26 msfocusmagazine.org MS Focus Activities Loved Ones Making a Difference Each November, in recognition of National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the special people who selflessly devote their time and attention to care for people with multiple sclerosis. For the Caregivers’ Night Out contest, we asked you to tell us – in 100 words or less – what makes your caregiver special and how he or she has made a difference in your life. We received letter after letter detailing how spouses, children, and friends have gone out of their way to provide essential help and offer emotional support, truly making a huge difference in their loved ones’ lives. Winning care partners were chosen to receive dinner for two at a restaurant of their choice. We salute them and all caregivers who work hard every day to assist those affected with MS. Here are just a few of this year’s winners in their own words*: My “do everything” caregiver is my 15-year-old son, Gabriel, who is amazing. He has seen me go from walking, to using a cane, then a walker, to now being in a wheelchair. He has become more compassionate and helpful as he has grown. He helps lift my legs in and out of bed and the car, he cooks, and does vacuuming and mopping since I no longer walk. He helps with laundry and everything I used to do. He makes me laugh and brings a smile to my face. Even when he’s having fun with his friends, he sends a text or calls just to check on me. He’s got the biggest heart of any kid around and life only gets better because of him. Shelli Edwards of Casselberry, Fla. nominated her son My daughter, Suann Polverari, has been my lifesaver and rock. She is my only daughter and she gave up her dream and life to come back home and take care of me. My husband, who was my caregiver, died and I was left alone. I thought I would have to sell my house and go live where people could take care of me. But instead, my daughter graciously moved back from India, left her business and husband to take care of me. She cooks, cleans, and takes me to all the places I need to go. She is my lifesaver and I want to do something nice for her. Patricia Polverari of North Providence, R.I. nominated her daughter