Chapters - National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Chapters - National Multiple Sclerosis Society Chapters - National Multiple Sclerosis Society

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In the interests of increasing the qualityand consistency of programming nationwide,the <strong>Society</strong> also launched a new“packaged program” concept, beginningwith “Take Control: Managing MSFatigue,” in cooperation with the OregonChapter. The six-week workshop includedtwo videos and take-home materials forworkshop participants. <strong>Chapters</strong> used thepre-packaged materials to schedule theirown workshops with local facilitatorsthroughout 2004.Two more packagedprograms were developed last year, oneon employment and MS, entitled “CareerCrossroads”, and one for children, called“The Journey Club”. Both will belaunched in 2005.The Journey Club, based on a programdeveloped by the Ohio Valley Chapter,consists of six two-hour sessions, duringwhich time children and parents meet inseparate, professionally facilitated groupsto discuss issues related to the family’sjourney with MS. The program includes acartoon for children who have a parentwith MS, “Timmy’sJourney to UnderstandingMS” thatwas created by the<strong>Society</strong>’s AlleghenyChapter and theArt Institute ofPittsburgh.The <strong>Society</strong>’s scholarship program, whichwas launched in 2003, more than doubledin 2004. Fifty-two incoming collegefreshmen who have MS or have a parentwith MS received grants of $1,000-$3,000and 34 of last year’s winners received asurprise scholarship of $500.Photo by Chris VincikChris Vincik and her family enjoy theNebraska Chapter’s annual “GetawayWeekend” in Schramm StatePark, Nebraska. The event drewmore than 185 people from Nebraskaand Southwestern Iowa.5It may be rare, but children get MS, too.Recognizing the needs of these youngpeople and their families, the <strong>Society</strong>offered a parent’s handbook, a telephonesupport group, an Internet-based listserv,and quarterly educational calls with MSexperts. The <strong>Society</strong> also debuted MightySpecial Kids, a 20-page activity book forchildren 5-12 who have MS.


were launched in April of 2005 and introducedby world-famous author J.K.Rowling, whose mother had multiplesclerosis.The <strong>Society</strong> has been actively engaged,individually and with coalitions, inshaping the design and implementationof the new Medicare Prescription DrugImprovement and Modernization Actpassed by Congress in 2003.In July 2004, when the MedicarePrescription Drug, Improvement andModernization Act was implemented, the<strong>Society</strong> conducted a broad awarenesscampaign. To date, the Act is covering theinjected MS therapy for about 4,200 MSpatients. They represented 27% of thetotal number of people taking advantageof the Act, even though MS is a considerablyless common disease than many ofthe others covered.Photo by Bill StantonJohn Jonesof New Yorkreceivescare fromDr. AaronMiller, the<strong>Society</strong>’sChiefMedicalOfficer.The <strong>National</strong> <strong>Multiple</strong><strong>Sclerosis</strong> <strong>Society</strong> exists toend the devastating effectsof multiple sclerosis.MS is multiple sclerosis, a chronicoften disabling disorder of thecentral nervous system (thebrain and spinal cord). It cancause relatively mild symptoms,such as numbness in the armsor legs, or more severe symptoms,including paralysis or lossof vision. Complications ofsevere MS can result in death.The progression, severity, andspecific effects of MS in any oneperson cannot be predicted, butrecent advances in treatmentand research give hope to many.MS strikes almost twice as manywomen as men. It is most oftendiagnosed in people between theages of 20 and 50, althoughrarely, individuals as young as 2and as old as 75 have developedit. MS is not generally considereda fatal disease as thevast majority of people who haveit live a normal lifespan.There is a wealth of informationon current treatments for MS at:nationalmssociety.org/treatments.asp.8


Belief Is Sustained by Knowledge“I believe that the most important thing I can do isto educate people about MS and how to best live with theirillness. I strongly believe that education is the tool to enablepeople with MS to be their own best advocates.”—Susan Kushner, physical therapist and volunteerat the Allegheny District Chapter and forthe national publications programHad Bernard Lawry been diagnosed with MS today, hecould have signed up for Knowledge is Power (KIP),nationalmssociety.org/Knowledge is Power.asp, the<strong>Society</strong>’s study-at-home series for people newly diagnosed.KIP served more than 8,000 people in 2004, in both Englishand in Spanish. KIP was also adopted this year by the MS<strong>Society</strong> of Australia.The <strong>National</strong> MS <strong>Society</strong> is a leader in providing people withMS the information they need to live successfully with MS. In2004, the <strong>Society</strong> distributed more than 633,000 copies of 67brochures, booklets, and fact sheets covering topics includingemployment, wellness, managing symptoms, and general MSinformation.The <strong>Society</strong> sent copies of InsideMS—a lifestyle magazineproviding information on living with MS, research updates,<strong>Society</strong> news, book reviews, and peer support—to everyperson with MS known to the <strong>Society</strong>. More than 2.5 millioncopies of the magazine were distributed in 2004, reachingmembers, donors, and health-care professionals. The magazinecan be read online at nationalmssociety.org/InsideMS.asp.The <strong>National</strong> MS <strong>Society</strong> has a growing Web presence. Lastyear the <strong>Society</strong>’s national Web site hosted 7.9 million visitors.<strong>Society</strong> chapters maintain their own Web sites, which9


Belief in a Better Future:Research Horizons“I believe that evidencebased medicineand translationalresearch isproviding us withall of the tools toconquer MS withinthe nextdecade.”—Dr. JerryWolinsky, neurologist,Lone StarChapter boardmember, andmember of thenational MedicalAdvisory Board“I believe that we are on the threshold of even greaterscientific achievements in understanding the many facesof MS, from genomic research to identifying patientswho will respond to specific drug therapies, to research thatleads to earlier identification of those with the disease. Wemust believe in the future and believe in a cure.”—Dr. Anthony Turel, neurologist and volunteerfor the Central Pennsylvania ChapterWhen Sylvia founded the <strong>Society</strong> in the 1940s, she did sowith the belief that her efforts would result in a cure. Ithas been harder than anyone imagined. But today, thanks inpart to the millions of dollars the <strong>Society</strong> has spent onresearch over the decades, there are now treatment options,and more being developed.The <strong>Society</strong> continues to be a leader in support of MS-relatedresearch. In 2004 the <strong>Society</strong> made commitments to support115 new research projects, postdoctoral fellowships, and pilotprojects. Total research funding for the year was nearly $35Bruce D. Trapp, PhD,professor and chairof the Department ofNeurosciences in theLerner ResearchInstitute at the ClevelandClinic Foundationpursues myelinrepair strategies. AHarry Weaver NeuroscienceScholarshipfrom the <strong>Society</strong> in1985 focused him onMS research.11


“I believe that ifwe continue ontrack in the nextdecade as we havein the last, we willbe well on our wayto a cure.”—Dr. LindaBuchwald, neurologist,member ofthe Central NewEngland Chapter’sclinical advisorycommittee and thenational MedicalAdvisory BoardNeurology (AAN):the <strong>National</strong> MS<strong>Society</strong>/AmericanAcademy ofNeurology clinicalresearch trainingfellowship. Thisfellowship markedthe first-evercollaborationbetween the<strong>Society</strong> and theAAN.The <strong>National</strong> MS<strong>Society</strong>-convenedInternationalPanel on Diagnosisof MS wasreestablished withnew members and a meeting has beenset to review the 2000 “McDonaldCriteria” for MS diagnosis. TheMcDonald Criteria was named for thedistinguished neurologist W. IanMcDonald, who sparked a <strong>Society</strong>supportedeffort to make the diagnosticprocess for MS faster and more precisebased on new data. See nationalmssociety.org/Research-2005Feb1.asp.All told, the <strong>Society</strong> supported 10additional scientific meetings relatingto neuroimmunology, imaging, neurochemistry,and MS biomarkers. For acomplete, updated list of currentresearch, go tonationalmssociety.org/research.asp.<strong>National</strong> <strong>Multiple</strong> <strong>Sclerosis</strong> <strong>Society</strong>CORE VALUESCommitment—We are passionate in ourcommitment to people affected by MS. Westrive to improve quality of life while searchingfor the cure.Leadership—We are leaders in the fightagainst MS. Through creativity and hardwork, we accelerate the pace of scientificdiscovery, promote quality health care, stimulatecommunity resources and services,advocate for favorable government policiesand are the world’s best source of informationabout multiple sclerosis.Integrity—We are honest and straightforwardin all that we do. We treat everyonewith dignity and respect. We act responsiblywith resources entrusted to us. We areaccountable and act in accordance withthese values.Excellence—We set high standards of performanceand service delivery and work towardsexcellence in our mission to end thedevastating effects of multiple sclerosis.Teamwork—We advance the interests ofpeople affected by multiple sclerosis throughindividual and team achievements. We recognizeour volunteers and staff as our mostvalued resources. We encourage collaborationacross organizational boundaries.These values guide our work as volunteersand staff of the <strong>National</strong> MS <strong>Society</strong> as wemove toward our ultimate goal of a worldwithout multiple sclerosis.Unanimously approved by the <strong>National</strong> Board ofDirectors, February, 200413


Belief that We Can ...Change Public Policy“I believe thatwhen good peoplecome together toadvocate on theissues that bindus, good thingshappen, not onlyfor people withMS—but foreveryone.”—YolandaTreiguts, personwith MS andGreater IllinoisChapter boardmember“People with disabilities have been called the ‘sleepinggiants’ of American politics. I believe that if we votein large numbers, our legislators will do what we needto make possible quality health care, jobs, education,transportation, and accessible housing.”—Jessie Jane Lewis, person with MS and volunteerat the Greater Delaware Valley ChapterOur laws help to define and determine who we are andwhat kind of society we live in. The <strong>National</strong> MS <strong>Society</strong>has long been aware of the impact that our collective voicescan have on the decisions made by policy makers, and thereforeon the lives of people with MS.<strong>National</strong> MS <strong>Society</strong> chapters contacted more than 1,000state policy makers in 2004. <strong>Chapters</strong> in 23 states participatedin state advocacy forums. Eight chapters in six statessecured legislative resolutions declaring an MS awareness dayor month.Representatives fromthe <strong>National</strong> MS<strong>Society</strong> (left and onp. 15) meet and discusstheir concernswith legislators duringthe 2004 Public PolicyConference. Morethan 200 participantsmade more than 300Congressional visitsduring the conference.14Photos by Leigh Mosley


Belief that We Can ...Change Public Attitudes“I believe that the<strong>National</strong> MS<strong>Society</strong> has been,and will continueto be, the key institutionin the effortto defeat multiplesclerosis.”—Richard Slifka,member and formerchair of the<strong>National</strong> Board ofDirectors and theCentral NewEngland Chapterboard“I believe that the thoughtful and committed people atthe <strong>National</strong> MS <strong>Society</strong> have indeed changed our world.Our lives have been blessed by this magnificent organization.”—Janine Vanier, person with MS and volunteerat the Northern California ChapterIn 1946, few who were not either medical professionals ordirectly affected by MS had ever heard the words “multiplesclerosis”. The <strong>Society</strong> intends to bring awareness of the diseaseto the general public.In 2004 public service announcements about MS and the<strong>National</strong> MS <strong>Society</strong> appeared on TV, radio, and in print anestimated 6,000 times. Three hundred TV and 600 radio stationsbroadcast <strong>Society</strong> messages and provided the <strong>Society</strong>with more than $3 million worth of free advertising.Celebrities such as David Baldacci, Teri Garr, David Lander,Liane Mark, Bill Pullman, Clay Walker, Richard Cohen,Meredith Vieira, and Tyler Hamilton appeared at our eventsor in our public service announcements. Their presenceshelped change public attitudes about MS and disability.Photos by Mark Kiryluk“I believe in the hope and goodwill that the<strong>National</strong> MS <strong>Society</strong> provides for the entireMS community.”—Patricia Blake, health professional andvolunteer at the Ohio Buckeye ChapterCelebrities at the <strong>Society</strong>’s 2004 <strong>National</strong> Conference in Denver, Colorado.From left to right: Tyler Hamilton, Teri Garr, Richard Cohen, David Landers.16


Belief Sustained by Financial Support“I believe that I have MS because I was meant tomake a difference by raising money to find a cure,spreading awareness of the disease and setting an exampleof what someone with a disability can accomplish.”—Elissa Levy, person with MS and volunteerat the New York City ChapterThe <strong>Society</strong> depends on support from members,friends, corporate partners, and the public at large.The <strong>Society</strong>’s total revenue in 2004 was $184 million.Photo by David HulnickThis includes all individual gifts, membership dues andcontributions, legacies and bequests, special events, corporate contributions, andinvestments. About 1% comes from federal grants.The <strong>Society</strong> spent $28 million (16%) to raise these funds (less than 16 centsfor each dollar brought in) and devoted $11 million (6%) to the managementof the organization so that the <strong>Society</strong> can provide uniform services in all 50states and $4 million was invested to protect future <strong>Society</strong> growth. The successof the <strong>Society</strong>’s events depends on grassroots efforts—every volunteer makes adifference.Well worth the effort—walkers complete thelast mile of theGreater DelawareValley Chapter’s2004 MS Challengewalk (above); on theroad with bikers inthe 2004 BP MS 150Bike Tour (left), atwo-day ride fromHouston to Austin,Texas.17Photo (left) by Bill Rosen


A Report from Ed KangasChairman, <strong>National</strong> Board of DirectorsWe live in an exciting time. A time of change and a timeof great discovery. It is vitally important to our missionthat we “seize the day” and strengthen our partnerships witheveryone working to end the devastating effects of MS.We have a lot to be proud of. The <strong>Society</strong> offers funding,direction, coordination, and education to the scientific communityworking to solve the basic mystery. Our advocacyefforts on local, state, and federal levels encourage publicpolicies supportive of the needs of people with MS. And weoffer empowering programs for the many people who havebeen touched by this disease.But as we begin another fiscal year, weare notching up our efforts to reach outto the 400,000 people in this countywho live with this disease, and to theirfamilies, their friends, and their caregivers.In 2005 we are strengthening ourpartnerships with other MS organizations,with researchers exploring newtherapies, with everyone who is workingto ultimately lick MS.The <strong>Society</strong> is growing by leaps andbounds. An important and inevitablepart of this growth process is change.After completing twelve successful yearsas President and CEO of the <strong>Society</strong>,General Mike Dugan decided to retirelast year. During his tenure Mike bothunified and strengthened the organization,and under his leadership the<strong>Society</strong> raised more than half of theincome of its entire 58-year history.To build on Mike’s achievements, the<strong>National</strong> Board of the <strong>Society</strong> selectedJoyce Nelson as our new President andChief Executive Officer. Joyce is committed—asI believe we all are—to theworldwide effort to erase the words“multiple sclerosis” from our vocabularyand to provide hope and support foreveryone who is fighting MS.Fiscal Year 2004 was a great year for the<strong>Society</strong>—we raised $184 million for thecause. We expect greater things to comein 2005 and beyond. We can’t do it withoutyou. You are all part of the solution—and,indeed, you are why we arehere.18


A Report from Joyce NelsonPresident and CEO, 2005More than 50 years ago, Sylvia Lawry took on a cause. Ayoung, single, and seemingly ordinary woman from ahard-working family, she was galvanized by the plight of herbrother Bernard. He had been diagnosed with MS and toldhis situation was hopeless. Throughout her long life, SylviaLawry refused to accept hopelessness. Instead, she was oftenheard to say: “The <strong>National</strong> MS <strong>Society</strong> offers the best hopefor people with MS. If you don’t help us, who will?”Sylvia was absolutely focused on our mission to stop this diseaseand the terrible things it does to people. As soon as shelearned of someone who had been touched by MS, she wason the doorstep asking for support.I feel greatly indebted to her for her visionary example. As wemove forward, I believe the <strong>Society</strong> must become a true partnerwith all people who want to see an end to MS. In SylviaLawry’s spirit, I hope to expand our relationship with everygroup and individual who can help us.The first thing I did as I took on my new responsibility as the<strong>Society</strong> President and CEO was to ask for your input. I haveinvited people with MS, their families and friends, healthcareprofessionals, our partners in research, government officials,the media—our supporters and our detractors—to sharetheir thoughts and ideas with me. I have welcomed yourinput and now look forward to building a <strong>Society</strong> that betterserves as both advocate and resource for people with MS.19


A Report from Mike DuganGeneral, USAF, Ret., President and CEO, 1992-2004Icame to the <strong>National</strong> MS <strong>Society</strong> over 12 years ago. Duringmy time with the <strong>National</strong> MS <strong>Society</strong>, I’ve seen that progressin biomedical understanding is almost always incremental, buteach increment opens up new concepts and new pathways forfurther discovery. Over time, small increments grow into majorbreakthroughs, as we have seen with MS in recent years.We are making progress, but not fast enough for anyone’s liking.Still, I am not discouraged. A few years ago people withMS and their families wanted faster, more reliable diagnosis;this has been accomplished. They wanted to destroy the myththat MS is an untreatable disease; this has been accomplished.We now face the challenge of making moderately helpfulmedications more effective and of finally stopping MS progression.We are now now heading toward the next generationof therapeutic interventions, and even more dramatic outcomes.We are beginning work on preventing and repairingthe damage MS does. Promising studies are underway in theseareas; accomplishment is in the wind.Across the country the very professional staff of the <strong>Society</strong> isdoing everything in its power to complete our mission. I havecomplete confidence in their abilities and I take great pride inhaving served among them. <strong>Society</strong> volunteers continue thebest traditions of this nation by giving their time, their wisdom,and their resources to solve the MS problem. We wouldnot be where we are without them. I take particular pride inthe fact that I am turning my position over to a very able successor—JoyceNelson, who has been part of the <strong>Society</strong> since1983. She will need your continued support and she will giveback her very best efforts to advance our mission.20


A Report from Richard J. MengelTreasurer, <strong>National</strong> Board of DirectorsIam gratified to report that the <strong>Society</strong>’s financial positioncontinues its upward course. The most obvious outcome isour continuing ability to fund 100 percent of all the researchprojects judged meritorious by our distinguished peer reviewers.These volunteers, all internationally respected MS researchspecialists, measure every application against rigorous standards,weighing what their outcomes might contribute to ourultimate goal: ending MS and its devastating effects.<strong>Chapters</strong> are in the front lines, critically aware of the need tokeep research fueled. They are also aware of the need toempower individuals and families to solve MS problems indaily life. Creative supportive programs for those who livewith MS, reliable information about symptoms and treatments,public policies and resources, and careful analysis ofrecent research findings are all vital to helping people copewith this horrible disease.<strong>National</strong> leadership is profoundly aware that we have aresponsibility to be wise stewards of our financial resources.Much of it is raised by grassroots efforts, involving the trustof hundreds of thousands of individuals. We are mindful ofthe pressing need to provide researchers with the resourcesthey need to move forward. We are mindful too that we mustoffer services and supports for individuals and families whostruggle every day with the effects of MS. And we must maintainthe <strong>Society</strong>’s fiscal integrity to ensure continued stabilityso we can all to continue our effort until our work is finallydone.I invite each of you to contact the chapter nearest you for anopportunity to learn more about the activities, programs, andresearch your contributions support.21


Home OfficeINCOMEContributions fromMembers & Others31%Contributionsfrom <strong>Chapters</strong>62%Interest &MiscellaneousIncome 7%EXPENSESClient &CommunityServices 6%Research 44%Payments &Services to<strong>Chapters</strong> 26%Management &General 4%Fund Raising 8%Public & ProfessionalEducation 12%22


Home Office & <strong>Chapters</strong>INCOMEContributions fromMembers 29%SpecialEvents 61%EXPENSESBequests 4%Interest, Gaming, &Miscellaneous 5%GovernmentGrants 1%Client &CommunityServices 34%Services to<strong>Chapters</strong> 7%Research 19%Management &General 6%Fund Raising 16%Public & ProfessionalEducation 18%23


<strong>National</strong> Board of Directors (Fiscal Year 2004)• Member, Executive CommitteeOfficers• Chair of the Board;Chair, Executive andCompensation CommitteesEdward A. KangasChairman & CEO (Retired)Deloitte Touche TohmatsuInternationalNew Canaan, Connecticut• SecretarySusan L. WilkeyHartland, Wisconsin• Treasurer; Area Vice Chair;Chair, Finance CommitteeRichard J. Mengel, CPAManaging PartnerMengel, Metzger, Barr & Co., LLPRochester, New YorkVice Chair; Area Vice ChairBarbara BernbaumSeattle, WashingtonVice Chair; Area Vice ChairThomas R. KuhnPresidentEdison Electric InstituteWashington, District of ColumbiaVice Chair; Area Vice ChairEli RubensteinPartnerGoulston & StorrsBoston, MassachusettsVice Chair; Area Vice ChairAnthony J. TannerHoover, Alabama• President and CEOMike DuganGeneral, USAF, (Ret.)Dillon, ColoradoArea Vice ChairsGeorge D. Blackwood, Jr.PartnerBlackwood, Langworthy& Tyson, L.C.Kansas City, MissouriPeter A. GalliganExecutive Vice PresidentCitizens Financial GroupBoston, MassachusettsJohn R. HallVice President & SeniorRelationship ManagerWells Fargo Bank, N.A.Denver, Colorado• Chair, GovernanceCommitteeWeyman T. Johnson, Jr.PartnerPaul, Hastings, Janofsky & WalkerLLPAtlanta, Georgia• Chair, Chapter RelationsCommitteeHon. Joseph G. ScovilleUnited States Magistrate JudgeUnited States District CourtGrand Rapids, MichiganRobert L. SowinskiPresidentDiversified Insurance Services, Inc.Waukesha, WisconsinMilt StewartDavis Wright Tremaine LLPPortland, Oregon• Chair, Audit CommitteePeter G. TarriconeCEOHerder Tarricone AssociatesThree Bridges, New JerseyDirectorsLaura A. BlackManaging Director, CorporateFinanceNeedham & Company, Inc.Menlo Park, CaliforniaMichael A. BogdonoffPartnerDechert LLPPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaFrank J. BorelliNew City, New YorkSally BuegeleisenSarasota, FloridaJim E. CantalupoVice President & ProfessionalSales ManagerMerrill LynchCharlotte, North CarolinaJacquelyn L. DezortEdwardsville, IllinoisRobert E. HowsonNew Orleans, LouisianaAnn Nickman JacobsonPepper Pike, OhioLinda JenckesPresidentJenckes & AssociatesWashington, District of Columbia24


<strong>National</strong> Board of Directors (continued)Fred D. Lublin, MDDirectorCorinne Goldsmith DickinsonCenter for <strong>Multiple</strong> <strong>Sclerosis</strong>Professor of NeurologyMount Sinai School of MedicineNew York, New YorkCraig T. LynchPartnerParker, Poe, Adams& Bernstein LLPCharlotte, North CarolinaHenry McFarland, MDChief, Neuroimmunology BranchNINDS, <strong>National</strong> Institutes ofHealthBethesda, MarylandSusan MeltzerLos Angeles, CaliforniaAaron E. Miller, MDMedical DirectorCorinne Goldsmith DickinsonCenter for <strong>Multiple</strong> <strong>Sclerosis</strong>Mount Sinai School of MedicineNew York, New YorkJim O’DonnellManaging MemberWhite Star LLCSeattle, WashingtonRussell M. Parker, CIMAPresidentRPM Distribution, LLCWilton, ConnecticutBrad W. RobbinsPresident & CEOBaker Robbins & CompanyHouston, TexasRandall T. Schapiro, MDDirectorThe Schapiro Center for MSThe Minneapolis Clinic ofNeurologyGolden Valley, MinnesotaSteven M. UminPartnerWilliams & Connolly LLPWashington, District of ColumbiaDennis H. VaughnLos Angeles, CaliforniaArnold R. WeberPresident EmeritusNorthwestern UniversityEvanston, IllinoisAdvisory CouncilPeter R. PorrinoGlobal & Americas DirectorInsurance Industry ServicesErnst & Young LLPNew York, New YorkHonorary Life DirectorsMartha E. CandielloCherry Hill, New JerseyRenee CrownWilmette, IllinoisOscar DystelWhite Plains, New YorkIrving R. FischerNew York, New YorkGeorge J. Gillespie, IIINew York, New YorkClifford H. GoldsmithNew York, New York25June GolinChicago, IllinoisCharles W. Goodyear, IIIDarien, ConnecticutRaymond P. KanePort Washington, New YorkAlbert J. KanebNewton, MassachusettsLouis E. LevyWest Orange, New JerseyRichard B. SlifkaWaltham, MassachusettsRichard L. SnyderMilford, PennsylvaniaDonald E. TykesonEugene, OregonPresident EmeritusVADM Thor HansonUSN (Ret.)Sonoita, ArizonaIn MemoriamJohn F. Milliken, 1920-2004Edith L. Russell, 1912-2004The number of voting membersof the <strong>Society</strong> as ofSeptember 30, 2004 (<strong>National</strong>Board members and chapterchairs) was 99.The number of general membersand people with MSknown to the <strong>Society</strong> was599,194.


<strong>Chapters</strong>• Chapter serves more than one stateAlabama• Alabama ChapterAlaska• All America Chapter—Alaska DivisionArizona• Arizona ChapterArkansas• All America Chapter—Arkansas Division• Mid South ChapterCalifornia• Channel Islands Chapter• Northern California Chapter• Orange County Chapter• San Diego Area Chapter• Silicon Valley Chapter• Southern California Chapter• Great Basin Sierra ChapterColorado• Colorado ChapterConnecticut• Greater Connecticut Chapter• Western Connecticut ChapterDelaware• Delaware ChapterDistrict of Columbia• <strong>National</strong> Capital ChapterFlorida• Mid Florida Chapter• North Florida Chapter• South Florida ChapterGeorgia• Georgia Chapter• Mid South ChapterHawaii• All America Chapter—Hawaii DivisionIdaho• All America Chapter—Idaho Division• Inland Northwest ChapterIllinois• Greater Illinois Chapter• Gateway Area ChapterIndiana• Indiana State Chapter• Kentucky/Southeast IndianaChapterIowa• Iowa Chapter• Nebraska ChapterKansas• Mid America Chapter• All America Chapter—S. Central/W. KansasDivisionKentucky• Kentucky/Southeast IndianaChapter• Ohio Valley Chapter• Indiana State Chapter• All America Chapter—West Virginia Division26Louisiana• Louisiana ChapterMaine• Maine ChapterMaryland• Maryland Chapter• <strong>National</strong> Capital ChapterMassachusetts• Central New EnglandChapterMichigan• Michigan ChapterMinnesota• Minnesota Chapter• Dakota ChapterMississippi• All America Chapter—Mississippi Division• Mid South ChapterMissouri• Gateway Area Chapter• Mid America ChapterMontana• All America Chapter—Montana DivisionNebraska• Nebraska Chapter• Iowa Chapter


<strong>Chapters</strong> (continued)• Chapter serves more than one stateNevada• Great Basin Sierra Chapter• All America Chapter—Nevada DivisionNew Hampshire• Central New EnglandChapterNew Jersey• Greater North Jersey Chapter• Mid Jersey Chapter• Greater Delaware ValleyChapterNew Mexico• All America Chapter—Rio Grande Division—Panhandle DivisionNew York• Long Island Chapter• New York City Chapter• Southern New York Chapter• Upstate New York Chapter• W. New York/N.W. PAChapterNorth Carolina• Central North CarolinaChapter• Eastern North CarolinaChapter• Mid Atlantic Chapter• Hampton Roads ChapterNorth Dakota• Dakota ChapterOhio• Ohio Buckeye Chapter• Northwestern Ohio Chapter• Ohio Valley Chapter• All America Chapter—West Virginia DivisionOklahoma• Oklahoma Chapter• All America Chapter—Panhandle DivisionOregon• Oregon ChapterPennsylvania• Allegheny District Chapter• Central PennsylvaniaChapter• Greater Delaware ValleyChapter• W. New York/N.W. PAChapterRhode Island• Rhode Island ChapterSouth Carolina• Mid Atlantic ChapterSouth Dakota• Dakota ChapterTennessee• Mid South ChapterTexas• Lone Star Chapter• North Central Texas Chapter• All America Chapter—Panhandle Division—West Texas Division—Rio Grande DivisionUtah• Utah State ChapterVermont• All America Chapter—Vermont DivisionVirginia• Blue Ridge Chapter• Central Virginia Chapter• Hampton Roads Chapter• <strong>National</strong> Capital ChapterWashington• Greater Washington Chapter• Inland Northwest Chapter• Oregon ChapterWest Virginia• All America Chapter—West Virginia DivisionWisconsin• Wisconsin Chapter• Minnesota ChapterWyoming• All America Chapter—Wyoming Division27


Home Office:New York City212-986-3240733 Third Avenue, 6th floor,New York, NY 10017-3288Training &Resource Center:Denver, CO303-813-1052700 Broadway, Suite 810,Denver, CO 80203Public Policy Office:Washington, DC202-408-15001100 New York Avenue,N.W., Suite 1015,Washington, DC 20005<strong>National</strong> Web Site:nationalmssociety.orgTelephone to thenearest chapter:1-800-FIGHT-MS

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