Meet the 2012 Public Policy Conference volunteers
Karrie Anderson
Karrie was diagnosed with MS in July 2010 and has been involved ever since. She is a member of the MS 150 Cruise the Cornfields Bike Committee and her team, Team Karebear, has grown from 8 riders to nearly 30 riders in less than three years.
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Before the PPC, what did you think it meant to be an MS activist?
I believed being an activist meant I needed to be involved in politics and understand the "ins and outs" of politics. I was concerned I wasn't bright enough to be in a room with politicians or my memory loss would contribute to me saying something wrong. -
Did that change after your visit to DC?
This absolutely changed after our trip to Washington, D.C. I realized quickly I wasn't expected to know everything about everything. And our stories really were the reason we were there. Most, if not all, the stories I heard while in D.C., directly correlated to our concerns as MS activists. Whether it was respite care, research, prescription drugs and everything in between-- our stories mattered to important people. -
What was your most memorable moment at the PPC?
My most memorable moment at PPC was the courageous presentation by Kim Campbell. I am certain the popular answer is to say meeting Senator Harkin or Senator Franken and although I was so honored to meet these people, they cannot replace Kim for me. She was so brave to share her amazing story of heartbreak, loss and perseverance. To stand in front of nearly 350 people and look at her family and say, “thank you....thank you for giving up so many things in your life to help make mine more meaningful,” gave me the strength to share my story and to say thank you to my family. It has given me the strength to remember for all I am going through, my husband, my son, my family and friends are going through an amazing change too. Thank you Kim for your bravery. You are truly a hero in my eyes. I will never forget you. -
What advice would you give people who aren’t sure they are or can be an MS activist?
Don't be afraid to stand up and be part of something bigger than you. Although it may seem intimidating, advocating for something that has so much meaning to you is one of the most important things you can do. I can tell you first hand, I wasn't the smartest person in my graduating class and I wasn't voted most likely to succeed but after the amazing honor this disease afforded me, I feel I contributed to my MS family in a way I never would have imagined in my life. -
Any other thoughts about your experience?
I am grateful to have been afforded the opportunity to speak for so many families like mine. I cannot imagine a more fulfilling way to feel part of something. I only wish it wouldn't have taken my diagnosis a year and a half ago for me to get involved. It has been so easy and the people I have met along the way have become extended family. The PPC is an experience, God willing, I will not soon forget.
DeeAnne Hansen
DeeAnne was diagnosed with MS in 1991 and has been involved with the Society in countless ways since 1992 including as a volunteer, support group leader, MS Peer, clinic volunteer, Board of Trustees member and Chapter Programs Committee chair.
- Since my MS diagnosis I have tried to learn all I can about the disease and help others who like me are experiencing MS in their lives. I have used my MS experience to educate others at my self-help group and to education newly-diagnosed people at the Sanford MS Clinic.I was honored to be invited to take part in this year’s PPC in Washington DC. The experience of being with more than 200 people with the common goal of raising awareness with our elected officials was amazing. Since the PPC, I have been more open at work about my MS and have more confidence discussing the important issues.
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What was your most memorable moment at the PPC?
Meeting with Senator Al Franken was the highlight of my trip. Senator Franken gave us time to share our story and told us about his efforts to work with the Senate to help in any way possible. -
What advice would you give people who aren’t sure they are or can be an MS activist?
I would recommend the PPC experience to anyone. It gave me the confidence to share my MS story and the knowledge to discuss the MS issues. Having MS has connected me with a community of persons dedicated to educating, supporting and ending MS.
Betsy Mahowald
Betsy was diagnosed with MS in 1994. In 1995 she became a volunteer facilitator for the St Cloud Area support group, and has been one ever since. She has also been an area coordinator for three years.
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Before the PPC, what did you think it meant to be an MS activist? Did that change after your visit to DC?
Before I went to DC, I really didn't know what it meant to be an MS activist, I thought it was someone who went to the capitol every spring to demonstrate their support of the National MS Society and help people understand more about the disease. After the conference in D.C., I think an MS activist is someone who can be a spokesperson for the MS Society, someone who understands what it is like to have MS, who is very well informed about the issues, needs and concerns of people who have MS, and is willing to speak up whenever they have the opportunity. -
What was your most memorable moment at the PPC?
One memorable experience for me was having one last meal with Jenna and Dan on our way home, at the airport, when we all talked about, "… something about yourself that I for sure do not know.” What a fun and interesting conversation! Seriously though, going to the Hill was definitely the most memorable experience for me at the PPC. We were so well prepared, organized and ready for the meetings that'd been set up for us. We were all very excited, and having breakfast with Senator Al Franken was such a great way to kick off the whole day. - What advice would you give people who aren’t sure they are or can be an MS activist?The advice I would give to someone not sure about being an MS activist: "Being an MS activist is an honor, an opportunity and a responsibility to learn about issues affecting people who have MS, and then whenever you can, speak out to help others have a greater understanding of multiple sclerosis and what people who have MS need to live a better life. If there is anything we can do to make that happen, if we all work together to make that happen, it is more likely to happen!"
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Any other thoughts about your experience?
Going to the PPC was an amazing experience for me, and being with others in the new Upper Midwest Chapter was really moving. We ate together, learned together, and spent the day on the Hill together sharing our stories and expressing our priorities. We all believe supporting the identified issues can truly help many people with MS and those caring for them live a better life, and perhaps hopefully in our lifetimes, will also through consistent research, discover a cure for MS.
Amanda Mensing
Amanda was diagnosed with MS in 2008 and has been involved with the Society ever since. She participates in the Walk MS: Sioux Falls every year and is this year’s ambassador. She also participates in as many support groups as she can.
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Before the PPC, what did you think it meant to be an MS activist? Did that change after your visit to DC?
Before the PPC, I thought being an activist meant simply talking to other people about MS issues. Now that I have been an activist on the front lines in D.C., I understand how it is much more than that. Having a true interest and passion in what you’re speaking about makes a difference. There is a true camaraderie between MS activists, and we are all united in our mission to end MS. This trip also made me realize how important it is to advocate on the state level as well. -
What was your most memorable moment at the PPC?
Being on Capitol Hill and having a chance to speak to representatives from South Dakota was amazing. Being able to communicate the messages about increasing funding for MS research and long-term care initiatives made me feel like an important part of the legislative process. Without someone's story to help our congress people understand why this is important, there would be little that would be done in Congress today. -
What advice would you give people who aren’t sure they are or can be an MS activist?
I never thought I would want to be an activist, simply because I have never been excellent at public speaking. The PPC showed me that it is really easy, especially when it is a topic that you are passionate about. Sharing your story can make a difference and truly change someone's opinion. You will never know unless you try! -
Any other thoughts about your experience?
This experience meant so much to me, and the people I met will be friends I will have for the rest of my life. It was truly special and I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Sheri Paulson
Sheri was diagnosed with MS in April 2001 and has been involved with the Society since 2002. She’s been very involved with Bike MS and Walk MS, and will be in charge of the Fargo Run for MS program this year.
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Before the PPC, what did you think it meant to be an MS activist? Did that change after your visit to DC?
I knew how to be an MS advocate and MS fundraiser, but I was concerned about my lack of political savvy and involvement, and how this could hamper my ability to be an effective MS Activist. What I have learned is, your stance on politics does not matter. What is relevant is your ability to take the issues, and correlate and intertwine that to your personal story or the story of your family and friends living with MS. My MS advocacy and MS fundraising are my strength and foundation for my ability to be an MS activist. I truly have the passion to utilize my VOICE to make a difference, one person at a time. -
What was your most memorable moment at the PPC?
I had two memorable moments this year. The first was when the staff members, board members and volunteers were all in the room together planning our meetings with the congressional members. I was so proud to be a part of this amazing group we had put together, although we were a recently joined as the Upper Midwest Chapter, we were already one. The positive energy, determination and support created confidence for everyone for our day on the hill. My second memorable experience was the positive reactions we received from the Congressional members and staff, during our meetings. They were pleased to not only have constituents from their states, but also representation from the other states. This sent a strong message that no matter where the offices are located in our chapter, we are here to represent all people with MS. -
What advice would you give people who aren’t sure they are or can be an MS activist?
The key is to realize you are just talking to another individual about your story, or the story of your family or friend. Don’t overwhelm yourself with whom you may be talking to, or the issues you may be talking about, realize your story is the most important part and no one knows your story better than you. -
Any other thoughts about your experience?
In my own personal journey with MS, I have come up against a lot of walls with insurance, disability and medication costs. I feel like I am being proactive by utilizing my voice and discussing where things can be improved. They may only be tiny baby steps, but it certainly empowers me to feel like I am moving and doing something.