September 2014 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on September 3, 2014 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2014 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.

September Artist of the Month:
Laura Patchen – Pittsford, NY

About the Artist:

“I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in November of 1998. At the time, my daughters were just 8, 10 and 13, and I had a flourishing career as a speech-language pathologist in private practice. I feared that my life would change, and it has, but not quite in the ways I thought it would. I had to stop working in 2005, due to physical and cognitive limitations. It was difficult to give up something I loved to do, but eventually, I’ve found other things, including painting.

The “Alma Mater” is the building my speech classes were held in….a wink to the past, and a fond memory. Life goes on, MS causes changes, but being able to document important memories in acrylics helps me cope.”
Read more

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

Multiple Sclerosis Around the World

Posted on August 6, 2014 by Angel Blair

Looking at MS around the world, the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation is an international organization offering support and advocacy for those with MS throughout different countries. Their initiatives include communicating information about MS to a global audience, especially where there is little MS support. They also work and coordinate with other MS organizations to advocate for research efforts and campaigns to help those living with MS, including World MS Day each year. They have several member organizations throughout different countries, and act as an international hub of MS information and support.

With MS affecting individuals throughout the world, it is imperative to have an international resource in place to turn to when information, support, and advocacy are needed. Through publications, newsletters, and weekly MS research updates, the MSIF offers those with MS increased awareness of the disease and its impacts. The group provides an opportunity for those countries without much MS awareness to receive additional support and resources.

As MS continues to be researched and investigated across the world in regards to its potential origin and treatments, the MSIF stands as a pioneering network to keep those in MS communities around the world apprise of new developments.

For more information about the MSIF, visit their website.

August 2014 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on August 4, 2014 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2014 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

August Artist of the Month:
Jennifer Attwood – Parker, CO

About the Artist:

“I have RRMS and was diagnosed with MS in 2007. I have received a much-needed ice vest and the approval of assistance with my brain scan MRI. I have taken up watercolor art media in the last year, 2013. A gift from my sister was a fantastic collection of brushes and paints. I have had many careers and led a very active life until I lost my job in 2009. I have a studio degree in Art education, but didn’t fall back on my degree until 1995…”
Read more

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

July 2014 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on July 2, 2014 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2014 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

July Artist of the Month:
Teresa Grzeslo – North Barrington, IL

About the Artist:

“I am a visual learner and creativity has been a valued part of my life. I was encouraged in artistic endeavors yet chose the healthcare field to work, using artistic expressions as a therapeutic tool. Over the years, I’ve dabbled in a variety of crafts and hobbies. I volunteered in school activities promoting creativity. Four years ago, I learned of MSAA’s artistic showcase. Given the theme of ‘Change,’ I decided to take the challenge. Since then, each year I look forward to the challenge of conveying my ideas through art…”
Read more

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

June 2014 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on June 9, 2014 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2014 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

June Artist of the Month:
Jayne Lemli – Sarasota, FL

About the Artist:

“I am 57 years old, and at age 24 I had some strange neurological symptoms (mostly sensory and balance) suggestive of MS; but there were no MRIs back then, and I went undiagnosed for the next 29 years, with mild sensory symptoms remaining. In 2009, at age 53, I had another episode and was diagnosed via MRI (complete with black holes). I then experienced some other serious health issues, and in January of 2010 I decided I needed to do something for ME.

I had no prior experience with art at all, and no particular talent, but signed up for a watercolor class. I have been taking watercolor classes since, and LOVE it. I have also added kayaking and yoga to my list of passions. It feels great to have passion!”
Read more

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

May 2014 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on May 2, 2014 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2014 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

May 2014 Artist of the Month:
Bean Fairbanks – Seattle, WA

“All of my life, I have been part geek and part artist. Since 1987, I have been living with multiple sclerosis. One of the consequences/opportunities of MS has been that I have had to reinvent myself over and over again to maximize my current talents and surmount obstacles. That has been true of my career as well as my artwork. Over the years, I have crafted with charcoal, pen and ink, pastels, acrylic and oils as well as my first love: textile arts…”
Read more

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

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.

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.

Greetings from the Midwest!

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Scott McDonald

I’ve hosted many educational programs over the years, where I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people, who have enriched my life.

In these meetings, a common theme has emerged – Attitude. Presenters often speak to the importance of a positive attitude. It can have a profound impact on how we feel and handle the challenges we face each day.

One thing I hear often in the field is how frequently our clients take on a variety of challenges with a positive outlook.

One person who stands out is Dan, an MSAA client, that I met at a program. He shared his own story of overcoming obstacles with gusto and motivation. There are many individuals like Dan who come to our programs and share their struggles, as well as, their triumphs. These interactions are what make my work in the field so inspiring.

What a week in the Midwest! There were several programs held June 17-22 where clients had the pleasure to listen to prominent MS medical professionals in Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Each presented his approach for managing MS symptoms and improving quality of life. MS clients, family, friends, and caregivers were inspired. All attending learned much about the importance of nutrition, exercise, and appropriate medications. Many practical tips were discussed.

At one event in Wisconsin, I had the pleasure to meet Cheryl Vanderloop, MSAA’s Artist of the Month for June. She attended a program and introduced herself to me. She is very inspiring. At the end of the program, I surprised her by opening up our website via a wi-fi connection, where I displayed her work and introduced her to the many in attendance. She received a resounding round of applause. Her smile was infectious.

I urge all of you to attend our educational events. They’re fair, balanced, and lots of fun. Please check out MSAA’s Calendar of Events for a program near you. Also, if you have an idea for program topics please leave a comment below!
I look forward to seeing you during my travels throughout the great Midwest!
Smile!
Scott

World MS Day 2013

Posted on May 29, 2013 by MSAA

Wednesday, May 29, 2013 is World MS Day. To mark this occasion MSAA will be participating in a Twitter Chat with Healthline at 11 AM today. To join the chat please visit:http://www.healthline.com/health/27487.

To help raise awareness of what it is like living with multiple sclerosis the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation created a video of six inspiring young people from around the world have shared their mottos for identity, relationships and the future.

What’s your Motto? from World MS Day on Vimeo.

MSAA encourages to show your support for World MS Day and inspire the world by sharing a motto that gives you strength, even in the most challenging of times.

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