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ILD February 2012 Econnection banner

  Did you know you can use the same powerful online fundraising tools you know from Walk MS and Bike MS for your own MS fundraiser? Browse DIY Fundraising>>
 
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 WALKS MS: THE PITCH (Video)

ILD February 2012 eConnection video screencap

What's the best way to pitch a marketing campaign for Walk MS Illinois? Our staff ponders the question in this humorous monthly video.

Watch on YouTube

Have a Ball at MS Carnivale

ILD MS Carnivale 2012 logoTickets are now available to purchase for the 10th annual MS Carnivale in East Peoria onFriday, March 16, at the Par-a-Dice Hotel. More than 600 guests are expected to bask in the revelry and savor the flair of our popular New Orleans-style celebration.

 Purchase tickets for MS Carnivale

Come Walk with Us

WalkMS_Logo250It's time to register for Walk MS, taking place across Illinois on Sunday, May 6 (Peoria & Urbana: Sunday, September 9)! Click below to learn more and sign up.

 Register now for Walk MS

Accept the Tour de Farms Challenge

ILD Bike MS 2012 logo interimRegistration is open for the 31st annual Bike MS: Tour de Farms, taking place on Saturday & Sunday, June 23 & 24 in DeKalb! Follow the link below to join the ride.

 Register now for Bike MS

Make Magic at MS Half Court Classic

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MS Half Court Classic 

We're taking over the court at the United Center, home of the famous Chicago Bulls, on Saturday, March 24, for MS Half Court Classic--our annual co-ed, 4-on-4 basketball tournament to benefit the National MS Society!

 Register now for MS Half Court Classic

Racing in an event? Race to Stop MS!

ILD Race to Stop MS 2012 logoIf you're already registered for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon--or any other racing event--you can race on behalf of the National MS Society as a participant in Race to Stop MS!

 Register now for Race to Stop MS

Click for a complete list of 2010 chapter events.

Monday, March 12: Research: Where Are We Now? Where Are We Going? Free teleconference with Dr. Rana Zabad, Neurologist, University of Nebraska Medical Center MS Clinic, discussing happenings in MS research, what we know now about treatments that have come on the market in the last year, and how to connect with clinical trials. (By phone)

 Register online>> 

Community Events

Midwest Indoor Tri-Classic Race Series
Mini-triathlon series benefiting the National MS Society, includes 10-minute swim, 20-minute stationary bike ride, and 15-minute run on an indoor track. Fees range from $40 to $100. Remaining dates & locations:

  • Sunday, February 26 | Woodridge 

 Learn more & register online>>

Saturday, March 10: Crop for a Cause
Scrapbooking fundraiser and free silent auction to benefit the National MS Society. For more info or to register, see flyer. (Roselle)

Download flyer (PDF)>>

ILS MS Awareness Week 2012


March Is MS Awareness Month!

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has proclaimed March 2012 MS Awareness Month! MS Awareness Month--centered on the week of March 12-18--is an opportunity to get the word about the the importance of the movement to end MS. This March, the Greater Illinois Chapter's Dine to End MS restaurant program will allow restaurant patrons to donate to the Society throughout the month. And once again, Chicago skyline will have an orange glow as buildings across the city show their support by writing “End MS” in lights and illuminating their skydecks orange to further awareness.

Want to help out? Use the downloadable files we've included below to tell your story and get friends, family, co-workers, and local politicians involved, too!

Read Mayor Emanuel's Proclamation (pdf)>>

Ask your local mayor to declare MS Awareness Month (doc)>>

Send a letter to the editor with your personal MS story (doc)>>

Hang an MS Awareness poster in your office (pdf)>>

ILD We Are MS Activists

 


MS Action Day & National Public Policy Conference

Representatives from all Chapters of the National MS Society will gather in Washington, D.C., March 5 through March 7 for the Society’s Public Policy National Conference. Chapter delegations will take the opportunity to meet with their elected officials to push for ways to improve the lives of everyone affected by MS.

On March 28, Greater Illinois staff and volunteers will gather in Springfield to lobby Illinois legislators on issues including physical accessibility to medical exams and diagnostic and treatment equipment in nursing homes, and gas station accessibility. For the second year in a row, we will provide virtual opportunities to participate from home via phone and web.

You can help by contacting us at advocacyillinois@nmss.org to share your story about challenges you or a loved one has faced relating to the advocacy issues we’ll be championing in Springfield.

Visit the Take Action page>>

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Still Time to Register for "Meeting the Challenges of MS: A Workshop Series for Care Partners"

There is still time to register for our special, five-week workshop series for care partners. Learn to feel more confident in your abilities to provide support and assistance to persons with MS, while taking care of your own health and well-being. The series begins Saturday, March 10 in Orland Park, and meets weekly on Saturday mornings through April 14. (Note: No meeting April 7.) 

Learn about Multiple Solutions>>

ILD 2012 mission move illinois lottery ticket

Illinois Lottery "Mission Move" MS Lottery Ticket on Sale in March

The Greater Illinois Chapter's $3 “Mission Move” instant-win Illinois Lottery ticket will be available across Illinois for the fifth year in a row beginning March 6. The ticket will be available for approximately six months and all proceeds from its sale will benefit the Chapter. So check your local lottery retailer in early March!

Browse the Illinois Lottery homepage>>

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A Brief Survey for Volunteers

Have you recently been a Greater Illinois Chapter volunteer? Tell us about your volunteer experience with us by taking this brief survey. Your answers will help us improve the overall volunteer experience for others--and we thank you in advance for your input!

Take the Chapter Volunteer Survey>>

Recent Headlines from the National MS Society:

  Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. Richard Ransohoff Wins 2012 John Dystel Prize for MS Research -- Provided far-reaching insights on immune activity in the central nervous system

  Small Trial of Patients’ Own Adult Stem Cells Appears Safe and Hints of Benefit

  Rehabilitation Technique Improves Memory and Increases Brain Activity in People with MS

  Pivotal Meeting Probes MS Therapy Use in Children

  MS Trial Alert: Investigators Recruiting for Study Comparing Exercise Programs to Improve Depression

  MS Trial Alert: Pain Study Recruiting People with MS Nationwide

More national headlines >>


Support the Society with an immediate donation:

Make a donation to the Greater Illinois Chapter

 

 

 

Support the Society with planned giving:

Learn about the Lawry Circle for Planned Giving

PAVE the Way: Participate | Advocate | Volunteer | Educate

 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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