Bringing education and awareness of MS to communities is ongoing throughout the year here at MS Focus.As support group leaders and Ambassadors, you are sometimes asked to help with that effort. We are happy to help with the planning of certain events, but, as support group leader Beverly Smith shows, sometimes finding both conventional and unconventional events can give you the best opportunities to offer education, awareness, and fun. Beverly Smith started the MS Support Group of Eastern Kentucky last year. She said, “I want people to know about our support group, so, I’m always looking for ways to bring awareness and let others know that there is support in the community.” So far this year, Beverly has organized her group’s participation in two big community events. This past April, Beverly and members from her group participated in the University of Kentucky Extension Expo. “We set up a booth and spoke to over 100 people,” Beverly said. The group was able to spread awareness of MS, as well as share information about their group and MS Focus’ programs and services. In July, Beverly and her group participated in a local parade as part of The Breathitt County Heritage Fair, a celebration of the rich and colorful heritage of Breathitt County in Eastern Kentucky. “I called the committee to sign up, it was that easy. Then the group got together and created the idea for the float to go along with the theme of this event.” Beverly was even able to arrange for some of the items they used to be donated. On the day of the parade, one of the organizers told Beverly that it was one of the best floats she’d seen that day. Beverly added, “We encountered a lot of people that day who had no idea what MS is, and even some people with MS who did not know about MS Focus.” 4 Close Up Beverly Smith visits MS Focus The MS Support Group of Eastern Kentucky at the Breathitt Country Heritage Fair