NATIONAL MS SOCIETY KENTUCKY-SOUTHEAST INDIANA CHAPTER 2015 ANNUAL REPORT MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS 2015 FOCUSED STRATEGIES 2015 FOCUSED STRATEGIES Expand the Impact of the MS Movement by Fully Engaging Volunteers: Sherry Anderson once said “Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.” Success is only possible because of our amazing volunteers. Here at the National MS Society, Kentucky-Southeast Indiana Chapter, we are expanding the idea of Skilled-Based Volunteering. Using personal talents or professional competences is a way for volun- teers to give back to the community while developing new talents or leadership skills. It’s a strategic type of volunteerism that exponentially expands our impact by incorporating a wide range of skills that strengthen us internally. The strategic goal of “expanding the MS movement by fully engaging volunteers” is implemented by connecting the volunteer with the right skills to the right project at the right time. It means inceasing our volunteer interest with ongoing and potential projects. Tina Mclellan Greg Fischer (Mayor of Louisville), and Lexi Mclellan Walter Smith, Joanna Smith, Mary Carabella, and Dawne Gee. 2 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org/kyw 2015 FOCUSED STRATEGIES 2015 FOCUSED STRATEGIES Building Powerful Lifetime Relationships With Constituents by Knowing, Learning, and Predicting the Very Best Ways to Fully Engage Each Person in the MS Movement: Multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system, inter- rupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. MS affects more than 2.3 million people worldwide. The Society mobilizes people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the chal- lenges of everyone affected by MS. Since its inception, the Society has invested $870 million in MS research and has recruited more than 800 new researchers to the field. Each year, through its comprehensive nationwide network of programs and services, the Society also helps more than one million people affected by MS connect to the people, information and resources needed to move their lives forward. Jennifer and Dan Digmann (authors of Despite MS, to Spite MS). Ramsey Carpenter, Nicole Everman MD, Stacy Funk Diana Quesada, and Nancy Heckler. KENTUCKY-SOUTHEAST INDIANA CHAPTER | 3 2015 FOCUSED STRATEGIES CONTINUED Lead Global Collaborative MS Research: Did You Know? A new study on smoking provides evidence that MS progresses faster in those who continue to smoke, compared with those who quit after diagnosis. Past studies supported by the Society found that smoking is related to disease progression, and MS disability progresses more quickly in smokers. Did You Know? A blood based MS diagnostic test is in development by researchers funded through Fast Forward, the Society’s commercial research Greg Foresman, Dianne and Bob Montgomery and mechanism. Test results showed an 84% accuracy rate in identifying Aaron Montgomery at Jam For A Cure 2015. people who had, or would develop, relapsing-remitting MS. Connect People Affected by MS to Information, Resources, and Others to Ensure They Have What They Need to Live Their Best Lives: FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE In many cases we can provide financial support for those with MS. We assist with such items and services as home and car modifications, mobility equipment, transportation, and more. In Fiscal Year 2015, we were able to assist 89 clients with over $30,438 in Financial Assistance, leveraged over $7,000 to provide three college scholarships. Big Shot Cyclist Dean Brooks We encourage our clients to take advantage of and Chapter President Stacy Funk. our Wellness Incentive Program, with benefits of exercise and recreation as a vital part of WE SUPPORT THE controlling their health. This program benefited MS NAVIGATOR PROGRAM 15 clients totaling $3,320. MS Navigators have the resources to provide you with the latest information about MS including: • Newly diagnosed information • Financial challenges and planning for the • Treatment and symptom management future strategies • Facing caregiver challenges • Accessing optimal health care • Finding help in the home • Meeting workplace challenges • Managing life changes We are here to help you navigate the challenges of MS with a personalized response to your unique needs. Call 1-800-344-4867 for personalized service, up-to-date information, and practical resources and referrals. 4 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org/kyw 2015 AWARD WINNERS Bob Montgomery, 2015 Sylvie Award Winner Bob joined the Board of Trustees in 2010 after becoming acquainted with the Society through his son’s fundraiser, “Jam for a Cure”. Beginning in 2013, Bob began serving as Treasurer for the Board of Trustees, as he is a CPA with Dean Dorton Allen Ford, it was a natural progression. Bob has been married for 49 years to his wife, Dianne, whom he met on a blind date when he was 15 years old. They have two sons, Chris (Angela and son Luke) and Aaron (Brandy). Brad Kruer, 2015 Junior Sylvie Award Winner Brad has volunteered with the Society since he was a child. He’s been involved behind the scenes for many years and held several leadership positions including Walk MS Louisville Chair and most recently was key- note speaker at the Crystal Boots & Silver Spurs event. Brad is also an avid cyclist and has ridden in Bike MS for 13 years. Brad is a graduate of Our Lady of Providence High School in Southern Indiana and the University of Evansville. He’s been married to his wife Kim for 16 years and together they have three boys, Landon, Lincoln and Luke. MARTHA MONTGOMERY OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER AWARDS: AWARD WINNERS: •Bowling Green: Lilly Wheet •Michael Griffin •Melissa Wilson •Middlesboro: Blake Bowling •Kenny White •Robin Todd •Paducah: Alicia Ray •Pamela Raglin •Joanna Smith •Somerset: Bettie Woolridge •Josh LaRoche •Alesia LaRoche •Columbia: Lynda McKinley •LYPA •Anita Miller •Lexington: Karen Hastings •Dana Lykins •Louisville: Tammy Bishop •Southern Indiana: Beth Badger KENTUCKY-SOUTHEAST INDIANA CHAPTER | 5 HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR WALK MS CONGRATULATIONS TO THE TOP WALK MS TEAMS OF 2015! BOWLING GREEN PADUCAH Landshark Shredding Shake It Off Walking for Hope Belinda’s Bunch Team Amanda Defevers Shake Your DUF6 The Three MS-Keteers & Friends MS Pit Crew Kim’s Kapables Team Nellie Shobe Walk MS Paducah 2015 CENTRAL KENTUCKY PULASKI COUNTY Hunting for a Cure Team Monica Jones Fort Knox FCU Keep S’myelin #Michelle’s Support Kentucky Alpha Delta Kappa Walking for Bev Family Footprints Ford’s Fighters Team John LEXINGTON BELL COUNTY Going the Extra ‘Myelin’ Myelin Warriors AIN NeuroBlockers Team Courageous Hoops for Hope Team Jamie The B Team Wal-Mart #739 Walk MS Lexington 2015 Kory’s Team LOUISVILLE COLUMBIA Cathie's Crue MS Dreamwalkers MAC CONSTRUCTION Walk Wright The Trailblazers Grann’s Fans Roo’s Crew MS Warriors walkn4acure The Cure Crew Walk MS Bowling Green 2015 6 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org/kyw HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR BIKE MS 2015: BLUGRASS, BIKES, BOURBON & BBQ TOP FUNDRAISING TEAMS: BIG SHOTS: Team DOT Louisville ($20,383.35) Jeff Hamilton ($10,010.00) JudeMar Juggernaut ($19,490.00) Phillip Patterson ($10,010.00) YUM! Brands ($9,482.00) Dean Brooks ($7,762.00) Slow and Steady ($9,288.00) Andrew Miller ($7,710.00) Chino Hills ReCyclers ($8,706.00) Byron Bell ($5,005.00) THANK YOU! At Bike MS: Bluegrass, Bikes, Bourbon & BBQ, cyclists wound Mary Anne and Richard Heckler through the rolling hills of Kentucky and Southern Indiana, experiencing historic landmarks, the banks of the Ohio River and the beauty of our Olmsted Park System. With our new staggered start this year, many cyclists finished around the same time- even if you did the Century or the 25 mile route, making Saturday evening a celebration everyone enjoyed. Save the date for next year’s Bike MS event-Saturday and Sunday June 25 and 26, 2016 at the Louisville Water Tower Park. Registration is OPEN now! Go to www.bikemsky.org. This event could not happen without the extraordinary vision Brad and Norman Kruer and help from some of our very special friends. We want to say thank you to Dub Newell (Bike MS Chair), John McCafferty (Graphic Designer), Upper Crust Catering, SmokeHawgs BBQ, Clarksville Schwinn, Glenn Todd (SAG Support Lead), Drew Fos- ter (HAM Operator Lead), and the illustrious Andy Murphy with the Louisville Bicycle Club. These leaders made Bike MS safe, fun, and successful. We want to extend a very big thank you to our Lead Volunteers who worked unbelievably long and hot hours all weekend; Andrew Bankston PhD, Clay Mathis, Josh and Alesia LaRoche, Michael Griffin and Eric Kemple. Also to all the volunteers who worked rest stops, drove SAG vehicles, ran errands, and so much Paul Plevyak more, we thank you. KENTUCKY-SOUTHEAST INDIANA CHAPTER | 7 HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR WOMEN ON THE MOVE LUNCHEON The Woman of Courage Award is presented to one woman each year who demonstrates dignity, grace, strength, compassion and creativity. The 2015 Award was presented in March to WAVE 3 Anchor, Dawne Gee. Dawne donates her time and resources to the National MS Society because her sister Pam was diagnosed with MS in 1994. She also donates her time to many other charities and most recently wrote a cook book, “A Recipe to End Hunger.” Dawne works tirelessly for the National MS Society and the Louisville community at-large. She is A Woman of Courage. Mayor Greg Fischer and WAVE 3 Anchor Dawn Gee. Ramsey Carpenter, Miss Kentucky 2014 and Asia Ford - Marathon Runner, Dub Newell - Board NAWBO Executive Director Stephanie Gedde. Member and Zoe Koplowitz - Keynote Speaker and Marathon Runner. 8 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org/kyw HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR CRYSTAL BOOTS & SILVER SPURS The sixth annual Crystal Boots and Silver Spurs raised over $360,000, making it our biggest year ever.