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Spring/Summer 2013 - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

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<strong>Spring</strong> / <strong>Summer</strong> <strong>2013</strong><br />

Our MissiOn<br />

To be a leader in finding a<br />

cure for multiple sclerosis<br />

and enabling people<br />

affected by MS to enhance<br />

their quality <strong>of</strong> life.<br />

3<br />

Atlantic Division Awards<br />

6<br />

ATLANT C<br />

VOLume 6 iSSue 2<br />

Volunteers Can Impact<br />

Research Decisions<br />

Inside, read about the impact<br />

researchers are making and<br />

the impact you can have . . .<br />

1dayinmay.ca<br />

5<br />

MS Research Webinar<br />

7<br />

Team MS<br />

www.mssociety.ca


2<br />

A message from Dena<br />

Dena Simon, president, Atlantic Division<br />

<strong>Spring</strong> is here and with it comes our<br />

annual springtime activities – selling<br />

carnations and building excitement for<br />

the MS Walk. And this May we have<br />

something new to talk about - 1 Day<br />

in May, a fundraising campaign that<br />

encourages us to think about the impact<br />

we can have on our MS community in<br />

just 1 day.<br />

For a person living with MS, 1 day<br />

can mean the difference between being<br />

able to walk to the mailbox or using<br />

a wheelchair. For a caregiver, 1 day<br />

can represent a life changing shift in a<br />

simple outing like having dinner with<br />

a loved one. And for those who give<br />

to the MS <strong>Society</strong>, 1 day can mean<br />

making a contribution that will make<br />

the future for those affected by MS less<br />

challenging.<br />

I am inviting you to join me in making<br />

an extraordinary gift.<br />

mS Atlantic is a publication <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Multiple</strong> <strong>Sclerosis</strong><br />

<strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>, Atlantic Division and is issued<br />

three times per year in the winter, spring and fall.<br />

Charitable Registration #107746174 RR0001<br />

editor, Writer, Layout: Starr Amey<br />

photo Credits:<br />

Contributors:<br />

Dreamstime Free Images Chuck Hartlen<br />

Jessesar Mitchell<br />

Monica Jordan<br />

Starr Amey<br />

Jessesar Mitchell<br />

Paul Martin<br />

Dena Simon<br />

Cover photo: by Lani Crossman<br />

Go to 1dayinmay.ca, use the 1 Day<br />

Salary Calculator, and donate what<br />

you will earn today to the MS <strong>Society</strong><br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong> to support people affected<br />

by MS. You’ll be surprised at how<br />

attainable the goal <strong>of</strong> giving 1 day is,<br />

and how great your impact will be on<br />

the people in our community. Whether<br />

it’s your tips for the day, the Tooth<br />

Fairy toonie, your birthday gifts, or<br />

your salary, pick one day this month<br />

and donate what you earn.<br />

I am continuing to support our walkers,<br />

cyclists, and this month’s MS Carnation<br />

Campaign. And in addition, this year I<br />

am increasing my commitment to people<br />

living with MS by making a donation in<br />

the 1 Day in May campaign. In fact, by<br />

the time you read this message, I will<br />

have donated one day’s earnings to the<br />

effort.<br />

So this May, as we purchase carnations<br />

in the days leading up to Mother’s Day,<br />

and come together on May 26 th for the<br />

Medavie Blue Cross MS Walk, let’s<br />

think <strong>of</strong> all the “1 days” when we, as<br />

an MS community, make an impact<br />

and how we can continue to do so. By<br />

making your contribution to the 1 Day<br />

in May campaign, you will bring the end<br />

<strong>of</strong> MS, 1 day closer to being realized.<br />

Invite your friends and family to join<br />

you one day in May.<br />

executive<br />

Sean FitzGerald – Chair<br />

Dr. Gary Altenkirk– Vice-Chair<br />

& Chair, Client Services<br />

Liz Wozniak – Secretary<br />

Lisa Park – Treasurer<br />

Chris Bourque – Past Chair<br />

members at Large<br />

Ron Butler<br />

Chuck Hartlen<br />

Heidi Hutchings Kays<br />

Steve Merrill<br />

Edith Rogers<br />

Honourary Legal Counsel<br />

Gavin Giles<br />

Kin <strong>Canada</strong> Liaison<br />

Michelle Harfitt<br />

Barb Yorke<br />

Sincerely,<br />

Atlantic Division<br />

Board <strong>of</strong> Directors<br />

<strong>2013</strong><br />

President, MS <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />

Atlantic Division


Atlantic Division Awards<br />

The mS <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong> Awards program was established to recognize the<br />

outstanding contributions made by members, non-members, volunteers, people<br />

living with mS and caregivers. On march 23, the 2012 Atlantic Division Awards<br />

were presented in Halifax.<br />

Zita Kavanagh-Taylor is a force to<br />

be reckoned with. She became<br />

involved with the St. John’s/Mount<br />

Pearl Chapter <strong>of</strong> the MS <strong>Society</strong> in<br />

2011, and was immediately elected<br />

Chair. Taking her role very seriously,<br />

she has actively worked to raise<br />

the pr<strong>of</strong>ile <strong>of</strong> the chapter in the<br />

community, and to increase chapter<br />

activities.<br />

Zita has reached out to local media<br />

outlets to raise awareness <strong>of</strong> MS and<br />

chapter activities appearing on the TV<br />

program, Out <strong>of</strong> the Fog, as well as,<br />

radio. Zita also spreads awareness <strong>of</strong><br />

the <strong>Society</strong> by delivering copies <strong>of</strong> MS<br />

Atlantic to local physicians’ <strong>of</strong>fices.<br />

Since taking on the chapter leadership,<br />

she has hosted an annual Open<br />

House for MS Awareness Month. In<br />

conjunction with this she arranged for<br />

the City <strong>of</strong> St. John’s to host afternoon<br />

tea for members and friends <strong>of</strong> the<br />

MS <strong>Society</strong>. Zita has made an effort to<br />

connect with the local Kinette Club to<br />

build on the relationship with Kin.<br />

Jeanne macphee accepts the Scott gillis Award<br />

from Chris Bourque, Chair, Atlantic Division.<br />

And her commitment to people<br />

living with MS goes beyond Chapter<br />

activities. When the local self-help<br />

group leader retired, Zita stepped right<br />

in. For Zita, ensuring that people have<br />

someone to talk to is a priority.<br />

“Having a nurse tell you everything<br />

will be okay doesn’t make you feel<br />

any better,” says Zita. “But when you<br />

hear it from someone living with MS,<br />

you can believe it could be true.”<br />

Zita is always thinking <strong>of</strong> others. She<br />

advocates on behalf <strong>of</strong> individuals<br />

living with MS, shares information,<br />

and her own story. At the National<br />

Education Series in St. John’s<br />

last spring, Zita brought a client<br />

perspective to the panel discussion.<br />

And during her time as Chapter Chair,<br />

she has faithfully nominated chapter<br />

members and volunteers for divisional<br />

awards. This year, it’s her turn.<br />

For exemplifying the active<br />

involvement <strong>of</strong> people living with MS,<br />

Zita Kavanagh-Taylor was presented<br />

the President’s Award. Congratulations.<br />

Division Award <strong>of</strong> merit recipient-non-member<br />

Dr. raymond Wagg from the Kinsmen Club <strong>of</strong><br />

new glasgow with Chris Bourque, Chair.<br />

ATLANT C<br />

president’s Award recipient -<br />

Zita Kavanagh-Taylor with Chris Bourque<br />

2012 Atlantic Division<br />

Award recipients<br />

Kay reynolds Lifetime Achievement<br />

Award - Dr. Jock murray, Halifax, nS<br />

Scott gillis Award<br />

Jeanne macphee, Cornwall, pei<br />

president’s Award<br />

Zita Kavanagh-Taylor - St. John’s, nL<br />

Division Award <strong>of</strong> merit, member<br />

Carl macLeod, Sydney, nS<br />

Division Award <strong>of</strong> merit,<br />

non-member - Kinsmen Club <strong>of</strong> new<br />

glasgow, nS<br />

OpAL Award<br />

Leslie Batten - Fox Trap, nL<br />

Client Services Ambassador Award<br />

Sharyn Hennigar, italy Cross, nS<br />

Susan rourke public education<br />

Award - Adam Bowie, Fredericton,<br />

nB<br />

if you would like to read the full<br />

citation for all award recipients<br />

go to: www.mssociety.ca/atlantic/<br />

awards.htm<br />

3


4<br />

Self-Help group Leaders Workshop<br />

Susan martin, Theresa Denham and monica Jordan<br />

The Self-Help Group Leaders Workshop was held<br />

in Dartmouth on April 27-28th . The workshop is<br />

held biennially and delegates are invited to participate<br />

in skill-building workshops and sessions designed to<br />

help them facilitate the MS Self-Help Groups they<br />

lead in their own communities.<br />

Chapter Conference Working Together<br />

In March, delegates from the Atlantic<br />

provinces gathered in Halifax at the<br />

Annual Chapter Conference to share ideas<br />

and learn best practices to take back to<br />

their local Chapters <strong>of</strong> the MS <strong>Society</strong>.<br />

The conference included round table<br />

discussions, presentations from Atlantic<br />

Division staff and information sessions<br />

discussing changes to the Chapter and<br />

Division operating structures resulting<br />

from the Renewal Initiative.<br />

The conference also coincided with<br />

the Annual General Meeting to allow<br />

attendees to participate in both events.<br />

“It’s wonderful to greet friends and meet<br />

new people around the table each year,”<br />

says Dena Simon, President, MS <strong>Society</strong>.<br />

MS<br />

Beth Carmichael, from Self-Help Connection, a<br />

not-for-pr<strong>of</strong>it organization, gave a presentation<br />

to the group. Self-Help Connection’s aim is to<br />

provide people with the skills to help themselves<br />

by taking control <strong>of</strong> their own health.<br />

Sue Ehler, a physiotherapist and Liette Connor,<br />

an RN specializing in incontinence, both gave the<br />

Leaders some practical tips and advice to bring<br />

back to their groups.<br />

Monica Jordan, Director <strong>of</strong> Client Services and<br />

Volunteer Programs says the Self-Help Group<br />

Leaders provide some <strong>of</strong> the most valuable advice<br />

to each other, gathered from years <strong>of</strong> collective<br />

experience.<br />

“Some <strong>of</strong> these volunteers and community leaders<br />

have been running their Self-Help Groups for<br />

a very long time. The wisdom and advice they<br />

have to share with each other is invaluable,” says<br />

Monica Jordan. “We are so grateful for them. It’s<br />

their expertise that is helping people with MS in<br />

communities across Atlantic <strong>Canada</strong> every day.”<br />

(l-r) Valerie Wilson, Client Services Coordinator with Chapter delegates<br />

Stephanie Boland, Kevin Boland, Amy Cormier, Brian Hanson, Dave<br />

macKinnon, Bernie Touesnard, paul morin, Dan Broderick, Linda morin,<br />

Jennifer Bonnell, Tammy phillips and Zita Kavanagh-Taylor.<br />

MS


Branching Out<br />

Making An Impact<br />

Brenda Munro simply inspires.<br />

She inspires strangers,<br />

friends, family, colleagues and her<br />

teammates at the MS Bike Tour.<br />

The 43-year-old from Halifax<br />

participates in the Nova Scotia MS<br />

Bike Tour as the Team Captain <strong>of</strong><br />

the Rockingham Riders who’ve<br />

raised over $60,000 since 2008.<br />

Brenda recently won a contest<br />

called Share the Love because her<br />

teammate, John Webb, submitted<br />

an entry describing cycling with<br />

Brenda and shared the reasons<br />

why he loves his Team Captain.<br />

“Brenda never complained<br />

about the effects <strong>of</strong> MS on her<br />

body and mind. She always had<br />

that majestic smile, continuously<br />

talked about how wonderful<br />

the ride was, how beautiful the<br />

scenery, how much fun it was,”<br />

writes John Webb. “While my<br />

glass was teetering below half<br />

empty, hers was always brimming<br />

over. Unbeknownst to her, I would<br />

symbolically hold my glass close to<br />

catch some <strong>of</strong> hers!”<br />

Diagnosed with relapsing remitting<br />

MS at the age <strong>of</strong> 25, Brenda finds<br />

the positive in everything. She<br />

says she was very lucky because<br />

While my glass was teetering below half<br />

empty, hers was always brimming over.<br />

Unbeknownst to her, I would symbolically<br />

hold my glass close to catch some <strong>of</strong> hers!<br />

~Brenda’s Teammate John Webb<br />

Brenda and her father Sandy Munro.<br />

He will celebrate his 80 th birthday as he<br />

cycles in the MS Bike Tour this summer.<br />

at the time, she was working in<br />

healthcare and had swift access to<br />

a neurologist allowing her to be<br />

diagnosed very quickly. Brenda also<br />

has the benefit <strong>of</strong> having a BSc. in<br />

Health Education. So, she gathered<br />

information and educated herself<br />

about her disease developing a<br />

strict regimine <strong>of</strong> healthy eating<br />

and exercise that she thinks is<br />

“essential to keeping MS in control<br />

if you are able.”<br />

Brenda trains to cycle in<br />

the Bike Tour and she’s also<br />

passionate about running.<br />

“I can do it, and I can show<br />

other people that they can do<br />

it too,” says Brenda.<br />

Brenda believes that because<br />

her MS symptoms have<br />

been slow to progress, she is<br />

fortunate to have the energy<br />

to live a very full life. Brenda<br />

works full-time, volunteers<br />

her time to others and has<br />

personally raised more than<br />

$22,000 for MS.<br />

Brenda is branching out<br />

and engaging with the MS<br />

<strong>Society</strong> in other areas too. She<br />

participated in an MS <strong>Society</strong><br />

forum where she and other MS<br />

<strong>Society</strong> members contributed<br />

to a discusion on MS research<br />

priorities.<br />

She describes herself as being<br />

embarrassingly blessed by<br />

having a supportive partner and<br />

family, great friends and a good<br />

job with a healthcare plan. Her<br />

positive attitude serves as an<br />

inspiration to us all. MS<br />

MS <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />

Atlantic Division<br />

109 Ilsley Ave., Unit 1<br />

Dartmouth, NS B3B 1S8<br />

1.800.268.7582<br />

info.atlantic@mssociety.ca<br />

mssociety.ca/atlantic


Thank You<br />

Atlantic Division Supporters - 2012<br />

$90,000 - $100,000<br />

Estate <strong>of</strong> Donald MacFarlane<br />

$70,000 - $90,000<br />

Estate <strong>of</strong> Ronald Smith<br />

$40,000 - $60,000<br />

Estate <strong>of</strong> Audrey Carberry<br />

Healthpartners<br />

Kin <strong>Canada</strong> Atlantic District 7<br />

Tim Hortons Cape Breton<br />

- Smile Cookie Campaign<br />

$10,000 - $30,000<br />

EMD Serono <strong>Canada</strong> Inc.<br />

David Foundation<br />

Estate <strong>of</strong> Harvey Hendsbee<br />

Novartis Pharmaceuticals<br />

<strong>Canada</strong> Inc.<br />

Pfizer <strong>Canada</strong> Inc.<br />

$5,000 - $9,999<br />

Biogen Idec<br />

Estate <strong>of</strong> Gordon Butler<br />

The McCain Foundation<br />

Royal Sun Alliance Insurance<br />

Group<br />

$2,500 - $4,999<br />

Medavie Blue Cross<br />

Newfoundland & Labrador<br />

Construction Association<br />

Estate <strong>of</strong> Edythe Oxner<br />

Principal Developments Ltd.<br />

$1,000 - $2,499<br />

Alumitech<br />

Anonymous<br />

Atlantic Automatic Sprinklers<br />

Ltd.<br />

Shelley Baxter<br />

Donald Brazier<br />

John Chapman<br />

CLAUDE<br />

Estate <strong>of</strong> Mildred Colwell<br />

Dexter Construction Company<br />

Limited<br />

Edmonds Landscape and<br />

Construction Services<br />

Deborah Elliott<br />

EMC Emergency Medical<br />

Care Inc.<br />

Elisabeth Fall<br />

The Fredericton Community<br />

Foundation<br />

Gander Goodwill Centre<br />

Shelly Gilby<br />

Graybar <strong>Canada</strong>/Harris &<br />

Roome Supply<br />

The Greater Saint John<br />

Community Foundation<br />

Greater Toronto Airport<br />

Authority<br />

Wileen Hanshaw<br />

Margaret Higgins<br />

Laura Holden<br />

Elaine Huntsman<br />

Independent - Sunnyside Mall<br />

IWK Community Grants<br />

Program<br />

Christine Linders<br />

M2 Business Solutions Inc.<br />

Don MacDonald<br />

Joan MacKinnon<br />

Paul Mansz<br />

McInnes Cooper<br />

MI Swaco<br />

Michelin North America Inc.<br />

Steve Mullane<br />

Peter Munro<br />

Nova Agri Inc.<br />

Estate <strong>of</strong> John Pittman<br />

Dr. Ken Porter<br />

RBC Foundation<br />

Alex & Kathleen Ritchie<br />

Margaret Robertson<br />

Theresa Saulnier<br />

Scotiabank<br />

Cathy Seymour<br />

William Skinner<br />

Sobeys Inc.<br />

Specialty Health Network,<br />

Shoppers Drug Mart<br />

Sussex Area Community<br />

Foundation<br />

The Haynes Group <strong>of</strong><br />

Consultants Inc.<br />

Samantha Tilley<br />

Andre Walsh<br />

$500 - $999<br />

Stephen Adams<br />

Raymond Adlington<br />

Brian Altenkirk<br />

Alward Charitable Foundation<br />

Inc.<br />

Keith Anderson<br />

Ariston Pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />

Corporation<br />

Tanya Arsenault<br />

Atlantic Sleep Apnea Services<br />

Shawn Bilerman<br />

Chris Bourque<br />

Brunswick News<br />

Caisse Populaires Acadiennes<br />

Ronald H. Cameron<br />

Canadian Forces Central Fund<br />

CBCL Limited<br />

CBM<br />

Kevin Christie<br />

Peter Clarke<br />

Shirley Clements<br />

Mark C<strong>of</strong>fin<br />

Conflict Resolution Consulting<br />

PLC<br />

Conseros S<strong>of</strong>tware Inc.<br />

Wendy Currie<br />

Dillon Consulting Limited<br />

Viola Doncaster<br />

E. R. Associates Inc.<br />

Jamie Emberley<br />

Fidelity Investments <strong>Canada</strong><br />

ULC<br />

Trudy Flynn<br />

Gardiner Realty Ltd.<br />

Peter Giberson<br />

Gavin Giles<br />

Kelly Godbout<br />

GoodLife Fitness Club<br />

(Head Office)<br />

Grand Bank Lions Club<br />

Pam Hamilton<br />

Hammonds Kwik-Way<br />

Mathew Harris<br />

HED Courtier en Assurance Inc.<br />

Shawn Hingley<br />

Jessica Houtsma<br />

Chantale Imbeault<br />

John Irwin<br />

Earl Jessiman<br />

Johnson Incorporated<br />

Kell’s Enterprises Limited<br />

James Kennedy<br />

Kinsmen Club <strong>of</strong> Dartmouth<br />

David Knowles<br />

Labatt Brewing Company<br />

Limited<br />

Dr. Sylvie LePage<br />

Eileen MacDonald<br />

Joe Macdonald<br />

Elizabeth MacKenzie<br />

Joan MacKinnon<br />

Brad MacMillan<br />

Managed Health Care<br />

Services Inc.<br />

Jaspreet, Mangat<br />

Grant McDougall<br />

Donald M<strong>of</strong>fatt<br />

Penny Mollins<br />

Jeffrey Muise<br />

Jeff Munroe<br />

Colin Murchison<br />

New Brunswick EMS Inc.<br />

Nova Scotia Power Inc.<br />

Angela Pellerine<br />

Alicia Phillips<br />

Anne Marie Picone Ford<br />

Wayne Pike<br />

Kim Pratten Murray<br />

Robert Pulsifer<br />

Leslie Reid<br />

RJ Bartlett Engineering Ltd.<br />

Elizabeth Ryder<br />

Larry A Sampson<br />

Paul Saulnier<br />

Schiffer Odom Hicks &<br />

Johnson PLLC<br />

Morneau Shepell<br />

Dena Simon<br />

Sisters <strong>of</strong> Mercy Newfoundland<br />

Ruth Smith<br />

Tina Sobey<br />

Standard Life<br />

Strait Crossing Bridge Limited<br />

Sutherland Family Dentistry<br />

Inc.<br />

The Great West-Life Assurance<br />

Company<br />

The Kings Mutual Insurance<br />

Company<br />

Scott Thompson<br />

Lina Toole<br />

Angela Trenholm<br />

Truefoam Limited<br />

University <strong>of</strong> PEI<br />

Henk VanLeeuwen<br />

Walmart <strong>Canada</strong> Inc.<br />

Wawanesa Insurance<br />

Lisa Wiseman<br />

Wolf Collision Ltd.


Thank You<br />

Friends <strong>of</strong> the Atlantic Division - 2012<br />

DIVISIONAL PARTNER MS BIKE TOUR SPONSORS<br />

National Sponsors<br />

Atlas <strong>Canada</strong><br />

Brinks Inc.<br />

Louis Garneau<br />

Pedal Magazine<br />

Thule<br />

Tour Sponsors<br />

Cyclesmith<br />

G. E. Barbour Inc.<br />

Premiere Van Lines<br />

Purolator Courier Ltd.<br />

Community-Based<br />

Fundraising Events<br />

$5,000 - $10,000<br />

Curl for MS, NB<br />

$1,000 - $4,999<br />

Center 200 Craft Fair, NS<br />

Hoops For Hope, NS<br />

Charles P. Allen High School, NS<br />

Tyler Yeaton - Washer Toss<br />

Tournament, NS<br />

KNOWLEDgE CIRCLE<br />

$100,000 to $249,999<br />

Fondation J. Armand<br />

Bombardier<br />

KPMG Foundation<br />

The John and Judy Bragg<br />

Family Foundation<br />

PATRON<br />

$50,000 to $99,999<br />

Jazz Air LP<br />

Teva <strong>Canada</strong> Innovation<br />

$500 - $999<br />

ECP/Intertape Polymer, NS<br />

Mushaboom Fire Department, NS<br />

Megan Saunders - MS Benefit<br />

Recital, NL<br />

The Witches <strong>of</strong> Weymouth Tea, NS<br />

Nova Scotia Mustang Club, NS<br />

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal<br />

Relations, NS<br />

endMS Campaign Supporters<br />

LEADER<br />

$10,000 to $24,999<br />

IMP Group Limited<br />

Joe Randell<br />

INVESTOR<br />

$5,000 to $9,999<br />

Anonymous<br />

Bell Aliant<br />

Charles J. Ford<br />

Halifax International<br />

Airport Authority<br />

MEDAVIE BLUE CROSS<br />

MS WALK SPONSORS<br />

Title Sponsor<br />

Medavie Blue Cross<br />

National Sponsors<br />

Brinks Inc.<br />

Student Works Painting<br />

Chatelaine<br />

Regional Sponsors<br />

Kin <strong>Canada</strong> Atlantic<br />

District 7<br />

Premiere Van Lines<br />

Purolator Courier Ltd.<br />

Major Partner<br />

Subway<br />

Walk Sponsor<br />

Tim Hortons<br />

Joan MacKinnon<br />

Louis J. Maroun<br />

Lisa & Roger Park<br />

Dena Simon<br />

The Shaw Group<br />

Waterbury Newton<br />

SUPPORTER<br />

$1,000 to $4,999<br />

Mitchell McConnell<br />

Insurance Ltd.<br />

Dr. Jock & Janet Murray<br />

Jonathan Robbins<br />

MEDIA SPONSORS<br />

Big Dog 100.9<br />

Cat Country 99.5<br />

CHSJ Country 94.1 FM<br />

CKEC 94.1<br />

C103 & XL 96.9<br />

FRED FM<br />

KOOL 96.5<br />

MAX 98.3<br />

Ocean 100.3<br />

The River 99.3<br />

The Tide 98.1<br />

97.3 The Wave<br />

590 VOCM<br />

989 XFM<br />

Brunswick News<br />

Cape Breton Post<br />

Metro Halifax<br />

The Guardian<br />

The Miramichi Leader<br />

The News<br />

The Telegram<br />

The Western Star<br />

Truro Daily News<br />

We apologize for<br />

any errors or<br />

omissions.<br />

FRIEND<br />

$500 to $999<br />

Peter & Dana Burns<br />

Capital District Health<br />

Authority<br />

Fredericton Church <strong>of</strong><br />

Christ Congregation<br />

Joanna Hamilton<br />

Jessesar Mitchell<br />

Gail Mosher<br />

Scott & Trish Murray<br />

Craig Newell<br />

Paul Scott


Branching Out<br />

Making Connections<br />

Jordan Warford entered the<br />

endMS Network as a third<br />

year undergraduate science<br />

student studying at Saint<br />

Mary’s University. Ultimately,<br />

his primary goal was to get<br />

“inside <strong>of</strong> a disease” and work<br />

towards a cure, channelling<br />

his passions for science and<br />

people to one worthy cause.<br />

Upon receiving an endMS<br />

summer studentship in 2008–<br />

he was hooked.<br />

“That was a pivotal moment<br />

in my life where I decided to<br />

devote my life to MS research,”<br />

says Jordan. “That’s why funding is<br />

so important. My motivation was to<br />

become an expert in a disease and<br />

to ultimately find a cure. I didn’t<br />

know what disease I would end<br />

up studying, but the funding from<br />

the MS <strong>Society</strong> came through and I<br />

went with the endMS Network.<br />

It was the best decision I could<br />

have ever made.”<br />

Jordan moved on to conduct his<br />

honours research with Dr. John<br />

Fisk, Director <strong>of</strong> the endMS Atlantic<br />

Regional Research and Training<br />

Centre (RRTC) as a result <strong>of</strong> the<br />

connections he made that summer.<br />

In 2012, the Atlantic Division . . .<br />

“I went with the endMS Network. It was<br />

the best decision I could have ever made.”<br />

~Jordan Warford<br />

He’s also had the opportunity<br />

to spend time with MS patients<br />

in a clincial setting drawing a<br />

connection between his work<br />

and the bedside.<br />

During these past few years, Jordan<br />

has branched out to several other<br />

areas <strong>of</strong> engagement with the<br />

MS <strong>Society</strong> and has become an<br />

invaluable member <strong>of</strong> the local<br />

MS community making himself<br />

available when called upon.<br />

Just in the past year, he’s spoken<br />

at a Self- Help Group Leaders<br />

workshop in Moncton, an HRM<br />

Chapter meeting, a Bridgewater<br />

Self-Help Group meeting and the<br />

MS Bike Tour in Wolfville where he<br />

also participated as a cyclist raising<br />

$1,500 with his team <strong>of</strong> colleagues.<br />

Jordan serves as an MS<br />

Ambassador and has made it his<br />

mission to make science accessible<br />

to MS patients across Atlantic<br />

<strong>Canada</strong>. He uses Twitter and<br />

Facebook to share MS research and<br />

scientific information in an easy<br />

way to understand, emphasizing<br />

the impact on the person living<br />

with MS.<br />

“MS patients deserve to be<br />

treated with dignity, they are just<br />

as capable <strong>of</strong> understanding a<br />

scientific paper as any trained PhD.”<br />

In January <strong>2013</strong>, Jordan began work<br />

on his PhD under the supervision <strong>of</strong><br />

Dr. Alexander Easton. Dr. Easton is<br />

an involved member <strong>of</strong> the endMS<br />

Network, where Jordan connected<br />

with him.<br />

Jordan, now 25 years old and<br />

married to Sarah, has just received<br />

funding from the <strong>2013</strong>-2014 endMS<br />

Scholar Program for Researchers IN<br />

Training (SPRINT). He knows that<br />

knowledge is power and he is going<br />

to share his knowledge to empower<br />

people living with MS whenever,<br />

and wherever, he can. MS<br />

Answered 3200 inquiries in the areas <strong>of</strong> funding, information, advocacy, education, referral and support.<br />

Hosted MS education sessions in all four Atlantic Canadian provinces.<br />

Hosted self-help group leaders from New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island for a biennial skill-development workshop.<br />

Distributed 2767 pieces <strong>of</strong> information to clients, caregivers and healthcare pr<strong>of</strong>essionals on various topics related to MS.<br />

Approved 1015 applications for funding in four program areas helping to pay for personal emergency response systems,<br />

incontinence supplies, emergency or long-distance travel for medical appointments, mobility aids and personal well-being.<br />

This number <strong>of</strong> approvals has increased by 12% over last year.


mS research Webinar<br />

The <strong>Multiple</strong> <strong>Sclerosis</strong> <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong> is excited<br />

to announce an MS Research Webinar taking<br />

place on Wednesday, May 15th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm,<br />

Atlantic Time. (7:30 - 9:30 pm in NL)<br />

The MS Research webinar is an audio and video<br />

presentation about the latest in MS research featuring<br />

a panel <strong>of</strong> leading Canadian scientific and clinical MS<br />

experts. Participants can see materials the presenters<br />

are showing in real-time on screen and hear the<br />

discussion over the telephone. There will be a panel<br />

<strong>of</strong> four leading Canadian MS experts who will cover<br />

such topics as:<br />

• symptom management and quality <strong>of</strong> life<br />

• progression and therapies<br />

• cause and risk factors<br />

• nerve damage and repair and much more<br />

A computer with internet access and a telephone<br />

will be needed to participate.<br />

education Sessions<br />

There are MS education sessions<br />

coming up. Keep an eye on your<br />

mailbox, and email for more<br />

information.<br />

navigating mS - Workshops for<br />

people with MS and those who care<br />

for them.<br />

Sydney, NS<br />

Charlottetown, PE<br />

managing energy & Fatigue in mS<br />

Halifax, NS<br />

The mri made easy<br />

Dr. Virender Bhan<br />

Dartmouth, NS<br />

September 26 th<br />

6:30 - 8:30 pm<br />

panel <strong>of</strong> Canadian mS experts presenting the webinar:<br />

Dr. Amit Bar-Or, Dr. ruth Ann marrie, Dr. Anthony<br />

Feinstein and Dr. paul O’Connor<br />

How to register:<br />

1. Register online at mssociety.ca/researchwebinar or<br />

2. Phone 1-866-922-6065 extension 3194<br />

Dial-in and webinar access information will be provided<br />

upon registration.<br />

Pre-submit your question to the panel or the researchers:<br />

When you register online at mssociety.ca/researchwebinar<br />

By email: teleconference@mssociety.ca<br />

Twitter @MS<strong>Society</strong><strong>Canada</strong><br />

Facebook www.facebook.com/MS<strong>Society</strong><strong>Canada</strong><br />

Join the largest cycling<br />

series in North America!<br />

3 tours in Atlantic <strong>Canada</strong><br />

Plains & Pastures<br />

Sussex to Saint John, NB<br />

June 22-23, <strong>2013</strong><br />

Vineyards & Valleys<br />

Windsor to Wolfville, NS<br />

July 27-28, <strong>2013</strong><br />

ATLANT C<br />

Bike the Rock<br />

St. John’s, NL<br />

September 28, <strong>2013</strong><br />

REGISTER NOW | 1-800-268-7582 | msbiketours.ca<br />

5


6<br />

Volunteers Can impact<br />

research Decisions<br />

by Chuck Hartlen<br />

Chuck Hartlen is a member <strong>of</strong> the Atlantic Division Board <strong>of</strong> Directors and one <strong>of</strong> the first Community<br />

representatives invited to sit on the Biomedical grants review Sub-Committee. This is the group <strong>of</strong> mS experts<br />

who review research proposals submitted to the mS <strong>Society</strong> for funding. The mS <strong>Society</strong> made this change, inviting<br />

participation by members to the review granting process, based on feedback received during the renewal initiative.<br />

The following is an edited version <strong>of</strong> Chuck’s report to the Board describing his experience.<br />

Being very active in the<br />

community has always been a<br />

large part <strong>of</strong> my role as a Senior Vice<br />

President at Bell Aliant. Recently,<br />

I began to take a close look at the<br />

amount <strong>of</strong> time I was spending on<br />

volunteer activities and the type<br />

<strong>of</strong> work I was involved with. I<br />

concluded that I really wanted to<br />

continue, but I wanted to focus on<br />

areas that would strike a personal<br />

chord for me. My daughter was<br />

diagnosed with MS several years ago.<br />

I decided I wanted to get involved<br />

with MS so I looked to the MS<br />

<strong>Society</strong> and, eventually, I was<br />

elected to sit on the Atlantic<br />

Division Board <strong>of</strong> Directors. I<br />

began to give serious thought<br />

as to where I might add value.<br />

It was important to me that I<br />

was not just filling a chair. I<br />

wanted to contribute. The topic<br />

<strong>of</strong> research came up and it had<br />

potential, but I wondered how a<br />

board member could have an impact<br />

on research?<br />

It was a coincidence (and a pleasant<br />

surprise) that just around this time I<br />

received an email soliciting interest<br />

for a Community Representative<br />

on the MS <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />

Biomedical Funding panel.<br />

I became one <strong>of</strong> two Community<br />

Representatives on the panel. Our job<br />

would be to read and comment on the<br />

Lay Summary <strong>of</strong> each proposal from<br />

two perspectives.<br />

First, was it simple enough for a<br />

“lay person” to understand? Second,<br />

was it clear how this research could<br />

benefit someone living with MS?<br />

In December 2012, the Community<br />

Representatives from all review<br />

panels received a full-day orientation<br />

session. We were very well prepared<br />

by MS <strong>Society</strong> research staff for the<br />

journey ahead. A few weeks later, I<br />

received my 20 proposals to review<br />

and had about 4 weeks to submit my<br />

comments. We assembled as a team<br />

in Toronto on January 22-23 rd .<br />

Research really needs to be<br />

viewed as the key to unlocking<br />

a future where generations to<br />

come are no longer burdened<br />

with the challenges <strong>of</strong> MS.<br />

~Chuck Hartlen<br />

Each proposal had two evaluators<br />

addressing the scientific merit and<br />

one Community Representative<br />

reviewing the Lay Summary. Each<br />

evaluator ranked the proposals from<br />

1 to 5. Each proposal was presented<br />

in brief by the evaluators and then<br />

discussed by the entire group. When<br />

the discussion was completed and<br />

everyone had their say, the two<br />

presenting scientists came to a joint<br />

consensus score and then the rest <strong>of</strong><br />

the group voted within a range <strong>of</strong><br />

(+/-) 0.5 points around that score.<br />

The process gave all proposals a<br />

fair and equitable hearing with each<br />

member <strong>of</strong> the committee having<br />

an opportunity to voice an opinion.<br />

Anything that was not clear was<br />

explained and, in every case, the<br />

group seemed to eventually arrive<br />

at a similar place. The committee<br />

was comprised <strong>of</strong> an excellent<br />

cross section <strong>of</strong> scientists from<br />

across <strong>Canada</strong> with a broad range<br />

<strong>of</strong> expertise and all were very<br />

experienced in the field <strong>of</strong> MS.<br />

In closing, I would like to thank the<br />

MS <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong> for allowing<br />

me to participate in such an important<br />

undertaking. I felt very privileged to<br />

have been selected to sit on the panel<br />

as a Community Representative. It<br />

was one <strong>of</strong> the most interesting and<br />

meaningful experiences I have had<br />

in all my many engagements as an<br />

active community volunteer and<br />

makes me proud to be a part <strong>of</strong> the<br />

MS movement in <strong>Canada</strong>.<br />

I would also like to commend the MS<br />

<strong>Society</strong> for taking such a courageous<br />

and important step. I realize that this<br />

is a big change, but one that could<br />

help enrich the granting process<br />

leading to better research outcomes,<br />

expectations, and perhaps, add to the<br />

promotion and general knowledge <strong>of</strong><br />

MS research across the country.<br />

The great work <strong>of</strong> this committee and<br />

the Canadian research community<br />

makes me hopeful that a cure is<br />

within our reach.


Sponsors<br />

ATLANTIC CANADA<br />

Sunday,May 26, <strong>2013</strong><br />

Register at mswalks.ca or 1-800-268-7582<br />

This ad was generously sponsored by<br />

Boosting<br />

Spirits &<br />

Competition<br />

MS <strong>Society</strong> staff hit the road in April<br />

travelling to Fredericton, Saint<br />

John and Moncton, NB to host Team MS<br />

mixers for MS Walk and MS Bike Teams<br />

in all three cities.<br />

Participants came out to enjoy some Team<br />

MS comraderie and get their competitive<br />

juices flowing as they compared notes<br />

and discussed the different events and<br />

activities they were organizing to boost<br />

their team’s fundraising efforts.<br />

There is still plenty <strong>of</strong> time to put a team<br />

together and participate in the Medavie<br />

Blue Cross MS Walk on May 26th in your<br />

local community. Go to mswalks.ca<br />

Lace up<br />

for someone<br />

you love<br />

T<br />

MS<br />

mS <strong>Society</strong> event staff<br />

Brianna macAulay and<br />

Whitney machin<br />

mS Walk Site Location<br />

Team mike<br />

ATLANT C<br />

Bike Tour participants in moncton<br />

medavie Blue Cross<br />

mS Walk Locations<br />

Check-in<br />

Time<br />

Walk<br />

Time<br />

Antigonish Royal Canadian Legion 9:00 am 10:00 am<br />

Charlottetown HMCS Queen Charlotte 2:00 pm 3:00 pm<br />

Clarenville Clarenville Events Centre 1:00 pm 2:00 pm<br />

Corner Brook Pepsi Centre 1:00 pm 2:00 pm<br />

Fredericton Kinsmen Club <strong>of</strong><br />

Nashwaaksis<br />

10:00 am 11:00 am<br />

Halifax <strong>Canada</strong> Games Centre 11:30 am 1:00 pm<br />

Miramichi Beaverbrook Kin Centre 1:00 pm 2:00 pm<br />

Moncton Fundy Chocolate River Station 9:00 am 10:00 am<br />

New Glasgow Trenton Park 1:00 pm 2:00 pm<br />

Saint John Market Square 10:00 am 11:30 am<br />

St. John’s /<br />

Mount Pearl<br />

Reid Community Centre 9:30 am 11:00 am<br />

St. Stephen St. Stephen High School 9:00 am 10:00 am<br />

Sydney The Armouries 1:00 pm 2:00 pm<br />

Truro Bible Hill Central<br />

Elementary School<br />

1:00 pm 2:00 pm<br />

7


8<br />

membership and Donation Form<br />

(circle one)<br />

Name:<br />

Address:<br />

City: Province:<br />

Postal Code: Tel:<br />

Email:<br />

Spouse:<br />

Person with MS Yes No<br />

Individual memberships are $10<br />

<strong>Canada</strong> Post Publication<br />

Mail Agreement # 40070351<br />

“I donated my allowance to help<br />

kids who are living with MS.”<br />

- Lauryn, age 8<br />

1 Day in May donation<br />

Membership Renewal Yes No<br />

Donation / Fee Enclosed $<br />

Visa Mastercard Direct Debit* Cheque<br />

*Please attach a void cheque for automatic withdrawal from your bank.<br />

Single Debit: $<br />

Monthly Debit: $ x 12 = $<br />

(withdrawn on the 15th day <strong>of</strong> each month)<br />

Credit Card #<br />

Expiry Date<br />

Signature<br />

This May, pick<br />

www.mssociety.ca<br />

ATLANT C<br />

one day and donate<br />

what you earn to the<br />

MS <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />

so that 1day, there<br />

will be no MS.<br />

Donate at<br />

1dayinmay.ca<br />

unDeLiVerABLe mAiL TO:<br />

MS <strong>Society</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>, Atlantic Division<br />

109 Ilsley Avenue, Unit 1<br />

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia B3B 1S8<br />

phone: 1-800-268-7582<br />

email: info.atlantic@mssociety.ca

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