Moving MS Research Forward Page 2

Chapter Donor Wall Page 4 & 5

Flora L. Thornton Page 7

Positively Pedaling Toward a CurePage 3

For the millions of people who have multiple sclerosis, the current six FDA-approved drugs only work some of the time. Fast Forward, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the National MS Society, was established in 2007 to speed the delivery of treatments to people with MS by relieving the obstacles and reducing some of the financial threats affiliated with bringing drugs to market.

On average, the drug discovery process is difficult and can take a long time, on average 13 years, before a new drug makes it to the FDA for review. In addition, the funds needed to cover the costs during the process are astronomical — between $800 million and $1 billion. Fast Forward seeks to overcome some of the obstacles in this process. Dr. Timothy Coetzee, President of Fast Forward, explained, “Fast Forward’s value proposition is to underwrite the critical early experiments so that companies can create a momentum around the Society’s own comprehensive research programs and bring in new partnerships as the program develops.”

The significant costs and risks associated with drug development have led to a position where many promising research findings for MS are put on hold or set aside due to a funding gap and the lack of a collaborative commitment by other partners to further develop the findings. Fast Forward seeks to relieve this gap by funding preclinical and clinical trials of potential MS drugs to achieve FDA approval at faster rates.

“We source our investment opportunities in a couple of

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

ways,” explained Dr. Coetzee. “For our collaborative fund, we issue a call for proposals once a year, which is then evaluated for a compelling scientific case with a sure route to approval. And, through the general fund, biotech and/or pharmaceutical companies contact us, and proposals are vetted by the Fast Forward Advisory Committee. Unfortunately, there are more opportunities than Fast Forward can possibly fund, which is why donor support is crucial to driving the development of cutting-edge therapies that treat all forms of MS.”

Fast Forward was built on a core foundation for finding new treatments and a cure for MS. In addition to support from external investors, the Society’s dedicated and caring donors help facilitate the organization’s mission to eradicate MS. Southern California Chapter Trustee, James “Jamey” D. Power IV, along with the whole Power Family, understand firsthand the critical need for Fast Forward

continued on page 6 >

Volume VIII, Summer 2010

10,0000Compounds 1 Drug

Funding Gap

250Compounds

5Compounds

Stage 1 Drug Discovery

Stage 2 Preclinical

Stage 3 Clinical Trials

Stage 4 FDA Review

Capital MarketsNMSS/NIH

6 yrs6.5 yrs

COST = $800M - $1B

Fast Forward

Moving MS Research Forward...Fast!

2 Golden Circle • Summer 2010, Volume VIII2

Learn more about Fast Forward and Promise 2010 results at www.nationalMSsociety.org/research

Fast Forward, LLC Partners with Canbex Therapeutics to Develop Treatment of Spasticity in MS

May 26, 2010 — Fast Forward, LLC, and Canbex Therapeutics, Ltd., a spin-off company from University College London, announced a partnership to fund pivotal studies that will support an Investigational New Drug Application for Canbex’s VSN16R compound.

The agreement with Canbex is the first collaboration between Fast Forward and an early stage biotechnology company to advance a specific symptom treatment for MS. Under the terms of the agreement, Fast Forward will provide funds for studies that will accelerate the testing of VSN16R clinical trials. VSN16R is a small molecule compound that has shown good evidence of anti-spastic effects in laboratory models of MS and spasticity. VSN16R works through a novel mechanism of action that does not appear to cause unwanted side effects. Thus VSN16R has the potential to develop into a well tolerated, effective therapy that could make a substantial difference to the quality of life for patients suffering from MS.

Fast Forward, LLC and Five Prime Therapeutics Collaborate to Speed New Treatments to People with MS

May 25, 2010 — Fast Forward, LLC, and Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc., a leader in the discovery and development of innovative biologics based in San Francisco, announced an alliance to fund the development of a Five Prime pre-clinical stage therapeutic candidate for treatment of MS.

Under the terms of the agreement, Fast Forward will provide $1 million to enable pre-clinical testing of a proprietary and innovative biological molecule, or biologic, discovered at Five Prime. This biologic targets specific cells of the innate immune system, a mechanism that differentiates this potential therapy from the approved treatments for MS. The innate immune system is a component of the body’s immune system and recent research has suggested that it contributes to disease activity in both relapsing remitting and progressive forms of MS.

Promise 2010: Promises Made, Promises Kept

In 2005, the National MS Society made a bold promise: raise $32 million over five years to investigate four targeted research initiatives that demanded further exploration. Since then, Promise 2010 has proven to be both a challenge and an inspiration and the results to date promise to profoundly impact MS research going forward.

The Nervous System Repair & Protection initiative hosted more than 70 leading MS researchers on four teams in the U.S. and Europe who have: • made progress developing cell transplantation

techniques • developed better imaging methods to track the success

in clinical trials • successfully induced “stalled” myelin-making cells in lab

dishes to begin producing myelin using molecules • published more than 150 research papers on nervous

system repair in MS • conducted clinical trials of potentially neuroprotective

agents that are already underway and additional trials are about to launch

The stage is now set for clinical trials of nerve-protecting drugs and for advanced studies of cell transplantation.

“What’s New in MS Research and Treatment” Webcast

On June 30th, the Society hosted a live webcast on “What’s new in MS research and treatment,” spotlighting the latest developments in oral drugs and other new therapies on the horizon, the progress in nervous system repair and protection research underway, and an international overview of chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI). Dr. Patricia O’Looney, Vice President of Biomedical Research, moderated a panel of experts drawn from top institutions across the country. You can listen to a recording of the webcast on the Society’s website at www.nationalMSsociety.org/research.

3Golden Circle • Summer 2010, Volume VIII

Positively Pedaling Toward a Cure

As a Matter of HeartJohn and Karen Murray, along with their daughter Erin Murray and family friend Xylina Robinson, hosted a Valentine’s Dinner and Dance fundraising event on February 13, 2010 at the Sierra Hills Swim and Racquet Club in Canyon Country. This special event raised more than $43,000! This first time event was made possible because of many generous donations. Allied Beverages donated beverages; Kathleen Robinson donated appetizers; and a homemade spaghetti feast and delicious desserts were made possible by John Murray. Because the evening was a wonderful success, they are already planning their next event. The Southern California Chapter graciously thanks the Murray and Robinson families and all their friends who have committed to moving the Society’s mission forward to end MS.

When Kathy Van Buskirk was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1985, she was determined to not let the diagnosis control her life. With a positive outlook, a good dose of humor, and the support of her loving husband Dave, Kathy considered herself one of the lucky ones.

Together, the couple approach the challenges of living with MS as they do life’s other obstacles — with laughter and determination. So, when one of Dave’s customers invited him to join a Bike MS team, both Kathy and Dave were up for

the challenge. As Kathy remembed, her first bike tour was tough. “It was quite the ride. It was 98 degrees that year and we battled 40 mph headwinds. It was horrible, but we did it!” Dave agreed, “That ride just about killed us and we swore we would never do it again. But a year went by and Kathy was doing better. We felt camaraderie with the other cyclists and we really wanted to challenge ourselves again. Plus, we had had such success with the fundraising.”

When Kathy and Dave began fundraising for the Society, most of their support came from fellow elementary school teachers where Kathy taught art. “When you’re working with all of these people and they’re urging you on, it’s very helpful. We received all these little tiny donations and then Dave started getting these great big donations from his businesses,” Kathy shared. The couple have raised nearly $200,000 since that first year and their friends who contributed became a part of the Van Buskirk’s support system. Kathy credits her continued involvement with Bike MS to these long-time friends. “Our motivation continues to be our support system. Having positive people around me, cheering me on, inspires me to keep going,” she said.As the Van Buskirks participated in MS rides across the country, their passion for funding MS research became clear. Kathy’s MS had progressed some and a cure for this disease was their ultimate motivation. Searching for a way to connect their fundraising efforts and passion for research, Dave sought out the Southern California Chapter’s Golden Circle campaign, which allows gifts to be restricted 100% to research. Kathy and Dave joined Golden Circle and set out fundraising to support important research projects.

These days, the Van Buskirks are seasoned MS cyclists and fundraisers and, in some ways, little has changed. Dave will sign up for his 24th Bike MS ride this year and he and

Kathy will raise funds for MS research through the Golden Circle campaign. Kathy continues to view life with a sense of humor and is a role model to many others living with MS. She is as tenacious as ever, having participated in a 30-mile Bike MS ride last year! And, Dave is quick to point out just how hard she works. “She fell off her bike a couple of times,” Dave said, “but we crossed the finish line!” Kathy agreed, laughing, “We figured that we won because we were on our bikes longer than anybody else.” It’s this positive outlook, the support of an incredible group of friends and family, along with their desire to find a cure that keeps the Van Buskirks coming back to ride in Bike MS and fundraise for Golden Circle each year. Kathy and Dave agree that new clinical trials and drug therapies keep them hopeful, but in the meantime, they continue to do all they can to speed progress in research.

If you would like more information on funding or fundraising for MS research projects via Golden Circle, please contact Elicia Lopez, Development Director, at (310) 479-4456 ext.111 or elicia.lopez@nmss.org.

Kathy & Dave Van Buskirk

Dave & Kathy Van Buskirk

4 Golden Circle • Summer 2010, Volume VIII

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.

“My father, Frank Grisanti, knew the importance of primary caregivers getting respite. My mother, Dorothy, had MS and he lovingly cared for her during the course of her illness. Even though my mom’s multiple sclerosis greatly progressed in her later years, she celebrated her life and family everyday; and my dad was always there for her showing love, kindness and patience for his “bride.” Before my father passed away, he recruited [former Southern California Chapter Trustee and current Golden Circle committee member] Mike Lichner to the Board of Trustees. Mike had the idea to create the Grisanti Respite Care fund in my dad’s memory for full-time caregivers who could not afford outside help. The Fund pays for a licensed in-home care agency to provide services up to six days, giving family caregivers respite. Mike has been a huge champion leading the way for the Grisanti Respite fund all these years. We are happy to provide part of the funding that makes this special program — my father’s legacy — a reality for families who are impacted by multiple sclerosis.”

— Melanie Grisanti and Gordon McLeod

Melanie Grisanti & Gordon McLeod

“Having supported the Southern California Chapter of the National MS Society via the annual Dinner of Champions, we at Paramount have witnessed the strides Tom Sherak and the Society have made in improving the overall well-being of those afflicted with this disease. It is with great pride we continue to support the tireless pursuit in the prevention, treatment, and eventual cure of multiple sclerosis. The countless hours and relentless dedication the Society has committed to raising awareness, funding research, and advocating for this great cause makes us confident these efforts will one day lead to a world free of MS. We take comfort knowing our donations are actively being utilized to reach this end result.”

— Rob Moore, Vice Chairman, Paramount Pictures

Paramount Pictures

Dorothy & Frank GrisantiJuly 14, 1952

“Several years ago, our friends started an event called Recipe for MS Research. We knew it was the type of event we could support because all the monies raised benefited MS research. It felt good to know that 100% of our gift was going to be directed toward research for such an awful and unpredictable disease. Through our involvement with the Recipe for MS Research event, we've learned more about advancements in MS reseach. We've been equally pleased with the Chapter's tenacity to provide essential programming and services to help people with MS to live well. We feel proud to support an organization that does so much for the entire MS community.”

— Hal & Sharon Lampert

Hal & Sharon Lampert

Meet the Society’s Benefactors

5Golden Circle • Summer 2010, Volume VIII

“Toyota is honored to be a long-time supporter of the National MS Society, particularly the Dinner of Champions event where the funding provides needed programs, services and research. We consider the Society a valued partner and wish them success in their efforts to educate and support families impacted by this disease.”

— Michael Rouse, Vice President Philanthropy, Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

“The entertainment industry has proven time and again that it can make a difference in the lives of many through its charitable outreach. While aid to deserving organizations varies from financial contributions to the personal support of conscientious employee volunteers, we take enormous pride in Sony Pictures’ support of many worthy causes — among them the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Southern California Chapter and the annual Dinner of Champions event. This fundraiser has been guided with passion and care by our friend Tom Sherak, who has been dedicated to finding a cure for MS. The results speak volumes about the way the industry can and does respond to those in need, but it also shines a spotlight on Tom’s tenacity and capacity to use his skills, contacts and rolodex to raise tens of millions of dollars in his quest to seek a cure as well as help protect and care for those suffering from MS.”

— Janice Pober, Senior Vice President, Global Corporate Social Responsibility, Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment

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.

“Technicolor applauds the work and commitment of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and especially its Southern California Chapter. Because of their longstanding effort, we are proud to be a continuing sponsor of the Dinner of Champions.”

— Dave Elliot, President of Strategic Relations, Technicolor Entertainment Services

Technicolor Entertainment Services

Fast Forward funds cutting-edge projects to hasten development of new therapies, collaboration between scientists, clinicians, academic researchers and commercial visionaries, which will ultimately speed new drug development. To find out more about Fast Forward and its current progress, please visit www.fastforward.org. If you would like to learn more about the Golden Circle campaign and how you can help support the Society’s research initiatives like Fast Forward, please contact Kate McIntosh, Vice President of Development, at (310) 479-4456 ext. 124 or kate.mcintosh@nmss.org.

6 Golden Circle • Summer 2010, Volume VIII

and the great impact it brings to the MS community at large.

The family recently pledged $1,000,000 via the Golden Circle campaign in support of Fast Forward. Both Jamey and his father, Dave (founder of J.D. Power and Associates), serve as co-chairs of Fast Forward’s campaign cabinet. “Fast Forward is the Society’s strategic effort to allocate research and business development resources to promising areas that need help in proving whether or not the drugs can be developed and brought to market as successful treatments,” said Jamey, whose mother, Julie Power, lived with the disease before effective treatments were available. “Our family was eagerly looking beyond the Promise: 2010 campaign for other critical research avenues to fund. The innovative aspects of Fast Forward — the entrepreneurial nature and business- like approach — really appealed to us because of its targeted effort toward more and better treatments for people who have MS.” In 2000, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation had very few treatments for CF. By leveraging its investments to fill its funding gap, the Foundation saw more than 30 treatments for CF in development by 2007.

Thousands of diseases compete for investment resources to help move preliminary discoveries further; without a forward-looking approach, combined with the funds to push new discoveries through the channel, the most pivotal lab discoveries may never be commercialized as new treatments for people with MS. “The Power family’s personal and financial commitment is a symbol of their confidence in Fast Forward’s mission — and we do not take that confidence lightly,” said Dr. Coetzee. “The Power family has made it their life’s work to set expectations and standards in a variety of industries. Fast Forward must meet these standards and we are both honored and further energized by the fact they chose to invest in Fast Forward.” “One of the biggest challenges that people with MS have to deal with is the lack of awareness and understanding of MS as a disease because is still not completely understood by the general public,” stated Jamey. “From a brand perspective, Fast Forward gives the disease another

conduit that provides a reason for dialogue.”

Emily Abbott, member of Fast Forward’s Board of Managers as well as the Golden Circle, works at California Technical Institute connecting industry researchers and Caltech researchers on different biomedical translation projects. Emily understands exactly why an organization like Fast Forward is key. “I’ve seen exciting research develop to a certain stage and become stuck in the ‘valley of death’ due to an insufficiency in funds,” said Emily. “When I learned that Fast Forward would be addressing this very issue, I was excited because there are so many promising therapies that wouldn’t be developed otherwise!” Emily’s excitement about all the possibilities that Fast Forward will bring to families affected by MS has also led her and her husband, Zachary, to make a personal financial commitment to Fast Forward through the Golden Circle.

Fast Forward is committed to creating a world free of MS. To make reality of this mission, Fast Forward and the National MS Society rely on the support of people who are passionate about bringing effective solutions to individuals living with MS. “Fast Forward offers a bold approach to fuel research,” stated Julie Kaufer, Chair of Golden Circle. “It is an example of the Society’s persistent and aggressive approach to increase funding for more treatments and the cure for MS. Golden Circle is a direct avenue for donors to contribute gifts to campaigns like Fast Forward. And, donors who choose to support Fast Forward, through Golden Circle, are assured that their research-restricted gift will always fund research 100%.”

Fast Forward continued from page 1

The Lawry Circle recognizes those who have demonstrated their deep commitment to improving the lives of people 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 his/her 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 ext.124.

7Golden Circle • Summer 2010, Volume VIII

On June 11-13 the Chapter hosted The Great Escape: Teen Camp at Pali Mountain for teenagers with MS. Fourteen campers, ages 12 - 18, participated in a fun-filled weekend that provided an opportunity to openly discuss their personal experiences living with MS.

“Teen Camp was a great success for the campers because pediatric MS is such a rare disease — most young people with MS feel isolated and alone,” said Dr. Gregory Aaen, a pediatric neurologist at Loma Linda University School of Medicine who specializes in children with MS. Dr. Aaen was the onsite medical volunteer at camp during the weekend. “It’s very important for them to associate with their peers and see how most young people with the disease can maintain fairly normal lives.” Although MS is more common in adults, current estimates suggest 8,000 – 10,000 children and teenagers in the US have MS.

Teen Camp was made possible by the generosity of many individuals, including Golden Circle member Faith Pearlman whose generosity allowed the Chapter to create the Joanne Pearlman-Gellar Scholarship Fund for teens to attend camp.

MS shouldn’t stand in the way of an education. This is why the Southern California Chapter’s scholarship program exists — to help highly qualified students who have been diagnosed with MS or who have a parent with MS achieve their dreams of going to college. Dina Tecimer, Golden Circle member and Chapter Trustee, volunteered to review this year’s scholarship applications and was completely taken aback by their stories. “I thought I knew everything about MS,“ said Dina. “For 22 years — since the time my mother was diagnosed in 1985 — I attended every doctor’s appointment and every physical and occupational therapy session with her. When reading the applicants’ essays, I learned how these students

were competing for their future against others who did not have MS in their homes! She continued, “Some of the kids have been taking care of household chores 10 - 15 hours a week since they were eight years old, holding part-time jobs and getting good grades — all while carrying a tremendous emotional burden that comes with the disease. I thought I knew MS, but I didn’t know it this way. I saw another face of MS and was shocked!!”

College Bound

The Great Escape: Teen Camp

Providing teens with the tools to succeed is important, especially for those who are affected by multiple sclerosis. Golden Circle gifts can be directed toward these two very special programs. For more information about how you can help children and teens who are impacted by MS, please contact Kate McIntosh, Vice President of Development at (310) 479-4456 ext. 124 or kate.mcintosh@nmss.org.

Flora L. ThorntonFlora L. Thornton, beloved wife of Southern California Chapter Trustee Eric Small, recently passed away on May 7, 2010. Flora was an esteemed LA philanthropist who changed the city’s artistic landscape and made an indelible impact on the MS community.

Eric Small was diagnosed with MS in 1951 and soon after, he discovered yoga. He began what became a lifelong mission to help others with MS to go beyond their limitations and live life to the fullest. For nearly 20 years, the Flora L. Thornton Foundation has generously supported the Chapter’s Eric Small Adaptive Iyengar Yoga Program, which serves 400 people annually.

In 2005, the Flora L. Thornton Foundation pledged a $1,000,000 grant to the Chapter, which established the Eric Small Centers for Optimal Living with Multiple Sclerosis. This grant allowed the Chapter to build upon the success of the Living Well with MS and Day Wellness Programs, which began at The Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement Center at UCLA. The Eric Small Centers have helped to foster new partnerships with some of the best centers for MS care at USC, Casa Colina Center for Rehabilitation and Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center.

Flora L. Thornton, our cherished friend, leaves behind a legacy of wellness for the Southern California MS community. Her lifetime investment and devotion will be felt for generations to come, especially by people with MS.

Flora L. Thornton

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

Maximize Your Gift!“Leveraging funds through a matching gift program significantly

increases a non-profit’s fundraising opportunities. It’s also a great way for companies to increase their ties to the local communities in which they

operate,” said John Murphy, Southern California Chapter Trustee and SVP, Controller and CAO of DIRECTV, Inc.

Many employers offer programs that “match” the charitable contributions made by their employees. By taking advantage of a corporate matching

gift program, you maximize your personal gift and increase the impact you make in the MS community.

“At DIRECTV, we match employee donations up to $20,000 per employee per year to qualified charities! DIRECTV has made a commitment to

help serve our communities, especially in promoting healthy lifestyles to prevent life-threatening diseases such as MS,” explained John.

To find out whether your company has a matching gift program, contact your personnel office or corporate contributions officer. Your company

representative can provide you with a matching gift form. Many companies also offer its employees the convenience of completing the

form online, which should be sent to the Southern California Chapter for processing.

facebook.com/MSsouthernCaltwitter.com/MSsouthernCal

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

Jasmine Tsai, Development Coordinator

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.