MS Connections Jan 2010.indd - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

Connections 

Winter 2010 

A newsletter connecting Albertans who want to end MS • www.mssociety.ca/alberta 

CCSVI 

and MS 

Love Knows 

No Bounds 

Caring for a loved 

one with MS 

13 

Lethbridge 

College Student 

Shares Her 

‘MS Story’ 

New Chair 

presents 

Past Chair 

with Award in 

Calgary 

3 6 

14 

16 

2009 

Annual 

Awards

MS Connections is published quarterly 

by the MS Society of Canada, Alberta 

Division. It is intended to provide news and 

information for Albertans with MS, their 

families, caregivers, medical professionals 

and other stakeholders. The information 

and opinions contained in this newsletter 

are obtained from sources believed to 

be reliable, but their accuracy cannot be 

guaranteed. We value your comments, 

feedback and reprint requests—please 

email them to info.alberta@mssociety.ca 

or call us at the numbers listed below. 

MS Society of Canada 

Alberta Division 

Managing Editor, Darrel Gregory 

darrel.gregory@mssociety.ca 

Editor, Angie Wight 

angie.wight@mssociety.ca 

2009/2010 

Board of Directors 

Board Chair: James Orr 

1st Vice Chair: Carey Mogdan 

2nd Vice Chair & Chair, Fund 

Development Committee: Kevin O’Neil 

Past Chair: Suzanne Deschamps 

Treasurer: Dustin Sundby 

Secretary: Lesley Turnbull 

Chair, Client Services Committee: 

Judy Gordon 

Chair, Government & Community 

Relations Committee: Joan Ozirny 

MEMBERS-AT-LARGE 

Darrel Frisken 

Lynne Sangster 

Doreen Saunderson 

Bernie Buzik 

Wayne Jacques 

Melanee Framp 

Hazel Flewwelling 

Gayelene Bonenfant 

Our Mission 

To be a leader in finding a 

cure for multiple sclerosis and 

enabling people affected by MS 

to enhance their quality of life. 

Contact Us 

#150, 9405 - 50 Street 

Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2T4 

Phone: (780) 463-1190 

Toll-free: 1-800-268-7582 

Fax: (780) 479-1001 

Email: info.alberta@mssociety.ca 

www.mssociety.ca/alberta Neil Pierce, President, Alberta Division 

2 MS Connections Winter 2010 

Disclosure a personal decision 

Happy New Year and thanks to everyone 

who supported the work of the MS 

Society in Alberta over the past year. As 

you read the 2008-2009 Annual Report 

(abridged version), which is included 

as a special insert to this issue of MS 

Connections, you will see that we had 

another good year. Revenues matched the 

prior year which was our best year ever 

while services were expanded to assist 

many more people living with the disease in Alberta. At the same time, $2 million was 

contributed by Alberta to the national MS research program. 

As great as our financial results are, what’s really impressive are the stories of courage 

and inspiration that many people with MS experience everyday. At our recent Annual 

General Meeting and Awards Banquet in Calgary, there were many moving stories as 

we recognized our provincial award winners and top fundraisers. I dare say there wasn’t 

a dry eye in the room at various points throughout the program. There was one story in 

particular that I wish to share because I think it’s one that everyone can relate to. 

It’s a story about one of our new top fundraisers who raised over $16,000 in his first 

year riding in the RONA MS Bike Tour (Leduc to Camrose) this past year. When asked 

why he got involved, Don said it was to support his wife who was recently diagnosed 

with MS. Riding in the Tour also helped Don overcome his feelings of helplessness; it 

was a tangible way to make a difference. To his amazement, within hours of asking his 

friends, family and colleagues to join his fight to end MS, he received text notifications 

of financial pledges from everyone who wanted to help. 

When I heard Don’s story, it struck me that people genuinely want to help whenever 

they can. However, they are not always given an opportunity, since many people don’t 

like to ask for help or disclose the fact that they are living with MS. For those who have 

made the decision to share this knowledge with family, friends and even colleagues, 

it’s heartwarming to know that people do want to help and you are not alone in your 

personal fight against the disease. 

I share this story in the event that you are struggling with a decision of whether to 

disclose the knowledge that you live with MS. Should you need us, the MS Society 

is here to offer support, guidance and hope. And if you don’t need us, perhaps you 

can help us. Join a walk or bike tour in your community. If you’re already a walker or 

cyclist, bring a friend to join you in 2010. As Dr. John Mullen, a top fundraiser in our 

Mountain Bike Tour, said: imagine what we could achieve if we all brought a friend out 

to help us raise funds for MS research and services through one of our many events. 

While the economic forecast appears more optimistic for industry in 2010, it is less so 

for the voluntary sector where revenue is expected to decline. We want to continue 

bucking this trend and sustaining the incredible momentum that you will read about in 

this issue of MS Connections along with the annual report enclosed. To do this, we will 

need the help of many more people. We can do this by reaching out and asking the 

people who care about us to help.

Loves knows no bounds 

Caring for a loved one with MS 

For Craig Anderson, “for better or 

worse, in sickness and in health” 

has a different meaning. In 1993, 

Sandi, his wife of 18 years, was diagnosed 

with progressive multiple sclerosis. His 

children, Brandi, Dapheni, and Derrek, 

were in the throes of mid to early 

adolescence. Craig had a lot of thoughts 

go through his head at the time, but one 

thought kept coming back to him, time 

and time again. He had a job to do. 

“One of the biggest 

challenges was 

getting Sandi used 

to the idea over the 

first ten years that 

she couldn’t quite 

do everything to 

now, over the last 

six years, accepting 

that she can do very 

little.” 

“We really didn’t know what to 

expect,” says Craig. “It was new to 

Sandi, new to me and new to our kids. 

All we really understood was that things 

were going to change now.” Craig has 

been Sandi’s constant and often primary 

caregiver for the past 16 years. Sandi was 

a stay-at-home mom in Grimshaw, just 

over 500km northwest of Edmonton. 

Once active in the community, at the 

local school, and a busy Girl Guide leader, 

Sandi’s progressive MS has followed a 

common course. “Her symptoms, her 

overall condition, have gone from a mild 

limp, and other small impairments, to 

Craig and Sandi, seen here enjoying time with their grandchildren, Shaine and 

Noah. 

now being confined to a wheelchair. It 

seemed like after each attack, each 

progression, things got a little worse 

each time,” said Craig. “It was always a 

period of adjustment, a period of change. 

One of the biggest challenges was 

getting Sandi used to the idea over the 

first ten years that she couldn’t quite do 

everything to now, over the last six years, 

accepting that she can do very little.” 

Craig’s day begins as he rises at 

4:30am to get ready for the day ahead. 

A long-time employee in the parts 

department at the Daishowa Marubeni 

International Pulp Mill, over 45 minutes 

from his home, Craig awakens Sandi at 

six each morning. “I spend half an hour 

getting her ready to wait the three hours 

for her homecare to arrive at nine. We 

use Lifeline to cover off those two and a 

half hours.” A busy work day ends and 

Craig returns home at six each evening. 

Now empty nesters, Craig prepares 

dinner for the two of them, and after 

exercising and giving Sandi a bath, they 

relax over a game of cards or take in 

some television before retiring to bed by 

9:30 or 10:00pm. 

Weekends are reserved for special 

events for the Andersons. Trips to visit 

their children and grandchildren, Shaine 

and Noah, in Edmonton and Grande 

Prairie, attend hockey games in the 

winter; get out for walks in the beautiful 

Alberta spring, summers and falls; 

gardening and of course visiting friends in 

Grimshaw and Peace River. “The winters 

are tougher,” said Craig. 

...continued on page 7 

MS Connections Winter 2010 3

PEER LINK provides informal 

support over the phone 

“It takes one to know one” is what 

the Peer Link program is all about. 

Traditionally, Peer Link programs connect 

people face-to-face to provide learning 

and support. However, sometimes 

people desire a more informal and 

convenient way to connect with 

MS peers. 

Alberta Division has 

started a PEER LINK program 

that offers follow-up support 

and consultation to all 

Edmonton-and-area clients, 

family members and health 

professionals who contact the 

society by e-mail, phone or in person. 

How will it work? When a client 

contacts the Society they will be asked 

for permission to have someone call 

them back to inquire how they are doing, 


what their experience with the Society 

was like, how else we can help them, and 

perhaps some suggestions 

for how they could 

help us in our 

mission 

towards 

a cure 

and 

enhanced 

quality of life. 

Once the 

client, family member 

or health professional agrees 

to be contacted, their information 

will be forwarded to either Alvina, who 

has lived well with MS for many years, 

or Jeannine, a former MS Clinic Nurse 

and MS Society staff member. Alvina 

and Jeannine are easy to talk to and well 

A bequest in your will 

Providing for a better tomorrow 

A 

bequest in your will today can 

make such a significant impact 

for the future. It is a commitment 

to support the MS Society – and people 

You can direct your bequest to a 

specific purpose such as client services 

or MS research. 

living with MS – for years beyond your 

lifetime. Bequests allow you to make a 

long-term pledge without affecting your 

current financial status, and you can 

direct your bequest to a specific purpose 

such as client services or MS research. 

After you have provided for your 

loved ones, you may choose to name 

the MS Society as a beneficiary of a 

remaining portion of your estate. For 

many individuals, a bequest may be the 

most realistic way to make a significant 

donation to the MS Society. A bequest 

may also serve as a lasting memorial of 

your generosity. In addition, bequests 

are eligible for tax receipts that can be 

applied against the taxable income of 

your estate in the year of passing and the 

previous year. 

By including the MS Society, you 

versed in all aspects of living with MS, or 

finding referrals for whatever help may be 

needed. 

We look forward to your initial call, 

and assure you that PEER LINK is never 

too busy to get back to you to chat about 

MS or any related challenge you are facing. 

Find a friend – contact the MS Society and 

let the PEER LINK call you back! 

Jeannine 

Christopherson 

Alvina Hughes 

become a member of the Evelyn Opal 

Society which was created in honour of 

the founding member of the MS Society 

of Canada. Mark Mahl and George 

Jacob would be pleased to welcome 

you as we strive to provide funding for 

MS researchers, as well as for the best 

possible support for those with MS. 

For more information, please 

contact: 

North of Red Deer: 

Mark Mahl; 780 440-8764; mark. 

mahl@mssociety.ca 

Red Deer and South: 

George Jacob; 403 250-7090; 

george.jacob@mssociety.ca

Bayer Healthcare Canada helps MS Society provide 

education to Albertans 

For over a decade Berlex Canada 

(since amalgamated with Bayer 

Healthcare Canada) has partnered 

with the MS Society to sponsor 

information and research sessions 

across Alberta worth over $50,000. In 

2002, the pharmaceutical company held 

a Health Professional Symposium in 

Grande Prairie and Peace River with over 

70 people in attendance. A MS Health 

Professionals 

Symposium in 

2005 drew over 

150 people. 

“We especially 

appreciate Bayer 

Healthcare 

Canada’s funding 

for rural outreach 

Ryan Schulha makes 

sure that health 

professionals receive 

current information. 

and support,” said 

Adeline Blumer, 

Director of Client 

Services, MS 

Society of Canada, 

Alberta Division. “It’s more difficult for 

people with MS in rural communities to 

see a neurologist, so any information we 

can provide is extremely beneficial.” 

Ryan Schulha, with Bayer Healthcare 

Canada, is eager to provide health care 

professionals with the latest information 

regarding its MS therapy – Betaseron. 

“I meet with doctors and nurses and 

provide them with educational updates 

and information around Betaseron to 

allow them and their patients to make 

decisions that are best for the patient,” he 

says. 

Recently, Ryan attended the first 

annual MS Connections Conference in 

Edmonton. “I enjoyed it a lot, especially 

since it was on a local level,” he said. “I 

don’t interact a lot with patients, but it 

was very encouraging to see and hear 

some of the stories that came back on 

how good they’re doing. It’s nice to put a 

face to the story.” 

Bayer Healthcare Canada continues 

Calgary & Area Chapter Wins Award! 

The Calgary & Area Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada 

was awarded the Donner Canadian Foundation Award for Excellence in 

the Delivery of Services to People with Disabilities. This award of $2,500 

recognizes Calgary & Area Chapter as the top social service agency in Canada 

serving people with disabilities. 

to play an important role in helping MS 

patients make well-informed decisions 

when it comes to their drug therapies. “I 

think the most important thing for 2010 

is to continue providing cutting edge 

information to health care professionals 

and patients living with MS in order to 

manage the disease as best as possible,” 

said Ryan. 

A special thank 

you to our 

pharmaceutical 

sponsors in 2009 

Special thanks to Serono EMD 

Sponsorship went towards an Exercise 

and MS information session in Grande 

Prairie with over 50 healthcare providers 

attending and 7 telehealth locations 

logging in. A second session was held for 

clients and the public. A spring session in 

Yellowknife promises to bring together the 

MS community for a new launch of client 

and family support. 

Special thanks to Biogen Canada IDEC 

Sponsorship grants provided MS 

information events to clients with MS, 

families and health professionals in 

Medicine Hat, Brooks, Lethbridge, Hinton 

and Wainwright regions. Wainwright also 

held an MS Clinic with a neurologist which 

was much appreciated by local clients. 

Special thanks to Pfizer 

Sponsorship went towards the MS 

Community Advisory Council and the MS 

Ambassador Project. 

Special thanks to Bayer Healthcare 

Canada Inc; Biogen Canada IDEC; Serono 

EMD; BioMS; Canada Safeway Pharmacy 

For sponsoring the largest and most 

successful client conference in the history 

of Alberta Division in October, 2009. 


My 

MS 

A personal account of one person’s 

challenge living with MS 

Morgan Lencucha 

Lethbridge, AB 

My name is Morgan Lencucha 

and I’m here to talk about my 

journey as a young adult with 

relapsing remitting MS. 

I remember when I first started getting 

symptoms. I was very tired all the 

time, my memory often lapsed and my 

left eye wandered. I was scared of what 

was going on; the doctor had an idea 

but wasn’t sure enough without tests 

to confirm anything. He told my family 

and I that he thought it was multiple 

sclerosis. We were all shocked and 

scared; we’d seen the results of MS but 

were happy it wasn’t something worse. 

With the help of my concerned doctor, I 

was quickly sent off to Foothills hospital 

for nearly a week where they ran test 

after test and I consumed nearly 80 pills 

a day. I’d never been in the hospital for 

anything major before and I was terrified. 

Although I had a great family and 

boyfriend by my side almost every day, I 

had to spend my nights alone and cried 

myself to sleep every day while I was 

there, and for months after, wondering 

why this had happened to me. 

This all happened a week before I 

was scheduled to take my high school 

diplomas. 

Since then, I’ve had 5 major attacks 

affecting my arms, legs and memory 

and numerous mini attacks like twitches, 

tingling, numbness, memory problems, 

etc. It’s hard to maintain a normal 

demeanor with something always acting 

weird in my body. I’m constantly sick 

and in my program it’s impossible to 


Story 

get any rest. I’m currently a second-year 

Fashion Design and Marketing student 

at the college in Lethbridge. My program 

is very demanding; I’m there from 10am 

until 5pm every day with numerous hours 

of homework on top of that. These hours 

have cut back on my workout routine; I 

try to work out 3 times a week to keep 

my stress levels down but with such a 

stressful program with short deadlines 

It’s always hard 

to tell people for 

the first time that 

I have MS because 

of the emotions 

attached to the 

disease. 

and many projects, that’s basically impossible. 

I also had to give up pursuing my 

modeling dream, but being in the fashion 

program gave me back a piece of that. 

Although I’m getting back into the 

routine of things now that I’ve been major 

attack-free for almost a year, I sometimes 

wonder if I’ll even completely return to 

my normal life. Because of how tired I 

always am, especially during attacks, and 

my constant dizziness and instability, I 

had to drop out of dance and violin; both 

passions I’ve been pursuing since I was a 

kid. I also got fired from my favorite job 

because they didn’t believe that I had the 

disease and I lost friends through a bout 

of depression. I find that even though I 

can’t do those things with the intensity I 

Morgan Lencucha is determined to 

follow her dreams. 

had before my disease, I’ve now started 

pursuing modified versions of them 

again. My boyfriend and I are taking 

a modern country swing class at the 

university and I got my violin tuned last 

week. I also went back to school after 

a year off and have started dipping 

my feet into plus size modeling. Even 

though I become stressed out through 

these activities, I’m more stressed 

when I’m doing nothing. I need to 

be constantly active to feel a sense of 

calm. 

It’s always hard to tell people for 

the first time that I have MS because of 

the emotions attached to the disease. 

In my experiences, people have outright 

told me I couldn’t have MS because it’s 

an older person’s disease. Some have 

laughed at me in disbelief because I’m 

not in a wheelchair, am under 40 and 

because I live a seemingly normal life. 

What those people don’t understand 

is that MS isn’t biased to those it hits; 

there’s no age restraint on who it 

...continued on page 10

Ask 

Jeannine 

It’s hard not to feel angry and 

frustrated. It’s true we often hear 

about new treatments or new 

research for MS but when we ask 

questions about it the answer we get is 

that it is being tested on animals so it is 

at a very early stage of research. 

When you hear about new 

developments in research 

it usually is 

because a 

new paper has 

been published 

and the topic 

has been 

discussed at 

a conference. 

Often preliminary research 

shows potential for future treatments 

but requires further study with larger 

numbers of test participants at several 

different centres. 

When you discuss these new 

developments with your doctor it is hard 

not to feel frustrated because you are 

often told you don’t fit the category or 

it is being tested on mice. When results 

are published by the news media they 

often make it sound like a cure has been 

found. When you hear this, look at the 

study to learn how many test subjects 

Jeannine Christopherson, a MS nurse and retired 

Outreach Coordinator with the MS Society, Edmonton 

Chapter, will answer your questions about MS. 

If you would like to ask Jeannine a question, email it to 

info.alberta@mssociety.ca or call the editor, 

Angie Wight, at 780-463-1190 or 1-800-268-7582. 

How do I keep from falling into the hope versus 

disappointment cycle whenever there is a new 

treatment advertised? 

were involved and for how long a period 

of time. 

When people with relapsingremitting 

MS are in a research trial they 

may naturally go into remission and can 

remain in remission for a year or several 

years. Another problem is the placebo 

effect; sometimes 

just 

because 

we are 

taking 

something 

or doing 

something 

different with 

our diet we get 

a feeling of well 

being that we 

attribute to the drug or the diet. Up to 

30% of people in a research program will 

have a placebo effect. 

So in order to avoid high expectations 

and a high disappointment, get the 

facts from your nurse or doctor and the 

MS Society. Also discussing research 

at a peer support group will help you 

understand research projects and will 

help alleviate anger and frustration as 

group members express different ideas 

and talking relieves frustration. 

Loves knows 

no bounds 

...continued from page 3 

When asked to reflect on his own 

contributions to his family, Craig said 

“You become much more of a stable, 

steady influence, a spokesperson, a 

leader. My roles have changed of course; I 

used to rely on Sandi to raise the children, 

almost exclusively, but it has seemed like, 

as there is more disability, the more the 

roles have changed. 

We have lost some friendships, 

because of this, sure. Your social activity 

as a couple decreases, we used to go 

camping quite a bit, but that stuff goes as 

you lose the ability to just pick up and go.” 

The one thing that has not 

changed since the mid 1990s is Craig’s 

commitment to the MS Society of 

Canada. “The MS Society is basically the 

only thing I do, outside of my family,” 

says Craig. Serving as both President of 

North Peace Chapter and Chairperson of 

the North Peace Trail Ride, Craig began 

his relationship in 1995 as he and Sandi 

attended support groups. By 1999, he 

was president of the Chapter. “We are 

a small rural community. I guess if you 

show up, you get elected.” 

In 2007 he was asked to also take 

on the role of Chairperson for the 

North Peace Trail Ride. “I’ve had to stop 

riding now,” he says. “I’m just too busy 

doing the organizing and operations 

to get away.” The North Peace Trail 

Ride celebrated its 25th Anniversary 

in June, 2009. Over 90 riders raised 

over $49,000 in 2009, putting the ride 

well over $400,000 in funds raised for 

research and services in the event’s 25year 

history. “Nobody who does an event 

does it alone,” said Craig. “We had 40 

volunteers this year and it seems like 

every year more and more people are 

getting involved during the day and of 

course during the whole year as well.” 

When asked what he would do after 

another successful but busy Trail Ride 

weekend, Craig remarked, “I dunno, 

probably just go and look after Sandi.” 


Caregivers treated to education 

and pampering 

Southeastern Chapter partners with other agencies to 

provide day-long session 

On November 16, 2009 the MS 

Society of Canada, Southeastern 

Alberta Chapter, teamed up 

with several other local agencies to 

offer a day of respite and education for 

local caregivers. Entitled “Taking your 

hands off the wheel: Caregiving through 

transitional periods”, the program was 

hosted by the Canadian Paraplegic 

Association, Canadian Mental Health 

Association, Alzheimer Society, Canadian 

Cancer Society, Homecare Social Work, 

and the MS Society. 

The day began at Chinook Village in 

Medicine Hat with some much needed 

pampering for approximately 30 local 

caregivers, including: hand and back 

massage, aromatherapy, Reiki, nutritional 

information, stress therapy, heart health, 

and physical therapy. The morning of 

pampering was followed by a light yoga 

session, a delicious buffet lunch, and an 

amazing afternoon workshop. 

The afternoon speaker, Carol 

Barwick from Hospice Calgary, provided 

caregivers with an opportunity to explore 

caregiver challenges, self care, identity, 

and grief issues. Carol had the group 

explore the unique types of caregiver 

identities, and focused on strengths and 

self reflection. Caregiver “burnout” is 

something that happens quite frequently, 

but is rarely addressed. In this workshop, 

Carol examined “burnout” and provided 

helpful suggestions for better selfmanaged 

care. 

The afternoon session provided 

reassurance and relief to family 

caregivers, and served as a reminder that 

they need to take time for themselves. 

Attendees responded to the question 

what did you learn from this course? One 


Caregivers enjoy a relaxing massage during their pampering portion of their oneday 

program. 

replied “I learned to take care of myself, 

ask others for help, and not be so hard on 

myself. The feelings I feel are normal, I 

am not alone, and I can’t do everything.” 

Another attendee said “I will try to be 

gentler with myself, and not feel like I 

have to do it all. I will look for help.” 

Funding for this event 

was provided by: LEARN 

and Alberta Advanced 

Education and Technology 

The day proved to be a huge success 

with many different family caregivers 

coming together. The planning committee 

hopes to make this an annual event, and 

is eagerly looking to plan an even bigger 

event in the fall of 2010. 

The Southeastern 

Alberta Chapter is 

Moving! 

Beginning February 2, 2010, the 

new address will be: 

Southeastern Alberta Chapter 

101, 1201 Kingsway Ave SE, 

Medicine Hat , AB. T1A 2Y2

A rtists’ Corner 

MS allows local 

woman to find her 

artistic purpose 

Before MS, Andrea Anderson 

led a whirlwind life as a radio 

personality while simultaneously 

running the local radio station in Victoria. 

She was in radio for 

12 years before she 

was forced to give 

it up because of her 

MS. Not being one 

to be idle, Andrea 

enrolled in a couple 

of night classes 

with the idea of 

Andrea Anderson trying to learn how 

to draw. After a couple 

of unsuccessful classes, 

she decided to teach 

herself how to draw. Six 

years later, she’s become 

a very well known local 

artist. 

“I find it very 

therapeutic. I like to sit 

in front of the TV and sometimes I can 

get so lost in my drawing. It just destresses 

me completely,” says Andrea. 

She started out drawing for herself, 

but after many requests, she does pet 

This pet portrait is one of many that can be found 

in Andrea’s 2010 calendar. 

Pincher Creek writer publishes book 

Trudy McLellan was diagnosed 

with MS in 1999. Originally from 

Ontario, she moved to Pincher 

Creek in 1998 with her husband Wayne 

and three children. Once in Alberta, the 

family added two new family members: 

horses named Penny and Centella. It was 

always Trudy’s dream to have horses, 

and Pincher Creek seemed to hold 

everything that she wanted in life. “It 

was hard for her 

to come all the 

way out to fulfill 

a dream, only to 

get diagnosed 

with secondary 

progressive MS,” 

said Wayne. 

Trudy lives in 

an assisted- 

living facility in 

Pincher Creek. 

“The people who work here 

are beautiful,” Trudy says of 

the health professionals in the 

facility. 

A couple years ago, Trudy 

felt a burning desire to write 

a novel and decided to share 

her love of horses and nature 

in a new book entitled Penny 

the Patient Pinto Pony. She 

worked hard to finish the novel, 

sometimes typing it one letter 

at a time on her laptop. Wayne 

edited for her and then together 

they found a publisher in the 

US to print it. They are now on 

the second printing. “It wasn’t 

done for money, it was done as 

a labour of love – for a sense of 

accomplishment,” says Wayne. 

If you are interested in 

purchasing a copy of the book, 

portraits for friends, family, and also 

for hire. Andrea has also created a pet 

portraits calendar which she is selling. 

All of these can be seen on her website 

at www.petportraitsbyandi.ca. 

contact Trudy or her husband Wayne at 

tallymar@jrtwave.com or at 403-628-3392. 

Trudy and her husband, Wayne, worked 

together to fulfil Trudy’s dream of writing 

a novel. 


Leigh Mork, an employee 

of Suncor Energy, and his 

son Alex Mork, 2nd year 

university student, joined the 

ranks of MS Ambassadors this 

year. Leigh’s wife, and Alex’s mom, 

Jennifer was diagnosed with MS 

nine years ago. In 2007, Leigh and 

Jennifer moved to Fort McMurray 

and discovered that there weren’t 

a lot of people to talk to about MS. 

Leigh signed up for the Enerflex MS 

Walk in 2008 and raised $2000 

and Alex started volunteering for 

the Walk. So when Julie Kelndorfer 

from the MS Society – Alberta 

Division asked them if they 

were interested in becoming MS 

Ambassadors, both Leigh and Alex 

jumped at the chance. 

“The most important thing about 


A United Voice for the 

Cause and Cure 

Fort McMurray man becomes 

MS Ambassador 

His son also joins the cause 

being an MS Ambassador is making 

sure that people understand what MS 

is,” said Leigh. “It’s a ‘hidden disease’ 

– not a lot of people know what it 

is. It’s about getting all the individual 

pieces and parts working together for 

a goal that a few people alone can’t 

accomplish.” 

Alex completely agrees with this 

way of thinking. Even though university 

is a hard and stressful time, he still 

manages to help. “It’s important to get 

as many different people from different 

walks of life spreading the word. Dad 

reaches a lot of people from his work 

and I reach a lot of people through my 

school,” says Alex. 

Leigh and Alex have always worked 

well together, but now they are working 

together to help a cause that’s close to 

their hearts. 

My MS Story 

...continued from page 6 

affects. There’s not one face that exemplifi 

es MS. Like almost every other disease, 

it doesn’t just hit one type of person. 

The beauty of it is that no one can know 

you’re affected by the color of your skin, 

your age or your lifestyle. For me, telling 

people is still a decision. I just wish society 

wasn’t so naïve to the disease. 

Every day is a struggle; not only for 

me but for my family and loved ones. My 

mom worries about me more than the 

average mom worries about her child, my 

friends are scared for me every time I get 

sick or start acting weird and my poor 

boyfriend has to live with my oddities every 

day. It bothers me not being able to 

do regular date activities because I’m always 

so tired and, because I don’t get bad 

attacks constantly, he often forgets that 

I’m having an attack when I do get them; 

sometimes this is more painful than the 

attack for both of us. 

I don’t want to let my disease keep 

me from living a regular life and from following 

my dreams. I’m a fi rm believer 

that anyone can do almost anything if 

they put their mind to it. Dreaming is 

great and all, but doing is what really 

counts. Although it sometimes gets me 

down, I can’t allow myself to fully be suppressed 

by my disease. There’s still so 

much I can do; I’m super mobile, I go to 

school, maintain an active social life and 

try to stay active in my community. Have 

you ever seen the new MS commercial 

where it states all these things that man 

said would never happen, like man would 

never fl y and man would never reach 

the moon? The last thing it says is man 

will never fi nd a cure to MS. I try to hold 

out on the knowledge that one day there 

will be a cure. I fi nd negativity gets me 

nowhere and only gets me down. I get in 

ruts like anyone else, but I feel that I can’t 

stay low for very long because I never 

know what tomorrow may bring. Corny, 

but true. 

I thank you all for being here and 

helping to conquer the battle of MS. 

Without you, my story would fall upon 

deaf ears.

Lethbridge & District Chapter 

By Leanne Kindrat, 

Development Coordinator 

Lethbridge & District Chapter 

Our 2008/2009 fundraising year brought a lot of hope to 

the Lethbridge & District Chapter. We are very proud of our 

success and where the road has taken us. We had many new 

third party fundraisers this year and a lot of fun events that we 

either hosted or had the opportunity to attend in support of 

ending MS. 

Client Services 

We are very excited to announce that our Client Services staff 

have introduced three new programs this year for people living 

with MS in our district. 

PROGRAM FOR ACTIVE LIVING (PAL) 

We partnered with the YWCA and other non-profi t 

organizations to develop a program for persons living with 

disabilities to increase their level of fi tness, agility and mobility 

in a non-threatening, friendly atmosphere. So far the program 

has been very popular and many of our clients have taken part 

in this six-week program. 

FRIENDLY VISITING 

Our part-time Administrative Assistant, Gail Sauter, began 

her friendly visits in March. This program offers friendly 

visiting and conversation to persons with MS in long-term 

care facilities in Lethbridge on a monthly basis. This program 

has been well-received and it’s great to hear that people await 

Gail’s return. 

...A year in review 

YOUNG ADULTS GROUP (YADS) 

This is a group composed of young adults living with MS 

and their friends or family members. The group meets 

once a month; sometimes in the offi ce, sometimes with a 

speaker and sometimes at local restaurants for supper. It’s 

a great place for young people with MS to come share their 

experiences, thoughts, feelings and to fi nd out more about MS 

and how the MS Society can help. 

WILLIAM WATSON LODGE ANNUAL EXCURSION 

This year 29 people participated in our 3 night, 4 day trip 

to the Kananaskis Country. This trip was combined with 

members and staff from Central Alberta Chapter, Lethbridge 

& District Chapter and Southeastern Chapter. A great way for 

clients to get out and enjoy nature as well as to socialize with 

other people living with MS. 

2009 CHRISTMAS SUPPER 

This year we enjoyed our Christmas Supper at the Lethbridge 

Lodge. The meal was fabulous; butternut squash soup to 

start, turkey and dressing as our main course and chocolate 

mousse for dessert. A perfect way to start the holiday season, 

celebrate the success of the past year, and look forward to a 

new year of hope! 


Lethbridge & 

District Chapter 

...continued 

Fund Development 

2009 ENERFLEX MS WALK 

Our 2009 Enerflex MS Walk was the best one yet! 754 

participants raised $195,574, including $10,600 in cash 

sponsorships, well surpassing our goal of $160,000. 58 teams 

raised 76.9% of this total and our top 10 list (individuals, 

corporate teams, 

friends & family 

teams) raised 

a remarkable 

$120,236.39. This 

year our Elite Feet 

Club consisted of 

35 individuals and 

29 teams all raising 

$1,000+ each. 

Don’t forget to mark 

these dates on your 

calendars: Streak for 

MS, April 10, 2010, 

10 to 6pm, Park 

Place Mall Atrium; 

2010 Lethbridge 

& District Enerflex 

MS Walk, April 24, 

2010 8:30am Check- 

In/10am start. 

Brooks — June 6, 2010 

Calgary — June 6, 2010 

Drumheller — May 2, 2010 

Edmonton — May 16, 2010 

Fort McMurray — April 25, 2010 

Grande Prairie — May 2, 2010 


Lethbridge — April 24, 2010 

Lloydminster — April 24, 2010 

Medicine Hat — May 30, 2010 

Red Deer — May 30, 2010 

St. Albert — April 25, 2010 

Lakeland Region — May 8, 2010 

Register in the walk nearest you: www.mswalks.ca 

PUMPKIN RUN 

On October 

26th we dropped 

pumpkins off on 

the doorsteps 

of 32 of our top 

team captains. To 

encourage people 

to start fundraising 

early we included a 

fundraising package 

with tips and tools 

to get them well on 

their way. We also 

included 3 MS Walk pumpkin stencils so our team captains 

could continue spreading the word about ending MS on 

Halloween night. Ralph and Annie Heim spent an evening 

carving away and sent us this wonderful picture of Ralph 

with their MS pumpkin. What a great way to spread MS 

awareness and to celebrate life living with MS. 

MS AWARENESS GAME NIGHT 

The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns basketball teams 

hosted an MS Awareness Game Night on Nov 21st. The 

turnout was great; their highest attendance to date! Pat 

Spencer and Chris Giles represented our Chapter and were 

on hand to answer any questions anyone had. $1 from every 

ticket sold for the game was donated back to the MS Society 

for a total of $540! Thanks to Robb Engen for setting this up 

for us! 

ANGELS FOR MS 

A local MS Angel, Joan Oldenberger, decided to do her part 

in the fight against MS through an opportunity Avon gave 

her to support a charity of her choice during a Christmas 

ornament campaign. The campaign, since named “Angels for 

MS”, raised over $700 for the MS Society. Thanks Joan! 

2010 Events 

Leduc to Camrose — June 12 & 13, 2010 

Calgary — June 12 & 13, 2010 

Central — June 12 & 13, 2010 

Mountain (Hinton) — September 11 & 12, 2010 

If you’ve got a bike, you’re ready to roll: 

www.msbiketours.com

Consolidated Annual Report • 2008 – 2009 • MS Society of Canada, Alberta Division 

Neil Pierce, President 


Boundary adjustment results in more effective 

access to MS services across the province 

Client Services has been expanding to improve access to MS 

services in a very significant way. Alberta Division and Chapter 

staff are now responsible for a larger territory in Southern Alberta. 

Central Alberta and Edmonton Chapter will be expanding their 

territories in 2010. A new satellite service and staff member have 

been established in St. Paul. The service is funded through income 

generated from the 2nd year of the new Enerflex MS Walk in St. 

St. Paul’s Enerflex MS Walk resulted in new MS services in the community. 

I welcome this opportunity to provide the public with an accounting of how we spent 

the $6 million that was raised from 20,000 participants and more than 100,000 donors 

who supported the MS Society in Alberta. Given the economic environment in which we 

worked over the past year, it is a significant accomplishment to have matched last year’s 

financial results (after the one-time government endMS grant of $1.5 million is removed 

from the previous year). As you can see from the 2008-2009 consolidated income 

statement that follows, there was enough growth in special fundraising projects to offset 

expected declines in direct mail and major gift income. 

This abridged version of the 2008-2009 Annual Report has been developed as a special 

insert to this issue of the MS Connections newsletter as a way to save costs and expand 

the readership. 

I welcome your questions and comments to the operations report and consolidated 

2008-2009 income statement attached. A complete set of annual financial statements 

for the year ending August 31, 2009 is available upon request. 

Paul. These proceeds also generated a sizable 

contribution to MS research which constitutes the 

other half of our mission. The efforts to raise funds 

and guide the delivery of services in the Lakeland 

Region was made possible through the leadership 

of volunteers who created the St. Paul Regional 

MS Advisory Council. This model has the potential 

to guide future expansion in other communities 

where the MS Society wishes to improve access to 

services and gain greater presence. 

New programs help us reach out to more 

people 

Additional outreach activities include the 

introduction of MS ActiveNOW to many of our 

Chapters. This exciting health promotion program 

is designed to develop intention for active living 

in persons with MS, educate health, fitness and 

lifestyle professionals and ‘seed’ the growth of 

more wellness opportunities for people affected 

by MS. The Edmonton Chapter deserves the 

credit for pioneering the development of this 

initiative. We are also equally proud of our Friendly

Visitation Program that has received annual funding from the 

Alberta Government. This new program allowed staff and volunteers 

to visit 90 young people throughout the year who live in long-term 

care in Edmonton and Calgary. These visits provide important 

social support and in addition may afford people the opportunity 

Friendly Visitors reach out to people with MS living in long-term care 

facilities. 

to engage in an MS-specific activity, including support groups. The 

smaller Chapters are also getting out more to visit as well. Readers 

are encouraged to view the Global Edmonton video on the Alberta 

Division website (search for ‘Friendly Volunteers’) to learn more 

about the value of this new outreach service. 

Alberta at the forefront of MS research activity 

There were also many exciting developments in research this 

past year. Most notable was the announcement that Alberta was 

selected as one of five MS Regional Research and Training Centres 

(RRTC) across the country that will be supported through the 

Alberta will host one of five MS Regional Research and Training Centres 

across the country. 

National endMS Campaign. The Alberta 

RRTC is a partnership between three Alberta 

universities. Of significance to Albertans is 

the knowledge that over $2 million of the 

designated Campaign funds raised in our 

province, including the Alberta Government 

grant of $1.5 million, has now been committed 

to this partnership. The total research 

contribution from Alberta for fiscal 2009 is 

almost $2 million compared to $4.1 million 

last year. Once you remove the $1.5 million 

one-time government grant, the shortfall 

in our research contribution is just under 

$600,000. Much of this shortfall was a result 

of a downturn in one of our bike tours. In 

addition, funds were invested in Client Services 

to expand program and service delivery. This 

smaller research contribution is in line with the 

balanced spending policy. The 2009 ratios are 

56% research and 44% services. 

Provincial MS task force advocated 

At a macro-community level, the creation 

of the MS Community Advisory Council and 

the subsequent development of Moving 

Forward Together submission to government 

is intended to improve the delivery of MS care 

and support services. The submission calls for 

a provincial Working Group of government, 

community and health providers to develop a 

better coordinated and enhanced system of MS 

care and support services, particularly in rural 

Alberta. This important endeavor is well worth 

it because we believe this is the right time to 

influence change; an almost perfect storm in 

many ways. I describe it this way because the 

MS community, together with government and 

health care, will have to find ways to work more 

collaboratively in the future given the scarce 

resources we all face; combined with the 

expectations donors and taxpayers have of us 

to be good stewards of their contributions. 

The creation of the MS Community Advisory 

Council, which has brought together 

stakeholders from across the province, has 

been supported extensively by the Alberta 

continues...

Division Board’s three Committee Chairs and a Secretariat of senior 

staff across government relations, client services and communications. 

In the New Year, there are plans to mobilize up to 100 MS 

Ambassadors from across the province to inform 83 MLAs 

and members of the new Provincial Health Super Board of the 

recommendations in the submission. 

The ability to mobilize more grassroots support builds tremendous 

capacity within the organization to advance social policy and change 

how MS care and support services are provided. 

Alberta fundraising results show strong growth 

2008-2009 revenue from donations and special fundraising projects 

increased by $292,775, or 6.3%, over 2008 as a result of the financial 

performance of the 12 Enerflex MS Walks and RONA MS Bike Tours 

throughout Alberta. (The exception was the Calgary Bike Tour). 

The golf tournaments did very well also, along with new sponsorship 

acquisition that currently exceeds $200,000. Bequest income 

Revenue was up 6.3% in 2008-2009, a testimony to the generous nature of 

Albertans during the economic climate of the past year. 

surpassed expectations as well which reminds us of the importance of 

promoting this income stream which is part of the Leadership Giving 

responsibilities of our two Directors. Major gift donations experienced 

the largest decline outside of investment income which is to be 

expected during this period of economic downturn. 

The efforts that pull all these threads together as described above 

comes from our communications and staff who work very hard to 

produce information & marketing materials, web & media presence, 

synergy between departments of the National organization and 

connections with clients, members, sponsors, donors, health providers 

and government. This is where our story 

is told and where the finishing touches 

to our success resides. 

Tremendous forward momentum 

In closing, let me say how happy I am 

to be part of the National MS team in 

supporting the efforts of so many wellserving 

volunteers and staff throughout 

the organization who do so much to help 

people living with MS. The tremendous 

support that we receive from so many 

people in Alberta is truly inspiring and 

makes it easy to get up for work in the 

morning. I feel very good about the 

bench strength of our staff who have 

given the current management their vote 

of confidence through the National staff 

satisfaction results which exceeded the 

National average in all areas. We have 

had tremendous momentum growing 

over the past number of years and a 

forward-thinking strategic plan that will 

lead us through these lean times. 

Changing of the guard on 

Alberta Division Board 

On another personal note, I wish to take 

this opportunity to publicly thank our 

outgoing Chair, Suzanne Deschamps, 

for her leadership of the organization 

and inspiration to so many of us on staff 

and participants at the RONA MS Bike 

Tour events that she never missed. You 

are the reason we do what we do. In her 

place, I welcome James Orr as the new 

incoming Chair of the Division Board 

whom I look forward to working with 

very much. And last but not least, I need 

to thank all our Division and Chapter 

Board members, staff and committee 

members for all that you do in building 

this momentum and success.

Liberation Treatment attracts 

international attention 

Alberta Division encourages Alberta Government to pursue 

options on CCSVI research 

Since the story about Dr. Paolo 

Zamboni’s Liberation Treatment 

first appeared on W-5 last 

November, we have heard from a lot of 

people. Several people have told us we 

are moving too slow on pursuing this area 

of research. We have heard this loud and 

clear. 

The MS Society 

responded by creating 

a new research 

competition to 

encourage Canadian 

researchers to contribute 

to the body of CCSVI 

knowledge. 

It is important to 

remember that while 

the early data shows 

promise, it is important 

to acknowledge that the 

concepts surrounding 

CCSVI and multiple 

sclerosis are still 

relatively new and 

requires replication 

and validation in much 

larger, well-designed 

scientific studies before 

they can be accepted as 

established. 

Studies funded by 

the MS Society should 

help to further develop 

the current research 

ideas of the association 

between CCSVI and 

MS and determine 

whether the potential treatment of 

CCSVI warrants further investigation into 

potential implication in individuals with 

MS. 

Chronic cerebrospinal venous 

insufficiency (CCSVI) is a term used to 

describe this hypothetical situation in 

which the venous system is not able to 

efficiently remove blood from the central 

nervous system. It is stated that this is 

related to narrowing of small venous 

structures in the neck, 

chest and spine. 

The MS 

Society in Alberta 

has been proactive in 

communicating with the 

Alberta Government, 

through our elected 

officials, on the 

importance of providing 

leadership and funding 

of CCSVI research. 

Since November we 

have had meetings with 

Ministers Ron Liepert, 

Lloyd Snelgrove and 

Doug Horner. Each one 

has expressed interest 

in reaching out to 

Alberta researchers and 

health institutions for 

further opinion on the 

promise this research 

holds and the role, if 

any, Alberta should 

play. 

As of January 10, 

2010 we have secured 

a commitment from 

the Hon. Doug Horner 

to assign Ministry staff 

to the CCSVI file. We will continue to 

advocate for research breakthroughs like 

CCSVI and for major steps forward in the 

support of people living with MS today. 

We will 

continue to 

advocate 

for research 

breakthroughs 

like CCSVI 

and for major 

steps forward 

in the support 

of people 

living with MS 

today. 

CCSVI 

research grant 

timelines 

December 9, 2009 

Launch of Request for Research 

Operating Grants 

January 6, 2010 

Letter of Intent Due 

January 12, 2010 

Invitation to Submit Full 

Application 

February 9, 2010 

Full Applications Due 

June 14, 2010 

Announcement of Funding 

Decisions, Following Approval by 

the MS Society’s Board of Directors 

July 1, 2010 

Anticipated Start Date of Funding 

Up to 2 years 

Duration of Research Operating 

Grant 

Up to $100,000 per year 

Maximum Funding Amount Per 

Grant 


2009 

Volunteer of the Year Award – Joanne Robinson Award 

Robert Boychuk, Edmonton 

Robert is a very dedicated volunteer who shows up at the 

same times twice per week and in many respects fills the 

role of a part-time employee. One of Robert’s principal 

volunteer contributions has been his vast assistance with 

the development of MS Society information resources. It is 

this service that has been invaluable not only to clients, but 

also to Chapter and Division staff who, because of Robert’s 

contributions, are now more equipped to offer support to 

those with MS. More specifically, some of Robert’s many 

contributions include assisting in the development of the 

Seize the 

Momentum 

Annual Awards Banquet 

Saturday, November 7, 2009 • Delta Calgary South 

Every year Alberta Division recognizes individuals and organizations who have made an 

outstanding contribution to the MS Society throughout the year. We are proud to recognize and 

celebrate the achievements of this elite group. 

Julie Kelndorfer, Director of Government and Community 

Relations and Scott Robson, Manager of Volunteer 

Resources present Robert (centre) with his award. 


Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada 


Client Services Information Library, MS Info Wiki, Volunteer 

Administration Materials and Staff Information Technology 

Training Sessions. 

Development Volunteer Of The Year Award 

(Pat Stewart Award) 

Darrel Frisken, Lloydminster 

Over the past four years, Darrel Frisken has been the 

dedicated Chair of the Lloydminster Chapter Board of 

Directors. During this time, he has made a profound 

Suzanne Deschamp, Past Chair of the Alberta Division 

Board of Directors, presents Darrel Frisken with his award.

impact on the MS Society and its role in the Lloydminster 

community. Darrel initiated several development initiatives, 

including applying for the 2008 Safeway We Care Program 

which raised over $16,000 for the Chapter. He also started 

discussions with Leckie & Associates (a local accounting 

firm) regarding becoming the charity of choice for their 

annual Charity Golf Tournament. The Chapter was in fact 

chosen and received nearly $29,000. Darrel also initiated 

an application to the City of Lloydminster’s Family and 

Community Support Services, which resulted in over $15,000 

in new funding to the Lloydminster Chapter over the past two 

years. 

Special Service Award Of The Year 

Elizabethan Catering, Edmonton 

Elizabethan Catering has been an ongoing sponsor of the 

RONA MS Bike Tour – Leduc to Camrose for over 10 years. 

They provide the BBQ at the finish line of the bike tour, 

providing food for over 1,500 cyclists and upwards of 300 

volunteers. We are very grateful for the commitment and 

generosity that Elizabethan has shown to the MS Society. 

Each year, they provide the same quality service to our 

participants and work tirelessly to get the job done. 

Professional Care Award 

Dr. Mary Lou Myles, Edmonton 

As an Edmonton community Neurologist, Dr Myles has 

been involved with many aspects of care and services for 

persons with MS for over a decade – locally, provincially, 

and nationally. Her commitment to persons with MS, 

their care and treatment, and to the MS Society has been 

exemplary. The Edmonton Chapter can always count on Dr. 

Myles to promote and support its work with persons with 

MS and their families. In particular, Dr Myles has been an 

instrumental part of the Edmonton Chapter’s development of 

the MS ActiveNOW program – a health promotion program 

for persons with MS. Dr Myles continues to support the 

education of persons with MS and their families. 

Communications Award 

Priority Printing, Edmonton 

Priority Printing has been a partner of the MS Society for the 

past five years. Much more than a printer, Priority has been 

involved in helping us meet our goals year after year. From 

donating banners, which are an important awareness raising 

tool, to walking as a team in the St. Albert Enerflex MS Walk, 

Priority plays a large role in our success in Alberta. The 

Edmonton printing company has walked in the St. Albert walk 

since 2006 and has raised over $11,000. Their staff take great 

care to ensure our printing needs are met on time, on budget 

and to the highest standards. 

Board Chair’s Special Recognition Award 

Gem School 

Gem is a farming community of about 200 people which has 

a curling rink, community hall, fire hall, two churches, the 

school and no store. This school serves local students from 

grades one to six, with thirty students attending. The school 

is very proud of its students’ good citizenship and high level 

of academic achievement. Gem School has been participating 

in the MS Read-A-Thon for over 20 years and over the last 

seven years has raised close to $9,000 for the MS Society. 

This fall the school raised $1,378 with 29 of their 30 students 

participating. 

Suzanne Deschamp (second from right), Past Chair, presents 

representatives from Gem School with their award. 

Paul Scott Award 

Alison Hagan, Edmonton 

Alison’s journey with the MS Society started in the 

Central Alberta Chapter in May 1998 as the Development 

Coordinator. In 2000, Alison moved to Alberta Division as 

Suzanne Deschamp, Past Chair, presents Alison Hagan 

with her award. 


the Bike Tours Manager where she was in charge of the Leduc 

to Camrose and Hinton Tours. Alison became the Director of 

Development in the fall of 2003 and has been in this role ever 

since. Alison’s many years of service with the Society ensure 

that she is able to provide a great sense of history around the 

events. However, she is always open to trying new things which 

has helped the Alberta Walk and Bike programs double their 

revenues since 2004. Alison was also a key factor in bringing 

Enerflex on as a Provincial Walk sponsor. 

Division Award of Merit, Non-Member 

Lloydminster Bobcats, Lloydminster 

The Lloydminster Bobcats Junior A Hockey Team became 

involved with the MS Society in the fall of 2007, when they 

participated in the Lloydminster Enerflex MS Walk. At the 

2008 Walk, team General Manager Jim Crosson publicly 

announced that the Bobcats wanted to do more in the fight 

against MS, and offered up two special ‘MS Game Nights’ 

during their 2008-2009 season to fundraise and promote MS 

awareness. The Bobcats also formed a Walk team and raised 

nearly $4,000. On Walk day in 2009, the team came out in full 

force. Head Coach Tom Keca truly made the Walk a family affair, 

bringing his young children and wife, as well as his parents from 

out of town for the event, all of whom also fundraised. 

Opal Award 

Craig Anderson, Grimshaw 

In 1993, Craig’s wife Sandi of 18 years was diagnosed with 

progressive multiple sclerosis. Craig has been Sandi’s constant 

and often primary caregiver for the past 16 years. Once active in 

the community, at the local school, and a busy Girl Guide leader, 

Sandi’s progressive MS has meant she cannot do many of the 

things she used to do. Craig’s day begins as he rises at 4:30 

Suzanne Deschamp, Past Chair, presents Craig Anderson 

with his award. 


am to get ready for work, then awakens Sandi at six. Craig 

returns home at six each evening, prepares dinner for the 

two of them, and after exercising and giving Sandi a bath, 

they relax over a game of cards or taking in some television 

before retiring to bed by 9:30 or 10:00 pm. Weekends 

are reserved for special events for the Andersons: visiting 

their children and grandchildren in Edmonton and Grande 

Prairie; attending hockey games in the winter; walking and 

gardening; and of course visiting friends in Grimshaw and 

Peace River. 

President’s Award – Alberta Division 

Suzanne Deschamps, Cold Lake 

Suzanne Deschamps was diagnosed with MS in November 

1992 after losing her eyesight in one eye. Suzanne did not 

waste any time getting involved with and supporting the MS 

Society after her diagnosis. She first became involved as a 

member of the Lakeland Chapter; then became President 

of the Chapter in 1993, a position she still holds to this day. 

Suzanne is also Past Chair of the Alberta Division Board of 

Directors and has been a member of the National Board of 

Directors for the past two years. One of Suzanne’s greatest 

accomplishments was her work in helping to get four MS 

drug therapies on the Alberta drug formulary. With other 

supporters around the province, Suzanne helped gather a 

petition with 31,000 names, which she presented to Alberta 

Health and Wellness Minister Halvar Jonson in the spring 

of 1998. In June of 1998 Suzanne received a phone call with 

the good news that MS drugs would be covered by Alberta 

Health. 

James Orr, Chair of the Alberta Division Board of 

Directors, presents Suzanne Deschamps with her award.

Expanding our horizons 

Provincial Expansion Implementation Initiative 2007-2009 

Garry Wheeler PhD RPsych 

(Boundary Review Committee), Alberta Division 

Expansion Initiative Chair 

In September 2007 the MS 

Society, Alberta Division, formed 

a committee to review Chapter 

boundaries throughout the province. 

The purpose was to ensure no one in 

Alberta with MS was left without access 

to services regardless of where they 

lived in the province. The committee also 

looked at whether there were potential 

fundraising opportunities in the province. 

No such review had been undertaken 

since 1981. In September 2008, after 

extensive consultation, a three-phase 

boundary expansion plan was approved. 

Phase I of the plan involved an 

immediate expansion of the Chapter 

boundaries of Lethbridge, Medicine 

Hat (Southeastern), Calgary and, most 

recently, Edmonton. The boundaries were 

expanded to align with the old Alberta 

health regions. In addition to expanding 

its boundary, Edmonton Chapter formally 

changed its name to the Edmonton 

and Capital Region Chapter. A second 

Phase I recommendation was to initiate 

discussions between neighbouring 

staffed and volunteer chapters to 

increase inter-chapter cooperation and 

to discuss the possibility of sharing client 

services staff with the volunteer chapters. 

Central Alberta (staffed) and Drumheller 

(volunteer) are already in discussions 

to undertake this type of arrangement 

in 2010. In the meantime, Lloydminster 

has expanded its boundary to take in the 

town of Vermillion to the west. 

Finally, a recommendation to take 

advantage of current fundraising efforts 

in St. Paul (Lakeland area) and Hinton 

in order to introduce a client services 

element to the community have already 

begun to bear fruit. In the spring of 2009 

a part-time Client Services Coordinator 

was hired in St. Paul and has made 

significant strides in providing supports 

to persons living with MS in the Lakeland 

Region. Recently, an advertisement 

to hire a part-time Client Services 

Coordinator was launched in the “Rocky 

View” region (Edson, Hinton, Jasper) 

after a successful meeting on November 

25 during which local commitment to 

form a ‘Rocky View’ regional advisory 

committee was established. We hope to 

have a client services staff member on 

the ground in Hinton to serve the ‘Rocky 

View’ (Eastern slopes) area by January 

2010. This in fact represents the first part 

of phase II of the newly named Provincial 

Expansion Implementation Initiative. 

As we move into Phase II of the 

ADEI, we shall focus on expanding 

services in the Fort McMurray region and 

This exhibit and art sale will showcase works from local 

artists as well as others who believe in Team Docktor’s 

cause of a world without MS. The show will include 

works in different media such as: painting, photography, 

printmaking, and jewellery design, among others. 

When: April 22 - 23, 2010 

Opening Night: April 22, 2010 

Art 

again taking advantage of the existing 

fundraising (Enerflex MS Walk) to raise 

awareness and provide the seed funding 

for this position. During the fall of 2010 

we will turn our focus to Camrose and 

begin the process of reviving volunteer 

support and creating a client services 

and fundraising presence in an area 

defined by three major centres, namely 

Westaskiwin, Camrose and Vegreville. 

Additionally, we will explore possibilities 

for expanding client services support to 

the Barrhead, Westlock and Whitecourt 

areas as a final element in our Aspen 

(old) health region expansion. 

Phase III shall be undertaken in 2011 

during which there will be a major focus 

on the northern regions of our province. 

We are making excellent progress in 

expanding our reach to Albertans with 

MS regardless of where they live in Alberta, 

and the prospect of a seamless client 

service provision is becoming a reality. 

MS 

by Team Docktor 

2010 will see the birth of Art forMS, an art exhibit and fundraising event in support of the 

MS Society of Canada. This show will be hosted by DaDe ART & DESIGN LAB located in 

the area of Inglewood in Calgary. 

Where: DaDe ART & DESIGN LAB 

1327 - 9th Ave. SE 

Calgary, AB 

If you would like to donate 

your art, please contact Mali 

at mali@teamdocktor.com or 

403-890-6254 


A Lloydminster Family’s Fight with MS Sparks ‘Friendly’ Walk Rivalry 

Talk to any fundraiser and they’ll 

tell you the key to success is 

having more courage to ASK than 

fear of being rejected. That’s exactly 

what Gail Taylor did earlier this year 

when she was gearing her team up for 

the Lloydminster Enerflex MS Walk. 

She wrote a letter to the Saskatchewan 

Roughriders, telling them about her MS 

story and asking if they’d be willing to 

help outfit her Walk team. That ask was 

all it took for Gail to receive a box of loot 

from the Riders and in April of 2009, Gail 

It didn’t mean 

anything to me 

that she was 

different than the 

other grandmas 

and couldn’t do 

the same things 

– she was still my 

grandma. 

and her Nerbas Familiy Team sported 

their Rider Pride at the Lloydminster 

Walk. 

Given Lloydminster’s status 

as a ‘Border City’, where you’re in 

Saskatchewan one minute and Alberta 

the next, it seemed only a matter of time 

before members of the ‘Eskimo Empire’ 

took up the call to action. Enter Donna 

Schellenberg – long-time Lloydminster 

walker and Team Captain. “Last year we 

saw the Roughriders team and thought 


Battle 

on the 

Border 

Gail Taylor & the Nerbas Family Team. 

perhaps they needed a little competition. 

There is a friendly rivalry here as we are 

a border city, and my husband is a huge 

fan of the Eskimos. We thought it would 

be great to carry that rivalry over to the 

Walk” says Donna. No sooner was ‘the 

ask’ made than another box of loot was 

in the mail, this time from the Green & 

Gold. Now that Donna and her team 

are decked out, they’re motivated to 

kick their fundraising into full gear. “The 

Eskimos were incredibly generous to 

our team so we hope to do them proud 

by raising double what we did last year 

[$3,376 in 2009]. We’re going to be as 

outrageous as we can to outdo those 

Riders!” 

But while the rivalry is all in good fun, 

the story behind Donna’s involvement is 

deeply personal. 

“Our motivation is our family 

experience,” says Donna. “My first 

memories of my grandma are her with 

her crutches. It didn’t mean anything 

to me but they were always there. It 

didn’t mean anything to me that she 

was different than the other grandmas 

and couldn’t do the same things – she 

was still my grandma. She taught me 

cartwheels on our front lawn and even 

though she couldn’t come to gymnastics 

competitions she still encouraged me 

and loved to watch me practice. It 

wasn’t until years later I knew she 

had MS.” Donna’s experiences with 

her grandma would not be her only 

encounter with the disease. “My dad 

was diagnosed with Chronic Progressive 

MS when he was 45; his condition 

deteriorated very rapidly. By age 50 

he had lost his license and was using a 

special computer with voice recognition 

software at work as he had already lost 

most of the use of his legs and arms.”

Donna says her father never had a 

chance to play with his grandkids or 

make trips to visit them, as his condition 

required almost 24-hour care. Four years 

ago, pneumonia took his life. For Donna, 

who had watched her father battle the 

disease, the loss brought with it both 

pain and pride. “My dad said MS stole 

his dignity. It stole his independence, his 

ability to hug his kids and grandkids and 

do almost all the day-to-day activities we 

take for granted. Not once, however, did 

my dad ever give up! He was a fighter 

and through all the indignities held his 

head high and was proud of the person 

he was – he just wished other people 

would see past the disease to know that 

too. When your voice goes it’s hard to 

be heard.” 

Now, Donna has taken it upon 

herself to be a voice for the cause. For 

a decade, she has been a dedicated 

fundraiser for the Lloydminster Enerflex 

MS Walk. “Until my dad passed away 

I walked for him and all those who 

have lived through what I saw him go 

through. Now I Walk for all the others 

I have met over the years to help find a 

cure.” With two instances of MS in the 

family already, Donna says she can’t 

help but worry about the possibility of 

the disease touching her, too. “I guess I 

also Walk for me as I am next in line in 

my family. I never want my kids to have 

Donna Schellenberg with her Eskimos loot. 

the same experience I 

did watching a parent 

suffer through this 

disease and I don’t 

want them to suffer if it 

is passed onto them.” 

In 2009, Donna 

stepped up her 

commitment even 

more, becoming 

a sponsor for the 

Lloydminster Walk 

through her company 

‘To the Core.’ “I got 

involved as a corporate 

sponsor because I 

thought it would be a 

way I could contribute 

more to help the MS 

Society. Running a 

Pilates studio I see 

many people every 

week. I think the more people know you 

are involved, the more likely they are to 

become involved too. I try to foster a 

spirit of giving at the studio so I’m hoping 

that it will encourage other people to 

become volunteers or take part in the 

Walk or join our team.” 

Donna’s ‘To the Core’ team is a mix 

of clients from her Pilates studio and her 

own young family. For the 2009 Walk, 

they held numerous team fundraising 

events, including a garage sale, where her 

Donna with her son Blaine, and their 

‘To The Core’ Walk Team. 

12-year-old son manned his own bake 

sale – which sold out on the first day! 

They’re already working on new projects 

for 2010, and say doing it as a team is the 

way to go. “As a team we just have more 

fun. We get our outfits together, have 

our pictures taken and Walk together. 

We also raise more money together, 

challenge each other to get more pledges 

when we get lazy, and push each other 

to keep walking when it snows on 

Walk day...almost never happens here 

in Lloydminster though...I wish!” For 

Donna, having a team is also a way of 

bringing the family together. “My Mom 

is one of my biggest supporters. She has 

Walked, fundraised and supported me 

throughout all of my experiences with the 

MS Society. This is truly a family passion. 

I think this year my youngest, Benjamin, 

4, and Samantha, 6, may walk with us 

too. No harm in starting the trend young! 

They’ll be irresistible as fundraisers!” 

Every step that Donna and her 

family take on their journey against MS 

is fuelled by inspiration from a man who 

lives on through their spirit. “My dad 

gave as much as he could to the MS 

Society every year and even took part in 

his wheelchair until he couldn’t drive it 

anymore. I like to think I am continuing 

his legacy and allowing my children to do 

the same,” says Donna. 


Paint the town 

RED! 

Downtown Edmonton that is 

By Mona Pattison, Development Manager, Enerflex MS Walk 

am pleased to officially announce that 

I the Edmonton Enerflex MS Walk will 

be moving downtown beginning in 2010. 

We have enjoyed 19 years at Rundle 

Park and have seen great change and 

growth in that time. Edmonton had the 

distinction of being one of the first MS 

Walks when it made its debut in 1991. 

This inaugural event boasted 1200 

walkers who raised over $135,000 – a 

great accomplishment for the first MS 

Walk and an indication that the walk was 

here to stay! 

To celebrate the 20th year of the 

MS Walk in Edmonton we are moving 

to Churchill Square in the heart of 

downtown Edmonton. The square will 

host all event activities including the 

start and finish line, pledge drop off, 

team tents, food and entertainment. This 

central location will put us in the public 

eye to explain our cause, share our story 

and show our dedication to ending MS. 

We know how important the route is 


to our walkers and we have worked very 

hard to find the perfect combination of 

visibility to the public and a scenic route 

that is beautiful to experience. The 2010 

route will include highlights such as the 

Legislature grounds, River Valley Road 

and Government House Park. There will 

be two route lengths, including one that 

is fully accessible. 

Getting to the walk will be a breeze 

with numerous parking and public 

transportation options available. Wear 

your participant or volunteer shirt on any 

ETS bus or LRT on event day and you’ll 

ride for free! This is a stress-free way to 

get downtown and a great opportunity to 

wear your shirt proudly. 

Join us on Sunday May 16, 2010 as the 

Edmonton Enerflex MS Walk takes over 

downtown to prove that we will be seen, 

we will be heard, and we will end MS. 

For the latest information and to 

register for the event please visit www. 

mswalks.ca 

MS Support Groups in Alberta 

Battle River /Wainwright — call Teresa at 780-755-2226. 

Boyle Area — call Deloris at 780-689-4300. 

Brooks — call the Southeastern Chapter office at 403-529-6797. Ask for 

Shivonne. 

Calgary — call (403) 250-7090 for further information. 

Cold Lake/Lakeland — call Suzanne at 780-639-4145. 

Drumheller — call Karen at 403-820-7863. 

Edmonton — call 780-471-3034 for further information. 

Elk Point — call 780-724-2430 for further information. 

Fairview — call 780-835-4868 for further information. 

Hinton — call Aileen at 1-800-268-7582 for further information. 

Lethbridge — call (403) 328-7002 for further information. 

Lloydminster — call (780) 871-0513 for further information. 

Medicine Hat — call (403) 529-6797 for further information. 

Pincher Creek /Crowsnest — call 403-627-2106 for further information. 

Red Deer — call (403) 346-0290 for further information. 

South Peace/Grande Prairie — call 780-532-3204 for further information. 

St. Paul — call Denise at 780-645-3441 ext 226 for further information. 

Tofield — MS Support Group last Wednesday of the month. 

7 pm to 8:30 pm. Tofield Health Unit. 

Vegreville — call 780-632-2848 for further information. 

Yellowknife — call Shawn at 867-445-4372.

Lloydminster Chapter takes home 

‘Non-Profit of the Year’ Award 

The Lloydminster Chapter of 

the MS Society received top 

honours from the local business 

community. On October 21, 2009, the 

Chapter captured the award for ‘Non- 

Profit of the Year’ at the Business Week 

Awards Gala, hosted by the Lloydminster 

Chamber of Commerce. 

The event featured a ‘coming 

together’ of the city’s most accomplished 

and notable businesspeople. Premier 

Ed Stelmach and MLA Lloyd Snelgrove 

were both in attendance for a portion 

of the program, bringing greetings and 

congratulating the award nominees 

for their excellence in serving the 

community. 

The Lloydminster Chapter was 

in esteemed company, with the Non- 

Profit category featuring some of 

Lloydminster’s most prominent leaders 

in the sector. Nominations for the award 

were submitted by members of the local 

community. The nominated organization 

is then asked to complete a ‘business 

survey’, which is reviewed by an 

independent judging panel with whom 

the final decision rests. Judges take 

into account factors such as volunteer 

hours, significant contributions to the 

community in terms of economic impact, 

lasting legacy, and local, provincial and 

national exposure. 

Darrel Frisken, Past Chair of the 

Lloydminster Chapter Board of Directors, 

and Johanna Green, Executive Director, 

accepted the award on behalf of the 

Chapter, and thanked the community 

and all of the MS Society’s dedicated 

MS Society – Alberta Division has a 

Facebook page and a Twitter account! 

Become a fan on 

Facebook (www.facebook.com) 

or follow us on 

Twitter (www.twitter.com) 

and stay up to date 

Photo courtesy Don Whiting Photography 

Past Chapter Chair Darrel Frisken (left) and Executive Director, Johanna Green, 

accept the Non-Profit of the Year Award on behalf of the Lloydminster Chapter of 

the MS Society, from Glen Fagnan of Midwest Communications, who sponsored 

the award. 

volunteers for their tremendous support. 

A number of key Chapter volunteers 

were also in attendance to celebrate the 

success and their instrumental role in 

achieving it. 

“Given the calibre of the other 

candidates in our category, we didn’t 

come into the evening expecting a win 

– we were truly honoured just to have 

been nominated,” said Green. “When 

they announced our name, we were quite 

overwhelmed. This award belongs to our 

vast army of volunteers who have taken 

up the fight to end MS and given wings 

Join us on 

and 

to our Chapter. It is their courage and 

ceaseless dedication, coupled with the 

tremendous support of the Lloydminster 

community, which has made this 

achievement possible.” 

The Lloydminster Chamber of 

Commerce hosts the Business Week 

Awards Gala annually. Other categories 

include Business of the Year, Lifetime 

Achievement, Customer Service and City 

Ambassador, among many others. 

The Lloydminster Chapter also 

received a nomination for Non-Profit of 

the Year in 2007. 

Facebook: Go to www.facebook.com and sign 

up as a member. Once you have a Facebook 

account, search “MS Society – Alberta Division” 

and become a fan. 

Twitter: Go to www.twitter.com and sign up 

as a member. Once you have a twitter account, 

search “MS_Society_AB” and follow us! 


The Power of Water 

Swim instructor develops water aerobics program for people with MS 

M 

any people 

with MS 

are unable to 

exercise in a 

traditional exercise 

environment. 

Swim instructor Sharon Charters has 

done something about that. She has 

customized an Aqualite Water Aerobics 

class specifically for people 

with MS. The Lloydminster 

MS Chapter began offering 

the class to its members 

last spring as part of its 

MS ActiveNOW portfolio, 

and it’s been a hit ever 

since. Participants can do 

things in the pool that they 

couldn’t imagine doing on 

land because the water 

provides a medium that 

is both buoyant and lowimpact. 

“No wheelchairs, no 

walkers, no canes – just 

free movement,” says 

Charters. “Water aerobics 

is an all-round form of 

exercise which can be 

adapted to each person, 

taking into consideration 

that person’s abilities. It 

can utilize all the muscle 

groups, it’s easy on the 

joints and it’s a total 

mind, body and spirit 

workout. And, it keeps 

the body cool!” A loyal 

group of participants eagerly anticipates 

Sharon’s weekly 45-minute class at the 

Lloydminster Leisure Centre. 

Sharon has exceeded all 

expectations as an instructor, having 


taken the initiative to soak up as much 

information as possible about multiple 

sclerosis. Last October she attended 

the MS Connections Conference in 

Edmonton, where she again furthered 

her MS education. She’s also become 

an advocate for the benefits of exercise 

for people with MS, and has shared 

her knowledge with other health care 

Sharon Charters, seen here teaching her class, has taken up the 

initiative to learn as much about multiple sclerosis as she can and 

integrate it into her class. 

providers. But Sharon says that some 

of the most valuable lessons have come 

from those living with the disease. 

“Teaching the class has taught me 

patience, courage and a whole lot more 

about MS. I have learned that people 

with MS are awesomely strong; I have 

learned MS affects people in different 

ways; I have learned that even when 

you are diagnosed with MS, life goes on 

and you take each day at a time. And 

my ladies have taught me to SMILE no 

matter what.” 

Diagnosed with arthritis at age 13, 

Charters knows a thing or two about 

overcoming obstacles. 

After being told she’d 

be in a wheelchair by 

the age of 25, she took it 

upon herself to find every 

means possible to prevent 

that from becoming her 

future. Her search led her 

to the pool, where she 

quickly discovered the 

benefits of working out in 

the water. Staying active 

allowed Sharon to stave 

off the most severe effects 

of arthritis. Today, she is a 

remarkably active ‘senior’, 

who has competed in 

several Senior Games as 

well as the World Masters 

Games. Humbly, she 

remarks “there are a few 

medals in the cupboard, 

and this summer I swam 

the Okanogan Lake - a 

long-time dream of mine.” 

What better person to 

inspire confidence in a 

group of people living 

with MS. Through her 

classes each week, and through her 

own example, Sharon is proving that 

“limitations” are only limiting if we 

allow them to be, and that obstacles are 

merely opportunities to seek out creative 

solutions.

The MS Community Advisory Council 

What’s it all about? 

The MS Community Advisory Council 

evolved from the MS Stakeholders Forum 

in October 2008 and works to address 

the five priorities listed below. The 

Council consists of 16 members and/or 

clients of the MS Society as well as the 

following 13 organizations: 

• Accessible Housing Society 

• Alberta Committee of Citizens with 

Disabilities 

• Alberta Continuing Care Association 

• Alberta Home Care and Support 

Association 

• Alberta Senior Citizens’ Housing 

Association 

• Canadian Paraplegic Association 

• Case Managers from Health Services 

• Centre for Social Entrepreneurship 

School of Business 

• EmployAbilities 

• MS Society of Canada, Alberta 

Division 

• Steadward Centre 

• University of Alberta Hospital 

• University of Alberta, Faculty of 

Nursing 

Do you want to 

be a face of MS? 

Submit your picture, name, age, and 

year you were diagnosed to angie. 

wight@mssociety.ca. 

Faces of MS 

Your name 

Diagnosed with MS in at age < > 

The Council has created a 

submission to the Alberta Government 

entitled Moving Forward Together. The 

recommendation to Government within 

the submission is the creation of a 

Provincial MS Working Group. We need 

the Government’s help to bring about an 

enhanced care and support system for 

The 

recommendation 

to Government...is 

the creation of 

a Provincial 

MS Working Group. 

Albertans with MS. We are requesting 

that the Minister of Health and Wellness 

create a Provincial MS Working Group. 

This group would involve departmental 

staff, staff of other relevant ministries, 

the MS Society, the MS community and 

others who the minister believes could 

contribute. 

Five Priorities 

With these principles in mind, we 

propose the Working Group address five 

priority areas: 

A. A Provincial Approach: Create a 

framework of collaboration involving 

government, the health care system and 

the MS community throughout Alberta. 

B. Rural Access: Develop strategies for 

improving access to services throughout 

Alberta, with emphasis upon rural 

Alberta. 

C. Creation of a Multidisciplinary 

Integrated Care System: An integrated 

system works best and a strategy needs 

to be developed to put one in place that 

includes all services and community 

supports that affect persons with MS. 

D. Appropriate Housing: MS patients 

have variant housing needs particular to 

their disease and strategies need to be 

developed to resolve those needs within 

the community and in the public housing 

framework. 

E. System Navigation: The health 

care system is complex and an MS 

information support system needs to 

be developed to assist people with the 

information they need. 

For more information on the MS 

Community Advisory Council please 

contact Julie Kelndorfer, Director, 

Government and Community Relations, 

at Julie.kelndorfer@mssociety.ca. 

Do you have 

your Husky gas 

card? 

Proceeds support the MS 

Society 

The Husky Community Rebate 

Program is an easy way to raise 

funds for the MS Society by 

purchasing gas! Husky sends a rebate to 

the MS Society of 2% of the purchases 

cardholders make at Husky or Mohawk 

stations or Husky House Restaurants. 

In one quarter over $23,000 in gas was 

purchased and we’ve received nearly 

$500! 

Call now to get your Husky 

Community Rebate Card! 

Contact Jill Opalka at jill.opalka@ 

mssociety.ca or 780-463-1190. 


Leading By Example 

Classy event has raised $150,000 

to support people with MS 

Cheryl Rose has been dedicated 

to making a difference for people 

with multiple sclerosis since 

her sister, Barbara, was diagnosed eight 

years ago. Barbara created a team in the 

Edmonton Enerflex MS Walk, the Rosebuddies, 

in 2003 in which Cheryl and 

many family members participate each 

year. The team has raised over $17,500 

to date! 

When Cheryl first started working at 

the Hilton Garden Inn – West Edmonton 

in 2004 as their Director of Sales, she 

saw the job as an opportunity to start an 

MS fundraiser of her own. After a few 

meetings with the MS Society, she was 

able to envision the elegant event that 

ultimately became the MS Wine Gala 

and Auction. The first one was held in the 

fall of 2006. 

This black-tie affair allows guests 

to indulge in a delectable five-course 

meal that is paired with different wines. 

Each wine and food course is guided 

by a sommelier and guests have the 

opportunity to ask questions and learn 

about the food and wine pairings. 

First-class entertainment wraps up 

the evening, following an exciting live 

and silent auction. Three galas have 

STAY INFORMED! 

The MS Society is committed 

to reaching out to all Albertans 

with MS. If you know someone 

who would like to receive 

a complimentary copy of MS 

Connections, please call us at 

1-800-268-7582. 

Publications Mail Agreement 40064145 

Return undeliverable items to: 

MS Society of Canada Alberta Division 

#150, 9405 - 50 St, Edmonton T6B 2T4 


been held so far, raising an astonishing 

$150,000! “My family has been greatly 

affected by this disease,” said Cheryl. “I 

know other families have so much to go 

through when MS enters their lives. This 

event gives us an opportunity to come 

together and do something meaningful.” 

The next MS Wine Gala and 

Auction is scheduled for October 23, 

2010 at the new Courtyard by Marriott 

Edmonton West opening this summer 

in Edmonton’s west end. If you are 

Imagine a future without Multiple Sclerosis 

Jan Petrar knows one day this will be a reality and she’s 

doing something about it today. 

Southern Alberta 

George Jacob 

Ph: (403) 250-7090 

Email: george.jacob@mssociety.ca 

Web: www.MSlegacy.ca 

Jan made a commitment in her will to support the MS Society’s 

internationally respected research program. “Research gave 

me my life back. It also gave my son and daughter their mother 

back.” 

She knows what it’s like to suffer through neurological pain, to 

deal with depression and fatigue. And she knows the impact 

this disease has on families and communities. 

“When I was diagnosed with MS, there were very few 

treatment options available, and little hope. The development 

of disease modifying therapies ultimately changed the course 

Jan Petrar and her children 

of this disease for me, my family, and so many others.” 

You too can create a legacy of hope for future generations! Contact us to find out how 

Northern Alberta 

Mark Mahl 

Ph: (780) 463-1190 

Email: mark.mahl@mssociety.ca 

Web: www.MSlegacy.ca 

Cheryl Rose. Taking advantage 

of opportunities to give 

back “and do something 

meaningful.” 

interested in attending, please contact 

Graham Metzger at graham.metzger@ 

mssociety.ca or call 780-440-8749.

MS Connections Jan 2010.indd - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

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