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Return undeliverables to:
MS Society of Canada, BC Division
1501-4330 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC V5H 4G7
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MShope MSheroes
MShope MSheroes
From the Chair
The new board of directors for the BC
& Yukon Division of the MS Society was
approved at our annual general meeting,
held November 15 at the Laurel Point Inn,
Victoria. At that meeting I assumed the role
of Chair of the board. Later that evening I
was elected as a councillor to Victoria City
Council. To be elected twice in one day is
very special.
New members include Roberta Stewart from
Prince George, she has been involved in our
Volunteer Legal Advocacy Program; Fred
Nenninger, a senior manager with Metro
Vancouver, who brings extensive experience
in governance and strategic planning; and
Dr. Peter Rieckmann, a professor and the
Multiple Sclerosis Research Chair at UBC.
Wearing his UBC “hat”, Dr. Rieckmann
took the opportunity to present a
commemorative plaque to the MS Society in
recognition of our role in establishing the
MS Society Research Chair at UBC.
Members who took part in our annual
general meeting and conference enjoyed
several informative presentations.
2008-2009
Chair
Chair, Government & Community
Relations Committee
Lynn Hunter
Past Chair
Gerry Bramhill
Secretary
Dan Carlson
Treasurer
Iain Ball
Chair, Client Services Committee
Marilyn Lenzen
AdvoCACy UPdAte
Petitioning for
Income Security
Income security can make a huge
difference in how people live with
a recurring episodic illness, which
is how many people experience
multiple sclerosis.
Over the summer, MS Society
members and supporters engaged
MS Society chapter board members Pippa Blake of
South Vancouver Island Chapter and Cesar Gomez
of Okanagan Chapter urge us to take action!
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Dr. Olinka Hrebicek of the Victoria
MS Clinic presented on the topic “MS Clinic:
Past, Present and Future.” Dr. Hrebicek
spoke of the serious challenges facing the
clinic because of provincial government
underfunding.
Dr. Jennifer Rodgers, a clinical psychologist
from University of Alberta in Edmonton
presented about “Coping with Cognitive
Changes and Emotional Aspects of MS.” Dr.
Rodgers joined a panel involving 3 couples
who spoke frankly about their strategies for
coping with the challenges of MS.
These are among the challenges the new
board will address over the coming year
with new energy in the Government
Relations department and
with new resources for
research to end MS.
Best wishes to you all for
the new year!
Lynn Hunter
Chair, MS Society, BC & Yukon
BoArd oF dIreCtorS
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, BC & yukon division
Members at large
Jan Petrar
John Folka
Mary Ellen Tabor
Mike Hennessy
John Hadley
Fred Nenninger
Roberta Stewart
Peter Rieckmann
Harmony Poisson
in a successful online campaign
directed at educating and
winning support from the federal
government for basic secure income.
We have now taken the campaign
low tech!
Since early fall, members have
been gathering signatures for a
petition that will be delivered to
Parliament. If you have not yet
signed the petition, please go into
your chapter or division office to
add your name. Each petition must
have 25 signatures and addresses
to be considered valid in the House
of Commons. Completed petitions
must be delivered to the BC &
Yukon Division office at 1501, 4330
Kingsway, Burnaby BC, V5H 4G7 by
December 8, 2008.
Petition to the House of Commons
in Parliament Assembled
We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the
House to the following:
WHEREAS:
Dr. Olinka Hrebicek, Medical Director, Vancouver
Island MS Clinic; Janet Palm, President, BC &
Yukon Division; Lynn Hunter, Chair, BC & Yukon
Division and Todd Abercrombie, Executive
Director, South Vancouver Island Chapter.
Janet Palm, President,BC & Yukon
Division; Dr. Jennifer Rodgers;and
Bonnie Pashak, Client Services South
Vancouver Island Chapter.
Peggie Maclagan & Rina Berkshire, North
Vancouver Island Chapter board members,
accept the Symmetry Award for achieving
balanced spending between research
and client services from Ulrike Kleeman
BC & Yukon Division Manager of Chapter
Resources.
1. A lack of a secure, adequate income precludes individuals
from participating and contributing fully as Canadian
citizens;
2. And current disability benefit programs don’t recognize
or accommodate the needs of people with
episodic disabilities such as MS;
3. And caregivers are integral to the health and well being
of people with MS, are most often spouses and have
significant financial and health costs associated with
their care giving.
THEREFORE, we call upon Parliament to:
1. Make Employment Insurance sickness benefits
more flexible to allow for partial benefits and part-
time work for individuals with episodic disabilities;
2. Make the Disability Tax Credit a refundable benefit
so persons with disabilities can have more income;
3. Allow spouses to claim the caregiver tax credit.
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Division Opal Caregiver
Award
Belinda Neumann’s
care and support for
her mother Sharon
Howe from 1985 to
2007 exemplifies
the outstanding
commitment
and support
demonstrated by
so many family
members in the face
of MS.
“Care giving really is not glamorous,
it’s mostly done in private and it’s
comprised of countless small everyday
acts,” said Janet Palm, President of the
BC & Yukon Division as she introduced
Belinda. “These acts are done with love
and hope and the intent to preserve
someone’s quality of life while we
search for a cure.”
Belinda received her award and took
the opportunity to speak about the
future, “I have been able to recruit
friends and coworkers to join my team
for the MS Walk and I plan on adding
more people every single year. Whether
it’s fundraising or volunteering, we
need as many people involved as
possible. We need to be able to find
a cure and the only way to do that
is to raise awareness and to raise
much needed funds for research and
support.”
Recognizing our
MS Heroes in 2008
Belinda Neuman, Opal
Caregiver Award recipient
Certificate of Exceptional
Achievement (Business or
Corporation)
The enthusiasm and support of employees
from Scotiabank, BC & Yukon Region and
Scotiabank led by Wendy Baker and her
team helped make the 2008 MS Walk
events a huge success across our division.
To top things off, Scotiabank will be the
title sponsor of BC & Yukon Division Walk
events for the next two years!
Wendy Baker, Manager, Nordel Branch Scotiabank;
Paula Springman, MS Society; Janet Palm, MS Society;
and Nilusha Alibhai, District Vice President, North Coast
and Fraser Valley District for Scotiabank.
MShope MSheroes
Division President’s Award
Claudette Friesen’s work within the MS
Society is far ranging and varied. She has
enhanced the influence and position of
persons with MS within the Society while
also encouraging others to participate in the
Society. Her contribution has strengthened
her local chapter to make a difference for
those affected by MS.
Claudette served as Chair of the Lower
Mainland Chapter board of directors from
2002-2004 and has been treasurer and
secretary in the last four years. She helped
develop the Tri-Cities self help group for
which she is a contact person and leader. She
has been involved in many public education
initiatives including one to provide MS
information to physicians in her chapter’s
area. Captain of the “A-Team” a TeamMS for
the MS Walks, she and team members raised
over $10,000 in 2008.
“MS has had a profound effect on my family.
Three siblings, my uncle, two nieces, cousins
and I have MS. My goal is to see every person
with MS and their families given the support
they need.”
Claudette Friesen on right accepts BC & Yukon Division
President’s Award from Janet Palm, President.
Certificate of Exceptional
Achievement (Volunteer)
Olive Merrick’s tremendous
energy is inspiring. Now
84 years old, she has been
the key organizer of the
Comox Valley Carnation
Campaign for the last 14
years. Olive also organizes
transportation for the
Comox Valley self help
group year round so that
group members can attend
events including a yearly
Olive Merrick of
North Vancouver
Island Chapter
luncheon that she hosts in her home for
approximately 20 members.
Division Award of Merit
(Non-Member)
Professional photographer Kent Wong
and professional writer Sandy Wiseman
collaborated with Kamloops and Area
chapter to create the “Faces of MS” an art
show and public education project that
involved eleven people with MS in the
Kamloops area. Kent’s portraits combine
with Sandy’s text to convey the variety of
ways that people live with and fight with
MS. Both generously volunteered their
time and talents to this project.
Sandy Wiseman, writer; Marilyn Poncelet, Chair, Kamloops
& Area Chapter; and Kent Wong, photographer.
Division Award of Merit
(Member)
Genevieve Sigalet
is famous for
organizing “Shut
Out MS” with
talented hockey
goalie son, Jordan
Sigalet and their
many good
friends.
Upon receiving
her Award of
Merit, Genevieve
surprised
everyone by
Genevieve Sigalet and
Debbie Hazlett with
Vancouver Canucks tickets.
presenting the MS Society with a cheque
for $10,000. The donation was raised
partly through sales of a cookbook
compiled by the family members of the
Providence Bruins, the team Jordan and
brother Jonathan played for this past year.
Her next venture? Genevieve and Debbie
Hazlett have beautifully framed Vancouver
Canucks tickets from the opening game in
1970.
For information about the tickets email:
gensigalet@hotmail.com or thehazes@
hotmail.com.
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MShope MSheroes
MShope MSheroes
Get Active!
Provincial resources
by Cynthia Khoo
Recently, there has been much emphasis by B.C.’s
government on active living. Initiatives such as
BC Healthy Living Alliance, ActNowBC, and the
20% Challenge (increase physical activity of British
Columbians 20% by 2010) have sprung up with
megaphones blaring into our hitherto contentedly
idle ears. Be active! Be healthy! Act now! GO!
Leading an active lifestyle can bring more benefits
than a sedentary one, (just how much is a question
that UBC researchers are exploring. See “Thanks”
article on page 5) but with MS, how exactly do you
incorporate activity into your life?
Well, there are many organizations in B.C. offering
access to physical activities specifically customized
for people with disabilities. Whether you want
sailing or hiking, pick-up basketball or Paralympic
skiing, thereís something for almost everyone!
BC Disability Sports (www.disabilitysport.org) is the
leading non-profit in this field, responsible for the
BC Disability Games and related programs. People
participate in a variety of sports recreationally or
competitively, all the way up to the Paralympics!
Similar, associated organizations include SportAbility
(www.cpsports.com/Sportability/sportability.htm),
2010 Legacies Now (www.2010legaciesnow.com),
and Active Living Alliance (www.ala.ca).
reading About People (with MS)
the Good Body: A Novel by Bill Gaston
This story explores the intersections between masculinity and
multiple sclerosis.
After a complicated departure from his professional hockey
career in the USA, Bobby Bonaduce heads back to Fredericton,
New Brunswick. Newly diagnosed with MS, Bonaduce cheats
his way into graduate school and attempts to reconcile with
his wife Leah (neither of them ever followed through with a
divorce) and their son Jason, both of whom he left 10 years
ago.
Initially, I was skeptical that Bobby Bonaduce could be a
believable character. Thankfully, Bill Gaston manages to
create an unpredictable, genuine main character that skirts
stereotypes about hockey players and about MS.
Even if you aren’t interested in hockey (?!) you will find this
novel entertaining. It is humorous, gritty and highly readable,
enriched by characters that are fallible, surprising and
multifaceted.
Bill Gaston is a novelist, short story writer, poet and screenwriter who lives in Victoria BC.
The Good Body: A Novel can be found in some public libraries.
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Cowichan Valley members Darcie James (Left) and Sarah Mathison enjoying themselves on the top of Mount
Tzouhalem this summer. The hike was organized through the Cowichan Independent Living’s Adaptive Recreation
program with the manpower provided by the local running club!
BC Wheelchair Sports Association
(www.bcwheelchairsports.com) offers
various levels of sports recreation
and competition. Notable is their
Wheelchair Loan Program, for those
with no access to sport wheelchairs,
and Bridging the Gap, a hands-on
introduction to wheelchair sports.
BC Blind Sports and Recreation
Association (www.bcblindsports.bc.ca)
may be something for those with optic
neuritis, offering eleven sports from
club to Paralympics level.
BC Mobilities Opportunities Society
(www.reachdisability.org/bcmos)
is known for their revolutionary
TrailRider, which allows people with
disabilities to do wilderness activities
Dear Sonja, Coordinator, Equipment Provision Program,
Thanks a million! The brace has increased my mobility and takes some of
the strain off my foot and lower leg. It has allowed me to continue working
with horses, riding, training and instructing as a small source of income to
supplement the CPP disability income. I am so grateful for it.
reviewed by Angela Hold
B.W. in Kelowna
Contact us at 604.689.3144 or mssociety.ca/bc/epp.html
in the great outdoors, such as hiking,
fishing, gliding, and mountain climbing!
BC Therapeutic Riding Association
(www.vcn.bc.ca/bctra) provides horseback
riding therapy, long recognized for its
psychological and physiological benefits to
people with disabilities.
Finally, there is the self-explanatory
Disabled Sailing Association of BC
(www.disabilityfoundation.org/dsa), which
also provides disabled kayaking, and the
Disabled Skiers Association of BC
(www.disabledskiingbc.com).
Although physical activity may be
beneficial to many, we encourage you to
consult your doctor before taking up any
new or strenuous activity.
1-800-361-2985
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100K
MS Society
D e c e m b e r 2 0MS Plane 0Concept 8
FAFFC35E-0708
4C/91M/88Y
You may
qualify for
assistance
through the
Equipment
Provision
Program.
We will never fly.
Be part of something monumental.
Funded largely by the MS Society,
Canadian researchers have
brought the cure for MS
within reach. Let’s take this
last step together.
It’s time. Give now.
11012
Production
Copywriter
Art Director
Version 0
2008.07.1
Account Manager
Account Coordinator
Studio

esearchers say
In the last newsletter we invited members
of the MS Society who are diagnosed with
multiple sclerosis to participate in our
questionnaire-driven study about physical
activity and quality of life.
Your response was overwhelming! We
greatly appreciate that so many MS Society
members took the time to participate in
this research. We thank everybody who
returned the questionnaire.
You still have time to return questionnaires
if you wish to participate. Every
questionnaire returned will be included in
our study. All information provided will
remain strictly confidential. We are now
working on the analysis of the study and
we plan to let readers of the MS Hopes MS
Heroes know of our progress in the next
newsletter.
Questionnaire return deadline:
December 31, 2008
2009 Walk Dates
Lower Mainland April 26, 2009
Fraser Valley April 26, 2009
Vancouver Island
Victoria April 5, 2009
Duncan April 5, 2009
Nanaimo April 26, 2009
Port Alberni April 26, 2009
Comox Valley April 5, 2009
Port Hardy April 26, 2009
Interior BC April 26, 2009
Northern BC & Yukon
Prince George June 7, 2009
Whitehorse June 14, 2009
Register now at www.mswalks.ca
Questions about the study? Please contact
Dr. Verena Strehlau at vstrehlau@brain.ubc.
ca or Michelle Eisner at 604.827.3111.
Thank you from
Dr. Peter Rieckmann & Dr. Verena Strehlau
MShope MSheroes
MS in Hollywood - the Sequel
By Gabrielle Veto
Effective story-telling needs tension and
conflict of all kinds to engage our attention.
When watching movies that portray characters
with multiple sclerosis, it’s important to
remember that the goal of the movie is to
entertain, not necessarily to educate.
Movies like Hilary and Jackie
(1998) and Go Now (1995) really
bring that point home.
The first is about celebrated
cello virtuoso Jacqueline Du
Pre. Based on the book written
by her sister Hilary, the movie
was well reviewed and received
two Oscar nominations for the
brilliant work of actresses Emily
Watson and Rachel Griffiths. It
is a tragedy based on coping
with the gift of genius and the
lifelong relationship between
two sisters. Jacqueline Du Pre
had a progressive form of MS
that ended her life at age 42.
Explanations about the forms
MS can take are absent from the
movie because MS education is
not the goal of the film. It is an
emotional piece that mistakenly
leaves the impression that MS
is fatal and it confuses the
instability of genius with the
emotional challenges of chronic
disease.
In a Legal Crisis?
talk to April Griffin
by Cynthia Khoo
April Griffin facilitates the one-of-a-kind,
BC&Y Division’s Volunteer Legal Advocacy
Program (VLAP). VLAP involves volunteer
lawyers and others who provide legal
assistance to those not eligible for Legal
Aid, on issues such as CPP (Canadian
Pension Plan) and LTD (long term disability)
among other issues.
April, VLAP Coordinator, spends her days
communicating with people all over the
province, giving information, advice,
guidance, and support. She also advocates
for and connects them with volunteer
lawyers and legal representation if
needed, while doing research, maintaining
statistics, developing resource booklets,
and managing volunteer training.
Asked about the major issues for people
with MS seeking legal aid, April first cites
the application forms process, which deters
those with cognitive or motor disabilities.
Without aid, people must navigate court
systems themselves, while already under
stress from both MS and their legal
crisis. As April indicates, “It can be an
overwhelming process. Big things are at
stake.”
Moreover, “MS is such a broad disease,
with so many different forms, and often
it’s an invisible disease, so it can be
Another wonderful actor, Robert Carlyle
plays a man with MS in the made for
British TV movie Go Now (1995). Carlyle
portrays a young Scottish soccer player
and plasterer who falls in love with a
waitress. After they move in together
he is diagnosed with MS. The physical
and emotional changes he goes through
are portrayed with honesty and
sometimes brutal humour.
This movie does not emotionally
manipulate the viewer, but
does take us on the step-bystep
journey of a blue-collar
everyman whose very physical life
deteriorates as his MS progresses.
Go Now is a good example of
a movie combining undistorted
facts about MS, great acting and
honest story-telling into one
package. Perhaps this movie is so
effective because one of the cowriters
has MS.
Like MS, how the disease is
portrayed in our pop culture is
unique and unpredictable. It is
best to remember that when MS
is portrayed or mentioned in our
popular media, it creates a great
opportunity for those of us with a
vested interest to refer others to
resources for factual explanations
and education.
hard to prove to someone who doesnít
understand.” For example, April often
deals with employers unwilling to
accommodate for MS, or don’t know how:
”We help people articulate what they’re
going through.”
Due to high demand, VLAP is in constant
need of more lawyers or volunteers, so
please contact us if interested. April herself
is currently working with CPP to establish
online applications, and encourages
anybody applying for CPP or LTD to contact
VLAP beforehand, to increase your chances
of getting approved.
do you need help with:
Canada Pension Plan Disability Insurance
You may qualify for the MS Society’s Volunteer
Legal Advocacy Program.
For information call
604.689.3144 or 1.800.268.7582
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MShope MSheroes
MShope MSheroes
Fundraising
H E R o E S
Metro Vancouver employees were
rewarded with great weather at
their September 14, 2008 Charity
Golf Tournament where a record
135 participants golfed, bid in a
silent auction and bought tickets
for a 50/50 draw. Tara Dong (left)
presents a cheque for $3,394 to
Beverly Matsu.
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Glen Wilson, Eliza Lew and Mike Lew
proudly represented the employee driven
Telus “Dollars for Dollars” fundraising
program to deliver a cheque for $11,449.
A big thank you to the Telus employees
and corporation!
MS 100 Hole Golf Challenge
Rising before dawn to play 100 holes of
golf in one day, 24 dedicated MS Society
supporters enjoyed a beautiful day while
they raised an amazing $100,000 to drive the
cure for MS.
While participants each commit to raising
$1,500, each and every golfer almost always
exceeds the minimum.
Top fundraiser by a hair was Colin Daintrey
who raised over $12,441, followed closely
by Sören Schou who raised over $12,439.
Harmony Poisson was third top fundraiser
with over $8,300.
Top fundraiser Colin Daintrey with Bev
Matsu and Paula Springman, MS Society
The International
Brotherhood of Electrical
Workers (IBEW) local 258
continued their 13 year history of
support for the MS Society with
an amazing $10,100 donation
raised at their annual golf
tournament.
Right to left: Mark Davison and
Dan Klassen, IBEW local 258 with
Paula Springman and Bev Matsu,
MS Society of Canada.
The Gujarati Hindu Seniors raised $500
in support of the MS Society. Thank
you to these kind seniors for their
wonderful support!
Pictured: Mrs. Bansi Gandhi, President
of the Gujarati Hindu Senior Society
McGregor Wark, 100 Hole Challenge
Committee member and Dave Major
take the challenge in 2009! Next MS 100 Hole Golf Challenge is Monday, September 14
For information Beverly Matsu 604.602.3202 or beverly.matsu@mssociety.ca I MSgolfchallenge.ca
organize a fundraiser
Call Bev Matsu
604.602.3202
Halloween Headshave Raises Hackles and
MS Hope!
Chelsea Money(right) and Jennifer Nilsen
bared their skulls for Halloween. These
young women held a joint fundraiser
in Saturna Island to raise almost $5,000
in support of the MS Society and the BC
Cancer Society.
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Back Row from left to right: Peter Thanas, Don MacSorley, Don Daintry, Jim Peers, Christian La Roche, Dave Dalbo, McGregor Wark, James Carpenter, Ryan McKenzie, Sean LeFaivre,
Andrew Levy. Front Row from left to right: Paula Springman (MS Society), Amadeus Nip, Andrew Britnell, Thomas DeSchutter, John Folka, Rick Folka, Dave Major, Craig Lennox, Bev Matsu
(MS Golf Coordinator), Harmony Poisson, Ryan Carr, Sören Schou, Bob Dowbiggin, Darren McLean. Missing from photo: Lindsay Hendy and Blaine Monaghan

unning for Joy
Jan Burghardt set out to raise money
towards ending MS by running 26 miles
for each year her mother, Joy, lived with
MS.
On Sunday, November 2, her late mother’s
birthday, Jan accomplished her dual goal,
running the New York City Marathon in
5hours and 7 minutes and raising $10,000.
“
In her own words...
The race was amazing. Crowds were lined
up cheering for the athletes and looking
for names on shirts. People read my shirt
as I ran, calling out “Run for Joy.” And I
did. I ran over 5 bridges and high-fived
hundreds of little children who lined the
route for hours to cheer us on in the cold.
My dad had given me mom’s wedding
ring and her half of a 1959 silver dollar
(cut for their wedding day) that I wore on
a necklace. I pulled it out and held onto it
when I needed some inspiration.
I found out later my son in Ottawa was
following my progress online through
the “athlete alert” chip on my shoe. Eric
texted my dad and husband at home as
well as my two daughters who were with
me in New York. With the information,
Rachel and Annie, used the subway to
The best team you’ll ever be on!
Fraser Valley Grape Escape
June 6 & 7, 2009
Vancouver Scenic City Tour
August 9, 2009
Cowichan Valley Grape Escape
August 8 & 9, 2009
Kamloops Thompson River Ride
September 13, 2009
MShope MSheroes
pop up along the route. But as I ran I
didn’t see them in the crowd.
The last 3 miles I found myself counting
my steps, guessing distances between
traffic lights and signs to measure the
distance left to run. I found myself
scanning the crowds for my girls. It kept
me running, hoping to find them, but I
still hadn’t seen my daughters when I read
the sign “The final 300 hundred yards.”
Suddenly I heard them calling me.
Unbelievably, they were against the fence.
I just broke down in tears. They were
wearing their “Run for Joy” shirts, waving
their arms and cheering me on.
I started to run towards them and Rachel
called out “Mom, no! Keep going!” but
there was no way I wasn’t stopping. I
hugged them both! Amid the smiles and
tears I know mom was with the three of
us at that moment. I held the necklace
for the final 300 yards and raised my arms
high at the finish.
Mom would have loved every moment of
that weekend.
Happy Birthday, Joy.
Ski for MS
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“
Help end MS by skiing and raising funds
on February 15th, 2009 at
Mount Washington Alpine Resort.
Register online at
www.mssociety.ca/msfundraising
FoR MoRE InFoRMATIon
call 250.339.0819
toll free 1.877.339.0819 or
email nvichapter@telus.net
BoB for
MS Hope
The members of Team
BOB geared up to be
with over 180 riders who
raised $55,000 September
7, 2008 at the Thompson
River Ride. One of four
great events in the RONA
MS Bike tours in BC &
Yukon!

MShope MSheroes
MShope MSheroes
BC roundUp
Enjoying ‘A Taste of Nelson’
New Leadership at the Kamloops & Area Chapter
After 10 years at the helm, Marcia Wilson is stepping back from the leadership role at
the Kamloops & Area Chapter. Trina Radford has joined the team in the role of Chapter
Manager & Fundraising Coordinator, and as of December she will begin working on the
organization of the Scotiabank MS Walk and RONA MS Bike Tour.
Trina will also be taking time to get to know local and provincial staff and volunteers as
she settles into her position as team leader. Marcia Wilson will stay on with the chapter
in a part time position focusing on public education, communication and advocacy.
Please join us in welcoming Trina. Here’s to new ideas, skills and energy!
Are yoU A MeMBer?
As a member of the MS Society you: Have a
say in the future of the MS Society I Allow us
to speak with a more powerful voice on behalf
of Canadians with MS I Receive Chapter, Division
and national newsletters I Have access to
MS Society programs and resource library
Annual membership $10
Become a member today!
1.800.268.7582
West Kootenay Chapter hosts 5th annual “A taste of
Nelson”, an elegant evening of sampling the signature dishes
of Nelson and area’s finest dining establishments. A silent auction
raised almost $6000 for chapter programs and events. Kudos
to fundraising coordinator Dawn Lang and her great group of
volunteers!
MShope MSheroes Winter 2008
editor/Writer: Suzanne Jay I Contributors: Cynthia Khoo, Katie Lapi, Danny Jay, Jason Hopkins,
Jackie Connelly, Quincey Cable, Angela Hold, Gabrielle Veto, Marcia Wilson, Cherie Kamenz, Jeff Nelson
and many MS event photographers I designer: Michelle Reaney I Cover design: Katie Lapi
Published 4 X’s a year, MS hope MS heroes is intended to provide news and information to people living with MS, their families, caregivers,
medical professionals and other stakeholders. Information/opinions contained in this newsletter are obtained from sources believed
to be reliable, but their accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The MS Society does not approve, endorse or recommend specific products or
services and respects an individual’s right to make their own health management decisions. However, we can provide information to assist
people in their decision process. For specific, personalized information, please consult your physician or other health care professional.
MS Society of Canada I BC & Yukon Division I 1501-4330 Kingsway, Burnaby BC V5H 4G7
Ph. 604.689.3144/1.800.268.7582 I email:info.bc@mssociety.ca I www.mssociety.ca
Charitable Registration # 10774 6174 RR0002
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As a member, donor, sponsor, volunteer, event participant, or researcher – you are part of our world - a world that wants to end MS. If you would prefer to receive this newsletter as an email
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GIft wrappers at Metrotown
volunteers inspire MS hope
Volunteers bring boundless energy and
determination to find a cure for MS and
enhance the lives of people affected by the
disease.
An example of the value added by
volunteers: In 2008, within the lower
mainland, fundraising event volunteers
contributed 5,777 hours of time. Valued at
a low $10 per hour, this contribution equals
$57,770.
This is only a specific group of volunteers
in one chapter! So many more people
contribute to the Society in a wide range
of capacities in chapters throughout our
division. We thank you all!
Holiday Festivities
Get your shopping done and gifts wrapped at Metrotown
Shopping Mall in Burnaby!
Marcia Wilson (right) with new chapter manager Trina Radford.
Over 150 MS Society volunteers will be taping, wrapping
and finishing with a pretty bow thousands of Christmas gifts
beginning November 28 to December 24. This fundraiser always
helps us end the year on a happy note!
Left to right: Volunteers Jason Wong, Coro Mohr,
Rati Aurora, Stacey Bradshaw, Volunteer Coordinator
and fellow volunteer Dario Tolusso enjoyed dinner
together after receiving pins acknowledging their years
of service at the MS Society’s 2008 Recognition dinner.
Help the MS Society
win $5,000 from
the Give a Better
Life Foundation.
Vote online for the
endMS video and tell your
family and friends to vote today.
Vote.giveabetterlife.com
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