Summer 2011 - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

More documents

Recommendations

Info

234 MS researchers and trainees in Alberta - more than 800 nationally MS Researchers meet in Calgary Success of endMS Research and Training Network continues Last May, 45 MS researchers from across Canada gathered in Calgary as the Alberta endMS Regional Research and Training Centre (RRTC) hosted a series of MS workshops and lectures. (For more information on the Alberta endMS RRTC, see the Fall 2010 issue of MS Connections, available at: http:// mssociety.ca/alberta/publications.htm) “The cause and cure for this dreaded disease will be found.” From May 23 to 27, 2011, the Alberta endMS RRTC hosted the third annual week-long series, with this year’s focus being “Neuroprotection and Repair: From Bench Research to Clinical Application.” The study week began with a welcome dinner on May 23, highlighted by an address from Dr. V. Wee Yong, Director of the Alberta endMS RRTC. Dr. Yong spoke about the tremendous strides that have been made in MS research over the past few years, and sincerely predicted that more important information would be uncovered shortly because of the increased number of brilliant young researchers who were joining the Canadian endMS Network. He thanked the MS Society of Canada for its dedication in funding the Network, including significant support from the Government of Alberta, and from many individual donors. Dr. Yong recognized Ms. Gayelene Bonenfant of Calgary for her donation. Gayelene was present during the evening and 10 MS Connections Summer 2011 From left, Dr. Wee Yong, Director of the Alberta endMS RRTC, Gayelene Bonenfant, who was recognized for her generous donation to the endMS Network, and George Jacob of the MS Society, Alberta and NWT Division. also introduced Ms. Verlyn Leopatra, a recipient of the MS Society Scholarship Program. The endMS Research and Training Network consists of five Regional Centres across Canada. The Alberta Centre is based at the University of Calgary, with researchers and research trainees also working at the University of Alberta and the University of Lethbridge. There are now 234 MS researchers and trainees in Alberta, and more than 800 nationally. As Dr. Yong said, “the cause and cure for this dreaded disease will be found.” Husky Community Rebate Program 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 $2500! Call now to get your Husky Community Rebate Card! Contact Jill Opalka by email at jill.opalka@mssociety.ca or by phone at 780-463-1190.
My MS A personal account of one person’s challenge living with MS Sandi Arnold Red Deer, AB Imagine not being able to go outside on a hot sunny day, ride a bike on a trail among the trees and streams, go for a long walk among the crunchy autumn leaves or dance to your favourite song. These are some of the things I miss the most. “If you are wondering if your donation will be put to good use, I’m here to tell you that it will. Not only for me but for many others like me.” People say “Oh, but you look so good”, not knowing that you had to take a 2-hour nap prior to going out, and they don’t see you collapse on your bed in pure exhaustion when you get home. When you have MS you learn to appreciate all the little things you can do such as bathing, dressing yourself and brushing your own hair before someone has to do it for you. You pose for pictures standing up before you’re permanently in a wheel chair. You smile as much as you can, remembering the time when half your Story face lost all feeling and drooped for 3 weeks. You tell your friends and family that you love them every day for the times when you lose the ability to speak, and you take in all the beautiful views and colours in case you lose your sight again. A sense of humour also helps, especially when I was learning to walk again. The MS Society helped me when I had chemotherapy; they supplied me with a vest so I could go outside in the summer. They also helped me get a portable air conditioner to stop me from overheating and getting sick indoors. Watch a SHAW TV newsclip of Sandi on YouTube. Search RRSANDIMS. Sandi Arnold (right) at the 2011 Red Deer Enerflex MS Walk with some of her teammates from her Walk Team, “Sandi’s Angels.” These are just a few examples of the help I have received due to the kindness and donations from people. They have made it all possible! I am so very thankful. If you are wondering if your donation will be put to good use, I’m here to tell you that it will. Not only for me but for many others like me. A cure is on its way and it is my wish that no one will ever have to suffer from this disease again. Much Love, Sandi Arnold MS Connections Summer 2011 11
Page 1 and 2: A newsletter connecting Albertans w
Page 3 and 4: MS Friendly Visiting program provid
Page 5 and 6: During the weekend of June 3-5, 19
Page 7 and 8: Alberta Student A BRIGHT LIGHT Brie
Page 9: The Hay Lakes lunch stop, hosted by
Page 13 and 14: St. Paul man makes huge impact in L
Page 15 and 16: Ask Jeannine When do I need an indw
Page 17 and 18: option is to use a bathtub with a d
Page 19 and 20: ! ! ! Safeway Pharmacy MS Connectio

Summer 2011 - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?