FALL 2014 UPPER MIDWEST CHAPTER
MS Connection Newsletter
Upper Midwest Chapter awards scholarships to 83 students
INSIDE 04 THIS ISSUE
More than $100,000 awarded in MS scholarships
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MS Annual Conferences to be held this fall and winter
Promising study results announced at AAN meeting
Upcoming programs
2 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. The National MS Society’s medical advisors recommend that people with MS talk with their health care professionals about using these medications and about effective strategies and treatments to manage symptoms. If you or someone you know has MS, please visit nationalMSsociety.org or call 800-582-5296 to learn more.
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Can you help us? If you’re able to make an in-kind donation to the Upper Midwest Chapter, contact Jen at 612-335-7925, 800-582-5296 (option 2) or jennifer.baumgartner@nmss.org. To see the full in-kind list, visit MSsociety.org and click “Donate,” then select “Other ways to give.” n
Pitney Bowes D380 Inserter
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Power pallet jack
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Bike rack
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Digital photo printer
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Gift cards (restaurants, convenience stores, etc.)
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Upper Midwest Chapter 200 12th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55415 800-582-5296 Board chair: Larry Schmid Chapter president: Holly Anderson Editor: Maggie Flanagan Design: Sue Schweitzer © 2014 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Upper Midwest Chapter
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Concert and event tickets
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Jump drives (portable storage devices)
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Gift basket items for silent auctions
Information provided by the National MS 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 Society recommends 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 or any product or service mentioned.
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Small acts can lead to big transformations Connect with us online If you wish to receive MS Connection via email, please let us know at editor@MSsociety.org. Upper Midwest Chapter MSsociety.org editor@MSsociety.org Like us: facebook.com/ UpperMidwestMS Follow us: twitter.com/ UpperMidwestMS Watch us: tinyurl.com/ UpperMidwestVideos Find us: @UpperMidwest MS
Every summer, I let the milkweeds take over my garden, which means my raspberries and herbs have to fight for sunlight, and we don’t always get to see the roses that grow behind them. I don’t just do this because I spend so many weekends traveling our chapter area; I do it because I love Monarch butterflies. I think in some small way, if I provide the plant they need most, I can help them survive. So in the past few months, I’ve spent some time enjoying the butterflies and thinking about metamorphosis. We all learned about how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly in elementary school. “Metamorphosis” comes from the Greek word “metamorphoo,” meaning transformation. During the summer months, as I met people with MS living in our chapter territory, I realized so many people are metamorphosing because of this disease. For some people that means losing something like mobility, employment or friends. For others it’s gaining something: a new perspective on life, a richer relationship, a talent they never knew they had. In either case, the National MS Society is working hard to ensure we’re able to help people with MS live their best lives. Today people access information differently, connect differently and find support in new ways. Their needs are different; and this means the Society needs to similarly transform. It takes all of us together performing small acts to create big transformations. For the Monarchs, I believe it’s about people like me caring enough to help save them from extinction, so for decades to come we can experience metamorphosis in its most beautiful form. For the MS movement, it’s about connecting with others. It’s about listening. It’s about volunteering. It’s about raising funds. It’s about giving. It’s about leading, sharing and engaging. It’s about not letting MS win but transforming to end it. n
4 NEWS
More than $100,000 awarded in MS Scholarships
Scholarship recipients at the MS Scholarship Program Celebration The National MS Society, Upper Midwest Chapter selected 83 students to receive a combined $101,000 in academic scholarships for the 2014-2015 school year. Nationally, the Society granted more than $1 million in scholarships to 718 students across the country. Beginning in 2003, the MS Scholarship Program has helped thousands of students affected by MS achieve their post-secondary education goals in
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spite of the many financial challenges the disease can present. Scholarship candidates are chosen based on excellence in academic performance and leadership, as well as financial need.
Meet a few of our top scholars Awarded the 2014 Pearl Kaplan Endowed Scholarship, Damon Scott of Dell Rapids, S.D., has started his college career at North Dakota State University. After being diagnosed with MS at age 16, Damon contacted the Society and connected with other teens with MS. He said, “I would’ve never met them if I hadn’t been diagnosed with MS. We just try to support each other as much as we can.” Damon organized a Walk MS team in Sioux Falls this year. With the help of his friends and family, he raised nearly $10,000, earning them the title of Top Walk Team in South Dakota. Timothy Tvedte of West Branch, Iowa, received a Prime Therapeutics Named Scholarship and has started working toward a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Iowa. Timothy is an active volunteer for WyldLife and a three-time Polar Bear Plunge participant for Special Olympics. His mother was diagnosed with MS when he was seven years old, and together they assembled a Walk MS team this past May in Iowa. He said, “My problems seem so small in comparison to everything that my mother has gone through.”
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Minot State University welcomed Liberty Beckell to her first semester of college this fall. After completing college, Liberty plans to pursue her cosmetology license. Her long-term goal is to open her own salon. Throughout high school, Liberty maintained a job and participated in choir in addition to becoming a National Honor Society member. Her mom was diagnosed when Liberty was 11 years old. She said that while it hasn’t been easy, she appreciates the perspective it has given her.
scholarship designed to encourage ninth graders affected by MS to stay on track toward a post-secondary education and remain active in their school and community.
Jumpstart MS Scholarship
This year’s award winner, Lilah Zeuske, whose mother has MS, is a student at Irondale High School in Mounds View, Minn. Lilah is enrolled in several honors courses and is currently exploring careers in linguistics, law or computer programming. Of her mother’s MS, Lilah said, “Seeing my mom carry on with such courage inspires me to do the same … I look forward to and embrace the future with whatever it may bring, as my mom does.”
The Jumpstart MS Scholarship program, sponsored by Best Buy, is an annual $1,500
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News
MS research funding to increase in fiscal year 2015 June 18, the U.S. House agreed to an amendment that would increase the appropriation for MS research from the Congressionally Directed
Medical Research Program (CDMRP) from $5 million to $10 million for fiscal year 2015. If approved by the Senate, this funding amount will be the largest amount MS research has ever received from the CDMRP, a program funded by the Department of Defense, which directs money for research on specific diseases, including MS. Since 2009, MS researchers have received $28.1 million from the CDMRP. Many thanks to the citizen advocates who met with their members of Congress and shared their stories at the National MS Society Public Policy Conference this past March. n
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NEWS
Chapter to host four MS Annual Conferences Register now MS Annual Conference, Fargo, ND Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014 Holiday Inn MS Annual Conference, Altoona, IA Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014 Prairie Meadows Event & Conference Center
collective impact as an organization and help advance the movement to end multiple sclerosis. Attend an MS Annual Conference to learn more about what’s in store for the year ahead and how you can make every connection count in 2015. Hear about groundbreaking research, recently approved therapies and what’s in the pipeline. Plus, join us to celebrate the remarkable work of volunteers, donors and other dedicated leaders who made an impact in 2014. Though everyone’s experience with MS is different, these differences can help us forge connections, gather more resources and give hope to people living with all forms of the disease. Join us at a conference near you to roll up your sleeves, dig into the work of a new year and make every connection count. Networking and social opportunities will be available for both teens and care partners.
MS Annual Conference, Sioux Falls, SD Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015 Sheraton
For more information or to RSVP, visit MSsociety.org or call 800-582-5296 (option 1).
MS Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Bloomington
Who should attend
As we go about our daily lives — whether we’re attending a business meeting, getting a haircut, checking out at the grocery store or visiting with neighbors, friends or family — it’s easy to forget how meaningful each interaction can be. Every connection we make can add to our
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People living with MS, their care partners and family members
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Upper Midwest Chapter Board of Trustees members
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Health care professionals
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Corporate partners, donors and volunteers
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Event participants and team captains
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Events
More than 20 to participate in Run to Stop MS More than 20 people will participate in Run to Stop MS — 17 running the full Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon — Sunday, Oct. 5. The Upper Midwest Chapter first partnered with the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon in 2010, creating Run to Stop MS. Since then, nearly 75 runners have participated in the Twin Cities
Athletes raise awareness, money through Finish MS Endurance athletes all over the country are taking on remarkable challenges to help create a world free of MS, including marathons, mountain climbing and one of the “toughest footraces on the planet.”
Marathon in support of the National MS Society, raising a total of $90,000. Runners in this year’s event are expected to raise more than $25,000. New this year, participants can run a 5k, 10k or 10-mile route. To learn more about Run to Stop MS, visit MSsociety.org. n
In April 2013, Danielle Furey, a mother of four, attorney and a person with MS, began the Marathon des Sables, a 156-mile, six-day stage race across the Sahara Desert, during which each participant is required to carry everything needed for their survival. Using the Finish MS online fundraising tools, Furey raised more than $16,000. Are you participating in an upcoming triathlon, duathlon or other endurance event? Is it on your bucket list to cross a finish line, arms raised, at some point in your lifetime? If so, consider registering your event on Finish MS to receive fundraising support, training tips and more. For more information about Finish MS, visit MSsociety.org. n
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LIVING WITH MS
CHOOSING WISELY BY K ATIE JENNINGS
As a person living with MS, Katie Jennings faces many choices. When it comes to doctors, I always follow instructions. When I’m sick, I take the medicine they give me. If I have a pain, I rely on them to tell me how to get rid of it. When I was pregnant, I didn’t even bother with prenatal classes. My entire plan was just to do whatever the doctors told me to do. But when it comes to multiple sclerosis, my usual modus operandi is letting me down. I’ve been very surprised about how much has been left up to me, particularly since the “me” in question is a fairly uninformed rookie when it comes to serious medical issues. What drugs do I want to take? Do I want to modify my diet? Is physical therapy the right choice for me? Do I want to take vitamins or supplements? There’s a big part of me that’s still waiting for the instructions. I want to be handed an MS manual that will tell me exactly what to do and promise me specific results. However, sadly, there’s no manual. I get to choose my own path, and my choices will have an impact on
the quality of my life. It’s a lot of responsibility, and sometimes that can feel overwhelming. The bright side is that even with a disease that none of us would choose to live with, it’s kind of nice to have some measure of control. And that’s what choices represent. Choose to eat better to keep your body strong. Choose to try yoga to keep your balance steady. Choose to learn a language or do a crossword to keep your mind sharp. Choose to accept support. Choose to live well. We’re all at different stages of this journey, but within that framework, maybe all the choices are a blessing. Let’s make good ones! n Katie Jennings, diagnosed with MS in 2012, writes a blog at steadyshegoes.com.
connect with others with MS To connect with others with MS about the choices they’ve made in their own lives, visit MSconnection.org. Call an MS Navigator® at 800-582-5296 for additional support and resources.
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ADVOCACY
THE ACA MAKES A DIFFERENCE BY BETH VANDIVER
MS activist Beth Vandiver As anyone living with multiple sclerosis knows, having good health insurance is important. My name is Beth Vandiver, and because of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), I now have access to the health care I need. I was diagnosed with MS in 2010. I was teaching second grade and when driving to work one day in August, I thought I was having a stroke. My left side went numb, and I had trouble staying in my lane. I made it to the classroom, but my students and coworkers knew something was wrong. I went to a neurologist and had an MRI, then received my MS diagnosis. Since then, I have experienced many relapses. My vision is affected, and I have painful back spasms. Stress really exacerbates my MS symptoms, so I eventually had to quit teaching school. Once my COBRA ran out, I tried to get an individual plan but was refused because my MS was considered a pre-existing condition. Without health insurance, I often went without
treatment because I couldn’t afford visits to the doctor or medicine. I just tried to pull through as best I could. The ACA changed all that for me. Insurance companies are no longer allowed to refuse to cover someone because of a pre-existing condition, so I was able to get health insurance from the same company that had initially refused to cover me. In addition, my premiums are half of what they were on COBRA. And I found out at healthcare.gov that I qualify for premium and co-pay assistance. I am not going to let MS overtake me, and now that I have access to health care, I can afford the drugs that help keep me active and healthy. I am currently studying to be a paralegal; I also work four days a week substitute teaching. Laws like the ACA impact everyone living with MS, and lawmakers need to understand that state and federal legislation relating to health care affect real people like me. I am going to get involved in MS activism and share my story with my elected officials so they understand why access to affordable health insurance is so important. For information on how you can become an MS activist, contact Dan, public policy manager, at 612-335-7930 or visit nationalMSsociety.org/advocacy. n Originally published in the South Central Chapter’s MS Connection newsletter.
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GIVING
Employee giving campaigns Every year, more than 1.5 million public and private sector employees designate charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations through employee giving campaigns. If you’re a federal government employee or your employer offers a charitable giving campaign through United Way, Benevity, Your Cause or Community Health Charities, you can help move us closer to a world free of MS by designating your contribution to the National MS Society, Upper Midwest Chapter. Most charitable giving programs offer employees the opportunity to have a portion of their annual donation automatically deducted
from each paycheck. Donations can also be made through a one-time contribution. If your company doesn’t offer an employee giving campaign, talk to your benefits administrator about starting one. We’re glad to help make this connection! Contact Jen at jennifer.baumgartner@nmss.org or 612-335-7925. Participating in your employer’s charitable giving program is a convenient, easy way to help move us toward a world free of MS. If you’re unable to make a gift through workplace giving this fall, you can still make a big difference over the course of a year by setting set up a sustaining gift online at a later time. Setting up an automatic, monthly donation is simple. Start by visiting the donation page at MSSociety.org and click on “Monthly Donations.” n
Small gifts go a long way! The cost of living with MS is estimated at $70,000 per year, per person. A little bit goes a long way! n
$5 per month can provide transportation to an MS club or group meeting for someone with no means to get there.
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$50 per month can help pay the rent for a family affected by MS struggling to pay medical bills and other expenses.
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$100 per month covers the cost of a wellness or exercise program.
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$500 per month can provide scholarships to help young people affected by MS pursue a college education.
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RESEARCH
PROMISING MS TREATMENTS BY BRUCE BEBO, Ph.D.
BRUCE BEBO, Ph.D., IS THE SOCIETY’S ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF DISCOVERY RESEARCH. In April 2014, the 66th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) was held to present research discoveries and study results on emerging MS therapies. Listed below are brief summaries of what was shared. In most cases, studies presented at the AAN are considered preliminary until they are analyzed more thoroughly and published in peer-reviewed medical journals.
PREGNANCY HORMONE AND MS Investigators in a clinical trial of 164 women with relapsing-remitting MS determined that the pregnancy hormone estriol plus Copaxone® reduced the rate of relapses after one year by 47 percent compared to women taking Copaxone alone. There were also significant positive benefits observed in cognition test scores. These effects were less significant in the study’s second year — the reasons why
are not clear, but a more thorough analysis might reveal some answers. Read more at nationalMSsociety.org/phase2estriol.
THE ‘HYGIENE HYPOTHESIS’ The “hygiene hypothesis” proposes that the increased frequency of autoimmune diseases like MS in industrialized countries is due to reduced exposure to infectious bacteria, viruses and parasites. This hypothesis was tested in a University of Wisconsin study in which participants drank a sports drink laced with the eggs of a pig parasite called porcine whipworm every two weeks for 10 months. The number of active brain lesions detected at the end of the trial was moderately reduced by 34 percent, and there was also evidence that treatment promoted the activity of disease-suppressing white blood cells. These results need to be repeated in a larger number of participants before making definite conclusions. Imagine if we could treat MS with parasite eggs!
TARGETING B CELLS Also intriguing was a phase II trial that tested ofatumumab — which targets a type of white blood cell called a B cell and is already approved for the treatment of B cell cancers — in MS. Study investigators reported a 65 percent reduction in the number of active brain lesions in the treated groups compared to the placebo groups. These results suggest that targeting
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12 Continued from page 11 (TREATMENTS) B cells is a very promising approach for treating MS.
QUIT SMOKING NOW Previous studies have shown that smoking can increase the risk of developing secondary-progressive MS by as much as threefold. The good news reported at the AAN meeting is that this risk is reduced by 5 percent for every year after a person quits smoking. The reasons why smoking promotes progression remain to be determined, but people with MS who smoke should stop today.
UNDERSTANDING PROGRESSIVE MS According to clinicaltrials.gov, there are 57 ongoing clinical trials testing a variety of therapies for progressive forms of MS. While we wait for definitive data, some early results were presented at the AAN. Clinical trials of GilenyaÂŽ found a consistent reduction in the rate of brain atrophy (shrinkage). Since many believe atrophy is a consequence of neurodegeneration, and in turn that neurodegeneration is probably responsible for progression, this is a strong hint that Gilenya might be able to slow progression. Several reports suggest laquinimod may also be a good candidate for the treatment of progressive MS. Laquinimod might suppress the activation of microglial cells, which are the only immune cells that live exclusively
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inside the central nervous system. While these cells are important for protecting the nervous system from infections, overactive microglia may promote and prolong inflammation. Another study looked more closely at previous clinical studies of laquinimod in relapsing MS and found evidence that treatment significantly slowed progression and reduced brain atrophy even in study participants who didn’t have relapses. Non-pharmacological approaches for slowing progression are also being tested. An herb called Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, contains a compound called Ar-tumerone. This compound can reduce the activity of microglial cells and also promote the proliferation of neural stem cells, which are the source of nervous system cells that have potential to regenerate nerves and oligodendrocytes (myelin-producing cells that are damaged in MS). Although research is at a very early stage, Curcuma longa strikes me as a very interesting candidate for the treatment of progressive MS.
RESULTS ON DIET The first-year results of a low-fat, plant-based diet in MS were reported by a group from Oregon Health and Science University. While the team failed to show any measurable clinical or imaging (MRI) benefits, participants did lose an average of 16 pounds and had significantly improved cholesterol levels. The study’s small size probably limited the ability to detect changes, but it may have developed a model for other trials of MS diets to follow. n
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VOLUNTEER
Bike MS Committees
The National MS Society is a volunteer-driven organization, and we depend on the contribution of peoples’ time and talents so we can continue to drive research and help everyone with MS live their best lives. The Upper Midwest Chapter is seeking people who are committed to the MS movement to help fill critical volunteer positions in 2015.
Additionally, fall and winter internship opportunities are available to students who are interested in gaining valuable experience in a professional setting.
Upcoming opportunities
If you’re interested in filling any of the volunteer roles described below (or you know a possible candidate), please contact James at 612-335-7984 or james.adkinson@nmss.org.
Walk MS Ambassadors Walk MS ambassadors are the “faces” of their communities’ events, and use their personal stories to engage and educate others, as well as help the Upper Midwest Chapter reach its Walk MS recruitment and fundraising goals. Through speaking engagements, media interviews and other public outreach, ambassadors demonstrate the importance of community support at Walk MS.
MS Awareness Council New in 2015, MS Awareness Councils will help determine awareness initiatives and identify both one-time and year-round opportunities to engage the general public in the MS movement.
The Upper Midwest Chapter is seeking volunteers from areas near Sioux Falls, S.D., Des Moines, Iowa, Twin Cities, Minn., or Fargo, N.D., to join one of four committees to help with planning and marketing of 2015 Bike MS events. Committees meet a handful of times throughout the year and are an integral part of successful event execution.
To see a full listing of intern descriptions, visit MSsociety.org. n
300 volunteer hours completed at Minnesota State Fair Nearly 70 volunteers worked 74 shifts at this year’s Minnesota State Fair Aug. 21 – Sept. 1, completing a total of approximately 300 volunteer hours. This year, more than 1.5 million people attended the fair, thousands of whom passed by the Society’s education booth each day. A special thanks goes to all the volunteers who helped answer questions and raise awareness despite high temperatures and the unrelenting scent of fried food (on a stick, of course).
14 CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT
Sanford Health supports the MS movement Sanford Health continued its partnership with the Upper Midwest Chapter in 2014, supporting North and South Dakota Bike MS events as title sponsor. Both one-day-rides, Ride the Wind (Fargo, N.D.) and Pedal the Plains (Sioux Falls, S.D.) took place in July and August. In addition, Sanford Health increased their participation in the MS movement by becoming title sponsor of Walk MS: North Dakota events
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in Bismarck, Minot, Grand Forks and Fargo. Their title sponsorship of $25,000 in 2014 brings their total financial support to $92,000 since 2009. In addition, as a second-year sponsor of North and South Dakota Bike MS events, Great Plains Brokerage gave $10,000 to each ride in addition to MS research gifts. By sponsoring Society events with a financial donation, corporate partners help keep expenses low so more fundraising dollars go toward supporting our mission. Thank you Sanford Health and Great Plains Brokerage for helping keep people with MS and our mission at the center of all we do! To learn how your company can help support the Society’s mission, contact Jen at 612-335-7925 or jennifer.baumgartner@nmss.org. n
Continued from page 5 (Scholarships) See a full listing of 2014 scholars and learn about 2015 applications, which will be accepted between Oct. 1, 2014, and Jan. 15, 2015, at nationalMSsociety.org/scholarship. A special thank you goes to the generous scholarship program donors and volunteers, and to Great River Energy for hosting the annual MS Scholarship Program Celebration.
Support the scholarship program To learn about making a donation to the MS Scholarship Program, contact Julie at 612-335-7953 or julie.collier@nmss.org. n
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MONEY MATTERS
MANAGING YOUR MONEY WITH MS
Gloria Dady had envisioned spending the rest of her working life taking care of people. She never expected that, in her 50s, multiple sclerosis would force her to start drawing on her retirement nest egg. It was unsettling — until she reached out for help from the National MS Society. Through the Society’s partnership with the Society of Financial Service Professionals, people living with MS can get free financial counseling from trained professionals through the Financial Education Partners (FEP) program. Doug Head, C.L.U., Ch.F.C., a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Tukwila, Wash., is a FEP program volunteer. Head helps people plan for a life with MS by talking about basic budgeting, different ways to save, how to maximize health insurance
15 benefits and more. But he lends more than his number-crunching know-how. He and other FEP volunteers also offer hope that any financial challenge can be tackled with patience and planning. “Dealing with the challenges of MS often leaves people feeling that their finances have gotten away from them,” Head says. “The first thing I ask is, ‘What are your two or three major financial concerns?’ This helps us focus on what’s really important to them.” Dady appreciated talking to a finance professional who could explain everything clearly and compassionately. Head discussed strategies to lower her tax payments and keep her retirement savings intact, even as she drew on it for income. Over the past four years, Head has offered free financial advice to more than 100 people who have been referred to him by the Society. “The people I’ve met are wonderful,” Head says. “I’ve been inspired by their journeys.” People living with MS can talk in person or over the phone with FEP volunteers about financial topics such as insurance analysis, retirement, estate planning and legal planning. Visit nationalMSsociety.org/financialplanning to learn more, or call an MS Navigator® at 800-582-5296. This article was originally written by Liz Murtaugh Gillespie of Moore Ink. PR & Fundraising Communications and was published in the Greater Northwest Chapter’s MS Connection newsletter. n
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Chapter programs
Upcoming programs Programs are free unless otherwise noted. For more information or to register for a listed program, visit MSsociety.org or call 800-582-5296 (option 1).
Program feature November is Care Partner Appreciation Month November is Care Partner Appreciation Month — 30 important days to recognize and honor care partner(s). We have plans to help celebrate their important work, so be sure to watch for ways to recognize care partners at MSsociety.org and in the November eNews. If you’re interested in planning a networking opportunity for care partners in your area, please contact Krista at 612-335-7937 or krista.harding@nmss.org. For other resources specific to care partners, visit MSsociety.org.
IOWA Mood and Cognition in MS Sunday, Oct. 19, 2 p.m. Mercy Medical Center, Hallagan Education Center 701 10th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 Sunday, Oct. 19, 2 p.m. Walnut Ridge Senior Living Community 1701 Campus Drive, Clive, IA 50325 Thursday, Dec. 4, 6 p.m. Davenport Public Library, Fairmount Branch 3000 N. Fairmount St., Davenport, IA 52804
The treatment of MS symptoms related to mood, cognition and physical functioning can profoundly improve quality of life for someone with MS. Understanding and addressing these changes is the first step in becoming empowered to live a fuller, more productive and more satisfying life. Learn more about the expanded understanding of these symptoms and the recent advances in treating them. To RSVP for Cedar Rapids, contact Carrie at poundcf@hotmail.com or 319-360-3563; for Clive, contact David at dlmetal@ mediacombb.net or 515-556-5338; for Davenport, contact Becky at 563-650-0820 or angelbecster50@hotmail.com.
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MS Annual Conference
MS Education Program
Saturday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Prairie Meadows Event & Conference Center 1 Prairie Meadows Drive, Altoona, IA 50009
Saturday, Oct. 4, 9:30–12:30 p.m. Step Physical Therapy 200 Village Center Drive, St. Paul, MN 55127
Learn more about the National MS Society and where we’re headed as an organization. Hear about groundbreaking research and promising treatment leads. Plus, celebrate the remarkable work of volunteers, donors and other dedicated leaders who made an impact in 2014.
Join Megan Frost, P.T., owner of STEP PT, and other people living with MS in the Twin Cities area to discuss a range of topics related to MS, including emotional and physical wellness. Learn more about exercise, taking care of your care partner, building a strong health care team and more. People living with MS and their care partners are invited to attend.
See page 6 for more details. Registration is required by Nov. 14.
MINNESOTA 20s/30s Fall FestivitieS Sunday, Sept. 28, 1–3 p.m. Pine Tree Orchard 450 Apple Orchard Road, White Bear Lake, MN 55110 Join us for an afternoon of fall-themed fun at Pine Tree Apple Orchard! People in their 20s and 30s who have MS or a connection to MS are invited to join us for a hayride, a trip through the corn maze, light refreshments and the opportunity to connect with others. Friends and family are also welcome! Registration is required by Sept. 19. Space is limited; sign up today!
Registration is required by Oct. 3. To RSVP, contact Jenny at tgrise423@msn.com or 763-862-0145.
Everything you want to know about the National MS Society Wednesday, Oct. 8, 5 p.m. St. Cloud Public Library 1300 W. St. Germain, St. Cloud, MN 56301 Join the St. Cloud MS Group for a conversation with Chapter President Holly Anderson. Learn about Society priorities, such as: n
identifying solutions so people with MS can live their best lives;
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a more comprehensive programs and services network;
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research investments; and
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volunteer and community engagement.
Bring your questions, comments and suggestions. To RSVP, contact Betsy at 320-253-5421 or betsymahowald@gmail.com.
18 Mood and Cognition in MS Tuesday, Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m. Fairview Education Center 152 Cobblestone Lane, Burnsville, MN 55337 Tuesday, Oct. 21, 6:30 p.m. Rolling Hills Residence 800 Spruce Ave., Barrett, MN 56311 Thursday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m. Hosanna Lutheran Church 105 Hosanna Drive, Mankato, MN 56001 The treatment of MS symptoms related to mood, cognition and physical functioning can profoundly improve quality of life for someone with MS. You’re invited to learn more about the expanded understanding of these symptoms and the recent advances in treating them. Understanding and addressing these changes is the first step in becoming empowered to live a fuller, more productive and more satisfying life. For more information or to RSVP for Burnsville, contact Mike at 952-898-2857 or hvnly57@yahoo.com; for Barrett, contact Anya at 320-528-2288 or abrantley314@yahoo.com; for Mankato, contact Jen at 507-381-3017 or jencarl3017@gmail.com.
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NORTH DAKOTA Mood and Cognition in MS Monday, Oct. 27, 11:30 a.m. Sanford South University, Room1A2 1720 S. University Drive, Fargo, ND 58103 Tuesday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m. North Dakota Association for the Disabled 2660 S. Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58201 Tuesday, Nov. 25, 7 p.m. Sanford Health, Seventh & Rosser Clinic 414 N. Seventh St., Bismarck, ND 58501 The treatment of MS symptoms related to mood, cognition and physical functioning can profoundly improve quality of life for someone with MS. You’re invited to learn more about the expanded understanding of these symptoms and the recent advances in treating them. Understanding and addressing these changes is the first step in becoming empowered to live a fuller, more productive and more satisfying life. To RSVP for Fargo, contact DeeAnne at lakepeople@midco.net or 701-361-6915. To RSVP for Grand Forks, contact Lee at ljncpajd@gmail.com or 701-787-5164. To RSVP for Bismarck, contact Nettie at nalindvig62@yahoo.com or 701-355-2254.
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mssociety.org | 800-582-5296
MS Annual Conference Saturday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Holiday Inn 3803 13th Ave. S., Fargo, ND 58103 Learn more about the National MS Society and where we’re headed as an organization. Hear about groundbreaking research and promising treatment leads. Plus, celebrate the remarkable work of volunteers, donors and other dedicated leaders who made an impact in 2014. See page 6 for more details. Registration is required by Oct. 31.
South Dakota Mood and Cognition in MS Monday, Oct. 12, 6 p.m. First Congregational Church 125 E. Seventh Ave., Redfield, SD 57469 Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m. First United Methodist Church 502 S. Lincoln, Aberdeen, SD 57401 Friday, Dec. 5, 5 p.m. Nonprofit Center Conference Room 1000 N. West Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 The treatment of MS symptoms related to mood, cognition and physical functioning can profoundly improve quality of life for someone with MS. Understanding and addressing these changes is the first step in becoming empowered to live a fuller, more productive and more satisfying life. You’re invited to learn more about the expanded understanding of these symptoms and the recent advances in treating them. For information or to RSVP for Redfield, contact Sandy at smthorn@abe.midco.com or 605-472-0217; for Aberdeen, contact Lois at 605-225-7190 or ldflanigan@nvc.net; for Sioux Falls, contact Corey 319-447-1801 or corey.maylone@nmss.org.
Nonprofit US Postage
PAID
Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 1759
200 12th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55415-1255
Attend the annual meeting by phone Hear board chair and Society staff discuss progress we’ve made and what’s in store for the future. People affected by MS and their loved ones are invited to dial in for the Upper Midwest Chapter’s annual meeting Saturday, Oct. 25, from 11 to 11:30 a.m. To attend, call 888-317-4343. My daughter was diagnosed with MS more than three years ago. I want her to see a cure in her lifetime. That’s the reason I’ve included a bequest to the National MS Society in my will.
Join the Movement®
WE CARE ABOUT A CURE … THIS IS WHY WE GIVE
It’s easy to provide for causes you care about, and the National MS Society can help you learn how. Contact Jennifer at jennifer.mcgee@nmss.org or 612-335-7965.