Spring 2011 MSConnection Arkansas

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ARKANSAS

M OV I N G TO WA R D A W O R L D F R E E O F M S

SPRING 2011

MS Activists on the Hill for Annual Public Policy Day By Jessica Fisher

marching about our nation’s Capitol meeting with our Arkansas Representatives and Senators. We met with Representative Tim Griffin (R-2), Representative Mike Ross (D-4) and Senator John Boozman (R), and then we met with the rest of the legislators’ aides and legislative directors. Tim Griffin has agreed to join the Congressional MS Caucus and he robustly supported our federal public policy priorities, which include increased access to neurologists, expanding current and developing new Adult Day Achievement Centers and continued funding of Congressionally Directed Medical Research Funding (CDMRP-MSRP). Representative Mike Ross continues to support our priorities as he historically has done. Senator John Boozman even came out of the Senate Chamber to greet us, talk with us about the issues we think are important, and escort us back to his office! We feel we had a very successful time with our federal leaders of

A group of four Arkansas MS Activists spent March 7-9 advocating for policies that affect those who live with MS in Washington, D.C. On Wednesday, March 7, we spent the day

MS Activists Julie Cawthron, Jessica Fisher, Doug Coy and Debora Ray at the Capitol.

Continued page 3

Welcome New Staff Member PAGE 4

Register for Walk MS Events PAGE 5

The Cane Mutiny PAGE 10


THE MSCONNECTION is published by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Arkansas, 1100 N. University, Suite 255, Little Rock, ARK 72207. Little Rock Office 501-663-8104 Outside Little Rock 800-344-4867 Little Rock Fax 501-666-4355 Arkansas E-mail staff’s first name.last name@nmss.org Website www.msarkansas.org Vice President • Paula H. Cortner Development Manager • Lisa Brown Programs & Services Manager • Brooke Teeter Programs & Services Coordinator • Jessica Fisher PR/Marketing Intern • Lindsay Wiley Newsletter Editor • Brandi Davidson Information provided by the Society is based upon professional advice, published experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician. The Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The Society assumes no liability for the use or contents of any product or service mentioned. ©2011 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Arkansas

What does MS = to You? By Brandi Davidson People all over the nation are coming together to share, educate and build awareness about what multiple sclerosis means to them. Together, we are a powerful movement, working to create a world free of MS. Will you share what MS equals to you? The National MS Society is collecting and displaying on its website “MS =” responses contributed to its MSequals website and Facebook pages. Just a few of the thoughts shared by people you might know are:

MS =

• “MS= remembering the quiet daily struggles of dear friends” says actor Bill Pullman • “MS = no opportunity wasted,” shares The Amazing Race host, Phil Keoghan • “MS= reminding myself that I never really wanted to be a tight rope walker anyway,” retorts comedian Jonathan Katz Progress on MS can’t wait. Be a part of moving us closer to a world free of MS and in shaping the face of what MS means to you and those you love. Answer “What does MS = to you?” at nationalMSsociety.org/msequals For more information on MS awareness and the MS= responses, contact Brandi Davidson at 918-488-0882 or e-mail at brandi.davidson@nmss.org.

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From Page 1

news

Arkansas raising awareness and advocating for policies that improve the lives and future of those who are affected by multiple sclerosis!

MS Activists Doug Coy, Julie Cawthron, Jessica Fisher, Congressman Tim Griffin and Debora Ray at the Capitol.

MS Entrepreneurs The National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s MS Entrepreneurs program rewards creative, innovative individuals who are passionate about developing new ways to improve the lives of people affected by multiple sclerosis. The MS Entrepreneur project launched in 2008, with grants awarded for projects in five different categories, all with the purpose of meeting an unmet need in the MS community. Anyone with the passion and time to identify a need and develop a solution can be an MS Entrepreneur. Applications for MS Entrepreneurs grants are accepted year-round and are reviewed quarterly (next review deadline is April 15, 2011) by the volunteer engagement team. Please fill out our on-line application at www.MSEntrepreneurs. org. Included in the application are the criteria for selection and instruction on the application process.

For more information, visit www.MSEntrepreneurs.org. MS Entrepreneurs is managed from the National MS Society’s Houston office. Applications are accepted from those in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. MS Entrepreneurs is made possible by Kanaly Trust.

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867

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NEWS

Welcome New Staff Marketing Intern, Lindsay Wiley • Lindsay joined the Arkansas office as the Marketing Intern in February. • She currently works at Dillard’s corporate office in Little Rock as a technical support analyst. • Graduate of University of Arkansas, received a bachelor’s degree in marketing. • Lindsay and her fiancé have a beautiful nine-month old baby boy named Cade. • “I was inspired to work for the National MS Society, Arkansas because I love working to help people and I know that working with the Society will give me the chance to really make a difference.”

South Central Celebrates Unstoppable Achievements at 2011 Annual Meeting By James Black Residents across five states got connected in a new way in the new year. The National MS Society’s 2011 South Central Conference and Annual Meeting was the first to be broadcast live over the Internet. Webcast from host city Tulsa, Okla., the Jan. 29 event marked the latest advance in keeping everyone affected by multiple sclerosis plugged in to the Society’s achievements and happenings.

Oklahoma, Arkansas and New Mexico, and in 64 parishes in Louisiana. That is the equivalent of one-fifth of the estimated 400,000 men, women and children living with MS in the United States.

The entire one-hour 2011 South Central Annual Meeting program video can be viewed online. Visit JointheMovementLoneStar.org, click “Programs and Services” in the left-hand navigation bar, then click “2011 Annual Meeting.”

The 2011 Annual Meeting also marked the first united forum of its kind for the Society’s South Central states of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas and New Mexico. The states have united to tackle MS head-on and to better help everyone In addition to the meeting’s business portion, affected by this unpredictable disease. during which the South Central slate of officers and board members was approved, the January South Central’s five-state partnership serves more event was an opportunity to celebrate and reflect than 80,000 people in 438 counties in Texas, on the organization’s local achievements in 2010. 4 I JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org


Walk MS is the rallying point of the MS movement Walk is the rallying point of the MS movement, a community coming together to raise funds and celebrate hope for the future. Registration for spring Walk MS events is now open! Walker Spotlight: “It’s very hard living with this debilitating disease and often feels like no one understands. But I know if I stop moving the disease wins. That is why I wanted to do the MS walk this year. To tell the disease it will never win its battle with me!” said Kara Martin, diagnosed in June 2010, who is participating in this year’s Walk MS Little Rock event with her team, Team KaraBoo. Thank you Kara for your inspiration!

team talk

Join us at one of the following Walk MS sites this spring and Join the Movement. Texarkana: Saturday, April 2 Little Rock: Saturday, April 9 Northwest Arkansas: Saturday, April 16 Jonesboro: Saturday, April 23 Hot Springs: Saturday, April 30 Register at walkMSarkansas.org or call 1-800-344-4867, option 2. Visit our website for more information on starting a Walk team, fundraising and online tools. We come together to make a bold statement: We will achieve a world free of MS!

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867

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team talk

2011 Bike MS: Ride the Rock

The Bike MS Arkansas ride with presenting sponsor Toyota has a new look and a new name this year! The ride will be in the Little Rock area and central Arkansas. Stay tuned to find out more about the exciting new ride that is set for Sept. 10 & 11. Riders and volunteers can find out more at bikeMSarkansas.org

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Study: Risk of First Neurologic Event Decreases with Sun Exposure and Vitamin D

Programs

Higher levels of sun exposure and higher blood levels of vitamin D were both associated with decreased risk of having a first demyelinating event that can be the first indicator of multiple sclerosis, according to a comprehensive study in Australia called the Ausimmune Study. A first demyelinating event is also known as clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), a first neurologic episode caused by inflammation/demyelination in the brain or spinal cord.

Nov. 1, 2003, and Dec. 31, 2006. The four regions were characterized by differing distance from the equator. A total of 216 people were enrolled who had experienced a CIS. A total of 395 controls were randomly selected and matched to the CIS cases in age, gender, and study region. Sun exposure was measured in several ways, including by participant reports on how much time they spent in the sun during different periods of life starting from age 6, and also by examination of the skin for sun damage and Robyn Lucas, Ph.D., and Anthony McMichael, measurements of skin pigment. The latitude and Ph.D., with The Australian National University in longitude of participants’ residence were also Canberra and colleagues across Australia recorded as an indicator of ambient ultraviolet reported their findings in this study supported by light. Vitamin D levels were measured by a blood the National MS Society, the National Health sample taken at entry into the study. and Medical Research Council of Australia, the ANZ William Buckland Foundation, and MS Results showed that higher recent or lifetime sun Research Australia. exposure and higher blood levels of vitamin D at study entry were independently linked with a In all parts of the world, MS is more common at reduced risk of CIS. Investigators reported that latitudes farther from the equator and less people with the highest levels of vitamin D at common in areas closer to the equator. Previous entry were less likely to have a CIS than those studies have found evidence suggesting that with the lowest levels. Taken together, differences higher lifetime exposure to sunlight – through in sun exposure, vitamin D levels and skin type which the skin makes vitamin D – and higher accounted for a 32.4 percent increase in CIS blood levels of vitamin D may reduce a person’s incidence from the low to high latitude regions risk of developing MS. of Australia. The Ausimmune Study investigated whether increased exposure to sunlight in those living closer to the equator and the resultant vitamin D may be protective against MS. The team investigated sun exposure and vitamin D levels in people who had not yet been diagnosed with MS, but who had experienced a CIS, which often, but not always, leads to a diagnosis of MS. Investigators recruited participants who were between 18 and 59 years of age, and who lived in four geographic regions of Australia between

The findings provide additional support for previous suggestions that sun exposure and vitamin D may help protect against developing MS. It remains to be seen whether safe and effective strategies can be developed that utilize this potential protection without the risks involved in overexposure to the sun or overdoses of vitamin D supplements, and whether these findings have relevance for individuals who already have MS. TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867

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PROGRAMS

Family Day in Oklahoma Inviting Those from Arkansas to Attend By Sharleen Dupee

Mark your calendars for this year’s Family Day to be held at the Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum on Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.) Families will enjoy more than 2,800 animals, with nine indoor heated and air-conditioned eco-themed buildings-nearly 500 species of animals and plenty of exhibits, indoors and out! Participants will also enjoy a children’s playground, children’s

zoo and animal interaction area along with the safari train and wildlife carousel. Lunch is included in your registration. For more information on this program visit us online at nationalMSsociety.org/ok or call 1-800-344-4867, option 1.

Get Your Arkansas MS License Plate Today! As of January 2011 the National MS Society, Arkansas now has a specialty license plate! When renewing your car tags please consider purchasing a specialty plate. Please visit www. dfa.arkansas.gov and search for specialty plates for more information or you may contact the National MS Society, Arkansas office at

501-663-8104. The National MS Society will receive $15 donation from the purchase of each plate. This money will be designated to create further awareness for multiple sclerosis to help create a world free of MS.

Self-Help Groups & Leaders Batesville Area – Looking for a co-leader!! Jamie 870-834-3604

Springdale Area Jan & Hilde 479-445-6776

Hot Springs Area Charles & Theresa 501-624-6033

Rogers Area Susie 479-633-6694 Sandra 479-685-4383

Greater Little Rock Area Stuart 501-835-6776 Merten 501-223-8427

Pine Bluff Area MyKenya 870-592-0055

Northeast Arkansas Susan 870-239-2561

Van Buren Area Byna 479-650-6415 Doug 479-462-9024

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NEWLY DIAGNOSED

CONNECT WITH AN MSFRIEND No matter how wonderful friends and family can be, there are times when people want to talk to someone who understands exactly what they are going through—someone who has MS, too. That’s where MSFriends come in. Volunteers with MS connect with callers to share how they live with MS and to help with problem-solving or challenges people with MS face in relationships. They may also help with symptom management. People can call to speak to an MSFriend at 866673-7436, 7 a.m. until midnight, Eastern Time. Or they can leave a message and get a call back the next day. The program got its start in 2005 under the umbrella of the VisionWorks Foundation, but is

now being administered directly by the Society. “This allows us to expand the ways people living with MS can connect,” said Kimberly Koch, MPA, associate vice president, Family and Support Programs for the Society. “It’s nationwide, so people can get involved even if their chapter doesn’t have a peer support program.” There are currently about 40 volunteers. Koch hopes to expand this to about 100. All have MS themselves, but in the future, other family members or care partners may be recruited. The main difference between the Society’s MS Navigator® program and MSFriends is that the Navigators’ primary job is to get people referred and connected to resources, while the Friends’ job is to listen and provide emotional support. If you’d like to be an MSFriend, call us about training. MSFriends averages 9,000 calls a year, and they are completely confidential. “MSFriends allows people to connect when they feel like it, unlike self-help groups, which meet at a specific time,” said Koch. “If your question comes up at an odd hour, there’s a place to reach out for support.”

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867

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LIVING WITH MS

THE CANE MUTINY BY SISTER KAREN ZIELINSKI, OSF Was I imagining eyes on me as I crossed the room? No. They were watching me. It seemed like hours to walk across the dining room to the cafeteria line the first time I used my cane. I was embarrassed and self-conscious. I was not yet 40 years old; it was the 16th year of my MS diagnosis. My physical therapist suggested I use a cane to get around since my balance was off and my legs were weak. She told me a cane would give me more support and stability,and keep me from falling and breaking a bone. It would also signal others to be careful around me, to give me a little more space. It made good sense—but it made me feel like a nerd. People had known for years that I had MS; now messages filtered back to me via friends that “Karen’s MS is really bad. She is walking with a cane now!” There are many invisible MS symptoms, but using a cane is a dead giveaway of weakness in my body and the progression of the disease. In a world where physical appearance and independence are so highly valued, walking

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with a cane through a public place was not easy. I was proud. The cane showed my physical weakness. I felt like I was the entertainment of the day. After a few weeks, I just accepted it as part of the many losses of living with MS. If someone stared at me, I stared back at them and asked “What?!” I told them I used a cane for safety. The irony was that as much I tried to fight the emotional stigma of using a cane, I came to appreciate how much better I walked with one. Eventually, I realized the cane was part of accepting reality—acknowledging that I had a chronic disease and needed a walking aid. I swallowed my pride in two ways: I reminded myself that I could still walk, although in a limited way, and I remembered that nobody’s perfect. Karen Zielinski is a Franciscan nun and director of the Canticle Studio for the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio. She is a freelance writer and former Board chair of the Northwestern Ohio Chapter.

There’s more to this! Go to Walking (Gait), Balance & Coordination Problems at www. nationalMSsociety.org/walking_gait_ problems for an overview of resources and a list of articles, brochures and videos exploring what can be done for walking problems. Or call us for help! 1-800-344-4867.


research

RESEARCH NEXT STEPS

• Researching what leads to disease progression, • Finding ways to repair damage to the nervous system,

Better identification faster

RESEARCH

• Accelerating the development of new therapies.

Finding ways to more quickly identify progressive MS based on biology rather than on symptoms would mean therapies could be tested earlier in the course of the disease and possibly protect the nervous system from injury.

The turn of the year saw MS researchers assessing their progress in a number of areas. A think tank on progressive MS brought together MS investigators, research funding agencies and industry representatives. And, in January, Dr. Timothy Coetzee, chief research officer of the Society (see News), moderated a panel of MS researchers in a live webcast, “Repairing the Nervous System in MS: Progress and Next Steps.” How does MS progress? At the think tank, which was hosted by the Society and its commercial drug development entity Fast Forward last December in Boston, Society President and CEO Joyce Nelson pointed out that progressive MS is the centerpiece of the Society’s Strategic Response for the next five years, with a focus on:

Some evidence indicates that nerve degeneration occurs independently of inflammatory events, but there is other evidence that degeneration stops when inflammation subsides. Therefore, more research is needed to understand the cause of underlying nerve damage in progressive MS and to identify new targets for therapies. Participants also discussed the need for biomarkers—“footprints” that could help identify or predict MS progression. Think tank participants reported that steady progress is being made in finding noninvasive ways of detecting nervous system damage and whether protection or repair are taking place. Additional issues The participants discussed other important issues, as well. Many clinical trials do not run long enough to make clear whether there is an effect against slow progression. The traditional measurement of disability progression, the EDSS scale, is not sensitive to subtle change, which poses a problem in monitoring progressive MS.

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LIVING WITH MS

diseases, they are good candidates for future And, some previous trials used a mixed clinical trials. population of people with primary progressive MS and secondary progressive New drugs emerging MS. Since it’s not clear that all types of progressive MS would respond the same way, The researchers also talked about repairing mixing participants may be the nervous system by one reason that some past Part of the stimulating the body’s own trials were not successful. conversation included repair cells to be more active or trying several types of stem For a complete wrap-up of how newer approved by cells to repair myelin. Part of the meeting and a webcast treatments may help the conversation included how featuring a panel of several in the battle to protect newer approved treatments participants, visit www. the nervous system in may help in the battle to nationalMSsociety.org/ protect the nervous system in thinktank. people with MS. people with MS. Repairing the nervous “For the first time we’re really starting to see system the emergence of very, very effective drugs for treating inflammation,” Dr. Giovannoni said, On January 11, Dr. Coetzee, chief research noting that these therapies might also help to officer of the National MS Society, was stave off nervous system damage and allow joined by Drs. Peter Calabresi, Ian D. natural repair processes to work, although Duncan, Charles ffrench-Constant and Gavin this has not yet been proven. “We’ve seen Giovannoni for the webcast, “Repairing the people who have highly active disease going Nervous System in MS: Progress and Next on these drugs and improving,” he said. Steps.” The four researchers recently served as leaders of four international teams in the For a full report or to read a transcript of the National MS Society’s Nervous System Repair webcast, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/ and Protection Initiative, funded through the webcasts. Promise: 2010 campaign. The investigators discussed research on the ways that nerve fibers, or axons, and their protective myelin coatings are damaged. Certain drugs the experts have studied seem to prevent nerve cells from dying in an animal model. Since some of these drugs are commercially available right now for other

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SIGN UP FOR OUR MONTHLY MS eNEWS Get the latest news on research in your inbox. Go to nationalMSsociety.org/signup.


money matters

HOW TO GET STARTED WITH SSDI In order to Social Security qualify for SSDI Disability Benefits (Social Security Disability A GUIDE FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS Insurance) benefits, a person needs to have paid sufficient FICA taxes, thereby earning “work credits,” in addition to having a disability that makes holding a regular job impossible. Visit www.ssa.gov/ pubs/10029.html for an overview of eligibility requirements and work credits, which are earned each quarter of a year an individual is employed. For more information, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/SSDI

The SSA (Social Security Administration) recognizes MS-related difficulty with motor skills, concentration, memory, fatigue, vision or side effects of medications as among the criteria for receiving benefits. The SSA will require the following: • The names and contact information of doctors, caseworkers, hospitals and clinics involved, the dates of visits and copies of any medical records. • The names and dosages of all prescription medicines. • Laboratory and test results.

• Work records from your employer. Letters from colleagues or supervisors that support the claim. Start the process Ask your neurologist (and occupational therapist, if relevant) to evaluate your ability to continue working. “Make sure you have your doctor’s help and encouragement from the beginning,” said Kris Erickson, MSCIR, MSSMC, health insurance manager of the National MS Society. “Without that, your claim may be turned down and you’ll have to appeal.” “We also recommend that you journal your symptoms,” Erickson added. “A description of what is happening on a day-to-day basis can make a big difference, especially if you have invisible MS symptoms. Saying ‘extremely tired,’ for example, is less useful than saying ‘MS fatigue, four 45-minute naps a day that interfere with bathing, eating, cleaning the house.’” You can apply online at www.socialsecurity. gov/applyfordisability. Or call 800-772-1213 to schedule an in-person or phone appointment. Keep copies of all the information you give to or receive from the SSA, as well as the contact information for your SSA interviewer. Be patient, persistent and punctual. “And don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Erickson said. An MS Navigator® can provide you with materials to help with the initial application; call 1-800-344-4867. In the event of a rejection, the Navigator will connect you with the appropriate professionals to assist in organizing an appeal. For more information, visit www. nationalMSsociety.org/SSDI or www. socialsecurity.gov/disability.

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ways to give

SECRETS OF WALK MS FUNDRAISING STARS Our Walk MS volunteers raise remarkable sums year after year, often in the face of jobs, family obligations and even MS itself. We asked six fundraising champs from around the country for their secrets. EAST Tracey and Dennis Seabolt, Annapolis, Md. Together they average $11,514 raised per year. “We walk for the vast network of friends and acquaintances living with MS we now have” since Tracey’s sister was diagnosed in 2000, Dennis said. They use every way they can to spread the word—happy hour fundraisers, Facebook, T-shirts. “Let people know what you’re doing and why you’re doing it,” Tracey said. Top tip: Don’t be afraid to ask! “I’ll go in a restaurant and ask them to sponsor us for an event. I walk in a dry cleaner or 7-Eleven and ask them to put up a poster,” said Dennis. “We raised $600 from a bowl where people left their change. I send letters and postcards, asking people who gave before to give more, even double it.” WEST Josh Albers, Torrance, Calif. The 25 family members and friends who walk as Joshie’s Chicken Monkeys raise about $10,000 a year. 14 I JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

Josh’s children ask their teachers, grandparents and friends, his mom hits up her local Rotary club and Josh’s employer has a matching program. “I’m pretty vocal with my MS—people who know me know I have it. I ask everybody— you never know who will say yes.” Top tip: Make your team fun. People want to join if it looks like you’re having a good time. “We’re doing something serious but we don’t take ourselves seriously. We stop along the route for dance routines and we sing songs the whole time.” SOUTHEAST Anthony Poggioli, Apex, N.C. $26,235 raised in 2010 Anthony is captain of Chrissy’s Crew, named for his wife. He’s in sales and marketing, and says about his regular letters and updates, “There’s a way of asking without asking. It’s not being sneaky, but to create excitement and energy. You don’t want to guilt people, but you do want to strike a chord.” Top tip: Keep it simple. “I’m not a big believer in doing multiple events—people have limited time and money. You don’t want to overwhelm them. The goal is obviously dollars, but the Walk is also a day of hope and celebration.”


ways to give

SOUTH CENTRAL Debbie Christensen, Edmond, Okla. Top fundraiser for the Oklahoma City Walk for the past 10 years, Debbie’s 79’ers, named for the year Debbie graduated from high school, garners between $8,500 and $14,000 a year. Debbie writes personal letters to some 300 people. “And if they don’t respond, I might send a second letter.” She added, “I can’t hold a pen so my mother and mother-in-law do a lot of my writing. A friend copies my letters. My church donates the postage. My friends donate the envelopes.” Top tip: Include a self-addressed stamped envelope to make it easy for people to send back a check. “It makes all the difference in the world.” MIDWEST Dolores Bopp Potterton, Naperville, Ill. Her team, Walking with Dolores, raises an average of $50,000 a year. Dolores hosts a “Making Dreams Come True” gala that 150 people attend, with everything donated. “The Walk is what gets me through the whole year. What I love is it’s a celebration of people coming together and saying, ‘Enough of this disease.’” Dolores also organizes young

people to go on service trips. “When people see that I don’t focus only on myself and that I’m helping others, they open their pockets.” Top tip: Tell your story wherever you go. “Many people aren’t knowledgeable about the disease, or live with it in silence.” NORTHEAST Karen Waldron, Albany, N.Y. Raised $17,000 in 2010 Karen and her team Waldron’s Walkers have participated in Walk MS every year since her diagnosis in 1997. Her favorite part of the whole event is a fundraising luncheon, auction and raffle that Karen’s mother, Sylvia D’Aprile, hosts at a local steakhouse. “The luncheon is a celebration of the Walk because lots of people are involved in both,” Karen said. The restaurant donates the food and the staff donates their time. “We frequent that restaurant, and a cousin is an assistant manager. We just asked them one year and they said sure.” Each year the luncheon for Waldron’s Walkers has increased in size, funds raised and awareness spread. Top tip: Try asking a restaurant or other place where you already have a relationship to host a fundraiser to raise awareness of the Walk.

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867

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Arkansas

National Multiple Sclerosis Society 1100 N. University, Suite 255 Little Rock, AR 72207 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED POSTAL CARRIER – DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DO NOT DELAY

Save the Date April 2 Walk MS Texarkana 9 Walk MS Little Rock 16 Walk MS Northwest Arkansas (Bentonville & Fayetteville) 23 Walk MS Jonesboro 30 Walk MS Hot Springs

May 27 MS Night with the Travelers June 4 Family Day at the Zoo (Tulsa, OK)


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