Stu's MS Radio Joins BlogtalkRadio

My friend Stuart Schlossman beat me to the punch on this one...He has developed an internet-based "radio" program for MS patients. Called Stu's MS Radio, it can be found at www.stusmsradio.com. He and co-host Deanna Kirkpatrick both have MS, and are sharing their unique talents and abilities in order to bring the latest information on multiple sclerosis to the masses. You can get there now by clicking the box in the right side-bar. (And I am still developing my show, stay tuned). You may also reach his site by clicking the title of this article.

Common Purse: Express Lane to Philanthropy?

My massage therapist and friend Debra Robinson has recently founded a non-profit public charity (501 (c) 3 ) called Common Purse which operates a little differently- users of her website can post charitable projects online, and interested parties who are looking to be philanthropic can be matched with those projects.

While it is a probably a bit premature for an announcement, I just can't help myself. I think this is a fantastic idea and wanted to give her a shout out for the great work. The 501 (c) 3 is already established, and the website is started, with work ongoing. You may check out Common Purse by clicking the title of this post or by vising the link on the right hand sidebar.

MS Walk 2011 to be Held at Worthen Arena

The East Central Indiana chapter of the National MS Society will be holding their WalkMS event on April 16, 2011 at Worthen Arena on the Ball State Universtiy Campus. I don't have the information on the time yet, but I would imagine it would start about 9 am? I will post more definite information when I have it. Mark your calendars if you are planning on attending. We would love to have all of you walk with us! To donate to the walkers, you may click the title of this post to go to a secure NMSS web form. Thank you to all who support our efforts. Worthen Arena is a very nice venue for the event, enabling all who walk whether with cane or wheel chair, or scooter to participate in a climate controlled indoor environment, rain or shine. Hope to see you there!

For Locals: National MS Society Self-help Group Meeting

For those affected with MS who live locally, the National MS Society sponsors a self-help support group meeting monthly which I most often attend, and we would love to see some new faces in the group. Patients, family, and care-givers are welcome to attend.

Upcoming Dates and programs:

January 20, 2011 2010/2011 North American Education Program Presentation

February 17, 2011 Heather Donegan, Indiana NMSS

March 17, 2011 Heidi Dee, BS, & Ruth Eichacker- Allsup, Inc.

Meetings are held at St. John's Medical Center, Bennett Rehab Dining Room, 2nd floor, 2015 Jackson Street, Anderson, Indiana. Meeting starts at 7 pm, and lasts 1 hour.

Jan 20: 2010-2011 North American Education Program topic: This year's NAEP program is a research program, with the topic being the etiology (causes) of multiple sclerosis. Program booklets and the DVD presentation will highlight specific studies in the areas of the causes of multiple sclerosis such as immunologic, environmental, infectious and genetic as well as examining the possible link between chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and multiple sclerosis.

February 17: Heather Donegan, Programs & Services Manager from the Indiana State Chapter of the National MS Society, will be our guest. Topics: MS Awareness Week (March), MS Walk (April), and information on programs offered by the Indiana State Chapter. Presentation and Q&A.

March 17: Heidi Dee, BS, Community Based Representative and Ruth Eichacker, Account Specialist from Allsup will be our guests. Allsup (www.allsup.com) is the leading nationwide provider of Social Security disability and Medicare benefit services. According to their literature, Allsup has a 98% award rate for clients they represent throughout the entire SSDI process.

All are welcome to attend. For further information or questions you may contact me at fallcreekfun@gmail.com

Happy New Year Everyone!

I had hoped to be posting several items starting today, but unfortunately fate has decided otherwise- I will instead be dealing with an electrical problem at my home. Long story short: One of my outlets blew out, and when I went to replace it I found that the insulation on the outlet had burned completely off the wires, and I suspect it will be that way all the way to the electrical box.

The outlet in question was wired in series, so once I started working some other stuff quit working...namely, my furnace. Now I don't know if that's a separate problem yet, or if it's the same problem I've been having for awhile, but it doesn't really matter at the moment- no heat in 17 degree overnights is still NO HEAT. Oy!

I was trying to get my house clean after the holidays and was looking forward to working on some projects. Instead I will be spending yet more money I do not have to fix this mess. I hope it's not a harbinger of 2011, as I was very motivated for the new year.