MSCONNECTIONDELAWARE CHAPTER

MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS SUMMER 2011

It was on a long drive to Virginia Beach for Easter, exactly 21 years ago. Jon LaRue, an IT professional for Accenture, felt pins and needles in his legs, and they did not go away. He went from doctor to doctor until one eventually diagnosed him with multiple sclerosis.

Once diagnosed, he and his wife Donna set out in search of information, which led them to the Delaware Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

“MS was not something unfamiliar to me; both my brother and sister had been recently diagnosed. The MS Society sent us tons more information.”

Still working, and smiling, Jon has kept a positive attitude along the way.

“If you are newly diagnosed, please realize that it is something you can deal with and learn to accept.”

Ever since being diagnosed, Jon and his family have volunteered for the Delaware Chapter.

His children, Denise and Brian, participated in the MS Readathon all through school and Denise went on to captain a successful Walk MS team at the University of Delaware site. Most significantly, his friends, family and co-workers formed a Bike to the Bay team, Team Accenture, to raise money for the cause. Jon, inspired by seeing others complete the race, wanted to get involved as well.

ThE RIDE ThAT INSpIRES hOpE“SAG Driver of the Year,” Jon LaRue, shares his Bike to the Bay experiences

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Bike to the Bay 3 Scholarship 7 Research 8 Volunteer 13

Continued on page 3

The LaRue Family, dedicated volunteers for the MS Society.

pRESIDENT’S IMpRESSIONS

Okay, now that I have your attention, we have invited individuals and families impacted by multiple sclerosis to participate in the MS = campaign. Their responses, and yours if you would like to be involved, are on

our website (www.msdealware.org) and some on our youtube page (www.youtube.com/MSSocietyDE).

The responses are thought provoking, like what does MS mean in your life? Is MS the silent passenger who rears up at inopportune moments? Is MS the prickling sensation on the back of your neck…making you cautious? Is MS just another charm on your bracelet of life, part of your life, not the biggest, but there just the same?

To me, MS is not any of those descriptions. To me MS is more in your face, like a boxer in a ring, on the toes, bobbing and weaving, ready to jab. A right cross, couple of steps back, arms up, ready to punch back, bobbing and

weaving. I can see those red gloves in front of the face, the boxer shifting from side to side, trying to avoid getting his, ready to respond.

To me, MS= a fight, not graceful, but a dance on the toes. To me, I agree with one of our long standing Walk MS teams, MS = BS.

Benevolent Strength; resilient in each punch

Benign Sense; for the sometimes quiet secret dance of this disease

Bright Star; for the positive, the Feng sheu, a light in the darkness

Being Shocked; for what is left behind after a diagnosis

Boulder Stone; the huge weight that often feels too much to carry

So, what does MS= for you? Tell us and you could be on our website, facebook or youtube.

I bet someone else has a thought or two on what MS= in their life.

I look forward to hearing your perspective, and I know others do too.

Kate

Kate CowperthwaitPresidentDelaware Chapter

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MS= BS

When: Saturday, November 5, 2011 Where: The John H. Ammon Medical Education Center, Christiana Hospital Center, Newark, DE Dr. Elliott Frohman of the University of Texas Southwestern Neurology Clinic has agreed to be the keynote speaker. A panel will be assembled to answer specific research questions from participants.

Save the Date!

2011 Annual Conference & Research Symposium

MS= BS

TOLL-FREE NUMBER (800) 344-4867 | 3

BIkE TO ThE BAy

“For several years my wife and I volunteered at the registration tables. But after seeing our friends, family and co-workers ride in Bike to the Bay for the past 13 or so years, it struck me that if they were willing to do that, I wanted to do more.”

That’s when he and his family decided to volunteer as SAG (support and gear) drivers 3 years ago. A SAG Driver rides around the route supporting the riders, making sure that everyone is safe and comfortable. If there is a problem,

they assist in handling the situation.

“As you can imagine, this is not always easy, but it comes with many rewards,” said Jon. “Being a

volunteer [for the ride] is just super. I get to see all the nice people. I haven’t run into anyone who hasn’t been thankful, it’s truly a great group of people who participate. My wife and her group of friends have been amazingly supportive; they are always generous in sponsoring the team, and come to the beach every year on that weekend in support.”

While hard to pick a favorite memory, Jon discussed the heartfelt story of a team member who struggled along the route, but overcame for the cause.

“A lady that worked for Accenture, that I actually worked with, came into the lunch stop, one of

the last riders to make it there. It was a miserable day - windy, raining, just awful. In talking to her I found out that she had missed a turn and rode 3-4 miles out of her way. She had to turn around and ride the additional miles back to find the course again. People were dropping out left and right, but she continued on.”

Team Accenture rides yearly on behalf of Jon and several others living with MS. Last year the team had 45 riders and raised $23,000 for the

MS Society. If you’re considering riding in Bike to the Bay this year, take it from Jon, it means so much to those living with MS.

“There are hundreds of people who do this every year purely to help. If you get a bike and practice, you’ll be able to complete the ride.

There have been so many accomodations added for people who want to ride but can’t handle the full thing. The feeling that people get when participating in the ride or volunteering is more than worthwhile.”

Want to get involved? Find more details about Bike to the Bay on pg. 6.

Team Accenture, who raised over $23,000, at the 2010 Bike to the Bay.

“The feeling that people get when participating in the ride, or volunteering, is more than worthwhile.”

-Volunteer Jon LaRue

Continued from cover story

A SAG Vehilcle from the 2010 Bike to the Bay

MS AWARENESS WEEk MARCH 13-20, 2011

4 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT www.MSdelaware.org

Readathon Program Grows

A special thanks to all of the readers and schools who helped to make this year’s MS Readathon a huge success! Over 11 en-rolled schools and 435 registered students have already helped to raise approximately $30,000 for the 2011 MS Readathon, with money still coming in every day!

New this year, schools now have the option to keep 40% of all funds raised by their stu-dents. Schools can also choose to partici-pate any month that they’d like to as this is a year round fundraiser. Each student who raises $150.00 or more will be invited to our Readathon Blue Rocks Night in June. If you think your school might be interest-ed in participating, contact Ainsley Her-trich, Readathon Coordinator, at 302-655-5610 ext. 129, 800-FIGHT MS or Ainsley.hertrich@nmss.org.

Thanks to the participation of volunteers and sponsors throughout the state, we were able to carry out another successful MS Awareness Week. Here’s a brief run-down of the week’s awareness-raising activities!

Orange-clad volunteers (pictured left) kicked-off the week on Monday

with a movement event outside of the Central YMCA during morning rush hour traffic, with signs protesting MS. One brave volunteer even sported an orange spandex full body suit to garner the attention of passing cars!

On Tuesday, our Chapter hosted its 2nd Annual Open House with food provided by Moveable Feast. We had a crowd of over 50 people, including New Castle County President Tom Kovach, board members, and many of our members. Visitors were able to register for upcoming events, learn about chapter programs, and give “MS=” video testimony which is now featured on our Chapter’s Youtube page (www.youtube.com/mssocietyde).

Lastly, several Chapter advocates traveled to Dover to be honored by both the State Legislature and Governor Jack Markell at

Governor Markell honors Delaware Chapter advocates

NCC president Tom kovach, Debra Venema and Board Members Larry Green

ChApTER NEWS

MSCONNECTION, SUMMER 20112 Mill Rd., Suite 106, Wilmington DE 19806(302) 655-5610 • www.MSdelaware.org(800) 344-4867 • www.nationalMSsociety.org

ChApTER OFFICERSChair: Carl Hertrich, Drexel University Vice chair: Heyward Damon, Jr., DEEP, LLCGovernance chair: Cheryl Heiks

Cozen O’ConnerAudit chair: Maria Schaffer, MellonSecretary: Gail Jasionowski, AAA Mid-AtlanticTreasurer: Steve Kessler, Bank of AmericaPresident: Kate CowperthwaitDirectors: Holly Maddams, m.p.a., c.f.r.e.

Helen Serbu Debra Veenema

The information provided by the Society is based on professional advice, published experience, and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician and does not endorse products or services. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The Society assumes no liability for the use or contents of any mentioned products or services.

Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve the quality of life for many people with MS. The Society’s medical advisors recommend that people with MS talk with their health-care professionals about using these medications and the effective strategies and treatments to manage symptoms. Then, call the Society at (800) 344-4867. Or visit www.nationalMSsociety.org.

a Proclamation signing. This honor was recognized in several newspapers, farther gaining recognition for our cause.

Additionally, all throughout the week our chapter sponsored spirit events at various restaurants throughout the state – including Chick-fil-a, Buffalo Wild Wings, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Janssen’s Market.

For more photos visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/msdelaware .

TOLL-FREE NUMBER (800) 344-4867 | 5

As a result of generous donations from the Arthur Stapler Foundation, in February a group of 13 went to the Poconos for a Winter Weekend Getaway. The activities included a sleigh ride and snowmobiling. The most important activity was being away from MS for the weekend and bonding with fellow travelers. Additionally, over the winter, one client participated in two separate days of adaptive skiing also in the Poconos region.

A kayaking eco tour took place in May at Assateague Island National Seashore Park. The tour consisted of kayaking in the shallow waters of the island while learning about the abundant flora and wildlife native to the area.

For pictures and more information, visit the Programs tab at www.msdelaware.org.

ARThuR STApLER MEMORIAL ADVENTuRE FuND

Want to be a part of the

planning for next year’s Ms aWareness Week?

e-Mail stephanie.fitzpatrick@

nMss.org or call (302) 655-5610

or 800-fight-Ms.

BIkE TO ThE BAy

6 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT www.MSdelaware.org

Bike MS: Bike to the Bay September 24 & 25Delaware’s premier bicycling event in Delaware is just around the corner!

Sign up to ride!With multiple route options - 17, 45, 75, 100, 150, & 175 miles - Bike to the Bay is open to all skill levels! Register online at BiketotheBay.org or call our office at 302-655-5610. Take advantage of the registration fee discounts by registering early!

Start a team!Everything’s more fun with friends! Start a team and have them join you for the weekend. Teams also receive special prizes and incentives. Contact Linda Kurtz, MBA, Teams Coordi-nator, at Linda.Kurtz@nmss.org or 302-655-5610 ext. 126 or 800-FIGHT-MS for more information.

Donate!Not a cyclist, but still want to help? Register as a Phantom Rider at BiketotheBay.org and raise funds for the more than 1,550 Delawareans living with the daily challenges of MS, without actually getting on your bike. Or donate directly to a participant online! Additionally, Bike to the Bay supplies everything from first aid to food for the cyclists, so in-kind donations are needed as well. If you have the resources to spare, contact Emilee Keyser, Event Coordinator, at Emilee.Keyser@nmss.org or 302-655-5610 ext. 115.

Volunteer!A lot of help is needed during the event including registering the cyclists, manning the rest stops, moni-toring the route, serving lunch, cheering cyclists across the finish line, and cleaning up. Anyone interest-ed in volunteering at the event can contact Ainsley Hertrich, Volunteer Coordinator, at Ainsley.Hertrich@nmss.org or 302-655-5610 ext. 129 or 800-FIGHT-MS.

10 Couples (pictured to the left) enjoyed a weekend at the Atlantic Sands hotel in Rehoboth Beach learning communi-cation tools, making vi-sion boards, and playing a game styled after the Newlywed Game.Go to the National MS Society website to learn about the Relationship Matters pro-gram for couples.

COupLE’S RETREAT ApRIL 2-3, 2011

ChApTER NEWS

Educating top scholars with MS connectionsSoon the National MS Society will be announcing its 2011 MS scholars. With generous donations from the Eolyne K. Tunnell Scholarship and the Arthur J. Stapler Memorial Foundations, the Society’s scholarship program boasts a solid and promising program in the Delaware Chapter. Combined, the donations from the Tunnell and Stapler families create a pool of money that specifically supports the higher education of Delaware students whose home lives have been affected by MS. Look for details in the next issue of MSConnection!

Wilmington - Coffee & ConversationThe 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month10:30 am - noonSunrise Assisted Living 2215 Shipley Rd, Wilmington

Men with MS (men only group)The 2nd Thursday of the month5:30pm - 7:30pm

MS Society office 2 Mill Rd., Wilmington 19806

Leader: Robert (302) 529-1707

Newark - Main Street Circle of FriendsThe 2nd Wednesday of the month7:00 pm - 9:00 pmNewark Senior Center 200 White Chapel Rd, 19713Leader: Sara at (302) 737-4694

Middletown Friday Night GroupThe 1st Friday of each month7:00pm - 9:00pmMiddletown Baptist Church419 Armstrong Corner, 19709Leader: Leslie or Andy 302-264-9763

Dover Friday Night GroupThe 3rd Friday of every month5:30pm - 7:30pmFirst Baptist Church of Dover301 Walker Road 19904Leader: Andy or Leslie at 302-264-9763

Sussex County Shore Group The 1st Wednesday of the month6:00 pm - 8:00 pmSt George’s Chapel, Parish Hall20322 Beaver Dam Rd, 19951Leader: Jamie or Monroe at (302) 684-4513

LEAN ON uS SuPPORT GROuPSMore details at www.msdelaware.org

Shore Group TwoThe 2nd Wednesday of the month1:30 pm - 2:30 pmCHEER Community Center 20520 Sandhill Rd.Leader: Jamie or Monroe at (302) 684-4513

TOLL-FREE NUMBER (800) 344-4867 | 7

RESEARCH

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RESEARCh NExT STEpS

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:

• Researching what leads to disease progression,

• Finding ways to repair damage to the nervous system,

• Accelerating the development of new therapies.

Better identification faster

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.

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.

RESEARCh

RESEARCh

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 9

And, some previous trials used a mixed population of people with primary progressive MS and secondary progressive MS. Since it’s not clear that all types of progressive MS would respond the same way, mixing participants may be one reason that some past trials were not successful.

For a complete wrap-up of the meeting and a webcast featuring a panel of several participants, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/thinktank.

Repairing the nervous system

On January 11, Dr. Coetzee, chief research officer of the National MS Society, was joined by Drs. Peter Calabresi, Ian D. Duncan, Charles ffrench-Constant and Gavin Giovannoni for the webcast, “Repairing the Nervous System in MS: Progress and Next Steps.” The four researchers recently served as leaders of four international teams in the National MS Society’s Nervous System Repair and Protection Initiative, funded through the 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

diseases, they are good candidates for future clinical trials.

New drugs emerging

The researchers also talked about repairing the nervous system by stimulating the body’s own repair cells to be more active or by trying several types of stem cells to repair myelin. Part of the conversation included how newer approved treatments may help in the battle to protect the nervous system in people with MS.

“For the first time we’re really starting to see the emergence of very, very effective drugs for treating inflammation,” Dr. Giovannoni said, noting that these therapies might also help to stave off nervous system damage and allow natural repair processes to work, although this has not yet been proven. “We’ve seen people who have highly active disease going on these drugs and improving,” he said.

For a full report or to read a transcript of the webcast, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/webcasts.

part of the conversation included how newer approved treatments may help

in the battle to protect the nervous system in

people with MS.

SIGN up FOR OuR MONThLy MS eNEWS

Get the latest news on research in your inbox. Go to nationalMSsociety.org/signup.

10 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

hOW TO GET STARTED WITh SSDI

In order to qualify for SSDI (Social Security Disability 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.

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.

MONEy MATTERS

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 11

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 866-673-7436, 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.”

12 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

ThE CANE MuTINyBy 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

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.

LIVING WITh MS

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.

TOLL-FREE NUMBER (800) 344-4867 | 13

ChApTER NEWS

VOLuNTEERS LEND A hANDSome New Castle County residents took time out of their busy schedules on Saturday, May 7, to lend a helping hand to their fellow residents with MS. Throughout the day we were able to clean, paint, landscape and more for over 13 houses! The volunteers for the Caring Hands program are the life-blood of the Delaware Chapter’s outreach effort, not only working on a range of household chores for people who cannot do the chores themselves, but also making new friends.

Want to get involved in the fall Caring hands?

Call (302) 655-5610 or 800-FIGhT-MS and ask for Ainsley

hetrich, volunteer coordinator, if you would like to volunteer.

Ask for Carol Cave if you have a project that you would like

considered.Carl hertrich, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and his team of volunteers at the home of karen Elliot.

University of Delaware’s Alpha Phi Sorority (pictured right at Mark Feil’s home)

provided over 25 volunteers for the 2011 Carings Hands Service Day!

To see a video from the day, visit our youtube page

(www.youtube.com/mssocietyde).

ChApTER pROGRAMS

TOLL-FREE NUMBER (800) 344-4867 | 14

TAkE ME OuT TO ThE BALL GAME

Enjoy indoor & outdoor seating, all you can eat buffet, door prizes, and lots of family fun! For more information, call 302-655-5610 or

800-FIGhT-MS.

SUNDAy, JUNE 19TH AT 1:35PM - SOLD OuT! WILMINGTON BLUE ROCKS VS WINSTON SALEM

SUNDAy, JULy 17TH AT 5:05PM DELMARVA SHOREBIRDS VS HICKORy CRAWDADS

puBLIC pOLICy CONFERENCE On March 7-9, 2011 advocates from the Delaware Chapter visited members of the Delaware Congressional Delegation in Washington D.C. to discuss 2011 National MS Society Policy Priorities.

Improving Access to Neurologists: The Affordable Care Act provides a 10% bonus to certain groups of Medicare physicians, but neurologists were accidentally left off of the list. At the PPC, MS activists sought to correct that inequity.

Adult Day Achievement Center Enhancement Act: will sustain and grow Adult Day programs by establishing a new grant program within the Administration on Aging that is specifically designed to support Adult Day programs targeting a younger population of people, such as those living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other similar diseases. MS Research in the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP): MS activists have successfully advocated for a new federal funding avenue that has yielded approximately $13 million for MS research. At the PPC, MS activists requested robust appropriations for MS research in the CDMRP in Fiscal Year 2012.

ChApTER NEWS

TRIBuTES & MEMORIALSFEBRuARy 1, 2011 - ApRIL 1, 2011

In memory of henry BlumDolores Stewart

In memory of Margaret O’BrienDavid & Jane Ott

In memory of Leonard Vernon Schlotzhauerkathleen & William kellyGeorge & Carolyn Rendell

In memory of William C. StewartMr. & Mrs. Frank SchmittingerAngela RosatiDolores J. haegeleMr. & Mrs. Charles presnellRobert & Dolores BaileyFrank & Betty MastersDolores VentoDonna BoylesCharles & Cecilia Becchi Mr. & Mrs. Robert E. kells

Michael hazuda, Jr., D.M.D.The DiSabatinosFrancis & helen O’BrienMark & pam GougeMr. & Mrs. kevin p. O’SheaMargaret & Gerald Cherico

In memory of Greg WilliamsJohn & Ellen hamilton

In memory of Sandra StubbsLinda & Mary Jane Stubbs

In honor of Jamie Christopher ErwinMarion A. youkilisAmanda J. SterenChristina & Edward BurkeAbby & Jeremy SchiffmanGeorge & yvonne Levy

Michael & Ana CorboGina & Giacomo ApadulaLorraine MerrymanGrace C. SparanoShirley A. FisherGeorge & Bonnie WilsonMr. & Mrs. Edward J. McGrodyMichael & Darlene CaputoWalt & pat Zebrowskipatricia BauchCharles & Louise StewartFred & Mary Lee pataneVincent & Mary Cesarano

In memory of Lawrence Wayne kingJim & Emma Sharphartly Ladies Auxiliary In memory of Ivor henry GoodgeAquila Investment Management LLCThe Aquila Group of Funds

TOLL-FREE NUMBER (800) 344-4867 | 15

Over 1,075 people participated in the Wilmington Walk MS,

raising over $115,000!

Over 500 people participated in the Dover Walk MS, raising

more than $40,000!

To see more details following Walk MS season visit www.ms-

delaware.org!

ThANk yOu WALkERS!

The O’Dwyer Family kicks off Walk MS: university of DE

Enthusiastic walkers celebrate at the finish line

Check out the new Community Fundraising Events tab on www.msdelaware.org to see what events are happening near you! Email stephanie.fitzpatrick@nmss.org to have your event added.

Delaware Chapter

Two Mill Road, Suite 106Wilmington, DE 19806

Free mailing for blind

andhandicapped

FREE BIkE MS TRAINING Whether you’re training for your first event or you’re a seasoned veteran like Tom and Cindy Mannis (pictured at left) a training plan will help put more pizzazz in your pedaling. Bike MS participants get a free TrainingPeaks account and training plan by Joe Friel, expert trainer and author of The Cyclist’s Training Bible. The plan includes:

• expert advice and daily instruction from Joe Friel.

• maps and routes to view, share, or create your own.

• nutrition tracking to monitor your diet.

For more information or to sign up, go to BikeMS.org, and click on Training or call (302) 655-5610 or 1-800-FIGHT-MS.