DIY FUNDRAISING
Do It Yourself Fundraising is an opportunity for people with a deep commitment to the MS cause to raise awareness and critical funds for the MS Movement in new and creative ways.
LOCAL MS RESEARCH
Researchers need YOU to participate in their studies. Please take a look at our research page to find opportunities to get involved.
Thank you to all of our Volunteers!
As we approach the end of 2013, we want to thank and recognize everyone who volunteered for the Greater Illinois Chapter. Check out this infographic to learn about how many individuals joined the movement. If you would like to get involved as a volunteer in 2014, check out our website for upcoming opportunities. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Stay Connected with Volunteer News
Join our Facebook Volunteer Group to learn about volunteer opportunities for the Greater IL Chapter, to connect with fellow volunteers and be inspired to volunteer.
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DONATE THROUGH OUR TEXT-TO-GIVE PROGRAM
Looking for a new, easy way to donate to the National MS Society? The Greater Illinois Chapter is currently taking part in a text-to-give campaign. From now until December 31, you can donate $10 to fund multiple sclerosis research by texting "AWARE" to 20222. It's as simple as that - tell your family and friends, and support the movement today!
MULTIPLE SOLUTIONS PUB CRAWL 2014
Multiple Solutions, the junior board of the National MS Society, Greater Illinois Chapter, invites you to take part in their 17th annual Pub Crawl on Saturday, January 4. A $30 donation to participate includes a souvenir mug and a drink special at each venue. Raffle tickets will also be available to purchase. All proceeds benefit the Greater Illinois Chapter. For more information and to register, follow the link.
MS HALF COURT CLASSIC 2014
The Half Court Classic is a co-ed, 4-on-4 charity basketball tournament with proceeds to benefit the National MS Society, Greater Illinois Chapter. This year's event will be held on Saturday, January 18 at the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls. Teams are guaranteed at least two games with referees officiating, and must fundraise at least $1,000 in order to participate. Click here to find out more and to register your team.
LOTTERY-FUNDED RESEARCH PROJECTS ANNOUNCED
The newest round of pilot research projects funded by the Illinois State Lottery were recently announced. The recipients include:
- Dr. Lara Pilutti, PhD (Univ. of Illinois at Urbana Champaign) "At-home resistance exercise (AdHeRE) in multiple sclerosis: combining behavioral & exercise intervention strategies"
- Dr. Edward McAuley, PhD (Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) "Improving functional performance in persons with MS via physical activity DVD intervention"
- Dr. Jacob Sosnoff, PhD (Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) "Body weight supported treadmill training in advanced multiple sclerosis"
- Dr. Kenneth Wilund, PhD (Univ. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) "Kaatsu training in multiple sclerosis"
To participate in any of the above Univ. of Illinois research studies, contact Julia Balto, 217-244-1191 or 1-888-796-7966 or exerciseneurolab@gmail.com.
- Dr. Richard Kraig, MD, PhD (Univ. of Chicago Medicine) "The role of exosomal RNA-mediated mitigation of oxidative stress and remyelination”
If you are interested in participating in any of these studies, please check out our website for contact information and how to get involved.
TELECONFERENCE 'MS AND MEN'S SEXUAL HEALTH' - JANUARY 13
Understand possible intimacy issues with MS, learn when and how to talk to your health professional and loved one about challenges, and explore treatment and therapy options. Check out our Teleconference Series webpage to register and access previous recordings and handouts.
STAY HEALTHY THIS AUTUMN AND WINTER
As cold weather sets in and more time is spent indoors, make sure to take care of your health. You can find healthy living tips on the National MS Society's website.
Wondering if you should get a flu shot? Find the Society's 2013-2014 vaccination recommendations at this link. Remember, always consult your doctor to ensure that you are healthy enough for a vaccination.
VETERANS OUTREACH PROGRAM
The Greater Illinois Chapter is working to create an outreach program for Veterans living with multiple sclerosis in Illinois. We need Veterans to become part of our contact database. If you are a Veteran living with MS, please register with our Information Resource Center by calling 1-800-344-4867.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSING SOON
Multiple sclerosis should never stand in the way of an education, and that's why the MS Scholarship Program exists. The National MS Society established its scholarship program 10 years ago to support high school seniors who have been diagnosed with MS or who have a parent living with the disease. Applications can be found at nationalMSsociety.org/scholarship, and can be submitted through January 15.
WALK MS & BIKE MS REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2014
Registration for Walk MS 2014 is now open! In 2013, more than 12,000 people raised over $2.7 million. Let's make 2014 even bigger! Sign up today to participate or volunteer, and kick off your fundraising for our 11 Society-sponsored and 3 community-organized Walks.
Registration for Bike MS: Tour de Farms 2014 is also open. The 2013 event raised over $1.6 million, and we know we can do even more in the upcoming year. Register to participate or volunteer at BikeMSillinois.org, and use the code "bikems" to take an additional $10 off of your registration fee!
MUCKFEST COMING AUG. 23, 2014 - REGISTRATION OPEN!
We’re excited to announce that MuckFest is coming to Chicago, August 23, 2014. Made with mud, sweat and cheers, the 5K course features a gauntlet of muck-filled mazes, pits, craters, gigantic steel obstacles and more, with all proceeds from the event going toward a world free of MS.
Register today to participate or volunteer, and stay tuned for additional information over the coming months!
JOIN A WALK MS COMMITTEE
Do you enjoy planning events, recruiting sponsors, securing donations or even just talking to people? Consider joining a Walk MS planning committee! These committees play a huge role in making Walk MS a fun, exciting event, and we need your help to keep it improving!
For more information, please contact Kelley Moran at 312.423.1118 or kelley.moran@nmss.org.
National MS Society, Greater Illinois Chapter 525 West Monroe Street, Suite 900, Chicago IL 60661 1.800.344.4867 | MSillinois.org | MSillinois@gmail.com
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