MS Connection - Summer 2010

Challenge Walk MSDoor County Setting Inspires

Summer 2010

Amazing awaits. I’m sure of it; because I see “amazing” happen every day.• Atthisyear’s MS Luncheons we celebrated the completion of the Chapter’s first Research Challenge Match, which exceeded its $450,000 goal. Amazing!• The2010slate of MS College Scholarship recipientsincludes22students,oneofwhomhas started his own nonprofit to benefit MS. Amazing!

We recently asked Bike MS participants why they ride and made an amazing connection. Tricia Perkins, a four-year veteran of the MG&E Team, told us why she rides: “During a long stretch of riding alone and wondering why I ride, I looked up and saw a sign along theroadsidethatread‘Thanksforriding.IhaveMS.’Ilooked down the long driveway and a woman was waving tome.ThisiswhyIride.”Nowfortheamazingpart:wereceived an e-mail that read: “In the Spring issue of MS Connection, there was a letter from Tricia of the MG&E Team, about seeing a sign at the end of a long driveway that read:IhaveMS–ThanksforRiding!Tricia’squoteandtheother heartfelt messages from the riders made me write to you. On behalf of myself and everyone touched by MS, I want to express my sincere thanks and gratitude for all you do every year. I might never meet you or ride with you, but my heart is there for you every mile. Ride on!” Themessagewassignedsimply,“TheWomanatthe End of the Driveway.” Amazing.

Sincerely,

Colleen G. KaltPresident & CEO

If you or someone you know has MS: Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy canreducefuturediseaseactivityandimprovequalityoflifefor many people with multiple sclerosis. Talk to your health careprofessionalorcontacttheNationalMSSocietyatnationalmssociety.org or 1-800-344-4867 to learn about ways to help manage multiple sclerosis and about current research that mayonedayrevealacure.TheNationalMSSocietydoesnotendorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear heresolelybecausetheyareconsideredvaluableinformation.TheNationalMSSocietyassumesnoliabilityfortheuseofcontentsof any product or service mentioned. Information provided by the Society is based upon professional advice, published, experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response toquestionsdoesnotconstitutetherapeuticrecommendationsorprescriptions.TheNationalMSSocietyrecommendsthatallquestionsandinformationbediscussedwithapersonalphysician. The National MS Society is committed to seeing a world free of MS.

©2010NationalMultipleSclerosisSociety-WisconsinChapter

2 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: wisMS.org MS CONNECTION: Summer 2010

Alyson Zierdt, ChairAttorney, Retired Martin McLaughlin, Past ChairReinhart Boerner Van Deuren, S.C.

Michael Lutze, Vice ChairErnst & Young Kenneth Minor, Vice ChairSonic Foundry, Inc.

Robert Sowinski, SecretaryDiversified Insurance Services, Inc.

David Rodgers, TreasurerBriggs & Stratton Corporation

Colleen Kalt, President & CEONational MS Society - Wisconsin Chapter Carrie Raymond BedoreCarrie Raymond Bedore, LLC

Robert Buhler Open Pantry Food Marts of Wisconsin, Inc Albert C. Elser IICommunity Advocate Robert EngelRetired, M&I Bank

Tom GoldenM3 Insurance Solutions for Business

Karen MinorCommunity Advocate Bruce OlsonThe Marcus Corporation Shelley Peterman SchwarzMeeting Life’s Challenges

David RaysichPlunkett Raysich Architects

Patricia RaysichCommunity Advocate

James RoseBaker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP

Jeffrey SterenSteren Management/McDonald’s

Robyn TurtenwaldCommunity Advocate

Molly WalshOffice of Governor Jim Doyle

Wisconsin Board of TrusteesThe Woman at the End of the Driveway

Colleen Kalt, left, with scholarship recipient Kendra Wauters.

Cover: Sisters Anne Rogalski, left, and Nicole Youngstrom, center, participated in Challenge Walk MS 2009 with Fran McLaughlin.

3TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 242 3358

Consider the location: Door County. It’s widely recognized as one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Consider the cause: Multiple sclerosis. Wisconsin has one of the highest incidence rates of MS in the U.S. withmorethan10,000diagnosed. Now,considersigninguptoparticipateintheThirdAnnualChallengeWalkMS.The2010eventtakesplaceSeptember24-26. Challenge Walk MS is a fully supported, three-day, 50-mile walk through some of Door County’s most pristine scenery. And “fully supported” means just that: while you enjoy walking with family and friends, other details of this memory-making weekend are handled for you. For instance:

Overnight Accommodations. Challenge Walk MS participants enjoy complimentary overnight accommodations on Friday and Saturday at Rowley’s Bay Resort. Situatedon100secludedacres with 700 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline, Rowley’s Bay Resort is the largest waterfront resort in Door County. (It’s also home to an awesome Swedish bakery.)

Meals. BeginningwithaThursdayeveningreceptionand ending with a Sunday afternoon luncheon – all of yourChallengeWalkMSmealsareincluded.That’sthree breakfasts, three lunches and two celebration dinners (plus a dynamic guest speaker on Friday).

Route Assistance. You won’t walk far – three miles to be exact – before you’ll find an abundantly-stocked rest stop. A professional medical team patrols the route at all times, and if ever you want to call it a day – you’ll be welcomed aboard a support vehicle to transport

you back to the resort. If desired, you can also book a massage for a small fee. Most veterans will tell you: Challenge Walk MS is life-changing. In their Challenge Walk MS blog, Mike andJennyEaganrecentlyposted,“Thereisclearlyasocial aspect to the Challenge Walk which frankly caught us completely by surprise during our first year. Thewalkersandvolunteersseemtomorphintoacommunity over two-and-a-half days, dedicated to a common goal and connected by a common struggle.” Whatever your motivation for participating in Challenge Walk MS, there are four ways to engage:

Walk. You’ll join a group of 100ormorewalkersandmakeyour way on foot through the back roads of Door County, just as the fall leaves are beginning to turn.

Super Crew. While you’ll still fundraise(securing$1,500indonationsplusthe$125registration fee), instead of walking 50 miles, you’ll provide important assistance in other areas – perhaps helping with registration or greeting walkers at rest stops.

Crew Volunteer. Noregistrationfeeorminimumpledgeisrequiredforthosewhowishtoprovide valuable volunteer services.

Pledge. Even if you can’t participate in Challenge Walk MS, you can still pledge your support and help theChapterreachits$225,000goal.

RegistertodayatwisMS.orgorcall800-242-3358.IfyouhavequestionsaboutChallengeWalkMS,[email protected].

Third Annual Walk Returns September 24Experience Challenge Walk MS in Beautiful Door County

Daughter Jill, dad Marty and mom Nancy Hassenfelt are Challenge Walk MS veterans. Their team is named for Marty and his cane, which he calls Clyde.

4 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: wisMS.org

First to Ask Question: What is Underneath Myelin? Chiu’s Early MS Research Considered Classic Landmark StudyBy Amanda Gasper

Shing-yan (Bill) Chiu’s work is a good example of basic scientific research providing a client benefit. InChiu’scase,thebasicresearchheconducted30years ago ultimately played a role in the development of Ampyra™ – the new drug approved by the FDA in January for its ability to improve walking in people with any type of multiple sclerosis. Indeed, Ampyra™ is the first therapy to treat a symptom of MS. Chiu is a professor with the department of physiology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. A resident of Wisconsin since1985,ChiureceivedhisPh.D.attheUniversityof Washington where he studied myelinated axons (also called nerve fibers). He got his start in MS research when he conducted his post-doctoral work at Yale University; where his mentor, J. Murdoch Ritchie, was funded by theNationalMSSocietytostudymyelinatedaxonsinMS.TheNationalMSSocietycontinuestosupportChiu.

Chiu’s Classic Landmark Study In1980,twopapers(onefromEnglandbyTomSears and his colleagues, and the other from the United States by Chiu and Ritchie), appeared that directly influenced the development of Ampyra™. Chiu describes

his work with Ritchie as a “classic landmark study,” because it launched a new era of basic research on how ionchannelsaredistributedonmyelinatedaxons.Now,

30yearslater,Ampyra™hasbeendevelopedbasedonthat research. Chiu added, “We were among the first to ask the criticalMSquestion:ifthemyelincomesofftheaxon,

what is underneath?” Chiu shared that he

and Ritchie utilized a sophisticated techniqueto“unroll”the myelin off the axon. “It is like grabbing one corner of a carpet and quicklyyankingitaside to see what lies underneath,” said Chiu. “We took a peek at what’s underneath and found a goldmine.”

Chiu added, “A whole new era of basic research was born because of this peek. When we unrolled the myelin, we exposed potassium channels.” According to Chiu, ion channels (including

potassium channels) are important because they allow the body’s electric current to move along axons and signal the nervous system. However, when myelin is “unwrapped,” as is the case in MS, the exposed potassium channels stop the nerve impulses so they are not propagated along the axons. “Nowpeoplecanstudythesechannelswithunprecedented precision and they can use a marker to label them and see that they are underneath the myelin,” Chiu said. “You can identify the genetic aspect of these channels and you can design drugs to block them in MS patients.” Heexplained,“Theideaisthatpluggingthesepotassium channels would be like plugging leaking holes in a garden hose, so that nerve signals, like water, can travel long distances without leaking.”

And that is just what researchers have done. Chiusaid:“Forthepast30yearssincethatoriginal discovery, the Society has continued to support

Dendrite

Nucleus

Soma

Axon

Node ofRanvier

Axon terminal

Myelin sheath

Schwann cell

Chiu and his research partner “unrolled” myelin off the axon and exposed potassium channels.

Currently Bill Chiu is studying mitochondria, or what he describes as “mobile batteries.”


research on potassium channels in myelinated axons, both in my laboratory and others, with one important clinical goal: can we improve nerve transmission in MS patients with drugs that plug up these potassium channels?AmajoradvancecameinJanuaryof2010,when the FDA finally approved the drug Ampyra™ that does just that: plugging up potassium channels so MS patients with all kinds of symptoms can benefit.” Ampyra™, available this past March, is a symptomatic medicine to improve walking. “It’s not a cure, but it gives you transient relief. It represents a big step forward for all kinds of MS patients,withallkindsofdisabilities,”Chiusaid.“Thisis a shining example of basic research supported by the Societythatbearsfruit30yearslater.”

New Focus on Mitochondria Chiu hopes the research he is currently conducting willalsoonedaybenefitMSpatients.TheNationalMSSocietyissupportingChiu’sworkwitha$568,425grant. He said, “I’ve moved on to something that I hope isequallyinteresting:mitochondria.” He described mitochondria as “mobile batteries.” Theytravelalongaxonstosupplyenergytothenodesof Ranvier, or tiny gaps between the myelin. At nodes of Ranvier, the axonal membrane is un-insulated and therefore capable of generating electrical activity for nerve signals. “Thenodeisimportantbecauseitgenerateselectricity,” he said. “You need to supply energy to the node to make it happy. And mitochondria are thought to pass through the node and unload energy to the node and move on. If there is a failure to supply energy, nerves cannot generate signals.” According to Chiu, in the past five years or so, MS researchers have found that abnormalities in the mitochondria correlate with axons dying. Chiu said, “If we can find a drug or some manipulations, to make mitochondria become normal again in MS, the questionsis:Willthatpreventaxonsfromdying?” To study this correlation, Chiu watches the movement of mitochondria along axons with real-time imaging, like a movie.

Difficultywithwalkingisachallengeformanyindividualsdiagnosedwithmultiplesclerosis.Weakness,spasticity,lossofbalance,numbnessandfatiguecanallhindereverydaylife.ButAmpyra,anewprescriptionmedicationavailablesinceMarch2010,mayhelpimprovewalkingforthoselivingwithMS. AmpyraisanFDAapproveddrugtoimprovewalkingforpeoplewithalltypesofMS.Ampyraworksbyimprovingnervetransmissionalongnerveaxons(alsocalledfibers).Itdoesthisbyplugginguppotassiumchannels,whichareexposedwhenthemyelinisdamaged.WisconsinresearcherandNationalMultipleSclerosisSocietygrantrecipientShing-yan“Bill”Chiuandhismentor,J.MurdochRitchie,discoveredthepotassiumchannels30yearsagowhileconductingMSresearchatYaleUniversity. BrianWhitethoughthemightbenefitfromtakingAmpyra.White,a45-year-oldfromtheAntigoarea,wasdiagnosedwithrelapsing-remittingMSin1999.Sincethen,hisstrength,balanceandwalkinglongevityhavedeclined. “Icouldn’twalkmorethan100feetwithoutgettingreallytired,”hesaid.“AndIwasn’tthatquick.”Histroubleswalkingwereimpactedbyhisinabilitytoseecracksandunevennessinpavement.BecauseofhisMS,Whitedevelopedchronicopticneuritisandislegallyblind.SoWhite,wholearnedaboutAmpyrathroughane-mailfromtheNationalMSSocietyanddiscusseditwithhisdoctor(Dr.LorenRolak,amemberoftheWisconsinChapter’sClinicalAdvisoryCommittee),startedtakingthemedicationattheendofMay. “Iwantedtogainabitmoremobilityandmakeitalittleeasiertogoupanddownstairs.Iwantedtofeela

Wisconsin Resident Benefits FromDrug Based on Chiu’s MS Research By Amanda Gasper

Francie White, left, says her husband Brian has gained mobility with Ampyra.

First to Ask Question: What is Underneath Myelin? Chiu’s Early MS Research Considered Classic Landmark StudyBy Amanda Gasper

- Continued- Continued


littlestrongerdoingthatsoitwasn’tquitesoterrifying.”Withinaweekandahalf,Whitestartedtonoticeachangeinhiswalking,hesaid. “Ifeelit’seasiertogoupstairsandalittleeasiertogodownstairs,”Whitesaid.“I’mmoreinclinedtogowalking.Istillgenerallytakethecane,moreforbalanceandtopushmealong.” Hiswife,Francie,hasalsonoticedthechange,especiallywhiletheyareshopping. “IhaveallthebenchesmappedoutatWal-Mart,”hesaid.“Now,Idon’thavetousethemasoften.Ithelpsmemovearound.Ihavealittlestrength,sothecracksinthepavementIcan’tseearen’tasbad.” AcordaTherapeutics,themakerofAmpyra,sponsoredtwophaseIIIclinicaltrials.TheyfoundthatpeopletakingAmpyrahadamoreconsistentimprovementinwalkingspeedcomparedtopeoplewhotookaplacebo.InthefirstphaseIIIclinicaltrial,35percentofthepeopletreatedwithAmpyraimprovedinwalkingspeed,whileeightpercentoftheplacebogroupimproved.Patientswhohadthetreatmentalsoexperiencedincreasedlegstrength,includingsomepeoplewhodidnotincreasewalkingspeed. White,whohadbalanceissuesbeforetakingAmpyra,noticedsomeextremebalanceissuesafterstartingit,butsaidtheygotbetterovertime.Healsoexperiencedheadachesandsomeinsomnia. Inclinicaltrials,patientsexperiencedbackpain,headaches,dizziness,insomnia,fatigue,nausea,balanceissuesandurinarytractinfection.Aseriouseffect,seizures,wasseeninsomepatientsintheclinicaltrial. IttookaboutamonthafterWhitereceivedhisprescriptiontogetAmpyra.AccordingtoWhite,theinsurancecompanyneededpreauthorization.Withhiswife’sinsuranceandsubsidizationfromAcordaTherapeutics,thedrugcostshim$40amonth.AcordaTherapeuticshasateamthatprovidessupportforaccesstothedrugbyworkingwithinsurancecarriers.Theyalsohavepatientassistanceprogramsthatlimitcopaymentsandofferfinancialassistance. FormoreinformationonAmpyra,callAcorda’sAmpyraphoneline,1-888-881-1918orvisitthewebsiteampyra.com/home/.

A single axon is very small. “You can’t even see it with the naked eye,” Chiu explained. “We inject a tiny droplet ofmarker,called“mito-tracker,”intothenerve.Thenwe use a sophisticated movie camera to look at how the mitochondria move through the nodes.” He likened it to a helicopter keeping track of cars on the freeway. At night, the only way to see each car is bytheheadlights.The“mito-tracker”markersarelikeheadlights sticking to the mitochondria. In the movies Chiu makes, he can see how the mitochondria move through the node because of the “mito-tracker” markers.

Throughhismovies,Chiucanstudythemovementof the mitochondria; whether they are stopping, getting into traffic jams or turning the wrong way. He said, “We hope that this method will reveal interesting things about mitochondria and how they behave in multiple sclerosis. Weareinadocumentaryphase.Thefirstthingtodoiscapture these movies and then go home and study them.” And hopefully this basic research will lead to clinical benefits, he said. “It has no implications to MS, yet. But there are interesting things down the road, which I think will have implications,” Chiu said, emphasizing the importance of basic research. “My previous research was done to ask a very basic questionanditsustainedthinkinginthefieldforabout30years–ultimatelyleadingtotranslatingbasicresearch into clinical benefits. It shows the necessity and importance of basic research.” Concluded Chiu, “It has to be done.”

Illustration reprinted by permission from Macmillan Publishers Ltd: Ion channels: A paddle in oil Anthony G. Lee Nature 444, 697-697 (29 November 2006) doi:10.1038/nature05408 News and Views, copyright 2006

We took a peak at what’s underneath myelin, and found a goldmine. - Bill Chiu


Run Across U.S. Going StrongBrookfield Runner Detouring to Wisconsin for Celebration

More than half way into her run across the United States to raise money and awareness for multiple sclerosis, Brookfield’s Ashley Kumlien will take a brief detour home – by RV – to attend a special Milwaukee Brewers’ salute celebrating her accomplishments. Kumlien’s mother, Jill Kumlien, was diagnosedwithMS27years ago. Inspired by her mother’s zest for life in the face of adversity, Kumlien decided to run 3,230milesacrosstheU.S. to raise money and awareness for MS. She started her trek in San Francisco, CA on March 22,2010andexpectstofinishinSeptemberwhenshereachesherfinaldestination:NewYorkCity.Whileherofficialroutedoesnotbringher to Wisconsin, Kumlien expects to run through the Chicago area in early August. TheAugust10MilwaukeefestivitieshonoringKumlienwillstartwithatraditionalMillerParktailgatebeginningat4:30p.m.Tickets

forthetailgate,whichisopentothepublic,arejust$20andproceedsbenefitKumlien’sMSRuntheUSnonprofitorganization.Kumlienandhermomarescheduledtothrowoutthefirstpitchatthe7:10p.m.MilwaukeeBrewersgame against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Kumlien’s family will attend the game, along with talk show host, Montel

Williams, whose MS foundation is a sponsor of MS Run the US. While making her way through California, Nevada,Utah,Colorado,Nebraskaand Iowa; Kumlien has attracted media coverage, donations and individuals who want to run a leg of her journey with her. You can keep up with Kumlien and make donations via her website msruntheus.com, and her Facebook and Twitter pages.

MS Run the US Tailgate PartyDate:Tuesday,August10Time:4:30p.m.to7p.m.TailgateTickets:$20 (gameticketisaseparatepurchase)Formoreinformation,visitmsruntheus.com.

Ashley Kumlien gave her mom and inspiration, Jill, a hug before setting off on her 3,230-mile run across the U.S.

AshleystartedherruninSanFranciscoonMarch22

Journey’send:NewYorkCity,September27-30

CrossingintoIowa,July7Milwaukee,August10

Chicago,August5-12

SaltLakeCity,May12

Denver,June5


NEW! Packet Pick-Up at WCTC on Friday, August 61,600 Hit the Road for 27th Annual Bike MS

Nearly450“rookies”orfirst-yearriders,willparticipateinthe27thAnnualBikeMS:ToyotaBestDamBikeRide.Alltogether,nearly1,600cyclistsareexpected to join the ride August 7 and 8.

Grand Tier Teams. Thefollowingteamshavecommitted to securing $50,000 or more each in pledges: Charlie’s MS Angels, Chuck’s Athletic Supporters, Sonic Streamers, Team Wendy and Waukesha Y-Ders.

Top Tier Teams. Theseteamswillsecure$20,000to$49,999eachinpledges:BiogenIdec,ChainSmokers,ERacers, FMA Psycolists, HillYeah!, Kari’s Cadets, KNUTZKREW,MG&EPowerPeddlers,ParkandRiders, Patti’s Pedalers, Peppy Pedalers, Positive Pedalers, RollingRocks,TeamBibs,TeamCCC(NEW!),TeamLegstrong, SPROCKET ROCKETS and UW Health Red’s Riders.

Packet Pick Up. You can pick up your registration packet in advance of the ride at the Wisconsin Chapter office and – new this year – at Waukesha County TechnicalCollege(WCTC).TheWCTClocationwillbeopen2p.m.to6p.m.onFriday,August6.

WCTC Construction. DuetoconstructionatWCTC,ridersareencouragedtocarpool,ifdriving.WhiletheBikeMSlocationoncampuswillbedifferentfromprioryears,therewillbeplentyofvolunteersandsignagetohelpyougetwhereyouneedtogo.

Registration. If you haven’t yet signed up to participate in Bike MS: Toyota Best Dam Bike Ride – scoot on over to bikeMSwisconsin.org and complete your registration onlineorcall800-242-3358.Registrationsareacceptedon the day of the ride.

It’s a euphoric feeling to head downhill toward the Bike MS: Toyota Best Dam Bike Ride finish line in Madison.


Aaron Field Receives National MS Society GrantCutting Edge MRI Technology to be Utilized in New ResearchBy Amanda Gasper

Dr. Aaron Field is an associate professor in the Department of Radiology at the Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. His research has involvedMSsince2002,whenhemetDr.Ian Duncan, another Wisconsin researcher supportedbytheNationalMSSociety.Hisprevious research, part of Dr. Duncan’s work onPromise:2010,focusedonquantitativemagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for central nervous system disease and repair. And now he is the seventh Wisconsin researcher to currently have a grant from theNationalMSSociety.Dr.AaronFieldreceiveda$593,261granttoresearchChronicCerebrospinal Venous Insufficiency (CCSVI) and its possible connection to MS. “I was intrigued by Dr. Zamboni’s results,” Dr. Field said. “My first thought was that this would be wonderful for people with MS.” Dr. Paulo Zamboni, from the University of Ferrara in Italy, reported that CCSVI, an abnormality in blood drainage from the brain and spinal cord, may contribute to nervous system damage in MS. He reported that there were changes in blood flow, in bothdirectionandvelocity.TheresultsofDr.Zamboni’spilotstudywerepublishedinApril2009.

Dr. Zamboni used venography and ultrasound in his originalstudy.Bothtechniqueshavelimits,accordingto Dr. Field. Venography is an invasive procedure in which dye is injected into the veins for an x-ray. And ultrasounds can produce biased information, he said. “It’s difficult to obtain objective data, because it is not blinded,” Dr. Field explained. In a blind study, information is concealed from the people involved, such as the technician doing the imaging and the researcher who interprets the results, in order to avoid bias. During an ultrasound, the person who performs the ultrasound is also the person interpreting data, so it is not blinded. To avoid possible bias, Dr. Field decided to use

magnetic resonance venography, or MRV, a type of MRI that images veins specifically. “With MRV, it’s easy

todoablindstudy,”hesaid.Theperson who takes the image will not interpret the results, he said. “At UW-Madison, we are well equippedwithcuttingedgeMRItechnology,” Dr. Field said. “Our techniquesarereallydefined.It’s3Dimaging, but it also includes a 4th dimension:time.Thisincludesveinsthat can’t be seen in ultrasound.” Dr. Field’s study also includes ultrasounds to see if the results from Dr. Zamboni’s study can be

repeated. “We’re giving ourselves the best chance to duplicate Dr. Zamboni’s results,” Dr. Field explained. Thestudywillinclude112MSpatients,56peoplewithotherneurologicaldiseasesand56peoplewithoutthese diseases, over a two year period. Dr. Field has included people with other neurological diseases to determine if CCSVI is related to MS specifically or other diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, in general, he said. “First, we see if there is a higher incidence of CCSVI

inMSpatients,”Dr.Fieldexplained.“Then,togofurther, suppose there is an association. Is CCSVI the cause or effect? If it’s the cause, we should see CCSVI about the same in both newly diagnosed patients and in chronic patients. If we want to treat

this, we need to know that CCSVI is the cause of MS.” Working with Dr. Field on the CCSVI project is Dr. John Fleming, also a Society-funded researcher and a member of the Wisconsin Chapter’s Clinical Advisory Committee.

Interested in Participating in Field’sCCSVI MS Research Project?Individuals interested in participating in Dr. Aaron Field’s CCSVI research project should contact Amanda Kolterman, RN, MS (Study Coordinator) at 608-263-0305 or e-mail [email protected].

We’re giving ourselves the best chance to duplicate Dr. Zamboni’s results. - Dr. Aaron Field

Dr. Field received a $593,261 Society grant.


The15thAnnualMS Day at the Zoo will feature a new component: a book drive organized by the Waukesha Moms MS Circle of Hope group. Families attending the Saturday, September 18,eventattheMilwaukee County Zoo are encouraged to bring new or gently-used children’s books, activity books or coloring books to donate. All donated books, in turn, will be distributed to children of neurology patients at Waukesha Memorial Hospital. The“Moms”havebeensupplyingWaukeshaMemorial Hospital with “comfort gifts” – stuffed animals, coloring books, hand-knitted prayer shawls and books – for nearly a year. MS Day at the Zoo book donationsareexpectedtoprovideaquickandeasywayto replenish much-needed supplies. What’s more, each family or group making a donation will receive a free raffle ticket good for a prize

drawing to be conducted during MS Day at the Zoo. Among the prizes is an autographed Milwaukee Wave soccer ball. Of course MS Day at the Zoo already is one of the most popular Wisconsin Chapter programs of the year – andforgoodreason.Adultspayjust$11forMilwaukeeCounty Zoo admission and lunch; while children (ages 2to12-years-old)receivezooadmission,lunchandaT-shirt for only $7. While families can spend the entire day at the zoo, activities programmed by the Wisconsin Chapterrunfrom9a.m.to1p.m.andarelocatedattheZoo Pavilion. AdvancereservationsarerequiredandcanbemadeatwisMS.orgorbycalling800-242-3358.Seeyouatthe zoo!

All Aboard for Family FunMS Day at the Zoo Features New Children’s Book Drive

Help Send Families to the ZooEspeciallyinthecurrenteconomicclimate,MSDayattheZoomaybefinanciallyoutofreachforsomeWisconsinfamilies.Yourdonationcanchangethat.Considermakingacontributionof$36tosendafamilyoffourtoMSDayattheZoo.Call800-242-3358fordetails.

TheWisconsinChapter’sAnnualMeetingisscheduledforThursday,November18,2010from6p.m.to7:30p.m.atBriggs&Stratton,12301WestWirthStreetinWauwatosa.TheAnnualMeetingisheldforthe purpose of electing a Board of Trustees, reviewing the treasurer’s report and considering other appropriate business and reports that may be presented. Individuals may submit names to the Chapter’s Governance Committee for consideration for Board of Trustees membership by contactingMelissaPalferybeforeAugust31,[email protected].

Theeventisopentothepublicandreservationsarerequired.FormoredetailsortoRSVPbyNovember11,pleasecall800-242-3358.

Chapter’s Annual Meeting Set for November 18

Ken and Sharon Bare attended last year’s Annual Meeting.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT®


Three Diagnosed with MS Receive AwardsProgram Keeps College Dreams Alive for 22 Students

The2010cropofMSCollegeScholarshiprecipientsisunique.Forthefirsttimeintheprogram’sseven-year history, the group includes three individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Indeed, while most people with MS are diagnosed between theagesof20and50,theNationalMultipleSclerosis Society reports that children now represent the fastest-growing MS population. Despite a variety of challenges others might find insurmountable, all members of the resilient Classof2010projectadmirable optimism. Many of the scholars, in fact, noted on their applications that there are upsides to living with MS. “I consider it a blessing in disguise,” wrote one scholarship recipient. Following her father’s diagnosis she assumed caretaker duties, added housework to her dailyscheduleandbegananewspaperrouteatage12to help pay bills and purchase food for the family. Her response to these hardships: “MS has made me a strong, more responsible woman. I have also learned not to take things for granted and to work hard in everything I do, especially academically.”

Selection Process Toqualifyforascholarship,highschoolseniorsorgraduates of any age must have MS or have a parent or guardian with the disease. Additionally, the applicants must be attending an accredited postsecondary school for the first time. Applications are submitted in the fall and first reviewed by ACT, a national nonprofit organization. Thereisnofeetoapply.ACTselectsfinalistsbasedona variety of criteria including academic performance,

leadership, participation in school and community activities, work experience and financial need. Members

of the Wisconsin Chapter’s Scholarship Committee (see information box), select the winners, who are announced inMay.Thefinalevaluationincludes a review of each applicant’s personal statement describing the impact MS has had on their life. More details about the MS College Scholarship program can be found at wisMS.org.

More Scholarship Funding Needed Most MS College Scholarships are one-year awards valued at $1,000to$3,000each.TheWisconsin Chapter funds the scholarships through donations

fromindividualsandfoundations.Includingthe2010recipients,morethan$225,000hasbeenawardedto153students. And while MS should not stand in the way of acollegeeducation,in2009and2010theWisconsinChapter did have approved scholars it could not fund. Inanefforttoensurethatallqualifiedscholarsreceivefunding – and with the support of an anonymous donor – the Wisconsin Chapter will soon announce a matching campaign to support the MS College Scholarship program. Additionally, interested donors are encouraged to consider funding an endowed scholarship (named for thedonor),withaminimumgiftof$25,000. For more information about the MS College Scholarship program, please contact Kim Kinner at [email protected].

Wisconsin Chapter Scholarship CommitteeMembersoftheWisconsinChapter’sScholarshipCommitteeselectawardwinnersfromapoolofpre-qualifiedapplicants.Currentcommitteemembersare:Dr.PatrickMulrooney,WendyRusch,LauraSowinski,MollyWalshandSusanWilkey.

Clockwise from right: scholarship recipient Evan Ferg celebrates with his brother, Brendan, mom Cindy and Father Charles Brooks, for whom Evan’s award is named.

Mykalene BordeauBell Family MS ScholarshipSheboygan, WIUW - La Crosse

“Even though I don’t know what the future holds for me, I know that I will somehow be involved in helping others.”

“I plan to take part in fundraising and the MS Snowmobile Tour until we find a cure, no matter how long it takes.”

Evan FergFather CharlesBrooks MS ScholarshipRosholt, WIUW - Stevens Point

“If it wasn’t for my mom’s MS, I might not be as helpful or generous, or even as responsible as I am now.”

Katherine KlueverBell Family MS ScholarshipNeosho, WIMount Mary College

“For our family, MS can stand for many things other than multiple sclerosis: many smiles, much success, and more sunny days.”

Lauren FeulingSaint Francis, WIUW - Whitewater

“I will be majoring in biology and chemistry as I work towards my goal of becoming a doctor or surgeon.”

Megan GressAntigo, WILuther College

“I have always looked up to my father because he is strong-willed, determined and he is the best man I have ever known in my life.”

BrittanyDunnumCashton, WIWinona State University

“From her (my mom), I have learned the importance of setting a goal and committing myself to successfully reaching that goal and never accepting anything less.”

Ryan De JardinGreen Bay, WIUW - Marinette

“I learned not to take things for granted. I work hard in everything I do, especially academically.”

BarbaraHaggertyJanesville, WIUW - La Crosse

“I’m not the type of person who gives up. If I set a goal for myself, I will achieve it. School has always been something I’ve valued.”

TeresaHurtienneManitowoc, WILakeland College

“MS has influenced my life by helping me choose a career path to follow. I am planning to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy.”

Pierson KohrellBrillion, WIRipon College

Class of 2010MS College Scholarship

Recipients

“…the perseverance and heart that my mother exhibits in her fight against MS has inspired me to always keep reaching for my goals.”

Matthew MachiT. Ferguson Locke Endowed MS ScholarshipWest Allis, WIUW - Madison

“My post-secondary goals are to complete my general education classes and transfer to a four-year university to get a degree in nursing.”

Brittanni TillmanJohn W. & Dorothy Jane Nelson Endowed MS ScholarshipMilwaukee, WIMilwaukee Area Technical College

“I started a nonprofit organization called Walk With Strength. This has become more than a project; it has become a way of life.”

Zachariah MielkeBell Family MS ScholarshipWeyauwega, WIFox Valley Technical College

“Even though it has been hard growing up with my dad having MS, I think that it has made me a stronger, more responsible person.”

Katie PiekarskiDiversified Insurance Services MS ScholarshipWisconsin Dells, WIUW - Madison

“I am interested in pursuing both scientific and cultural studies. I started to read the Daodejing, which I bought for a school project. To my great surprise, it taught me a lot …”

Nicholas SmithFitchburg, WIUW - Madison

“Ever since I was little, I have liked helping others. This led to my desire to be a pharmacist.”

SamanthaWalshDeForest, WIUniversity of MN Twin Cities

“…I’ve learned that, yes the MS is a part of him (my dad), but it is not him.”

Kendra WautersDe Pere, WISt. Norbert College

“She (my mom) wanted the best for me, and I am hoping to show her I can succeed.”

Valerie PetersOostberg, WIUW - Sheboygan

“My mother has been such a positive role model. I want to prove to myself and to her that dreams do come true.”

Halee ZichitellaBelgium, WIUW - Stevens Point

“I want to be able to look back at my life with no regrets, and I can only do that if I am willing to accept the challenge…”

Erin SchilderGrafton, WICardinal Stritch University

“Multiple sclerosis has scared my family, but more importantly it has encouraged me to excel in numerous activities.”

Cody KurscheidtChilton, WIUW - Parkside

“I have learned responsibility, increased my attentiveness of situational needs, and taken notice of how fortunate my family is in other areas.”

Garrett ThornRhinelander, WISt. Norbert College


2004Cody EndresTimothy FredricksonSamantha HughesKate KlitgaardEric Mueller

2005Kurt AlbersRachel BroughtonAmanda FletcherJacquelineFlohrAlexander FreemanAngeline GrossSara HalbergLindsay KoeppelRebekkaNobleStephanie Riese

2006Joseph AronsonLauren BallweskeDan BeauchaineBeth ChristensenEric GendusaAndrew HartingerMolly HerrickFransisco HurtadoSara JohnsonAlexandra Joyce

Carlye KussardMichael MorinEvanNondorfAmy PiekarskiMegan PowersBritney ScherwinskiCatilin ShannonJessica WalterMarvin WatersMark Yanke

2007Jay AllenElizabeth AndersonErin AndersonMartin AndrewJoseph BeecherLaura BuhrAshlee CerdaChrista ClearyJill De CleeneShane GouldIan GressJohn GruelRuby GrossTamara HagerJames HaggertyNatalieHartjesJoshua HoskinsJordyn Kreitzer

MajaNuemannSierraNothKate PerardiDavid Peters Ashley RaanesSamantha RuleAlison SchroederAllissa SchwarzIan SundstromBrittany TaerudKayla WitczakSonja Zoric

2008Cassandra AndersonVani BarryMeghan BirtEmily CombsGina CurciMadeleine DaviesJenna De CleeneMarissa EnglishAshley ErbMelanie GagerAnna GibsonMyles GiklingDanielle GovekToni SchmidtMeaghan HackettDebra Haggerty

Justin HamanLaura HermannsAdam HeunZachary HoofAlyson InzeoJordan Johnson Laura JohnsonBradley KonkelNicholeLaufenbergKyle LiesenerRyan McDowellNicholasMoehnAmalia SantosElizabeth SchilderToni SchmidtMarga SchochAshley SchubertNicholeSeibertOlivia SheldonRenee SibbersAndrew TinlinLeah WalkerMelanie WalterJordan WhiteCortney Wright

2009Claire AnhaultChristina Behrens

Katerina Borkhus-VetoElizabeth BudelmanAmber DunnumRoss FassbinderElizabeth FijakiewiczStephanie FrischDillon GroseZygmunt GrossKristin HagenRebecca HallKimberly HansonElizabeth HustonLeah JagodzinskiJennifer JendusaDayleen JohnsonLindsay JohnsonMathew JonesTrevor JonesTara MayerErica MohorkoKyle MuladoreMargaret OliverAustin SchwefelAndrew ScrimaRyan Van Den BergKirsten WellnaJoshua WurtzBrooke Zimmer

Angeline Gross 2005:GraduatedfromFranciscanUniversity(OH).CurrentlyteachinginFondduLac.Beth Christensen 2006: GraduatedsummacumlaudewithadegreeinBusinessfromSt.CloudStateUniversity(MN).EmployedbytheU.S.TreasuryDepartment.Elizabeth Anderson 2007:SenioratUW-EauClairemajoringinKinesiology.WillattendgraduateschooltostudyChiropractics.Ashley Raanes 2007:AttendingMATCMadisonforNursing.CurrentlyworkingasaHomeHealthAideinMontello.Melanie Gager 2008:AttendingUW-EauClaireandpursuingadegreeinActuarialScience.Debra Haggerty 2008:AttendingUW-LaCrosseandpursuingadegreeinPsychology.Plansacareerin

OccupationalTherapyorVocationalRehabilitation.Kristin Hagen 2009:AttendingUW-EauClaire,studyingPsychologyandKinesiology.HasparticipatedinBikeMSforeightyearswithherfather.Leah Jagodzinski 2009:AttendingUW-LaCrosseandstudyingEnglish/Education.CurrentlyworkingfortheLaCrosseCountyHealthDepartment.ParticipatesinWalkMSeveryyear.

We’d Like to Hear From You. IfyoureceivedanMSCollegeScholarshipawardfromtheWisconsinChapter,we’dliketohearfromyou.Pleasee-mailamanda.gasper@wisMS.orgorcall800-242-3358andprovideanupdateonyouractivities.

Wisconsin Chapter Scholarship Alumni Chasing Dreams

Where Are They Now?


He’s more than a hot country singer with a Top Five single, four platinum and two gold records. Clay Walker is a fundraiser and advocate for individuals with multiple sclerosis. And that includes himself. Diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS in 1996,atfirsttheTexasnativesays he was devastated. But just two years later and determined to help find a cure, Walker launched his Band Against MS (BAMS)

foundation and began aggressively fundraising to support research and provide hope for those living with MS. So farWalker’sfoundationhasraisedmorethan$2million. Walker participates in a number of Bike MS rides across the country. He has recorded a radio advertisement for the Wisconsin Chapter’s Bike MS, and recently donated an autographed BAMS guitar for a fundraising raffle. Details of the raffle are featured in the information box, and proceeds will be split between BAMS and the Wisconsin Chapter. “Being diagnosed is a big shock,” said Walker. “But I really believe in my heart, this is a big reason why I was put on this earth.” By telling his story and using his celebrity, Walker is generating awareness for MS and helping to find the cure.

Country Signer Diagnosed in 1996Band Against MS Foundation Has Raised $2 Million

Country singer Clay Walker created the BAMS foundation in 1998.

There’snoquestionthisautographedClayWalkerguitarwilllookgoodandsoundevenbetter.That’sbecausethemoneygeneratedbyrafflingitoffwillbenefittheNationalMSSociety-WisconsinChapterandBandAgainstMS(BAMS).

Raffleticketsare$5eachorfivefor$20andcanbepurchasedat1120JamesDrive,SuiteA,inHartlandandatavarietyofWisconsinChaptereventsandprograms.Formoredetailscall800-242-3358orvisitwisMS.org.

Win an Autographed Clay Walker Guitar

In addition to performing, Clay Walker rides in several Bike MS events across the U.S.


Laura Kimball had reached a low point in her life. Atage25anddiagnosedwithmultiplesclerosis;shehadbeentoldtoquitherjob,sellherhorsesandgetreadyfor life in a wheelchair. Her doctor said there were no treatments, no diets, no vitamins that could help her. As she sat in her room a year and a half later, Kimball heard a Paul Harvey radio broadcast that changed her life. He reported that a new breakthrough inMStherapywasimminent.LauracalledtheNationalMultiple Sclerosis Society-Wisconsin Chapter to find out more and learned that there would soon be a clinical study for the Copolymer I program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

During the two-year double blind study in which she participated, Kimball’s MS progressed – yet her coordination and strength started coming back in spite

of the fact, she would later learn, that she had been taking a placebo. At that point, the study went into an open label phase and she began actual Copaxone

therapyin1994.KimballsaidherMSprogressionstopped and she began her recovery to an active and full physical life. “With the help of my drug therapy and the support of my family and friends, I have gained

hope, determination and discipline – the hope that I can achieve my dreams, the determination to succeed and the discipline to work hard and never give up,” says Kimball. “Whatever your life battle is, don’t stop believing in yourself.”

Getting Back on the Horse Prior to her diagnosis, Kimball’s love of horses had grown into a passion for the rodeo sport of barrel racing. Barrel racing is a timed rodeo event in which a horse and rider enter the arena at top speed and attempt to complete a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels placed in a triangle in the center of the arena. Kimball began the sport years before her MS diagnosis. She was able to get back on her horse within two months of beginning the clinical drug study.Kimballandherhorse,Nernie,wentback into training and began racking up state championships and national honors in barrel racing competitions. She also served asWisconsinStateDirectoroftheNationalBarrelHorseAssociation(NBHA)from1994-1999. Kimball says she loves the sport of barrel

racing because “the competition is about you, your horse and a timer. It’s not based on a judge’s opinion, but on how you and your horse perform.” Kimball became

Paul Harvey Radio Report Changed Her LifeChampion Rider Shares Story of Determination and Discipline

Whatever your life battle is, don’t stop believing in yourself. - Laura Kimball

A charter member of the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA), Laura Kimball was the 2002 and 2006 State Champion. She won first place in the third division of the NBHA World Championships in 2008.


the first Wisconsin member to be inducted into the NationalBarrelHorseHallofFame.“Hemakesmefly,”shesaysaboutNernie.“IfeellikeI’mflyingwhenI’m on my horse!”

No Different than Anyone Else “I lost hope once and I promised that I would never again let that happen to me or to anyone else,” said Kimball. She firmly believes that your success is based on what you want out of your life. You have to want to do something that is important to you. She continues to work full time at WOW Logistics Company in Menasha, trains with her horse each evening and practices a healthy lifestyle. Kimball and her husband, Kelvin, live in Black Creek, have been actively involved with Walk MS: Fox Cities over the years and also participate in the MS Snowmobile Tour.

Workplace Giving Tips and Reminders

Laura Kimball and her husband, Kelvin, participate in Walk MS and the MS Snowmobile Tour.

WorkplacegivingprogramsprovideaneasywaytosupporttheMSMovement.Simplysignupforyourcompany’sworkplacegivingcampaignanduseanautomaticpayrolldeductiontomakeregulargiftstotheWisconsinChapter.AllgiftsmadetotheWisconsinChapterthroughworkplacegivingaretaxdeductible.

Community Health Charities Wisconsin. TheWisconsinChapterproudlypartnerswithCommunityHealthCharitiesWisconsin,thelargestworkplacegivingprogramdevotedsolelytohealthissues.

Corporate Employee Gift Programs. YourcompanymayhaveitsownCorporateEmployeeGiftProgram.

Matching Gifts.BesuretoaskyouremployeriftheyhaveamatchinggiftfundandrequestthattheymatchyourgifttotheWisconsinChapter.

Combined Federal Campaign of Greater WisconsinPublicsectorandgovernmentemployeescansupporttheWisconsinChapterthroughtheCombinedFederalCampaignofGreaterWisconsinbyselectingthedesignatedcodenumber:36427.BesuretolookfortheNationalMultipleSclerosisSociety-WisconsinChapteronthedesignationlistsforyourstate,city,countyorschoolemployeegivingcampaigns.

MS Volunteer Day Saturday, August 14 ReceivefreeWisconsinStateFairadmission,parkingandshuttleservicewhenyouvolunteerfourhours.FordetailscontactKristinRaeberat262-396-7165.

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2010 Walk MS SponsorsOne Step at a Time You are Changing Lives

Motivational SponsorsCollegiate Association for MS

Carpenters UnionCarrier Insurance

Clean PowerDean & St. Mary’s

Dominion Kewaunee Power Station

Fox Valley Metal TechGreat Wolf Resorts

Group Health Cooperative Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics

Marine Credit UnionMercy Health System

Parker Community Credit UnionPrevea

Quincy BioscienceRW Baird

St. Mary’s JanesvilleTrust Point, Inc.

In-Kind SponsorsKwik TripCulligan StarbucksFrito LayFestival Foods Rockford Silk ScreenRock-a-Fellas

Contributing Sponsors Partnering Sponsors

Encouraging Sponsors

Community Sponsors


Inspiration SponsorsChampion SponsorsSupporting Sponsors


Is it Okay to Work Part Time?Waiting for Your Disability Claim to be ApprovedBy Attorney Thomas E. Bush

Many claimants ask about working part time while their Social Security disability or SSI cases are pending. For many people, working part time is a matter of necessity because some disability claims are pending for so long. Working part time won’t harm your disability claim as long as the work is not inconsistent with your claim and as long as your gross earnings do not exceed what the Social Security Administration (SSA) calls the “substantialgainfulactivity”amount,whichin2010is$1,000permonth.Forseveralreasons,though,werecommendkeepingyourgrossincomebelow$720permonth. If your part time job is inconsistent with what you have to prove in order to win your disability case, your case will be more difficult – maybe impossible if the part time job is really inconsistent. For example, if you are under age 50, to win your case you probably must prove that you cannot do any kind of an easy job on a full time basis. So if you are doing a very hard job part time, the judge will wonder how it is you can do a hard job part time but you cannot do an easy job full time. Usually, though, claimants for disability benefits who work part time do not work at jobs that are inconsistent with their claims for disability. Working part time at a job that is totally consistent with your disability claim may actually help your case by illustrating what you are capable of doing and showing your work limitations.

The“substantialgainfulactivity”amount–grossearningsof$1,000permonthin2010–isanabsolutecut-off point. Although there is a deduction that can be taken against earnings that SSA gives the misleading name, “impairment related work expenses,” in most cases this deduction is not significant. And SSA has some complicated rules for averaging earnings. If after deducting “impairment related work expenses” and averagingearnings,youareearningeven$1morethanthe substantial gainful activity amount, your disability claim is in danger of being denied outright or turned into a claim in which you are eligible only for back benefits. Thus,ifyouaregoingtowork,itisbesttokeepyour income far below the substantial gainful activity amount. In fact, because there are advantages to keeping your income below what SSA calls the “trial work period services”amount,whichin2010is$720permonth,thisis what we recommend if your claim is for Social Security disability benefits. If your claim is for SSI, the trial work period rules do not apply. But because it helps to keep your income well below the “substantial gainful activity” amount while your case is pending, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to use the same rule of thumb.

Tom Bush is the preeminent expert on SSDI in Southeastern Wisconsin. A Wisconsin Chapter volunteer for 20 years, in 2008 Tom was inducted into the National MS Society’s Volunteer Hall of Fame. Tom’s web site is www.tebush.com.

MS Research, Services, Programs Receive $46,200TheWisconsinChapterextendsitssinceregratitudetothefollowingorganizationsforgrantsawardedApril1,2010throughJune30,2010.ForinformationcontactCindyYomantasat262-369-4431ore-mailcindy.yomantas@wisMS.org.

• $10,000fromtheMae E. Demmer Charitable Trustforresearch• $14,500fromTeva Neuroscienceforprofessional programming• $10,000fromananonymous donorforresearch• $7,500fromTeva Neuroscienceforpatient educationalprogramming

• $2,000fromBayerforeducationalprogramming• $1,000fromBiogen Idecforeducational programming• $1,000fromtheFraternal Order of Eagles - La Crosse forresearch• $200fromtheAnne & Fred Luber Foundation forresearch


“Sunshineinabottle.”That’showDr.ColleenHayesdescribed the bottle of vitamin D pills she held while addressing the audience attending the MS Luncheon inMadisononJune16.Justthedaybefore,Dr.Hayeshad similarly extolled the virtues of vitamin D at the MS Luncheon in Milwaukee. Dr. Hayes, a University of Wisconsin-MadisonresearcherfundedbytheNationalMultiple Sclerosis Society, and Lori Schneider – the first person with MS to reach the “Seven Summits” – were the featured speakers at the Wisconsin Chapter’s annual fundraising luncheons. Between the two gatherings, more than 500 attended theMilwaukeeandMadisonevents.Theluncheonsalsoprovidedanopportunitytorecognizeseveral2010MSCollege Scholarship winners and to celebrate the success of Wisconsin’s Research Challenge Match.

Research Challenge Match Exceeds Goal InDecemberof2009,DennisandSandyKuesterquietlylaunchedaResearchChallengeMatchtosupportMS research in Wisconsin. Dennis is a former member of the Wisconsin Chapter Board of Trustees, while Sandy currently serves on the Wisconsin Chapter’s Make a Mark

Hayes and Schneider Speak in Milwaukee and MadisonMS Luncheons Celebrate Research, Scholars and More

Milwaukee MS Luncheon1. ChapterBoardChairAlysonZierdtandSenator AlbertaDarling2. BeckyLonergan,GiGiChristensen,SandyKuester, JoanneSheridan,CarolynHomanandJudyStarr3. JasonandAmyRowell4. KatrinaCravyandDonBell5. FeaturedSpeakersLoriSchneiderandColleenHayes6. RichardandSusanWilkey,scholarshiprecipient MatthewMachi

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forMSfinancialassistancecommittee.Thecouplebecameawareinlate2009thatforthefirsttimein10years,theNationalMSSocietyhadresearchprojectsinthepipelinethatitcouldnotcompletelyfund.Thatincludedworkbeing done by Wisconsin researchers such as Dr. Hayes, who was studying the impact of vitamin D on individuals diagnosed with MS. Bypullingtogether49Wisconsinfoundationsandindividual donors, the Kuesters were able to secure more than $450,000 to maintain funding for Wisconsin’s MS research projects. In a mere five months, the Chapter’s first challenge match was complete. TheMSLuncheonhaslongbeenasettingtosupportMSresearch.Thefirstluncheonin2001helpedraisemoney to support gender-based studies (leading to the estriolclinicaltrialstakingplacetoday).The2010eventsincludedtheannouncementthataseventhNationalMSSociety grant had been awarded to Dr. Aaron Field to study CCSVI. If you would like to make a donation to support theNationalMSSociety-WisconsinChapter,pleasecontactDeniseJendusaat262-369-7166ore-mail [email protected].

Hayes and Schneider Speak in Milwaukee and MadisonMS Luncheons Celebrate Research, Scholars and More

Madison MS Luncheon1. StevenSmith,scholarshiprecipientNicholasSmith andJenniferSmith2. ChapterBoardViceChairKennethMinorand MSResearcherDr.IanDuncan3. BoardmemberMollyWalsh,AudreyWalshand DavidWalsh4. SaraKoppesandSaraHolzum5. MSResearcherDr.MichaelCarrithers6. KristenBraun,MattAltenbergerandDavidBraun

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Marcus Theatres Supports ‘MS Run the US.’ MarcusTheatresishostingspecialfundraising screenings of Warner Brothers’ classic Steve Prefontaine bio, Without Limits, at select

theatre locations to support Ashley Kumlien and MS Run the US. A screening is scheduled for Wednesday, August 11attheMajesticCinemasinBrookfield.Aquestion-and-answersessionbeginsat6:45p.m.andthefilmstartsat7:10p.m.KumlienisrunningacrosstheUStoraisefundsand awareness for MS. Without Limits tells the story of the friendship between Prefontaine, one of America’s greatest long distance runners, and his coach, Bill Bowerman, who

co-founded Nike,Inc.Formore details visit MSRuntheUS.com.

Subscribe to the Challenge Walk MS Blog. Get the inside scoop on Challenge Walk MS when you subscribe to the blog. Regular contributors and Challenge Walk MS veterans, Mike and Jenny Egan of Port Washington, touch on all facets

of the three day, 50 mile event. Subscribe today by visiting challengewalkmsdoorcounty.blogspot.com/.

MS Day at the Zoo is September 18. Mark your calendar for MS Day at the Milwaukee County Zoo. You’ll find details and registration information at the Wisconsin Chapter’s website, wisMS.org.

Find us on Facebook. You can sign-up to become a fanoftheNationalMSSociety-WisconsinChapter

on Facebook. It’s a great way to stay connected to the Wisconsin Chapter’s programs, services and events.

Wisconsin Chapter Calendar of Clinic Visits. Representatives of the Wisconsin Chapter regularly visit several of the organization’s six official clinics. During these visits, Chapter staff is available to meetconfidentiallyandanswerquestionsplusshareinformativeliterature.Thecurrentscheduleofclinicvisits is as follows: • Aurora Baycare MS Clinic, Green Bay: 4th Friday of every month • Froedtert&TheMedicalCollegeofWisconsin Multiple Sclerosis Clinic: no visits currently scheduled • MarshfieldClinicMSCenter,Marshfield: 3rdTuesdayofeverymonth • Regional Multiple Sclerosis Center, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Milwaukee: 2ndThursdayand 4th Monday of each month. • ProHealth Care Neuroscience Center, WaukeshaMemorialHospital,Waukesha: 4th Tuesday of each month. •UWHospitalandClinicsNeurology/MS Clinic, Madison: 4th Wednesday of each month

Call an MS Navigator Today. We’re here to help you navigate the challenges of MS with a personalized responsetoyouruniqueneedsduringstandardbusinesshours:Monday-Friday.Pleasecall800-344-4867for personalized service, up-to-date information and practical resources and referrals.

Circle of Hope Support Groups. Wisconsin has more than 50 support groups and new groups sprout up regularly. For a complete listing including meeting dates, please visit www.wisms.org or call toll-free in Wisconsin800-242-3358,Option2.

New Fundraising Tool for Your Facebook Page. If you’re participating in Bike MS or Challenge Walk MS, be sure to activate Boundless Fundraising and place your fundraising thermometer on your Facebook

Wisconsin Chapter News and NotesThis is How We Move It


Mike and Jenny Egan write the Challenge Walk MS blog.

page.Ifyouhavequestionsaboutthetool,[email protected].

You can be the Catalyst for Change. Sign up today to receiveActionAlerte-mails.Theseinformativeupdateswill keep you connected to the issues that matter most to individuals with MS. E-mail [email protected] fordetailsorcall800-242-3358.

Sign Up for the Pick ‘n Save We Care Program. A percentage of your grocery purchases will be donated to the Wisconsin Chapter by Roundy’s when you join the We Care program at any of the company’s participating Pick ‘n Save, Copps or Rainbow stores. TheWisconsinChapternumberis532300.

Where does the Money Go?InFiscalYear2009(October1throughSeptember30),85centsofeverydollar donated to the Wisconsin Chapter supported the mission – research, client services, programs and

education.Theremaining15centscoveredallgeneral administrative and fundraising expenses.

Bike MS: TOYOTA Best Dam Bike RideAugust7-8

Make a Mark for MS Committee Meeting August23

Generation OptimisticAppleton Meeting September2

Cognition Seminar Green BaySeptember10-11

MS Mud Run September11

MS Day:Milwaukee County Zoo September18

Pain Management in MSMadisonSeptember20

Generation OptimisticMilwaukee Meeting September23

Challenge Walk MS:Door County September24-26

Make a Mark for MS Committee Meeting September27

Wisconsin Chapter Board of Trustees MeetingSeptember28

Generation OptimisticWausau Meeting October7

Make a Mark for MS Committee Meeting October25

Gender Differences in MSMadisonNovember16

Wisconsin Chapter Annual Meeting and Mission CelebrationNovember18

MS Snowmobile TourJanuary27-30

Birkie Skiers for CuresFebruary24-26

MS Awareness WeekMarch14-20

Please visit the wisMS.org Calendar of Events for the latest listing of Chapter activities and Community Events.

Wisconsin Chapter Calendar of Events


MS Connection is a publication of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society - Wisconsin Chapter.For information or to share story ideas, please call 262-369-4431. Editor: Cindy Yomantas, Art Director: Amy Malo

The staff of The Regional MS Center at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center commemorated MS Awareness Week with a group photo (and lots of orange). Next year MS Awareness Week is March 14-20.

wisMS.org • Toll Free 1 800 242 3358 • 262 369 4400

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

Milwaukee, WI 53202Permit No. 2868

PAID1120 James Drive Suite A Hartland, WI 53029

Mailing Label ChangesPleasechecktheappropriateboxbelow,correctthelabelandreturntotheWisconsinChapter. Namechangeormisspelled Addresschange Removefrommailinglist Receivedmorethanonecopy PleasesendmemyMSConnection viae-mail.Mye-mailaddressis:__________________________________________

It’s Time to Get Dirty for a Good CauseMud Run is a 10K race on a military-style obstacle course made of, you guessed it: mud! It’s the fastest-growing adventure race

in the country, and it’s coming to Wisconsin. Participate as a team or an individual. Either way you’ll benefit a great causeas you slip, slide and slosh your way to victory!

Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010Trollhaugen Ski and Snowboard Resort • Dresser, WI

Register today: 800-582-5296 or wisMS.org

Documents

MS Connection - Summer 2010