Spring/Summer 2013 - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Spring/Summer 2013 - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
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