Welcome to the FY15 Board of Trustees
Dale Hollinger
Alleghany Power
Retired
Donna Senft
OBER|KALER
Principal
Tom Monteleone
Ancile Solutions
Chief Financial Officer
Chris Scholtes, C.P.A.
C.E.A. Scholtes & Associates
President
Kevin Oster, C.C.M.
PNC Bank
Vice President
Greg Shuckman
University of Central Florida
Assistant Vice President
In 2014, the National MS Society invested $50 million in support of 380 research investigations
around the globe, including several here in Maryland. Thanks to donations from people like you, we
are able to fund this important research to STOP MS, RESTORE lost function and END MS forever.
JR Paterakis
H&S Bakery Inc.
Vice President, Marketing and Sales
Peter A. Calabresi, M.D.
Johns Hopkins
Multiple Sclerosis Center
Director
Robert Tobin
Persimmon Capital Partners
Chief Investment Officer
Jon Repetti
Clear One Advantage
Executive Vice President
Kathy Volk, Ph.D.
Towson University, Adjunct Professor
Retired MSDE
One project, recently launched by Dr. William Culpepper at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in
Baltimore, explores whether a comprehensive care approach results in better outcomes for people
with MS. Other local investigations at Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland are exploring the
impact environmental factors, such as Vitamin D and smoking, have on MS diagnosis and disease
progression.
Desmond D. Connall, Jr. *
Ballard Spahr LLP
Partner
Wayne Resnick
Martin’s Caterers
President
Gary Weishaar
NASA
Office of the Inspector General
Christina Hedge *
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Senior Director,
Strategic Account Solutions
Tim Rhode
Maryland Athletic Club
Owner/Chief Executive Officer
Jenette Young
ComForCare Home Care Services
President
Walter Royal, III, M.D.
University of Maryland Center
for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment
& Research
Director
Timothy M. Zulick, SIOR
First Potomac Realty Trust
Senior Vice President
Ed Frere
Chairman of the Board
U.S. Bank
Senior Vice President
Daniel Becker, M.D.
International Neurorehabilitation
Institute
Director
Wendy Bordewisch
Nielsen
Vice President,
Strategic Account Development
Jan Hoffberger
Community Volunteer
MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS
Volume 29 • Issue 5
Maryland Chapter
MS Research Advancements Flourish in 2014
Three MS researchers recently shared their expertise with over 200 attendees at the Maryland Chapter’s Research
Symposium and Volunteer Awards, held at Martin’s West in Baltimore. Walter Royal, III, M.D. of the University of
Maryland discussed the impact of cigarette smoke on people who are at risk of developing MS. Daniel Becker, M.D. of the
International Neurorehabilitation Institute explored how recreational activities like SCUBA diving and high altitude skiing
continued on page 3
*New Board Member
Connect to the Information You Need
The National MS Society telelearning program for people with multiple sclerosis and their families aims to provide
information and guidance on current matters essential to living one’s best life with MS. Each free telelearning features topicarea experts by phone with online presentations and Q&A sessions.
Gender Differences in MS
July 21 & 23, 2015
Managing MS Bowel & Bladder Symptoms
March 17 & 19, 2015
Preparing for MS Doctor Visits
September 15 & 17, 2015
Learn more and reserve your spot at www.nationalMSsociety.org/telelearning or call 1-800-344-4867.
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JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Baltimore, MD
Permit # 3027
MS and Employment
February 12 & 26; March 12 & 26, 2015
Maryland Chapter
Sex Ed for Grownups – Intimacy in MS
May 19 & 21, 2015
2219 York Road, Suite 302
Timonium, MD 21093
MS Research –Your Questions Answered
January 20 & 22, 2015
A Message from the Chapter President
Publication of the
National Multiple Sclerosis Society,
Maryland Chapter
2219 York Road, Suite 302
Timonium, MD 21093
Mark Roeder
Chapter President
Randee Sanders, D.Mgt
Advocacy, Programs and
Services Director
Shelbi Bivons
Development Director
Todd Robertson
Services Navigator
Ellen Hannibal
Volunteer Manager
Melanie Losover
Marketing Specialist
For general information: 443-641-1200 or
800-344-4867
If You or Someone You Know Has MS
Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDAapproved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve
quality of life for many people with multiple sclerosis. Talk to your
health care professional or contact the National MS Society at www.
nationalmssociety.org or 1-800-344-4867 to learn about ways to
help manage multiple sclerosis and about current research that may
one day reveal a cure.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society does not endorse products,
services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because
they are considered valuable information. The National Multiple
Sclerosis Society assumes no liability for the use of contents of
any product or service mentioned. We do reserve the right to refuse
advertising that appears to be inconsistent with the Society’s mission.
Information provided by the Society is based upon professional
advice, published, experience and expert opinion. Information
provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic
recommendations or prescriptions. The National Multiple Sclerosis
Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed
with a personal physician.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to ending the
devastating effects of MS.
© 2014 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Maryland Chapter
In this issue, we are pleased to share many research
highlights from the past year. There can be no doubt
that there has never been a more hopeful time for MS
breakthroughs. The record investment that the Society
made in research in 2014 – more than $50 million
– accelerates our search for answers, as does the
Society’s leadership of the newly-formed International
Progressive MS Alliance.
Here at the Maryland Chapter, we are proud to help fuel this progress
as roughly 40 cents out of every dollar we raise directly supports our
National research initiatives. The remaining dollars you generously
entrust to us are utilized for local programs, services and advocacy. So,
what did we accomplish in these areas in 2014?
Starting with advocacy, our Chapter had a busy and productive year in
Annapolis. In February, 113 activists shared their stories with members
of the House of DeIegates and State Senate on Maryland Action Day.
These visits clearly had impact. We fought to maintain $10.4 million in
the State budget for stem cell research. We successfully advocated for
the Medicaid program to reimburse health care providers for services
delivered via telemedicine. And, we joined with several like organizations
to drive legislation – signed into law in May - capping out-of-pocket costs
on specialty drugs, including MS therapies.
More than 1,000 individuals affected by MS participated in a Chapter
program during 2014. These included our popular Discovery Weekend
family retreat, educational teleconferences, support groups, our Everyday
Matters seminar series, rural outreach programs, and in-service training
to healthcare practitioners. We also assisted 1,600 constituents through
our Information and Resource Center and thousands more Marylanders
connected with us and to each other through our blog site,
MSconnection.org.
The Maryland Chapter also provided more than $300,000 in direct
financial assistance in 2014 to help meet the daily challenges of living
with MS. We received requests throughout the year for emergency rent
and utility assistance, respite care, accessibility modifications and durable
medical equipment. We also leveraged $45,000 in additional support
from community resources on behalf of people with MS.
Of course, we cannot do any of this without your help. At this time of
year, it is especially appropriate to thank you for your passion, dedication
and support. You have brought us to this hopeful time. I also ask that you
renew your financial commitment. Your gift today will help us to continue
changing the world for people affected by MS.
On behalf of the Maryland Chapter staff and volunteer leadership, I wish
you and yours health and happiness this holiday season.
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JOIN THE MOVEMENT
continued from cover
can impact people living with MS. Finally, Ellen Mowry, M.D.
of Johns Hopkins shared insight on the impact of nutrition and
Vitamin D on MS progression. Attendees asked the panel of
doctors a variety of questions about living with and treating
MS. Question topics included: the impact of Vitamin D and
diet on MS; stem cell treatment for MS; holistic approaches to
treating MS; and what to consider when trying a new treatment
or medication.
The National MS Society funds many investigations addressing Daniel Becker, M.D., Ellen Mowry, M.D. and Walter Royal, III, M.D.
take questions from the audience at the 2014 Research Symposium
these topics and plans to increase research funding to $54
million in 2015 as we seek to accelerate breakthroughs.
Furthermore, this year we took on an additional leadership role in launching the International Progressive MS Alliance,
which encompasses MS societies from around the world. In September, the Alliance announced its first round of 22
pilot studies in nine countries. Priorities of the Alliance include: better understanding of progression so treatments can
be identified; designing shorter, faster clinical trials; conducting trials to test agents that stop or reverse progression;
and developing and evaluating new therapies to manage symptoms. This ambitious program will forge international
collaborative research networks – leveraging research already underway and stimulating new research through the
Alliance’s significant funding programs.
In addition, 75,000 activists across the country have
banded together to secure an additional $25 million
in government research for MS over the last six years.
These funds went toward funding MS research in the
Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, a
peer-reviewed program that funds important, innovative
research. The program encourages projects that address
critical needs of the MS community and concentrate on:
the biological basis of disease progression; risk factors
leading to the prevention of MS; drug discovery; and
biomarkers for preclinical detection of MS.
The Society’s $870 million investment has fueled decades
of research into MS, building a platform of knowledge
MS activists on Capitol Hill at the Rally for Medical Research
now serving as a springboard for progress. We fund more
MS research than any other organization in the world.
We have recruited more than 800 new MS researchers who are dedicated to improving the lives of people with MS. We
are recognized as the catalyst for all major advancements in MS, including paving the way for 11 FDA-approved diseasemodifying therapies – none of which existed 20 years ago. And now we are turning our attention to exciting new lines of
research, including nerve and mylein repair as well as wellness research, including diet, exercise and complimentary and
alternative therapies.
We are relentless in our efforts to find new treatments and solutions for people with MS so they are able to live their best
lives. The Society’s research breakthroughs have enabled us to better understand the disease, how susceptible someone is
to developing it and how to maintain a high quality of life and manage symptoms if they are diagnosed. With continued
research funding, the Society will remain the driving force of MS research, gaining new insights and strategies, which will
bring us closer to a world free of MS.
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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AUTOS-4-MS Maryland Chapter Honors Top Volunteers of 2014
We received $350
We received $575
100% of proceeds go to
the National MS Society
On October 27, the Maryland Chapter was thrilled to present seven Ed Duggan Community Champion Awards to
community leaders who are driving the mission of the National MS Society forward. Awards in healthcare, mission
advancement, fundraising and corporate partnership were given to people who were nominated by the community.
Ed Frere, Chair of the Board of Trustees, who appears in several photos below, presented the Community
Champions Awards to each of our very deserving recipients.
We accept all vehicles,
regardless of condition
“The Ed Duggan Community Champion Awards were created in the spirit of honoring one of our most tireless and
passionate volunteers, Ed Duggan,” explained Mark Roeder, Chapter President. “The recipients of these awards
are part of an elite group of mission advocates who go the extra mile to make their mark and drive change locally,
statewide and nationwide.”
It is our honor to celebrate and recognize the work that all our volunteers, activists, ambassadors and partners to do
help drive us toward a world free of MS.
We received $4,200
We received $1,200
We received $4,200
Donating is easy simply click or call:
www.AUTOS4MS.org
or 1-877-672-8864
Donate your car, bike,
RV or boat before
December 31 to get your
2014 tax deduction!
We received $11,750
Help drive MS away - donate your vehicle today!
John Dahlquist
Volunteer of the Year
Shawn Duffy
Laurie Kline
Excellence in Mission Advancement
Excellence in Mission
Advancement, Rookie of the Year
Sangjin Oh, M.D.
Healthcare Provider of the Year
www.AUTOS4MS.org
April 11 – Ocean City
Frederick
April 12 – Salisbury
Towson
April 18 – Hagerstown
April 19 – Annapolis
Bel Air
April 25 – Columbia
Cumberland
April 26 – Baltimore City
Westminster
MS
Bertucci’s
All Walk MS events are 5K walks (about 3 miles). Everyone who raises at least $100 will
get a commemorative t-shirt at the event. Help us reach our goal of $1.5 million this year!
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JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
Corporate Partner of the Year
Abigail Pinto
Fundraiser of the Year
Team Geared for Good
Fundraising Team of the Year
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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Join us for
Bike MS: Chesapeake Challenge!
June 6 - 7, 2015
June 6 - 7, 2015
This two-day cycling event is hosted at the
Talbot County Community Center in Easton, MD.
Participants will enjoy the quaint, scenic waterfront
communities of Tilghman Island, Oxford, St. Michaels
and Trappe. Cyclists will enjoy lunch at Bellevue Park
and will ride on the Oxford Bellevue Ferry to continue
cycling along the route. After crossing Saturday’s finish
line, cyclists, their families and supporters are invited
to enjoy dinner, beer, wine and music to celebrate the
day’s accomplishments.
As always, Bike MS: Chesapeake Challenge is fully
supported with SAG vehicles, bike mechanics, medical
professionals and cheering volunteers to keep you
pedaling to the finish line. All participants commit to
raising at least $300 to fund research into the cause,
cure and treatment of multiple sclerosis.
REGISTER TO
DAY!
bikeMS.org
Talking About Stem Cells
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recently sat down with Dr. Jeffrey Cohen, director of the Experimental Therapeutics
Program at Cleveland Clinic’s Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research to talk about mesenchymal stem
cells as a treatment for both progressive and relapsing forms of MS. At the Mellen Center since 1994, Dr. Cohen has been
involved in various capacities in a large number of clinical trials developing new therapies for multiple sclerosis.
Could you explain the procedure that you’re testing?
The type of stem cells we are testing are called mesenchymal stem cells. These cells are present in many tissues of the body, and
have been studied fairly extensively. In our study, the stem cells were extracted from the patients’ bone marrow, then grown in
the lab to purify them and increase their numbers. They are then injected intravenously back into the patients.
Why did you choose to look at mesenchymal stem cells?
We chose to look at these cells because they have the potential to treat MS. First, the cells appear to have neuroprotective or
tissue-protective properties. Second, the cells may encourage natural repair mechanisms within the damaged tissue. Third,
these cells have some immune-modulating properties. Finally, they appear to be able to move from the blood into tissues that
are inflamed or damaged. This makes it more convenient to administer the cells.
Research also suggests that we don’t have to inject the cells directly into the nervous system. Instead, we believe we can
introduce them intravenously or through a spinal tap, and the cells will find their own way to the areas of damage.
6 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
What are you expecting to learn from this study?
The phase I study we just completed focused on the feasibility and safety of the procedure. The results were very encouraging;
we didn’t encounter any practical issues or safety concerns, and there were very few side effects. We also took a preliminary
look at benefit – both reported by patients themselves and clinical measures – and a range of advanced imaging and
immunologic techniques in preparation for what we hope will be a larger study.
Who was included in the trial?
We enrolled 24 people with MS, approximately half with relapsing-remitting MS and half with secondary-progressive
MS. Because this was a preliminary safety study, people on certain medications, such as immune-suppressing drugs, were
excluded. We wanted to make sure that if someone had a complication, we knew whether it was due to the cell therapy or the
medication. There is also concern that some disease-modifying therapies may interfere with the ability of mesenchymal cells
to migrate to or to repair damage.
Is there any advice or caution you would offer people who want to consider stem cell transplantation?
I share in the excitement and interest in cell-based treatment for MS – it shows a lot of promise. I also appreciate that people
are anxious to pursue those therapies now. We were pleased that the study went so smoothly, but it was apparent that there
were a lot of issues related to stem cells, including uncertainties of how best to grow them, where to isolate and administer
them, and the optimal dose. At this point I think it is premature to pursue cell-based therapies outside of a carefully conducted,
formal clinical trial.
How does someone find such a trial?
Both www.clinicaltrials.gov and the Society have a listing of ongoing studies—visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/clinicaltrials.
The International Society for Cellular Therapy at www.celltherapysociety.org is another useful source of information on cellbased therapies. General questions people should ask are: What is the rationale for this particular cell therapy? What kind of
experience do the investigators have? What is the plan to monitor for safety? I think a red flag would be if the plan is to have
the cells administered and send you home with no follow-up.
What makes you so excited about research in this area?
It’s a large area of unmet need in MS and other conditions in which there is injury to tissue. The work that has been done so
far has been very promising. I believe cell-based therapies are going to be a big part of medical practice in the future. The
particular cells that we studied are the initial endeavor, but there is a number of other more advanced cell therapies being
developed. I think there’s a good chance that in the future this is going to be how we treat a lot of diseases.
Let your voice be heard at Maryland Action Day
Everyone has a voice! Let yours be heard at Maryland Action Day! Let your elected officials know
what’s important to you and share your story of how MS has affected your life. Join us as we gather in
Annapolis on Thursday, February 26, 2015 to visit in person with our senators and delegates.
We will be advocating for legislation related to accessible, affordable transportation, employment for
people with disabilities and affordable, accessible housing.
On the day of the program, participants will receive specific issue preparation including talking points
to share with their legislators. State representatives will be present to speak to attendees regarding the
legislation we are advocating. Participants will then visit with their legislators, share their stories and
let them know what legislation is important to people living with MS. The day will end with a general
wrap-up session. A continental breakfast and boxed lunch will be served.
Registration will open in mid-December. Visit www.MSactionday.org to reserve your place!
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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