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...).

MSAA’s Artist of the Month for June 2013

Posted on June 5, 2013 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2013 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 submissions.

June 2013 Artist of the Month:
Cheryl Vanderloop

“Heaven’s Door” by artist Cheryl Vanderloop

About the Artist:
“I am a 45 year old female that has always had an interest in art. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis is 2001. I enjoy drawing, watercolor, acrylic painting, pottery and jewelry making. I’ve found that MS can be unpredictable and through my art, I’ve learned to develop patience and calm my mind. It also gives me hope and helps me be a more positive person.”
Read more

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

Watch Our New Video on MS Relapses

Posted on May 22, 2013 by John MSAA

A Closer Look at The Importance of Treating and Managing MS Relapses
featuring Stephen Krieger, MD

Managing the unpredictability of multiple sclerosis is always challenging, especially for individuals with relapsing forms of the disease. When new symptoms appear or existing symptoms become worse, successful management involves accurately defining the relapse and understanding the best method of treatment.

Recognizing the need for additional awareness on this topic, MSAA is proud to announce the completion of its latest educational on-demand video, titled: A Closer Look at The Importance of Treating and Managing MS Relapses.

Watch the latest on-demand MSi video, A Closer Look at The Importance of Treating and Managing MS Relapses, complete with chapter stops on mymsaa.org

Supported by an educational grant from Questcor Pharmaceuticals, this 40-minute video features neurologist and MS expert Dr. Stephen Krieger of Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City. In this relaxed, conversational-style interview, Dr. Krieger provides:

valuable insights into understanding the signs and symptoms of an MS relapse
guidance on when to discuss the onset of a flare up with a neurologist
a thorough explanation of the various treatment options including steroids and other medications

The video is now available on the Multiple Sclerosis Information (MSi) section of MSAA’s website and also features a downloadable PDF transcript of the program.

To view this new program, A Closer Look at The Importance of Treating and Managing MS Relapses – with chapter stops during the video – please visit support.mymsaa.org/relapsevideo.

To view all of the informative on-demand videos and archived webinars from the MSi library, please visit mymsaa.org/videos.

MSAA’s Artist of the Month for May 2013

Posted on May 3, 2013 by John MSAA

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 new submissions.

May 2013 Artist of the Month:
Alexandr Rapoport – Palo Alto, CA

About the Artist
Alexandr was born in Moscow, Russia in 1972. He loved art from a very young age and took years of private lessons to prepare him for Stroganov University of Art, where he graduated in 1996. Since then, he has worked as an artist and a designer. His works were displayed at several exhibits in Moscow, and later in America. Alexandr was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999, but the disease didn’t decrease his interest in art, and he continues to draw as much as he can.

Read more about Alexandr

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

March’s MS Artist of the Month

Posted on March 15, 2013 by John MSAA

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

March Artist of the Month:
Susan Bloom – Plainwell, MI

“In 1996, I was completing my bachelor’s degree and in a high stress job when I received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. At the time, I felt a great despair thinking life as I knew it was over. After coming to terms with my MS, which included going on disability from my job and discontinuing school, I knew I needed a change in my life…”
Read more about Susan Bloom’s story with MS and art

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

Oscar Week Fun: (Somewhat) Inspirational Quotes from Oscar-Nominated Movies

Posted on February 20, 2013 by John MSAA

And now for something completely different, but hopefully enjoyable:

In honor of the 85th Annual Academy Awards this Sunday, I thought it would be fun to post a sampling of some famous (or slightly famous, but still memorable) quotes from some past Oscar nominees!

To be clear: films are one of our best art forms, movie-watching a favorite pastime all over the world…but, as with any good art and creative output, everyone has their own varying opinions as to what constitutes the “best” or “the most” anything.

So, with that, let me share with you some of MY favorite (somewhat) inspirational quotes from some of my favorite Oscar-nominated movies of the past 30+ years:

“Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.”
– Doc Brown, BACK TO THE FUTURE

“Try not. Do… or do not. There is no try.”
– Yoda, STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK

“I really do have love to give! I just don’t know where to put it.”
– Quiz Kid Donnie Smith, MAGNOLIA

“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”
– Mahatma Gandhi, GHANDI

“I love this place at night, the stars. There’s no right or wrong in them. They’re just there.”
– Sgt. Elias, PLATOON

“Immediately after making this statement, Royal realized that it was true.”
– Narrator, THE ROYAL TENNENBAUMS

“Meet me… in Montauk…”
– Clementine, ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND

“The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what we share with someone else when we’re uncool.”
– Lester Bangs, ALMOST FAMOUS

“To begin with, EVERYTHING.”
– Russell Hammond (when asked what he loves about music), ALMOST FAMOUS

“I’ll… be… right… here.”
– E.T. (pointing to Elliott’s forehead when leaving), E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL

What are YOUR favorite inspirational movie quotes? Did you take away any favorite quotes from this year’s crop of Oscar nominees?

Send an MSAA Holiday Card to friends and family

Posted on December 5, 2012 by John MSAA

SEASON’S GREETINGS…

To MSAA’s Family and Friends!

We would like to wish everyone a joyous and safe Holiday Season, plus a Happy New Year too! Please join us in spreading our holiday wishes by sending our festive cards to all of your family and friends.

You can choose from a variety of cards for all holidays to match the personality of everyone on your list. By sending a card from MSAA, you are telling others that you take an interest in MSAA’s mission to enrich the quality of life for everyone affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).

The contributions we receive from caring individuals and businesses are so urgently needed. They enable us to continue to provide vital programs and services to the MS community, such as MRI scans, mobility and symptom management equipment, a toll-free Helpline, and much more. We are extremely thankful for the support we receive and the help we are able to give to others.

Send an MSAA online holiday card today and throughout the holiday season!

Voting Continues for Thanksgiving!

Posted on November 7, 2012 by John MSAA

Vote for your favorite Thanksgiving card in our Thanksgiving Card Election Poll

Help Elect the Most-Popular Thanksgiving Card!

The polls have reopened! We hope that everyone was able to vote during our nation’s elections on Tuesday, but the voting continues at MSAA! We have six online Thanksgiving Card candidates (shown below), all vying for the top spot as MSAA’s most-popular Thanksgiving Card for 2012. Once the election is over and the votes are tallied, we’ll know which card is the top choice to email to friends and family to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

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

We had so much fun selecting last year’s winner, the “Turkey Cupcake” card, and we hope to have an even better turnout at the polls for 2012!

Please vote for your favorite Thanksgiving Card today!

Read MSAA’s latest issue of The Motivator

Posted on October 5, 2012 by John MSAA

The latest issue of MSAA’s magazine, The Motivator, is out now – read it online, download a version to your computer, or order a copy today.

Included in the online issue:

* Cover Story – The Evolution of MS Diagnosis, Treatment, and Care

* Research News – Aubagio® approval and other research updates

* Health and Wellness – The benefits of aquatic therapy and exercise

…Plus, extra “Ask the Doctor” answers, not included in the printed magazine!

*********************

The Evolution of MS Diagnosis, Treatment, and Care:

From the mid-1800s to the late 1900s, diagnostic criteria and therapies were fraught with uncertainty – and required more than a century of trial and error to reach today’s high level of success. Seventeen MS specialists are quoted, giving details about the most important contributions in MS history.

Read the full story

Research News:

Read about the recent FDA-approval of Aubagio® (teriflunomide), as well as updates on DMF (dimethyl fumarate) and Lemtrada™ (alemtuzumab), both submitted for FDA approval.

Read the full story

Health and Wellness:

Aquatic therapy and aquatic exercise are described, along with the benefits that they offer to individuals with MS.

Read the full story

The Motivator is MSAA’s award-winning magazine provided to the MS community and to our generous supporters.

Read the latest issue of The Motivator

MSAA’s Artist of the Month – September 2012

Posted on September 7, 2012 by John MSAA

Presenting MSAA’s Artist of the Month for September 2012

MSAA is very proud to present our 2012 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

September Artist of the Month:

Sheanean Chorette – Beggs, OK

“I was diagnosed a year ago with MS by doctor number 26. I knew something was wrong and it wasn’t just ‘in my head.’ I am strong and determined. My favorite word is ‘HOPE.’ I am a 42 year old wife and mother of 3. I have one grandson.

My love for art reaches back into my childhood. I was a doodler, always doodling on my papers at school. I am self-taught and have improved over time with practice and patience with myself. I teach an art class to 4th graders once a week at our local elementary. I have a passion for nature and art and often merge the two.”

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

Saddle up for a Texas-sized adventure for MS

Posted on August 24, 2012 by John MSAA

Join us for the 4th Annual MSAA Lone Star Roundup Cattle Drive

September 20 – 23, 2012

You, your friends, and your family may have walked for MS. You may have ridden a bike for MS. You may have even participated in Swim for MS. MSAA now invites you to add a horse into the mix and join us for an adventure of a lifetime – all while benefiting those who have MS!

When: September 20 – 23, 2012

Where: The Beaumont Ranch in Grandview, Texas

(just a few minutes south of Dallas/Fort Worth)

The Fourth Annual MSAA Lone Star Roundup Cattle Drive is ready to roll! This four-day, three-night western adventure returning to the beautiful Beaumont Ranch will be the most fun you have ever had for a good cause! All money raised will go to support the many programs and services MSAA offers to help people affected by multiple sclerosis.

“The MSAA Cattle Drive is a chance to fulfill a life long dream, meet some great folks, enjoy some wonderful Texas hospitality, get some fresh air and exercise, chow down on superb Texas grub…and still know at the end of the day, I am helping to make life a bit easier for all of us that live with multiple sclerosis.”

– Linda Martin, diag: RRMS – 2000

All levels of riding experience are welcome for this event:

Never been on a horse? We’ll teach you everything you need to know to get on and stay on!
An expert rider? We’ll turn you loose in the Texas back country for some challenging riding and herding.

To learn more about the Lone Star Roundup, including information on your meals, accommodations, and how you can register, please visit this link.

Any questions, please call (800) 532-7667, ext. 137 to talk to Becky Remington, the “Trail Boss” for this event.

Or, if you can’t attend and wish to make a gift to support MSAA and the MS community,

please visit support.mymsaa.org/lonestarsupport.

Yee Haw! Hope we see you there!

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