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MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS | SPRING 2011 INSIDE THIS ISSUE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA & NEVADA CHAPTER Research PAGE 4 Programs PAGE 10 Special Events PAGE 12 Golden Circle PAGE 20 Walk MS is our rallying point, a time and a place for us to stand together and to be together—to help generate much-needed MS awareness and funds to support critical MS research and provide programs and services for the more than 130,000 Southern and Central Californians and Nevadans impacted by MS. “We are a community—a group of people coming together, supporting each other, making a difference in the lives of others. Please get involved with Walk MS because you have the power to help people living with MS. I walk to raise money for people like myself, to fund cutting-edge research and to find new ways to treat and manage symptoms.” —Kristina (front left), diagnosed in 2008, captain of team IBS “I Believe in a Solution.” Kristina is a member of our Top 400 fundraising club for raising $5,605 last year. “Everyone wants to do something to help those of us who have MS. Walk MS provides that chance to help. The best thing you can do is ASK. Ask people to get involved to join your team and to raise money to fund the cure.” —Michael, diagnosed in 2004, captain of Team JiggyWiggits. The JiggyWiggits had 99 team members last year and earned Elite Team status by raising nearly $30,000. JOIN THE WALK MS MOVEMENT CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
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Page 1: MS Connection, spring 2011

MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS | SPRING • 2011

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA & NEVADA CHAPTER

Research PAGE 4

Programs PAGE 10

Special Events PAGE 12

Golden Circle PAGE 20

Walk MS is our rallying point, a time and a place for us to stand together and to be together—to help generate much-needed MS awareness and funds to support critical MS research and provide programs and services for the more than 130,000 Southern and Central Californians and Nevadans impacted by MS.

“We are a community—a group of people coming together, supporting each other, making a difference in the lives of others. Please get involved with Walk MS because you have the power to help people living with MS. I walk to raise money for people like myself, to fund cutting-edge research and to find new ways to treat and manage symptoms.”

—Kristina (front left), diagnosed in 2008, captain of team IBS “I Believe in a Solution.” Kristina is a member of our Top 400 fundraising club for raising $5,605 last year.

“Everyone wants to do something to help those of us who have MS. Walk MS provides that chance to help. The best thing you can do is ASK. Ask people to get involved to join your team and to raise money to fund the cure.”

—Michael, diagnosed in 2004, captain of Team JiggyWiggits. The JiggyWiggits had 99 team members last year and earned Elite Team status by raising nearly $30,000.

JOIN THE WALK MS MOVEMENT

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Page 2: MS Connection, spring 2011

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCEA Helping Hand When It’s Needed Most

We offer Direct Financial Assistance to people with MS and their families to help access needed services that are not available using other resources or insurance. The program is based on financial need and offers funding for the following services:

MEDICAL CAREMS Physician Consult program: Funding for one-time consult with an MS specialty neurologist. Must have limited geographic and/or insurance resources.

Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy: In-home evaluation and five to six follow-up visits for a person who cannot leave home.

Individual counseling/telecounseling sessions: 6–10 visits per year with a licensed therapist who is experienced in MS.

SUPPORT SERVICESSherak Emergency Fund: Funding for unexpected one-time situations (food, rent, utilities). Official documentation demonstrating proof of emergency is required. Limit: up to $300 within an 18-month period.

Durable Medical Equipment: Share of cost for durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, hand rails, etc.). Limit: up to $400/year.

Rhoda Goetz Home Assistance Fund: Provided through a licensed home care agency for a person experiencing an exacerbation or post-hospital visit who does not have a caregiver. Limit: Up to 100 hours per year in combination with Grisanti Respite Fund if needed.

Rhoda Goetz Personal Care Fund:Beauty/Wellness• : A fund to assist individuals who face barriers to maintaining healthy personal hygiene and care. Gain access to services such as hair, skin and nail care. Limit up to $200/year.Chore Service Program• : Assistance for house cleaning service. Limit: up to $300/year.

SUPPORT FOR FAMILY MEMBERSGrisanti Respite Fund: Provided through a licensed home care agency for the family member who is a full-time care partner and needs time off. Limit: up to 100 hours/year in combination with Rhoda Goetz Home Assistance Fund if needed.

Supporting the Family: A fund to take care of special out-of-the ordinary family needs (i.e. school pictures, sports uniforms, etc.) Limit: up to $300/year.

Checks are made out and sent directly to the vendor. For more information, call 800.344.4867 or 310.479.4456.

800.344.4867PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY Southern California & Nevada Chapter

Chairman • Paul M. Mahoney, Esq.

Chapter President • Leon LeBuffe, Ph.D.

Newsletter Editor • Marni Deckter

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. National MS Society medical advisors recommend that people with MS talk with their health care professional about using one of these medications and about strategies and effective treatments to manage symptoms. If you or someone you know has MS, please contact the Society today at nationalMSsociety.org or 800.344.4867 to learn about ways to help manage MS and about current research that may one day reveal a cure.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The NMSS assumes no liability for the use of contents of any product or service mentioned. Information provided by the NMSS is based upon professional advice, published, experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The NMSS recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician.

We mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS.

© 2011 NMSS Southern California & Nevada Chapter; Published Quarterly — Spring 2011

Page 3: MS Connection, spring 2011

Dear Friends,

Our new awareness campaign asks the question, “What does MS = to you?” To me, MS equals incredible individuals.

Multiple sclerosis is certainly not an easy disease. For the health care professional, it is not an easy disease to diagnose or to treat. For the

person who is diagnosed, it is not easy to cope with the unpredictability and the challenges the disease can present. For the researcher, MS is not an easy disease to cure. For the family, MS is not an easy disease to accept into day-to-day life. Yet, time and again I see how people impacted by MS rise to the challenge and face this disease head-on.

I’ve seen how researchers from around the globe accepted the Promise 2010 challenge to bring neuro-repair from the lab bench to the bedside in five years. While some may have deemed this timeline impossible, the Nervous System Repair and Protection Initiative has yielded impressive results: it jump-started the field, trained scores of promising young investigators, produced over 150 research papers, and leveraged millions of dollars in new funding (more on page 5).

I’m impressed by the people with MS who take on a challenge—whether it’s Johnice from the MS Achievers at UCLA who stands up out of her wheelchair to walk just a few steps across the Walk MS finish line or Colleen Brown who has walked 450 miles closer toward a cure (see page 15).

I’m moved by the Kenrose Kitchen Table Foundation and Kaufer family, who despite losing a loved one with MS, have not given up hope for a cure for future

generations, and by the Tuffli family who gives so generously to hasten better treatments now for their beloved family member who has MS (see page 23). I am also moved by the support of foundations, such as the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and Change a Life Foundation (see page 23), whose gifts are making remarkable improvements in the quality of life for individuals with MS.

Our greater MS community is built with extraordinary individuals, which is why to me, MS also equals hope.

Sincerely, Leon LeBuffe

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 3

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

2nd annual Dinner of Champions: Inland Empire honoring Dr. Richard Shubin for being a leader in MS care in the Inland Empire Sunday, June 12 Red Hill Country Club, Rancho Cucamonga

5th annual Dinner of Champions: Reno honoring Senator Bill Raggio, the longest-serving state senator in Nevada history Thursday, June 9 John Ascuaga’s Nugget Rose Ballroom

37th annual Dinner of Champions Save the date: Monday, September 12 Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel, Los Angeles

Page 4: MS Connection, spring 2011

RESEARCH

4 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

RESEARCH NExT STEPS

The turn of the year saw MS researchers assessing their progress in a number of areas. A think tank on progressive MS brought together MS investigators, research funding agencies and industry representatives. And, in January, Dr. Timothy Coetzee, chief research officer of the Society, moderated a panel of MS researchers in a live webcast, “Repairing the Nervous System in MS: Progress and Next Steps.”

How does MS progress?

At the think tank, which was hosted by the Society and its drug development entity Fast Forward last December in Boston, Society President and CEO Joyce Nelson pointed out that progressive MS is the centerpiece of the Society’s Strategic Response for the next five years, with a focus on:

• Researching what leads to disease progression,

• Finding ways to repair damage to the nervous system,

• Accelerating the development of new therapies.

Better identification faster

Finding ways to more quickly identify progressive MS based on biology rather than on symptoms would mean therapies could be tested earlier in the course of the disease and possibly protect the nervous system from injury.

Some evidence indicates that nerve degeneration occurs independently of inflammatory events, but there is other evidence that degeneration stops when inflammation subsides. Therefore, more research is needed to understand the cause of underlying nerve damage in progressive MS and to identify new targets for therapies. Participants also discussed the need for biomarkers—“footprints” that could help identify or predict MS progression. Think tank participants reported that steady progress is being made in finding noninvasive ways of detecting nervous system damage and whether protection or repair are taking place.

Additional issues

The participants discussed other important issues, as well. Many clinical trials do not run long enough to make clear whether there is an effect against slow progression. The traditional measurement of disability progression, the EDSS scale, is not sensitive to subtle change, which poses a problem in monitoring progressive MS.

And, some previous trials used a mixed population of people with primary progressive MS and secondary progressive MS. Since it’s not clear that all types of progressive MS would

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RESEARCH

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 5

respond the same way, mixing participants may be one reason that some past trials were not successful.

For a complete wrap-up of the meeting and a webcast featuring a panel of several participants, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/thinktank.

Repairing the nervous system

On January 11, Dr. Coetzee, chief research officer of the National MS Society, was joined by Drs. Peter Calabresi, Ian D. Duncan, Charles ffrench-Constant and Gavin Giovannoni for the webcast, “Repairing the Nervous System in MS: Progress and Next Steps.” The four researchers recently served as leaders of four international teams in the National MS Society’s Nervous System Repair and Protection Initiative, funded through the Promise: 2010 campaign.

The investigators discussed research on the ways that nerve fibers, or axons, and their protective myelin coatings are damaged. Certain drugs the experts have studied seem to prevent nerve cells from dying in an animal model. Since some of these drugs are commercially available right now for other diseases, they are good candidates for future clinical trials.

New drugs emerging

The researchers also talked about repairing the nervous system by stimulating the body’s own repair cells to be more active or by trying several types of stem cells to repair myelin. Part of the conversation included how newer approved treatments may help in the battle to protect the nervous system in people with MS.

“For the first time we’re really starting to see the emergence of very, very effective drugs for treating inflammation,” Dr. Giovannoni said,

noting that these therapies might also help to stave off nervous system damage and allow natural repair processes to work, although this has not yet been proven. “We’ve seen people who have highly active disease going on these drugs and improving,” he said.

For a full report or to read a transcript of the webcast, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/webcasts.

Part of the conversation included how newer approved

treatments may help in the battle to protect the nervous

system in people with MS.

FUNDING MS RESEARCH TELECONFERENCE

Tuesday, March 22 6:00 - 7:15 pm At-home, toll-free teleconference

The National MS Society is a driving force of MS research, supporting and stimulating world-class research into ways to prevent, better treat, and cure MS. Learn from the Society’s Vice President of Biomedical Research, Dr. Patricia O’Looney, about how far we’ve come and where we’re headed.

Register online at nationalMSsociety.org/CALcalendar or call 800.344.4867. Once you register you will receive the toll-free, dial-in number.

Page 6: MS Connection, spring 2011

RESEARCH

6 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

GENES & GENDER In a University of Oxford study tracing MS in 1,055 families, investigators suggested that a gene long known to have association to MS susceptibility (HLA-DRB1*15) may be more likely to be found in women with the disease than men, and that women with this gene variation may be more likely to transmit it to other women in their families than to men. If confirmed by other investigators, the findings might help explain why women are more likely than men to develop MS, and reinforce the idea that factors other than genes, such as the environment, influence whether a person develops MS. The study was supported by the MS Society of Canada and the MS Society of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

VITAMIN D In a comprehensive study undertaken in Australia, called the Ausimmune Study, researchers noted higher levels of sun exposure and higher blood levels of vitamin D were both associated with decreased risk of having a first demyelinating event that can be the first indicator of MS.

The findings provide additional support for previous suggestions that sun exposure and vitamin D may help protect against developing MS. It remains to be seen whether safe and effective strategies can be developed that utilize this potential protection without the risks involved in overexposure to the sun or overdoses of vitamin D supplements, and whether these findings have relevance for individuals who already have MS.

Studies are underway to address those questions. For example, the Society is funding two clinical trials of vitamin D. Christopher Eckstein, MD (The Johns Hopkins Hospital) and colleagues are testing the impact of different formulas and doses of vitamin D and how it alters the immune system in people who have MS. Ellen Mowry, MD (UC San Francisco), has just been funded to launch a multi-center, double-blind clinical trial to determine whether high-dose vitamin D added to glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) reduces the frequency of relapses of MS.

The Ausimmune Study was supported by the National MS Society, the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, the ANZ William Buckland Foundation, and MS Research Australia.

We all have hundreds of things on our plates— work deadlines, soccer practices, school functions, and appointments. Technology and automated payments have helped make our lives easier and greener. The 1946 Society takes this same concept and applies it to charitable giving.

Named for the year the National MS Society was founded, the 1946 Society makes charitable giving easy and green. It takes just 5 minutes to sign up online for a 1-year membership and each month $19.46 (or any

amount ending in 9.46, i.e. $29.46, $59.46, $149.46, etc.) will be deducted from your credit card or checking account.

When you become a member of the 1946 Society, we’ll send you a Society tote bag to thank you for making this important step toward a world free of MS. Sign up today at nationalmssociety.org/cal1946Society. Click on “Join Now” and complete the membership form. Or call Jasmine Tsai at 310.479.4456 ext. 106 to make a gift by phone.

MS SUSCEPTIbILITy RESEARCH

GIVING MADE GREEN & EASy

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TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 7

AWARENESS

RAISE YOUR VOICES MARCH 14 - 20, 2011

What does MS mean to you? The National MS Society will launch the new “MS=” campaign during MS Awareness Week. Think about what MS “equals” or means to you, and share your story to help raise MS awareness in your community and beyond.

Ways to Join the Movement

Starting on March 12, visit our Chapter Website • at nationalMSsociety.org/cal or facebook page at facebook.com/MSsoutherncal to share what MS equals to you.

Spread the word with digital downloads. Visit • nationalMSsociety.org/MSequals. Use one of the MS badges as your profile picture on facebook, MySpace and more. Download and post a web banner on your site; and, forward to everyone you know who has a website and ask them to post it during MS Awareness Week. Remember to have the URL click back to www.nationalMSsociety.org/cal.

Register a team for Walk MS, Bike MS or • Challenge Walk MS.

Join an MS Awareness Week event in your • neighborhood. Find fun activities, educational programs and fundraisers at nationalMSsociety.org/cal.

Send a letter to the editor of your local • newspaper about what MS equals to you.

Ask a local business to support MS Awareness • Week. The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino will turn their fountain orange for the month of March, and all the coins tossed in the fountain will be donated to Chapter.

Be creative...the ideas are endless! And please share your ideas with us so that we may spread the word. Call 800.344.4867 with questions or for more information.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AWARENESS WEEK

=

MAy 25 IS WORLD MS DAyMore than two million people in the world live with MS. To raise awareness of the global scope of the disease, and to strengthen the worldwide network of people living with MS, the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation started World MS Day two years ago. More than 200 events in 60-plus countries will address this year’s theme of employment and access to appropriate work. Take a survey about work or sign a petition urging leaders and employers to protect the rights of people with MS to work at www.worldMSday.org.

Fotini, diagnosed in 2007

Page 8: MS Connection, spring 2011

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ADVOCACyFOUNDATIONS

The Chapter is grateful to its foundation and corporate supporters for a total of $230,374 in grant awards received October 1—December 31, 2010.

$65,000 from • The Green Foundation for the Improving MS-Related Care Initiative

$50,000 from the • Hurlbut-Johnson Charitable Trusts, a donor-advised fund of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, for The Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement Center at UCLA

$25,000 from the • Smidt Family Foundation for local programs and services in the Channel Islands Region

$25,000 from the • Wood-Claeyssens Foundation for the Better Living Program in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties

$11,300 from the • Friends of the National MS Society for general operating support for the Reno Regional Office

$10,000 from • Catholic Healthcare West for the Access to MS-Related Preventative Care Initiative in Kern County

$10,000 from the • Kenneth T. & Eileen L. Norris Foundation for the Eric Small Centers for Optimal Living with MS

$8,600 from • Biogen Idec for an MS education program

$7,500 from the • Conrad N. Hilton Foundation for The Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement Center at UCLA

$5,000 from the • Carl W. Johnson Foundation for Teen MS Camp

$5,000 from the • Swift Memorial Healthcare Foundation for the Telemedicine Pilot Project in Ventura County

$4,464 from • The Outhwaite Foundation for technology upgrades for the Channel Islands Regional Office

$2,500 from • Chevron for MS Service Day in Kern County (see below)

$1,000 from the • Carl E. Wynn Foundation for the Eric Small Centers for Optimal Living with MS.

STALWART SUPPORTERS

Chapter staff members Christine Grontkowski and Kim Kotrla receive a check from Chevron’s Adam Alvidrez to support MS Service Day 2011.

MS Service Day What a difference a day makes!

On March 19, volunteers from our Chapter and Chevron will divide into teams and complete projects for or provide friendly visitation to people living with MS in Kern County.

Some of the projects volunteers can assist with include yard work, painting, moving furniture, handyman chores, running errands OR Just visiting in your home, assisted living or nursing home.

To request an application, volunteer to help, or receive more information, please call 661.321.9512.

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ADVOCACy

We are extremely proud to partner with Change A Life Foundation, a thoughtful and caring funder—one that invests its grants in organizations and their clients as a financial bridge of hope and humanity for those who need assistance and have nowhere else to turn. In the past 10 years, the Foundation has made 81 grants totaling more than $500,000 for the special needs of individuals with MS and 15 organizational grants totaling over $125,000 to support services that improve levels of independence, mobility and self sufficiency, and enhance quality of life.

Here are just a few examples of how these grants have had life-changing impact. The circumstances of the following three people were so unique that no other organization would even consider funding their special needs.

Ari P. is a man in his mid-40’s with severe tremors. Ari wasn’t able to hold a cup or fork, tie his shoes or button his shirt. He tried every drug available to alleviate the tremors, but none worked. Change A Life Foundation helped to fund deep brain stimulation surgery for Ari. This type of surgery was considered experimental for patients with MS and was not covered by any insurance. Within weeks of the surgery, Ari could feed and dress himself. This was a life-altering event for Ari and his mother.

Ronnie M. lived on a boat his whole life, even when he was raising his four children. He was not “an apartment kind of guy.” With a wheelchair, it became extremely difficult to get in and out of the boat, its galley, and head. Change A Life Foundation said, “Submit a bid for a boat remodel and let’s see if it will actually work.” And work it did—Ronnie’s boat was modified for wheelchair accessibility, and he was able to live on it for many more years.

Brad A. had primary progressive MS, and was a quadriplegic by age 45. Brad lost all independent function and was placed in a nursing home. Always cheerful and with a smile on his face, he operated

his computer with a mouth stick and emailed jokes to friends all over the world. Brad was hospitalized for a time with pneumonia and when it came time for him to return to his specially-designed room at the home, the facility would not take him back due to the level of care he required. No other nursing home in the region would take him either. Chapter staff worked diligently with Brad’s sister in St. Louis to secure a place for him there that had MS-specialty care and was located near his family, but the question became how to transport Brad to St Louis. Change a Life Foundation stepped in and made a grant to pay for Brad’s transportation and for Brad’s sister’s travel so she could accompany him to his new home.

Change A Life Foundation’s organizational grants over the past decade have also provided last resort dollars for a range of needs that directly benefitted people with MS. These grants helped to subsidize services such as crisis counseling and physical and occupational therapies when insurance fell short, and scholarships for individuals to attend the Chapter’s Family Retreat Weekend programs and MS Mountain Getaway programs. A number of awards supported The Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement Center at UCLA, including grants toward critical Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) renovation projects, for fitness and yoga equipment, and scholarship grants to allow participants to attend the REACH to Achieve day program and the Living Well with MS twelve-week program. Other equipment grants funded the purchase of pool lifts for adaptive aquatics programs in the community, and yoga and physical therapy equipment for the day program held at The Eric Small Center for Optimal Living with MS, located at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center.

We look forward to continuing this meaningful partnership long into the future and to changing many more lives, one at a time.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

CHANGING LIVES ONE by ONE

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ADVOCACyPROGRAMS

Caring for a loved one with MS can be deeply satisfying, but being a carepartner can also be physically and emotionally exhausting. Whether you are a partner or spouse, child, parent, or friend, remember that paying attention to your own health and well-being is essential to being able to care for someone else.

CAREGIVER SuPPORT GROuPSTalking and sharing with others can alleviate some of the stress and isolation that caregivers often feel. Connect with others with similar experiences, share resources, and receive information that can help you support your loved one with MS.

Telephone Support Group Caregiver and caregiver coach Jon Strum facilitates this group via conference calls on Monday evenings, 5:30 – 7:00 pm. Call Mary Ann Holm at 800.344.4867 to receive the dial-in information.

Bakersfield Caregiver Support Group Meets the last Saturday of each month. Call Kim Kotrla at 661.321.9512 for details.

EDuCATIONAL PROGRAMSThe Caregiver Workshops These workshops are designed to provide family caregivers with ideas, techniques and resources designed to enhance their well-being and to avoid feeling isolated, overwhelmed, drained, depressed and even physically and emotionally burned out.

Tuesday May 10 • 5:30 - 7:30 pm Valley Caregiver Resource Center 3845 N Clark St., Suite 201, Fresno, CA Call Laurie at 559.439.2154 to RSVP.

Thursday, May 12 • 6:30 - 8:00 pm National MS Society West LA office, 2440 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 115 Call Mary Ann Holm at 310.479.4456 to RSVP.

The Art of a Safe Transfer There is a science to lifting, and failure to learn the basics can lead to unnecessary and often severe injury. Caregiving is challenging enough in itself without adding physical risks! In this workshop, you will receive information on how to properly help your loved one transfer and learn the proper body mechanics during transfers, get up after a fall, or walk

with assistance when necessary.

Wednesday, May 4 6:00 - 8:00 pm University of California, Riverside 75080 Frank Sinatra Dr., B114-117, Palm Desert, CA

48 HR! CAREGIVER RETREAT March 15 - 17 in Encino, CA

48 Hr! Caregiver Retreats, sponsored by the Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center (LACRC), provide an opportunity to take a break from caregiving responsibilities while enjoying the company of other caregivers. Activities include relaxation and stress reduction, education and emotional support. Suggested donaton of $180 includes meals and overnight stay at the retreat center. Scholarships to attend are available.

Respite assistance from LACRC is available on a very limited, first-come, first-served basis. To register or for more information, please call 818.847.9141 ext. 108. The Chapter will pay for some additional respite time if needed for MS caregivers to attend. Call 800.344.4867 for more information.

CAREPARTNER SUPPORT

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ADVOCACyPROGRAMS

HAVE A qUESTION? Answers when you need them. Dial 1.800.344.4867. Some 200,000 callers a year dial this number. Regardless of why they call, they tap into a network linking them to the chapter of the National MS Society that is nearest to them (the phone company cleverly does this) and to a vast database of resources managed by our Information Resource Center (IRC).

If you should call after hours, you’ll be asked to leave a message. But if you have an emergency, call 911 right away—and plan to get in touch with us as soon as the immediate problem has been resolved.

Choose Spanish—or other languages as needed.

What happens when you dial 1.800.344.4867? You might be calling to find out about one of our educational programs, support groups, or Bike MS and Walk MS. You might want to volunteer. Or you might be calling for assistance—the co-pay on a wheelchair or ways to fund home modifications. You might need someone to talk to about the changes MS is making in your family life or you might need a referral to an MS savvy health care professional.

You’ll get help from an information and resource specialist. These professionals undergo comprehensive training to answer questions on just about anything you or your loved one might need to know about living with MS. The central database has links to national, state and local resources.

More than just the facts “The system is here to help people navigate the challenging waters of MS so they get what they need, when they need it,” said Nancy Law, the Society’s executive vice president of Programs and Services.

“Our mission includes emotional support,” added Lisa Custy, MSCIR, associate vice president of the IRC. “We don’t give information in a vacuum.” Chapter staff regularly update local and area resources. If you’ve discovered a resource that would be helpful to other people with MS, call us about it.

Sooner is usually better “The sooner people call us when there’s a problem, the more likely that it can be resolved,” Law added. “Waiting until things are dire—until an eviction notice is on the door—may make it harder. But whenever you call, please know the Society is here for you.”

yOGA WITH ERIC SMALL Diagnosed with MS more than 50 years ago, Eric Small, a certified Iyengar yoga instructor, is a vibrant testament to yoga’s power to cope with MS.

Yoga with Eric Small is a special video adapted for people with MS or other disabilities. With this 100-minute DVD, the viewer can move logically through a sequence of breathing, postures and guided relaxation. Options are provided for individuals who are ambulatory and non-ambulatory who have comfortable sitting balance and some upper body strength.

If you have never experienced yoga before, we strongly encourage you to consult a yoga professional to identify modifications to meet your special needs. If you have been a yoga participant, you may use this DVD to help continue your work at home.

Call 800.344.4867 to borrow a free copy from our lending library or to purchase a DVD for $15.

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ADVOCACySPECIAL EVENTS

THANK YOU to the hundreds of cyclists and volunteers who participated in the 2010 Bike MS Cox Charities Challenge Ride! We had an incredible weekend on November 13 & 14 and raised $137,000. Even strong headwinds, gusting to 40 mph at times, could not blow back our participants’ energy, enthusiasm and commitment to moving us closer toward a world free of MS.

Cyclists experienced a fully supported route and energetic rest stops decorated with a 1980’s theme since this was our 25th Anniversary! 80’s music, hairdos and costumes added to the fun. After lapping the track of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, cyclists headed north through the Valley of Fire State Park

to Mesquite, and back. The new Blackjack Club of top 21 fundraisers received special snacks, massages and goodies as thank you gifts for their outstanding fundraising efforts.

BIKE MS: VEGAS CHALLENGE NOVEMBER 12 & 13, 2011 www.bikeMSnevada.org

We hope you’ll join us for Bike MS on November 12 & 13, 2011. Mark your calendars. Registration will open in March. If you have any questions, please call 775.827.4257.

25TH COx CHARITIES CHALLENGE

Vegas Challenge

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ADVOCACySPECIAL EVENTS

Bike MS is back on October 1 & 2, 2011 in Ventura, and we have some exciting changes in store:

New name—• Bike MS 2011: Coastal Challenge

New distances—Day one you can choose to ride • one of three routes: 30, 65 (Metric Century) or 100 (Century) miles. Day two you can ride 35 or 60 miles.

New routes—the Coastal Challenge will take • you on some new roads as you travel north from Ventura visiting Casitas, Montecito, Carpinteria, Santa Barbara and Goleta.

Join us for Southern California’s premier cycling event. You’ll explore picturesque areas on your bike, and we will be with you every pedal stroke of the way. Enjoy delicious meals and strong support, with rest stops every 15 miles and SAG vehicles. A fantastic festival awaits you on Saturday afternoon with great food, music, a beer garden, massage tent and fun games.

Most importantly, you will not only get an unforgettable weekend, but a chance to make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. The money you raise will support education, advocacy,

research and local programs that enhance the quality of life for people with MS and their families.

Register today for the Bike MS: Coastal Challenge 2011. Visit bikeMSsocal.org or call 310.479.4456.

bIKE MS: COASTAL CHALLENGE

Coastal Challenge

In March of 2009, Phil Keoghan, the host of “The Amazing Race” and one of our most committed MS Ambassadors, cycled in a 40-day Ride Across America that covered over 3,500 miles. He raised $500,000 and unprecedented exposure for the Society. Phil took the footage from his daily videos and created “The Ride”—a documentary chronicling his journey.

On February 3rd, Phil debuted the world premiere of “The Ride” in Los Angeles. Thanks to Regal Cinemas’ generous support, all proceeds from ticket sales benefitted Bike MS.

“The Ride” is now available to download from Amazon. Visit www.noopportunitywasted.com for details.

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ADVOCACySPECIAL EVENTS

WALK MS“Fundraising can be a little hard, and a lot easy.”

—Seven-year-old Madison, team captain of Little Ladybugs, walks in honor of her mom Rebecca. Last year, Madison raised $751 by fundraising through facebook, recycling cans and bottles, asking teachers and friends for support, and hosting fundraisers at local restaurants.

Walk MS is a simple, but incredibly powerful way for you to share in the hope for the future. Participate, volunteer, donate and/or recruit others.

Join the Walk MS Movement. Register Today.

Sponsor SpotlightWells Fargo has sponsored Walk MS since 2005, raising much-needed funds and awareness for the MS cause. In addition to a cash sponsorship, hundreds of the bank’s employees participate annually in Walk MS as part of team Wells Fargo. Employees have raised $158,000 in the last six years. The Chapter gratefully acknowledges Wells Fargo for their title sponsorship of Walk MS in 2011 and continued support.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

SUNDAY 04.03.2011

Greater Los Angeles Pasadena Rose Bowl

SATURDAY 04.09.2011

Desert Cities Palm Desert Civic Center Park

Inland Empire Quakes Stadium

Las Vegas Town Square

Santa barbara Leadbetter Beach

SATURDAY 04.16.2011

big bear Alpine Pedal Path

Conejo Valley Westlake Village

San Luis Obispo Mission Plaza

SATURDAY 04.30.2011

Antelope Valley Lancaster Marketplace

Fresno Woodward Park

S.W. Riverside County Town Square Park, Murrieta

SATURDAY 05.07.2011

South Lake Tahoe Camp Richardson

SATURDAY 05.14.2011

Reno/Sparks Idlewild Park Terrace

SATURDAY 10.22.2011

bakersfield Yokuts Park

walkMSsocal.orgwalkMSnevada.org

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ADVOCACySPECIAL EVENTS

COLLEEN bROWN DARES yOU TO TAKE THE CHALLENGEChallenge Walk’s 2010 Most Inspirational Walker Colleen Brown has walked 450 miles for MS in the last decade.

Q: When were you diagnosed with MS and how did that affect you?

A: Coincidentally, I was diagnosed 10 years ago, in February 2001. That diagnosis served as a reality check for me. Once I got over the initial shock, I decided to make the most of each and every day.

Q: Why did you join the Challenge Walk and what was it like that first year?

A: I have always done other physical charity events. When I was diagnosed, I figured I should concentrate my efforts a little closer to home. That first year was life changing. I walked away—ok, I limped away—feeling like there was NOTHING I couldn’t do.

Q: How has the event changed over the past 10 years?

A: We used to sleep on gymnasium floors and shower in portable shower trucks. I was nearly brought to tears of joy at the end of the first day while soaking in the bath tub of my hotel room! In all seriousness, the event gets better each and every year.

Q: What’s your favorite part of Challenge Walk MS?

A: The thing that really stands out is the camaraderie. There’s something very special about being surrounded by an amazing group of people that are whole-heartedly dedicated to putting an end to this disease. I also look forward to meeting new people each year; learning their reason for participating inspires me. These people become

more than just friends; they become extended family members.

Q: Why should other people participate?

A: You honestly don’t know what you are capable of until you complete a Challenge Walk. It really is life changing.

Q: Anything else we should know?

A: I once challenged my team to raise $50,000. I told them if they raised that amount, I’d let them shave my head. They responded by raising almost $70,000 and they shaved my head on stage in front of our fellow Walkers. Yeah, life-changing all right.

September 23 - 25 Carlsbad to San Diego

Visit myMSchallenge.com or call 800.344.4867 to register today to walk or volunteer.

SouthernCalifornia 2011

10th Anniversary

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ADVOCACyVOLUNTEER EVENTS

Celebrities, professional tennis players and tennis enthusiasts joined together on November 13, 2010 for the 3rd annual Serve It up to End MS event, presented by Tracy Austin and John Austin and hosted by Ojakian Tennis. Guests at the Jack Kramer Club enjoyed junior and adult tennis clinics, the official Celebrity Pro-Am tournament, a fantastic cocktail party, silent and live auctions, and awards ceremony. The Tennis Channel covered the event and the day raised more than $40,000 for local programs and services.

Celebrity tennis players included Sendhil Ramamurthy, Alan Thicke, Cristian De La Fuente and Donna Mills, while Tracy Austin, Justin Gimelstob and Pam Shriver were among the tennis professionals playing. Wayne Bryan, father of the popular Bryan Brothers tennis duo, emceed the day’s festivities.

Many thanks to organizers Chris Ojakian and Iran Daniel, to hosts Tracy Austin and John Austin, and to the staff and members at the Jack Kramer Club for a fantastic event!

SERVE IT UP

MaryAnn Hermansen, Chris Ojakian, Alan Thicke and Donna Mills

Tracy Austin and Justin Gimelstob

GOLF FORE! MS Thank you to all of our volunteers and community partners who organize events to raise MS awareness and funds for a cure. Here are just two golf tournaments of the many upcoming events.

Desert Cities Golf for MS Sunday, March 20 Heritage Palms Golf Club, Indio, CA Cost: $130 single; $500 team, includes 18-holes of golf, snacks, drinks, golf cart and lunch.

To register, please call Morgan Moranda at 760.702.0402 or email [email protected]

Southern California biomedical Council 2011 Golf Classic Monday, June 20 Industry Hills Golf Club at Pacific Palms Visit socalbio.org or call Wendy at 714.557.5109 for more information.

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ADVOCACyVOLUNTEERS

We are very fortunate to have so many terrific volunteers contribute their time, expertise and talents. The following five individuals and companies received our highest awards in 2010.

Sheri Safan earned the Norm Cohn Hope Award—our highest award—for her many years of service and leadership. In 1997, Sheri’s vision and ideas gave birth to “Recipe for MS Research”—an exclusive event where all monies raised would help advance the pace of MS research toward finding a cure for the disease that had impacted Sheri’s life for over 30 years. Since the event’s inception, Sheri has raised nearly $1 million through her social network. Her leadership in launching this type of salon event has spurred other volunteers to replicate her efforts within their own personal networks. She is a wonderful ambassador, keeping the Society’s mission and purpose at the core of her networking relationships.

The Volunteer of the Year award went to Lisa Karpe. Since 2004, Lisa has been instrumental in both fundraising and providing support to people with MS. She has participated in Walk MS, has been involved in BAMS (the Bakersfield Against Multiple Sclerosis group that aims to raise MS awareness and funds), has personally stewarded foundation submissions, and has dedicated many hours to the Chapter’s Caring Connection program. Through the Caring Connection program, Lisa visits several people with MS who are either living in a skilled nursing facility or are homebound and unable to go out into the community. Not only does she provide emotional support and companionship, she becomes an advocate to those people she visits.

barry Engelman received the Grisanti Most Valuable Trustee award. Little did we know when Barry joined the Board in 2006, that along with Barry as a leader, we’d also gain the leadership and fundraising power of his entire family. Team Engelman has raised more than $125,000 through Walk MS in the last three years and the family-led Rowdy Riders Bike MS team

raised more than $125,000 in 2010 alone! Barry annually secures personal, corporate and foundation support, including a large annual grant from his company Ameriprise. He is a model fundraiser and MS ambassador.

The Sylvia Lawry Founder of the Year award recognizes someone who developed or implemented a new program or event. René Webb helped the Chapter adapt its successful Dinner of Champions fundraising model in LA to work for regional fundraising dinners. René spearheaded the planning and fundraising efforts and served as the honoree at the 1st annual Dinner of Champions Inland Empire (page 2). Her success has led to additional Dinners now planned in 2011 in Bakersfield and Reno.

Toy box Entertainment received this year’s Corporate Luminary Award. Toy Box’s video reels have educated audiences of 1500+ about the Society’s mission and paid tribute to event honorees at the Dinner of Champions. Videos about The Marilyn Hilton Achievement Center at UCLA, Promise 2010, the Estriol Trial, genetics, and Fast Forward have also been used at the National Conference and at other research and fundraising events nationwide. The Toy Box team has flown across the country and across the globe to create dynamic material to educate people about MS and to help raise funds for research and programs. Partners Roland Mesa, Barry Samson and their team afford our Chapter a level of talent and professionalism we’d never be able to pay for. Thanks to Toy Box, the Chapter has access to the best talent and best product in the industry.

AWARD-WINNING VOLUNTEERS

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ADVOCACyADVOCACy

Our National Federal Activism Council has heard the suggestions from constituents around the country. At this year’s Public Policy Conference (PPC) on March 7 - 9 in Washington, DC, MS activists will visit their federal lawmakers and urge support on the following three priority issues:

Medicare Neurologist Incentive: The Affordable Care Act provides a 10% bonus to Medicare physicians who specialize in family medicine, internal medicine, geriatric medicine and have allowed charges for evaluation and management services that account for at least 60% of their total allowed charges. Neurology is the only group of physicians who are responsible for coordinating overall patient care that are left out of the incentive and at the PPC, MS activists will seek to correct that inequity.

Adult Day Achievement Center Enhancement Act: MS activists will urge support of this legislation that would sustain and grow Adult Day programs by establishing a new grant program within the Administration on Aging that is specifically designed to support Adult Day programs targeting a younger population of people, such as those living with MS and similar diseases.

The Society was instrumental in the introduction of the bill, and its concept is based on the success of existing MS Adult Day Centers around the country, including The Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement Center at UCLA. While there are currently fewer than twelve MS Adult Day Centers in the United States, this bill aims to increase that number and allow access to their enormously beneficial programs.

MS Research in the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP): MS activists have successfully advocated for a new federal funding avenue that has yielded approximately $13 million for MS research. At the PPC, MS activists will request robust appropriations for MS research in the CDMRP in Fiscal Year 2012.

In 2011, MS activists and the Public Policy Office will continue advocating for other Society priorities, including the Lifespan Respite Care Program, the Part D Off-label Prescription Parity Act, effective implementation of the Affordable Care Act, and robust funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Social Security Adminsitration (SSA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Meanwhile in Sacramento...The MS-California Action Network (MS-CAN) has also picked its number one policy priority for 2011—addressing the unfair practice of categorizing MS medication as a “specialty” drug. We will share more via action alert as the bill’s author, Assembly member Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco), works on the language of the bill.

We need your stories! Have you stopped taking your medications because of the sky-rocketing costs? Are you currently using a patient assistance program to pay for your medications? Have you given up your insurance because of the high cost of medications?

If this sounds like your story, we need to hear from you. Call or email Cheryl Roberto-Lvovsky, Manager of Government Relations and Individual Advocacy at 800.344.4867, 310.479.4456 ext. 109 or [email protected].

CHANGE HAPPENS THROUGH MS ACTIVISM

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ADVOCACyADVOCACy

Nevada Needs you!We are organizing our MS activists in Nevada to take the movement to Carson City either in person or via email. Have you signed up for action alert? We can’t do it without you…Sign up today! Visit nationalMSsociety.org/cal, click on “Take Action” and then take our survey in the yellow box.

Do you have a real passion for MS activism and want to be more involved? We are looking for motivated volunteers to join our new Nevada Government Relations Committee. Call or email Cheryl Roberto-Lvovsky, Manager of Government Relations and Individual Advocacy at 800.344.4867 or [email protected].

Last year, we launched our “MS Activists Spark Change” advocacy campaign. Did you ignite MS activism? Our MS firefighters signed up 400 new activists at our Greater Los Angeles and Bakersfield Walk MS events in April and October of 2010. Look for the opportunity to “spark change” at this year’s Walk.

Carole, diagnosed in 2005

With our National MS Society Charitable Gift Annuity we fund medical research. We receive fixed payments for life and help scientists find a cure for MS. And it helps the MS community move forward.

Contact the Society and ask how your annuity can support MS research. JOIN THE MOVEMENT® IN A POWERFUL WAy.

Contact Kate McIntosh at 310.479.4456 ext. 124 [email protected]

WE CARE AbOUT A CURE...THIS IS WHy WE GIVE.

WE’RE JUST DOING OUR PART

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ADVOCACyGOLDEN CIRCLE

SEND A TRIbUTE Why send a typical mass-produced Birthday or Thank You card to your loved ones, when you can send a personalized card from the National MS Society and help fight MS at the same time?

When you make a tribute or memorial donation we will send a beautiful card to your honoree(s), featuring a painting by Sylvia Moss, an artist who raises MS awareness and funds though her art. Your donation shows your loved ones you care and takes us one step closer toward a world free of MS.

Alternatively, you can build a living tribute or memorial webpage through the Society’s Tribute & Memorial Funds. You can easily design a unique webpage filled with personal photos and stories, thereby creating a place for friends and family to visit and interact. Guests can even post stories or words of encouragement in your guestbook. Your Fund also allows visitors the opportunity to make an online donation on behalf of your honoree, all while offering easy-to-use tools to help you navigate and track the donations.

To make a gift, learn more about the Society’s Tribute & Memorial campaign, or to create a Fund page of your own, visit nationalMSsociety.org/calTM or contact Jasmine Tsai at 800.344.4867 or 310.479.4456 ext. 106.

DRIVING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER At the Southern California MG Club, membership is about more than car shows, restoration projects, and road trips; it’s about building a community. With more than 100 members, the Southern California MG Club has been dedicated to the enjoyment of these classic British sports cars for the past 32 years. But more importantly, they are also committed to supporting causes close to the hearts of their members.

Each December, the Club generously selects a charity to be the recipient of a special holiday gift. Longtime Golden Circle members Vicki and Robert Bond have been involved with the MG Club for many years and with their help the National MS Society was very pleased to be the recipient of the Club’s generosity last year.

Sylvia MossSylvia Moss, a local Santa Monica artist, paints abstractlandscapes which combine her love of the environment withher respect for nature. Her work is characterized by bold,brilliant brush strokes of thick oil paint, mixed with texturalmaterials. Today, Sylvia's paintings hang in over four hundredprivate collections and businesses throughout the U.S. Sinceher diagnosis of MS in 2003, Sylvia has worked closely withthe Southern California Chapter to help raise awareness andfunds through her art.

www.sylviamoss.com

Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information betweenbrain and body and stops people from moving. We believe thatmoving is not just something you can or can’t do, but thatmoving forward is who we are. With the help of people likeyou, the National MS Society addresses the challenges of eachperson whose life is affected by MS and helps them stayconnected to the great big moving world.

If you would like to make a donation in honor or memory of a loved one, please call

310.479.4456 or 1.800.FIGHT.MS (1.800.344.4867). Robert & Vicki bond

The bonds’ 1967 MG was featured in the 2008 indie film Sherman’s Way.

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ADVOCACyGOLDEN CIRCLE

On November 15, 2010, Chapter Trustee and Golden Circle Committee member Sue Schroeder and her parents, Priscilla and Harold Schroeder, hosted a Golden Circle research reception at their beautiful home in Westlake Village. Thanks to the Schroeder Family’s generous hospitality, guests had the opportunity to learn more about the Southern California & Nevada Chapter and its progress in vital research. The evening featured Dr. Jonah Chan, Associate Professor and the Debbie and Andy Rachleff Endowed Chair in Neurology at UC San Francisco. Dr. Chan made an informative presentation on his research project, which focuses on looking for ways to encourage the growth of new myelin-forming cells to repair damage in MS.

On November 29, 2010, Chapter Trustee and Golden Circle Committee member Rhona Bader graciously hosted a Golden Circle research reception at the prestigious Regency Club in Westwood. A record-breaking number of guests attended, including 18 Lawry Circle members—those who have named the Chapter in their estate plans. Guests enjoyed a fine cocktail reception followed by a powerful presentation from Dr. Stephen Hauser, Chair, UCSF Department of Neurology, who discussed advanced research in Genetics and MS. The primary goal for Dr. Hauser and his lab team is to identify the major genetic factors that predispose to autoimmunity and tissue injury in the central nervous system and translate their findings into better diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and prevention of MS. The evening proved to be a great success—several sizable gifts and pledges were made in support of the Chapter’s research initiative.

The Golden Circle extends a heartfelt thanks to the Schroeder family and to Rhona Bader for generously hosting these receptions.

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 800.344.4867, 310.479.4456 ext. 111 or [email protected].

Eileen & Don Fracchia, Andy & Susie Trachman

Kate McIntosh; Priscilla, Sue & Harold Schroeder; Leon Lebuffe; Dr. Jonah Chan

RESEARCH RECEPTIONS

Dave, Jon & Jamey Power

Page 22: MS Connection, spring 2011

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ADVOCACyGOLDEN CIRCLE

The Southern California & Nevada Chapter generously thanks the following

Golden Circle Members who contributed more than $1,600,000 in 2010!

CIRCLE OF DISTINCTION ($1 million+)

ANGEL ($500,000-$999,999)

bENEFACTOR ($250,000-$499,999) Kenrose Kitchen Table Foundation • J. David Power, III

PATRON ($50,000-$249,999) Sandy & Mitch Francis • Steve & Caroline Kaufer Family • Edward

Taran • The Tuffli Family Foundation

SPONSOR ($10,000-$49,999) Anonymous (3) • Jennifer Berkley & Alan Jones • Elaine & John V.

Bock, Jr. • MS Charity Bridge Tournament • Martha Brutocao, The

Leonard J. and Martha J. Brutaco Foundation • Scott Canepa • John

Duran, John Duran, Jr. & Austin Ryan Fuentes • Kevin Goetz, The

Rhoda Goetz Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis, LLC • Harris Greene,

LLP • Melanie Grisanti & Gordon McLeod • Jean & Robert Gryzmala,

Kenny Foundation, Inc. • Shirley & Burt Harris Family Foundation

• The Philip Hohnstein Family Foundation • The G. & E. Jennings

Foundation • Julie Kaufer & Frank Reddick • Bonnie & Jason Len,

Team Len • Michael J. Lichner • Louise Laraway Teal Foundation • Iris

B. Mahoney • Pamela & Stanley Maron • The Murray Family • OTX

• Nancy Patterson, The Nancy J. Patterson Trust • Karen & Graham

A. Ritchie • Joan & Arnold Seidel, Conrad Schlum Charitable Trust •

Madeleine & Tom Sherak • Dina Tecimer & Masood Sohaili • Janice

& Timur Tecimer • Gary Tobey • The Warren/Soden/Hopkins Family

Foundation • Gail & Chris Williamson

FRIEND ($5,000-$9,999)Diane Ackerman • Donna & Dr. Walter Bauer • The Corgel Family

• Toni & Bruce Corwin • Laura DeBonis & Scott Nathan • Samuel

DeLuca • Julie & Barry Engelman • Donna Garber • Debbie & Bob

Harper • Charlotte & S. Lawrence Jacobs • Tatiana & Todd James •

Jaquish & Kenninger Foundation • Theresa Lissy • Jacqueline & Paul

Mahoney • Mahoney & Soll, LLP • Sandra Milken • Ronald Olson

• Overton Moore Properties • James J. Parsons • Phi Alpha Kappa

Sorority • Rope for MS • Fern & Robert Seizer • Mace Siegel • Eric

Small • Marcia & Mark Smith • Team Taxe • Claudette L. & Henry L.

Taylor, Jr. • Flora L. Thornton Foundation • Linda & Dennis Vaughn •

VS Media, Inc. • Barbara Wilson & John Phillips • Stephen Yoken

LEADER ($2,500-$4,999) Anonymous (1) • Emily & K. Zachary Abbott • Rhona Bader • Claudia

Barski & Peter Carian • Joanne Beckwith • Helen Bolsky • Vicki &

Robert Bond • Barbara & Morton Bowman • Pearl & Mel Brooks •

Buchanan High School Powder Puffs • Julie & Jim Burge • Sandra

& Bernard Fischbach • Ann & Dave Gooding • Susan Ann Graves •

Sherri & Gary Haber • Arlene & Richard Havel • Cathrine Ireland •

Karen & Donald Karl • Diane S. Lake Family • Sharon & Hal Lampert

• Julena Lind & Leon LeBuffe • Cynthia & Michael Malone • Sue & Ed

Meltzer • Christine & Richard Newman • Dr. Ian D. Pasch • Julie &

James D. Power, IV • Eugenia A. Riordan • Sheryl & Barry K. Schwartz

• Ruth Lynn & Hank Sobel • Irene Steinman • Kathleen & David Van

Buskirk • Verona E. Weeks • Andy Wexler • Diana & Chet Widom •

Carolyn & Gary Youngberg

MEMbER ($1,000-$2,499) Anonymous (3) • John Albers • Mindy Amster Beechen • Judith &

Alexander Angerman • Ronda Beaman & Paul Stoltz • Michael Bearman

• Hilda & Dan Bergher • Lewis Black • Louis L. Borick, The Louis L. Borick

Foundation • Camilla & Arnold Bramlett • Kappy Bristol • Margaret

Budd • Randi Burke-Aguiar & James Aguiar • Debbie & James Burrows

• Lynn & Bradley Califf • Eileen & Gary Caris • Carpenter Sellers Del

Gatto Architects • Judy Carroll • Stephen Carroll • John S. Chang

• Laurel & Aaron Clark • Sally & Jim Coiner, Coiner Nursery • Louis

Colen • Gerie Coombs • Karen & Ryan Craig • Peggy & John Cresto •

Steven Crystal, The Crystal Family Foundation • Edward Court • Anita

DeFrantz • Janet Dirks • Shelley & Joe Drnek • Corine & George Duke

• Jody & Mitch Dunitz • Gary East • Joyce English • Dene Feldman,

Gretchen V. & Samuel M. Feldman Private Foundation, Inc. • Ronni &

Edward A. Fernandez • Betty Filippin • Edith & Joe Fischer • Gloria &

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ADVOCACyGOLDEN CIRCLE

2010 GOLDEN CIRCLE yEAR END CHALLENGEIn October 2010, the Kenrose Kitchen Table Foundation, the Steve and Caroline Kaufer Family, and the Tuffli Family Foundation together posed a $500,000 Challenge to encourage increased giving to the Southern California & Nevada Chapter’s Golden Circle campaign in the final months of 2010.

Through the Challenge, Golden Circle donors were encouraged to donate a collective $500,000 between October 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010. If the goal was met, the Power, Kaufer, and Tuffli families agreed to contribute an additional $500,000 to ensure an aggregate of at least $1million.

We are thrilled to announce that with your help the 2010 Year End Challenge helped the Chapter raise over $650,000! Thanks to each and every one of you who helped make this tremendous success possible.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Kenrose Kitchen Table Foundation, Kaufer, and Tuffli families for their incredible support. Your leadership and example inspires others to join the movement—thank you!

With your help Golden Circle raised over $1.6 million in 2010!

Stan Fishfader • Patricia & Robert Fleming, Paveco Construction, Inc. •

Julie Friedman & Tom Dain • Margaret L. Gage • Sharlene & Sol Galper •

Gerry R. Ginsberg • Elvie & Yale Gieszl • Judy & Roy Glickman • Richard

A. Gleitman • Golden State Steel, Erin & Brandon Shollenbarger • Enid

& Sheldon Goldman • Bram Goldsmith, Goldsmith Family Foundation

• Judy & David Goldstein • Edith M. Grady • Jeff Grant and Bill Grant,

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney • Heather & Paul Haaga, Jr. • Michael J.

Halloran • Gail & Murray Heltzer • Beatrice & Michael Hencel • Jeffrey

Hess • Betty & Marvin Hoffenberg, Sidney Stern Memorial Trust •

Hospice Care of California • Susan Howard • Linda & Roger Howard

• Charlotte A. & Stanley T. Kandel • Tracy & Michael Kerkorian • Sally

& Morton Kirshner • Iris & Howard Kornberg • Jessica Ledbetter •

Pauline & Peter Leslie • Pauline & Samuel Li • Frances Lossing • Joanne

& Bruce MacCallum • Betsy & Robert Manger, The Manger Scout Fund

• Irene Mendon • Sheryl Miller & Dr. Robert Schilling • Anne & Harold

Mills • Moorefield Construction, Inc. • Sylvia Moss • John Murphy

& Mike Streit • Jioia & Samuel Nelson • Barbara A. & Paul T. Norton

• Oremor Management & Investment Co. • Faith Pearlman, Jerome &

Faith Pearlman Foundation • Nancy & David Perren • Heather & Scott

Perren • Kim Phillips & Ross Skinner • Lorraine & Kurt Pickus • Allane

& Jeffery Quirk • Karen Randall • Pamela & Josh Reims • Pam & Mark

Rubin • Janice & Dr. Stephen Sacks • Eva Rose Safan • Allen Salick • Fred

Salisbury • Nancy & Mark Samuels • Kay R. & Dr. Loren E. Sanchez •

Jane & Charles Schneider • Britta & Arthur Schramm • Sue Schroeder

• Dee & George Schuler, Oarsmen Foundation • Sandra & Vincent

Scully • Russell Shank • Fela & David Shapell • Robert M. Siegel • Kerry

& Scott Slater • Southern California MG Club • Sally & Robert Smith •

Linda & Mark Spiegel • Lorraine & Steven Spira • Marilyn E. Stewart

• Karin & Steven Stoller • Janis & Jeffrey Susskind • Jessie Anne Tait •

Gail & John Thomason • Jayne & Kelly Tien • Marcia & Marvin Tilker •

Evelyn & Jeffery Tolin • Cynthia Torres & Michael Gisser • The Towbes

Foundation • James Tyre • United Commercial Travelers of America,

Bakersfield Council #663 • Jeanne Usonis • Charlene Voge • Lorna D.

& Dr. Shelby E. Wagner • Kathy Walck • Julia & Roy Weinstein • Susan

& William Weintraub • Frederick R. Weisman Philanthropic Foundation

• Westlake Women’s Club • Wilbur C. Grosse Trust, Maria E. Muñoz •

Doris Weitz & The Honorable Alexander Williams, III • Jane Lee & Larry

Winter • Mary & Richard Whiting • Martha & Charles Wolf • Ella Zarky

We also gratefully acknowledge the 263 Donors who contributed $66,934 to the Golden Circle 2010 campaign with gifts from $10 to $999.

Thank you!

If you are interested in learning more about Golden Circle, please call Elicia Lopez at 310.479.4456 ext. 111.

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2440 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 115Los Angeles, CA 90064

Southern California & Nevada Chapter 2440 S. Sepulveda Blvd., #115 Los Angeles, CA 90064 310.479.4456, 800.344.4867

CALIFORNIA OFFICES

Antelope & Santa Clarita Valley 1669 West Avenue J, #309 Lancaster, CA 93534 661.945.9111

Channel Islands 14 West Valerio Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805.682.8783 San Luis Obispo 805.772.2046

Coachella Valley 73-710 Fred Waring Dr., #103 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.776.5740

Inland Empire 869 E. Foothill Blvd., Suite I Upland, CA 91786 909.949.1363

Kern County 1800 30th Street, #105 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661.321.9512

San Joaquin Valley 7472 N. Fresno St., #210 Fresno, CA 93720 559.439.2154

NEVADA OFFICES

Northern Nevada 4600 Kietzka Ln., Suite K-225 Reno, NV 89502 775.329.7180

Southern Nevada 5463 S. Durango Drive Suite D-115 Las Vegas, NV 89113 702.736.1478

STAy CONNECTED

Our next issues of MS Connection will be online only. Don’t miss any of the latest news or MS research. Go to nationalMSsociety.org/signup.

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