Stories to Inspire: Team Strong Girls Swim Challenge

Posted on July 22, 2019 by MSAA

During some of the hottest days of the year, one of the best ways to cool down (and support MSAA at the same time) is to participate in our Swim for MS initiative! Swim for MS is a do-it-yourself fundraiser where you create your own individual or group swim challenge and recruit donations to support the MS community. Past participants have created cannonball jumping contests, backyard pool parties, stand-up paddleboard contests, and more to raise funds for MSAA’s free programs and services.

Team Strong Girls Swim, made up of mother and daughter duo, Sara and Anabella, decided that they Continue reading →

Special Swim for MS Swimmer Honored by the Military

Posted on September 12, 2016 by MSAA

Almost all of our Swim for MS participants have had some kind of personal connection to multiple sclerosis – whether a family member was diagnosed, a friend, or they themselves have MS. In this way, Team DragonFLY Captain, Courtney Evers, is no different. When her mother was diagnosed in 2005, Courtney and her family turned to MSAA for information about MS. After spending years on our website using MSAA resources and repeatedly seeing information about our Swim for MS program, Courtney decided to start her own. “It was something I could not only do for my Mom, but that she could be a part of, too,” says Courtney.

Courtney’s mother (left) swam the most distance of the team last year!

Courtney’s mother (left) swam the greatest distance of the team last year!

What does make Courtney Evers different from other Swim participants is that she was recently awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for her volunteering efforts, including her years as the captain of her Swim for MS events. Since 2011, Courtney and her teams have raised more than $7,500 for the MS community by swimming in New York, Hawaii, and everywhere in between. When asked about receiving this special honor, Courtney said:

“The Swim for MS part of my MOVSM was by far the most meaningful, because it was something that really ‘hit home’. Not only was my team helping raise awareness, but the funds raised were actually going to those that needed it with MS.”

Please join MSAA in thanking Courtney for her service to her country and for her commitment to the MS Community and improving lives today!

To learn more about starting your own Swim for MS, please visit SwimforMS.org.

Splash for Multiple Sclerosis on Memorial Day

Posted on May 15, 2015 by MSAA

This Memorial Day, MSAA invites you to join our team and help us make the BIGGEST splash yet! Whether you’re a swim enthusiast or just enjoy the water, there are numerous ways you can participate and be a part of MSAA’s Splash for MS Memorial Day Team.

Here’s how YOU can participate:

Register on MSAA’s Splash for MS Memorial Day Team today and get your Swim for MS swag to show off while you’re having fun in the sun.
Make a donation to the event! Click here to make a donation toward our goal.
Already registered to Swim for MS? Email us at swim@mymsaa.org and we’ll add you to MSAA’s Splash for MS Memorial Day Team.
Tweet, Instagram, or Post a picture of you and your friends and family making a splash on Memorial Day! We will be posting pictures of team members showing their support for the MS community all across the country so don’t forget to check out MSAA on all your favorite social media platforms! #SwimForMS #MemorialDaySplash
Don’t have a pool? No problem! Get in on the fun at your nearest beach, river, or even your backyard Slip ‘N Slide! Take a dive, swim laps, dip your toes in the water, or just float your way through Memorial Day.
Any Pool, Any Time, Any Way you Swim for MS helps Improve Lives Today!
The first 10 people to register by May 15th will receive a very cool Swim for MS carry-all cooler chair!

The great thing about this event is that you can choose how you’d like to participate – swim laps, makes some waves in the ocean, or run through the sprinklers with the kids! Click here to register today!

Don’t forget that Swim for MS is a year-round fundraiser. Even if you can’t participate this month, any time is the right time to dive into action to show your support for the MS community. Any pool, any time – the choice is yours!

Flying High!

Posted on February 18, 2015 by MSAA

by Kimberly Goodrich, CFRE, Senior Director of Development

Our local NHL team, the Philadelphia Flyers, is known for its recognition of those who give of themselves to their community. Their Flyers Hometown Hero program was developed to recognize organizations and individuals that make a positive difference in the lives of others. The Flyers award each Hometown Hero with two tickets to a Flyers game, a personalized Flyers jersey and recognition on the scoreboard during the game. Last night’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets recognized South Jersey resident Justin Yuhaze for his contributions to MSAA and the MS community.

Justin was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis himself, an event that left him with the realization that he didn’t know much about MS. Immediately, he began educating himself about every aspect of MS. “I didn’t know much about MS at this point, but I stopped in at MSAA in Cherry Hill, NJ and they were able to provide me with books, magazines, and told me about an upcoming lecture on the history of medical treatments for MS,” says Justin.

Then Justin decided to participate in MSAA’s Swim for MS fundraising initiative, where he dove into action to help raise awareness and funds to support individuals, like him, who are living with MS. Justin and his wife Julie joined volunteers all across the country who have created their own swim challenge while recruiting online donations to support the vital programs and services offered by MSAA. Justin and his family surpassed their goal, adding to the more than $320,000 that has been raised through Swim for MS.

“We swam all over South Jersey in pools, lakes, and the ocean. Together we swam over 13 miles. By swimming, we can raise awareness about this incurable disease, and provide help to those who need it most. Our fundraising efforts can provide cooling vests, wheelchairs, fund MRI’s, and educational programs and services.”

Thank you Justin for being a part of Swim for MS and supporting our many vital services. Thank you Philadelphia Flyers for recognizing one of the many heroes who give back to their communities! Go Flyers!

To read more about Justin and his Swim for MS challenge or to make a donation, please visit his Swim for MS webpage.

*About Kimberly

I am the Senior Director of Development at MSAA and have worked in the nonprofit arena for over 15 years. I love reading, running, theatre and the Green Bay Packers. I volunteer with the Disabled American Veterans teaching outdoor sports like skiing and kayaking to injured veterans and find that I receive much more from them than I am able to give.

Swim for MS: Give me a T-E-A-M!

Posted on October 13, 2014 by MSAA

With the start of the new school year and a new swim team season, MSAA’s Swim for MS has seen tremendous support. All over the country, swim teams are working together raising money to improve the lives of those living with MS.

Swim for MS encourages volunteers to create their own challenge, such as swimming laps or set distances over a chosen period of time while collecting donations for their personal fundraising goal. These challenges can be done individually or through group swims by teams of young and old alike. The NCMP Aquagirls, a Girls’ High School Swim Team from Iowa, created an event that would push them into swim shape early while creating awareness and raising funds. Their team captain, Rachel, challenged the team to swimming 50,000 total laps during the month of September. They collected pledges in August and September to raise over $1,000 for Swim for MS.

NCMP Aquagirls

Lexie & Team at her Swim for MS event

Volunteers also raise funds through a variety of unique one-day events such as pool parties, water-volleyball tournaments, and cannonball challenges. Unlike more traditional MS fundraising activities, Swim for MS allows individuals with MS at any stage in their journey – from the recently diagnosed to those with limited mobility – to benefit from water exercise and assist in raising donated funds for a vital cause. Lexi and her Swim for MS Team participated in a one day Swim for MS event held at her high school in Indianapolis and raised over $2,800 in September.

Just because October, November, and December are filled with back-to-back holiday parties, doesn’t mean you can’t organize a successful fundraiser! Stay on top of your game by encouraging a team effort for this fun event. Gather your Swim Team for a fundraising event everyone can do together. Show your school spirit by having a friendly competition between team colors, pick a side, and swim your heart out. Winning team gets bragging rights for the swim season!

On our SwimForMS.org website, you can read the profiles of some of our swimmers. They can inspire you and give you great ideas for your own Swim for MS challenge. We would like to thank everyone who has or will participate in Swim for MS!

6 Ways to Support the Multiple Sclerosis Community

Posted on July 11, 2014 by MSAA

Looking for some creative ways to support individuals living with multiple sclerosis (MS)? In the following list, we’ll show you six different ways you can help MSAA improve lives today—without breaking the bank.

1. AmazonSmile— AmazonSmile is a great way to support the multiple sclerosis community without spending extra money. Simply select the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America as your charity of choice, and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchase to MSAA! Click here to learn more or to make a purchase.

2. eBay Giving Works— Do you have some things lying around the house that you’d love to sell on eBay? If so, you can choose to donate a portion of your sales to MSAA. Visit eBay’s Giving Works website to learn more.

3. Counter Punch Wine— Calling all wine lovers! Purchase wine bottles by using MSAA’s promotional code and receive a 10% discount! The best part? MSAA will also receive 10% of your purchase—helping us to continue improving lives today for people living with MS. Please visit www.counterpunchwines.com and enter the promo code: MSAA

4. CafePress— Get all your MSAA and Swim for MS swag here. Everything from bags and water bottles to t-shirts and bracelets make great gifts. Check out the full inventory.

*We’re sure you’ll love our shirts, but we can’t promise you’ll look this cute wearing them.

5. PuraVida Bracelets— Help us raise awareness of multiple sclerosis by purchasing an MSAA bracelet from PuraVida. $1 of each bracelet purchased will go directly to MSAA. Visit PuraVida’s site to learn more.

6. Host a Pool Party— Now that summer’s here, invite your friends and family to the pool and have a Swim for MS themed pool party! Provide games, snacks, music, and ask for donations at the door. Your only pool party requirements for this easy event are fun & sun! Email swim@mymsaa.org to start planning your event.

However you choose to show your support for the MS community, MSAA would like to wish you and yours a safe and enjoyable summer. If you or a loved one struggle with MS symptoms during the summer heat, please visit our website to learn more about MSAA’s Cooling Program or call MSAA’s Helpline at (800) 532-7667 ext. 154.

Swim Cap Giveaway – Sign Up to Swim for MS

Posted on May 21, 2014 by MSAA

Temperatures are rising across many parts of the country, and people with and without MS will soon be looking for a way to keep cool or have fun in the summer sun. Therefore, now may be the perfect opportunity to start learning more about MSAA’s Swim for MS initiative.

Swim for MS is a 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) and the MS community. Swim for MS is unique because MSAA does not plan the event – you do! Your fundraiser can be as unique as you want it to be.

Your own Swim for MS fundraiser can take many different forms. Many individuals participate in ongoing Swim for MS fundraisers as well as in one-day events. Some choose to swim outdoors, while others love the convenience of an indoor pool. In addition, many Swim for MS fundraisers involve teams filled with passionate swimmers who all have one goal in mind – improving lives for the MS community. You can see several examples of such fundraisers by visiting SwimForMS.org.

MSAA is also pleased to announce that we are giving away Swim for MS swim caps to every participant who registers for Swim for MS in May! Sign up within the next ten days to receive your official Swim for MS welcome kit, as well as our new Swim for MS swim cap! In addition to the swim cap in May, we have added one more surprise Swim for MS item to registration boxes this month. You’ll just have to register to find out what it is!

Besides the Swim for MS fundraising component, Swim for MS also features an online Aquatic Center, which contains resources for people living with MS who wish to learn more about how aquatic exercise can benefit them. For individuals who may have difficulty with traditional land-based activities, the unique properties of water combined with its cool temperature can create an inviting and sometimes ideal exercise environment for people with MS. Visit the online Aquatic Center to learn more.

March is MS Awareness Month

Posted on March 5, 2014 by MSAA

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) recognizes March as MS Awareness Month. Throughout the month, MSAA is raising awareness and improving lives today!

MS Awareness Month is a great opportunity for everyone to learn more about multiple sclerosis and discover all the services and support MSAA offers.

MSAA offers the following ways to learn and support the MS community:

Visit our website, mymsaa.org, which provides easy access to vital information, resources, and tools from your desktop, mobile phone, or tablet.
View any of our educational videos and webinars in our MSi Video Library ranging in topic from MS symptom management to understanding Medicare, and much more.
Read one of our publications, including MSAA’s award-winning magazine, The Motivator, and the recently published MS Research Update with the latest latest findings in MS treatments and research.
Attend one of MSAA’s educational events for people with MS and care partners – check our Calendar of Events to find upcoming programs happening in your area.
Check out MSAA’s 2014 Art Showcase, featuring creative and beautiful artwork by individuals with MS.

Help to spread MS awareness by using MSAA’s “March is MS Awareness Month” badge as your social media profile picture (right-click the image below, save it to your computer, then use it on your Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn account profile pictures).

Also remember to use the hashtag #MSAwareness in your social media posts.

We look forward to everyone learning more about MS during MS Awareness Month. And we greatly appreciate your continued support of our vital mission of improving lives today for the entire MS community.

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.

Preparing for the Change of Seasons

Posted on September 25, 2013 by MSAA

By Matt Cavallo

Many of us living with Multiple Sclerosis welcome the change of seasons. Gone are the dog days of summer and the pseudo-exacerbations (brief flare-up) associated with heat. While the heat is no longer a factor, the change of seasons can present other challenges to those of us living with MS. In a speech to the University of Lille (7 December 1854), Louis Pasteur said one of my favorite quotes, “Chance favors the prepared mind.” The following self-management techniques will help you prepare for the challenges that the change of season present for those of us living with MS:

Self-Management Tips for Change of Season Issues

1. Eating healthy: Fall and Winter are associated with a lot of festive eating. Halloween candy, Thanksgiving dinner and all the holiday parties, provide lots of yummy food and treats but also provide many opportunities for us to overeat. Some ways to keep your diet in check:

Eat three meals a day. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Skipping breakfast may lead to overeating later.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals to keep your energy up.
Avoid large portions and desserts that can increase fatigue.
Keep a food diary and write down everything you are eating to stay on track and keep you accountable for healthy choices.
Drink plenty of water. Dehydration can be confused with hunger.

2. Preventing falls: Rain and snow in fall and winter can lead to an increased risk of falls.

Safeguard your entrance and exits with mats to absorb moisture.
Wear appropriate shoes with proper treads to provide more grip on slippery floors and sidewalks.
Stock up on the supplies you need to weather any storm that hits, so that you don’t have to run out during a storm.

3. Exercise: Cooler months can mean less opportunities for outdoor activities, leaving some less active.

Find ways to fit in exercise despite the weather.
Work out indoors at a local gym or in your own living room with exercise DVDs.
Many local gyms, like the YMCA, have indoor pools. Aquatic exercise is good for those with limited mobility.
You can also use swimming to raise awareness for MS through the MSAA’s Swim for MS program.
Mall walking is a good way to get in exercise on a rainy day.
The key is to keep moving!

4. Managing stress: Fall and winter months can increase stress from increased holiday parties, financial expenses and family obligations.

Don’t overextend yourself.
Set a realistic plan for what you can commit to and stick to it.
Take time for yourself to relax and decompress.
Exercise and eating healthy will play a vital role in helping to keep your stress levels at a minimum.

Each season can bring a unique set of challenges for persons with disabilities, but preparation and knowledge of self-management skills will help you anticipate and overcome those challenges to enjoy the best of what the season has to offer.

*Matt Cavallo was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2005. Matt is an MS blogger, author, patient advocate, and motivational speaker. Matt also has his Master’s degree in Public Health Administration. Matt is the proud father of his two sons, loving husband to his wife, Jocelyn, and best friend to his dog, Teddy. Originally from the Boston suburbs, Matt currently resides in Arizona with his family. To learn more about Matt, please visit him at : http://mattcavallo.com/blog

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