WINTER 2015 | National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Wisconsin Chapter

Let’s Celebrate The holidays are upon us, meaning there’s lots of celebrating to be had in homes and workplaces throughout Wisconsin.

We’re celebrating at the National MS Society too, but for a different reason: December 31 will mark the completion of the largest MS research campaign in history – the $250 million No Opportunity Wasted (NOW) campaign. Over that time, because of your support and that of donors nationwide:

• 818 research studies were funded that focused on stopping MS in its tracks, restoring lost function and ending MS forever.

• Five new therapies for relapsing MS were added, bringing the total to 16.

• The first clinical trials in myelin repair are underway, offering hope to those with progressive MS.

The promise of MS research is more apparent than ever. Our understanding of the causes of the disease has deepened. Our insight into how to help those with MS live their best lives has expanded.

All of that gives us reason to celebrate, and I hope they’re reasons you’ll share with your loved ones as you gather together this year. With your continued support and theirs, we’ll give the best gift of all – a world free of MS.

With gratitude and joy,

Colleen G. KaltPresident & CEO

National Multiple Sclerosis Society- Wisconsin Chapter Board of Trustees

Tom Golden, Chair M3 Insurance Solutions, Inc.

Michael Lutze, Vice Chair Ernst & Young

James Rose, Vice Chair Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP

Pamela Evason, Vice Chair Windermere Wealth Advisors, LLC

Kenneth Minor, Treasurer Sonic Foundry, Inc.

Robert Sowinski, Secretary Diversified Insurance Solutions

David Rodgers, Past Chair Briggs & Stratton Corporation

Colleen Kalt, President & CEO National MS Society- Wisconsin Chapter

Anne Brouwer McMillianDoolittle, LLP

Robert Buhler Open Pantry Food Marts of Wisconsin, Inc.

Dennis Christiansen Secured Retirement Strategies Group, LLC

Robert deJong Rose & deJong, S.C.

Robert Engel Retired, M&I Bank

Paul Jones Harley-Davidson, Inc.

Fr. James Kaestner Retired

Wayne Larsen Ladish Company Foundation

Martin McLaughlin Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, s.c.

David Raysich Plunkett Raysich Architects

Jeffrey Steren Steren Management/McDonald’s

MS Connection | 2 The National MS Society is committed to creating a world free of MS.

If you or someone you know has MS: Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with multiple sclerosis. Talk to your health care professional or contact the National MS Society at nationalmssociety.org or 1-800-344-4867 to learn about ways to help manage multiple sclerosis and about current research that may one day reveal a cure. The National MS Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The National MS Society assumes no liability for the use of contents of any product or service mentioned. Information provided by the Society is based upon professional advice, published, experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The National MS Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician.

participated in was in 2011. She worked with a trainer to gain leg strength in preparation for Challenge Walk MS this year.

“That said, I really have to attribute my efforts to my family’s love and support, and to the wonders of will power, beaches and dog park walks,” she added.

My daughter and I decided we wanted to have some sort of an adventure. I saw

this and thought, ‘All right, this is it.’”

That’s how Laura Chastain explained how she and her daughter Anna became two of the 50 first-time participants at Challenge Walk MS in September.

What neither realized at the time was that they would be named the 2015 Challenge Walk MS Rookies of the Year for the determination they showed while participating in the three-day, 50-mile event.

“I had told Mom, almost jokingly, that if she got too tired I would piggy-back her and we laughed about it,” Anna, 19, explained.

Near the end of the second day of the walk, though, they reached a long, steep hill.

“We had already used the support vehicles a few times, and I knew my mom wanted to keep trying,” Anna said. “So we started up the hill and when it got too hard for her, I told her to jump on my back. It was hard, but I went as far as I could to get us up the hill.”

“I am incredibly proud of that young woman,” Laura said of her daughter.

The Wonders of WillpowerLaura was diagnosed with MS in 1997, the year after Anna was born. She already had an almost four-year-old son named Ben, and was living on Madison’s near eastside. Luckily, she said, fitness has always been important to her. So while the MS advanced to secondary progressive MS and she began experiencing chronic pain, walking difficulties (“cement legs,” as she calls them) and fatigue, she continued to exercise as often as possible.

“Regular exercise improves strength, endurance, balance and circulation, and the endorphins are critical to wellness too,” Laura said. The last of the four Bike MS: TOYOTA Best Dam Bike Tours she

Turning a Challenge Into an AdventureMom-and-daughter duo conquer Challenge Walk MS together

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“

Continued on Page 4

Anna Chastain carried her mom, Laura, piggy-back style during a portion of Challenge Walk MS in September – a role reversal from the days when Laura carried Anna and son Ben (inset).

social work, worked locally in health care, and taught graduate courses before going on disability because of her MS.

“Fundraising for MS research is so vital, particularly given the limited funds available federally,” she added. “The MS Society is the primary resource for the cause.”

As for their experience at Challenge Walk MS, Laura said “all of the clichés one might hear about fundraising events actually apply here: inspiring, life-affirming, tough and funny, a sense of community in which you connect and love. And, for me, an amazing mom-daughter adventure.”

“Being named Rookies of the Year was an honor!” offered Anna, who is attending Marquette University in Milwaukee. “It was a surprise to both of us, and the reaction we got from everyone was amazing. I didn’t think that me simply putting my mom on my back would get the response that it did.” n

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“It Was a Hoot!”When it came to the $1,500 fundraising minimum she and Anna each needed to reach for Challenge Walk MS, Laura used her online participant page (provided to everyone who registers) to collect donations, but also invited people to sign her Walk MS shirt for $2 a signature.

“It was a hoot! Neighbors and relatives and people at the coffee shop donated. Most people gave more than $2, and one person had a very emotional reaction so it became a bonding thing,” said Laura, who has a master’s degree in

“Being named Rookies of the Year was an honor!” said 19-year-old Anna (right) of the award she and her mom, Laura, received.

Continued from Page 3

Laura worked with a trainer prior to Challenge Walk MS 2015 to strengthen her legs, but attributes her success at the event to her family’s love and support, “and to the wonders of will power, beaches and dog park walks.”

More than 125 walkers and nearly 50 volunteers gathered in Door County

September 18-20 to participate in the 8th annual, three-day, 50-mile Challenge Walk MS. Together with the more than $395,000 generated through this year’s event, the walk has raised more than $2.5 million since it began in 2008.

The challenge comes in both the distance walked and the money raised. Challenge Walk MS participants walk 20 miles on Friday, 20 miles on Saturday and 10 miles on Sunday, covering much of Door County (a 30-mile option also is available) and commit to raising or donating a minimum of $1,500. The money funds multiple sclerosis-related research and programs.

Participants included 32 individuals who have been diagnosed with MS, as well as 50 who tried the event for the first time.

Walker and volunteer registration is already open for next year’s walk, September 16-18, 2016. Visit challengewalkMSwi.org for details. n

Challenge Walk MS Participants Show Their StrengthMore than 125 people completed three-day walk in September

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John Haupt’s goal was to complete 40 miles at Challenge Walk MS in Door County using a self-powered wheelchair and raise $15,000. He did all 50 miles and raised more than $16,000.

Julie and Paul Concannon were among this year’s Challenge Walk MS rookies. They wore special socks for the final day of the 50-mile walk.

Diane Hackbarth (right), with walker Cindy LeBlanc, was a volunteer at Challenge Walk MS 2015. “Ten years ago my daughter was diagnosed with MS and I couldn’t kiss it and make it better. So I volunteer to raise money for the people who can.”

Register by December 31 and receive

a free Walk MS bandana!

Registration is Open for Walk MS 2016Mark your calendar and get registered today for Walk MS. There are 20 dates and communities to pick from!

New for 2016: Any member of a Walk MS team, not just the captain, can be the first to register and set up the team. Visit walkMS.org or call 855-272-1331 to get started.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW. Go to walkMS.org, where the newly enhanced website and online features make it even easier to sign up, form your team and start fundraising today! The 2016 goal is to raise $1.5 million.

APPLETON Appleton North High School

Sunday, April 24

CEDARBURG Location – TBA

Saturday, April 30

DE PERE West De Pere High School

Sunday, April 24

EAU CLAIRE UW-Eau Claire Davies Center

Saturday, April 30

FOND DU LAC Marian University Gymnasium

Saturday, May 7

JANESVILLE Palmer Park

Sunday, May 1

KENOSHA-RACINE UW-Parkside

Sports & Activity Center Saturday, May 7

LA CROSSE La Crosse Center

Saturday, April 23

MADISON Warner Park

Sunday, May 1

MARSHFIELD UW-Marshfield/Wood County

Saturday, April 30

MENOMONEE FALLS Menomonee Falls High School

Saturday, April 30

MILWAUKEE Summerfest Grounds

Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Sunday, May 1

OCONOMOWOC Fowler Park

Saturday, April 30

OSHKOSH Oshkosh West High School

Sunday, September 18

PLATTEVILLE UW-Platteville Ullsvik Hall

Saturday, April 30

RHINELANDER Rhinelander High School Saturday, September 17

SHEBOYGAN Blue Harbor Resort

Sunday, April 24

STEVENS POINT Location – TBA

Saturday, September 17

WAUKESHA Frame Park

Sunday, September 18

WAUSAU Central Wisconsin

Convention & Expo Center Saturday, May 7

Dates and locations subject to change.

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Plan for Your FutureStart your financial journey with these helpful tips

a financial advisor to help you evaluate the results and take any required actions. It’s also advisable to update the balance sheet over time (recommended to do quarterly but at least annually), which allows you to track your progress and make any necessary adjustments.

PERSONAL INCOME STATEMENT

• What is it? An income statement is a summary of both your income (cash you are receiving from a career, pension, Social Security or other sources) and your expenses (items for which you expend cash, including income taxes, property taxes, insurance premiums, health care costs, day care, utilities, clothing, travel, entertainment, etc.) for a given time interval. Our personal net income is the difference between the two amounts.

• Why is this important? Cash flow is arguably one of the largest determinants of long-term wealth accumulation. The higher our personal net income, the more cash flow we have available to contribute to savings and investment vehicles and the earlier we save, the greater the time period over which we may experience compounding

Have you avoided giving thought to your financial future? Do you leave your 401k

and other investment statements unopened in a drawer? Do you worry you don’t have enough saved for retirement? If any of these apply to you, you are not alone. But as the saying goes, “the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” The same applies to our financial journey. Start today!

A great way to get started is by compiling a personal balance sheet and income statement. The following article will walk you through that process.

PERSONAL BALANCE SHEET

• What is it? A balance sheet shows your assets (things you own) and liabilities (things you owe) as of a static point in time. The difference between your assets and liabilities is your financial net worth.

• Why is this important? A personal balance sheet provides you with a snapshot of your financial health at a given point in time. It helps you evaluate whether you have sufficient assets to pay for your obligations. It also allows you to calculate your current level of savings and asset accumulation, as well as your debt obligations.

• Where do I begin? First, compile a list of your assets. Again, assets are things you own so think of items such as cash accounts, investment accounts (IRAs, 401ks, brokerage accounts, etc.), your home, furniture and cars. Make the list as detailed as possible. Next, compile a list of liabilities (things you owe), which may include a mortgage, student loans, credit card debt and car loans. For each portion of debt, also list the remaining term and interest rate.

• What do I do with the information? You now have a snapshot of your financial health at a point in time. Depending on your comfort level with financial matters, you may wish to work with

BY PAM EVASON, CFA, CPA

Pam Evason is Managing Director at Windermere Wealth Advisors, LLC and serves on the Wisconsin Chapter Board of Trustees.

MS Connection | 7

Continued on Page 8

• What do I do with the information? As with a balance sheet, the true benefit comes from tracking the information over a period of time and making the necessary adjustments. With the goal being increasing personal net income, review the report to find ways to either increase income or reduce expenses. Remember, every little bit of incremental savings counts!

Today is a great time to get started on your financial journey. It may be challenging, but it will also be enlightening and empowering and your future self will thank you. Enjoy the journey! nThis article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional guidance and assistance in planning your financial future. The matters discussed here are provided as a starting point for further discussions with an investment professional familiar with your specific situation.

Windermere Wealth Advisors, LLC, is an investment advisory firm located in Milwaukee, Wis. If you have questions or comments, please contact Pam at 414-716-6150 or pam.evason@windermerewealth.com.

MS Connection | 8

returns. An income statement helps us realize our current cash flow situation and make the necessary adjustments to raise our personal net income.

• Where do I begin? First decide upon a time interval (monthly may be the easiest to track). Compile a list of your income sources. Pay stubs or prior year W2s are a good place to find this information. Next, detail your expenses. Be sure to include large annual items (and convert to monthly expense as needed) such as insurance premiums and property taxes. Recurring expenses can often times be deduced from your credit card statements or check register. Also be sure to review the websites of your bank and credit card companies for useful budget tracking tools and reports/downloads that will help summarize your charges into categories.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Grants Support Research, ServicesThe Wisconsin Chapter thanks the following organizations for the grants recently awarded in support of research and services that are critical to people affected by MS.

In total, $35,700 was received in gifts and grants from July through September. If you are connected to a foundation that you would like to suggest for a grant opportunity, or for more information on how you can help, contact Cindy Yomantas at 262-369-4431 or cindy.yomantas@nmss.org.

• $7,000 The Hinrichs Foundation

• $6,000 Jack Deloss Taylor Charitable Trust

• $5,000 Evan & Marion Helfaer Foundation

• $5,000 Racine Community Foundation, Inc.

• $4,500 B.A. & Esther Greenheck Foundation

• $3,000 Baird Foundation, Inc.

• $2,500 The Harley-Davidson Foundation, Inc.

• $1,500 A.O. Smith Foundation

• $1,000 UBS Donor Advised Fund/National Philanthropic Trust (The Rosel Family Charitable Fund)

• $200 Kent and Kristin Powley Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region

Continued from Page 7

accessible; exercise therapy to maintain strength and mobility, and improve balance/stability; orthotic equipment to improve walking ability; and adaptive computer software. Applications for funding such items are thoroughly reviewed by the National MS Society-Wisconsin Chapter and assistance is awarded based on financial need and personal circumstances.

Like Mikki, Jody also received assistance through the program in 2015 to purchase a motorized scooter to help her get to work. The 58-year-old lives in accessible housing across the street from her place of employment, but she and her physical therapist knew a scooter would improve her mobility both in getting to work and moving around the office. Her private insurance wouldn’t cover the cost, but donations from the Make a Mark for MS program did. Now Jody is able to ride down the road to work and be more efficient while at the office.

“I want to stay working. I need to stay working,” Jody said. “Working makes me feel good and I will work as long as I can.”

Those who donated to the Make a Mark for MS program are making sure she will. n

Diagnosed in 2006, Mikki K.’s multiple sclerosis has affected her mobility, leaving her unable

to safely use the stairs in the two-story home she shares with her mother, her partner and her 13-year-old daughter. Knowing a stairlift was the solution but unable to afford one, she contacted the National MS Society-Wisconsin Chapter for help.

Donations made for multiple sclerosis through Wisconsin’s state tax check-off program earlier this year made it possible for Mikki’s request to be fulfilled. The dollars are earmarked to help those living with MS maintain their independence and improve their quality of life, exactly what Mikki’s request would help her achieve. Being confined to the first floor of her home meant she couldn’t move freely to be with her family members, couldn’t help her daughter get ready for school and had a lack of privacy.

The stairlift was installed in August.

Wisconsin residents will again have the opportunity to help people like Mikki when they fill out their 2015 income tax forms (see sidebar). Donations fund items like home and vehicle modifications to make them wheelchair

Make a Mark to Help Those with MSIncome tax check-off program donations improve quality of life

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Make a Mark for MSMake a Mark for MS is the name given to the option that Wisconsin taxpayers have to make a donation for multiple sclerosis on their annual state income tax forms. Going forward, the Society needs to generate a three-year average of $50,000 in donations in order to stay in the program.

To donate, look for the “Donations” section of your tax form, select “multiple sclerosis” and indicate the amount you want to donate, or ask your tax preparer to add the amount when completing the form for you. Be sure to ask family and friends to do the same. Nearly $70,000 was generated through the program this past year.

Make a Mark for MS tax check-off donations fund accessibility modifications like ramps and chairlifts.

The National MS Society Drives Progress in MS Research

The National MS Society pursues all promising multiple sclerosis research while focusing on priority areas including progressive MS, nervous system repair, gene and environmental risk factors, and wellness and lifestyle. In 2015 alone, the Society committed a projected investment of more than $53 million to support more than 380 new and ongoing studies around the world. New projects include:

• A study at Baylor College of Medicine investigating a protein that may play a role in myelin repair and replacement of lost nerve cells, two events that may improve progressive MS.

• A Scottish investigation of whether adult stem cells from the nose hold promise for nervous system tissue repair.

• An exploration of whether brain circuits are connected to the profound fatigue experienced by people with MS.

• A study at Harvard University exploring whether exposure to air pollution is associated with MS risk.

Visit nationalMSsociety.org/research to learn more about research funded by the Society, as well as research news and progress.

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Knowledge is power. Truer words have never been spoken, but as someone who is newly diagnosed with MS or has a loved one who is newly diagnosed you may not even know where to begin. Knowledge is Power is a free, at-home educational series that is both an introduction and a guide to being newly diagnosed. Access information on the topics of interest and importance to you – from learning more about the first steps after diagnosis to maintaining healthy relationships with family and friends, to exploring treatment options.

Knowledge Is Power is available online at nationalMSsociety.org/KIP or can be delivered to your home. Call an MS Navigator at 800-344-4867 to register.

“ I loved reading KIP. It has really opened my eyes to my situation, what I can expect, and what to look for.”

T his fall, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society committed more than $21 million to support

an expected 78 new MS research projects. These are part of a comprehensive research strategy aimed at stopping MS, restoring function that has been lost and ending the disease forever for every single person with MS. More than $1.4 million of these funds were awarded to two scientists in Wisconsin: Bonnie Dittel and Ian Duncan.

Stop MS in its Tracks Bonnie Dittel, PhD, of the Blood Research Institute, BloodCenter of Wisconsin,

received a $706,686 grant to investigate how a subset of immune “B cells” reduces inflammation for clues to harnessing this power to stop MS.

In MS, the immune system damages tissues in the brain and spinal cord, and finding a way to reduce or stop this immune response, which includes inflammation, may be key to stopping MS in its tracks. The immune system has its own mechanisms for reducing inflammation, one of which is regulated by an immune cell type called B cells. Dr. Dittel and her team are looking at how certain B cells, called regulartory B cells (“Bregs”), communicate with another type of immune cell called regulatory T cells (“Tregs”), which have been shown to be essential for turning off immune attacks in MS.

“This Society funding will provide support for our long running project investigating the role of B lymphocytes in attenuating disease severity in MS and will be used in part to move our research into the study of regulatory B cells in humans,” Dittel said.

Restore What’s Been LostIan Duncan, BVMS, PhD, FRSE, of the University

of Wisconsin-Madison received a $693,682 grant to explore factors controlling myelin repair and ways to non-invasively detect and enhance that repair.

Myelin is the nerve-insulating coating that promotes nerve signaling in the brain and spinal cord. It is damaged in MS and often the body’s natural repair processes cannot keep up, leaving nerve fibers vulnerable and unable to send signals properly. One possible way of protecting nerves from destruction in MS is to facilitate myelin repair.

Dr. Duncan and his team are studying myelin damage and repair in a model that provides opportunities to study myelin at many stages of damage and recovery. The team is studying sources of repair cells in the brain, the timing of their activity and the ability of restored myelin to protect against nerve loss. They are examining repair in the optic nerve and also the spinal cord to see what may account for differences between the two. The team is also using advanced MRI technology to see changes in myelin non-invasively with an eye toward developing standard ways of examining myelin repair in people with MS.

“We’re trying to explore the cellular and molecular aspects of myelin loss and repair,” Duncan said. “And using MRI, confirm the imaging correlate of myelin breakdown, remyelination and axon loss.” n

New Research AwardsThe Society is the driving force for multiple sclerosis research

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BONNIE DITTELPhD

IAN DUNCANBVMS, PhD, FRSE

Thank You, 2015 SponsorsEvent sponsors partner with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, allowingmore funds to go toward the critical research, programs and services thatmake a difference in the lives of people affected by MS.

Wisconsin2015

CHICAGO REGIONAL COUNCIL OF CARPENTERS

CHICAGO REGIONAL COUNCIL OF CARPENTERS

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Cleary-KummFoundation

Presented by your Milwaukee- and Madison-areaTOYOTA dealers: Andrew, Don Jacobs,

East Madison, Heiser, Hesser, Jack Safro, Kenosha, Racine, Ruda, Russ Darrow, Smart, Wilde

Door County2015

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He expects that everyone does something unique,” Hess explained.

The store in Waukesha lent its support to the Wisconsin Chapter with a giveback night for Walk MS: Waukesha last year, forming a team to participate in the event and making sure Texas Roadhouse mascot Andy the Armadillo was there to cheer on the walkers. This year the location again formed a team and hosted another giveback night. When Hess learned about it, he spearheaded a wider effort across all the locations in the state.

“MS affects a lot of people, but you don’t hear much about it,” Hess said of wanting to support the cause, adding that his mom, aunt and sister were all diagnosed with MS during the past 15 years. “It’s a cause that’s near and dear to me.”

Restaurants don’t need to have personal connections to the disease, although given the high prevalence rate of MS in Wisconsin, chances are a number of their customers are affected by the disease even if their employees aren’t.

Everyone has to eat, right? So why not put a meal or two toward a good cause while

patronizing a local business willing to lend their support? That’s the theory behind restaurant giveback programs, in which a portion of a store’s sales on a given date are donated to a charity, school or other civic organization – and it’s one that raised thousands of dollars in Wisconsin for multiple sclerosis in 2015.

Take September, for example, when six restaurants – Benvenuto’s Italian Grill, Buffalo Wild Wings, California Pizza Kitchen, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, Rocky Rococo Pizza and Pasta, and Texas Roadhouse – held giveback events benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Wisconsin Chapter. More than $3,200 was raised.

Each location did something different. Most donated between 10 and 20 percent of their sales for a given day at one or more of their locations. Some also held raffles, sold paper Pin Ups or donated gift cards and discount coupons to be sold.

A Personal ConnectionTexas Roadhouse is a prime example. In September, a coordinated giveback opportunity was arranged at all 13 of their Wisconsin locations and surpassed expectations by raising $1,600.

Dave Hess, Texas Roadhouse market partner for Wisconsin and an 18-year employee with the steakhouse leader, coordinated the opportunity in which all locations donated 10 percent of sales

on two nights to customers requesting it. Some of the locations rounded out the totals by donating extra money, as well.

“Every Texas Roadhouse store is its own entity, but our founder has always lived by the philosophy of giving back to the community.

Fundraising for FoodiesRestaurant programs provide an easy–and tasty–way to give support

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Texas Roadhouse employees – as well as the restaurant’s mascot – have helped support Walk MS and the National MS Society on numerous occasions.

“ . . . our founder has always lived by the philosophy of giving back to the community.”

– Dave Hess

“A giveback program probably is not a way to build your business but, in my opinion, it’s fundamental,” Hess said. “It teaches a good value lesson to employees.”

Coordination is Easy Most often, restaurant giveback events are coordinated by residents in the same community. In Madison, Jim Turk and Autumn Neugent, members of the Walk MS: Madison planning committee, worked to set up giveback events at Texas Roadhouse and Benvenuto’s Italian Grill. The money raised was credited toward the Madison walk’s grand fundraising total for the year.

“At Texas Roadhouse, the manager let us greet people as they came in. If they looked like they wanted to interact, we suggested that they tell the server that they wanted a percentage of the food bill to go to the MS Society,” Turk explained. “Some people even went so far as to give additional donations on the way out.

“I always have a lot of fun getting the chance to talk to people about the disease and the good things that the MS Society does,” he added. “If I can do it in the context of a fundraiser – that’s even better.”

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It’s a sentiment echoed by giveback night participant Suzanne Diercks, who ate at Buffalo Wild Wings and Texas Roadhouse near her Waukesha County home.

“It’s always a treat to get to go out to dinner, and it’s like icing on the cake to eat and support the MS Society at the same time!” said Diercks, who has relapsing-remitting MS.

“I love knowing that I live in a community where the restaurant owners are so very generous in their giving to, and their support of, the MS Movement,” Diercks added. “These restaurant owners don’t even know me and yet, when they support the MS Movement, they’re helping me to be able to live a better life. But not only me – their support is helping every individual, and family, that’s dealing with the effects of living with MS.”

According to the National Restaurant Association, 94% of America’s restaurant operators make charitable donations. To learn more about restaurant giveback programs in Wisconsin, visit wisMSdiy.org, hover over “Wisconsin” and select “Restaurant Give-Back Program” to find a list of known programs, or work with the manager of your favorite local restaurant to establish one. Contact Kristin Raeber at kristin.raeber@nmss.org or 262-369-4436 with questions. n

“ Their support is helping every individual, and family, that’s dealing with the effects of living with MS.”

– Suzanne Diercks

Six restaurants held giveback

events for the National MS

Society-Wisconsin Chapter in

September, raising more than $3,200. Learn more about setting

up a giveback night of your

own by calling 262-369-4436.

THANK YOU!

“ I love knowing that I live in a community where the restaurant owners are so generous in their giving . . . ”

– Suzanne Diercks

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Scholarship Program The National MS Society is dedicated to helping individuals impacted by MS achieve their goal of attending college. This is why the Society established a scholarship program. The program has expanded substantially since its inception in 2003. In 2015, more than $1 million was awarded to 834 recipients nationwide, including 37 in Wisconsin. The application period for the 2016 scholarship program is open until January 15, 2016. In order to be eligible, applicants must be current high school seniors, high school graduate (including students who have earned their GED certificate), or undergraduate students of any age who have MS or have a parent with MS and will be attending, or are already attending, an accredited postsecondary school working toward their first undergraduate degree. Visit NationalMSSociety.org/scholarship to learn more about the scholarship program and to apply.

How We Move ItWisconsin Chapter News and Notes

Oshkosh Corporation Donation Oshkosh Corporation donated $10,000 to the National MS Society in September. Money for the donation came from an annual company award to the work team that submits the best idea for a continuous improvement project. McClure suggested the donation be made to the Society in honor of her best friend, Sindy Oakley, who was diagnosed with MS in 2013. “I was very proud to call Sindy and tell her we won,” McClure said. “That we could give that much money was huge. You don’t hear of many companies that can take it to such a personal level and allow you to choose something that means a lot to you.” McClure and Oakley were part of Walk MS: De Pere in April. With the $10,000 award and other company donations, a total of $12,500 was given to the Society.

AUTOS-4-MS Help drive MS away -donate your vehicle today!

For answers to all your questions and to start the donation process, please visit www.AUTOS4MS.org

or call our office at 1-877-672-8864.

When you donate your car, truck, motorcycle, boat or trailer to the National MS Society, you can feel good knowing 100% of the proceeds go directly

toward benefiting people with MS. Proceeds fund vital research into the cause, cure and

treatment of MS as well as programs and services for people living with MS.

Your vehicle donation is tax deductible. Refer to your tax professional for specific details.

In September, employees of Oshkosh Corporation presented a check for $10,000 to the National MS Society. Shown left to right, Brett Gloudeman, maintenance manager; Tyler Semrow, welding; Aimeè McClure, senior principal environmental engineer; and Colleen G. Kalt, National MS Society-Wisconsin Chapter president and CEO. Not shown, Art Lyman, team coordinator II, and Suzanne Murawski, defense senior environmental manager.

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Dan Erschen was filmed at his workout facility in Waukesha for a new video produced by the National MS Society.

New Self-Help Group for CouplesThere is a new self-help group for couples taking place in Milwaukee. This group meets the third Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at Wheaton Franciscan (3237 S. 16th St.), 8th floor auditorium. Visit wisMS.org, and click on “Groups and Discussions” for a full list of self-help groups in Wisconsin. Contact Tarin Lorenz at 262-369-4415 for more information.

No Opportunity Wasted Wisconsin resident Dan Erschen and the workout facility he has set up for others living with MS were featured in a new video produced by the National MS Society and highlights the impact the five-year No Opportunity Wasted fundraising campaign has had. Erschen, diagnosed with MS in 2000, went from not being able to walk to competing in three Ironman competitions. He attributes that accomplishment to exercise, and promotes physical activity and wellness to others as a way of living ones best life with MS. You can see the video online at bit.ly/NOWimpactvideo2015.

Volunteers are critical to the success of the MS Movement. In 2015, more than 2,300 volunteers gave their time, energy and talents at Wisconsin Chapter fundraising events and programs, in the Chapter office or by serving on volunteer committees. Visit wisMS.org and click “Volunteer” to learn more about opportunities to get involved throughout the year.

Making a Difference Through Volunteering

Thank you, volunteers!

Don’t miss the ride or the camaraderie of nearly 200 snowmobile enthusiasts at the MS Snowmobile Tour.

This winter escape is an all-inclusive fundraising event taking place January 28-30, 2016, and headquartered at the Potawatomi Carter Casino and Hotel in Carter, Wisconsin.

The experience includes:

• Guided rides on groomed trails• On-site mechanical support• Three-nights lodging • Free registration for first-time participants

(use code MSSTrookie2016)• Meals at the resort and along the route• Free bandana and hat• And more!

Participants pay a $45 registration fee and agree to raise a minimum of $650 – money that funds MS-related research. Snowmobiles and gear are also available for rental at several area businesses. Nearly $7.3 million has been raised throughout the event’s 33-year history. n

Sign up at MSsnowmobiletour.org or 262-369-4400.

Winter EscapeSnowmobilers will gather up north for MS Snowmobile Tour

MS Connection | 18

Snowmobile rentals are available.

2016

WIN a Green Bay

Packers Sled!Enter to win a PACKERS-

THEMED SKI-DOO 600 SPORT, cash prizes and more with the MS Snowmobile Tour raffle,

conducted by the Tour’s Volunteer Committee. Tickets are $10 each

or three for $20.

A Fun Ride A Great Cause

For more information, email

MSsnowtourraffle@gmail.com.

MS Connection | 19

MS CONNECTION IS A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY-WISCONSIN CHAPTER.

National MS Society-Wisconsin Chapter1120 James Dr., Ste. A, Hartland, WI 53029

262-369-4400 | 800-242-3358 TOLL FREE

wisMS.org@

n Editor: Amanda Gasper Krueger n Contributing Editor: Maureen Waslickin Graphic Design and Production:

Joan Hartin and Amy Malo

To comment or share a story idea, call 262-369-7173 or email amanda.gasper@nmss.org.

Get ConnectedThe National Multiple Sclerosis Society helps each person address the challenges of living with MS through a variety of resources and support options. For more information on topics such as being newly diagnosed, treatment options and employment issues, visit nationalMSsociety.org.

n Sign up to receive National MS Society emails at nationalMSsociety.org/signup.

n Join the MSconnection.org community, a place for people living with MS to learn, share and connect with others impacted by MS.

n Talk to an MS Navigator – experts in helping you find MS information and resources – by calling 800-344-4867, Option 2, 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. CST Monday through Friday.

MS Specialty Clinics in Wisconsin Quality MS care is offered at several clinics throughout Wisconsin. Some of these clinics have taken additional steps focusing on neurology, rehabilitation, mental health and/or comprehensive care specific to MS.(*)

CENTERS FOR COMPREHENSIVE MS CARE*Green Bay: Aurora Medical Group MS Clinic 920-288-8020La Crosse: Gundersen Lutheran MS Clinic 608-775-9000Madison: Dean St. Mary’s MS Clinic 608-260-3425 UW Hospital and Clinics MS Clinic 608-262-0546Marshfield: Marshfield Clinic MS Clinic 715-387-5350Waukesha: ProHealth Care MS Clinic 262-928-8668

PARTNERS IN MS CARE*Milwaukee: Columbia St. Mary’s MS Clinic 414-291-1771 CLINICSMilwaukee: Aurora Advanced Healthcare (Not currently accepting new patients) Center for Neurological Disorders 414-769-4040Marinette: Aurora Marinette Menominee Clinic 715-735-7421Neenah: Neuroscience Group 920-725-9373Summit: Aurora Wilkinson Medical Clinic 262-434-5000

CHAPTER CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS

2016

MS SNOWMOBILE TOUR

January 28-30

MS SUMMIT March 12

Wisconsin2015

APRIL, MAY, SEPTEMBERSee page 6 for

all dates.

BIKE MS: TOYOTA BEST DAM BIKE TOUR

August 6-7

Door County2016

CHALLENGE WALK MS

September 16-18

®

1120 James Drive Suite A Hartland, WI 53029

www.wisMS.orgToll Free 1-800-242-3358262-369-4400

A Publication of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society-Wisconsin Chapter

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDMADISON, WI

PERMIT NO. 1252

ACCELERATED RESEARCH BREAKTHROUGHS

Change Lives andEND MS FOREVER

nationalMSsociety.org | 1-800-344-4867

The Society is rapidly approaching the successful completion of the NOW Campaign, and every gift made before December 31st will be vital to reaching that goal.

Visit wisMS.org or call 262-369-4400 to make your year-end gift a part of a life-changing legacy.

Together, we are changing the pace of MS research progress and accelerating life-changing impact for everyone living with MS.

Tremendous progress has been made through $900 million in research investments since our founding, including $250 million alone through the No Opportunity Wasted (NOW) Campaign over the last five years:

• The MS treatment pipeline has significantly expanded – there are now more potential treatments in trials than any other time in history and several new approved treatment options available.

• The promise of myelin repair is now reality – several potential myelin repair treatments have recently entered trials.

• Our understanding of the causes of MS has advanced – nearly 200 genetic variants have been identified and several risk factors confirmed.