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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Mother’s Day is Almost Here

Posted on May 8, 2013 by MSAA

Mother’s Day is almost here!

All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother. – Abraham Lincoln

Mother’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to honor the special mothers in your life. They could be your own mom, a sister, grandmother, daughter, friend, or co-worker. While these caring individuals deserve to be recognized every day, we can pause and give thanks on this very special day. Honor these special women with a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA). Your donation will enable us to fulfill our mission of improving lives today for the entire MS community. With each donation, you will have the option to send a personalized online card to the person being honored, letting her know of your support of MSAA.

Your gift supports vital services and support such as our toll-free Helpline, equipment distribution, MRI assistance, and more.

“Thank you so much for making such an impact on my summer. I have 4 kids and I have been able to do a lot with them this season because of the cooling vest. Even take them swimming in the humidity. I appreciate your kindness.”
– I. P., North Carolina

Please make your special Mother’s Day donation today! Improve lives today by honoring the special women in your life.

Happy Mother’s Day!

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.

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!

Presenting MSAA’s Artist of the Month for October 2012

Posted on October 4, 2012 by MSAA

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

October Artist of the Month:

Thomas Geier – Boulder, CO

“This painting depicts the Crystal Mill perched precariously above the Crystal River just outside of Marble, CO. It’s original function, as a part of the nearby Crystal Mine operation, has long been lost. It has, however – through changes unforeseen – gained a greater purpose as an iconic symbol of Colorado’s historic mining past. It has become one of the most recognized and photographed symbols of mining ingenuity in the state of Colorado.

So it is with my contest with MS. As I have been forced to alter my physical expectations of my natural aging process, I have been blessed with the positive side of change as I grow as an artist. I hope you find inspiration in this unique structure, still anchored on solid rock.”

To Send an Artist of the Month Online Card for October 2012 please visit support.mymsaa.org/artistoct12

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.

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