Past MS Entrepreneur Projects:
Using Technology to Connect the MS Community
Opportunities to connect with others and learn online are becoming increasingly important in meeting the needs of people living with multiple sclerosis. We are looking for projects that can use technology as a platform to connect, inform or engage people living with MS.
- MS Entrepreneur: Paula Joiner
- Project: MS Lone Star Classifieds
- Project Overview: Paula developed a free Person to Person online classified service to the MS community, MS Lone Star Classified. In today’s economy with the ever increasing cost of living, it is imperative that people with MS network in their community. The new Web site strives to ease this burden.
Activating Change in your Community
Volunteers are a key force in creating change in Texas communities. We are looking for projects that will organize local citizens to find local solutions to challenges that people living with MS in your community are facing.
- MS Entrepreneur: Jerry Meyerson
- Project: Toward Greater Independence for People with MS…through bathroom renovations
- Project Overview: Jerry is dedicated to creating change in Texas communities by mobilizing sub contractors and volunteers to renovate one bathroom to current ADA standards for a person living with MS in the Houston Area. Jerry is determined to increase self sufficiency and independence among those with MS. Although this project is specific to the Houston area, Jerry hopes that in subsequent years this program will expand state-wide.
Sharing the Message of the Movement in Your Community
Awareness of multiple sclerosis, the Lone Star Chapter and the services we offer is crucial to creating a world free of multiple sclerosis. We are looking for innovative and creative projects to build awareness in your community.
- MS Entrepreneur: Jinger LeVan
- Project: Suiting Up With MS
- Project Overview: Jinger is helping to build physical awareness of multiple sclerosis in the San Antonio metropolitan area by developing a special "suit” that mimics symptoms commonly associated with MS such as balance issues, numbness and loss of fine motor skills. This “suit” is available to staff, clients and volunteers as a learning tool for teaching engagements.
Making your Own Mark on the Movement
Do you have a great project idea but don’t feel it fits into any of the categories? This is the opportunity for you! We are looking for new, innovative, out-of-the-box ideas that will benefit people living with multiple sclerosis in your community and around our chapter.
- MS Entrepreneur: Anthony Armstrong
- Project: Best Medicine Greetings
- Project Overview: Anthony has designing a line of greeting cards specifically for people who are living with MS. Those interested have the option to fill out cards, using any internet browser, with their own personal greeting and signature without having to worry about hand-writing anything. They can mail their cards from the print shop in order to avoid addressing envelopes, getting postage or going to the mailbox. Additionally, Anthony has the ability to turn anyone’s handwriting into a font that can be preserved. These custom made greeting and thank you cards are available on-line from his Web site, Best Medicine Greetings, and in centers in the Dallas Fort Worth area. 100% of the profits from the thank you cards will go straight to the National MS Society.
Community Based Solutions
Solutions can be found in each community to challenges that people living with MS face every day. Can your project bring together people and resources in your area to meet these needs?
- MS Entrepreneur: Dr. Jennifer L. Northrop
- Project: Enabling Gardens of Texas
- Project Overview: Jennifer hopes to give back some of the activities that are often thought to be lost after the diagnosis of MS by creating both individual and community enabling gardens that are completely accessible, including raised beds. A Web site will allow interested gardeners to download plant suggestions and an illustrative guide, and to redesign building plans to ensure a comfortable space for gardening. People living with MS will be able to continue to participate in the pastime of gardening, and some may even develop a new hobby. Jennifer will lead construction of a community garden in the Houston Area.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the inaugural year of this program, and best of luck to all of our future entrepreneurs. Together, we will create a world free of MS.