Breaking Research News Page 2

Chapter Donor Wall Page 4 & 5

GC Rope for MS Page 7

GC Research Receptions Page 3

NationalMultiple SclerosisSocietySouthernCalifornia Chapter

In early 1967, brothers Albert and Leonard Brutocao, opened the door to their futures by launching Brutoco Engineering & Construction, Inc. Brutoco Engineering & Construction is a highly successful heavy/civil engineering and construction firm, delivering exceptional services to its clients throughout California. The company’s full range of construction services include freeways, interchanges, railroads, bridges, airports, underground piping, flood control and drainage, buildings, earthquake reconstruction, schools, water and wastewater treatment plants. The company has spent the past 40+ years changing the infrastructure of Southern California and the lives of its residents for the better.

Southern California Chapter Board Chair and Golden Circle Committee Member Paul Mahoney has been Brutoco’s

Commit to the Cause.Commit to the Care.Commit to the Cure.

lawyer since 1973. Paul’s professional relationship with Len Brutocao quickly evolved into friendship. In the mid-2000’s, Paul approached Len and the company and asked for their willingness to get more involved with the Society. Paul’s daughter Kim has MS and knew of several people who had connections to the disease within the company.

Len Brutocao and his wife Marty initially contributed to Golden Circle personally via their family foundation. Soon, Mike Murphy, President of Brutoco, contributed on behalf of the company. “Many people at Brutoco have a very close connection to multiple sclerosis. Our decision to get more involved with the National Multiple Sclerosis

continued on page 6 >

Volume VII, Spring 2010

Teresa Maxwell and Kelley Belt

Hollywood Freeway and Universal Drive in Los Angeles; one of Brutoco Engineering & Construction’s

local Southern California projects.

Building a Future Free of MS

Breaking News in MS Research

2 Golden Circle • Spring 2010, Volume VII

03-15-2010Trial of Low-Dose Naltrexone Finds Preliminary Benefit to Mental Health Quality of Life for People with MS

03-12-2010FDA Approves Botox® for Treating Spasticity, or Tightness, in Upper Limbs

03-11-2010UPDATE: CCSVI — International Scientific Panel Formed to Expedite Review of Submitted CCSVI Research ProposalsRecent preliminary studies indicate that a phenomenon called CCSVI, a reported abnormality in blood drainage from the brain and spinal cord, may contribute to nervous system damage in MS. Dr. Zamboni proposes that CCSVI may be corrected through endovascular surgery, which involves inserting a tiny balloon or stent into blocked veins in order to permit the flow of blood out of the brain and spinal cord, a procedure that has been called “liberation therapy” in some reports.

03-1-2010 UPDATE: Ampyra™, Symptomatic Medicine Approved by FDA to Improve Walking for People with All Types of MS, Now Available by Prescription

MS Trial Alert: Study of Oral Teriflunomide (HMR1726) Recruiting People at High Risk for MS Worldwide

02-22-2010 Gilenia—the Oral Drug for Relapsing MS Formerly Known as FTY720—Receives Priority Review from FDA— Could take as little as six months for an approval decision from FDA

02-16-2010 Results of Phase II “CHOICE” Study Published, Showing that Daclizumab Reduced Disease Activity in Relapsing MS, and Revealing Novel Immune Mechanism

03-29-2010Study Fuels Progress Toward Predicting an Individual’s Response to MS Therapy

For reasons not clear, a significant proportion of individuals with MS do not “respond to,” or benefit from, interferon therapy, but it can take many months or even years to figure that out. This is the underlying issue addressed in a newly published study that with further research, could lead to tools to predict who would do

best on which therapy and usher in the beginning of personalized medicine for people with MS.

03-18-2010Surprising Phase II Clinical Trial Results of Oral Ibudilast Show Some Evidence of Neuroprotection but Little Impact Against Inflammation in MS

03-16-2010Two New Studies Link Epstein-Barr Virus to Risk of Developing MSTwo new studies are adding to an increasing body of evidence that shows a possible role for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the development of MS. The cause of MS is unknown, but the disease is thought to occur when susceptible individuals encounter a triggering factor or factors in their environment. EBV is a herpesvirus known to cause infectious mononucleosis and other disorders. Several other studies have suggested a possible link between EBV and MS, but some researchers suggest that the way the immune system responds to infections, rather than the infectious agent itself, may lead to the onset of MS.

The National MS Society’s website is a useful tool in exploring the extensive research funded by the Society and keeping up-to-date on the most current MS research happening worldwide. Please visit the Society’s website at nationalMSsociety.org/research to learn more about the Society’s research efforts and any of the recent announcements listed above. If you have any questions or would like to speak directly to one of the Society’s research experts, please contact Kate McIntosh, Vice President of Development at (310) 479-4456 ext. 124.

NationalMultiple SclerosisSocietySouthernCalifornia Chapter

3Golden Circle • Spring 2010, Volume VII

Toast for a CureChapter Trustee John Murphy and Mike Streit graciously opened their home in Long Beach and underwrote a Promise: 2010 research reception on November 11, 2009. The evening brought together new Society friends, Chapter trustees and Golden Circle members, providing a gateway for the Southern California Chapter to tap into a new geographic region and engage new constituents. The evening featured the National MS Society’s former

Executive Vice President for Research and Clinical Programs, Dr. John Richert, who reported on Promise: 2010 and current research breakthroughs in multiple sclerosis. Thanks to John and Mike’s generous hospitality, the event raised close to $21,000 and provided the Chapter a great opportunity to create a new network of relationships in efforts to further enhance the Society’s mission.

When the Society launched the Promise: 2010 research campaign in 2004, a campaign focused on four targeted areas of research, Geoffrey and Steffanie Gee volunteered to host and underwrite a Promise: 2010 research reception at the prestigious Regency Club in Westwood. Dr. Richert kicked off the first Regency Club event in 2005 by providing an overview of the campaign’s four initiatives: Nervous System Repair & Protection, Pediatric MS Centers of Excellence, The MS Lesion Project, and The Sonya Slifka MS Longitudinal Study. Every year thereafter, principle

researchers from each of the four teams who received grants through Promise: 2010’s Nervous System Repair & Protection initiative discussed the campaign’s latest diagnostic and scientific updates. November 12, 2009 marked the Gees fourth year in hosting the reception at the Club where Dr. Richert was welcomed back to provide a comprehensive recap of Promise: 2010, along with additional encouraging progress made in research and care for individuals with MS. More than 54 attendees (some of whom have never missed a Regency Club reception) showed their commitment by providing several sizeable gifts and pledges in support of the Chapter. To date, Golden Circle members, Chapter trustees and Society friends have supported the Promise: 2010 campaign with $3,250,000—a sign of unwavering commitment, reaffirming our passion to fund the most promising MS research and ultimately, a cure.

February 11, 2010 marked the 10th annual Recipe for MS Research. For the last decade, trustee Sheri Safan, Linda Ellman, Gary Mandinach and Steven Safan have led their closest friends and family on an unwavering journey to help move forward Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl’s research and fund the Estriol trial at UCLA. This year, long-time friends, Simone and Lester Freidman, hosted the 10th annual at their beautiful home in the heart of Beverly Hills. Trustee Joan Sanders and her best friend, Simone Friedman, joined the efforts this year and helped to raise nearly $12,000! More than 134 guests enjoyed the delectable hors d’oeuvres, a wide selection of red and white wines and champagne. With the generosity of everyone’s support, almost $80,000 was raised to benefit the Estriol trial—moving the research closer to a Phase III clinical trial for a new oral treatment for MS. Recipe for MS Research has proven to be an event where the desire to make a difference for those affected by MS is realized.

Cultivating new and existing relationships within our community is key to the Chapter’s continued ability to provide essential programs and services, fund MS research, and grow the Golden Circle campaign. If you or someone you know is interested in hosting and/or underwriting a salon event at your home, business/country club, or other location, please contact Elicia Lopez at (310) 479-4456 ext. 111 or email her at elicia.lopez@nmss.org.

Dan Hawkins, John Murphy & Mike Streit

Dr. John Richert, Steffanie & Geoffrey Gee

Linda Ellman & Sheri Safan

4 Golden Circle • Spring 2010, Volume VII

The Southern California Chapter’s permanent donor wall honors many generous individuals, families, foundations and corporations that have directly helped people with MS through the Chapter’s programs and services, while advancing the Society’s goal to be a driving force in MS research, relentlessly pursuing prevention, treatment, and ultimately the cure. Meet a few of the Society’s Benefactors, who have contributed $250,000 to $499,999.

“All of us at AMC Entertainment® are dedicated to improving the quality of life in the communities we serve and beyond. For almost 90 years, we have fostered a long-standing tradition of citizenship and volunteerism. We take pride in the opportunity to share our resources with many worthy and notable causes and join together our approximately 20,000 associates to support volunteer efforts.

Since 1994, AMC has been proud to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Southern California Chapter and the annual Dinner of Champions event. We commend your organization for your tireless work to provide assistance and hope to those affected by multiple sclerosis and fund research to find a cure.”

— Bob Lenihan, President of Programming, AMC Entertainment Inc.

AMC Entertainment

“What you do for people and their quality of life is simply amazing and we’re proud to be a sponsor.”

— Aspect Ratio

Aspect Ratio

Visit the Chapter’s “Virtual” Donor Wall at nationalMSsociety.org/cal to read additional donor stories and look for more Benefactors featured in the next issue of this newsletter.

Meet the Society’s Benefactors

5Golden Circle • Spring 2010, Volume VII

“The Cimarron Group firmly believes that with success comes responsibility, and is very proud to be able to help the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in their efforts to end the devastating physical and emotional effects of MS in some small way.”

— Bob Farina, CEO, The Cimarron Group

The Cimarron Group

“We’re proud and happy to support the MS Dinner of Champions. We thank Tom and Madeleine Sherak, and especially their daughter Melissa, for getting us involved. Keep up the fight!”

— Love, Peter & Melinda Farrelly

Conundrum Entertainment

“The Southern California Chapter has always been a terrific Chapter to be a part of because of how professional both the staff and leadership have been in providing programs and funding research. The Chapter has received so much recognition over the years—locally and nationally—for all of its contributions to the MS community. These great accomplishments have always been a tremendous source of pride for me because of my personal association with such a top-notch organization.

When I first began with the Chapter 25 years ago, I did not have a connection to multiple sclerosis, but now I know many people with the disease. The late Al Kaufer was one of the most influential people on the Board whom I had the pleasure of working with. Al was tireless in his advocacy for more research—both on our local Board and the national Board. Back in the early 90’s, Al was persistent in wanting to spend as much money as possible on research. Al’s tenacity to keep the research coffers full and funded undoubtedly played a role in the steady flow of MS drugs that have provided increased hope for slowing, repairing and, for some, reversing the effects of the disease. The Chapter’s willingness to fund research projects on its own reflects the persistence that Al instilled in all of us a long time ago.

I am happy to continue my partnership with the Southern California Chapter and look forward to the day when MS is cured.”

— Jack Bock, Southern California Chapter Trustee

Jack and Elaine Bock

“I connected with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Southern California Chapter several years ago because I was in a position to offer my catering services to help offset costly food expenses. I know that whatever I can do to help the Chapter with hard costs directly benefits people with MS. So whether my company is providing lunch for 10,000 Walk MS participants at the Greater Los Angeles site, hosting a Golden Circle research salon at my home or sponsoring a table at the Dinner of Champions, I know I am helping to fund the cure for my sister and everyone else dealing with MS.”

– Bruce & Kory Hecker, Bruce’s Gourmet Catering, Inc. and Southern California Chapter Trustee

Bruce’s Gourmet Catering, Inc.

Bruce Hecker and his sister Shelly Tritt

Jack Bock

6 Golden Circle • Spring 2010, Volume VII

Society, Southern California Chapter was a natural and easy decision for all of us,” states Mike. “Our company picked the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as the torch we are going to carry. Our partnership with the Southern California Chapter started small with Golden Circle and like the snowball that rolls down the hill, has gotten bigger and bigger over the years.”

While Brutoco’s philanthropic entrée into the organization was Golden Circle, the company’s financial dedication did not end there. As a company that prides itself on building community—literally—Brutoco’s company principles and employees said “Yes” to volunteering their time and trucks for Challenge Walk MS. Brutoco’s greatest “challenge” and reward to date has been their involvement with the 3-day, 50-mile Challenge Walk from Carlsbad to San Diego.

“When we decided to participate, I was pleased at the response that we received from our employees,” shared Mike. On any given day of Challenge Walk, one will find the president, vice presidents, employees, and family members volunteering hands-on at the event. Brutoco provides and operates several large trucks for transporting, set-up and tear down of the weekend supplies—a crucial piece of the event’s success. Susan Bradley, Vice President, Regional Operations, respects the level of commitment from Brutoco employees. She said, “Brutoco provides the biggest piece of logistical support for the event. The Challenge Walk would be impossible to execute without their involvement.”

Longtime employee Dan Milson shared that his mother and wife have participated in the 3-day, 50-mile Challenge Walk because Dan’s brother and cousin both have MS. His mother and wife have both raised funds and participated in the Challenge Walk. “I got involved with the Challenge Walk on the volunteer side specifically because Brutoco did. It was a perfect opportunity for me to honor and support the people who are dealing with the disease.”

It’s not surprising that Brutoco was willing to get more involved. For the past two years the company has been a

Presenting Sponsor for Walk MS Southern California. The big company team is made up of employees, friends and family who walk together at the Inland Empire site, raise funds and awareness to show their support.

“I want people to know that Brutoco is a big company and they have big hearts,” said Paul Mahoney. “They give back because they care about people who have this disease and are committed to making an impact on the infrastructure and future of multiple sclerosis.”

Building a Future Free of MS continued from page 1

The Lawry Circle recognizes those who have demonstrated their deep commitment to improving the lives of those with MS by establishing a deferred gift for the Southern California Chapter. To become a member of the Lawry Circle, one only needs to inform the Chapter of their intention to name the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Southern California Chapter in their will, trust or estate plan. There are no minimum gift levels to be a member of the Lawry Circle.

If you would like more information, please contact Kate McIntosh, Vice President of Development at (310) 479-4456.

Remembering LenLeonard J. Brutocao, the co-founder and CEO of Brutoco Engineering and Construction, Inc., passed away on March 21, 2010.

To his employees, Len was the patriarch of his construction family. He once remarked that he started with a shovel and wheelbarrow and now has 150 trucks with his name on them. Although he anglicized the spelling for ease of pronunciation, that name came to represent a commitment to its employees, the industry and the community.

Len’s legacy is the construction company he founded and grew from building small roadway jobs to earning $100 million per year in revenue from various public and private owners in Southern California.

Len leaves behind Marty, his beloved wife of 52+ years, his five children and 15 grandchildren, as well as his extended family at Brutoco Engineering and Construction, Inc.

Leonard J. Brutocao

Saddling Up to End MS

7Golden Circle • Spring 2010, Volume VII

Growing up in Norco, California, Tara Maxeiner developed a love of horses at a young age; but she never imagined those early years of riding lessons and equestrian shows would set the stage for an even greater purpose.

Tara’s involvement with the National MS Society began soon after she was diagnosed with MS in 1985. As Tara recalled, “It all began with the Walk that first year! I heard I could get a T-shirt if I raised $100—so I showed up at the event with $300. I didn’t actually walk, but I got my shirt!”

Realizing she wanted to be a driving force within the Society, Tara joined the Chapter’s Inland Empire Board of Trustees, where she served as chair of the Walk committee and later as Board chair. She continued to branch her volunteer efforts in other Chapter events, including the Bike MS ride, which made Tara grow even more passionate about the Society’s mission to help people with MS.

Tara remembers leaving one particular Board meeting focused on starting a new event to raise additional funds for MS research. “The Society is about more than Walk and Bike, it’s about helping people,” Tara claims. “I knew there had to be some other way I could help raise more money and I kept going

back to my experience in showing horses.” As fate would have it, Tara ran into an old friend later that day. She shared her MS diagnosis and her desire to start a new event that would incorporate her love for horses and her passion for MS research. Her friend suggested Tara hold a team roping event and offered the use of his ranch. Without hesitation, Tara accepted an offer that would soon become the first annual Rope for MS.

Tara spent the next day at the ranch scouring through roping magazines to identify possible event sponsors. She placed an ad for ropers, secured sponsorships and went about gathering donations for an auction. The first annual Rope for MS exceeded all expectations. The event hosted 210 roping teams who came together from across

the country and raised nearly $20,000. Tara shared, “I was thrilled with the turnout. We held the competitions in the morning and rounded out the day with a live auction and a dance with a live DJ. It was crazy, but it was FUN crazy.” Two years later, the event moved to the Riverside Rancheros arena where it quickly began to grow—at one point peaking at 745 roping teams. Nearly fifteen years after the event’s inception, Tara is still at the helm as she continues to guide her entourage of family, friends and volunteers through each successful event, making MS awareness top of mind in the Inland Empire.

As Tara points out, organizing Rope for MS has been more than a fundraising effort. It has made this self-professing “go-getter” a spokeswoman for multiple sclerosis and has connected her with thousands of people across the country. Tara said, “People call me all the time to talk about MS; because they need help getting diagnosed or want to talk about their story with the disease. I took on this event because I like to do what I can for others in need, but it’s been a positive force in my life as well…it’s kept me going.” To date, Rope for MS has raised nearly $150,000 to support critical MS research efforts. Over the years, Tara has been honored by the Southern California Chapter for her

extensive support and involvement. In 1997, Tara received the Society’s Volunteer Key Award for her ongoing commitment to create a world free of MS.

Like many Golden Circle members, Tara recognizes the importance of funding promising MS research and is excited to be a part of such an important campaign. As Tara sums it up, “In all my work with the Society, I’m most proud of the money I’ve raised for MS research.”

To learn more about Rope for MS please call Tara Maxeiner at (909) 519-8171.

Dustin McCutchen and Pat Freeman

All photos by: Paul Ivanushka Photography

Draw Pot winners Pat Freeman and Dustin McCutchen at

the 2009 event with Tara Maxeiner(center).

Open Roping winners John Taylor Jr. and Dan Denmark

at the 2009 event with Tara Maxeiner.

National MS Society Southern California Chapter

The Southern California Chapter has seven offices serving 14,500 people with MS and their loved

ones in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Riverside, San Bernardino, Inyo, Kern, Fresno, Kings, Madera and

Tulare counties.

For more information, call (800) 344-4867 and visit

www.nationalMSsociety.org/cal.

Antelope Valley &Santa Clarita Valley Office

1669 West Avenue J, Suite 309Lancaster, CA 93534

Channel Islands Office14 West Valerio Street

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Coachella Valley Office73-710 Fred Waring Dr., Suite 103

Palm Desert, CA 92260

Inland Empire Office869 E. Foothill Boulevard, Suite I

Upland, CA 91786

Kern County Office1800 30th Street, Suite 105

Bakersfield, CA 93301

San Joaquin Valley Office7472 N. Fresno St., Suite 210

Fresno, CA 93720

West Los Angeles Office2440 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 115

Los Angeles, CA 90064

Golden Circle CommitteeJulie Kaufer, Esq., Chair

Rhona Bader, David E. Gooding, Michael J. Lichner, Paul M. Mahoney, Esq., Pam Maron, Stanley E. Maron, Esq., Sue Meltzer,

Kim Phillips, Sheri Safan, Sue Schroeder, Fern Seizer, Timur Tecimer

Golden Circle Staff Leon LeBuffe, President • Kate McIntosh, Vice President of Development

Susan Bradley, Vice President for Regional Operations Elicia Lopez, Development Director • Connie Smith, Development Manager

If you are interested in becoming a Golden Circle committee member or would like more information about the Golden Circle campaign,

please contact Elicia Lopez, Development Director, at (310) 479-4456 ext. 111 or elicia.lopez@nmss.org.

Setting a New Campaign Record in 2009

In October 2009, the Kenrose Kitchen Table Foundation and Steve and Caroline Kaufer’s family formed a $350,000 Matching Gift Fund to encourage increased giving to the

Southern California Chapter’s Golden Circle campaign.

We are thrilled to announce that with your support, the 2009 Matching Gift Fund helped the Chapter raise $679,172.

Because of your generosity Golden Circle not only met the Match, but also raised a total of nearly $1.7 million

in 2009—a new campaign record!

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to every person who made a contribution to the 2009 Golden Circle.

Your generosity increased our ability to fund more research and help more people with MS. facebook.com/MSsouthernCal

twitter.com/MSsouthernCal