MS Connection - Winter 2010 by National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Wisconsin Chapter

Winter 2010

Duncan Does It All

World Renowned Reseacher Also Master Fundraiser, MS Activist

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 Office of Governor Jim Doyle

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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Together We Are Unstoppable If last year taught us anything, it’s that working together we are unstoppable. Think about it. In 2010 (while still feeling the pinch of the Great Recession): • You engaged your communities to generate MS awareness, raising thousands of dollars and lending a hand to MS families in need.

Colleen G. Kalt

• You posted and tweeted, and wrote old-fashioned letters, to spread the word about creating a world free of MS. • You contacted Wisconsin legislators and advocated for the more than 10,000 Wisconsin residents diagnosed with MS. • Without question – you wore more orange (and wore it well). • You built ramps, installed lifts and made other modifications so those with MS could maintain their independence. • And when asked, you went above and beyond for those in need – for those you love. Because of your generous support of time, talent and treasure; you made it possible for the Society to invest more than $36 million to speed research for the cure – and introduce the first oral disease-modifying therapy for MS. Working together we are unstoppable. Working together we will cure MS. I believe this. And based on all you’ve done to so generously support the movement; I know you do, too. Sincerely,

Colleen G. Kalt President & CEO

MS CONNECTION: Winter 2010

‘Most Important Work I’ve Done’

Duncan’s UW Team Continues Myelin Repair Research More than five years after his record-breaking $3.4 that has been exposed to radiation (to kill microorganisms million National Multiple Sclerosis Society grant was in the food). The animals subsequently develop severe awarded, Dr. Ian Duncan reported that his Promise: neurological disease. 2010 research team has made significant progress. What’s “The animals in this model experience extensive more, Dr. Duncan stated that a study he published as part demyelination throughout the brain, the entire spinal of the Promise: 2010 initiative “just might be the most cord and the optic nerves,” Dr. Duncan said. “However, important work I’ve done.” when they are taken Dr. Duncan has been leading off the irradiated food, one of the National Multiple they recover. And they Sclerosis Society’s international recover solely because dream teams studying Nervous of remyelination.” System Repair and Protection. In MS, there It’s one of four areas of focus are many pathologic funded by the recently completed changes in the nervous Promise: 2010 initiative which system that result raised more than $32 million. from the immune In addition to Dr. Duncan at attack, including the University of Wisconsindemyelination, Madison, the other Nervous inflammation and nerve System Repair and Protection fiber degeneration, all team members include: of which may cause Universities of Cambridge neurologic dysfunction. and Edinburgh, Queen Mary Dr. Duncan said: “In Dr. Duncan has received 10 research grants from the University of London and Johns Society since 1985, including a $3.4 million grant from this new model we can Hopkins University. adopt a ‘reductionist the Promise: 2010 initiative. A professor at the University approach.’ We can of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Duncan is a long-time MS study demyelination alone and how the remyelination researcher. He received his first grant from the Society that follows promotes functional recovery. All the other in 1985 and was inducted into the Society’s national confounding pathologies are removed, making the study Volunteer Hall of Fame in 2008 in recognition of his of remyelination more focused.” research efforts. He is also a dedicated MS fundraiser. Dr. Aaron Field, an associate professor in the Department of Radiology at the Wisconsin School of Restoring Function Medicine and Public Health and current recipient of Discussing his team’s Nervous System Repair a grant to study CCSVI (chronic cerebrospinal venous and Replacement work, Dr. Duncan talked about a insufficiency), is also a part of the Nervous System Repair breakthrough experience in 2009. “Our team found the and Replacement study. “Dr. Field runs the imaging first formal proof that extensive remyelination restores component of our research,” said Dr. Duncan. function.” According to Dr. Duncan, this proved the “Dr. Duncan was looking to image with as much therapeutic value of myelin repair. He added, “Our goal is sensitivity and specificity as possible,” Dr. Field said. to repair the myelin sheaths, restore nerve conduction and “And I was very much interested in MRI methods that protect nerve fibers.” are specific to the white matter (a component of the To study the effect of remyelination, Dr. Duncan’s brain that is made mostly of myelinated axons, team has utilized a model whereby animals are fed food sometimes called nerve fibers).” TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 242 3358

Dr. Field, who called Dr. Duncan’s model of remyelination “remarkable,” added, “We started imaging his animal models and just trying to develop some quantitative MRI methods that would be more appropriate than existing methods for monitoring myelin repair. That work is ongoing.” Pioneering Work in Transplantation Dr. Duncan’s most pioneering work, however, has been in the transplantation of myelin-producing cells into lesions in the spinal cord and brain of animal models of MS. He has “explored the stages of development of the myelin producing cells from the very first building blocks of the body, the embryonic stem cells, to neural stem cells found in the developing brain.” The goal, Dr. Duncan explained, has been to use cells like this in transplant-induced repair in MS patients with areas of demyelination in the spinal cord. A significant number of MS patients have lesions in the spinal cord that cause the majority of their symptoms and if repaired, could improve clinical function.

Dr. Duncan, center, traveled to Norway and met Olympic Nordic skiing great Bjorn Daehlie, right, and his mother Bjorg, who has MS. Dr. Duncan coordinated Bjorn’s appearance at the 2009 American Birkiebeiner and launched the Skiers for Cures MS fundraiser. This research has been the major subject of the large grant on Myelin Repair and Neuroprotection from the National MS Society. While major advances have been made in this

Beyond Research

Duncan Demonstrates Fundraising Prowess Dr. Ian Duncan was the force behind the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s partnership with the American Birkebeiner. Through his friendship with Olympic Nordic ski champion Bjorn Daehlie and his long-time involvement with the “Birkie,” he secured the Society as the event’s charity of choice; bringing in nearly $170,000 in its first two years. Dr. Duncan is also Bike MS team captain of Madtown Myelinators, recruiting riders from across the globe including fellow researcher Dr. Charles ffrench-Constant from Scotland who described the Best Dam Bike Ride as “brilliant.” A prolific speaker on behalf of the Society, Dr. Duncan raises awareness and funds for the mission. His involvement includes Dr. Duncan and his Bike MS team, the Madtown the MS Luncheon, Walk MS and numerous Myelinators, have raised over $20,000 for people with MS. educational programs on behalf of the Society.

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research, the goal of a Phase I (Safety) Trial will require more time and further funding, according to Dr. Duncan.

“I’m quite effective at fundraising,” he said. “So I think I can lend a hand. I enjoy it.” He is a Bike MS team captain and is “truly the Other Treatments ‘team captain’ of all things Birkie,” according to Mary Another avenue of Dr. Duncan’s Society-funded Hartwig, the Director of Development and Marketing research is his work on minocycline. Communications at the National MS Society-Wisconsin Minocycline is an antibiotic that is mainly used Chapter. Dr. Duncan is a veteran competitor in the to treat acne and other skin infections, but it has antiAmerican Birkebeiner Nordic ski race, having competed inflammatory and potential neuroprotective effects, in it for 27 years, and is responsible for securing the according to Dr. Duncan. In a paper published in the Society’s relationship with the Birkie as its charity of Annals of Neurology in 2002, Dr. Duncan showed that choice. minocycline reduced clinical scores of experimental In 2009, Dr. Duncan arranged for his good friend, autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model Norwegian skier Bjorn Daehlie, to participate in the of MS. He and his colleagues followed up with several Birkie and its Skiers for Cures fundraising program. publications exploring the mechanisms, or processes, of Daehlie is an eight-time Olympic Gold medal winner its effect. whose mother has MS. Under Dr. Duncan’s direction, One of the follow-up publications was published 2009 turned out to in the Journal of Neuroimmunology in February be the most successful 2010. Rats with EAE were treated with minocycline Skiers for Cures for 14 days after clinical onset of the disease. program in history, Dr. Duncan and his colleague, Dr. Maria raising more than Nikodemova, found that the animals treated with $110,000 for MS minocycline had less severe disease than the animals research. The Birkie that were not treated. They also found that there were again selected the less T lymphocytes, specifically CD4+ and CD8+, in National MS Society the spinal cords of animals treated with minocycline. as beneficiary of its T lymphocytes are white blood cells that are a part of 2010 Skiers for Cures the immune response. They attack myelin in people program, bringing the with MS. When there is a smaller number of CD4+ two-year fundraising and CD8+ T lymphocytes, the immune response is total to more than reduced. $165,000. And in “Minocycline is currently in a multi-center 2011, the Birkie will clinical trial in Canada and I think it will be proven once again partner with to be a useful drug in MS treatment. It has profound Dr. Duncan has been inducted into the Society. the Society’s Volunteer Hall of Fame immunomodulatory effects. It crosses the blood-brain “Raising money barrier and is safe and inexpensive,” Dr. Duncan said. for both his research and fundraising and taking part in these efforts. events is worthwhile Fundraiser Hall of Fame because it lets the Dr. Duncan has not restricted his efforts to help MS community see that researchers are much more people with MS to his work in the lab. He is one of the involved in the movement than purely working in labs or Wisconsin Chapter’s top fundraisers and received his working with animals,” he said. “We get out there and get second induction into the National MS Society’s Hall of involved. We meet people and hear their problems, and Fame in 2009, this time for his success as a fundraiser. try to make a difference wherever we can.” TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 242 3358

Popular Program Entering 8th Year

College Scholarship Application Deadline is January 14 While the financial impact of MS can be substantial, it should not stand in the way of a college education. That is why the National Multiple Sclerosis Society started a college scholarship program in 2004. The initiative provides financial assistance to qualified students who either have MS themselves or reside with a parent or guardian who has the disease. A total of 1,778 students have Several 2010 scholarship winners attended the MS Luncheon in Milwaukee and were recognized during the program. From left: received college scholarships since the Zachariah Mielke, Katherine Kleuver, Valerie Peters, Brittanni Tillman, program was launched – including 153 from Wisconsin. Last year the Wisconsin Barbara Haggerty and Matthew Machi. Chapter recognized 22 students with Scholarship awards are based on a variety of criteria cumulative awards totaling $26,500. including academic record, participation in school and “With the help of the scholarship money I received community activities and a personal essay about the from the National MS Society, I was able to place more impact of MS on the applicant’s life. focus on my studies,” said Teresa Hurtienne, a 2010 To be eligible, the applicant must be a high school scholarship senior or graduate (or has a GED) who has MS or a recipient parent with MS and will be attending an accredited post now secondary school for the first time. The applicant must attending enroll in at least six credit hours per semester in course Lakeland work leading to a degree, license or certificate. College. “I The deadline for submitting an application is didn’t have January 14, 2011. Students will be notified about to worry awards by mid-May. The scholarships typically range about where from $1,000 to $3,000. Scholarship recipient Pierson Kohrell, the money To apply, visit nationalMSsociety.org/scholarships. center, attended the 2010 MS Luncheon in was going Madison with his parents Mary and Mark. If you have questions about the program, please contact to come the Wisconsin Chapter at info.wisMS@nmss.org or call from and how much stress it would cause my mother, 800-242-3358. who has MS.” Hurtienne added, “I am, and always will be thankful.”

Support a Scholar Don’t Let MS Get in the Way of a College Education The last two years, the Wisconsin Chapter has had more qualified scholarship applicants than funds. And that means some deserving students may have deferred, or let go completely, their dream to attend college. Don’t let MS get in the way of a college education. Donate to the Wisconsin Chapter’s scholarship program online at wisMS.org or or by contacting Denise Jendusa at 262-369-7166 or e-mailing denise.jendusa@nmss.org.

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Wilkeys Match Donations

Jacobson Reception Benefits MS Scholarship Program A private reception was held September 16 at the The private event featured a keynote presentation by Western Racquet Club in Elm Grove to benefit the Lori Schneider, the first person with MS to successfully Scholarship Program of the National Multiple Sclerosis climb the world’s tallest peaks – the Seven Summits. Society-Wisconsin Chapter. The program provides A former college scholarships to high school students who Students impacted by MS meet teacher either have multiple sclerosis or have a parent or herself, challenges head-on in their guardian with MS. Schneider earliest years that only a few Since its inception in 2004, the Scholarship shared her Program has awarded more than $225,000 to 153 story of of us can comprehend …. students in Wisconsin who have demonstrated overcoming - Jane Jacobson exceptional leadership, community service, obstacles academic achievement and financial need. In 2010, the and related her adventures to the stories of young Chapter awarded scholarships to 22 students, 19 who scholars who also face adversity and triumphs. Laura have parents living with MS and three diagnosed with Hermanns also spoke about her personal experiences the disease. as a young adult living with a parent who has MS. More than 80 people attended the reception Hermanns is a student at the University of Wisconsinhosted by Wisconsin Chapter volunteers Doug and Madison and former MS Scholarship recipient. Jane Jacobson. Jane is a The event raised close member of the National to $18,000 to benefit the Scholarship Review Scholarship Program. Local Committee and the philanthropists, Susan and Wisconsin Chapter’s Richard Wilkey, are matching Community Ambassador the proceeds of the event Program. She and Doug dollar-for-dollar. Susan has are also actively involved been an active volunteer with in the Chapter’s MS the Society for more than 35 Luncheon and Challenge years and has served on the Walk MS. The MS Chapter’s Board of Trustees and Scholarship Program is Scholarship Committee, as well very special to Jane, who as the National MS Society’s lives with MS and is Scholarship Review Committee. Laura Hermanns, center, was a guest speaker at a former teacher. To learn more about the the fundraiser hosted by Jane and Doug Jacobson. “Students impacted Chapter’s Scholarship Program, Hermanns attends the University of Wisconsinby MS meet challenges Madison and was recognized by the Society in 2008 visit wisMS.org or contact Dawn head-on in their earliest Thaves at 262-369-4403 or as a Presidential Scholar. years that only a few e-mail dawn.thaves@nmss.org. of us can comprehend – emotionally, physically and To donate to the Scholarship Program, contact financially,” said Jane. “They deserve our support for Denise Jendusa at 262-369-7166 or e-mail their perseverance in the face of MS and their tenacity denise.jendusa@nmss.org. to dream a future free of MS.” 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

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 242 3358

Ask Your Employer About Matching Gifts

2010 Matching Gifts Expected to Top $125,000 You may be able to double or triple your gift to the complete your portion of the form and submit it to National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Wisconsin Chapter the Wisconsin Chapter. The Chapter will confirm your simply by taking advantage of your employer’s matching individual gift and process the form to secure the match gift program. Indeed, statistics show that one-in-10 gifts funds. is matching eligible. You can also utilize the Wisconsin Chapter’s search More than 16,500 companies across the United tool – located on the Donate page at wisMS.org – to States offer some form of a matching gift program – review a national database of companies that provide and a new matching gifts. And while you inquire about your matching … statistics show that 1-in-10 company’s matching gift program, it’s important company to encourage all of your donors to do the same. gifts is matching eligible. is added Especially if 1-in-10 gifts is matching eligible, it almost daily. is likely that many of your donors will be able to Currently the Wisconsin Chapter website lists more than double or triple their contribution to the MS movement. 125 companies that match donor gifts. In 2009, the New in the past few years, several companies – Wisconsin Chapter received $123,448 in matching gifts including Menomonee Falls-based Kohl’s – now have – and the total for 2010 is expected to be more than programs that match corporate donations to employee $126,500. volunteer hours. The Kohl’s Cares Associates in Action To find out if your company – or your spouse’s program remits $500 when five associates from the company – offers a matching gift program, check with same location donate at least three hours to a qualifying your employer’s Human Resources Department. Then nonprofit such as the Society. simply obtain a matching gift form from your employer,

Open Pantry Celebrates Pin-Up Program Fundraising Milestone Open Pantry Food Marts of Wisconsin’s 2010 Walk MS Pin-Up promotion and employee fundraiser generated a record $50,000 – nearly double their prior year donation. This was Open Pantry’s 12th annual promotion benefitting the Society. Celebrating the accomplishment are (left to right): Jackie Mancl, Robert A. Buhler, Amanda Kroes, Floy Laudonio and Jim Schutz. Buhler is President and CEO of Open Pantry and a member of the Wisconsin Chapter’s Board of Trustees.

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Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

28th Annual MS Snowmobile Tour Heading to Wabeno By Torrey Elsner

Scott Smith began riding in the MS Snowmobile between 100 and 150 trail miles each day and together Tour six years ago – two years after he was diagnosed the group raised $240,000 for MS research, programs with multiple sclerosis. “I wanted to stop sitting around, and services. doing nothing,” said Smith. “I decided to join the Tour Tour riders pledge to raise $650. “A lot of people and help find a cure.” don’t realize that your pledge includes meals, rooms, In the years since he first started riding, mechanical Smith’s father, Leslie, and father-in-law, Once you walk in the door, you’re support – Peter Becker, have also joined the Tour. treated like family .... Come ride everything,” While Becker rides, Leslie is a member of Smith with us! It’s one of the most fun the mechanical crew and helps keep his son’s noted. Once weekends I have all year. sled and all the other snowmobiles running participants smooth. arrive at the - Scott Smith Fellow participant Monika Iverson rode Potawatomi in her first MS Snowmobile Tour 13 years ago. Along Carter Casino Hotel in Wabeno, their stay is allwith her father – Marty Iverson – Monika rides for her inclusive. The only additional fee is $45 paid upon grandmother, who had MS. “It’s doing something good,” registration – and this fee can be waived for a first she said. “And it’s fun!” year rider. This winter Smith and Iverson and their families and Over the years, Smith and Iverson have crafted friends will be in Wabeno, Wisconsin January 27-30 for successful MS Snowmobile Tour fundraising strategies. “There’s a rule of three,” Smith said. “If you really want something, ask three times. The third time, you get it done.” Smith also recommends being creative; some buddies he knows used football pools to raise funds. Iverson’s family is planning an Ultimate Frisbee fundraising event next year, and she’s also considering holding beer pong tournaments. “If you put a little effort into it, it’s not that hard,” Smith encouraged. Iverson invites people of all skill levels to participate in the Tour. “We don’t keep a fast pace – and don’t worry, we’re willing to help!” Many riders on the Tour have little experience snowmobiling. In fact, participants don’t even need a sled of their own; snowmobiles are available to rent at a workable cost. While participants get involved in the Tour for a variety of reasons, they all return for a common love: their Snow family. “They’ve seen me through all my awkward phases. I couldn’t imagine not seeing them MS Snowmobile Tour riders Gary Billington and year after year,” Iverson shared. Monika Iverson take part in off-the-trail fun during “Once you walk in the door, you’re treated like the evening program. family,” Smith promised. “Come ride with us! It’s one the 2011 MS Snowmobile Tour. Led by guides along of the most fun weekends I have all year.” well-groomed trails, the event is expected to attract Torrey Elsner interned at the Wisconsin Chapter in fall 2010. She is a Writing more than 100 riders. Last year some participants logged major at Carroll University. TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 242 3358

Research, Programs, Financial Assistance Supported

Quarterly Chapter Grant Awards Reach $77,300 The Wisconsin Chapter extends its sincere gratitude to the following organizations for grants awarded July 1, 2010 through September 30, 2010. For information, contact Cindy Yomantas at 262-369-4431 or e-mail cindy.yomantas@nmss.org. • $40,000 from the Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation for research • $12,500 from EMD Serono for special events and educational programming • $10,000 from the A.O. Smith Foundation for research • $4,500 from Biogen Idec for special events and educational programming

• $4,300 from Teva Neuroscience for educational programming • $2,500 from Questcor Pharmaceuticals for special events • $2,000 from the Jack DeLoss Taylor Foundation for financial assistance • $1,500 from the David G. and Nancy B. Walsh Family Foundation LTD for financial assistance

Year-End Donation Check List

Wide Variety of Opportunities Available to Support the Society Creating a world free of multiple sclerosis requires Consider joining the Golden Circle by making a gift of support from thousands of Wisconsin residents, just $1,000 or more. like you. Before 2010 comes to a close, consider one of Planned Giving: Choose gifts through a bequest, several options available to make a tax deductible gift. a charitable gift annuity, trusts and other estate plans. If you would like Learn more about the Society’s Lawry Circle. Where the Money Goes to discuss your Support a Participant: Donate to a Management and General year-end gift or participant in a fundraising event such as Research, Education future charitable Bike MS, Walk MS, Challenge Walk MS, MS Fund raising and Services donation, contact Snowmobile Tour, Mud Run and more. the Chapter’s VP Support a Program: Make a restricted of Major Gift gift to support a specific program of interest to Development, you such as scholarships, research or financial Denise Jendusa assistance. at 262-369-7166 Foundations: Support the Society or e-mail denise. through your family or corporate foundation. jendusa@nmss.org. Tributes and Memorials: Make a gift in The Wisconsin memory or honor of a loved one. Chapter dedicates Workplace Giving: Make regular just over 85 cents of every dollar raised to support donations to the Society through automatic payroll research, provide financial assistance and generate deductions. The Chapter is a member of Community educational programming for the state’s more than Health Charities, and contributions can also be made 10,000 residents diagnosed with MS and those who love through United Way’s Donor Choice program. Federal and care for them. employees can make donations through the Combined Federal Campaign using code 11409. Join the Movement MS Tax Check-Off: When completing your Make a Donation: Make a one-time contribution, Wisconsin state income tax, locate the “Donations” multi-year pledge, end-of-year gift or transfer of stock. section and make a gift to the Society.

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Three Wisconsin Residents Signed On

Schneider’s 2011 Kilimanjaro Hike Includes 14 with MS Lori Schneider, the first person with multiple Madison and sports trainer Susan Thomson. Schneider sclerosis to reach the top of Mt. Everest and climb the shared that she is especially excited that her father, Neal, Seven Summits (the highest points on each of the seven who will be 79 at the time of the climb, will also join the continents), will lead a team of 32 on a climb of Mt. group. Kilimanjaro in July 2011. The group will include 14 Three climbers from Wisconsin who have MS are individuals diagnosed with MS. going on the adventure with Schneider: Scott Smith “The ‘Kili’ from West Allis, Kristy Banaszak from trip is so exciting Jackson and Susie Weber from Jackson. This climb is about people refusing and will be life Smith, 41, was diagnosed with to be defined by a disease. altering for those MS in 2003. He said, “One reason who participate,” I want to do this, is because I still - Kristy Banaszak Schneider said. can. I grew up and still am an active Soaring 19,340 feet, Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest outdoorsman and this is something that will take me to free-standing mountain in the world, was Schneider’s another level first climb on her quest to complete the Seven Summits. of inner peace. She climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with her father, Neal. What a great They summited on his 61st birthday in 1993. An extinct way to turn a volcano with a view of five eco-systems and large game negative into a reserves, Mt. Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa. positive.” While not a technical climb, meaning no climbing Banaszak, experience is necessary, participants need to be a 48-yearcomfortable walking four to eight hours a day, according old who was to Alpine Ascents International, the expert guides for the diagnosed with trip. Each person with MS will MS in 2005, Scott Smith, pictured with his wife Brenda, believes hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro have a companion climber and added, “I feel will turn his MS diagnosis into a positive. a medical team will also join that this trip the climb. isn’t about the mountain or about the individual hikers. After conquering Mt. This climb is about people refusing to be defined by a Kilimanjaro, which will take disease.” about seven days, the group Weber agreed, “You don’t have to be defined by this will go on a variety of African disease. You can be successful.” excursions including a four-day Diagnosed with MS in 1987, Weber, now 46, added, safari and a hot air balloon ride “Being with all these amazing people on the team will in Serengeti National Park. help me grow as a person. And it may prove to be a good Schneider reports that the inspiration to others.” team of 32 climbers is complete All of these climbers were inspired by Schneider. In and includes participants from While her kids, clockwise fact, Thomson, who has friends with MS, said, “Lori is an all over the United States. from left – Rachel, Austin amazingly beautiful woman inside and out. She is quite Among the Wisconsin climbers and Joshua – already an inspiration and has great energy.” think their mom is an signed up for the venture are Although the climbing team is full, those interested Colleen Hayes, a National MS inspiration; Susie Weber can contact Schneider at Lori@ETAdventure.com to be believes the trip will help Society-funded researcher at put on a waiting list for 2011 or a possible follow-up trip her grow as a person. the University of Wisconsinin 2012. TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 242 3358

Navigating SSDI and SSI

Tips for Working Part Time and Maintaining Your Benefits By Attorney Thomas E. Bush

In the last issue of MS Connection, we discussed working part time while waiting for your disability claim to be approved by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This article explains that if you are already receiving Social Security disability or SSI benefits, it is possible to work part time and not lose your disability benefits. But this depends on how much you earn and whether you are receiving Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Is it possible to work part time and not lose my disability benefits? Yes. It is possible. But the full answer to this question depends on how much you earn and what kind of disability benefits you are receiving -- whether you are receiving Social Security disability benefits (sometimes referred to as Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI), or Supplemental Security Income (usually referred to as SSI) benefits. If you are receiving SSI and you go to work, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will reduce your SSI benefits by one dollar for every two dollars you earn after the first $65 (or $85 if you have no other income). Thus, you could earn so much working part time that your SSI benefits will stop. But unless your benefits have stopped because of your earnings for an entire year, SSA will start up your SSI benefits again if your earnings go down. After a year of receiving no benefits, you’ll have to apply all over again. If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits and your earnings are below what SSA calls the “substantial gainful activity” amount, your benefits will neither stop nor be reduced because of earnings. That is, you’ll continue to get your full Social Security disability benefit while you work part time. It is also possible to earn more than the “substantial gainful activity” amount and still receive your full benefits during the nine-month trial work period.

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How much can I earn per month and still receive my Social Security disability benefits?

You can earn up to the “substantial gainful activity” amount, which for 2010 and 2011 is $1,000 per month, and still keep your full Social Security disability monthly benefit. The substantial gainful activity amount is an absolute cut-off point. If your countable earnings average more than the substantial gainful activity amount, even $1 more, your Social Security disability benefits will stop after you have used up your nine-month trial work period (and a grace period of three more months), no matter how disabled you are. If you are going to work part time and you want to avoid problems keeping your benefits, it is best to keep your income well below the substantial gainful activity amount. In fact, because there are advantages to keeping your income below what SSA calls the “trial work period services” amount, which in 2010 and 2011 is $720 per month, this is what we recommend if you are receiving Social Security disability benefits. This way you won’t use up your trial work period months. You can save your trial work period months to use if you ever decide to try to go back to work full time. If your claim is for SSI, the trial work period rules do not apply. For those people already receiving SSI benefits, the substantial gainful activity amount rules don’t apply either. What are the advantages to keeping income below the “trial work period services” amount?

The trial work period rules allow a person to earn any amount per month for nine months and still receive full monthly disability benefits. These rules allow you to test your ability to return to full time work without having your monthly disability benefits stop. For example, it is possible to go to work full time for eight months during which time you would get paid for full time work and receive your Social Security disability benefits, too. If at the end of eight months of

work you decide that you cannot continue, there would be no harm done to your on-going disability benefits. You’ll keep your benefits as long as you don’t medically improve. But people often use up their trial work period months by working part time. Indeed, some people, who worked part time while their claims were pending, are surprised to discover that they used up their trial work period months even before SSA found them disabled. If your income exceeds the trial work period services monthly amount (which is $720 in 2010 and 2011 – it usually goes up a little every year), for nine months virtually at any time since you applied for benefits, even if those nine months are not consecutive, you will have used up your trial work period. A trial work period month here and a trial work period month there counts as long as all nine months are in any five year period. Once you use up your nine-month trial work period, it is gone. People who have already used up their nine-month trial work periods by working part time, are surprised when SSA abruptly stops their benefits. For example, if your trial work period has already been used up and then you go to work full time for eight months, your

benefits will be stopped after only three months of work. You’ll probably be able to get your benefits back if you stop working within three years after you used up your nine trial work period months; but then if you work again at the substantial gainful activity level more than three years after you used up your trial work period, SSA is supposed to stop your benefits with the first month of work. If you’re unable to continue working at that point (that is, more than three years after the end of the trial work period), you’ll have more difficulty getting your benefits reinstated. In short, it is best not to use up your trial work period until you are ready to try going back to work full time. Because the trial work period can be valuable, we recommend that you not waste it on part time work. To keep from wasting the trial work period, you need to keep your monthly income below the trial work period services amount.

When I am trying to keep my income below the trial work period services monthly amount, is it gross income or take home pay that counts?

Gross income-and income is not averaged. The trial work period services monthly income rules are very strict. There are no deductions that can be taken against your gross income to reduce it below the trial work period services monthly amount.

If I need more income than the trial work period rules allow, what are the rules for working at less than the “substantial gainful activity” level?

Gross income counts but income is averaged. Theoretically, you get to subtract sick pay, vacation pay and what SSA calls “impairment related work expenses;” which, as a rule, are the amounts of out-of-pocket payments you make in order to treat your disabling impairment, but there may be some other work expenses that can be deducted, too. You’ll TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 242 3358

However, for people who have already received 24 months of Social Security disability benefits, SSA does not apply this harsh rule. For them, SSA essentially looks only to see if earnings from self-employment total more than the substantial gainful activity amount -$1,000 in 2010 and 2011. Also, even if you are losing money but you are working more than 80 hours per month, SSA will find that you are performing trial work period services. Thus, you will be using up your trial work period. When must I report my work income to SSA?

need to consult with your attorney or someone at SSA about these deductions because many things you might think are deductible, like health insurance, are not deductible. These deductions can be used to reduce your countable income below the substantial gainful activity level. But if you rely on such deductions to keep your income below the “substantial gainful activity” amount, you’re really living dangerously. It is safer just to use the “substantial gainful activity” amount as your guideline and make sure your average monthly gross earnings do not exceed this amount. Is it possible to work part time at my own business?

It is possible. But beware – SSA’s rules allow it to find that a person, who is working part time in his or her own business and actually losing money (as many business owners do when they first open their businesses), is working and earning too much. Benefits can be lost on this basis alone, though this is unusual.

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If you are receiving SSI benefits, you must report income you receive in one month by the 10th of the next month. If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits, SSA requires that you report when you go to work or start your own business “promptly.” Thus, you need to tell SSA right away that you are trying to work. But nowhere does SSA provide a clear statement when you need to send to SSA copies of check stubs and proof of any impairment-related work expenses. Thus, you’re likely to be told different things by different people at SSA. The general rule is that you must report earnings early enough to avoid an overpayment. But if you’re keeping your income below the substantial gainful activity amount, you won’t have an overpayment (unless you make a mistake). When you telephone SSA to report that you have begun work, ask when you need to provide income documentation. Because different rules apply, make sure that the SSA representative understands that you are receiving disability benefits, not retirement benefits. Be sure to get the name and location of the person you speak with. Follow up with a letter to your local office, which explains that you have started working and repeats what you were told about reporting income. Keep a copy of the letter. 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.

Three Ways to Fundraise

Society is Birkie’s Charity of Choice for Third Year The National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Wisconsin Chapter is once again working with the world famous American Birkebeiner as the event’s charity of choice. The “Birkie” attracts more than 10,000 participants and is North America’s largest Nordic ski event. It will be held February 24-26, 2011 near Hayward, WI. The Birkie Skiers for Cures fundraising program provides skiers and fans with opportunities to benefit the Wisconsin Chapter. During the past two years, the event has generated more than $170,000 for the Society. Popular Pin Program Skiers and fans can receive a 2011 Birkie Skiers for Cures pin when they donate $20. Now a collectible, the pin was once again designed by American Birkiebeiner skier and Wisconsin Chapter supporter Kay Lum. Skiers who wear the pin on their race-day bib can also win prizes if they are randomly selected while crossing the Birkebeiner and Kortelopet finish line. Last year nearly 50 skiers won prizes. Pins can be purchased by calling Kelly Wierdsma at 262-369-4407 or 800-242-3358 or e-mailing kelly.wierdsma@nmss.org. Pins will also be available at the Birkie.

NEW! Win a Trip to the Birkebeinerrennet in Norway Especially considering Wisconsin’s Birkie has its roots in an historical Norwegian event, it is fitting that the grand prize in this year’s Birkie Skiers for Cures program is a trip to Norway to participate in that country’s 2012 Birkebeiner, called the Birkebeinerrennet. This trip of a lifetime includes: • Two entries for Norway’s 2012 Birkebeinerrennet • Three nights lodging for two • Up to $1,000 air travel coupon Individuals receive one entry into the Grand Prize drawing for every $250 they raise or donate to the Skiers for Cures program. The more money raised, the greater the number of entries. Signing up for Skiers for Cures is easy – just visit wisMS.org and click on the Birkebeiner “button” toward the bottom of the Home Page. Of course you don’t have to ski the Birkie to help. Visit wisMS.org and you can make a donation to a Birkie Skiers for Cures participant – just follow the prompts. Join Team MS Although the Birkie is expected to sell out, individuals interested in participating in the 2011 event may be able to win an official registration from the National MS Society. For details, see wisMS.org or contact Kelly Wierdsma at 262-369-4407 or 800-242-3358 or e-mail kelly.wierdsma@nmss.org. The American Birkebeiner is North America’s largest Nordic ski event, attracting more than 10,000 participants. Those contributing $250 or more to the Birkie’s Skiers for Cures program will be entered into a drawing to win a trip to Norway, including entries for that country’s 2012 Birkebeinerrennet.

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Marshfield Clinic Treats 1,700 MS Patients

Dr. Loren Rolak Leads Center, Clinical Advisory Committee “I knew I could help a lot of people,” Dr. Loren Rolak said of his decision to specialize in multiple sclerosis. Dr. Rolak is the Director of the Marshfield Clinic MS Center and a professor of clinical neurology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He serves as Chair of the Wisconsin Chapter’s Clinical Advisory Committee (CAC) and is a member of the National Clinical Advisory Board. “Way back in medical school, I really liked neurology, which dealt with the brain, one of the most complex and interesting parts of the body,” he said. “And once I was in neurology, I thought MS was one of the most interesting and important diseases. At the time, MS was not well understood at all. There was and still is a lot to learn about this disease.” Dr. Rolak, 57, did his undergraduate work at the University of Arizona in Tucson and continued on to medical school at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in the 1970s. He completed an internship in Internal Medicine and his residency in neurology at Baylor College of Medicine Affiliated Hospitals in Houston, Texas. Dr. Rolak, who joked about moving from Arizona to Wisconsin (instead of Wisconsin to Arizona), has practiced medicine at the Marshfield Clinic since 1994 and has been treating people with MS for almost 30 years. The Marshfield Clinic is the largest private

The Marshfield Clinic MS Center, a National MS Society affiliated clinic, serves 1,700 individuals with MS.

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group medical practice in Wisconsin, with more than 80 specialties and subspecialties. The Marshfield Clinic MS Center, affiliated with the Society since 1999, is a National MS Society affiliated Center for Comprehensive and Coordinated Care, meaning there is an emphasis on Dr. Rolak says it important multi-disciplinary teams, to spend time with each of coordinated efforts and his patients. strong communication among team member for MS care. Around 80 percent of Dr. Rolak’s patients have MS. “I think the most important need for patients is to see a physician with an interest in MS who understands the disease and can spend time with them,” Dr. Rolak said. He is the main doctor for the MS Center, while two other doctors assist with research studies. According to Dr. Rolak, the Marshfield Clinic MS Center has 1,700 patients. In addition to treating patients, Dr. Rolak conducts research on new drugs and treatments. Dr. Rolak shared that Marshfield Clinic is in the fifth year of a six-year study on combination therapy, with 18 participants from Wisconsin. The goal of this research, funded by the National Institute of Health, is to determine if combining two disease modifying therapies that seem to work through different mechanisms, interferon beta-1a (Avonex) and glatiramer acetate (Copaxone), work more effectively than each drug individually. There are 70 other locations participating in this trial. Combination therapy is used in other diseases, such as cancer. Sometimes steroids or a mild oral chemotherapeutic agent are used in combination with an interferon to treat MS, although it is recommended that Tysabri is not used with other chronic immune modulating drugs.

Affiliated Centers

Dr. Rolak is also involved in fellow CAC member Dr. John Fleming’s research on Helminth-Induced Immunomodulation Therapy, called HINT2, which is supported by National MS Society funding. He collaborates with Dr. Fleming, who is located in Madison, by enrolling participants in the Marshfield area. In addition to speaking at myriad Wisconsin Chapter programs, Dr. Rolak recently addressed new and emerging therapies during a National MS Society webcast called, “What’s new in MS research and treatment.” He added, “The National MS Society also helps us out a great deal by giving us information on drugs and research findings.” In addition to research on new treatments, there is research on other aspects of MS at the MS Center, according to Dr. Rolak. For example, one study involves looking at white blood cells, which attack myelin in MS in the immune

I think the most important need for patients is to see a physician with an interest in MS who understands the disease …. - Dr. Rolak system of people with MS, led by Jeri-Annette Lyons, Ph.D., at UW-Milwaukee. According to Dr. Rolak, the white blood cells are different in people with MS than in people without MS. They are trying to determine how these cells are different in order to get closer to the cause of MS. The clinic also offers a support group that is run by a MS certified nurse, as well as educational programs that are mostly put on by the Wisconsin Chapter, according to Dr. Rolak. “I’ve been very pleased by the National MS Society and the Wisconsin Chapter,” Dr. Rolak added. “They’ve been supportive of us out here in the middle of nowhere in northern Wisconsin, where there are mainly people from rural areas, so that they can have access to MS care.”

Wisconsin Chapter Currently Partners with Six MS Facilities The Wisconsin Chapter’s six Affiliated Centers for Comprehensive Care meet specific criteria established by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Primary among those is providing comprehensive and coordinated patient care. Affiliated Centers focus on the experience of the patient – which requires an extraordinary commitment to a range of services that maximize health, independence and quality of life. This includes providing access to a full array of medical, psycho-social and rehabilitation services that address the varied and often complex issues related to living with MS. In addition to patient care, the Affiliated Centers also offer Wisconsin Chapter staff the opportunity to meet MS patients. A regular schedule of monthly visits is maintained by the Chapter for most of the Affiliated Centers. During these visits, staff members meet confidentially with patients and answer questions plus share literature. In January, the number of monthly visits to the Regional Multiple Sclerosis Center at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee will expand to four-times monthly. For more information about Wisconsin’s Affiliated Centers, please contact the Chapter at 800-242-3358. Aurora Baycare MS Clinic Green Bay, Wisconsin 4th Friday of every month Marshfield Clinic MS Center Marshfield, Wisconsin 3rd Tuesday of every month Regional Multiple Sclerosis Center St. Luke’s Medical Center Milwaukee, Wisconsin 4th Monday of December; 1st Monday, 2nd Thursday, 3rd Wednesday and 4th Thursday of January and each month thereafter.

Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Multiple Sclerosis Clinic Milwaukee, Wisconsin ProHealth Care Neuroscience Center Waukesha Memorial Hospital Waukesha, Wisconsin 4th Tuesday of every month University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics Neurology/MS Clinic Madison, Wisconsin 4th Wednesday of every month

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 242 3358

Revenues Increase 12 Percent

185 Participate in Third Annual Challenge Walk MS The T-shirts worn by participants on the final day of Challenge Walk MS 2010 proclaimed, “Together we will create a world free of MS.” While there is no doubt this enthusiastic group moved the mission forward, one thing’s for sure: together the 185 walkers and volunteers generated $298,175 – a 12 percent increase over 2009. Challenge Walk MS is a three day, 50-mile walk through Door County (a 30-mile option is also available). While some participate for the physical challenge, most are driven by the camaraderie and the mission.

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“I signed up in 2008 to challenge myself and raise money for a great organization,” said three-year veteran Amy Zynda. “I keep coming back for all the incredible, inspirational people I’ve met.” Emily Koss summed it up this way, “I walk for three days so others can walk their whole lives.” Registration is open for Challenge Walk MS 2011, scheduled for September 23-25. For details visit challengewalkMSwi.org or call 800-242-3358.

1. Great Wolf Lodge team members commemorate the moment before starting their 50-mile trek. 2. Barbara Bosch and Tom Heller celebrate at the Finish Line. 3. Pamela Webb visited Wisconsin for the first time to participate in Challenge Walk MS. 4. Mike Musial and his fiancĂŠe, Tonia Gauthier, participated in their first Challenge Walk MS.

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 242 3358

Presented by your Milwaukee and Madison Area TOYOTA Dealers: Wilde • Smart • Russ Darrow Ruda • Kenosha • Jon Lancaster • Jack Safro Hesser • Heiser • Gentile • Don Jacobs • Andrew

Heartland

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Cow-Themed Jerseys a Hit

Bike MS Riders Battle Elements and Come Out on Top “Let’s look for rainbows.” That’s how Amy Rowell said she made it through the second day of Bike MS: Best Dam Bike Ride 2010. While Saturday was fairly uneventful – unless you count the mosquitoes (and there were so many you couldn’t) – Sunday brought rain, wind and cold before finally revealing a sunny Finish Line. Just over 2,000 riders and volunteers participated in the 27th Annual Bike MS, traveling from Pewaukee to Whitewater to Madison. This year’s participants generated more than $1.57 million. You can register for Bike MS 2011 by visiting bikemswisconsin.org or calling 800-242-3358. When you do, be sure to take advantage of the special $6 Bicycling magazine subscription offer. Half the price of each subscription is donated to the Society.

An Unforgettable Ride

You’ll find hundreds more Bike MS: Best Dam Bike Ride photographs on the Chapter’s Flickr site: flickr.com/photos/ wis_nmss. Be sure to visit bikeMSwisconsin.org to register for 2011 and watch for Bike MS information on the Chapter’s Facebook page.

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 242 3358

Wisconsin Chapter News and Notes

This is How We Move It

Registration is Open! You can register online for all of the Chapter’s fundraising events – MS Snowmobile Tour, Walk MS, Bike MS, Challenge Walk MS and Mud Run. Visit wisms.org to find the links. Receive a Walk MS Bandana. Visit walkMSwisconsin. org before January 1 and register for Walk MS to receive a complimentary bandana. The 2011 orange bandana will be mailed to you (and makes a great accessory for MS Awareness Week March 14-20). Registering for Walk MS early has its advantages. In addition to receiving the bandana, you’ll also have a jump-start on fundraising. Those generating $100 in pledges receive the official Walk MS T-shirt. Children age 9 and younger receive the T-shirt when they raise $25. You’ll find lots of terrific fundraising ideas at walkMSwisconsin.org – including how to utilize your Facebook page to secure pledges. Special Bicycling Magazine Offer Benefits Society. When you register for the 28th Annual Bike MS: Best Dam Bike Ride, be sure to check out the special

Bicycling magazine subscription offer. You can receive a full year of Bicycling magazine for just $6 – and half of your subscription price will be donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Registration is open at bikeMSwisconsin. org or call 800-242-3358 for information. Bike MS: Best Dam Bike Ride is slated for August 6-7, 2011. Find us on Facebook. You can sign-up to become a fan of the National MS Society-Wisconsin Chapter on Facebook. It’s a great way to stay connected to the Wisconsin Chapter’s programs and services. Sell MS Pin-Ups. Call the Wisconsin Chapter at 800-242-3358 or e-mail info.wisMS@nmss.org to order MS Society Pin-Ups. Selling Pin-Ups to your friends, co-workers or customers for $1 each is a fun, easy way to fundraise. We’re Tweeting. You’ll find the Wisconsin Chapter on Twitter at http://twitter.com/mssocietyWI. New Fundraising Tool for Your Facebook Page. If you’re participating in Bike MS or Challenge Walk MS, be sure to activate Boundless Fundraising and place your fundraising thermometer on your Facebook page. If you have questions about the tool, please e-mail info@wisMS.org. MS Navigator Helpline. 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.

Kate Milliken interviewed Jeffrey Gingold at the 2010 National Conference in Chicago. Gingold talked about his advocacy work including helping to establish Wisconsin’s tax check-off donation program.

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2010 Top Individual Fundraisers Circle of Hope Support Groups. Wisconsin features nearly 50 support groups and new groups sprout up regularly. For a complete listing including meeting dates, please visit wisMS.org or call 800-242-3358.

MS Snowmobile Tour Rick Romenesko $34,640

Bike MS Chuck Scherwinski $75,829

Walk MS Connie Plier $11,605

Challenge Walk MS Jennifer Egan $8,090

Sign up for Action Alerts. You can be the Catalyst for Change. 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 kim.kinner@nmss.org for details or call 800-242-3358.

2010 Top Team Fundraisers Walk MS Waukesha Red Shirts $14,160

Challenge Walk MS Great Wolf Team $27,011

Bike MS Chuckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Athletic Supporters $124,114

Wisconsin Chapter Calendar of Events Make a Mark for MS Committee Meeting January 24

Make a Mark for MS Committee Meeting March 28

MS Snowmobile Tour January 27-30

Walk MS Fond du Lac, Grafton, La Crosse-Seven Rivers April 16

Birkie Skiers for Cures February 24-26 Make a Mark for MS Committee Meeting February 28 MS Awareness Week March 14-20 Legislative Affairs Day March 16 Wisconsin Chapter Board of Trustees Meeting March 22

Walk MS Brown County, Kenosha-Racine April 17 Make a Mark for MS Committee Meeting April 25 Walk MS Eau ClaireChippewa Valley, Manitowoc-Two Rivers, Menomonee Falls, Wausau April 30

Walk MS Fox Cities, Madison, Milwaukee, Rock River-Janesville, Sheboygan, Waukesha May 1 MS Summit Wisconsin Dells May 20-22

Wisconsin Chapter Board of Trustees Meeting June 28 Bike MS Best Dam Bike Ride August 6-7 Mud Run September 10

Make a Mark for MS Committee Meeting May 23

MS Day Milwaukee County Zoo September 17

MS Luncheon Milwaukee June 14

Challenge Walk MS Door County September 23-25

MS Luncheon Madison June 16

Wisconsin Chapter Board of Trustees Meeting September 27

Make a Mark for MS Committee Meeting June 27

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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAID

1120 James Drive Suite A Hartland, WI 53029

Milwaukee, WI 53202 Permit No. 2868

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

On Your Tax Return …

Make a Mark to Help Create a World Free of MS While doing your 2010 Wisconsin income taxes, please check the box under the “Donations” heading to make a charitable contribution to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Importantly, 100 percent of your contribution will support the more than 10,000 Wisconsin residents diagnosed with MS. Your small mark will make a big difference in the movement to create a world free of MS. Contact the National MS Society-Wisconsin Chapter or your tax preparer for information. 262.369.4400 | 800.242.3358 | 1120 James Dr. Suite A, Hartland, WI 53029 | info.wisms@nmss.org | wisms.org Early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. Learn about your options by talking to your health care professional and contacting the National MS Society at nationalMSsoci ety.org or 1-800-FIGHT-MS (344-4867).