I was just visiting a great MS patient resource, About.com’s multiple sclerosis site, and I read about a fantastic way for people to simply and effectively raise money for MS research. The idea is called “The Circle of Ten”, created by a family who was touched by multiple sclerosis. The theory is quite simple (and ingenious): a person employs ten friends/family members to each collect $10 donations from 10 other people. So 10 people x 100 dollars in donations (each) = $1,000. What a great way to raise a cool grand! This idea is perfect for the coming MS Walk and MS Bike events.
It’s been a bit of a crazy week here at the Jersey shore, and so I’m posting a catch-all of latest news. Hope this finds you well and happy:
Joan’s Next MS Chat Room Session: This Friday, Oct 23rd
Come enjoy a Halloween party with Joan and her fellow chatters. The session is from 7 – 9pm, Eastern Standard Time. All are welcome, and more info and login instructions are available at her blogA Short in the Cord……… Joan’s chat is THE BEST!!
Glenn Close’s Mental Health Website
I learned about this site just this morning, as actress Glenn Close and her sister Jessie told of Jessie’s long battle with bipolar disorder on ABC-TV’s The View. Having struggled with depression since multiple sclerosis altered my life course, I am a HUGE advocate for mental health and bringing knowledge to the forefront. So many people hide their emotional problems because of embarrassment/shame, misunderstanding, and doubt. I seek the ongoing help of a social worker and a psychiatrist— I take an antidepressant— and I want to pass this helpful site on to you and anyone else you might know who is afflicted by emotional illness. There’s help and support:www.bringchange2mind.org
MS Strength has Reached its (First) Goal of $100 in Ad Revenue
It’s taken over a year, but MS Strength has reached the $100 threshold needed for Google to pay out ad revenue. 100% of the profits will be donated to the National MS Society (the U.S.), who has a high priority of using funds towards MS research. The thermometer is set back to $0, and the next donation will be made at the next $100 threshold. Thanks to those who helped the thermometer rise; it feels great to take this money and donate it to our MS cause. A future post will tell about the actual donation, as I am currently waiting for Google’s check.
A New Website for MSers Which Chronicles 5 Patients’ Journeys and Distributes Information about Disease-Modifying MS Medications
I, along with 4 other MS webwriters ( Lisa, Julie, Kimberly, and Bill) have been hired to video blog our multiple sclerosis stories—along with personal journal entries— at a new website sponsored by EMD Serono, a maker of one of the current disease-modifying MS medications and a future MS medication. The site focuses on our stories and it also provides drug information to those who subscribe. As a HUGE advocate for newly-diagnosed patients learning about and trying disease-modifying medications, I’m proud to have been tapped and I feel myself helping others to weigh their medication options, no matter what the brand and the final decision. Thanks, EMD Serono, for allowing the 5 of us to accomplish this: www.howifightms.info
A Local Piece of News About Officials “Spinning Wheels for a Day”
This story caught my eye— I found it at the Nat’l MS Society’s FB page. Interesting, and it gives those in charge a chance to see what others with adaptive devices must navigate on a daily basis. I doff my hat to you, fellow resident Jackie Jackson:The Star Ledger’s Oct 15th Middlesex County News
I came across this awesome Massachusetts wine distributor that custom-makes fundraising wines and wine packages for interested organizations. Grapesurfer has been around for several years and has collaborated with the likes of David Ortiz, Dan Marino, Ken Griffey, Jr., AND several of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s regional chapters.
The founders, Andrew Graff and John Corcoran, reveal the process: they are able to buy the wine varietals well below market price (due to good will amongst distributors/wineries/suppliers), allowing organizations to receive 100% of the online retail profits towards their fundraisers. These guys have found an innovative— and tasty way — to let consumers donate to their chosen charities as well as to start fundraising efforts for their own organizations.
