A NEW DAY FOR THE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS ALLIANCE - GETTING READY FOR MARCH’S MS AWARENESS MONTH Posted by Gregory Pfeiffer on February 3, 2012 at 12:46pm in CentralBack to Central Stories Big changes have recently come to The Multiple Sclerosis Alliance of Southern Colorado (MSA), which serves the thousands of local sufferers of MS, their families, friends and support systems. It now has a new home, a new Board of Trustees, new staff, and a renewed vision for the future of the organization. Not only has the MSA completely changed their operating philosophy, leadership and office location, but a new corps of volunteers, office staff and managers are ready to revamp support group agendas, distribute money for client support, and start up new programs to help those with MS. They plan to kick off many new ideas during March’s MS Awareness Month activities. The MS Alliance is a local organization whose mission is to help those of all ages, backgrounds and financial status suffering from the terrible affects of MS. They offer information to newly diagnosed patients, run support groups for those in various stages of the disease, and offer direct physical and financial support to families adversely affected by Multiple Sclerosis. The end of 2011 was a busy time of transition for the MSA. In September, a newly elected Board of Trustees voted to break ties with the Pikes Peak Partnership, in order to significantly reduce salary and administrative costs. Board members Dottie Nagle, Nikki Pfeiffer, Niki Moore, Bernadette Noble, Roger Williams and Jeff Smith have totally changed MSA’s operating policies, client support, and volunteer utilization to meet the growing needs of Southern Colorado’s MS patient base. “It is now a true working Board,” says Board president Nikki Pfeiffer. “Board members don’t just oversee activity; they actually roll up their sleeves and take part in all the programs offered.” During the transition, MSA not only moved their offices and meeting rooms, but also continued their Thanksgiving and Christmas hot meal program (in conjunction with the Salvation Army) to provide over 100 turkey dinners to needy families on each holiday. They also set up Giving Trees at the Monument Wal-mart, New Song Church and Big Bob’s Carpeting to collect and distribute over $3000 in holiday gifts and badly needed clothing, blankets and support items. New case manager Dianne Stewart, office manger Mary McKeon, and many other volunteers have already received much positive feedback about their new office, and the energy of the Board and its workers. As one recipient of MSA assistance, Arlene Apodaca, recently said, “I really don’t know how I would make it each month without your assistance. Your help has made it possible for me to live a more productive life.” The Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie#143 annual holiday party rewarded this energy on December 10, where 88 clients, volunteers and Board members were hosted. The Eagles have extended this kindness to the MSA for the past 30 years, with a scrumptious dinner, and gifts from Santa to the children. It was also a perfect time to announce the newly re-organized MS Alliance, and its revamped programs and personnel. Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #143 MSA Holiday Party Staff Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #143 Annual MSA Holiday Party March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, and the MSA plans to launch many activities designed to inform the patients, family and friends coping with MS of the many programs, support groups and direct aid that MSA has to offer. If you have any questions about Multiple Sclerosis, need help in coping with the disease, or wish to volunteer your time to this new, energetic organization, please call our office at 719-633-4603, or stop in at the new location – 1322 N. Academy Blvd., Suite 119, Colorado Springs, CO 80909.
Posted on: Tue, 04 Feb 2014 17:58:31 +0000
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