MS Connection - Summer 2011 by National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Wisconsin Chapter

Man of Iron Will of Steel Erschen Embraces Winning Spirit

Summer 2011

Wisconsin Board of Trustees Kenneth Minor, Chair Sonic Foundry, Inc.

Robert Engel Retired, M&I Bank

Michael Lutze, Vice Chair Ernst & Young David Rodgers, Vice Chair Briggs & Stratton Corporation

Tom Golden M3 Insurance Solutions for Business

Alyson Zierdt, Past Chair Attorney, Retired James Rose, Treasurer Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP Robert Sowinski, Secretary Diversified Insurance Services, Inc. Colleen Kalt, President & CEO National MS Society Wisconsin Chapter

Martin McLaughlin Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, S.C. Bruce Olson The Marcus Corporation Shelley Peterman Schwarz Meeting Life’s Challenges David Raysich Plunkett Raysich Architects Patricia Raysich Community Advocate

Robert Buhler Open Pantry Food Marts of Wisconsin, Inc

Jeffrey Steren Steren Management/McDonald’s

Dennis Christiansen Community Advocate Albert C. Elser II Community Advocate

Molly Walsh Community Advocate

Robyn Turtenwald Community Advocate

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 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 MS Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The National MS 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, published, experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The National MS Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician. The National MS Society is committed to seeing a world free of MS.

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STOP. RESTORE. END.

The New Rallying Cry of Our Research Revolution STOP disease progression. RESTORE lost function. END MS forever. These are the goals of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s new $250 million research initiative. Titled MS NOW, the campaign will leave no opportunity wasted as we work Colleen Kalt and Dr. Timothy together to create a Coetzee, Chief Research world free of MS. Dr. Timothy Coetzee, Officer of the National MS the National MS Society’s Society, at the Milwaukee On The Move Luncheon. Chief Research Officer, recently brought the MS NOW message to attendees of the Chapter’s On The Move luncheons held June 14 and 16 in Milwaukee and Madison. He called the charge to raise $250 million over five years “a big, hairy, audacious goal.” The Wisconsin Chapter’s response? Count us in! We’re “in” because this effort is driven by you. In response to a Society survey, nearly 10,000 across the nation responded to declare what you want most. Loud and clear the message was, “we want more.” More research, more attention to progressive forms of MS and more scientists working to find the cure. In other words, leave no opportunity wasted. Dr. Coetzee believes the success of the MS NOW initiative will “transform research and keep the world’s best and brightest minds – many in Wisconsin – working to STOP disease progression, RESTORE lost function and END MS forever.” Already several in Wisconsin have raised their hands to signal, “I want to lead this charge.” You can champion the cause, too. A good way to start is to visit nationalmssociety.org and watch the MS NOW training modules to become an MS Research Champion. I’m ready for an MS research revolution. Are you? Sincerely,

Colleen G. Kalt President & CEO

MS CONNECTION: Summer 2011

Man of Iron, Will of Steel For Dan Erschen, completing Ironman Wisconsin “I don’t take any physical activity for granted wasn’t nearly as challenging as dealing with MS on a anymore; I give thanks for being able to do it,” he daily basis. His message to those who think the illness explains. makes achieving their dreams impossible: Controlling his MS with “There is always hope. Believe it!” healthy eating, rest, cooler Dan Erschen and multiple sclerosis temperatures and daily have settled into an agreement of sorts. Copaxone injections, Dan “We have this little game we play with also discovered a few years each other. I beat it in the morning, but ago that daily exercise is at night, many times it wins and I have key and believes it to be to be OK with that,” says the 50-year-old a main factor in getting husband and father of two. his life back. That’s where Learning how to control and live with his journey as an Ironman MS is something that took Dan years to began. figure out, and in doing so he discovered that the condition has actually helped him More than a Finish Line get more from life than it’s taken away. Considered by many to Now with two Ironman competitions be the most challenging under his belt, he’s realized that life can of all endurance events, improve, relationships can be strengthened Dan (left) and his Ironman mentor, Ironman competitions are Lowell Mutchelknaus, ran together and and you can help others, even with a held throughout the world crossed the finish line side-by-side. chronic illness. every year. Comprised of a Dan was 29 when he suffered his first 2.4-mile swim, 112 miles attack. His hands fell asleep and within three days he of biking and a full 26.2-mile marathon, participants didn’t have enough strength to lift a fork to his face. are given two hours and 20 minutes to complete the Originally diagnosed as Guillain-Barre Syndrome, it water portion and 17 hours to finish the entire event. would take him the remainder of the year to regain Competing was the farthest thing from Dan’s mind his strength, when he joined the Westwood Health Club on I don’t take any physical activity coordination January 1, 2002 and spent no more than five for granted anymore; I give and mobility. minutes on an elliptical trainer before MS’s thanks for being able to do it. His second telltale tingling and weakness got so bad he attack came 10 had to stop. He was committed, though, and - Dan Erschen years later in 2000 returned the next day and the next until, four and left him barely able to walk for 18 months. It was at months later, he had worked up to 30 minutes on the that time that he was definitively diagnosed with MS. machine. Today, Dan contends with many of the typical MS He met people who inspired him, including symptoms – blurry vision, poor memory, depression, members of a Thursday morning running group. He tingling and burning sensations, shocking and jolting began running with them and it wasn’t long before their pain, fatigue, weakness, difficulty balancing – every encouragement and support got the best of him. single day. He says the scary part is living with the “I gave in to positive peer pressure and signed up thought that another major attack could happen at any for the Ironman in 2008,” Dan says. “I looked at how time, but adds that it helps him appreciate every day he much exercise had helped me with MS so far, so I was has to do the things he can do. willing to take the leap and attempt it. I had learned TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 242 3358

how to listen to my body and know when I had enough to spare; battled the famous hills along the bike course and when I could handle more.” cheered on by friends, family, strangers, dogs, cow bells Dan admits it was hard to keep his chin up when and an Elvis impersonator; then laced up his shoes for MS kept trying to take over. Sometimes he would fall the marathon conclusion. while running. Other times he couldn’t feel his feet. Starting down State Street toward Camp Randall He also had to learn how to swim correctly. “If I was looking for excuses not to In 2008 Dan took to the water and held his own exercise, I wouldn’t have to look too far,” amid 1,800 participants, but in the end crossed he says. When the day of the event finally arrived, the finish line one minute too late to qualify. approximately 125 of Dan’s family members and friends, each wearing bright yellow T-shirts, joined the crowd near the starting point at Stadium for the final portion, “I still didn’t know if Madison’s Lake Monona. Dan took to the water and the MS was going allow me to do it,” Dan recalls. A held his own amid 1,800 participants, but in the end burning sensation in his feet had begun while he was crossed the finish line one minute too late to qualify. riding and he’d feel a shooting pain with every bump. “The most inspirational moment happened,” But during the run, as he felt he was only hobbling he remembers. “Bright yellow shirts began coming along, he spotted his son and daughter and their friends. from every direction, so many people coming up That’s when the adrenaline and endorphins kicked in, to me crying, hugging me and giving me words of eroding the MS pain to the point that he could enjoy encouragement. It was truly emotional and inspiring to the run. have so much love and support in the crowd.” Crossing the finish line after 14 hours and 41 That encouragement coupled with his minutes, Dan was greeted by friends, family and other determination to complete his goal spurred Dan to competitors. “Everyone I saw was so happy and crying,” volunteer for the 2009 competition and compete he says. “I just let it all go and joined right in. These again in 2010. It turned out to be an entirely different were all true tears of love and joy.” experience. He made it through the swim with time Embracing the Winning Spirit Amazingly, Dan spent the next four days symptom free with no effects of his MS whatsoever – something he hadn’t experienced in 10 years. “All I know is that I didn’t do it alone. The Big Guy is with me every day, and I’ve had so much love and support from family and friends during this entire journey. I would not have been able to do it without them.” Looking back, Dan says training was the part of the journey that he enjoyed the most. He made new friends and strengthened his relationships with his wife, kids and friends who helped him train. He may sign up for Dan’s family was among those cheering him on another competition again some day, too; not only did throughout the event. He and his wife, Bonnie, are he find that having something big on the calendar pictured center, flanked by their daughter, Samantha, and son, Jacob.

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Funds Raised ‘Going to the Right Spots’

Erschen’s Peppy Pedalers Started with Just Two Riders One reason for Dan Erschen’s success in the 2010 Ironman was his previous participation in Bike MS: Best Dam Bike Ride. The two-day event brings nearly 2,000 cyclists and volunteers together to raise money to fight multiple sclerosis. The cyclists ride 62.5, 75 or 100 miles each day. Since completing their first ride in 2005, Dan and his son, Jacob, have been joined by more and more family members, friends and friends of friends each year. Today the “Peppy Pedalers” — who have raised more than $150,000 to date — boast an average of 60 members ranging from age 12 to 77. “We do the ride to help other people with MS,” Dan explains. “I physically see where some of the money is being spent, like the research at Marquette University on exercise and bone density that I participated in. I see good things happening and know money is going to the right spots.”

As a fully-supported event, the National MS Society makes resources available to help participants with their fundraising as well as their training. They also make sure participants are well cared for during the event, from providing mechanical and medical support during the ride to having fully-stocked rest areas, meals, entertainment, lodging, transportation and a Finish Line celebration. “Some of the most inspiring moments for me are when people who didn’t originally believe they could ever make it 15 miles go 62, 75 and even 100 miles,” says Dan, who wasn’t an avid rider until he started training for his first Bike MS but now tries to bike the 100-mile course both days. He adds that he always encourages people to be part of the Saturday Night Celebration. “That brings it home that this is for the right cause. It gives people with MS and their families and friends hope.”

Dan Erschen’s Peppy Pedalers Bike MS team began with just two riders in 2005 (Dan and his son Jacob), and now averages 60 participants. Says Dan, “We do the ride to help other people with MS.”

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Workplace Giving Tips and Reminders kept him motivated, but he would like to see if he can replicate the symptom-free relief he enjoyed following the 2010 event.

You don’t have to do an Ironman to improve your lifestyle, but you do need to believe that things you have a passion for are possible. - Dan Erschen

Dan adds that his experience helped him break through some of MS’s most challenging walls and he hopes he can help others do the same. “I could only do five minutes on an elliptical machine when I started. Eight years later, I worked it up to 14 hours and 41 minutes. You don’t have to do an Ironman to improve your lifestyle, but you do need to believe that things you have a passion for are possible.”

Workplace giving programs provide an easy way to support the MS Movement. Simply sign up for your company’s workplace giving campaign and use an automatic payroll deduction to make regular gifts to the Wisconsin Chapter. All gifts made to the Wisconsin Chapter through workplace giving are tax deductible. Community Health Charities Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Chapter proudly partners with Community Health Charities Wisconsin, the largest workplace giving program devoted solely to health issues. Corporate Employee Gift Programs. Your company may have its own Corporate Employee Gift Program. Matching Gifts. Be sure to ask your employer if they have a matching gift fund and request that they match your gift to the Wisconsin Chapter.

Working with thousands of members to make bicycling in Wisconsin even more safe, convenient and fun.

Join today at www.bfw.org Proud supporter of the MS Society and the MS Best Dam Bike Ride

Combined Federal Campaign of Greater Wisconsin Public sector and government employees can support the Wisconsin Chapter through the Combined Federal Campaign of Greater Wisconsin by selecting the designated code number: 36427. Be sure to look for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Wisconsin Chapter on the designation lists for your state, city, county or school employee giving campaigns.

Clarification: The statement that appeared in the Spring 2011 MS Connection that read: “As of January 7, 2011, 19 out of 85 patients have died of PML after taking Tysabri,” references a worldwide statistic.

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Game System Brings Back Sports

Wii Helps Madison Man Recapture Competitive Edge By Jonathan Rubin

Eighteen years ago, when I was 24, I lost something very important. I lost the ability to compete. I had played competitive sports my entire life. So much so I never thought what life would be without them. They were just part of me. But my competitive ability was taken away

Thanks to Wii, I can play golf, and I am once again a champion tennis player. - Jonathan Rubin by my first major MS attack, one that left me dizzy, weak and bedridden (temporarily) for the first time in my life. Soccer was my primary passion, with tennis and hockey following close behind. I was taught the “beautiful sport” of soccer first by Africans who lived in our apartment complex in Madison, WI, when I was six. Then, when my family moved to England for three years, I learned another version, English football, which involves less intricate passing and more rough tackling and big kicks downfield. Then, back in the good ol’ U.S. of A., I played youth and varsity high school soccer. I was not great, but always good, always in the game, ready to play, an able teammate. While at the University of California at Santa Cruz, I frequently played with members of the Banana Slugs Division III, but never went out for the team – I think due to a youthful desire to be more intellectual, less jock. I played on every intramural team, in every league, in every pickup game, whenever I had the opportunity to join, and would spend hours and hours just running around an immense field overlooking the Pacific Ocean chasing and kicking a small white ball. It was pure freedom. It wasn’t until the winter of ‘92-’93 that I realized just how important it was to me. After my first MS attack, it took me five months to get back on a basketball court and a year to even kick a soccer ball (my legs were heavily affected). It was probably 18 months before a friend talked me into trying a pickup soccer game. I was a little slower, a little shakier, a little weaker, but it was soccer, by golly, and I loved it. However, after many ups and downs and all arounds, my MS has shifted into secondary-progressive. I now walk with a cane and can only imagine playing in an actual soccer match.

Tennis is a similar story. It was an early casualty of MS. Running made me dizzy and confused, neither of which is conducive to playing quality tennis. It is difficult for me to even break a sweat these days, let alone get a true aerobic workout. The muscles in my legs quit after two minutes of stationary bike riding and after 10 on a rowing machine. If I work out for 15 minutes, it becomes next to impossible for me to walk out of the gym. I enjoy yoga, but my muscles buckle with any pose that involves the legs. Which brings me to the present, to this Christmas actually, when my family and I (my two sons are jocks too – go figure) bought the Wii Fit Plus game station from Nintendo. Thanks to Wii, I can play golf, and I am once again a champion (level 2000) tennis player. I can groundstroke endlessly, connect on every overhead slam and whip forehand winners crosscourt. I can serve big, rush the net, and still backpedal to the Madison resident Jonathan baseline. I can sweat Rubin uses the Wii game like a pig again. I am, console to play tennis and golf. in a sense, complete. My experience reminds me of the scene in the movie Avatar where the wounded veteran, who has lost the use of his legs, has his mind put into the body of an avatar. He walks a few trembling steps, and then starts running and running and running. He will not stop. It is impossible to imagine what it is like to not be able to run until you can’t. I haven’t yet tried soccer and basketball on the Wii and I’m not sure that Nintendo can capture the joy of those sports quite as well as they did with tennis. But I’m ready to start the PGA tour with Woods and Mickelson. Who wants to caddy? Jonathan Rubin, who lives in Madison, WI, is currently ranked 5,024 in the world on Wii Grand Slam Tennis and hopes to be #1 by spring.

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 242 3358

Join the Lawry Circle

Wisconsin Residents Leave a Legacy of Hope Sylvia Lawry founded the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in 1946 and left a lasting legacy in the pursuit of a cure for her brother Bernard’s MS. The Lawry Circle recognizes those individuals and families who leave their own legacy through a bequest, gift annuity or other deferred gift to the Society. By becoming a Lawry Circle member, you can support programs and services and move research forward to stop, restore and end MS forever. The Lawry Circle has no minimum gift level and membership is for life. There are already 53 Lawry Circle members in Wisconsin who have demonstrated a deep and lifetime commitment to improving the lives of those with MS.

Members are recognized in National MS Society publications, are invited to local programs and activities and receive special mailings with updates on the work that the Society is doing for all people affected by MS. Deferred gifts include a bequest in a will, charitable gift annuities, charitable trusts and designating the Society as a beneficiary of a retirement account or a life insurance policy. If you have already included the National MS Society in a deferred gift or would like more information, contact Denise Jendusa, Vice President of Major Gift Development, at denise.jendusa@nmss.org or by calling 262-369-7166.

Lawry Circle Members Jeffrey A. Arndt Kendra M. Arndt Rev. Charles R. Brooks Anne Brouwer Kathleen Conine+ Lillian Cowan+ Judith A. Dereszynski Dolores Dornoff+ Leslie Farrell+ Margaret Formanek+ LeRoy Hering Carol Hering Sandra A. Hills William C. Hoffmann Cheryl Keenan+ Douglas E. Kiefer+ Pauline Kiefert+ Jane Knebes+ Michael Lutze

Lori Lutze Glenn E. McCray Barbara McDonald Margaret McManimon+ David G. Meier Miriam Meier Hazel C. Meyers Herbert Myers Ronda Myers Dorothy J. Nelson+ John W. Nelson+ Louise Norenberg Estate Charlyne A. Perrine Sharon Pezewski Felix Pulgram+ Dolores M. Rampalski Arlene L. Rentmeester Michael L. Rentmeester Thomas H. Robinson

Arita “Peach” A. Robinson Robert L. Sowinski Evelyn R. Spoerl Eleanor L. Stevenson+ Gloria Strei William F. Strei Helen Trombley+ Candice E. Tylke+ Janet C. Viney Cynthia Weix+ Charles Weyker Family Trust+ Susan L. Wilkey Carol F. Young+ Jeff Tews and Susan Rather Tews Anonymous +

Deceased

MS Connection is a publication of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Wisconsin Chapter. For information or to share story ideas, please call 262-369-4431. Editor: Cindy Yomantas, Art Director: Amy Malo, Copywriter: Amanda Gasper

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MS Clinic at Aurora BayCare in Green Bay

Dr. Teetzen Takes Team Approach to MS Care “My personal belief about treating MS is that it really takes a team,” said Dr. Merle Teetzen, a neurologist at the Aurora BayCare MS Clinic in Green Bay and a member of the Wisconsin Chapter Clinical Advisory Committee. “MS is a very complex disorder that affects so many aspects of a person’s life, ranging from cognition and mood to bowl and bladder control to mobility issues and pain management,” he said. “And usually, MS starts to cause some financial and social issues, so you have to keep in mind that all these things are happening to each individual and the people around them.” Dr. Merle Teetzen treats A comprehensive approach patients at the Aurora to care addresses the complexity BayCare MS Clinic. of MS. The Aurora BayCare MS Clinic is a National Multiple Sclerosis Society Affiliated Center for Comprehensive Care, meaning comprehensive and coordinated care are offered there and the clinic is under the direction of someone with MS expertise. “I think the affiliation with the National MS Society gives us confidence that we’ve met a certain amount of requirements,” Dr. Teetzen said. “And I hope that gives the general public confidence that we have met these standards.” Dr. Teetzen explained: “We have neurologists who are interested in MS and have experience with it. We have a nurse practitioner who is certified in MS. We have nurses who are getting a fair amount of experience with MS.” According to Dr. Teetzen, the clinic offers physical therapy, occupation therapy and speech therapy provided by those who have indicated an interest in seeing people with MS. The clinic also has a neuropsychologist, a profession that focuses on brain function and how it’s related to behavior and skills, as well as access to ophthalmology, urology and other specialties. “One person isn’t necessarily going to meet the individual’s needs, no matter how good a doctor you are,” he said. “We have a good set of people available who all have expressed an interest in MS.”

Dr. Teetzen, who has worked at Aurora BayCare MS Clinic for about five years, started his studies in psychiatry. However, during a rotation in neurology, he hit it off with the neurologist and switched his focus to neurology. “Then, when I was first in practice, other physicians realized that I was seeing a lot of patients with chronic neurologic disorders,” he explained. “And MS was the most frequent one I was seeing.” His interest in MS is also linked to his uncle. While never diagnosed with MS, Dr. Teezen said his uncle had difficulties with walking and problems with balance and talking and that he may have had MS. To treat individuals with MS, Dr. Teetzen said he has to look at everything to determine the needs of each patient. He added, “One of the most important things I can offer a patient is to listen and empathize with his or her situation. There are times that I can’t fix things, but we can at least talk about it and sometimes the patients will come to some coping mechanism on their own.” Dr. Teetzen also wants his patients to be involved in decisions about their care. He explained, “I like to try to give patients options in medications and therapies. I want them to have some personal stake in what we’re doing.” Beyond patient care, there are also several research projects going on at the clinic. “The research projects that are most active are the ones that look at antibody development. We’re involved in a study with Tysabri and checking for the

One of the most important things I can offer a patient is to listen and empathize with his or her situation. - Dr. Teetzen JC virus antibody,” Dr. Teetzen explained. The JC virus is associated with the risk for developing PML in those taking Tysabri. Studies testing for the JC virus antibody will help determine if this test is useful for treatment decisions for patients taking Tysabri. “All of us at the MS Clinic are involved in the research.” TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 242 3358

New Egg Harbor Hotel Headquarters

Challenge Walk MS Provides 30-Mile and 50-Mile Options Excitement is building for the 4th Annual Challenge Walk MS. Slated for September 23-25; this year’s event will be headquartered at a new hotel location: Alpine Resort and Golf Course. Located on the shoreline in Egg Harbor, Alpine Resort provides one of the most spectacular views in Door County. While the hotel headquarters location is new, what won’t change is the event’s lasting impact on participants. Challenge Walk MS is a three-day, 50-mile walk through breathtaking Door County. Participants also have the option of completing 30 miles over two days. During the past three years Challenge Walk MS has attracted individuals from age 12 to 73 and everything in between. The event is all-inclusive – with two-nights lodging, eight meals, SAG and medical support provided. Participants receive two T-shirts, and there is also a silent auction plus celebrations Friday and Saturday evenings. Most individuals participate in Challenge Walk MS because they have a connection to multiple sclerosis. But there are many others who join the event for the personal challenge. Everyone enjoys the striking Door County scenery. When asked last year why she was participating in Walk MS, Emily Koss eloquently responded: “I Volunteer Sue Hayes greeted last walk for three year’s Challenge Walk MS days so others participants at the registration table. can walk their whole lives.” Diane Hackbarth shared last year, “I am walking so that my daughter and brother can keep walking.” Amy Mangan-Fischer shared, “I am walking this year because

10 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: wisMS.org

last year’s Challenge Walk was an amazing experience. I laughed, cried, learned a lot and met a lot of inspirational people.” Nearly 100 of last year’s participants share their reasons for joining Challenge Walk MS in a video posted at the Chapter’s YouTube page. There are three designations of Challenge Walk MS Participants in the 2010 Challenge Walk MS celebrated the moment by participants: posing with the 50 Mile marker near • Walkers – the Lake Michigan shoreline. secure $1,500 in pledges and pay a $125 registration fee. Walkers receive Challenge Walk’s all-inclusive amenities • Super Crew – also secure $1,500 in pledges and pay a $125 registration fee, but instead of walking the entire route, Super Crew members assume a variety of key Challenge Walk MS duties (and qualify for all-inclusive amenities). • Crew – these volunteers do not pay a registration fee or pledge minimum (and do not qualify for the all-inclusive amenities); but they do provide important assistance in the execution of the three-day event. Volunteers who contribute $750 receive lodging and dinner Friday evening. Even if you can’t participate in the 4th Annual Challenge Walk MS, you can still pledge your support for the event or an individual walker or team. For more details or to register, contact Dawn Thaves at the Wisconsin Chapter at 262-369-4403 or e-mail dawn.thaves@nmss.org.

Impact of MS Influences Students’ Goals

32 High School Graduates Recognized by Wisconsin Chapter The Wisconsin Chapter is awarding with MS or have the scholarships to 32 Wisconsin students this year, disease themselves. including one person who has multiple sclerosis. Additionally, the Now in its 8th year, the Scholarship Program helps applicants must be to ensure that the financial impact of MS does not attending an accredited stand in the way of a college education. postsecondary school Many of the 2011 scholars noted on their for the first time. applications that MS, despite the challenges it All applications can cause, has impacted and helped define their are initially evaluated career goals. by ACT, a national One scholar, who plans on becoming a Speech nonprofit organization, and Language Pathologist, said, “In the same way based on criteria my mom has been persistent through her disease, Elliot Siewert and his Mom, Peggy, including academic celebrate at the scholarship awards I wish for everyone to achieve their best despite performance, limitations beyond their control. I would like the reception in Milwaukee. leadership, opportunity to use my knowledge to help others participation in school and community activities, work cope with their personal difficulties.” experience, financial need and an essay about the impact Another scholar said, “My knowledge of MS has of MS on their lives. Final selection of award recipients made me curious about science from an early age. It is completed by the Wisconsin Chapter’s Scholarship Committee. Susan Wilkey, Molly Walsh, Laura Sowinski, Jane Jacobson and Roy Fine make up this year’s committee. Additionally, the National MS Society reviews finalists from across the country for exceptional performance. Wisconsin scholarship recipient Rebecca LeBeau is being recognized as a National MS Society Top Scholar and will receive additional funding.

MS Scholarship recipients Ashley Konkel of Deerfield and Molly Cantrall of Tomahawk attended the Chapter’s On The Move luncheon in Madison. has been my dream to be able to go to school and learn about neurology or medical science so that I can become a doctor or medical researcher and help to discover new ways to treat diseases like MS.” Selection Process To qualify for a scholarship, high school seniors or graduates of any age must have a parent or guardian

Support the Scholarship Program The Wisconsin Chapter continues to generate applicant numbers that are among the highest of any chapter in the country. Since the first scholarships were awarded in 2004, more than $265,000 has been given to 190 Wisconsin students, including the 2011 recipients. The Wisconsin Chapter funds scholarships through donations from individuals and foundations. For more information or to make a donation to the Scholarship Program, please contact Denise Jendusa at 262-369-7166 or e-mail denise.jendusa@nmss.org. For more information about the MS College Scholarship program, please contact Dawn Thaves at 262-369-4403 or e-mail dawn.thaves@nmss.org. TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 242 3358

MS College Scholarship Recipients Stephanie Cleary West Bend, WI Marquette University

Molly Cantrall Tomahawk, WI UW-River Falls

“Life gets a little hectic sometimes, but we are a close family and we would do anything for each other.”

Danielle DeJardin Father Charles Brooks MS Scholarship Green Bay, WI Saint Norbert College “I am hopeful that I will be around when a cure is found for this life changing disease.”

Joshua Govek Grafton, WI Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design “One of the most important things to my family is to help fund the research that is going to help find a cure for this disease.”

“It’s hard for me to completely understand what my mom goes through, but I try my hardest to be there for her when she needs me.”

Shannon Fischer Wausau, WI UW-River Falls

Lauren Gingold Milwaukee, WI UW-La Crosse

“The positive example my mom gives despite all she faces with her disease has shaped how I view life and others.”

“I have learned that personal outreach is by far the best part of supporting people who live with MS.”

Fayla Grose The Jacobson Family MS Scholarship Pickerel, WI UW-Marathon County

Katherine Hager Muskego, WI UW-Madison

“If it was not for my father, I would not have grown up with the values I have today.”

“After college, I hope to be working at a job that I enjoy and can put my math and science skills to work.”

Erica Haglund Burlington, WI Boston University

“I always pray that my mother’s situation will be a road of stability.”

Ashley Konkel Deerfield, WI UW-La Crosse

Anna Jagodzinski Holmen, WI UW-Madison

“I learned to do what was asked of me before it was asked – to be a self starter.”

Kevin Kornowski Diversified Insurance Services MS Scholarship Hartland, WI Concordia University Wisconsin

Faatima Khan Hartland, WI UW-Madison

“I hope to one day be able to help those like my mom who should receive the quality care that they deserve.”

Rebecca LeBeau National Top Scholar T. Ferguson Locke MS Scholarship Sheboygan, WI UW-Madison

“Because of my dad and his willpower to keep fighting MS, I have blossomed into a passionate leader.”

“I look forward to the opportunities I have to raise awareness and funding for the struggle to find a cure.”

“I want to use my talents in science to help free others from the debilitating effect of neurological diseases like MS.”

Nicholas Levin Waupun, WI UW-Madison

Seth Merrifield De Pere, WI University of MinnesotaTwin Cities

Kathryn Muench Wauwatosa, WI UW-Madison

“Our family has learned to adapt and welcome any adventures that come our way.”

Shawn Muench Cumberland, WI UW-River Falls

“I want so badly to make a difference. To change lives. Music education is the perfect place to do that.”

“I am who I am today due in large part to having grown up with my dad’s MS.”

Nicole Niesing Fredonia, WI Milwaukee Area Technical College

“We must take each day one at a time and make the most of what we have.”

“My dad has taught me so many lessons, like to remain positive and look beyond what you see.”

Alicia Osiecki La Crosse, WI Winona State University

“MS has taught me…to be optimistic in the worst of situations and to keep a smile on my face on the worst of days.”

Haley Palubicki Seymour, WI University of Central Florida

“I have learned not to dwell on the past or all the ‘what ifs,’ but instead focus on each new day for a brighter future without letting MS control it.”

Richard Rolland III Diversified Insurance Services MS Scholarship Nashotah, WI UW-Madison “I have learned to balance the obstacles in life and in the end, create a positive outcome.”

Morgan Rae Menasha, WI UW-Madison

“I hope to be able to become a politician, such as a governor, senator or president.”

Benjamin Roper Bell Family MS Scholarship Waukesha, WI UW-Waukesha “My mom had a lot of courage, which gave me the inspiration to be courageous as well.”

Elliott Siewert Delafield, WI UW-Waukesha

Benjamin Stein Oshkosh, WI Milwaukee School of Engineering

“Living with MS in our family has taught me perseverance and integrity.”

“In my lifetime, I hope to learn, grow and touch others as my mother has.”

Luke Thimmesch Wauwatosa, WI UW-Madison

Ella WhiteRagland Milwaukee, WI Marquette University

“The biggest part of my life that MS has affected is my attitude and my desire to live life to the fullest.”

“From my mother’s struggle, I have learned self-reliance, how to be a role model and how to be patient and compassionate.”

Jennifer Richardson Fairchild, WI UW-Stout

“Seeing how strong my mom has been has motivated me to be just like her.”

Emilie Roper Bell Family MS Scholarship Waukesha, WI UW-Waukesha “I strive to live my life the way my mom did before and during her struggle with MS.”

Ryan Stricker Beaver Dam, WI UW-Platteville

“My goal is to become a civil engineer. I am working hard to get closer to achieving that goal.”

Jennifer Wolfsohn Amy Reinicke MS Scholarship Hartland, WI Northeastern University “With the right amount of passion and enthusiasm, it is my firm belief that anything can be accomplished.”

One of 17 in the Nation to be Recognized

Sheboygan Student Receives Society’s Top Scholar Award Wisconsin’s Rebecca LeBeau was recognized by the her MS has taught me compassion and determination to National Multiple Sclerosis Society as a Top Scholar. Only succeed and I can’t help but be grateful for these things.” 17 students were selected in 2011 for this Rebecca plans to study honor from a pool of 639 MS Scholarship biology or chemistry when winners across the United States. In the eightshe starts college in the fall at year history of the MS Scholarship program, the University of Wisconsinsix Wisconsin MS Scholarship winners have Madison. She has long held been identified as Top Scholars. Rebecca also an interest in science. When received the Wisconsin Chapter’s T. Ferguson she was younger, she used to Locke MS Scholarship. go to the library to learn about Top Scholars are selected by the her mother’s disease. This early Society based on exceptional performance, interest in learning about MS demonstrated by the scholars’ applications led Rebecca to her current and personal essays about the impact of career goal of becoming a MS on their lives. Rebecca was a straight A neurologist. student at Sheboygan High School, with all “I want to use my talents AP honors classes and numerous medals for in science to help free others her musicianship. She graduated at the top of from the debilitating effects her class. of neurological diseases like Top Scholar Rebecca LeBeau says Rebecca’s mother, Trudy, was diagnosed MS,” she said. The scholarship her mother Trudy’s MS taught her with MS in 1995. Despite the challenges that funding from the Wisconsin have come with the diagnoses, Rebecca said it compassion and determination. Chapter and the National MS has actually helped her become a better person. Society will help Rebecca achieve her goals. “Anyone can tell from the first glance that my mom “It’s a huge recognition and a big help to me,” and my family have experienced hardship. But what isn’t Rebecca said. She added, “My mom feels like she can so obvious is what her disease has given us,” Rebecca do something for me through this scholarship.” said. “I wish my mom was healthy, but at the same time,

More Than a Mountain

Photo by Soni Methu

Schneider Leads 16 to Mt. Kilimanjaro for ‘Leap of Faith Adventure’ After becoming the first person with MS to reach the top of Mt. Everest just two years ago, Wisconsin’s Lori Schneider led an expedition including seven with multiple sclerosis and four with Parkinson’s disease to Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. In addition to Schneider, three others from Wisconsin participated in the “Leap of Faith Adventure” to Mt. Kilimanjaro. They are: Susie Weber and Kristy Banaszak, both of Jackson and both diagnosed with MS; and Dr. Colleen Hayes, a Society-funded researcher from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 242 3358

Two Authors. Sales of Gingold’s 2nd Edition Support MS Research, Programs

FACING THE COGNITIVE CHALLENGES OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SECOND EDITION

— PATRICIA KENNEDY RN, CNP, MSCN NURSE EDUCATOR, Can Do Multiple Sclerosis and author of the

forthcoming Can Do Multiple Sclerosis Guide to Lifestyle Empowerment

“Jeffrey Gingold, in this the second edition of his book, has not only provided an intimate look into the personal experiences with which he has had to contend with his MS, he has created a work that is informative, highly personal, incredibly supportive and realistic in its advice. It is a truly outstanding work that I can recommend without reservation to those both with MS as well as anyone who wants to know more about this aspect of MS.” —PATRICIA A. FARRELL, PHD, author of It’s Not All in Your Head and How to Be Your Own Therapist

“In his latest and most moving book, Jeff Gingold takes us on a journey into the ‘hidden’ precincts of multiple sclerosis – cognitive changes. Not only people with MS, but those with any connection to MS, personal or professional, should read this book.” — NICHOLAS G. LAROCCA, PHD, Vice President of Health Care Delivery and Policy Research, National

Multiple Sclerosis Society, author of Multiple Sclerosis: Understanding the Cognitive Challenges

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

“Multiple sclerosis can be a scary, lonely disease. Jeffrey Gingold has given us some weapons to ﬁght where we can. He also demonstrates the wisdom to accept situations that are not what we had envisioned for ourselves, while showing that a ‘new’ reality doesn’t mean defeat. Buy this book. You will be stronger for reading it.”

Jeffrey —JULIE STACHOWIAK, PHD, About.com guide N. Gingold to Multiple Sclerosis, author of The is the internationally Multiple Sclerosis Manifesto acclaimed author of the and The Diabetes Award-winning book, Facing the Manifesto Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis and an outspoken volunteer advocate on MS and cognitive disability. He has been a guest on The Montel Williams Show, NPR afﬁliates, numerous webcasts and national talk radio shows. In his second book, Mental Sharpening Stones: Manage the Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis, Jeffrey provides strategies from people who have MS and medical providers, sharing their tactical advice on how to manage the “invisible MS.”

11 W. 42nd Street, 15th Floor New York, NY 10036 www.demoshealth.com

$19.95

16 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: wisMS.org

DISTRIBUTED IN NORTH AMERICA BY PUBLISHERS GROUP WEST COVER DESIGN BY CARLOS MALDONADO

Gingold added, “For the MS community and others affected by cognition difficulties, this book answers two blunt questions: 1) Am I losing my mind, and 2) Is there anything I can do to slow down the loss of my thoughts? While the Society states that 65 percent of the MS population will experience cognitive impediments, what does that really mean to a person with MS who is already enduring physical exacerbations?” The second edition of “Facing the Cognitive Challenges of MS” puts those often ignored MS cognitive symptoms on the table for a clear discussion and strategic game plan.

SECOND EDITION

He was recently inducted to the 2010 National Multiple Sclerosis Society Hall of Fame for his Advocacy. Jeffrey is a published freelance writer and has authored numerous articles for U.S and international publications. He enjoys spending family time with his wife, Terri, two adorable daughters, Lauren and Meredith, and one cat named Mickey named after the baseball player, not the mouse.

… this book answers two blunt questions: 1) Am I losing my mind, and 2) Is there anything I can do to slow down the loss of my thoughts? - Jeffrey Gingold

FACING THE COGNITIVE CHALLENGES OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

“As recently as the 1980’s, people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis were assured that their thinking skills would be spared when looking at the possible range of symptoms. It was not true then or now. Cognitive issues are bad players because they can signiﬁcantly affect the lives of those who have them and their families, while remaining largely invisible to most of us. Jeffrey acknowledged his struggles and then moved forward by looking for solutions for himself and then by sharing them with others. We can all learn from his journey.”

connection to MS, personal or professional, should read this book.” Nearly 50 reviews of Gingold’s books can be found at amazon.com. According to Gingold, “Being diagnosed with MS was not an end point for me or my family. My focus has always been to raise awareness about MS.”

GINGOLD

“I won’t leave MS on the table for our children,” stated Jeffrey Gingold when asked at a recent event why he was donating 100 percent of the proceeds from his book sales to support multiple sclerosis research and education. Gingold, an internationally-acclaimed, award-winning author and Wisconsin resident, has not only contributed proceeds from his two prior books to the MS cause – and is doing the same with sales of the justreleased second edition of “Facing the Cognitive Challenges of MS” – but he also leads a Walk MS team that over the years has raised $55,568. The new edition of “Facing Jeffrey Gingold says while it is the Cognitive important to accept that you Challenges of MS” may be enduring MS cognitive has been revised difficulties, it is important not to with cognitive surrender to them. strategies and updated resources, including a new forward by Dr. Dawn Langdon of the UK MS Trust and four completely new chapters that follow Gingold’s journey since 2006. Similar to his previous books, the second edition of “Facing the Cognitive Challenges of MS” is getting rave reviews. Nicholas G. LaRocca, PhD, Vice President of Health Card Delivery and Policy Research for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society said, “In his latest and most moving book, Jeffrey Gingold takes us on a journey into the “hidden” precincts of multiple sclerosis – cognitive changes. Not only people with MS, but those with any

Special Discount When You Order from the Publisher Order the second edition of Jeffrey Gingold’s award-winning book, “Facing the Cognitive Challenges of MS,” as well as his critically-acclaimed book, “Mental Sharpening Stones,” COGN directly from the publisher, and F OF M ITIVE CHACING TH ULTIP ALLE E LE SC NGES LERO you’ll receive a discount. Visit SIS demoshealth.com and utilize this code: SSGINGOLD30 when you make your purchases. Orders of $29 or more also receive free shipping. Don’t forget: 100 percent of the proceeds from the sales of Gingold’s books are donated to MS research and education. “...a poetic testament to one man’s courage” —CONSORTIUM OF MS CENTERS

SECO

EDIT

ION

One Cause. MS Scholarship Program Beneficiary of Jacobson’s 2nd Book Sales In the front of “The Katyn Order,” author Douglas W. Jacobson includes a quote from Winston Churchill, Britain’s prime minister during World War II. “Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities... because it is the quality which guarantees all others.” The book — Doug’s second — follows two Polish resistance fighters from the destruction of Warsaw in World War II through their search for a copy of Stalin’s order authorizing the 1940 execution of 20,000 Polish officers in the Katyn (pronounced KAH-teen) Forest, a war crime the Soviets later blamed on the Germans. The Library Journal says “The Katyn Order” “offers two impressive historical thrillers in one,” adding, “…this novel’s compelling authenticity and evocatively rendered detail will captivate history buffs and thriller fans alike.” Describes Publishers Weekly, “While the search for the document drives the action, it’s the saga of the brave men and women of the Armia Krajowa who must first battle the Germans and then the Russians that’s the heart of the story.” Doug agrees. “What this book is about is the courage of ordinary people caught up in an extraordinary, unimaginable catastrophe,” he says, explaining that the heroes of the story were part of the Polish resistance that fought The launch party for Doug against the Jacobson’s second WWII tyranny novel, “The Katyn Order,” was of the held May 17. The bookseller, Germans Boswell Book Company, also and the donated a portion of the Russians proceeds from the evening to in World the National MS Society. War II. While the main characters are fictitious, they represent the spirit of the people who were part of the true-life events described in the book. It is the same determination and courage that Doug sees in those affected by MS.

“It’s not really a war story. It’s a story about personal courage,” Doug says. “The characters found the strength to do things they never thought they could do. That’s what families do when affected by MS, both those who battle this disease and those around them. They have to Doug Jacobson says his book is have courage and really about personal courage, find strength in which can be displayed in many each other to ways depending upon individual strength and character. carry on.” It’s something he’s seen in his wife of 43 years, Janie. Although she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis more than 20 years ago, the former high school math teacher hasn’t let the disease keep her from what she wants to do. “You can display courage in many ways,” he says. “It all comes down to individual strength and character.” For that reason, it seemed especially appropriate to Doug and his publisher, McBooks Press, Inc., to donate $5 of every copy of “The Katyn Order” sold in Wisconsin directly from www.mcbooks.com to the MS Scholarship Fund. After getting involved with the National MS Society a few years ago as volunteers and participating in the Challenge Walks, Doug and Janie naturally gravitated toward the Scholarship Fund given Janie’s teaching background. She joined the national and Wisconsin board of review for scholarship applicants, reading

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 242 3358

numerous stories about setbacks students have had in dealing with their own MS or with a parent or family member with the disease. “We kind of adopted it as one of our own personal missions to help the Society and help these kids,” Doug says. The National MS Society Scholarship Fund Program helps highly qualified students who have been diagnosed with MS or who have a parent with MS achieve their dreams of going to college. Established in 2003, it continues to grow both in terms of support and scholarships awarded. In its first year of operation, 36 scholarships were awarded for a total of $68,000; in 2010 nearly $1 million was awarded to 470 scholars. Open to first-time college freshmen of any age, the application for the 2012 program will be posted on the National MS Society website on October 1, 2011. The Jacobsons held a fundraiser last year featuring Lori Schneider, the first person with MS to successfully climb Mount Everest. The event included a silent auction that included the naming rights to one of the characters in “The Katyn Order.” (With the winning bid, Tim Meinerz is now immortalized as an American Army colonel in the book.) Through it, approximately $20,000 was raised for the scholarship fund.

“Janie has benefited substantially over these past couple decades by the advancements in research and medication. In fact, she’s in better health now than she was 10 years ago and we have to attribute that to the medications that are available now,” Doug says. “The National MS Society has had a direct impact on our family and we felt we should be doing something to help continue this cause,” he adds “There are so many people this affects and Wisconsin has the highest incidence of MS in the country. Being natives of Wisconsin and dealing with this disease in our family, we felt it was our responsibility to help out and give something back.”

Book Sales Support the MS Scholarship Program In a joint effort by author Douglas W. Jacobson and his publisher, McBooks Press, Inc., $5 of each copy of “The Katyn Order” purchased direct from the publisher at www.mcbooks.com will be donated to the MS Scholarship Fund for Wisconsin families affected by MS.

Do You Have a Foundation Connection?

Grant Awards Provide Support for Society Initiatives The Wisconsin Chapter extends its sincere gratitude to the following organizations for grants awarded January 1, 2011 through June 30, 2011. For information or to suggest a grant opportunity, contact Cindy Yomantas at 262-369-4431 or cindy.yomantas@nmss.org. • $25,000 from EMD Serono for Challenge Walk MS, MS Summit and On the Move luncheon • $20,000 from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation- William A. Johnson Fund for research • $15,000 from the M&I Foundation for research • $15,000 from the David V. Uihlein Foundation • $12,500 from Biogen Idec for the MS Summit, Bike MS and Research NOW • $8,500 from Teva Neuroscience for Walk MS, Research NOW and MS Summit • $5,000 from the Cudahy Foundation for research

18 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: wisMS.org

• $3,500 from Diversified Insurance Services, Inc. for the MS Scholarship program • $3,000 from Acorda for Walk MS • $1,080 from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation David C. Scott Foundation Fund • $1,000 from the Greater Menomonee Falls Foundation Trust • $1,000 from Genzyme for MS Summit • $1,000 from the William Stark Jones Foundation • $100 from the Madison Community Foundation Thomas and Karen Ragatz Fund

The Function Report

Details are Key to Disability Appeal Process By Attorney Thomas E. Bush

This article is designed to help claimants complete Function Report-Adult, form SSA-3373-BK dated December 2009. If you have an earlier or later version, this article may not be fully applicable. When claims are at the initial or reconsideration steps of the disability appeal process, the Social Security Administration (SSA) asks claimants to complete a Function Report-Adult: a form that allows you to describe for SSA what your life is like. Complete the questionnaire so that it describes not only your daily activities but also your limitations. It is essential to tell the truth. Describe activities and limitations without exaggerating and without minimizing. Details help someone who reads the questionnaire understand what your life is like. When you’re done, ask a friend or relative to read the questionnaire and answer this question: have I given an accurate description of my limitations and my daily life? The biggest mistake made by claimants in answering the question, “How do your illnesses, injuries, or conditions limit your ability to work?” is failing to provide enough

Provide Specifics The best approach is to answer this general question after you’ve answered all the other questions on the Function Report-Adult. The questionnaire asks many specific questions. If you describe something Wisconsin’s Tom Bush shares SSDI in answer to a expertise gleaned over 20 years. specific question, you don’t need to repeat it when answering the general question. You can use your answer to this question to give an overview of what your life is like. Many people say they don’t really do anything on a typical day other than a few household chores. It is important for you to describe the few chores and “not really doing anything.” That is, what do you do A description of how you organize your life in between household chores? How do you spend the majority of your time? Are you watching around your disability can win your case. television? Reading? Looking out the window? Be sure to fully explain all of your “down time” explanation. Another mistake sometimes made by – the time you spend in bed, the recliner, on the sofa, in claimants is that they explain only why they cannot do the bathroom or taking daytime naps. their former work. To win a disability case, you usually need to prove much more than inability to do your prior Describe What You Do Differently job. Many claimants, including almost everyone under As for laundry, cleaning, cooking, etc., it is important age 50, must prove they cannot do an easy full time job. to describe anything you do differently now than before Because SSA provides so little space to describe “what you became disabled. If you do things for only a few you do from the time you wake up until going to bed,” minutes at a time and then rest, be sure to explain that some claimants write very little. This may be a mistake. either in answer to the general question about daily It is important to write as much as is necessary so that activities or question 14.b. Question 14.b. asks how much SSA will understand what your life is like. You may have time house work takes you. Some disabled people have to add a page to give a good description of your daily been known to honestly answer question 14.b. saying that activities; but at the same time, do not go on and on. housework takes “all day.” This is true because they do Some people have been known to write a “book.” While housework only for a few minutes at a time and then rest such books can provide valuable information, there is and keep going back to it all day. It takes all day to get a such a thing as overkill. little housework done. But SSA will likely conclude from TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 242 3358

Tom Bush, continued from Page 19

such an answer that this claimant spends the entire day doing housework without a break – the claimant could work as a house cleaner. Thus, a complete description of how housework gets done is important to keep SSA from coming to the wrong conclusion. Although there are some disabled people whose daily activities at home are completely normal (for example, those with certain mental impairments), most claimants have organized their home life to accommodate their disabilities. A description of how you organize your life around your disability can win your case. For example, sometimes people with MS have to spend time lying down or sitting in a recliner because of

fatigue. They do a little and then rest. This is important information. If you leave out a description of how you spend most of the day resting, if you describe only the few activities you actually do (laundry, cleaning, shopping, etc.), you are missing an opportunity to provide information that might convince SSA decision makers that you cannot work a regular job on a sustained basis. Make sure you provide details about what you do when you’re resting so that SSA does not simply conclude you can do a sit-down job. Tom Bush is the preeminent expert on SSDI in Southeastern Wisconsin. A Wisconsin Chapter volunteer for 20 years, in 2008 Tom was inducted into the National MS Society’s Volunteer Hall of Fame. Tom’s web site is www.tebush.com.

September 17 also Elephant Appreciation Day

16th Annual MS Day at the Zoo will Feature Fun for All The Milwaukee County Zoo is the setting for the 16th Annual MS Day at the Zoo on Saturday, September 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults ages 13 and over which includes Zoo admission and lunch; or $8 for children ages 2 to 12 which includes Zoo admission, lunch and an MS Day at the Zoo T-shirt. In addition to regular Zoo attractions, September 17 is also “Elephant Appreciation Day.” The Zoo is planning special activities to draw attention to their two magnificent elephants, Brittany and Ruth. The Zoo’s special summer exhibit, “Butterflies! In Living Color,” will also be on display. Check MilwaukeeZoo.org for more details. VEMENT O Historically, MS Day at the Zoo has been one of the Wisconsin M E H T JOIN Chapter’s most popular events. In addition to the Zoo setting, festivities include vendor displays and games for the kids. Attendees last year “rocked” the Zoo with plenty of dancing in the private Zoo Terrace picnic area reserved especially for the event. Advance reservations are required and must be made by Friday, September 16. Reserve your spot for fun at the Zoo at the Chapter’s website, wisMS.org, or by calling 800-242-3358. ®

Donate to Send Families to the Zoo Help create happy memories for families struggling with the financial burden of MS. Your donation of $40 will send a family of four to MS Day at the Zoo. Call the Wisconsin Chapter at 800-242-3358 and make a contribution.

20 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: wisMS.org

Reception Features Unique Twist

Wisconsin Couple Creates Tribute to Groom’s Mother By Rebecca Courtney

Multiple Sclerosis Society.” Prior to the wedding Scott and Megan made a $250 donation to the Society in honor of Kristin. They also regularly participate in Walk MS. How well did the donation jar work? “We were barely able to eat our dinner,” said Megan. “The donations just kept coming.” By the end of the wedding reception, more than 50 people had contributed $651 in honor of Kristin. Together After the wedding people told us how moved with the donation Scott and Megan made, the new they were by the tribute to Scott’s mom. couple was able to contribute $901 in honor of - Megan Ottow Scott’s mother. “After the wedding people told us how moved they groom wanted to honor his mom at his April 30, 2011 were by the tribute to Scott’s mom,” said Megan. “We wedding to Megan Mann. will always remember Kristin’s presence at the wedding.” Instead of tapping drinking glasses to encourage the bride and groom to kiss during the reception, Scott and Becky Courtney is a Public Relations major and Advertising minor at the Megan asked guests to place a donation to the National University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. During the summer she participated as a Multiple Sclerosis Society-Wisconsin Chapter in a large marketing communications intern for the Wisconsin Chapter. jar. What’s more, the couple creatively placed a jar of Tributes and memorials can be made at the Wisconsin jellybeans at each guest’s place setting. A sticker attached Chapter website, wisMS.org, or by calling 800-242-3358. to the jar stated, “In loving memory of Scott’s mom, Kristin, a donation has been made to the National Weddings are about more than the bride and groom. Very often they’re a celebration of two families coming together. A Wisconsin couple recently incorporated a unique tribute to the groom’s mother as part of their special wedding celebration. Scott Ottow’s mother, Kristin, passed away in November 2003 from complications of MS. The young

Scott Ottow and his new bride, Megan, paid tribute to the memory of the groom’s mother at their April 30 wedding. In addition to the inscription on jellybean-filled jars positioned at each guest’s place setting, those attending the wedding reception were asked to make a donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society if they wanted the couple to kiss. TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 242 3358

2011 Walk MS Sponsors One Step at a Time You are Changing Lives

Janesville

Carpenters Union Data Dimensions Grant Regional Health Center Green Bay Packaging Group Health Cooperative Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics Humana JF Ahern

Kohler NE Wisconsin MRI Parker Community Credit Union Pioneer Ford Quincy Bioscience REI Engineering RW Baird

Kenosha News

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In-Kind Sponsors Kwik Trip

Sargento St Marys Dean Ventures Tricor Insurance Trustpoint US Bank UW Health Young, Shuster, Maslowski

Rockford Silkscreen

Wisconsin Chapter News and Notes

This is How We Move It

Informative MS Videos Available Online. More than 50 videos are now available at the Society’s MS Learn Online website, and new productions are added monthly. There are Spanish Learn Online videos, too. Visit nationalMSsociety.org to view the MS Learn Online videos – and sign up for e-mail alerts so you’ll know when a new feature is available for screening. Wisconsin Chapter Calendar of Clinic Visits. Representatives of the Wisconsin Chapter regularly visit several of the organization’s official clinics. During these visits, Chapter staff is available to meet confidentially and answer questions plus share informative literature. The current schedule of clinic visits is as follows: • Aurora Baycare MS Clinic, Green Bay: 4th Friday of every month • Marshfield Clinic MS Center, Marshfield: 3rd Tuesday of every month • ProHealth Care Oconomowoc Physician Center, Oconomowoc: 3rd Friday of every month. • Regional Multiple Sclerosis Center, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Milwaukee: 1st Monday, 2nd Thursday, 3rd Wednesday, 4th Tuesday of each month. • ProHealth Care Neuroscience Center,

Waukesha Memorial Hospital, Waukesha: 4th Tuesday of each month. • UW Hospital and Clinics Neurology/MS Clinic, Madison: 4th Wednesday of each month Call an MS Navigator Today. MS Navigator is here to help you navigate the challenges of MS. Professional advisors are available during standard business hours: Monday-Friday. Please call 800-344-4867 for personalized service, up-to-date information and practical resources and referrals. Support Groups. There are nearly 50 MS support groups in Wisconsin and new groups sprout up regularly. For a complete listing including meeting dates, please visit wisMS.org or call 800-242-3358. Sign up for Action Alerts and Read the Blog. Sign up today to receive Action Alert e-mails. These informative updates will keep you connected to the issues that matter most to individuals with MS. E-mail jeremy.otte@nmss.org for details or call 800-242-3358. You can also read the MS Activist blog to keep up with news on federal-level issues at MSactivist.blogspot.com.

Wisconsin Chapter Calendar of Events Bike MS Best Dam Bike Ride August 6-7 Make a Mark for MS Committee Meeting August 22 Generation Optimistic Milwaukee August 25

Cognitive Meltdown: How You, Your Family & Your Friends Face MS Together Pewaukee September 10 Mud Run Twin Cities September 10 MS Research NOW Speaker Series Eau Claire September 10

MS Day Milwaukee County Zoo September 17 Challenge Walk MS Door County September 23-25 Make a Mark for MS Committee Meeting September 26

Wisconsin Chapter Board of Trustees Meeting September 27 MS Research NOW Speaker Series Wausau October 8 MS Snowmobile Tour Wabeno January 26-29, 2012

Please visit the wisMS.org Calendar of Events for the latest listing of Chapter activities and Community Events.

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1120 James Drive Suite A Hartland, WI 53029 Mailing Label Changes Please check the appropriate box below, correct the label and return to the Wisconsin Chapter. Name change or misspelled Address change Remove from mailing list Received more than one copy Please send me my MS Connection via e-mail. My e-mail address is: __________________________________________

wisMS.org • Toll Free 1 800 242 3358 • 262 369 4400 $250 Million Research Initiative Announced

Society’s Chief Research Officer Addresses Luncheon Dr. Timothy Coetzee, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Chief Research Officer, was the keynote speaker at the 2011 On The Move luncheons held in Milwaukee and Madison on June 14 and 16, respectively. He announced to attendees that the Society is launching a new $250 million fundraising campaign to benefit MS research. The initiative, titled MS NOW, An MS Research Revolution, will run through 2015. According to Dr. Coetzee it is designed to fuel research to STOP disease progression, RESTORE lost function and END MS forever. After the luncheons, MS Scholarship recipients and their families attended a private reception to receive their award certificates.

1. David Calhoon, left, and Dr. John Fleming attended Madison’s On The Move luncheon. 2. Dr. Timothy Coetzee, left, talks with Wendy Machi and her son Matthew following the On The Move luncheon. 3. Board of Trustee members David and Patricia Raysich joined the On The Move luncheon in Milwaukee.