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 see if you would like to get involved.
THANK YOU TO MS SOIREE ATTENDEES
On November 16, hundreds of young professionals took part in our annual Soiree at the Swissôtel in downtown Chicago. Thank you to our guests for making this a record-breaking year.
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!
WHEN I WALK - DOCUMENTARY SCREENING
A screening of the acclaimed documentary, When I Walk, a life-affirming film driven by a young man's determination to survive - and to make sense of a devastating disease through the art of cinema is scheduled for Thursday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m. , in Deer Park, at Century 16 Deer Park. Ticket cost is $12.50. Screening is contingent on enough tickets being sold in advance. For more information, or to buy tickets, follow the link.
RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM RECORDINGS NOW ONLINE
Thank you to the nearly 500 individuals who attended the recent 18th Annual Penikoff Research Symposium at the Hyatt-Regency O'Hare. If you were unable to attend, or would like to watch or listen to our keynote address, Q&A panel, or breakout sessions, please visit our website.
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 'MANAGING STRESS WITH MS' - DECEMBER 9
Understand how stress can impact MS, learn how to respond to the stress in your life, and get tips for balancing emotional and physical health at busy times of the year. Check out our Teleconference Series webpage to register and access previous recordings and handouts.
CONGRATS TO OUR VOLUNTEER AWARD WINNERS!
On October 19, the Greater Illinois Chapter presented 13 Outstanding Volunteers of the Year Awards at the 18th Annual Penikoff Research Symposium. From our incredibly creative Community Event Volunteers to our Legislators of the Year, find out more about the award recipients at our website.
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.
CARE PARTNER APPRECIATION MONTH
November is Care Partner Appreciation month, and the Greater Illinois Chapter would like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment involved in caring for someone living with MS.
The Greater Illinois Chapter offers a variety of resources for care partners, including support groups, a "Guide for Caregivers,” and care partner support resources. To learn more, please visit our website, or contact a Service Navigator at 1-800-344-4867.
VETERANS OUTREACH PROGRAM
The Greater Illinois Chapter is conducting initial research and seeking feedback on what resources should be made available to 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 NOW OPEN
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 ten 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 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 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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