About John MSAA

Senior Director of Digital Communications at the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA). Lover of comic books. Player of guitars. Fan of the Sixers, also the Phillies (still, somehow...).

January Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on January 6, 2014 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

We have received many wonderful submissions from across the country and are delighted to share their work and their stories with you. Please visit our online gallery to view all of the MSAA Art Showcase submissions.

January 2014 Artist of the Month:
Michelle Hotchkiss – Palmer, AK

“My name is Michelle Hotchkiss. I live on a small farm in a small town in Alaska with my husband, a very large dog and my dog-tolerant cat. I have two wonderful adult children and two of the cutest grandchildren ever born.

I finally had a diagnosis of MS in 1994 after years of odd symptoms. In 1994, I had a serious and scary attack which resulted in diagnosis of MS within days. It took a while, but I fortunately recovered and was able to return to work and lead a very active and outdoorsy lifestyle.”

December Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on December 11, 2013 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2013 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

December 2013 Artist of the Month:
Teresa Grzeslo

“I am 60 years old and was diagnosed with MS in 1999. I have dabbled in a variety of crafts since my youth and have always appreciated fine art. As a parent, I promoted art appreciation in elementary school through an Art Mom program and fun fairs. I made posters and scenery for plays. I enjoyed these activities for 5-6 years and then enjoyed baking as my creative outlet. Over the last couple years of MSAA’s Art Contest participation, I’ve felt evolving confidence and excitement as I look forward to creative experimentation.”

MSAA Art Showcase 2014:
We are still accepting submissions for our 2014 Art Showcase! If you haven’t already done so, submit your best artwork by December 16th 2013 for a chance to be a part of next year’s Art Showcase.

Submit your artwork for the 2014 MSAA Art Showcase.

Vote for your Favorite Thanksgiving Card & spread awareness about Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on November 14, 2013 by John MSAA

For the third year in a row, MSAA is conducting a Thanksgiving Card Competition! We have six online Thanksgiving Card candidates (shown below), all vying for the top spot as MSAA’s most-popular Thanksgiving Card for 2013.

Please vote and then watch to see if your favorite card will emerge victorious! Once the voting is over next week and the selections are tallied, we’ll let everyone know which card is the top choice to email to friends and family, wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

To vote for your favorite online card design, please visit our Thanksgiving election poll (or go to support.mymsaa.org/voteforcard).

November Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on November 6, 2013 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2013 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

November 2013 Artist of the Month:
Julie Crow – Damascus, VA

From the Artist:
“After a couple of really bad falls from lack of balance and coordination, resulting in hip pins and a broken pelvic bone, my companion, Gino, an accomplished oil painter, brought some pastel pencils and a drawing pad to the hospital for me to have something to focus all of my energy on while I was immobilized. In the hospital and inpatient rehab, I drew pictures of friend’s pets and relatives. The baby is a friend’s first grandson, and I drew this from a photo taken at the beach. She was always there for me during the hard times. I have also drawn a few others for folks to show my appreciation for their time and their love. I’ve created a Circle of Hope link with MSAA…the amazing thing is that I’ve never painted or drawn. I truly could not draw a stick man before this last incident. I haven’t lately due to some problems, but am hopeful for tomorrow.”

Calling All Artists with MS:
It’s that time of year – MSAA is now accepting submissions for our 2014 Art Showcase! If you haven’t already done so, submit your best artwork by December 16th 2013 for a chance to be a part of next year’s Art Showcase.

Submit your artwork for the 2014 MSAA Art Showcase.

Swim for MS News – October 2013

Posted on October 11, 2013 by John MSAA

The October 2013 Winner is…
Congratulations, Auburn Swimming and Diving – BLUE TEAM 2013, for being the top Swim for MS fundraiser during the month of September!

Check out Auburn Swimming and Diving – BLUE TEAM’s page and support their Swim!

Benefits of Swimming:

The ability to do more with less
Increased muscle tone & strength
Improved flexibility
A healthier heart
Controlled weight
Improved cholesterol
Lower risk of diabetes
Lower stress

Be a part of Swim for MS – please register today!

Swim for MS Swimsuit Partnership:
MSAA has partnered with HARDCORESWIM to provide exclusive Swim for MS swimsuits. Two different Swim for MS styles are available for men and women. Check out the Swim for MS page on their site and order your suit today!

Spread the Word:
Once you start your Swim for MS, don’t forget to post pictures of your Swim on social media and tag MSAA!

Facebook: facebook.com/MSassociation
Twitter: @MSassociation
Use hashtag #SwimForMS

In Other News:
Please visit our Swim for MS News archive on SwimForMS.org for more information on our CaféPress site, as well as our Swim for MS partners, Pura Vida and HARDCORESWIM.

If you have any questions, please contact us at swim@mymsaa.org.

Thank you for your support, and happy swimming!

Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA)

#SwimForMS – use this hashtag when talking about Swim for MS on Twitter!

Tweet about your Swim for MS!

Swim for MS is supported by our National Sponsor, Genzyme Corporation; our Distribution Sponsors including SwimOutlet.com and Fitter Faster Tour; and our Swim for MS partner, HARDCORESWIM.

Swim for MS News – September 2013

Posted on September 13, 2013 by John MSAA

The September 2013 Winner is…
Congratulations, Nick Fedirko, for being the top Swim for MS fundraiser during the month of August!

Check out Nick’s Swim for MS page

Dive into action and Swim for MS!

Swim for MS is our national fundraiser in which volunteers are encouraged to create their own swim challenge while recruiting online donations to support the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA). Swim for MS is unique because MSAA does not plan the event – you do! As a Swim for MS volunteer, you have the opportunity to create and arrange your own special Swim activity. You can participate individually or recruit other swim enthusiasts to form a team.

You’ll find many fun and creative ways to dive into action and raise funds for MS. Popular Swim for MS activities fall into two main categories:

Go the Distance – individuals or teams set a challenge goal to swim a certain amount of laps, distance or time during one day or over a set period of time (i.e. swim 500 laps in 30 days to raise $1,000 for MSAA)

Make a Splash – participants turn fun pool activities into exciting fundraisers such as pool volleyball tournaments, cannonball jumping contests, and more! You can even dedicate your next birthday party as a Swim for MS Pool Party.

Be a part of Swim for MS – please register today!

Swim for MS Swimsuit Partnership
MSAA has partnered with HARDCORESWIM to provide exclusive Swim for MS swimsuits. Two different Swim for MS styles are available for men and women. Check out the Swim for MS page on their site and order your suit today!

Spread the Word
Once you start your Swim for MS, don’t forget to post pictures of your Swim on social media and tag MSAA!

Facebook: facebook.com/msassociation
Twitter: @MSassociation
Use hashtag #SwimForMS

In Other News
Please visit our Swim for MS News archive on SwimForMS.org for more information on our CaféPress site, as well as our Swim for MS partners, Pura Vida and HARDCORESWIM.

If you have any questions, please contact us at swim@mymsaa.org.

Thank you for your support, and happy swimming!

Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA)

#SwimForMS – use this hashtag when talking about Swim for MS on Twitter!

Tweet about your Swim for MS!

Swim for MS is supported by our National Sponsor, Genzyme Corporation; our Distribution Sponsors including SwimOutlet.com and Fitter Faster Tour; and our Swim for MS partner, HARDCORESWIM.

MSAA’s Artist of the Month for September 2013

Posted on September 4, 2013 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2013 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

September 2013 Artist of the Month:
David Desjardins – Union, ME
Windmill

“I’ve always loved to paint, but my work schedule and other commitments always seemed to get in the way. When I received my MS diagnosis, it was difficult to remain positive and find anything to be happy about. As time went on and I wasn’t able to work anymore, it occurred to me one day that my inactivity could be a good thing because at last I had a chance to paint!

There is very little in my life I have control over now, but one thing I do have control over is my painting. Creativity has always been part of who I am, but aside from being able to create something beautiful, I can escape the realities I face through my art – even if it’s only temporary.”
Read more

Be inspired – please send an online card featuring artwork by MS artist David Desjardins and spread awareness of MS and MSAA.

Swim for MS News – August 2013

Posted on August 16, 2013 by John MSAA

The August 2013 Winner is…
Congratulations Rachel Clift, for being the top Swim for MS fundraiser during the month of July!

Check out Rachel’s Swim for MS page

Tips for the Nervous Swimmer:

Buy goggles that fit to avoid uncomfortable under-eye creases
Build a strong core on dry land; swimming uses every muscle in your body
Start by treading water to get your blood flowing
Take it two laps at a time, if able to, to develop stamina
Familiarize yourself with the breaststroke so you can easily get yourself from one side of the pool to the other
Have fun with your swim!

Swim for MS Swimsuit Partnership:
MSAA has partnered with HARDCORESWIM to provide exclusive Swim for MS swimsuits! Two different Swim for MS styles are available for men and women! If you haven’t already done so, check out the Swim for MS page on their site and order your suit today before the summer fun is over!

Spread the Word:
Don’t forget to post pictures of your Swim for MS on social media and tag MSAA!

Facebook: facebook.com/msassociation
Twitter: @Msassociation
Use hashtag #SwimForMS

In Other News:
Please visit our Swim for MS News section on SwimForMS.org for more information on our CaféPress site, as well as our Swim for MS partners, Pura Vida and HARDCORESWIM.

If you have any questions, please contact us at swim@mymsaa.org.

Thank you for your support, and happy swimming!

#SwimForMS – use this hashtag when talking about Swim for MS on Twitter!

Tweet about your Swim for MS!

MSAA’s Artist of the Month for August 2013

Posted on August 5, 2013 by John MSAA

Presenting MSAA’s Artist of the Month for August 2013

MSAA is very proud to present our 2013 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

August 2013 Artist of the Month:
Barbara Hall – Jersey Shore, PA

From the Artist:

“There are many faces to MS. I am one of those whose problems are hidden. Only my DR and I know what they are. So for the people who I have told, and that isn’t everyone, I am sure that they don’t take me too seriously. But that is ok. I have read that MS is the most misunderstood disease and I am sure that is correct.

I am just getting back to oil painting after many years of setting it aside because of doing other things. But I have found it so relaxing and rewarding for myself, even if no one sees any of my work. This MS Art Showcase is the perfect venue because finally someone else will view what I have completed.”
Read more

Be inspired – please send an online card featuring artwork by MS artist Barbara Hall and spread awareness of MS and MSAA.

MSAA’s Artist of the Month for July 2013

Posted on July 8, 2013 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2013 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

July 2013 Artist of the Month:
Ginger Latham – Mount Juliet, TN

“I was diagnosed 16 years ago with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. Like everyone else, when I heard the news, panic set in. Sharing the news with my family was one of the hardest things I have had to do. My husband and I were self-employed in a business which required us to be outside a good portion of the time. Due to issues with heat and cold, that part of my life ceased.

While attending a Sunday school party shortly after, I was admiring a friend’s beautifully painted pillow. I told her “I would love be able to paint; however, I couldn’t draw a stick man.” She told me that I could learn to draw, referred me to her teacher and I began to take lessons…”
Read more

Be inspired – please send an online card featuring artwork by MS artist Ginger Latham and spread awareness of MS and MSAA.

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