Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
JAN/FEB 2013 michigAN chAptEr
mS coNNEctioN NEwSlEttEr
iNSiDE thiS iSSUE
3ANNUAl mEEtiNg mArch 9
62012 loNDoN pArAlympic gAmES
8progrAmS AND SErvicES
12mS AwArENESS wEEk mArch 11-17
gEAriNg Up For A grEAt yEAr oF FUNDrAiSiNg!
Great LakesBreakaway Ride 2013
MS Leadership Class of 2013
2013
2 MS connection: JAn/FeB 2013 3nationalmssociety.org | 1-800-344-4867
lEttEr From thE prESiDENtDear friends,
Happy New Year!
As we start the new year, I am encouraged and optimistic by all we’ve accomplished together at the Michigan Chapter. Thanks to all of you who participated in a National MS Society event or program in 2012.
Because of your efforts, the Chapter had a very successful year and we were able to devote an additional $325,000 to MS research above what was budgeted. This is so significant, given the economic conditions of the past several years, and we should all take pride in our collective efforts to truly create a world free of MS.
This year, over 10,500 people who care about the MS cause supported one of our 23 fundraising events across the state, and over 80 groups planned their own “DIY” events to raise funds.
I truly believe that meaningful change becomes possible when individuals connect around a shared purpose, across neighborhoods, communities, and states. The MS movement is no different. We have set our sights on common goals: to ensure those affected by MS can live their best lives and to free the world of multiple sclerosis, once and for all.
Together we walk, ride, share our stories, learn, support, volunteer, mobilize and move. Together, we have funded critical research, helped families navigate the winding road of life with MS, and advocated for the needs of the MS community. It’s exciting to see what we’re accomplishing, but of course, there is so much more to do.
As we celebrate our achievements of 2012, we look forward to the inspiring possibilities ahead. I am excited to work with you
coNNEct with US oNliNE:Michigan Chapter nationalMSsociety.org/mig [email protected]
Like us: facebook.com/nmssmi facebook.com/walkMSmi facebook.com/bikeMSmi facebook.com/golfMS facebook.com/davinci
Follow us: [email protected]
Watch us: youtube.com/mignmss
NAtioNAl mUltiplE SclEroSiS SociEtyMichigan Chapter 21311 Civic Center Drive Southfield, MI 48076 1-800-344-4867
Chairman: Jim Gismondi Chapter President: Elana Sullivan Editor: Cheryl Rothe Design: Graphinity, Inc.
© 2013 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter
Information provided by the Society is based upon professional advice, published experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician.
The Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The Society assumes no liability for the use or contents of any product or service mentioned.
“wE ArE lookiNg ForwArD to AN ExcitiNg yEAr oF FUNDrAiSiNg to hElp thoSE iN michigAN liviNg with mS.”
chAptEr NEwS
ANNUAl mEEtiNgThis year’s Annual Meeting and Recognition Breakfast will be Saturday, March 9 at the Ukranian Cultural Center, 26601 Ryan Road, Warren, MI 48091.
At this meeting we will recognize key volunteers, top individual fundraisers and top fundraising teams for their outstanding contributions in 2012. You will also hear about the latest in MS research from a National MS Society Research Champion.
Visit nationalMSsociety.org/mig for additional information.
as your partner to find new ways to tackle the challenges we face, and together, strengthen our resolve in the movement. I invite every member of the MS community to join us – whether you have MS or love someone who does – I urge your participation as a partner with our Chapter, in whatever way you wish. 2013 brings with it many opportunities to join the movement, and you are always welcome!
On behalf of the Board and staff of the National MS Society, Michigan Chapter, we wish you a very happy and healthy new year and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Warm regards,
Elana Sullivan Chapter President
On the Cover: 2013 Fundraising Events
4 MS connection: JAn/FeB 2013 5nationalmssociety.org | 1-800-344-4867
volUNtEEriSm
DEAN mUNgEr: 2012 volUNtEEr oF thE yEAr Congratulations to our very own Dean Munger on receiving the 2012 Volunteer of the Year Award! Dean was recognized in November, 2012 at the National MS Society’s Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas.
Dean recently retired from General Motors where he was the Executive Director of Labor Relations, has served on the Board of Trustees for the National MS Society’s Michigan Chapter since 2003 and as Chapter Chair since 2008.
Dean’s connection to MS is through his wife Mary who has had MS for over 20 years. Dean and Mary have been married for 41 years and together they have four daughters and five grandchildren.
As the Chair of the Michigan Chapter Board, he has been instrumental in creating a new culture of accountability, requiring every member to “step out of his or her comfort zone” to assist the Chapter in new, more meaningful ways.
Dean also serves in many leadership volunteer roles for the Society – locally, regionally and nationally. He is currently the Chair of the Midwest Regional Volunteer Leadership Council and serves on the National Board of
Directors Nominating Committee. He is a member of the National Volunteer Leadership Council, serves on the Opportunity Fund Committee, a member of the National Program Expense Policy Review Committee and the Certification Standards Task Force. And, he is the newest member of the NOW Cabinet.
What sets Dean apart is the amazing depth of his involvement with the Society. His commitment is an inspiration. His positive attitude, ability to motivate others, generosity, and passion for our mission are just some of the many qualities we are so fortunate to have at the Michigan Chapter. Thank you Dean!
l-r: Eli rUBENStEiN, NAtioNAl BoArD chAir, NAtioNAl mS SociEty; DEAN mUNgEr AND cyNDi ZAgiEBoylo, prESiDENt & cEo, NAtioNAl mS SociEty
6 MS connection: JAn/FeB 2013 7nationalmssociety.org | 1-800-344-4867
liviNg with mShElEN myErS rEprESENtS thE Dow chEmicAl compANy At thE 2012 loNDoN pArAlympic gAmESBY HELEN MYERS
For many years I had been sponsoring riders raising money for Multiple Sclerosis but in 2004, I was diagnosed with the disease and my whole perspective changed. Since 2006 I have been volunteering for Walk and Bike events with the National MS Society and in 2008 started leading the Midland Walk MS event. I have also had the honor of being the leader of the 100+ person TEAM DOW which has twice been the highest fundraising team in Michigan. Through these activities, I have seen firsthand the power of faith, perseverance, and belief that together we can change the world. We are focusing on fighting MS – making life better for those who have MS today and funding research to avoid more people in the future hearing the dreaded words, “You have MS”.
My employer, The Dow Chemical Company, has a strong commitment to fostering a diverse workforce and has been very supportive of my efforts to help people with MS. As employees, we are trained to look upon people who are different from ourselves as a key asset and critical to our corporate success. Dow
entire country were very proud of being the Olympic and Paralympic host city. From the start, the Organizing Committee decided that the preparations and delivery of both events would be on par with each other and of the same high quality. From the minute we landed at Heathrow airport, we were greeted by the Games’ Ambassadors (The Gamesmakers) - the 70,000 volunteers who made the games such a success. Never before had a Paralympic Games been treated with such dignity! In England, the Paralympic Games had extensive TV coverage as the entire country watched “The Super Humans” as the Paralympic athletes were called. Paralympic tickets were hard to come by as many events were sold out. And being in the large stadium watching amazing athletic performances while the 80,000 spectators cheered was an unbelievable experience. I was truly in awe of these amazing athletes.
My husband and I attended Athletics (Track & Field), 5 on a Side Football, and Wheel Chair Rugby events that were outstanding. 5 on a Side Football (Americans would call it Soccer) was played with 4 players on each team who were blind and a coach and Goalie who were sighted. Players passed the ball (that had a bell inside) from player to player with such
has a global employee group called DEN - DisAbility Employee Network. I have been a DEN member since before I was diagnosed with MS but afterwards have come to have an even better understanding of people with disabilities. Fundamentally, each of us want the same things: to be loved, to have a useful purpose through a job or other activities, and to be respected. We are all different – we have different hair color, different ways of doing things, and sometimes different physical and mental capabilities. Regardless, everyone is important and deserves to be celebrated for their unique gifts. As part of Dow being a World Wide Olympic and Paralympic partner, employees were asked to nominate colleagues who worked actively to engage people with disabilities and help make things better for them. I was one of the 20 employees selected to be a Champion of Inclusion and represent Dow at the 2012 London Paralympic Games.
London was amazing! Not just because it’s a beautiful city, but because the city and the
hElEN myErS AND hUSBAND DAllAS.
chAmpioNS rEcEptioN, loNDoN.
precision that you forgot they were blind. The fans were cheering like crazy – just as much (if not more) than they had at the Olympic Games. Since we attended the last few days of the Games, we also attended the Closing Ceremonies in the large Olympic/Paralympic Stadium. It was a 3 hour extravaganza that I will never forget – complete with British royalty, famous entertainers (Coldplay, Rihanna, Jay-Z), and amazing floats, dancers, and fireworks. It was truly a celebration of the years of hard work that these Paralympians had put in to get to the level of skill necessary to compete on a world stage.
While watching these events it became even more apparent to me that as people, even with disabilities, we are much more similar than we are different. Everyone (athletes and fans) had such smiles on their faces as all were enjoying the events. We got to meet some of the U.S. Wheelchair Rugby players after they received their Bronze medal and even though they had gotten 3rd place, you’d never know that from their smiles. It was wonderful for me to see how the country embraced the Paralympic Games and the athletes, just as had happened a few weeks before at the Olympic Games. The country held up these athletes (win or lose) as the champions and role models that they were. Much was said in the UK press about the fact that Brits were starting to “get it” – that people with disabilities are people first with all the same hopes and dreams as everyone else. I know that this experience changed my perspective as well and I’ll be forever grateful for such a wonderful opportunity.
Here’s to the Super Humans!
8 MS connection: JAn/FeB 2013 9nationalmssociety.org | 1-800-344-4867
progrAmS AND SErvicES
SAvE thE DAtEMarch 18 – Newly Diagnosed Program Southfield, MI and teleconference
April 12-13 – Family Getaway Weekend Frankenmuth, MI
May 18 – U.P. Spring Conference – Pain and Sleep Issues in MS Marquette, MI
lEgAl cliNic – ASk A lAwyEr!Do you have a legal question? Your legal question can be on any issue relative to your disability, such as job discrimination, social security benefits, financial planning, or other related topic. On the first Saturday of even numbered months, our volunteer attorneys will call you between 10am and 2pm to assist you.
Topics covered include:
• Divorce/ChildCustody• JobDiscrimination• EmployeeBenefits• FinancialPlanning• PowersofAttorney• SSDI• Insurance:Medicaid&MedicareThe next legal clinic is scheduled for April 6th. Please call 1-800-344-4867 to register.
your family may be eligible for the Federal and/or State Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC is a tax credit for certain people who work and have low to moderate wages. It reduces the amount of tax you owe and may also give you a refund. For more information on the EITC, please visit www.michiganeic.org (State) or http://tinyurl.com/bf5slgj (Federal).
Even if you did not earn income, you may qualify for additional credits through the State of Michigan. The state of Michigan has variety of free tax preparation services available to assist you with completing your taxes. You can call 2-1-1 (or 800-552-1183 if 2-1-1 is unavailable in your area) for assistance in finding a free tax preparation site near you. If you feel comfortable doing your taxes on your own, consider using the icanefile.org website. This free site allows you to prepare your taxes for free with an excellent guide to tax credits you may be eligible to receive.
BEcomE A progrAm ADviSory committEE mEmBErDo you enjoy planning programs? Do you have knowledge of great speakers and accessible facilities? Do you have the burning desire to be actively involved in helping to make the programs we offer to people affected by MS the best ever? For information about becoming a SE Region Program Advisory Committee Member in Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw or Wayne County, please call Sue Arnot at 248-936-0364.
kEEpiNg wArm thiS wiNtErAs the colder weather continues, we want to remind clients of our Financial Assistance Program. Heating bills can climb throughout the winter as we try to keep our homes warm. This is the time to ensure your home is as energy efficient and weatherized as possible. Weatherization includes caulking, weather stripping, and insulation.
Here are a few energy efficient tips to keep in mind:
• Haveyourfurnaceinspectedannually.Awell-maintained heating system will run more efficiently.
• Replacefurnacefiltersonaregularbasis.• Loweryourthermostatwhennooneis
home. Each degree your thermostat is turned down below 72 degrees can save up to three percent on your heating costs.
• Installingaprogrammablethermostatwill allow you to adjust the temperature according to your schedule.
The Michigan Chapter’s Financial Assistance Program offers limited assistance for utility bills. You must complete an application, meet income guidelines, have a shut-off notice, and not have received prior assistance. For more information and additional guidelines, please call 1-800-344-4867.
EArNED iNcomE tAx crEDitDid you earn income in 2012? Are you in the low to moderate wage category? If so, you and
mS StAtE ActioN DAy – wEDNESDAy, April 10 iN lANSiNgYou have a story to tell about living with MS. Your story is important to share with state legislators. We need you to join us to make our collective voice stronger this year for the fifth annual MS State Action Day.
Appointments will be arranged for you with your Michigan Representative and Michigan Senator or one of their staff members. All appointments are arranged for small groups so everyone has one or more partners for all meetings.
Our messages will focus the importance of state Medicaid funding for home care and access to individual health insurance for low income individuals. Everyone receives training about the issues via a toll free conference call.
Transportation assistance will be available. Register by calling 1-800-344-4867 or via the calendar page at nationalMSsociety.org/mig.
MS connection: JAn/FeB 2013 nAtionAlMSSociety.org | 1-800-344-4867
honored to work with an extremely talented and dedicated staff at the Michigan Chapter. Please feel free to contact me anytime at [email protected], or 248-936-0353.
tAmmy williSHappy New Year! My name is Tammy Willis and I serve as the Vice President of Special Events here at the Michigan Chapter. My career with the National MS Society began
when I was in nursing school and saw an ad in the local newspaper looking for a part time event coordinator with the Walk MS program. I happily accepted the position, planning to only stay until I had completed my undergraduate studies at MSU (GO STATE!). The rest as they say is history, as more than 20 years later I am still just as excited about the work that I do now as the day I started.
Over the years my husband, Mark Davis has been a great support and you may recognize him as a volunteer at one of the many events he attends each year. Growing up in Bloomington, IN he became a competitive cyclist at a young age and has now introduced me to the sport. In our free time we enjoy riding our tandem including participating in more than ten Bike MS Rides across the country.
1110
michigAN chAptEr EmployEE SpotlightkEviN grAmlich
I am Kevin Gramlich, the Director of Finance and Operations for the National MS Society, Michigan Chapter. I have been with the Society since January, 2012. My primary
responsibilities are to ensure the protection of Chapter assets, oversee all financial compliance, and administer the business aspects of the Chapter.
My prior career ventures include 20 years in CFO roles in commercial real estate development and private equity, and the ownership and operation of a bar/restaurant for nearly a decade. In my personal civic life, I am a Big Brother, have served as Treasurer for Literacy Volunteers of America, and volunteer through the Focus: HOPE organization.
My first exposure to MS came about ten years ago, when a friend was diagnosed with primary-progressive MS. I knew very little about the disease, but soon learned more about the devastating effects of MS.
Working with the Society provides a perfect mesh of my professional skills and personal desire to contribute to a greater cause. I am
tAmmy williS AND hEr hUSBAND, mArk DAviS
3rD ANNUAl mS DAy oF SErvicEOn October 17, 2012, National MS Society, Michigan Chapter staff and volunteers, including corporate team volunteers from Real Estate One and General Motors, worked on projects at ten homes of people living with MS. Volunteers were able to help with household projects such as yard work, moving furniture and heavy cleaning. The weather couldn’t have been better and it was a great opportunity to help those in our MS family.
If you would like to be involved in MS Day of Service 2013, please contact Christopher Rowe at [email protected] or call 248-936-0362.
Do-it-yourself fundraising is an opportunity for people with a deep commitment to the MS cause to raise awareness and critical funds for the MS movement in new and creative ways.
Lansing Walk MS participant and team member of Pat’s Parade of Champions, Katrina Hofstetter, has both this commitment and creativity. Wanting to find a way to raise additional funds outside of the traditional pledges she annually collects, she created $hop 4 a Cure. The event took place in East Lansing on Saturday, February 23rd and was a great success in it’s first year. This unique vendor event afforded guests the opportunity to shop local businesses and learn more about MS at the same time. Just a few examples of the merchandise that was available included art, housewares and baked goods.
For more information about holding your own DIY event, please contact Tammy Willis by e-mail at [email protected] or by calling 248-936-0372.
Get started today, join the movement and together we can all help to create a world free of MS!
tAmmy williS – EmployEE Spotlight (coNt)
It’s also thrilling to see the progress that has been made on the research front. To move from a time when no treatments were available, to a point where we are not only talking about stopping the disease but also the possibility of restoring function is inspiring. I can be reached at [email protected] or 248-936-0372.
MS connection: JAn/FeB 2013 nAtionAlMSSociety.org | 1-800-344-4867 1312
gEt iNvolvED
mS AwArENESS wEEk mArch 11-17 We need YOU! MS Awareness Week is March 11-17 and we need volunteers to help increase MS awareness throughout the state of Michigan! Get creative and have fun while educating people about MS. Have a connection to your local bakery? See if they will make orange cupcakes during MS Awareness Week. Get your colleagues at work to wear orange. Host an all-orange poker night. Decorate your vehicle orange. Only eat macaroni and cheese this week. (Get the theme here…it’s all about going ORANGE). The opportunities are endless… and we need your assistance in making MS Awareness Week HUGE! Please contact Cheryl Rothe, 248-936-0360 or [email protected] and get involved in MS Awareness Week planning activities!
P.S. Please keep in mind MS awareness is every week… keep moving and spread the word to others about the disease and how they can get involved with the National MS Society.
Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/msaw
gEt iNvolvED
whAt iS AN mS AmBASSADor? As spokespeople for the Michigan Chapter and the National MS Society, Ambassadors are grassroots volunteers who can help spread the word about MS in their communities. Their knowledge of advocacy, support, research, and fundraising gives Ambassadors the chance to increase the capacity of the Michigan Chapter moving the Society closer to achieving its mission. They also play a critical role in communicating the availability of vital chapter programs and services to people with MS and their families, the general public and to the healthcare community.
All MS Ambassadors will receive orientation and training about multiple sclerosis, the National MS Society, our programs and services available to people affected by MS and family members, and resources for healthcare providers. The Society will also provide additional training and information related to the specific duties the MS Ambassador may assume. On-going supervision, updates and support will be provided.
If you would like to become a trained MS Ambassador for the Michigan Chapter, please contact [email protected], 248-936-0362.
FUNDrAiSiNgJoin us to create a world free of MS! Walk MS is a simple, but incredibly powerful way for you to share in our hope for the future.
Registration for 2013 Walk MS events in Michigan is now open. REGISTER TODAY to walk or volunteer by visiting our website at walkMSmi.org or calling 248-936-0343.
Walk MS dates/locations:
Midland and Lansing .........................April 27Bloomfield Hills and Kalamazoo ...........May 4Detroit ..................................................May 5Frankenmuth and St. Clair ..................May 11Grand Rapids and Wyandotte .............May 18Dexter and Traverse City .....................June 22Grand Haven .............................. September 7Milford ....................................... September 8West Branch ...............................September 14Marquette ..................................September 15
Whether you’re a hardcore rider, looking for fun, setting a personal goal, or have a connection to the MS cause – the Great Lakes Breakaway rides are exactly what you are looking for.
REGISTER TODAY to ride or volunteer by visiting our website at bikeMSmi.org or calling 248-936-0343.
West Michigan .................................. June 8-9Mid Michigan ................................ July 13-14Fall Breakaway .......................... September 21Bavarian Breakaway .............September 28-29
2013
Great LakesBreakaway Ride 2013
tEAm AmAZED By AmANDA, wAlk mS milForD tEAm Dow – BikE mS wESt michigAN
14 MS connection: JAn/FeB 2013 15nationalmssociety.org | 1-800-344-4867
Mark your calendars as Golf MS registration is set to open March 1st. Golf MS is unique in that YOU pick the day of golf…YOU pick your team members…and YOU select one of our partner golf courses to receive 36 holes of FREE golf. Each golfer commits to raising $100 or more by their day of golf. If you have questions about participating in Golf MS, contact Cheryl Rothe at [email protected] or 248-936-0360.
coNNEct with US oN FAcEBook
facebook.com/nmssmi
2013
facebook.com/walkMSmi
Great LakesBreakaway Ride 2013
facebook.com/bikeMSmi
facebook.com/golfMS
facebook.com/davinci
lEADErShip clASS
NomiNAtioNS Now BEiNg AccEptEDThe MS Leadership Class honors local business men and women for their outstanding contributions and leadership in the MS movement. Nominated by their peers, members of the Leadership Class will conduct a special gifts campaign to raise money and awareness for multiple sclerosis.
Nominations for the Class of 2013 are now being accepted. The qualities sought in candidates should include:
• Committedbusinessprofessionalsrepresenting a variety of industries
• Dedicationtoexcellenceintheworkplace• Desiretoopendoorsforgreatercorporate/
community involvement• Enjoysnetworkingopportunitiestofoster
new professional relationshipsTo nominate someone for the MS Leadership Class of 2013 or for more information, contact Cheryl Rothe at [email protected], 248-936-0360 or visit nationalMSsociety.org/mig.
MS Leadership Class of 2013
coNgrAtUlAtioNS to oUr 2012 top 10 FUNDrAiSErS:2012 top 10 walk mS individual Fundraisers
1 Rosalind Nadeau .................... $17,353 2 Tracy Tanis ..............................14,561 3 Christine Davis ........................14,530 4 Thomas Dennis ....................... 12,500 5 Justin Champion ........................9,657 6 Amanda Palmer ........................ 9,600 7 Steve Rummel ............................8,815 8 Joe Hickey ................................ 5,977 9 John Everett .............................. 5,705 10 Alexa Nerdrum ..........................5,610
2012 top 10 teams 1 Team Ford ........................... $319,184 Walk MS, Bike MS, Golf MS 2 Dow/TCC – Team Dow ........ 111,671 Walk MS, Bike MS 3 Team Altair ............................. 70,297 Walk MS, Bike MS, Golf MS 4 Team GM ................................55,109 Bike MS, Golf MS 5 Circle of Friends ...................... 53,520 Bike MS 6 Champagne & Marx ................43,351 Walk MS, Bike MS 7 Comerica Bank ....................... 26,194 Walk MS, Bike MS 8 Roz’s Rangers .......................... 24,886 Walk MS 9 Cyclomaniacs .......................... 22,252 Bike MS 10 Real Estate One .......................21,045 Walk MS, Bike MS
2012 top 10 golf mS individual Fundraisers 1 Jim Gismondi ......................... $5,427 2 Carl Kandilian .......................... 4,509 3 John Rahie ................................2,500 4 Mack Larry ............................... 2,276 5 Bill Pikarski .............................. 1,805 6 Michael Pratt .............................1,510 7 Emily Frascaroli .........................1,100 8 Mark Ward ............................... 1,050 9 Beth Rose ................................. 1,030 10 Jim Petruska...............................1,010
2012 top 10 community Events 1 Sam’s Club 2 Thrilla At The Villa 3 Challenge MS 4 Hacker Scramble 5 L. Barge Outing 6 Patterson Plumbing 7 Erickson Motorcycle Run 8 2nd Annual Dinner Dance 9 DeWitt Take a Breath for PH and Get Moving For MS Half Marathon 10k and 5k 10 Realm of Darkness Haunted House
2012 top 10 Bike mS individual Fundraisers 1 Bruce Kantor .........................$27,291 2 Ely Tama ................................ 21,802 3 Dana Forbes ............................ 18,242 4 Bill Ogden .............................. 12,180 5 Tanya Nordhaus ......................11,933 6 Anne Coursey ......................... 10,845 7 Edward Rightor .......................10,121 8 Thomas Marx ..........................10,105 9 Wendy Keem ............................ 9,661 10 Daniel Elskens ..........................8,300
O�cial Media Sponsor: The O�cial Bicycle Partner of Bike MS:
BIKE MS WALK MS
GOLF MS
21311 Civic Center Dr.Southfield, MI 48076
Mailing Label ChangesPlease check the appropriate box below, correct the label then return to National MS Society, MI Chapter
q Name change or misspelledq Address changeq Remove from mailing listq Received more than one copyq Please send me my MSConnection
via e-mail. My e-mail address is: ____________________________
FUNDrAiSiNg
thANk yoU to oUr 2012 SpoNSorS
