b'Putting Focus on Adaptive Couture Fashion fundraiser unfolds in November.By Maggie CourierA diagnosis of multiple sclerosis is aPresenting these adaptive designs will be:life-changing experience on many levels. Ayesa Conger, of Cutler Bay, Fla., believes this Unfortunately, even simple everyday activitiesfashion show shines a light on how adaptive may be affected and transformed into difficulties.clothing can make a meaningful difference in the Though different for each patient, symptomslives of those with disabilities. of MS affect dexterity, sensation, and motor Maggie Courier, of Margate, Fla., wants control (amongst others), presenting problemseveryone to see how, despite our disabilities, with daily activities as simple as getting dressed.we can adapt comfortably and with pride. Wearing clothing with buttons, belts, zippers, or Jennifer Digmann, of Mt. Pleasant, Mich., feels one that needs to be tied or clasped becomes an issue because the ability to perform suchit is essential for people to see her MS, her wheel-simple tasks has become inhibited.chair, and her plus-sized body and know she is Fortunately, fashion designers have takenmoving forward in style. note of this issue and have dedicated themselves Dan Digmann, of Mt. Pleasant, Mich., (husband to using their skills to create fashion for thoseof Jennifer Digmann), wants to demonstrate how with disabilities. MS Focus has createdMS patients remain interested in being, and a fundraising gala event featuring thisdeserve to be, fashionable. development of adaptive fashion. Tony Garcia, of Orlando, Fla., believes beauty ThesecondMSFocusonFashiongalacan outshine our condition and make us feel event will be held on Nov. 14, at the Westinunited, wearing todays fashions. Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. An evening of Kim Monaco, of Wellington, Fla., said all MSers camaraderie, cocktails, food, and music willdeserve to be wearing beautiful clothing and be highlighted with a runway fashion showattending fun events just like everyone else. featuring trends and advances in adaptable Carlene Neugesser, of Lake Worth, Fla., said that fashion. Adaptive couture designs created bybeing part of this show demonstrates how those Nancy Volpe Beringer, of Project Runway, willwith disabilities can be proud of showing how be worn by models who are living with MS. fashion can make us feel special. 27 msfocusmagazine.org'