Volunteer Voice
Volunteer Spotlight: Tom Sayen

Tom Sayen has been volunteering with the National MS Society for 21 years. He participated in the first ever Walk MS event in 1988 before becoming a volunteer. Since then he has been involved with almost every one of the chapter's fundraising events. He has been a Crew Member at Challenge Walk MS since its inception, a member of the Walk MS Planning Committee for the Ridley Creek site for more than 10 years, a Volunteer Captain at the Bike MS: City to Shore Ride, and has also helped at MuckFest MS.

 

As a Volunteer Captain, Tom supervises the other volunteers, checks up on them and makes sure that everything is running smoothly. He is a great team leader and passionate about helping others. To find out how you can become a Volunteer Captain, contact Kristin Marnie.

 

"I enjoy making the event fun for the other volunteers and participants," Tom said. "I volunteer to help the Society further its goals." He understands how important volunteers are and how even a small amount of your time can make a big difference.

   

If you would like to nominate someone for the Volunteer Spotlight, contact Joy McManus.

Volunteer at Old Navy in Sewell or Deptford, N.J.: April 6

Help recruit participants and volunteers for Walk MS and provide general information about the Society. Two volunteers are needed to work the tables between 12 and 4 p.m. We will provide instructions on how to man the tables in advance. To sign up, contact Lauren Canzanese

Volunteer at our warehouse in Philadelphia: April 16, 18, 22, and May 2, 6, 14

Walk MS is a huge endeavor that requires volunteers to help with sorting, counting, inventory and packing supplies, as well as loading and unloading trucks. We need 6 to 10 volunteers for each date listed above. On May 14, we will do a full inventory of our warehouse. Groups are helpful. The warehouse is located at 1621 N. Delaware Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125. To sign up, contact Joy McManus.

Become a Volunteer Photographer at Walk MS: April 21, May 4 and May 5

Help us capture the experience and memories at Walk MS. We are especially interested in volunteer photographers who are available to help at the East Goshen (West Chester), Gring's Mill (Wyomissing), North Penn (Lansdale), Ocean City and Tyler (Newtown) sites. For more information and to sign up, contact Lindsay Deal

Volunteer or dance at Zumbathon� for MS in Philadelphia: May 5

Support hundreds of participants as they dance their way to a world free of MS. Help with registration, handing out water and snacks, and more. To sign up as a volunteer, contact Kristin Marnie. If you are interested in dancing in this event, click here to register or contact Lindsey Calomino

Volunteer at the research update in West Lawn, PA: May 11

Help out at this educational event focusing on the latest treatments available and research being done in disease-modifying therapies. Adult volunteers only. To sign up, contact Joy McManus.

Volunteer at Preakness at the Piazza in Philadelphia: May 18

Volunteer at this fun, outdoor event with food, drinks, a DJ, and the Running of the Preakness Stakes on a 40-foot jumbotron. Volunteers must be 21 or older. Help with set up, greeting, registration, photography, at the silent auction/betting tables, roaming and checking on attendees, and clean up. This event is taking place at the Piazza at Schmidt's, 1050 N. Hancock Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123. Click here for more information. To sign up, contact Joy McManus.

Volunteer at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair in Devon, PA: May 29

Support this event at the Devon Horse Show grounds. Adult volunteers only. To sign up, contact Joy McManus.  

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We are always looking for ways to improve the communications that we provide to members of the MS movement in the Greater Delaware Valley. Please take a few moments to complete our communications survey and send us your feedback about our emails, fundraising, direct mail and websites. This short survey should only take a few minutes to complete. Thank you - we greatly appreciate your feedback!
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Thank you MS Service Day volunteers

MS Service Day We would like to say a big thank you to the eight volunteers who helped out at MS Service Day on March 16. Two people living with MS received help with household chores and projects. Look out for information about the next MS Service Day in October.

In this Issue
Volunteer Spotlight
Volunteer at Old Navy
Volunteer at our warehouse
Walk MS
Zumbathon® for MS
Research Update
Preakness at the Piazza
Volunteer at the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair
Communications Survey
Thank you MS Service Day volunteers
Bike MS: City to Shore Ride
Treatment News
Chapter Programs
Help us get ready for the Bike MS: City to Shore Ride: Volunteer April through July

City to Shore volunteers

Yes, it's that time of year again! Preparation for the Bike MS: City to Shore Ride is underway. On September 28 and 29, 7,000 cyclists are expected to raise more than $5 million to support people living with MS. We need volunteers at our office in Center City Philadelphia beginning on April 15 and throughout the summer to prepare rider packets. (Weekdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.) All ages and groups are welcome. To sign up, contact Joy McManus.

Treatment News
FDA Approves Twice a Day Capsules Called Tecfidera™ (formerly called BG-12) for Relapsing MS

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Tecfidera™ capsules (dimethyl fumarate, Biogen Idec -formerly "BG-12") as a disease-modifying therapy for people with relapsing forms of MS. This makes the third oral therapy approved for relapsing MS, and the tenth disease-modifying treatment available in the U.S. Tecfidera is expected to be available by prescription within the next few days. READ MORE.
Chapter Programs

The Spectrum of MS Spring Teleconference Series: April 17, May 8 and June 12   

 

This three-part teleconference series kicks off with "Below the Belt: Bladder and Bowel Issues with MS" on April 17 and continues with "MS, Sex, and Intimacy" on May 8. For more information and to register, click here or call 1-800-FIGHT-MS.  

 

Making MS Work Networking Event: April 22 

 

Join us from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 22 to connect with other professionals who are currently employed and living with MS. Enjoy free appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages. This event is taking place at the Iron Hill Brewery, located in the Shoppes at English Village, 1460 Bethlehem Pike, North Wales, PA 19454. Registration opens on April 10. To register, call 1-800-FIGHT-MS or visit the chapter calendar. If you have any questions, please contact Christina Forster.

 

For a complete list of chapter programs, click here  

Contact Us
Joy McManus, Volunteer Manager
[email protected]

Kristin Marnie, Volunteer Engagement Specialist
[email protected]