It’s been another beautiful summer in the Northwest, albeit a little too dry. As we wrap up another exciting event season, we look forward to the end of the year – a wonderful season of thanksgiving and celebration. In this issue read about what people in our local community are doing to raise funds for MS research and advocate for change, as well as what we’re doing to celebrate your contributions to the MS Movement.
Keep up with everything going on at the National MS Society by visiting MSnorthwest.org or facebook.com/MSnorthwest.org.
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Get the most out of doctors’ visits
Sometimes doctors’ visits can feel too short or like they're scheduled too far apart. Questions can pile up in the months between appointments which is why it’s important to have a strategy before a visit. Whether you’re preparing for your next appointment, accompanying a loved one, or just interested in learning more about what it’s like to visit with an MS specialist, here are some tips for planning ahead, prioritizing questions and preparing for tough or uncomfortable conversations.
MS research: No Opportunity Wasted (NOW)
In 2010, the National MS Society launched the groundbreaking 5-year, $250 million NOW MS Research Campaign—the largest MS research campaign in history! As 2015 comes to a close, we need your support to ensure that we reach our goal and accelerate breakthroughs that will changes lives and end MS forever.
Greater Northwest Chapter Board Chair Bill Sample explains why he donates to the campaign and why you should, too: “…[it’s] a great example of innovative thinking by the Society. It’s designed to create a lot of leverage to really maximize MS R&D activities.”
MS Activist receives national recognition
Doug Toelle, an Alaskan MS Activist, will be inducted in to the National MS Society Hall of Fame for Advocacy in November. Doug is a proactive, persistent advocate who has forged strong relationships with his local, state, and federal legislators. Aside from his role as an MS Activist, he is also a mentor to other activists, a self-help group leader, Walk MS participant, and long-time attendee at the Society’s Public Policy Conference. Thank you and congratulations, Doug!
Inspired by Doug’s story? Make your voice heard and make a difference for people living with MS.
Last month, more than 80 cyclists raised $52,297 at Bike MS: Ride the Sky in Bozeman! These dedicated riders braved the winds and tackled the hills with the help of a fabulous group of enthusiastic volunteers. While the event is over, the prize deadline isn’t until Oct. 12. Keep fundraising or make a donation to help reach the $63,000 goal and get us one step closer to a world free of MS!