MS Connection Summer 2011

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Summer 2011• Issue 2 Western Pennsylvania Chapter

M O V I N G T O W A R D A W O R L D F R E E O F M S

Living with MSPage 4

Home Help Page 8-9

MS Champions 8

Walk MSPage 17

Continued on Page 16

Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive End Nick Eason rides to Create a World Free of MS.On June 11, instead of suiting up in his black and gold, Steelers’ defenseman Nick Eason climbed on his bike, fasten his helmet and pedaled 150 miles to tackle Multiple Sclerosis. He participated in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Bike MS: Escape to the Lake event because of his personal connection to the cause.

Nick says, “My mom was diagnosed with MS in 1997, so it is a disease that I am very familiar with and I’ve witnessed what living with MS can mean. Locally, the Bike MS: Escape to the Lake ride is the largest fundraiser supporting local programs and services and national research for MS. I enjoy being active with the Society and encouraging others to ride, donate or volun-teer because it is an opportunity for me to help others who suffer from the same disease as my mom.”

The National MS Society, Western Pennsylvania Chapter uses funds raised from Bike MS: Escape to the Lake in different ways. Money goes to support research, but also to provide local programs to support people living with MS.

In Steeler Nation alone, 7,500 persons are affected by this disease.

Think Bike MS: Escape to the Lake isonlyfitforaSuperBowlChampion?

Think again. Eason’s athletic abilities on the footballfieldarevastlydifferentcomparedtothe skills needed to ride in an event like this, which proves that with the right training schedule and determination, anyone can be a champion for MS. While training for professional football, Nick’s main concern is strength, but when preparing for the upcoming 150 mile ride, his new focus will be on endurance. According to Nick, “I think being a professional football player is going to make participatingandfinishingmorechallenging.Idon’t usually ride a bike for football and power lifting isn’t going to help me get up

Pittsburgh Steelers’ Nick Eason takes an offensive approach to fight MS

1-800-344-4867

Publication of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Western Pennsylvania Chapter1501 Reedsdale St., Ste 105Pittsburgh, PA 15233

Chairman David Strassburger, Esq. Executive Vice-Chair Sandra L. BettorTreasurer Douglas Miner, Esq.Secretary Pamela A. McCallum, Esq.Chapter President Colleen M. McGuireNewsletter Editor Lauren DiMariaNewsletter DesignerJennifer Staab

Board of TrusteesEllie BernsteinRobert S. Bernstein, Esq.John C. Brown, Jr.Scott ConleyRoberta Sciulli-CarlsonJoEllen Lyons Dillon, Esq.Arthur J. DiDonato, Jr.Franco HarrisRock Heyman, M.D.Rich HixonJerry Hogenmiller, Esq.Joan Campasano-HooverGeoffrey KellyRobert J. LewisDavid J. MaloneCarleen McGannDavid MinnotteJane Moriarty, Esq.Robert Nitzberg, M.D.Susan Fuhrer-Reiter, Esq.Ken RiceThomas Scott, M.D.Lou WeissThomas D. Wright, M.D.Samuel ZachariasMembers Emeritus: Aleta Whitaker

2 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

WEStERN PENNSyLvANiA ChAPtER offiCESWestern Pennsylvania Chapter, 412-261-6347 1501 Reedsdale St., Suite 105 Pittsburgh, PA 15233

Keystone Branch, 814-696-1017 506 third Avenue, Duncansville, PA 16635 Erie Branch, 814-464-2900 2115 West 8th St., Erie, PA 16505

Serving 26 Counties in Western Pennsylvania: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, fayette, forest, Greene, indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Somerset, Cambria, venango, Warren, Washington, Westmoreland.

if you or Someone you Know has MS Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an fDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with multiple sclerosis. talk to your health care professional or contact the National MS Society at www.nationalmssociety.org or 1-800-fiGht-MS to learn about ways to help manage multiple sclerosis and about current research that may one day reveal a cure.

the National Multiple Sclerosis Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. the National Multiple Sclerosis Society assumes no liability for the use of contents of any product or service mentioned.

information provided by the Society is based upon professional advice, published, experience and expert opinion. information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. the National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician.

“the mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis. “

© 2011 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Western Pennsylvania Chapter

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Denial allows people to take time to get used to a new situation and not focus on fears of what might happen down the road. “Denial gets a bad rap,” said David Rintell, EdD, a psychologist at Partners MS Center at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Mass., “but it can be very useful and is sometimes necessary.”

Denial is a very basic defense mechanism, explained Barbara Giesser, MD, clinical director of the UCLA MS Program. “In the process of adapting tochronicillness,denialcanbeausefulfirststepinthe process of acceptance.”

In fact, said Dr. Rintell, people who are unable to use denial may become disabled by anxiety. “Hopelessness is destructive—it reduces motivation, and makes us less likely to adhere to treatment,” he said. “I encourage people to let go of the worst-case scenario and continue to live life, go to work, enjoy relationships and take some time

THE BENEFITS OF DENIALto get used to having MS. Loved ones can help by giving their diagnosed friend or family member permission to deny and therefore cope.”

However, said Dr. Giesser, denial doesn’t work long-term. “You have to move past denial in order to treat and make plans,” she cautioned. “If instead of accepting your diagnosis, you believe the doctors made a mistake, you might not avail yourself of appropriate therapy for both disease and symptom management.”

To develop a sensible perspective, it’s important to get as much information as possible. “Find a neurologist you can work with, who allows you to be active in your own care,” Dr. Giesser advised. “It’s less scary when you feel empowered.”

Dr. Rintell also suggested speaking with other people with MS or a professional with relevant experience. “After the initial shock, most people learnthatMScanbeadifficultillness,buttheyrealize that they will be OK with it. Being optimistic turns out to be realistic.”

Denial is not a river in Egypt. And it actually has a place in helping

people absorb a diagnosis of MS.

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Wii AND ME

Eighteen years ago, when I was 24, I lost something very important. I lost the ability to compete. I had played competitive sports my entire life. So much so I never thought what life would be without them. They were just part of me. But my competitive ability was taken away by my first major MS attack, one that left me dizzy, weak and bedridden (temporarily) for the first time in my life.

Soccer was my primary passion, with tennis and hockey following close behind. I was taught the“beautiful sport” of soccer first by Africans who lived in our apartment complex in Madison, Wis., when I was six. Then, when my family moved to England for three years, I learned another version, English football, which involves less intricate passing and more rough tackling and big kicks downfield. Then, back in the good ol’ U.S. of A., I played youth and varsity high school soccer. I was not great, but always good, always in the game, ready to play, an able teammate.

By Jonathan Rubin While at the University of California at Santa Cruz, I frequently played with members of the Banana Slugs Division III, but never went out for the team — I think due to a youthful desire to be more intellectual, less jock.

I played on every intramural team, in every league, in every pickup game, whenever I had the opportunity to join, and would spend hours and hours just running around an immense field overlooking the Pacific Ocean chasing and kicking a small white ball. It was pure freedom. It wasn’t until the winter of ’92–’93 that I realized just how important it was to me.

After my first MS attack, it took me five months to get back on a basketball court and a year to even kick a soccer ball (my legs were heavily affected). It was probably 18 months before a friend talked me into trying a pickup soccer game. I was a little slower, a little shakier, a little weaker, but it was soccer, by golly, and I loved it. However, after many ups and downs and all arounds, my MS has shifted into secondary-progressive. I now walk with a cane and can only imagine playing in an actual

soccer match.

Tennis is a similar story. It was an early casualty of MS. Running made me dizzy and confused, neither of which is conducive to playing quality tennis.

It is difficult for me to even break a sweat these days, let alone get a true aerobic workout. The muscles in my legs quit after two minutes of stationary bike riding and after 10 on a rowing machine. If I work out for 15 minutes, it becomes next to impossible for me to walk out of the gym. I enjoy yoga, but my muscles buckle with any pose that involves the legs.

My competitive ability was taken away by my first major MS attack,

one that left me dizzy and weak.

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Which brings me to the present, to this Christmas actually, when my family and I (my two sons are jocks too — go figure) bought the Wii Fit Plus game station from Nintendo.

Thanks to Wii, I can play golf, and I am once again a champion (level 2000) tennis player. I can groundstroke endlessly, connect on every overhead slam and whip forehand winners crosscourt. I can serve big, rush the net, and still backpedal to the baseline. I can sweat like a pig again. I am, in a sense, complete.

My experience reminds me of the scene in the movie Avatar where the wounded veteran, who has lost the use of his legs, has his mind put into the body of an avatar. He walks a few trembling steps, and then starts running and running and running. He will not stop. It is impossible to imagine what it is like to not be able to run until you can’t.

I haven’t yet tried soccer and basketball on the Wii and I’m not sure that Nintendo can capture the joy of those sports quite as well as they

Thanks to Wii, I can play golf, and I am

once again a champion tennis player.

Affording Wii

One of Wii’s drawbacks is that it’s not cheap. It usually retails for $250 and up, depending on model, accessories and games, although with a little Internet research, you may uncover lower prices. Or call us to see if any communal Wii events, such as bowling tournaments, or classes on using a Wii, are coming up in the area.

did with tennis. But I’m ready to start the PGA tour with Woods and Mickelson. Who wants to caddy?

Jonathan Rubin, who lives in Madison, Wis., is currently ranked 5,024 in the world on Wii Grand Slam Tennis and hopes to be #1 by spring.


WELCOME TO YOGAYoga can be beneficialtopeople with MS as longastheyfindthe appropriate class, teacher or video. More and more MS experts note that yoga, with its emphasis

on relaxation, breathing, stretching and deliberate movements, is a good choice of exercise.HowcansomeonewithMSfindtheright type of yoga, the right class, and the inspiration to try it?

Yoga for MS? Yes, give it a try! But, as with any exercise program, check with your physicianfirst.AnumberofSocietychaptersoffer yoga classes or may be able to help you findyogaresourcesinyourarea.

To get the most out of a yoga class:

Look for an instructor who has experience •teaching people with MS. Call your chapter about classes or referrals (1-800-344-4867).If you can walk without assistance, try a •regular class, but ask what will be expected and explain your condition. Yoga classes are often offered at YMCAs and YWCAs, health clubs, gyms, weight-loss studios, and, of course, in yoga studios. Most instructors are willing to learn about MS and will adapt poses with props such as pillows, or by using a chair, the wallorthefloortoassistbalance.Iftheinstructor doesn’t really listen or provide individualized attention, this is the wrong place.Ask about an instructor’s experience. The •Indian names don’t mean nearly as much as the length of time the person has taught.

The teacher should have at least 10 years of experience unless the teacher also has a medical or physical therapy background.If you use a cane or walker, try a class for •seniors. Or try a class offered for people with special needs, such as arthritis. Many yoga stretches and poses can be done sitting down. Again, take the time to explain your MS to the instructor before taking a class.Stay close to home. A class more than 15 •minutes from home is likely to fall off your schedule.If no class is close enough, try videos at •home (see Resources). Consider enlisting someone to do yoga with you. It may help you stay disciplined. Your MS support group may want to end a meeting with a yoga tape.Although groups are great, beware of peer •pressure during class. If something doesn’t feel right, stick up for yourself, and stop. Sometimes your mind may be holding your body back. But your body may also be giving you signals to stop, which your mind wants to ignore! So, when in doubt, stop. If you feel pain, STOP!

Have realistic goals. Yoga won’t cure MS. But it can help you live more comfortably in your own body.

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YOGA RESOURCESVIDEOS/DVDs

YOGA for MS: Pathways Exercise Video for People with Limited MobilityThis yoga-based exercise program is suitable for people with full or limited mobility. (But you must be able to get up and down from thefloortoachair.)Itincludes breathing and relaxation techniques. 48 minutes.

YOGA for Arthritis and Related ConditionsDon’t let the title confuse you. This video has been used widely by thousands of people with MS. It showsfivepeople,oneofwhomhasMS,withvarying levels of ability doing poses at different levels. It is also an appropriate video for those in wheelchairs. It includes breathing and relaxation techniques and the DVD includes a Spanish version. 52 minutes.

Both videos are by Shoosh Lettick Crotzer. To order, visit http://www.mobilityltd.com or call 800-366-6038 for further information.

Yoga with Eric SmallEric Small is a well-known yoga teacher who hasbeenoneofthemostinfluentialproponentsof yoga for MS. He was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS almost half a century ago, and has been teaching yoga for many of those years. To order, call 310-479-4456 or write the Southern California Chapter of the National MS Society, 2440 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 115, Los Angeles, CA 90064. 100 minutes.

BOOKS

Yoga and Multiple Sclerosis: A Journey to Health and Healing by Eric Small and Dr. Loren Fishman.

This new book provides descriptions of adapted poses along with explorations on their effects, advantages and contraindications. It also includes recommendations on postures for fatigue and spasticity. To order, visit http://www.demosmedpub.com or call 800-532-8663 for further information.

The Western Pennsylvania Chapter may have an adapted yoga class near you!

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Are You Thinking About Home Modifications?It’s that time of year when folks are thinking about making home improvements, especially now that the weather is getting nicer and folks want to spend some more time outdoors.

TheWesternPennsylvaniaChapteroffersfinancialassistancetofolkswithMSwithaHomeModificationrequest. The Chapter pays a limited amount of funds for permanent ramps, indoor/outdoor handrails, grab bars in the bathroom, handicapped style commodes, walk-in style showers, wheelchair accessible showers, and widening of doorways.

Wepartnerwithmanycommunityagencieswhomaybeabletoofferfinancialsupportforyourproject that you have in mind. We highly encourage you to do your homework to get three (3) professionally written estimates, to check on their references, and to check with the Better Business Bureau. We are able to work with you if you would like to do the work yourself with family and friends who would volunteer their labor on your project.

For more information please call Brian Sibenac or Mary Lee Jackson at 1-800-344-4867.

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By Al TainskyTEN TIPS FOR HIRING HOME HELP

Respect, honesty, compassion, compatibility and civility are core ingredients of a successful care-giving relationship. But a sense of humor and a soupçon of soul don’t hurt either.

I was diagnosed with MS in 1987, but I trace the disease back to the 1950s and a summer so hot it melted the tar on Anderson Avenue in the High-bridge section of the Bronx.

Fornighon20years,Ihavehired,firedandlivedwith caregivers. I call my current live-in caregiver Mr. Wizard. His technical and computer skills are remarkable. He has a sense of humor and he taught Sunday school for about 14 years. His younger sister is developmentally disabled and the love he feels for her shows a man of substance.

HereareafewofmytipstofindingyourownMr.Wizard.

1. Have applicants supply the names, addresses and phone numbers of three personal or work references.

2. Hire someone with a clean driving record.

3. Have him or her agree to give one month’s notice—and do the same.

4. Don’t hire an alcoholic. (I expect my caregivers to be clean and sober in my home.)

5. Keep food separate. (Sometimes we eat together, sometimes we don’t.)

6. The caregiver’s room should hold all the caregiver’s goods. (I have no room for storage and nothing should hinder my movement in my home.)

7. No sleepovers and no inviting friends over without permission. (I need night coverage and that is non-negotiable.)

8. Keep your computer and printer for your personal use only.

9. If a caregiver steals, lies or cheats, make a plan for coverage beforefiringthemiscreant,soyou’re not left on your own.

10. Don’t surrender control of your life to anyone. Need help? Call a friend, call a relative, call the Society, call the closest Independent Living Center and if necessary call the police.

Al Tainsky was a professional journalist and some-time writer of comedy for television when he was diagnosed with MS 24 years ago. He continued to live independently and to write articles for Mo-mentum magazine, Real Living with MS, and other disability publications. He died of a heart attack in February shortly after completing this article. We will miss his smarts and his spirit.

Wondering how to afford a caregiver?

Call 1-800-344-4867 to talk to an MS Navigator®. Also go to nationalMSsociety.org for the brochure, “Hiring Help at Home.”


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MEDICARE “IMPROVEMENT STANDARD” CHALLENGEDFor many people with MS, physical, speech or occupa-tional therapy may be es-sential in preventing their abilities from deteriorating. However, many of these folks have been denied medically necessary rehabilitation ser-vices that they are eligible for through Medicare because of something called the “im-provement standard.”

The standard actually vio-latesMedicare’sownofficialregulations, which say that “the restoration potential of a patient is not the deciding factor” for coverage and that therapies that help prevent physical and cognitive dete-rioration or maintain optimal functioning, even if improve-ment is not expected, are to be covered.

This past January, a class- ac-tionlawsuitwasfiledintheU.S. District Court in Ver-mont, with the National MS Societyasthefirstnationalhealth organization named plaintiff, and subsequently joined by the Alzheimer’s Association, United Cere-bral Palsy, Parkinson’s Ac-tion Network and Paralyzed

Veterans of America. The lawsuit seeks to assure that a person’s “improvement” status is not a basis for deny-ing ongoing therapy services. The outcome will be reported in “Government News” at www.nationalMSsociety.org/advocacy.

POTENTIAL ANTI-SPASTICITY TREATMENT BOOSTED By THE SOCIETY’S FAST FORWARD PROGRAMKey early-stage research on an oral treatment for spasticity, the painful and debilitating muscle spasms associated with MS, is underway at Canbex Therapeu-tics. The UK-based company received a $2.8 million Transla-tion Award in March, 2011, from the Wellcome Trust, a global charitable foundation, to support this research. The work is being led by David Baker, PhD, an MS investigator un-der the National MS Society’s Promise: 2010 initiative. The Canbex spasticity program has been supported by the Society’s Fast Forward initiative to move this potential therapy toward clinical trial faster.

WELCOME TO DIGITAL MOMENTUM!

Momentum, the National MSSociety’sflagshipmaga-zine, is now available online at www.nationalMSsoci-ety.org/magazine in a fully digital edition with plenty of bonus features. It includes all content from the print edition, including advertise-ments, and allows you to click on live hyperlinks, comment on articles and respond to reader comments, download whole issues as PDFs, print pages and share articles via e-mail, links or by posting to social networks. Digital Momentum is also available for free from iTunes and the Android Market. The app includes the magazine, the latest Society news, our Twit-ter feed and videos.


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YUCk FACTOR: THE SEqUEL If drinking a glass of worm eggs could help with MS, people might just grimace and swallow. Two recently published studies explore whether infec-tion with relatively harmless parasitic worms, called helminths, can reduce disease activity.

The idea stems from the “hygiene hypothesis,” which suggests that an early lack of exposure to infectious agents may cause the immune system to later overreact and trigger MS.

Inthefirstphaseofaclinicaltrial(Helminth-Induced Immunomodulation Therapy, or HINT) supported by the National MS Society, John Fleming, MD, and colleagues at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, administered a drink con-taininghelmintheggstofivepeoplewithrecentlydiagnosed MS. The participants were then moni-tored with MRI scans.

Study results, published in Multiple Sclerosis Journal 2011 Mar 3, showed that participants tolerated the helminth treatment well and neu-rological symptoms did not get worse. However, the small number of participants and the study designmadeitdifficulttodrawfirmconclusionsabout the treatment’s effectiveness. The second phase of this study is now under way.

In a previously reported Argentine study, Jorge Correale, MD, and Mauricio Farez, MD, at the Institute for Neurological Research, Buenos Aires, followed the disease course of 12 people with MS who ingested helminth eggs. They showed fewer relapses, better disability scores and lower MRI activity compared with uninfected people. In a follow-up study published in Journal of Neuro-immunology 2011 Jan 28, the research-ers report that in four infected participants who required anti-parasitic treatment, MS symptoms and disease-related MRI activity subsequently

increased. However, again, because the study was so small, further studies are needed to establish a direct link between parasites and improve-ments in MS.

UPDATE ON ORAL BG-12In April, Biogen Idec announced that the experi-mentaloraltherapyBG-12significantlyreducedrelapses in people with relapsing-remitting MS in a phase III trial. The results of another study comparing BG-12 with glatiramer acetate against placebo are expected later this year.

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NEUROLOGy MEETINGThe American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting, held April 9-16 in Honolulu, offered promising results about oral MS medications, treatment of symptoms and better understand-ing of mechanisms involved in the disease. For example,thefirstreportedresultsofaphaseIIItrial of oral laquinimod suggested it could sig-nificantlyreducediseaseactivityanddisabilityprogression, while appearing to be well-tolerat-ed. For more news from the AAN conference, go to www.nationalMSsociety.org/AANews.


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Sunday August 7, 2011 @ 6:00 pm (Gates open at 5:00pm) National MS Society Night at Blair County Ball Park

Altoona Curve vs. Trenton Thunder

Fireworks following the game! Kids get to run the bases!

Bring your family and join us for this fun event.The National MS Society will cover the costs for persons with MS. Family members and friends are welcome at the special group discount rate. Tickets are limited please register early. To register, please complete registration form below and mail by

July 25, 2011

Name of Person with MS: _________________________________

Address : __________________________________________ ___________________________________________

Phone: ( ) ____________________________

Email: _________________________________________________________

Cost: Persons with MS - Free Guests (family/friends) - $7.00 Price includes: Terrace Level Seating and One Curve Card per group

_____ I am a Person with MS – Free_____ # additional tickets x $7.00 Total Amount Enclosed: $_______________ _____ # of wheelchairs ___ # limited mobility (can not do steps)

Mail to and make check payable to: National MS Society 1501 Reedsdale Street, Suite 105 Pittsburgh, PA 15233

Mail by July 25, 2011 Questions: Please contact Pam Dixon at 1-800-544-5250

* Tickets can be picked up at the “Will Call” Window on or before game day*

Family Night With the Curve

Blair County BallparkAltoona, PA


FAMILY NIGHT at the B

all Park D

ate:Friday, July 22, 2011

Tim

e: Gates open at 5:45 pm

Buffet starts at 6:00 pm

G

ame tim

e is 7:05 pm

Location:

Jerry Uht Park

110 E. 10th St.

Erie, PA 16501

Program C

ost:

Person with M

S: Free

G

uests: $15.00 per person

Price includes reserved seating, food ticket for the buffet dinner,

and

a ball cap!

Registration D

eadline:

July 15, 2011

Tickets are limited so please

register early. Tickets can be picked up at the W

ill Call

Nam

e: _______________________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________________

City: _____________________ State: ______ Zip: _______ Phone:( ) __________

Email: ________________________________________________________________

Person(s) with M

S (Nam

e)________________________ free = ________$0___________

Num

ber of Guest Tickets _______ X

$15.00 = __________________

Num

ber of Wheelchair Seats________

Total:____________

Num

ber of Limited M

obility ___________(Can N

OT do steps)

M

ail this registration form by July 15, 2011.

Tickets can be picked up at the W

ill Call

Window

on game night.

Make checks payable to: N

ational MS Society

Mail to:

National M

ultiple Sclerosis Society Erie B

ranch 2115 W

. 8th St. Erie, PA

16505 Q

uestions: Please contact Mary Lee at 814-464-2900

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DOWN AND DIRTy FOR THE CAUSEMud. Lots and lots of mud. In your hair, your eyes, your nose. In front of you dozens of mud-covered people scream and yell. Behind you, more mud-covered peo-ple scream and yell. From head to toe, you’re caked inmud—filthy,dirtymud—exceptwhenyou’re sprayed by the giant water hoses.

This is Mud Run MS. It’s a 10K obstacle course through, yep, mud. “You slide down a hill of mud into muddy water, you go through netting into mud, you climb a mountain of mud,” said Sarah Klein, the Society’s national senior event manager. It’s dirty beyond belief. And it’s a huge hit. Last year, the event raised nearly one million dollars.

ThefirstMudRunMSdebutedin2009inJacksonville, Fla. Hundreds of people showed up, with proceeds exceeding $200,000. Encouraged, the Soci-ety is expanding Mud Run MS in partnership with the event creator, The Original Mud Run, across the country. In 2010, events debuted at three more chapters, and this year, eight are already scheduled (Portland, Ore.; Salt Lake City, Utah; Winter Park, Colo.; St. Louis, Mo.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Raleigh/Durham, N.C.; Philadelphia, Pa.; and the Twin Cities in Minn.). More chapters will be joining.

The event is not without its organizational chal-lenges. “It can be hard tofindtherightproper-ty. We need somewhere we can dig up huge pits and install semi-per-manent concrete struc-tures,” Klein said, not to mention parking for two or three thousand

people. But thanks to generous land owners who donated various parcels, the events thus farhaveallmanagedtofindaplace.

What kind of person likes getting covered in mud head to toe? According to Klein, this event attracts a broad range of participants, from military, police and fire personnel, to people who just think it’s cool and want to try it. “The idea of splashing in mud for a good cause is very appealing,” she said.

“Chapters have been finding that most par-ticipants are people new to the Society,” Klein

noted. She thinks the spontaneity of the event has something to do with its appeal. “Someone who’s gener-ally fit can just show up and do it.” But the fes-tive atmosphere of fire trucks, food, sponsor tents and lots of dirty people having loads of fun probably helps, too.

To find out more, visit mudrunMS.org.

Photos courtesy of the Minnesota Chapter.


NICK EASON FROM PAGE 1

a big hill. I am not a small guy - I am 300+ lbs which is not what you think of when you picture a cyclist! I probably have 200lbs on Lance.”

To begin training, Nick purchased a stationary bike

fromG&Gfitnessandridesathomewhilewatching TV and just recently went on a 30-mile ride in Atlanta, Georgia. Just like everybody else, Nick’s biggest obstacle right now is time. With family, work, volunteering and other commitments, Nick has had to squeeze his training into his busy schedule. His ability to do

this will meant a great deal to his team mates, fellow riders, and those living with MS.

“I think a lot of people were interested in seeing ifIcouldfinish!Butontheotherhand,Iknowthat people look up to professional football players, especially Steelers as leaders in this community. I want to call on my fans to give back and help out an organization I care greatly about” says Nick.

You can still donate to the 2011 Bike MS: Escape to the Lake event. Or, join us on July 23 & 24th for the Keystone Country Ride or September 17th in Cook Forest and accept your own challenge! Visit bikems.org to learn more!

SAM’S CLUB RAISES NEARLY $1.2 MILLION DOLLARS TO BENEFIT PEOPLE LIVING WITH MS. After six short weeks of fundraising in over 600 clubs across the country, and at the conclusion of an intense MS-themed dodge ball tournament at their annual meeting, Sam’s Club presented a check to the Society for nearly $1.2 million. Making the most of grass roots fundraising techniques that included donation jars, caramel apple and hot chocolate sales, and MS bracelet and sneaker sales in club parking lots, Sam’s Club employeesralliedtogethertomakeasignificantfinancialcontribution to the MS movement.

Locally, Sam’s Club donated over $17,000 in Western PA! On behalf of the National MS Society and people with MS everywhere—thank you Sam’s Club!

Sam’s Club Dodge Ball Tournament


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WALk MS IS A S IMPLE, BUT INCREDIBLY POWERFUL WAY FOR yOU TO SHARE IN THE HOPE FOR THE FUTURE .

T hank you to ever yone who came out to one of 14 Walk MS event in Western PA this year! Highlight s from some of the 2011 Walk Event :

Walk MS: Pit t sburgh was he ld on April 10 th, which fe lt l ike the only warm, •clear day in April! Near ly 3, 50 0 pe ople came out to Point State Park to kick of f our 2011 Walk MS C ampaign. With almost $ 40 0,0 0 0 raise d, we’re c lose to our goal!

We had our f irst Walk MS event in Grove Cit y this year! O ver 20 0 pe ople •were in at tendance and have raise d almost $20,0 0 0 so far. T hank s for the suppor t!

Erie ’s 2011 Walk was ful l of hear t , de dication & determination – we had over •40 0 pe ople come out despite the constant rain, wind & cold! Ef for t s were endless and the suppor t was superb! A big huge thank you to ever yone who came out and Joine d the Movement in Erie on May 15th!

Bradford ’s 2011 Inaugural Walk MS is shaping up to be a huge success – we •have over 10 0 pe ople pre - registere d and almost $3,0 0 0 raise d. T he energ y for the MS Walk in and around the Bradford communit y was e lec tr ic ~ we are real ly se eing the suppor t down ever y avenue! Looking for ward to this success and many more to come!

Our Dubois Walk MS was great this year! With a new walk star t location! •Kudos’s to Treasure L ake Proper t y O wners for he lping to have over 30 0 walkers this year!

Although the day star te d of f rainy, the Hollidaysburg Walk MS event was •out standing! O ver 80 0 pe ople were in at tendance to he lp make it one of the largest event s yet!

T hank you to our sponsors: Te le track in g (P re se ntin g Sp onsor), G iant Ea gle, Pi t t s b urgh B urg e r Company, Be t s y Ann Cho colate s, K D K A T V, K D K A Radio, EM D Se rono, Wire le ss Zone Fo undation, Bio g e n, Sam’s Clu b, Q ue s tcor, My lan, Chi l -dre n’s H ospital of Pi t t s b urgh of U PM C, Acorda, Sar r is Candie s, Fro g g y 9 8, W TAJ T V 10, Pe ople’s Natural G a s, and Lo cal Ed g e.


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The overall program goal of Bike MS Champion, a mission-based, Society-wide program, is to “put a face on MS” that connects people living with MS with participants in major Society events. Both the event participant and the person living with MS are considered Champions. This connection fosters education, awareness, gratitude, and most importantly, hope.

WhatarethebenefitsofparticipationforapersonlivingwithMS?•EmpowerspeoplelivingwithMStojointhemovement•Providesopportunitytoexpressappreciationforeventparticipantcontributions•Createstherapeuticoutlettopracticedisclosureandshareexperiences

As a person living with MS, your name will be put on a wearable item that will be sent, along with your contact information, to your cyclist.

If you are a person living with MS or a cyclist and are interested in the Bike MS Champions Program, visit nationalMSsociety.org/PAX and click of the Bike MS button or contact Lauren at 412.261.6347.

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T A LE T TER FROM A BIkE MS C YCLIS T C YCLING FOR HER OWN CURE!“ I wante d to share with you what a wonder ful event Escape to the L ake was this year. For years , I have staye d home with our thre e children while my husband, Kur t , embarke d on the MS Ride. T his year, I had the for tune of joining him for par t of the r ide. T he Escape to the L ake event from star t to f inish was beautiful ly s truc ture d and carr ie d out . T he volunte ers and staf f were kind, caring, motivating and he lpful beyond words .

I t was e xcit ing to be a par t of the Sunday r ide . . . I manage d 50 miles until my MS came knocking on the door and encourage d / begge d me to stop. I took the SAG for about 8 miles and then f inishe d the f inal 1. 5 miles with my husband. I am ver y s tubborn and determine d . . . so set t l ing for less than the complete r ide on Sunday was dif f icult for me personal ly . . . but I knew that I ne e de d to stop and can proudly say that completing the 50 miles was the most success that I have fe lt athletical ly in years .

B eing a former runner and “sprint tr i -athlete” competitor, MS stoppe d me in my track s . Af ter my diagnosis , I went into a semi- depression and became ver y good at fe e ling sorr y for myse lf.

A year af ter diagnosis , I decide d to use the Escape to the L ake r ide as my return to

par ticipation in spor t s . I traine d (a l it t le) and fe lt bet ter because I had establishe d a goal to reach for . . . and although I knew that I couldn’t complete the entire 150 miles , the oppor tunit y to engage in par t of the r ide was motivating enough to get me back on track to

l iving my l ife in as healthy a way as possible .

I especial ly appreciate d the oppor tunit y to me et with other MS r iders on Saturday evening and look for ward to continue d communications with each person. T hank you again for ever y thing!

Take care,Sandy Fowler - Diagnose d March, 2010

Become a Bike MS Champion!

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GOLF FOR MS

Great Course. Great Cause.Great Reasons to Take the Day Off.

Join the Movement and sign up today for one the Annual MS Golf Outings. The day is sure to be memorable and fun...all for a great cause!

Erie Golf Outing: Friday, August 19, 2011

Riverside Golf CourseCambridge Springs, PA

Anne E. Barnes Memorial TournamentFriday, September 1, 2011

To purchase tickets or learn more about Golf for MS or other MS Outings

visit nationalMSsociety.org/PAX

Golf Outing

LOBSTERFEST FOR MS

You are cordially invited to attend an evening of fun and excitement including

Dining, Dancing, Auctions and Door Prizes

Friday, September 24, 20106 pm, $75 per person

Bavarian Hall

Your choice of a whole steamed Maine Lobster or a 10 oz. Filet Mignon. Both meals include a

generous portion of steamed shrimp.

Call 814-696-1017 for tickets.

WOMEN ON THE MOVEWomen Join Together to

Fight the Devastating Effects of MS

Thursday, September 22, 201110: 30 am to 1:30 pmFox Chapel Golf Club

Keynote Speaker: David Osmond

David is the son of Alan Osmond, the founder of the famed troupe of singing brothers, who also lives with MS. David credits a favorite saying of his father’s — “I may have MS but MS does not have me” — with helping him get back on stage.

To purchase tickets or sponsor the event, call 412-261-6347

BIKE MSInterested in taking on your own challenge, or volunteering? Check out our other two Bike MS events this year!

Keystone Country Ride – July 23 & 24, 2-days, 150 miles

Cook Forest River Ride – September 17, 1 day, 35 or 60 miles

Each event has fully stocked rest stops every 10-15 miles, and Support and Gear Vehicles that can pick you up when you get too tired!

Call 412-261-6347 or visit BikeMS.org

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U.S. PoStAGEPAiD

Pittsburgh, PAPermit # 3047

Western Pennsylvania Chapter

1501 Reedsdale StreetSuite 105Pittsburgh, PA 15233

1 800 344 4867nationalMSsociety.org/PAX

JOIN THE MOVEMENT IN 2011MARk YOUR CALENDAR!

october 22 Wine tour for a Cure

July & August family Nights at the Ball Parks (pg. 12-14)

July 23 & 24 Keystone Country Ride

August 19 Erie Golf outing

September 1 Anne E. Barnes Memorial tournament

September 22 Women on the MoveLuncheon

September 23 Lobsterfest, Altoona

September 17 Cook forest River Ride

July 29 - 31 Kidz Camp

Begins in August U.G.L.y. Bar Challenge

MS Connection Summer 2011

Documents

Transcript of MS Connection Summer 2011