msf_staff

This morning, Dr. Rob Godsall looked over our crowd and asked "How many of you forgot you had MS while you were on this cruise, looking out at the ocean, or sitting with friend at dinner?"

Hands shot up around the room. "Take life for what it is," he said. "Give MS its due, but give yourself your due, too."

( Read more... )

2009 is just hours away - a thought which leaves me shaking my head and biting back cliches about time flying. But what does 2009 mean for people who need the MSF's services?

Well, a new year means a new budget. Our year-round programs - such as those that provide homecare, durable medical equipment, assistive technology, and computers - tend to run low on funds toward the end of the year. So if you're in need of services, the first quarter is a good time to think about applying.

Also, one of our cyclical programs - the Cooling Program - starts in the first quarter. Applications will be available Feb. 1, and will be accepted through June 1. I know that for many of you, cooling is the last thing on your minds right now... as you're struggling through a few feet of snow to get to your cars. But come June or July, will you be feeling the same way? Get your applications in early!

We're also really looking forward to National MS Education and Awareness Month in March, and especially to our Be Visible initiative, through which we'll be selecting and training individuals to serve as MS advocates and MSF ambassadors across the country. But I'll tell you more about that after the holiday.

For more information about any of the MSF's programs and services, or for applications to the programs I mentioned above, see http://www.msfocus.org/programs_services.php.

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 )