2008 National Conference

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People bring unique experiences, perspectives, contributions and talents to the MS movement. We celebrate and value this diversity — but we are also one movement, united to create a world free of MS via core beliefs that will ensure our success. These include:

And, in everything you do, have impact. In so doing, you will move others.

These were the primary messages shared at the 2008 National Conference, in Chicago, Nov. 5-7. Under the theme Join the Movement & Move Others, more than 900 leaders in the MS movement came together to celebrate, motivate and educate one another.

Conference Opening
YouTube^TM Videos
	Opening — A World Free of MS The moment the lights went down, it was clearly the beginning of a very special three days. This opening video set the stage by asking "What does a world free of MS look like?" The short answer: very, very beautiful. Video length: 3:14.
Be Bold
Emcees Ray Heacox and Kristie Salerno Kent introduced keynote speaker Malcolm Gladwell, who talked about how boldness, imagination and collaboration have propelled all kinds of social and technological progress. Then some MS activists demonstrated how they put these lessons into practice, including...
	Be Bold — Christine Homayounifar This New Jersey mom turned a mortifying moment into a cause. After getting trapped in a non-ADA compliant restroom, Christine educated herself about building codes and shared her findings with property owners and inspectors. Video length: 2:52.
	Be Bold — Jason DaSilva Canada covered Jason's MS expenses while he was up north getting a graduate degree. When he returned to New York, he was turned down. Jason, a documentary filmmaker, made this YouTube posting to promote health care reform. Video length: 2:28
Be Imaginative
On Day 2, CEO Joyce Nelson explained her belief that everyone is full of imagination. Whether we let our imaginations petrify or motivate us, said Joyce, is up to each of us.
	Be Imaginative — Don and Joyce Bilger Who doesn't dream of a place in the country? Alas, rural living can be medically and socially isolating. So the Bilgers open their New England inns to the MS community annually, letting hundreds share a great vacation in a supportive setting. Video length: 2:35
	Be Imaginative — Kids Camp For over a century, science insisted that children can't get MS. We now know they can, so the National MS Society is helping doctors and families open their minds to this reality with innovative programs like family camps. Video length: 3:30
Be Collaborative
Day 3 focused on the many ways — artistic, scientific, familial, financial — that the MS movement relies on collaboration. Keynote speaker Weyman Johnson, Chairman of the National Board of Directors, talked about the different ways the men in his family confronted MS.
	Be Collaborative — Boys Night Out For men with MS, reticence can be dangerous. Arizona businessman Gary Held created Boys Night Out, a program he wants to reproduce nationally, to help guys be healthy together. Video length: 3:02
	Be Collaborative — GIANT® Food Stores GIANT Food Stores built the largest Walk MS team in the nation by involving employees and customers. For their huge commitment, GIANT was recognized as the Society's Shining Star for 2008. Video length: 3:32
	Be Collaborative — MS Oranges We do love orange at the National MS Society! Here's a fun event that the South Florida Chapter held at Dolphin Stadium using a famous citrus fruit of the same name. Video length: 1:28
Conference Summary
	A World Free of MS — Conference Summary The speakers were inspiring. The breakout sessions were informative. The entertainment was uplifting. But the conference's true stars — members of the MS community — shine in this closing piece by filmmaker Kate Milliken. Video length: 4:34