msf_staff: (Kasey)
I was shocked to login and find that it's been nearly two months since I added anything to this blog. But now that I think about it, that sounds about right. Eight weeks to plan, implement, test and deploy our new website = eight weeks of radio silence from me. Still, I apologize to anyone reading! Very shortly we'll have new editions of Six Questions With, a video interview with MS specialist Dr. Andrew Brown, and more of my general philosophizing. Expect a flurry of posts in the next few days. :-)

For now, I'll just give you the quick lowdown.

1. The new MSF website is live and fully functional. There are a lot of new features that I'm really proud of, but perhaps I'll go into more detail about that later. For now, just check it out: http://www.msfocus.org

2. The MSF forums are FINALLY working again. If you were a former forum member, you'll need to change your password. There's an announcement at the top of each forum with instructions. The doctors are already back to work answering questions on the Ask the Doctor forum, so go hit 'em up with your questions before the deluge comes in. You can get to it through the Online Community section of the website, or at http://www.msfocusforum.com

3. The Brighter Tomorrow Grant and Computer Grant Progams are ON! Make a wish and see if it comes true. :-) The grant applications are available on the website under the Programs and Activities section. I'll post in more detail about these programs and their requirements soon.

Well, that's it for me right now. Anything on your minds?
msf_staff: (Kasey)
One week left, folks! If you live in the U.S. (or its territories) and want to apply for a Brighter Tomorrow Grant, now is your chance!

≈ A little over a week ago, I had the pleasure to meet David Lyons, of The MS Bodybuilding Challenge when he came to tape an interview for our website (here). I love how, for some people like David or Wendy Booker, a diagnosis of MS just turns their determination into overdrive and they set out on these quests. It's amazing, and I have a huge amount of respect for it (though, as a devoted couch potato, I can't claim to understand it).

≈ I'd love to know what those of you reading this would like to know about the MSF or our staff. I thought of posting some pictures of the office and/or staff - kind of a 'virtual tour' thing. Any interest?

≈ Finally, and apropos of absolutely nothing, this Saturday (9/27/08) is Museum Day here in the States, and Smithsonian Magazine is offering a FREE pass for two to museums and cultural institutions all across the country! All you have to do is print it out from their site. To make this even remotely on topic for this journal, let me just point out that most of the museums give accessibility information on their websites, so if accessibility is a factor for you, remember to check it out prior to your visit.
msf_staff: (Kasey)
We're in the middle of the application cycle for one of my favorite programs - the Brighter Tomorrow Grant. The purpose of this grant is to provide funding for things that aren't normally covered by our other programs. But it's not just meant for needs, the beauty of it is that you can ask for wishes, too. The name says it all: through this grant, you can ask for whatever will make your tomorrow brighter.

What that is - what makes tomorrow a better day for you - is different for every person. We've seen requests for everything from riding lawn mowers to a trip to be on The Price is Right; from new drapes to a new blow-torch for an Alaskan sculptor.

Can a lawn mower change a life? You bet. Absolutely. For a person who has lost the ability to take care of this basic chore using a conventional lawn mower, a riding lawn mower gives them their independence back. It's one less thing that MS can take from them.

And some people use their wishes on behalf of others. I'll never forget the artist with MS who asked for supplies to help her give pottery classes to terminally ill children. Her story had the entire grant committee in tears.

And that's what I love about the program - each story is unique, each grant is special. It's a joy to be involved with.

If you're interested in learning more or applying for a grant, visit http://www.msfocus.org/programs_grants_bwmg.php. (Unfortunately for any international folks, you do have to be a U.S. resident.)

And to help you out, here are some inside tips about your application: 3 tips )

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