11 msfocusmagazine.org What’s It All About? The 2017 National MS Education and Awareness Month theme was MS: Change the Focus. This theme represented the idea of changing the way we think about MS, as people affected by the disease, as insurers, policy makers, or as members of the general public who may hold preconceptions. The month’s programming discussed three key areas of focus: Personal: psychological and practical adaptations that can help a person achieve their best quality of life with MS. Healthcare: developing better relationships with, and between, your healthcare providers, as well as participating in patient-centered research. Public: being visible for the MS cause, among family and friends and within various communities and networks. A small number of awareness kits are still available; email support@msfocus.org if you’d like to receive one. Or view the kit online at http://msfocus.us/NMSEAM Sadly, two scheduled programs in New York had to be postponed because of venue and airport closures following the storm. Staff members from various departments pitched in, making hundreds of calls to reach those who registered and to make sure they stayed safely indoors. These programs will be rescheduled this spring. Inspiring Speakers, Inspiring Attendees Speakers and topics for the month’s education programs were carefully selected to highlight and expand upon the month’s theme. Particular emphasis was given to the personal change in focus that can help each person with MS achieve a better quality of life. Featured speakers Cherie Binns, a certified MS nurse, and Wendy Booker, founder of the Climb On! Foundation, were especially suited to address that topic, as both women have MS themselves. They not only passed along advice and guidance for living well with MS, they also inspired others by their personal examples. “Cherie gave really practical insights,” said Chris Paine, editor for MS Focus, who attended a program in Miami. “For example, she mentioned that when going to see your neurologist, you should try to keep your list of issues to discuss to around three, and to prioritize those, so your most important issue is addressed first. Having been both a health- care provider and a MS patient, Cherie knows how visits go from both sides of the exam table.” But it wasn’t only the speakers whose examples touched hearts. “In Charleston, S.C., we met Sharon David,” said Derrick Lee, associate director of quality of life programs for MS Focus. “Not only is she a new MS Focus Ambassador, but she also leads a local