Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 64 Page 65 Page 66 Page 67 Page 6820 msfocusmagazine.org MS Focus @ 30 during this time, increasing by at least one new, nationally-available program each year for more than ten years. • As the Internet became more common in homes, we began receiving more and more requests for computers through our Brighter Tomorrow Grant. The information and support available online was growing, but people with fixed incomes were unable to access it. MS Focus launched our Computer Program to address that unmet need. • Realizing that there were not enough individuals with MS in some smaller communities to form health and wellness classes, our Health and Wellness Program expanded to allowforindividual participation in existing classes offered by local gyms, recreationcenters,YMCAs,andhealthcenters. • When we discovered that some of our clients began “falling through the gaps” of health- care coverage, we tackled the issue head on. We created the Healthcare Assistance Program, which pays for a neurologist visit and a follow-up appointment for those lacking health insurance. Staying attuned to the needs of the MS community has allowed us to identify new problems and quickly create programs and services to address them. We listen closely to the requests and suggestions we receive from our clients. But, to ensure we are meeting your needs, we now go a step further – actively seeking out information through surveys, evaluations, and requests for feedback. From Here, Forward Today,MSFocushasafullarrayofprograms to coverthe needs that frequentlygo unmet for people with MS and their families. We offer educational materials on every topic from “acupressure” to “Zinbryta®.”We communicate andconductoutreachbyeveryfeasiblemethod. So, What Now? Aswe have done forthe past three decades, we refuse to simply maintain the status quo. We are still focused on making sure that we offer the highest quality of service to our clients, but we also keep looking ahead, keep pushing forward to accomplish new goals. • To make our services available to as many individuals with MS as possible. Each year, more applications are received than can be funded for our programs. This means rais- ing additional funds to ensure no one in need is turned away. • To increase awareness about MS, and about MS Focus and our services. We’re stepping up our awareness campaigns, starting with National MS Education and Awareness Month in March, and working on new awareness initiatives that will bring com- munities together in support of health and wellness. • To make sureyourvoices are heard.Through supporting patient-centered research; standing up for your interests on Capitol Hill; telling your stories on MS Focus Radio, on video, and in print; and by giving you opportunities to provide us with direct feed- back about your needs and experiences, we hope to make what was once a little- understood diagnosis a little less frightening for the next person to call our National Toll-free Helpline. We have come a long way in 30 years, and thoughwe can’t seewhat the road ahead holds, we look forward to taking the rest of the journey with you!