02

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

REALIGNING A GREATER CHAPTER

Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. have joined forces so people affected by

MS can live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS

forever.

07

15,000 CONSTITUENTS 31 COUNTIES

Fall 2015

CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

D.C.

NoVa. Md.

NEW DIRECTIONS IN DIET AND MS08RALLY FOR MEDICAL

RESEARCH

© 2015 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater DC-Maryland ChapterInformation provided by the Society is based upon professional advice, published expe-rience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not con-stitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The National MS Society recom-mends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician. The Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The Society assumes no liability for the use or contents of any product or service mentioned.

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nationalmssocietydc

1800 M Street NWSuite B 50 NorthWashington, D.C. 20036202-296-5363

2219 York RoadSuite 302Timonium, MD 21093443-641-1224

The Maryland Chapter and National Capital Chapter of the National MS Society have joined forces. Moving forward October 1, 2015 as The Greater DC -Maryland Chapter, we now serve more than 15,000 people living with MS in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas, as well as 31 counties across Maryland and Northern Virginia. This is great news for people affected by MS in D.C., Maryland, and North-ern Virginia.

There are three driving goals behind this change: to enhance MS education, support, advocacy and services for people affected by MS; to raise more money and increase our commitment to MS research; and to improve operat-ing efficiencies.

By combining the talents of our boards, staff and volunteers, we can: enhance connection opportu-nities, services and advocacy for those living with MS and their fam-ilies and friends; increase fund-raising effectiveness; and stream-line operations to reduce costs.

Our offices will remain located in Washington, D.C. and Timonium, Maryland. The staff and volun-teers in both locations will contin-ue to deliver connection opportuni-ties, services and advocacy to and for the Greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and Maryland residents and partner with local companies, volunteers and organi-zations to ensure that Society fundraising activities like Bike MS and Walk MS will continue and grow.

The combined strengths of volun-teers, staff and others who care about MS in the Greater Washing-ton, D.C. metropolitan area and Maryland will move us closer to the ultimate goal we all share—re-gardless of the name of our state or chapter—a world free of MS.

We welcome your thoughts and ideas to maximize our new part-nership to achieve our unified vision.

Kind regards,The Greater DC-Maryland Chapter

AN INTRODUCTIONTO A GREATER CHAPTER

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Md.Md.Md.Md.Md.Md.Md.Md.

MARYLAND SCHOLARS

Jenna LupiwokBerlin, Md.

University of Maryland College ParkPolitical Science

“My mom taught me that, regardless of our struggles, there is still so much to be grateful for. She

always makes the best of every situation and reminds me to be happy for what we have.”

Trisha PilgrimHyattsville, Md.

Montgomery CollegeCreative Writing/Pre-Med

“As a student at Emory, people did not understand what multiple sclerosis was; some had

never heard of it before.”

Aubrey CourtneyCumberland, Md.

St. Francis UniversityBusiness

“MS has impacted my life in somewhat of a negative way, but it has been a life lesson learned because of my mother’s illness. She has taught me not to ever give up, no matter how hard the circum-

stances are.”Aariti Shah

Bel Air, Md.University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Biochemistry“I want to contribute to the biomedical field by obtaining

a Ph.D. in pharmacology. I aspire to one day develop a single medication that can help MS patients permanently.”

Madeleine BuckleyChesapeake Beach, Md.Syracuse UniversityMagazine Journalism

“The MS Society has helped give me the opportunity to be at Syracuse University, and Syracuse has provided me the opportunity to be even stronger in my service to others.”

Yelyzaveta Chernova Gaithersburg, Md.Towson UniversityExercise Science

“I plan to make a difference in the lives of those who still have the chance to walk once I graduate with my doctoral degree in physical therapy. I want to help rehabilitate those who are in need, because that is what I would want for my mother.”

Negar MehrabkhaniHyattsville, Md.Montgomery College, Takoma Park

Life Science/Pre-med“I was diagnosed with multiple scle-

rosis a few days after I graduated from high school. I was so excited to start the next chapter of my life and everything just changed after my diagnosis.”

Jake TarteMount Airy, Md.

Frederick Community CollegeArchitecture

“The disease has not only taken the toll on my Dad, but on me too. I just want to know what is going to happen to him so I can brace myself for when it actually does happen.”

Alyssa KopsidasDerwood, Md.Lynchburg College

Exercise Physiology“My father’s condition has been a prime contribu-tor to my decision to pursue a career in physical therapy. Seeing the way that his physical thera-pists help and motive him encourage my goal to study exercise physiology.”3

SCHOLARSHIP

WINNERS

NoVa.NoVa.NoVa.

Hannah Steiner Springfield, Va.United States Naval AcademyNuclear Engineering

“I am a nuclear physicist and a sailor. I may never make a contribu-

tion to ending MS in the way a doctor or a pathologist might, but I can support the men and women who are making those breakthroughs.”

Emma Boyd Haymarket, Va.University of VirginiaBiology

“One of the best ways that I believe I can give back to the world is by helping others; my ultimate goal would be to find a cure for MS.”

Liam KelleyLorton, Va.Drexel University

Mechanical Engineering“As an engineer, I would mature my science fair robot, which is designed to aid the disabled who have mobility issues. The robot locates and retrieves objects such as keys, medicine or a cellphone.”

D.C.D.C.D.C.D.C.D.C.D.C.D.C.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA SCHOLARS

Christopher Rybicki-WilliamsGainesville, Va.

James Madison UniversityComputer Science, minor in robotics

“It has given me the strength to face life in its ups and downs, and without my step dad or his multiple

sclerosis, I doubt that I would be the same person as I am now.”

Heather OgdenBristow, Va.

Virginia Commonwealth UniversityTechnical Theatre, emphasis in stage

management“As I grew older, it became more and more

clear as to what my father’s diagnosis truly meant. It meant that not only my father would be forever changed, but that

my entire family would.”

Evan Ogden Bristow, Va.

James Madison UniversityPre-law

“Although multiple sclerosis has affected both my family’s life and my life in negative

ways, without the illness I would not be close to the man I am today or possess the skills and drive that attributes to

any success I have.”

D.C. SCHOLARElisabeth FisherWashington, DCNew York University –

ShanghaiGlobal China Studies“Being open about my mother’s diag-nosis has brought awareness to my community in ways I never anticipat-ed. My small university is now more aware of autoimmune diseases as a whole and we have had plenty of conversations …discussing condi-tions that cannot be seen.”

4

MS shouldn’t stand in the way of an educa-tion. This is why the National MS Society's scholarship program exists — to help highly qualified students who have been diag-nosed with MS or who have a parent with MS achieve their dreams of going to col-lege.

The Society established its scholarship pro-gram in 2003 and the program continues to grow both in terms of support and scholar-ships awarded. In its first year of operation the program awarded 36 scholarships for a total of $68,000; in 2015 over $1 million was awarded to 834 scholars. Learn more and apply today for our 2016 scholarship at: www.nationalmssociety.org/scholarship.

list. She works as a supervisor at Hard Rock Café, is an assistant at Howard’s financial aid office, a hairdresser and an intern at the National MS Society, Greater DC-Maryland Chapter.

In December 2012, then 19-year-old Janae was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis after a recurring numbing in her arm spread throughout her entire upper body. She had a limited knowl-edge of the disease when she was first diagnosed. Only after some astute research did Janae realize she was dealing with something very serious. “I saw it was time to put on my gear and get ready to fight.” she said. “I wasn’t going to let MS define me; I was going to define MS.” Janae remembers watching her mom battle breast cancer for 15 years. That memory is what helps get her through her own diagno-sis.

“Don’t fall into the negativity that comes with illness,” she said. “Do what you would normally do, but just know you have this one

thing you have to be more careful with. It only has so much control.”

She took her doctor’s advice, altering her daily college schedule to make time for the things she knew would help improve her quality of life. On Satur-days, Janae receives a self-adminis-tered shot, and all mornings start before sunrise to ensure enough time for exercise. A diet of healthy foods and allotting time in her busy schedule

list. She works as a supervisor at Hard Rock Café, is an assistant at Howard’s financial aid office, a hairdresser and an intern at the National MS Society, Greater DC-Maryland Chapter.

In December 2012, then 19-year-old Janae was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis after a recurring numbing in her arm spread throughout her entire upper body. She had a limited knowl-edge of the disease when she was first diagnosed. Only after some astute research did Janae realize she was dealing with something very serious. “I saw it was time to put on my gear and get ready to fight.” she said. “I wasn’t going to let MS define me; I was going to define MS.” Janae remembers watching her mom battle breast cancer for 15 years. That memory is what helps get her through her own diagno-sis.

“Don’t fall into the negativity that comes with illness,” she said. “Do what you would normally do, but just know you have this one

thing you have to be more careful with. It only has so much control.”

She took her doctor’s advice, altering her daily college schedule to make time for the things she knew would help improve her quality of life. On Satur-days, Janae receives a self-adminis-tered shot, and all mornings start before sunrise to ensure enough time for exercise. A diet of healthy foods and allotting time in her busy schedule

People living with multiple sclerosis are most often diagnosed in their early 20’s. This is a vital time for young adults, many of whom attend college, where rest is rare and the pressure of success is constant.

But what happens when a student faces an additional challenge beyond the workload, such as an MS diagnosis? Is there a way for individuals with MS to live healthy lives, while also making the most out of their col-lege experience?

According to two college students—one enrolled at Howard University and the other at the University of Virginia—the answer is “yes”. Both thrive in com-petitive environments and maintain relentlessly inspirational and opti-mistic outlooks for their future success.

Rising senior at Howard University, Janae Madric, studies public relations with a con-centration in strategic legal and manage-ment communications. Janae makes the most of her higher education experience as a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America and also maintains an active lifestyle. Janae talks about living with MS as if it were another item on her to-do

for sleep gives her body the strength it needs, according to Janae. “These life-style changes are not a setback,” she said. “But rather a way to fight back so that I can remain the same dedicated college student and leader I was before my diagnosis.”

A rising third year—a term UVA students use to describe their junior year—Kelsey Bowman is a double major in psychology and a new program in UVA’s Curry School of Education called “Youth and Social Innovation.”

In December 2012, Kelsey experienced numbing sen-sations in her feet, back and fingers. “Originally, I thought it was a pinched nerve, so I went to a sports doctor, who referred me to several neu-rologists throughout Virgin-ia,” she said. “No one could figure out what went wrong, but I wanted answers.” Every month, Kelsey checked back with the neu-rologists to see if they had any updates.

It was not until October of 2013, almost a full year after the numbing first occurred, that spots on her spine and brain were found. Kelsey recalled initial fears sur-rounding her diagnosis. “At first, it was hard to wrap my head around the fact that I, an invincible young adult, had a chronic illness,” she said.

Kelsey had just started to adjust as a first year and an MS diagnosis was not something she had incorporated into her future plans.

“It’s terrifying to not know how your health will play out in the future,” she said. “But those are not things I dwell on.” Amazing support from her friends, family and the MS community is what drives her positive and life–loving atti-tude, according to Kelsey. Additionally, the support she receives goes beyond words of encouragement and assis-tance.

Her friends and family came together to create a team for Walk MS: Charlottes-ville in which they raised an astounding $11,000. “In addition to friends and family, the MS community has been a huge inspiration to me,” she said. It is within the MS society where she meets people who change her life, according to Kelsey.

“I met a woman who has had MS for over 20 years,” she said. “I

admire that she main-tains an optimistic and happy attitude de-spite the struggles of living with MS. Pos-itivity can really have an effect on the way you live.”

Through lifestyle changes and external support, both students balance the known deadlines and stress associated with college with the unpredictability of MS. While multiple sclerosis is a tre-mendous struggle, their inspiring posi-tivity and relentless pursuit of their goals is an inspiration.

A FIRSTHAND GUIDE TO TACKLING COLLEGE AND MS

“IT ONLY HAS SO MUCH CONTROL.”

By Greta Haupt

5

People living with multiple sclerosis are most often diagnosed in their early 20’s. This is a vital time for young adults, many of whom attend college, where rest is rare and the pressure of success is constant.

But what happens when a student faces an additional challenge beyond the workload, such as an MS diagnosis? Is there a way for individuals with MS to live healthy lives, while also making the most out of their col-lege experience?

According to two college students—one enrolled at Howard University and the other at the University of Virginia—the answer is “yes”. Both thrive in com-petitive environments and maintain relentlessly inspirational and opti-mistic outlooks for their future success.

Rising senior at Howard University, Janae Madric, studies public relations with a con-centration in strategic legal and manage-ment communications. Janae makes the most of her higher education experience as a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America and also maintains an active lifestyle. Janae talks about living with MS as if it were another item on her to-do

for sleep gives her body the strength it needs, according to Janae. “These life-style changes are not a setback,” she said. “But rather a way to fight back so that I can remain the same dedicated college student and leader I was before my diagnosis.”

A rising third year—a term UVA students use to describe their junior year—Kelsey Bowman is a double major in psychology and a new program in UVA’s Curry School of Education called “Youth and Social Innovation.”

In December 2012, Kelsey experienced numbing sen-sations in her feet, back and fingers. “Originally, I thought it was a pinched nerve, so I went to a sports doctor, who referred me to several neu-rologists throughout Virgin-ia,” she said. “No one could figure out what went wrong, but I wanted answers.” Every month, Kelsey checked back with the neu-rologists to see if they had any updates.

It was not until October of 2013, almost a full year after the numbing first occurred, that spots on her spine and brain were found. Kelsey recalled initial fears sur-rounding her diagnosis. “At first, it was hard to wrap my head around the fact that I, an invincible young adult, had a chronic illness,” she said.

Kelsey had just started to adjust as a first year and an MS diagnosis was not something she had incorporated into her future plans.

“It’s terrifying to not know how your health will play out in the future,” she said. “But those are not things I dwell on.” Amazing support from her friends, family and the MS community is what drives her positive and life–loving atti-tude, according to Kelsey. Additionally, the support she receives goes beyond words of encouragement and assis-tance.

Her friends and family came together to create a team for Walk MS: Charlottes-ville in which they raised an astounding $11,000. “In addition to friends and family, the MS community has been a huge inspiration to me,” she said. It is within the MS society where she meets people who change her life, according to Kelsey.

“I met a woman who has had MS for over 20 years,” she said. “I

admire that she main-tains an optimistic and happy attitude de-spite the struggles of living with MS. Pos-itivity can really have an effect on the way you live.”

Through lifestyle changes and external support, both students balance the known deadlines and stress associated with college with the unpredictability of MS. While multiple sclerosis is a tre-mendous struggle, their inspiring posi-tivity and relentless pursuit of their goals is an inspiration.

“IT WAS HARD TO WRAP MY HEAD AROUND THE FACT THAT I, AN INVINCIBLE YOUNG ADULT, HAD A CHRONIC ILLNESS.”

6

Nearly 300 individuals, including a number of MS activists, from 40 states and the District of Columbia spent a day on Capitol Hill in Washing-ton, D.C., September 17 meeting with 250 House and Senate offices to request that our elected officials provide robust, sustained and predict-able funding increases for the National Institutes of Health. Over 125 health organizations were represented. MS activists around the country amplified the voice of the MS move-ment on the day through social media and emails sent directly to elected officials.

The "Rally for Medical Research Hill Day" included speeches from influential policymakers,

including: Tom Cole (R-OK), House Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Sub-committee Chairman; Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), who previously served as the Ranking Member on the Senate Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Sub-committee; Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), who currently serves as Ranking Member on both the Senate Labor-Health and Human Services (HHS)-Education Ap-propriations Subcom-mittee as well as the Senate Health, Environ-ment, Labor, and Pen-sions Committee (the respective committees in the Senate that have jurisdiction over NIH appropriations and authorization issues).

Research funding is the National MS Society's top-tier request for FY 2016. The amount of MS research funding is declining due to the drop in government funding. Since FY 2011, the Soci-ety has increased its year-to-year funding by $12.7 million, while NIH year-to-year funding has decreased by $20 mil-lion.

Join the MS Activist Net-work at www.nationalms-society.org. Receive updates and action opportunities on federal, state and local policy affecting the MS commu-nity. In just a few clicks, you can email your public officials about why an issue is important to you.

FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH

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by Nicholas LaRocca, PhD

To think that you might be able to change the course of multiple sclerosis, or at least relieve symptoms, by eating or not eating specific types of food is entic-ing. However, “the proof is in the pud-ding,” scientifically speaking, since studying diet is challenging. That’s why it’s been exciting to see how many researchers were trying to do just that at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting, which took place in Washington, D.C., this April. Diet and MS was the subject of numerous platform talks and poster sessions, showing that clinicians and researchers are asking the same questions we hear so often from people who live with MS.

DIET AND MS SYMPTOMSIn a small study, Dr. Rocco Totaro and a team from the University of L’Aquila in Italy tested whether a six-week diet that was low in saturated animal fats, and high in antioxidants, would be as-sociated with positive changes in body composition and fatigue in 17 people with relapsing-remitting MS. In their study, the participants’ percentage of body fat decreased, and their fatigue as measured by a clinical scale less-ened significantly as well. We need more and larger studies like this, to show how diet may impact symptoms that affect the lives of people with MS.

What does it mean for you now? A healthy diet certainly can’t hurt, and it may even help both MS and gen-eral health. (Abstract P2.211)

MORE ON SALTWe’re hearing more and more about the possibility that salt may increase the immune activity in the brain and spinal cord in MS. A team from the Network of Pediatric MS Centers showed that this may not be the case in children. Looking at salt intake prior to diagnosis among 174 children or adolescents with MS, compared with 337 people without the disease, they saw no increased risk of developing MS with excess sodium intake. It will be interesting to see if this finding is confirmed, and whether it helps us to understand if, when and how salt be-comes a factor in MS. (Abstract S38.003).

COFFEE AND MSPrevious studies have suggested that caffeine may protect against Alzhei-mer’s and Parkinson’s disease, but there haven’t been any definitive stud-

ies in MS thus far. So I was intrigued by a study by an international team led by Johns Hopkins University researcher Dr. Ellen Mowry, which looked at coffee consumption in two large data sets—in a group of 1,629 Swedish people with MS and 2,807 people without MS, as well as a group of 584 people with MS and 581 controls enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente health plan of North-ern California.

In the Swedish study, drinking six cups of coffee a day was associated with a reduced risk of developing MS, and four cups a day did the same in the American study. Studies like this may help us figure out how to pre-vent MS in the future. What this study doesn’t tell us is whether or how drinking coffee may impact MS in people who already have the disease, so it’s probably not a good idea to increase coffee con-sumption until we know more. (S45.004)

LOOKING IN THE GUTGut bacteria is another area where research is increasing, and it presents the exciting possibility that probiotic strategies may ulti-mately be developed to treat MS. I’m pleased that a small pilot grant from the Na-tional MS Society helped launch the MS Microbiome Consortium, a collaboration of researchers in California, Colorado and New York who presented some early find-ings from their analysis of blood and stool samples from people with MS treated with glatiramer acetate, untreated individuals and healthy controls.

They found differences in gut bacteria be-tween the treated and untreated individuals and also between those with MS and healthy controls. The team recently won a Collaborative MS Research Center Award from the Society to pursue this promising

research. I’m eager to see more from this group, and to see how their findings can be translated into a way of stopping immune attacks in MS. (Abstract P2.205)

A NEW ERANot so long ago, searching the medical liter-ature for “diet and MS” yielded little. I’m thrilled to see that we are entering an era where diet and lifestyle are truly considered to be factors that can help lead to innovative treatments and ultimately free the world of MS.

Visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/signup to sign up for MS eNews and stay up to date on MS research.

Nicholas LaRocca is the vice president of Health Care Delivery and Policy Research at the National MS Society. Originally published on MSconnection.org/blog

RESEARCH

NEW DIRECTIONS IN DIET AND MS

COFFEE MAY LOWER THE RISK OF DEVELOPING MS, ALTHOUGH MORE RESEARCH IS NEEDED

8

by Nicholas LaRocca, PhD

To think that you might be able to change the course of multiple sclerosis, or at least relieve symptoms, by eating or not eating specific types of food is entic-ing. However, “the proof is in the pud-ding,” scientifically speaking, since studying diet is challenging. That’s why it’s been exciting to see how many researchers were trying to do just that at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting, which took place in Washington, D.C., this April. Diet and MS was the subject of numerous platform talks and poster sessions, showing that clinicians and researchers are asking the same questions we hear so often from people who live with MS.

DIET AND MS SYMPTOMSIn a small study, Dr. Rocco Totaro and a team from the University of L’Aquila in Italy tested whether a six-week diet that was low in saturated animal fats, and high in antioxidants, would be as-sociated with positive changes in body composition and fatigue in 17 people with relapsing-remitting MS. In their study, the participants’ percentage of body fat decreased, and their fatigue as measured by a clinical scale less-ened significantly as well. We need more and larger studies like this, to show how diet may impact symptoms that affect the lives of people with MS.

What does it mean for you now? A healthy diet certainly can’t hurt, and it may even help both MS and gen-eral health. (Abstract P2.211)

MORE ON SALTWe’re hearing more and more about the possibility that salt may increase the immune activity in the brain and spinal cord in MS. A team from the Network of Pediatric MS Centers showed that this may not be the case in children. Looking at salt intake prior to diagnosis among 174 children or adolescents with MS, compared with 337 people without the disease, they saw no increased risk of developing MS with excess sodium intake. It will be interesting to see if this finding is confirmed, and whether it helps us to understand if, when and how salt be-comes a factor in MS. (Abstract S38.003).

COFFEE AND MSPrevious studies have suggested that caffeine may protect against Alzhei-mer’s and Parkinson’s disease, but there haven’t been any definitive stud-

ies in MS thus far. So I was intrigued by a study by an international team led by Johns Hopkins University researcher Dr. Ellen Mowry, which looked at coffee consumption in two large data sets—in a group of 1,629 Swedish people with MS and 2,807 people without MS, as well as a group of 584 people with MS and 581 controls enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente health plan of North-ern California.

In the Swedish study, drinking six cups of coffee a day was associated with a reduced risk of developing MS, and four cups a day did the same in the American study. Studies like this may help us figure out how to pre-vent MS in the future. What this study doesn’t tell us is whether or how drinking coffee may impact MS in people who already have the disease, so it’s probably not a good idea to increase coffee con-sumption until we know more. (S45.004)

LOOKING IN THE GUTGut bacteria is another area where research is increasing, and it presents the exciting possibility that probiotic strategies may ulti-mately be developed to treat MS. I’m pleased that a small pilot grant from the Na-tional MS Society helped launch the MS Microbiome Consortium, a collaboration of researchers in California, Colorado and New York who presented some early find-ings from their analysis of blood and stool samples from people with MS treated with glatiramer acetate, untreated individuals and healthy controls.

They found differences in gut bacteria be-tween the treated and untreated individuals and also between those with MS and healthy controls. The team recently won a Collaborative MS Research Center Award from the Society to pursue this promising

research. I’m eager to see more from this group, and to see how their findings can be translated into a way of stopping immune attacks in MS. (Abstract P2.205)

A NEW ERANot so long ago, searching the medical liter-ature for “diet and MS” yielded little. I’m thrilled to see that we are entering an era where diet and lifestyle are truly considered to be factors that can help lead to innovative treatments and ultimately free the world of MS.

Visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/signup to sign up for MS eNews and stay up to date on MS research.

Nicholas LaRocca is the vice president of Health Care Delivery and Policy Research at the National MS Society. Originally published on MSconnection.org/blog

9

The holiday season just got a little sweeter thanks to Guittard Chocolate

Company!

For every $35 you donate to the National MS Society through December 1, you will earn an entry to win “Chocolate of

the Month.”

The winner can look forward to a unique chocolate package mailed to them each

month in 2016.

Visit bit.ly/MSandGuittard to donate!

was working in Rich-mond, I had done some research for her be-cause she woke up one morning blind in one eye and we didn’t know what it was,” said David.

Sharon’s sight came back, though not quite the same, but no one really thought anything more about the inci-dent. During the early 1980’s, misdiagnoses were frequent, accord-ing to David.Sharon suffered and went to several more doctors before coming across a specialist who recognized her symp-toms as MS.

“That day is vivid in my memory all these years later,” he said. “She was a hard-hit-ting journalist who wanted to work for a major newspaper then, all of a sudden, she had this challenge and decisions to make about her life and what her life was going to be like.”

Sharon, however, is not one to let MS dic-tate who she is or decide what her life is going to be like, ac-cording to David.

“I think really her phe-nomenal attitude and positive outlook on her life has really helped

AN AUTHOR’S MS ACTIVISM

her live her life to the fullest,” he said. “The mind is the most pow-erful tool we will ever have. But because it is so strong, if you can turn it into a positive direction like my sister has, physically, it can have phenomenally good results.”

For those who are starting on their jour-ney with MS—whether they are personally affected or want to get involved— David’s advice is to learn as much about the dis-ease as possible. “Getting large groups of people together for a common cause is a

WRITTEN BY GENNY KELLEY

David Baldacci has published thirty novels that all are national and interna-tional bestsellers. Leaving his career as a trial lawyer behind, several of his novels have also been adapted for film and television.

The narrative David is most fond of writ-ing however, is one that tells of defeating multiple sclerosis. Baldacci’s life has been affected by MS in such a way that he currently sits on the National MS Society board in his home-town of Richmond, Va.

David’s work earned him the position of National MS Society Ambassador, which he has held since 2002.

Though fiercely dedi-cated to ending MS, Baldacci’s philan-thropic eggs lie in several baskets. He and his wife, Mi-chelle, cofounded The Wish You Well Foundation, an orga-nization dedicated to

10

fostering and promot-ing the development and expansion of new and existing literacy and educational pro-grams throughout the United States.

David’s relationship with MS is tangential. His sister, Sharon, currently lives with MS and has done so since the early 1980’s. David has made a full-time job out of raising awareness and increasing volunteer participation to end MS forever.

“I remember the day I found out that my sister had MS,” said David. “She called and said ‘hey I want to come up to tell you something.’ I had no idea what it was.”

While then 22-year-old David and 25-year-old Sharon walked around the campus during her visit the siblings stopped and sat along a brick wall,— at which point Sharon delivered the news that she had been diagnosed with MS.

“I remember the summer before when I

wonderful thing,” he said. “You can build support on social media— support groups, donation groups, and you can build teams of walk-ers and riders for Walk:MS and Bike:MS.” It was after becoming involved that David realized the plethora of opportunities avail-able.

“You have to look back and think what can I reasonably do, what am I interested in, what do I like to do,” he said. “Once you figure it out, just go for it.”

was working in Rich-mond, I had done some research for her be-cause she woke up one morning blind in one eye and we didn’t know what it was,” said David.

Sharon’s sight came back, though not quite the same, but no one really thought anything more about the inci-dent. During the early 1980’s, misdiagnoses were frequent, accord-ing to David.Sharon suffered and went to several more doctors before coming across a specialist who recognized her symp-toms as MS.

“That day is vivid in my memory all these years later,” he said. “She was a hard-hit-ting journalist who wanted to work for a major newspaper then, all of a sudden, she had this challenge and decisions to make about her life and what her life was going to be like.”

Sharon, however, is not one to let MS dic-tate who she is or decide what her life is going to be like, ac-cording to David.

“I think really her phe-nomenal attitude and positive outlook on her life has really helped

her live her life to the fullest,” he said. “The mind is the most pow-erful tool we will ever have. But because it is so strong, if you can turn it into a positive direction like my sister has, physically, it can have phenomenally good results.”

For those who are starting on their jour-ney with MS—whether they are personally affected or want to get involved— David’s advice is to learn as much about the dis-ease as possible. “Getting large groups of people together for a common cause is a

Imagine a program dedicated exclusively to help-ing you live your best life with MS. A personal and powerful multiple sclerosis program that address-es your unique physical, emotional, social, intel-lectual and spiritual needs and provides you with the knowledge, skills, support and confidence to

transform challenges into possibilities. The world-renowned CAN DO Program offers the

industry’s most comprehensive view of multiple sclerosis, taking you on a profound exploration of

your unique condition and empowering you to living fully with MS. For more information on Can

Do MS, visit : www.MSCanDo.org

Imagine a program dedicated exclusively to help

David Baldacci has published thirty novels that all are national and interna-tional bestsellers. Leaving his career as a trial lawyer behind, several of his novels have also been adapted for film and television.

The narrative David is most fond of writ-ing however, is one that tells of defeating multiple sclerosis. Baldacci’s life has been affected by MS in such a way that he currently sits on the National MS Society board in his home-town of Richmond, Va.

David’s work earned him the position of National MS Society Ambassador, which he has held since 2002.

Though fiercely dedi-cated to ending MS, Baldacci’s philan-thropic eggs lie in several baskets. He and his wife, Mi-chelle, cofounded The Wish You Well Foundation, an orga-nization dedicated to

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fostering and promot-ing the development and expansion of new and existing literacy and educational pro-grams throughout the United States.

David’s relationship with MS is tangential. His sister, Sharon, currently lives with MS and has done so since the early 1980’s. David has made a full-time job out of raising awareness and increasing volunteer participation to end MS forever.

“I remember the day I found out that my sister had MS,” said David. “She called and said ‘hey I want to come up to tell you something.’ I had no idea what it was.”

While then 22-year-old David and 25-year-old Sharon walked around the campus during her visit the siblings stopped and sat along a brick wall,— at which point Sharon delivered the news that she had been diagnosed with MS.

“I remember the summer before when I

wonderful thing,” he said. “You can build support on social media— support groups, donation groups, and you can build teams of walk-ers and riders for Walk:MS and Bike:MS.” It was after becoming involved that David realized the plethora of opportunities avail-able.

“You have to look back and think what can I reasonably do, what am I interested in, what do I like to do,” he said. “Once you figure it out, just go for it.”

THE 37TH ANNUAL AMBASSADORS BALLthe cause by partici-pating in a silent auc-tion with item that included opportunities to dine with Ambassa-dors at their embas-sies, exotic getaways, native food and wine, and world-wide cultur-al experiences.

The 2015 co-chairs were Mrs. Erica Castro, spouse of HUD Secretary Julian Castro, Brian Rodg-ers, spouse of Repre-sentative Cathy Mc-Morris Rodgers of Washington and Hon-orary Chair, Former United States Chief of Protocol Ambassador Capricia Penavic Mar-shall.

The 2015 Vision Awards were present-ed to Secretary John Kerry, Senator John McCain of Arizona, as well as Representative Fred Upton of Michi-gan and Representa-tive Diana DeGette of Colorado.

For more information on the Multiple Sclero-sis Society, Greater DC- Maryland Chapter, visit www.nmss-dcmd.org.

Washington, D.C.-

On September 8th, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Greater DC-Maryland Chapter hosted the 37th annual Ambassa-dors Ball at the Marri-ott Marquis.

The night opened with a welcome video by President Bill Clinton, followed by the wel-coming of newly-as-signed Ambassadors and their spouses to the District. Honored at the event for their support of charitable activities and humani-tarian endeavors was the Washington Diplo-matic Corps.

This year’s Ambassa-dors Ball contributed to the more than $20 million that the event has raised throughout its history. Funds raised will continue to move research for-ward to identify the cause of and cure for multiple sclerosis, a disease that affects 400,000 Americans and 2.5 million people worldwide.Guests contributed to

State Department Special Advisor for International Disability Rights Judy Heumann delivers a speech during the 37th Annual Ambassadors Ball.

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) delivers a speech after reciving a 2015 Vision Award at the 37th Annual Ambassadors Ball.

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Capricia Marshall and Russian AmbassadorSergey Kis-lyak raise a glass to ending MS.

Making Strides for MSMaking Strides for MS, the young professionals’ the young professionals’ volunteer committee of the volunteer committee of the National Multiple Sclerosis National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater DC-MarySociety, Greater DC-Mary-land Chapter, is proud to land Chapter, is proud to announce the Third Annual announce the Third Annual Making Strides Soirée Dec. Making Strides Soirée Dec. 12, at Historic Eastern Mar12, at Historic Eastern Mar-ket's North Hall. The Soirée will bring together young profession-

als from the Greater D.C.-Maryland area for an upscale night. Join us from 8 p.m. to midnight in your best cocktail attire for music, danc-ing, open bar and heavy hors d'oeuvres.

Guests will also have the opportunity to bid on spectac-ular gift packages in a D.C. neighborhood-themed silent

auction. All proceeds from the Making Strides Soirée will benefit people living with MS in our community and help fund MS research.

Join us in raising a glass to ending MS forever! For more information and to buy your tickets, visit: http://goo.gl/9WOmhR

walk tocreate a worldfree of MS

Walk MS connects people living with MS and those who care about them. When you participate in this com-munity event, the funds you raise give hope to everyone impacted by MS! Walk MS takes place in communities across Md., NoVa., and Washington, D.C. in April 2016. Register, learn more and donate today at: www.walkMS.org.

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See more photos from D.C., Md., and NoVa. Walks on the next page.

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This year we were thrilled to expand our Challenge Walk MS family! After celebrating 13 years and raising over $2 million in revenue, the National Capital Chapter joined the Maryland Chapter for their first event as the newly realigned Greater DC-Maryland Chapter in beautiful, scenic, Easton, Maryland! On September 12-13, 2015, walkers had the opportunity to walk 30 miles, winding down the Chesapeake Bay through historic Cambridge and St. Michaels. We loved experiencing Challenge Walk

with you all and look forward to 2016.

Bike MS: Chesapeake Challenge and Bike MS: Ride the Vine were tremen-dous successes! The 2-day cycling events offered a perfect experience for cyclists of all levels and abilities with a variety of route options. In 2016, our realigned Greater DC-Maryland Chapter will put on our first Bike MS together and we are excited about sharing it with the entire Bike MS community! Next year on Maryland’s eastern shore, participants will enjoy quaint, scenic, wa-terfront communities like Tilghman Island, Oxford, St. Michaels, Trappe and ride on the Oxford Bellevue ferry after lunch. Our Bike MS: Chesapeake Challenge is

fully supported with rest stops stocked with snacks, ice-cold drinks and cheering volun-teers. All along the routes you’ll find Support and Gear vehicles, professional medical vol-unteers and bike mechanics to keep you going to the finish line. The sense of accomplishment you’ll feel as you cross the finish line can only be matched by the difference you’ll be making in the lives of everyone affected by MS. All participants agree to raise at least $300, though most raise significantly more. The money you raise will fund research into the cause, cure and treatment of MS as well as funding education, advocacy, and local pro-grams that enhance the quality of life for people affected by MS. Register today at:www.bikems.org.

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SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM OUR BIKE MS EVENTS ON THE NEXT

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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERSTO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2015.

Dear Members,

You are invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Members (“Meeting”) of the National Multiple Sclero-sis Society, National Capital Chapter (“Chapter”). The Meeting will be held at the Greenbelt Marriott on Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please register by November 6, by calling 1-800-344-4867 option 1, or by registering online at http://bit.ly/1LYHiy4.

Purpose:

The purpose of the Meeting is for the Members to vote on a resolution passed by the Chapter’s Board of Trustees in its meeting held on September 24, 2015. The Trustees voted to recommend to the membership to dissolve the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Capital Chapter (a District of Columbia Corporation) (“Separately Incorporated Entity”) and turn over assets prior to such dissolution, to the extent there are any, held by the Separately Incorporated Entity to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (“Society”).

Trustee Resolution:

The following language is contained in the Board of Trustees’ Resolution dated September 24, 2015:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board approves recommending to members the dissolution of the sepa-rately incorporated entity called the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Capital Chapter and, if approved by members, will act in a timely fashion to formally dissolve the National Capital Chapter by filing the required documentation with District of Columbia authorities and by transferring sepa-rately held assets, to the extent there are any, to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The Nation-al Capital Chapter will continue to serve individuals affected by multiple sclerosis as a chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Issue for Consideration:

The purpose of the meeting is to vote on a proposal to dissolve and liquidate the Separately Incorpo-rated Entity called the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Capital Chapter. Liquidation will occur by turning over all property and funds to the extent held by the Separately Incorporated Entity, to the Society.

If the proposal receives approval by a majority of the members present in person or by proxy, the officers of the Separately Incorporated Entity are authorized and directed to file all required docu-mentation with District of Columbia authorities and take such other actions as necessary or appropri-ate for carrying out such dissolution, liquidation and termination.

Sincerely,

Russell ParkerGreater DC-Maryland Chapter Board Chairman

GREATER DC-MARYLANDCHAPTER

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Saturday, April 9, 2016Ocean City - Boardwalk InletManassas - The Harris Pavilion

Sunday, April 10, 2016Annapolis - Navy StadiumReston - Reston Town CenterSalisbury - Salisbury ZooSaturday, April 16, 2016

Frederick - Harry Grove StadiumBowie - Bowie Town CenterHagerstown - Antietam National Battlefield

Sunday, April 17, 2016Hunt Valley - Hunt Valley Towne CenterBel Air - Bel Air High School

Saturday, April 23, 2016DC - The Yards ParkCumberland - Western MD Railway Station

Sunday, April 24, 2016Baltimore City - Power Plant Live!Westminster - Carroll Community College

Saturday, April 30, 2016Columbia - Howard Community CollegeWaldorf - C. Paul Barnhart Elementary SchoolRockville - Rockville Town Square

Thursday, May 19, 2016 Women on the MoveDC - Wardman Park Marriott

Saturday and Sunday, June 4-5, 2016Bike MS: Chesapeake ChallengeTalbot County Community Center

AUTOS-4-MS

We received $350 We received $575

We received $1,200We received $4,200

We received $4,200 We received $11,750

We accept all vehicles, regardless of condition

Donate your car, bike, RV or boat before

December 31 to get your 2014 tax deduction!

100% of proceeds go to the National MS Society

www.AUTOS 4MS .orgHelp drive MS away - donate your vehicle today!

Donating is easy - simply click or call:

www.AUTOS4MS.org or 1-877-672-8864