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...).

July 2016 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on July 1, 2016 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2016-17 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 new submissions.

July Artist of the Month:
Karen Schatz – Atlanta, GA
Shark

About the Artist:
“My first love was art but I gave it up and went to work in legal IT to support my family. After years of horrendous hours I wrote off a lot of my weird symptoms to working such long hours. I went to numerous doctors but wasn’t diagnosed until last year.

Art has helped me find myself again. I can’t always hold the brushes, but when I can paint I always feel more like me.”
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June 2016 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on June 3, 2016 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2016-17 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

June Artist of the Month:
Elana K. Rosen – Cincinnati, OH
Lunchtime Dining

About the Artist:
“My name is Elana K. Rosen and I have always drawn and painted. I was diagnosed with MS in my thirties. Occasionally I have a hand tremor. When this happens my art is looser and I cannot paint detail. Painting makes me happy and helps me feel a sense of accomplishment.”
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May 2016 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on May 4, 2016 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2016-17 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

May Artist of the Month:
David Desjardins – Union, ME
Country Cottage

About the Artist:
“Painting has always been a rewarding way to express myself. Ironically, I find that as my disabilities increase, so does the quality of my work increase.

To me, there is no better feeling than hearing someone tell me how much they love a painting I created. It gives me a tremendous feeling of well-being and accomplishment every time I finish one.”
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Relationships and MS – check out the new issue of The Motivator

Posted on April 29, 2016 by John MSAA

The latest issue of The Motivator is now available to order, download, or read the DIGITAL EDITION right on your desktop, tablet, or phone!

Included in this issue of The Motivator:

Cover Story:

Making the Most of Our Relationships: Helping ourselves and those around us to cope with MS

… From family and friends to employers and coworkers, the diagnosis of MS can impact how we interact and care for one another.
Read the full story

Research News:
… Information is provided on three investigational medications as they make their way toward FDA approval, two of which are being studied for progressive MS.
Read the full story

Up Front:
… MSAA’s new President and CEO Gina Ross Murdoch talks about her exciting role as well as important events at MSAA.
Read the full story

Program Notes:
… The launch of MSAA’s redesigned and responsive website, ways to stay informed, and MSAA’s new video on pseudobulbar affect (PBA), are featured.
Read the full story

Read the latest issue of The Motivator – and be sure to check out all of the interactive features in the NEW digital edition by clicking “View Digital Edition” on the page!

April 2016 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on April 1, 2016 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2016-17 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

April Artist of the Month:
Debra Robert – Lake Worth, FL
Constellation des Colores

Debra Robert - Constellation des Colores

About the Artist:
“I have been painting for over 25 years. I have a BA in theatre arts and an MFA in film producing. My career has taken me around the world, working in live events/concerts/conferences for over 20 years.

Now diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), I had to retire from my exciting, vibrant career. I am determined to put my energy into art full-time, surrounding myself in a world of color and light. I pull my inspiration from years of the lighting design, sounds and imaginative shapes from live performance production.”
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March 2016 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on March 4, 2016 by John MSAA

All-New Artists for MSAA’s 2016-2017 Art Showcase!

As part of MS Awareness Month, MSAA is very proud to present our 2016-2017 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 new submissions:

As in the past, we will highlight one Artist of the Month throughout this year and share their artwork and their story.

Presenting MSAA’s Artist of the Month for March

MSAA is very excited to present the first Artist of the Month for our 2016 Art Showcase:

March Artist of the Month:
Ginny Townsend – Montgomery, AL
Field of Flowers

About the Artist:
“Before I was a wife, mother, grandmother; before I had MS, I was ME! It took a decade for a diagnosis! What a relief to finally know!

In between exacerbations, I ignored “MS”. Maybe it would ignore me! Then 9-11 happened. On 9-12, I had a major exacerbation. I became permanently disabled. At first I was in a wheelchair. Now I use a cane and walker. I was bored so I began painting on mayonnaise jars! I also paint on canvas.”
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Heard about our 2016 Improving Lives Benefit and Online Auction yet?

Our Online Auction is Now Open!
Event attendance is not required for this special opportunity. Click the Online Auction link below to view the packages and register for bidding. More packages available soon.

Please note: online auction will close on Wednesday March 30, 2016 at 9:00 PM EST.

February 2016 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on February 3, 2016 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2015 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

February Artist of the Month:
Jennifer Atwood – A Wedding Centerpiece of Rose Balls and Orchids

About the Artist:
“I was officially diagnosed with MS in 2007. Since then I had to retire and collect SSDI. I love watercolor but that was not my best media of my art degree in college. I now do this for my own satisfaction and the least expensive art I can do at home. I am 57, married, and have 4 daughters! All except one have left our nest, the youngest is 21. My husband Edward and I have been married 11 years.”
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Be inspired – please send an online card featuring artwork by MS artist Jennifer Atwood and spread awareness of MS and MSAA.

January 2016 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on January 6, 2016 by John MSAA

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

January Artist of the Month:
Janet Laycox – Winter

About the Artist:
“My name is Janet Laycox. I was diagnosed with MS in 1994. I have Secondary Progressive MS and use a walker to get around.

I always feel so good when people tell me that they are amazed at how much I do. Yes, as most of us MS’ers know, we can do what anyone else does but in our own way. I have been volunteering at the West Milford Animal Shelter for 12 years. I am also a volunteer at our support group for MS, the ADA committee for my township and the Passaic County Council on Disability. A few of us from the Squeaky Wheels MS support group thought it would be fun to join in a community center oil painting class.

Well here is one of the first oil paintings I ever did. I must say I really enjoyed it, will continue and hope to improve.”
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Be inspired – please send an online card featuring artwork by MS artist Janet Laycox and spread awareness of MS and MSAA.

December 2015 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on December 4, 2015 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2015 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

December Artist of the Month:
Bob Donner – Winter Birches in the Snow

About the Artist:
“I have MS, but I don’t let that define me. In my wheelchair, it’s obvious that I’m physically challenged, but I’d much rather be known as the ‘artist’ in the wheelchair.

Shortly after my diagnosis, I was on my computer one day and, on a whim, drew a bear using my mouse as my ‘pencil.’ It was far from perfect, but resembled a bear well enough to capture my interest. I began steadily developing the skill, and now most of my day is spent at my computer, mouse in hand, creating images on the screen.

When away from home, I’m observing everything around me, wondering how I would draw it. I especially like the drama of sunrises and sunsets. Each one is a unique display lasting several hours. My advice: Watch as many as you can, with the wonder of a five year old, and the eyes of an ‘artist.'”

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

November 2015 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on November 4, 2015 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2015 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

November Artist of the Month:
Shana Stern – Austin, TX

About the Artist:
“This is my 15th year of having MS. While I try not to let MS define me, it dictates much of what I can and can’t do. My vision’s a challenge daily. My morning fatigue is debilitating. But I have something in which I can get lost in and forget all of my problems – my art. Since I can’t hold onto a brush, I paint only with my fingers. Getting lost in the music I paint to and helping the colors dance across the canvas has become my mental, spiritual, and emotional therapy. I’m so grateful for MSAA for all that they do and for showing the world that, yes, we may be knocked down a bit – we may have to work a little harder – but we are capable of great things, such as bringing beauty and art into the world.

I have MS. But I am an artist.”
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Be inspired – please send an online card featuring artwork by MS artist Shana Stern and spread awareness of MS and MSAA.

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