information with you in a format that you can clearly understand. Please direct your interest in research or any specific questions you may have to Sharon O’Hara, Sharon.ohara@nmss.org or 303.698-5422. Sharon will direct your questions to the Research Advocate and assure you have a timely, accurate and understandable response.

2010: A Year of Significant Progress in MS Research National MS Society Leads the Way in Cutting Edge Research to Stop, Restore and End MS Forever Exciting advances were made in 2010 in virtually every field of MS research. Progress toward finding new therapies for MS is illustrated by the availability of the first oral diseasemodifying therapy for MS. Progress was also made toward finding ways to restore function and improving quality of life and specific MS symptoms through exercise, meditation, rehabilitation and medications, including the first therapy specifically approved to treat a symptom of MS (Ampyra).

Our understanding of factors that influence whether a person develops MS deepened this year, bringing us closer to finding ways to prevent the disease.

This year the Society provided $36 million to support 325 new and ongoing projects. Your Chapter contributed over $1 million to this effort.

In addition, thanks to the efforts of our MS activists, $4.5 million was specifically set aside for funding MS research out of the Department of Defense budget.

This year the Society launched new projects focusing on discovering risk factors that lead to progressive disability, projects aimed at speeding diagnosis, research on protective mechanisms of vitamin D and estrogen, tests determining whether a new device can improve walking ability, and many more. The Society’s listing of Clinical Trials in MS 2010 includes 129 ongoing studies ranging from research of oral therapies for treating MS or its symptoms to novel agents such as green tea extracts, and a study of the antioxidant idebenone in people with primary-progressive MS. To read about exciting highlights and breakthroughs on the horizon, visit our website at curemsco-wy.org and search for Research/Research News. You’ll find detailed information about improved therapies for MS, innovative research projects and more.

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Programs Programs & Services

The Importance of

Save the Date Colorado

Social Connections

Central Colorado

The Colorado-Wyoming Chapter knows the importance of social connections and interaction for people living with MS. This is the central focus of many of our programs this year. An important part of social connections is pushing yourself outside your comfort zone to make those first initial interactions. In Southern Colorado, one person that really sets the standard for going out on a limb in search of those connections is John Hare. John was first diagnosed with MS in 1986, although he’d been having symptoms, including numbness and mood swings, for ten years prior to his diagnosis.

Northern Colorado

John first became involved with the National MS Society in 2007 when he contacted us to see what services might be available to help get him back on track. He admits that he was a bit disorganized and needed help. At that point, a care manager was assigned to his case and started to work with him to figure out what his needs were. When asked how the Care Management Program helped, he states that, “They helped me do so many things it is hard to know where to start.”

Through our program, he was connected with Project Angel Heart (a food delivery service). We assisted in getting his home life organized and helped point him in the right direction for getting connected with others.

John was looking for something to do to occupy his time and focus on something other than his MS. He began to volunteer at various events to serve as a liaison between the Society and clients. According to John, “When you’re with a group, it’s strange how some of the symptoms seem to disappear. I learn things when I am with all these different people. It keeps me ahead of my MS.”

• 8-week Cognifitness series. For dates and times, call Dale Last at (303) 698-5411

• Monday, Jan 24-March 14 Yoga at Raintree—Fort Collins • Thursday, Feb 10 10:00am - 12:30pm Look Good Feel Better program at Mountainview Presbyterian Church— Loveland • Sunday, Feb 27 2:00pm Rent the Musical at University Theater—Boulder

Southern Colorado • Tuesday Feb 15-April 5 5:45 - 6:45pm Southern Region MS Yoga Series—Gill Foundation—Colorado Springs • Sat Feb 26 11:00am - 2:00pm Caring for Caregivers—Lamb Branch Pueblo Public Library—Pueblo • Tuesday April 19-June 7 5:45 - 6:45pm Southern Region MS Yoga Series-Gill Foundation—Colorado Springs • Ongoing 4 Saturday of the month 9:30 - 11:0am Support Group family and friends welcome—HealthSouth Rehab Hospital—Colorado Springs • Ongoing last Tuesday of the month 9:00am Social Breakfast group—Southern Location IHOP—Pueblo • Ongoing 4 Wednesday of the month 8:30am - 12:00pm MS Health Clinic HealthSouth Rehab Hospital (Cost $20)

Western Slope • Mondays beginning Feb 7 10am - 12:3pm 6-week free workshop: Be Well Colorado. Get the support you need and find practical ways manage MS. Registration required, space limited—Grand Junction • Wednesdays through March 9 Yoga for MS— 1025 Main St—Grand Junction • March 10 Peak Brain Living, program luncheon with Allen Bowling, M.D, PhD. —Grand Junction

John is the friendly face who is always willing to provide guidance and a little humor to others living with MS. He became involved with the Friendly Visitor program in spring of 2010 and is able to provide guidance and direction to clients who are going through challenging times. In addition to his volunteer work with clients, he participated and volunteered for Walk MS for four years.

• March 24 Caregivers Program, program luncheon— Grand Junction

John has an innate ability to engage others in conversation, especially with those who might struggle with making those initial connections. He’s the first to say he has benefitted both physically and mentally by being engaged and making connections in the MS community. We are fortunate to have him among our champions in the Southern Colorado community.

• February 4 12pm Lunch with Friends—Roaring Fork Valley, Bee’s Restaurant in Basalt—Quarterly group

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Self Help Groups • First Tuesday of each month 9:30am Breakfast Bunch, The Egg and I—Grand Junction • Second Monday of each month 10am Breakfast Together, Shommey’s—Parachute, Colorado

• NEW monthly self-help group forming in Cortez, Colorado. Call Karen Galloway, Program Manager for details—970-241-8975

Wyoming • Please check the Programs calendar at cureMSCO-WY.org for updated program information 1/28/11 11:22 AM

Moving Toward a World Free of MS

Programs Living With MS

Advocacy

Get Active Today The National MS Society Colorado-Wyoming Chapter relentlessly advocates on behalf of issues essential to people with MS. To accomplish this goal, we must work together to break down barriers to care, improve access to quality health services, and make MS therapies more affordable.

Colorado: Energy Costs Last summer Xcel Energy announced their move to a system of dynamic pricing aimed at curbing consumer consumption of electricity during the warmest months of the year. It was brought to our attention that this method of target pricing negatively impacted people whose medical needs required higher energy use. Currently, our activists are working with Xcel Energy to come up with a creative solution to lessen the negative impact of tieredrate pricing on people living with MS. This may or may not take legislation.

SSI/SSDI Recently, we completed DIBS, a project directed at increasing the enrollment SSI and SSDI for Coloradans. A report is due out soon detailing the barriers to enrollment, the demographics of those not enrolled, and suggests ways in which to tackle this problem.

Change happens through MS activism. To become an activist follow these steps: 1. Visit our website—curemsco-wy.org 2. Click “Take Action”

Respite Care The Chapter has been working to obtain a Lifespan Respite Grant, funds from this grant will enable Colorado to establish, enhance or expand Lifespan Respite Care systems, including: new and planned emergency respite services, training and recruitment of respite workers and volunteers and assistance to caregivers for access to needed respite services.

During this legislative session, we plan to focus on long term care services, mental health benefits, and health care reform implementation. One specific issue that needs to be addressed is what kind of Health Insurance Exchange we will have. This is an important aspect of the Affordable Care Act. Colorado appears to be ahead of the pack in creating this accessible marketplace for health insurance that is both transparent and consumer friendly.

Wyoming: In October 2010, Wyoming and Colorado joined together to create the National MS Society Colorado-Wyoming Chapter.

Jonna Patton, an MS Activist and member of the Chapter’s Government Relations Committee, is looking forward to meeting with Senator Enzi soon. Senator Enzi is a ranking member of the subcommittee that considered the National Registry for Parkinson and Multiple Sclerosis (S.1273), which got stuck in the Senate last year. Our Wyoming activists will lead our efforts to gain Senator Enzi’s support to take action on this very important issue that would positively impact hundreds of thousands of people living with MS in America.

To keep abreast of these issues read the next edition of the MS Advocacy–Colorado-Wyoming e-newsletter.

3. Click on the green box “Become an MS Advocate” then, “Sign up here” 4. Complete the form and click “Submit” 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 MS Society at www. nationalMSsociety.org or 1-800-344-4867, to learn about ways to help manage multiple sclerosis and about current research that may one day reveal a cure. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society assumes no liability for the use of contents of any product or service mentioned. Information provided by the Society is based upon professional advice 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 a world free of MS. ©2011 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Colorado-Wyoming Chapter

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Success Stories

Programs Volunteers

Communities Teaming up

For a Cure

Do special events excite you? Does networking come naturally? How about hosting your own event to benefit the National MS Society? The ColoradoWyoming Chapter is looking for innovative and inspired volunteers to organize and lead fundraising events in communities across Colorado and Wyoming.

Community events can be as simple as selling lemonade or as elaborate as an elegant gala. The options are endless; the choice is yours. The Chapter provides structure and support but you run the show.

Funds raised through community events support ongoing research initiatives and important programs and services that directly benefit families in Colorado and Wyoming affected by MS. These events also offer a valuable opportunity to increase awareness about MS and our programs and services within your community. To learn more about becoming a Community Event Leader, please contact Jennifer Bell at jennifer.bell@nmss.org or 303-698-5443.

Inspiration and Ideas for Event Fundraisers Holidays and Milestones Can Help: Have a party and ask for donations in lieu of gifts. This idea helps people donate funds they were already planning to spend.

Athletic Events: A great way to get people Charge an entry fee and encourage participants to fundraise through contests.

Food for Thought: Host a dinner, cocktail party, BBQ, or partner with a restaurant.

Many restaurants will donate food or a portion of sales to your fundraising event.

Everyone needs a good reason to go out!

One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure: What about hosting a garage or yard sale? If you don’t have enough items to sell, solicit your neighbors, family and friends to donate their items.

Car Wash for a Cause The Rock Restaurant and Bar’s staff, family, friends, customers and vendors spent a July afternoon washing out MS. The group collected donations for car washes, beers, brats and barbecue. Servers donated their tips and volunteers donated their time. Inspired by family and friends living with MS, this community came together and raised $4,884 to support the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter.

Creek Streak Triathalon Your Cause Sports, a nonprofit race management team dedicated to assisting charitable organizations with fund raising efforts, hosted The Creek Streak Triathalon. More than 375 participants helped us move closer to a world free of MS by running, biking and swimming. The Creek Streak wasn’t just physical but philanthropic.

YCS donated $20 of every registration fee and provided participants with the tools to fundraise even further. YCS put the fun in fundraising and raised more than $9,000 for the ColoradoWyoming Chapter.

Wyoming Highlight ButtBuster Team Captain, Lisa Lineen wanted to create a different fundraising event in our community that would attract families, friends and businesses while raising money and awareness for MS. She decided on Mud Volleyball but knew she couldn’t do it alone. She rallied other teams to partner with to put the event together. Now every summer the ButtBusters, Bunion Bunch, Gigabikes and the Megasorasses come together to put on the dirtiest event in Cheyenne. “I guess you can call us a Bunchagigabuttsaurses helping raise money to find a cure,” stated Lineen.

Mudd Volleyball to “Cast Away” MS is in its’ 4th year. Starting with 7 teams, it has grown to 25 teams. The day starts very early with team check-in, selling muddigans, filling the pits, the “before” team photos, the get your feet muddy games like leapfrog and wheel barrel races; in the mud of course, and our national anthem. With duct taped shoes, the teams take their positions and it is game on! There are even mud pie eating contests and alligator mud wrestling for the kids! If you are afraid of getting a little dirty, this is not the event for you.

The event has raised over $25,000 in the last 3 years, and they could not have reached their goals without TEAMWORK! It takes a lot of dedicated people to come together to put an event like this on and the four teams that make it happen are some of the most dedicated people in Wyoming.

So, if you would like to Join the Movement, create a TEAM for a Muddy Good Time on July 16, 2011 Visit cheyennemudvolleyball.com.

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Moving Toward a World Free of MS

Teams

Why Form a Team?

When it comes to fundraising, forming a team is one of the best ways to do it!

Teams are crucial to the success of the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter and help raise funds for research, programs and services each year. In 2010 teams at Walk MS, Bike MS, and Hike MS brought in over $3.5 million, which is 80% of the total revenue raised at those events!

By forming a team you can instantly and exponentially grow your fundraising network through your fellow team members. You will: ■■

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Raise more awareness through yours and your team members’ network(s) Raise more funds for research and programs through those networks

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Make a bigger impact on the funds donated to research and programs Continue to foster strong relationships with team members as you make a positive influence in the community Have FUN as you celebrate hope with thousands of others

If you have questions about forming a team or would like help boosting your fundraising, please contact Kaylin with the Teams/Fundraising Program at 303-698-5413.

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Programs Teams

MS Awareness Week

Connect With Other Event Participants

MS Awareness Week is March 14th to 18th and we need your help! This is an excellent time to help us raise awareness by:

Communication With Your Teams

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Asking your team members to recruit one new person to join the team Holding team fundraising events to get the word out in the community while raising money Creating an email campaign to your donors about MS and the effects it has on those living with it Consider setting a fundraising goal and asking your donors to help you get there by the end of the week Wear an orange bracelet and talk to everyone you know/meet about MS and why you have chosen to raise money

Keep an eye out for communications in March as we bring a focus to our mission and spread the word about multiple sclerosis.

You spoke and we listened! We’ve created new opportunities for you to converse throughout the year with other event participants and team captains.

Join friends of the MS community to learn about new event activities, share fundraising ideas and be a part of the movement to help people affected by MS. February 23—Teams: Recruit and Motivate!

March 15—Fundraising Events and Sponsorship 29—1st and 2nd year Team Captains April 28—Back to Basics Fundraising

For location and time verification, visit www.curemsco-wy.org RSVP to cocrsvp@nmss.org or 303-698-7470

May 10—Bike MS Safety, Training, and Nutrition 24—Hike MS 101 August 11—Hike MS 101

Communication – We love hearing from you – Can you hear us?

We rely heavily on email to communicate with team captains, members and all participants. Our emails include vital information about event updates, fundraising ideas, program and services opportunities and research updates.

Please ensure that you have opted-in to receiving emails when you register for any event with us.

If you believe you have opted-out of receiving email from the Chapter, please contact us at co-wyreceptionist@nmss.org and we will update your profile. As always we love hearing from you and want you to hear us!

Route Tribute Signs for Walk MS, Hike MS, or Mud Run MS! Recognize the person you participate for with a custom tribute/yard sign with your personal message. Route signs will be professionally printed and placed along the event route for every participant to see!

Cost in Denver is $250 per sign. Prices vary in other locations. In Colorado, please contact Kaylin by March 31st for pricing details or to place your order, kaylin.downour@nmss.org or 303-698-5413. In Wyoming, please contact Samantha by March 4th for pricing details or to place your order, samantha.gardner@nmss.org or 307-433-8119.

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Sample Signage

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Moving Toward a World Free of MS

Programs Teams

Are You a Go Getter?

Introducing our 2011 MS Go Getter Challenge! The Challenge is designed to help you kick off your fundraising and finish strong. If you complete 7 out of the 10 challenges below you will be entered into our grand prize drawing!

Contest takes place between January 31st - May 31st.

Challenges: 1. Customize and e-mail your personal fundraising website to 10 people.

2. Schedule a brainstorming session with a Chapter staff member to discuss your fundraising plan.

3. Attend your local Kickoff Party or Clinic hosted by the MS Society.

4. Host a Lunch & Learn or Kickoff Party for your team with a Chapter staff member in attendance (or attend one that has already been scheduled).

5. Secure a matching gift through your employer or one of your donors’ employers.

6. Raise more than $1,000 as an individual.

7. Distribute MS event brochures or posters to 10 local businesses in your neighborhood (contact the Chapter for materials).

8. Participate in an online fundraising WebEx training.

9. Captain or join a team of four or more people.

10. Submit a Team Captain Spotlight nomination or submit your personal story to cocrsvp@nmss.org.

Complete seven out of the ten challenges to be entered into our grand prize drawing, three days in a luxurious home in Grand Lake! Have family or friends join you in this 5,480 square foot cabin with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and radiant floor heating. Visit www.2lakehomes.com for pictures of the mountain cabin generously donated by Universal Stylz!

Fill out the form below and turn in to your local MS Society Office by mail or fax.

2011 MS Go Getter Challenge!

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Remember—send this form in by May 31st

Name_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Team Name____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ City_________________________________________________________________ State_________ Zip________________________ Email_______________________________________________ Phone____________________________________________________ m Customize and e-mail your personal fundraising website to 10 people. m Schedule a brainstorming session with a Chapter staff member to discuss your fundraising plan. m Attend your local Kickoff Party or Clinic hosted by the MS Society. m Host a Lunch & Learn or Kickoff Party for your team with a Chapter Staff member in attendance (or attend one that has already been scheduled). m Secure a matching gift through your employer or one of your donors’ employers.

See back for mail or fax info

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m Raise more than $1,000 as an individual. m Distribute MS event brochures or posters to 10 local businesses in your neighborhood (contact the Chapter for materials). m Participate in an online fundraising WebEx training. m Captain or join a team of four or more people. m Submit a Team Captain Spotlight nomination or submit your personal story to cocrsvp@nmss.org.

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Teams

Fundraising Ideas That Add a Boost We all know that there are many different ways to raise money and some are easier than others. Here are three ways to boost your fundraising without wearing out your individual donors.

1) Hold a creative fundraising event ■■ ■■

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Do you play poker with your friends each month? Turn one of those into a fundraising event!

Do you frequent a restaurant? Ask the restaurant to help by returning a percent of an evenings proceeds to your team.

Work in a large office? Create a competition between colleagues with silly penalties for the losing team.

Events like silent auctions, golf tournaments, wine tastings typically bring in more funds but require more planning. Pick an event that works for you!

2) Ask your employer to match your donations ■■

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If these opportunities are available to you, they are three great ways to quickly boost your fundraising. Ask your HR department today about your company’s philanthropic and/or corporate community engagement policies.

Many employers have a workplace giving program where they will match your donation or dollars raised up to a certain amount, This is a great way to boost the funds you brought in through your fundraising event and your network.

In 2010, matching gifts from employers totaled more than $150,000. For both Bike MS and Walk MS, the Top 100 fundraisers would not have been so successful if it were not for matching gifts!

3) Company donations for volunteer hours ■■

Some companies will donate a certain dollar amount for each hour that you volunteer for a non-profit.

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You are volunteering each time you plan a fundraising event, solicit donations, attend an MS Society event, etc.

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Let your company know how much of your personal time you are spending as a volunteer and ask them to make a contribution on your behalf!

2011 MS Go Getter Challenge!

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Remember—send this form in by May 31st

Mail or fax your completed form to the one of the following addresses: Denver Kaylin Downour 900 S. Broadway Ste. 250 Denver, CO 80209 (f ) 303-698-7421

Western Slope Tricia Pallatt 2232 N. 7th St., Ste. 14 Grand Junction, CO 81501 (f ) 970-241-9417

Northern Colorado Susan Barstad 1525 Riverside Ave. Ste. A Fort Collins, CO, 80524 (f ) 970-482-5118

Southern Colorado Scott Mayeux 616 N. Tejon St. Colorado Springs, CO 80903 (f ) 719-634-2095

Wyoming Samantha Gardner 525 Randall Ave. Cheyenne, WY 82001 (f ) 970-241-8975

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Dinner of Champions

Northern Colorado Dinner of Champions On Thursday, March 24, community leaders will gather at the Embassy Suites Loveland for the Northern Colorado Dinner of Champions to honor 2011 Hope Award recipients Dennis and Noreen Houska and MS Champion Dr. William Shaffer.

The dinner will be Groucho Marx-inspired: “MS Makes Us Grouchy—An evening to raise funds, awareness and hope for those affected by MS.”

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MS Champion Dr. William Shaffer, this year’s MS Champion, is a neurologist at the North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, who provides to his patients not only valuable service, but also invaluable perspective. Dr. Shaffer was diagnosed with MS while attending medical school, an event that motivated him to devote his life’s purpose to the study of neurology.

Dr. William Shaffer

This year’s Dinner of Champions Committee includes:

“I thought I was going to have to quit medical school, but after about a week, I decided to go into neurology and specialize in multiple sclerosis. Several people tried to talk me out of it, saying I lived with the disease, how could I see people with it every day?” remembers Shaffer.

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Hope Award Recipients

Dennis and Noreen Houska getting into character for the Dinner of Champions

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Dennis and Noreen Houska are champions of philanthropy in Northern Colorado. Owners of Houska Automotive in Fort Collins, Dennis and Noreen are regularly involved with the Poudre Valley Hospital Foundation and area schools, and have raised awareness and funding for blood, organ, tissue and bone marrow donations through their annual Memorial Day event, the Houska Houska 5K, for the past 18 years.

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Ken Amundson (Loveland-Reporter Herald) Kathleen Henry (Colorado State University Foundation) LJ Houska (Houska Automotive) Larry and Pat Kendall (The Group Inc. Real Estate) Julie Klein RN (Banner Health) Brownie McGraw (Community Leader) Chad and Troy McWhinney (McWhinney) David and Sharon Neenan (The Neenan Company) Rulon Stacey (Poudre Valley Health System) Carol and David Wood (The Griffin Foundation)

Sponsorships and tickets are now available. Contact Emily Holterman, Community Development Manager, at 303-698-5405 or emily.holterman@nmss.org.

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Walk MS

Walk MS Registration Open!

The Rallying Point of the MS Movement Walk MS, hosted by the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter of the National MS Society, is a simple but incredibly powerful way to raise money to support MS programs, services and research.

Walk MS is a day that brings friends, families, and co-workers together to embrace an important cause and to share in the hope for the future. We walk together to make a powerful statement and to keep moving toward a cure. Each step we take brings us closer to a world free of MS. All Walk MS participants who register before February 28th will be entered into a drawing for fabulous prizes. All Walk MS fundraisers who donate or raise at least $100 by Walk Day will receive an official Walk MS t-shirt at the Walk.

Living with MS? Join us for Walk MS 2011!

All individuals who identify as living with MS who register for Walk MS in Colorado by April 5th and in Wyoming by March 14th will receive a FREE “MS Champion” t-shirt, if they choose! Please indicate that you have MS when registering.

Thanks to Our Walk MS Sponsors!

Register Online at walkMScolorado.org or walkMSwyoming.org or call 1-888-925-5265!

2011 Walk Locations & Dates: Colorado

Date

Location

Denver

May 7

Denver City Park

Colorado Springs

May 7

Monument Valley Park

Fort Collins

May 7

Edora Park (New Location)

Grand Junction

May 7

Canyon View

Boulder County

May 14

Boulder Reservoir

Loveland/Centerra

May 14

Chapungu Sculpture Park

Pueblo

May 14

Lake Minnequa (New Location)

Glenwood Springs

May 14

No Name Rest Area, Glenwood Canyon

Wyoming

Date

Location

Laramie

March 26

University of Wyoming Student Breezeway

Casper

April 2

Yellowstone Garage, 355 W. Yellowstone

Cheyenne

April 9

Lion’s Park Community House

Evanston

April 16

Bear River Community Center

Rock Springs

April 16

The Community Center

Gillette

April 30

Dalbey Memorial Park Fire Station #3

Cody

May 21

Beck Lake Park

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NEWS FIRST

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Walk MS

Walk MS Kickoff Parties and Fundraising Clinics

Join us at one of our Walk MS Kickoff Parties & Fundraising Clinics. Invite friends, family and colleagues to join us for motivation and inspiration.

Brainstorm with other Walkers while picking up supplies, fundraising ideas and goodies. Enjoy refreshments and enter to win great prizes.

Boulder County

March 16th (5:30 - 7:30pm) Butterfly Pavilion 6252 W. 104th Ave., Broomfield 5:30 - 6:30—Enjoy a complimentary tour of the Rainforest 6:00 - 6:30—Registration 6:30 - 7:30—Refreshments and Walk MS program For more information and to RSVP for the Boulder County Kickoff Party, please contact Amanda Peterson RSVP by March 9th—Amanda.Peterson@nmss.org or call 303-698-5433

Grand Junction

March 30th (5:30 - 7:30pm) Kannah Creek Brewing Company 1260 N. 12th St., Grand Junction

Glenwood Springs

April 19th (5:30 - 7:30pm) Rivers Restaurant 2525 S. Grand Ave., Glenwood Springs For more information and to RSVP for the Grand Junction or Glenwood Springs Kickoff Parties please contact Tricia Pallatt—Tricia.Pallatt@nmss.org or 970-241-8975 x12

Pueblo

March 7th (5:30 - 7:30pm) Nachos Restaurant at the Elmwood Golf Course 2406 Thatcher Ave., Pueblo

Colorado Springs

March 2nd (5:30 - 7:30pm) Champps Restaurant at Shops at Briargate 1765 Briargate Parkway, Colorado Springs For more information and to RSVP for the Pueblo or Colorado Springs Kickoff Parties, please contact Scott Mayeux—Scott.Mayeux@nmss.org or 719-634-2984 x203

Fort Collins & Loveland/Centerra March 10th (5:30 - 7:30pm) Embassy Suites Loveland 4705 Clydesdale Parkway, Loveland

For more information and to RSVP for the Northern Colorado Kickoff Party please contact Susan Barstad— Susan.Barstad@nmss.org or 970-482-5016

Cheyenne

February 10th (5:30pm) Country Buffet in Frontier Mall For more information and to RSVP for the Wyoming Kickoff Party please contact Samantha Gardner— Samantha.Gardner@nmss.org or 307-433-8119

$ $

Cash In Early Competition!

All Colorado Walk MS participants who raise at least $50 in donations by the Cash In Early deadline of March 31st will receive an official Walk MS Insulated Lunch Bag on Walk Day. In addition, with each $50 raised by March 31st, you will receive one entry for a chance to win a mountain vacation and other prizes.

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Programs Bike MS

The Great-West Life Bike MS, Colorado’s Ride Presented

by Newmont Mining Corporation is a two-day Colorado’s Ride 2011 fundraising bike ride that benefits the ColoradoWyoming Chapter of the National MS Society, and the 88,000 people living here who are affected by multiple sclerosis. This ride is the longest-running non-profit event of its kind in Colorado with over 3,000 cyclists, 700 volunteers and countless supporters and spectators.

The 2011 Ride will take place on June 25th and 26th and starts and finishes in Westminster, Colorado. The Ride travels through the majestic Colorado foothills and overnights in Fort Collins at Colorado State University where participants will enjoy a catered dinner, music, the excitement of Team Village, and the Left Hand Brewing Beer Garden. Day two will bring riders around Horsetooth Reservoir and through Historic Masonville, all along pedaling towards their final destination at the Westminster campus of Front Range Community College.

Registration is open and the registration fee at this time is $65 for the Two-Day Ride option (150 miles) and $35 for the One-Day Ride option (25-40 miles) (plus a minimum of $400 in donations). Please note: On March 15th, if space is still available, the registration fee will increase to $80 for the Two-Day Ride option (plus a minimum of $400 in donations).

Register now—The ride sold out in each of the last three years.

Please visit bikeMScolorado.org. Select “Colorado Ride Information” and then “Newsletter” to access our February updates and materials.

Thanks to Our Bike MS Sponsors!

TITLE SPONSOR

PRESENTING SPONSOR

The Denver Post

FedEx

Three Tomatoes

Clif Bar

EarthGrains

St. Anthony’s

point b

AlphaGraphics

Charles Schwab

Anadarko

IHS

Universal Stylz

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck

More information on the Wyoming Bike MS, Close Encounters Ride 2011 will be included in our next Connection newsletter. August 20th-21st. Register, volunteer or donate today… visit bikeMSwyoming.org

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Programs Mud Run MS

Let’s Get Dirty for MS Join us for the inaugural Mud Run MS Colorado, Race and Fun Run benefiting the ColoradoWyoming Chapter of the National MS Society. As the fastest growing adventure race in the country, the Mud Run is a 10K race with a series of boot-camp-style obstacles surrounded by or made entirely of mud! This truly unique experience will take place in Winter Park, Colorado, a scenic backdrop to the event’s 10k course with natural obstacles and man-made challenges.

Mud Run events are what you make of them. For the serious runner or endurance athlete, it tests every aspect of your physical fitness. For the rest of us, it’s a chance to challenge ourselves and play in the mud with friends.

Mud Run MS Date

August 27, 2011

Mud Run also offers a rare blend of teamwork, physical fitness and of course down and dirty FUN! Compete as an individual or put together a team.

Mud Run is a great event for companies, collegiate clubs, military personnel, civic organizations, sports teams, and families to take part in. All you need is the willingness to overcome all obstacles to help create a world free of MS.

Registration Opens: February 14th Registration Fee schedule: • $40 - February 14th – 18th • $50 - Until July 27th • $60 - July 28th – August 24th • $75 - Day of packet pickup (no race day registration)

For more information, please visit mudrunMScolorado.org or email coloradomudrunms@nmss.org

Minimum Fundraising: $100 minimum per person for the National MS Society.

Hike MS

2nd Annual Hike MS We’re excited to announce the 2011 Hike MS event schedule. Thanks to the success of the 2010 Hike MS Copper Mountain event, we have expanded to host MS Hike events in five exciting locations across the state of Colorado.

The registration fee of $20* includes an official Hike MS shirt, continental breakfast, BBQ lunch, and musical entertainment.

Enjoy spectacular Colorado views while hiking an invigorating 2-, 5-, or 10-mile trail and helping those affected by multiple sclerosis.

Saturday, July 30th Hike MS Copper Mountain Hike MS Aspen Snowmass

Saturday, September 17th Hike MS Winter Park Hike MS Royal Gorge (Southern Colorado) Hike MS Durango

*Hikers who participated in the 2010 Inaugural Hike MS are exempt from the registration fee, but still must meet the $50 fundraising minimum.

hikeMScolorado.org / 303-698-7470

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®

Colorado-Wyoming Chapter

Broadway Station 900 S. Broadway, Ste 250 Denver, CO 80209

MS Connection is Your One Source for Chapter News!

MS Connection will now be available more often via email and printed versions to update you on all of the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter’s events, programs, services, research updates, volunteer opportunities, and news from the MS community.

Events—Event dates, times, fundraising ideas, and details for favorite and new events including Walk MS, Bike MS, Dinner of Champions, Women on the Move, and our new events—Hike MS and Mud Run MS. The MS Connection now replaces Bike MS Spoke Notes.

SAVE THE DATE 2011 Walk MS March 26 Laramie April 2 Casper April 9 Cheyenne April 16 Evanston, Rock Springs April 30 Gillette May 7 Denver, Colorado Springs Ft. Collins, Grand Junction May 14 Boulder, Loveland, Pueblo,

Glenwood Springs May 21 Cody

Team Spirit—Team weeks and fundraising contests

Bike MS

Programs and Services—Workshops, seminars, guest speakers, and support groups

August 20–21 Wyoming

Volunteer—Opportunities for individuals and groups Advocacy—Make a difference in legislative initiatives for people with MS Research—The latest information on research progress Please note: If you believe you have opted-out of receiving email communications, please contact the Chapter at coc-wyreceptionist@nmss.org

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June 25–26

C olorado

Hike MS July 30 Copper Mountain, Aspen/Snowmass Sept. 17

S outhern Colorado, Winter Park, Durango

Mud Run MS August

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