46 msfocusmagazine.org MS Focus Activities A Brighter Tomorrow® is Just a Click Away “When I’m stuck in a day, that’s gray, and lonely, I stick out my chin, and grin, and say, oh, tomorrow.” For anyone who didn’t immediately start singing along, this is a song lyric from the iconic musical Annie. It is the story of an orphaned girl who knows that, while her current situation isn’t ideal, she can’t give up the hope that tomorrow will be better. That sentiment rings true for many people, possibly none more so than those with multiple sclerosis who are dealing with constant unpredictability. That’s why, back in 2000, MS Focus started the Brighter Tomorrow Grant. Just like Annie and her eternal optimism, we believe that tomorrow can be filled with happiness, even if today isn’t. The BTG is designed to give people something they need that isn’t covered by any of our other programs and services. Everyone has something different that brings them happiness, so the requests we receive cover a wide spectrum. Annie’s brighter tomorrow came in the form of a loving family. Yours may come from replacing your old mattress, having new tires put on your car, or getting some binoculars so you can go bird watching. Here are the stories of a few previous recipients: Veronica, from Houston, is one of several recipients who requested a new bed. She and her family were affected by Hurricane Harvey. While trying to recover, a 12-year-old, sagging mattress was causing her major fatigue and walking problems due to spasticity. She needed help and applied for the BTG. “I was always tossing and turning. It was impossible to get a good night’s sleep on that old mattress.” So, when she received the news that she was being awarded a new bed, Veronica’s reaction was understandable. “I was overwhelmed with excitement. I am so happy and thankful that there was help for me.” With her new bed, sleeping through the night is no longer an issue, “No more tossing and turning. I’m able to sleep and have peace. I have so much more energy and my spasticity is finally more controllable. Thank you. You helped improve my life.” Virginia, from Montana, was diagnosed with MS after a serious car accident in 1988. Music has always been a passion of hers, but MS caused that passion to fall by the wayside, until she applied for the BTG and received a guitar. “At 25, I took guitar lessons and fell in love with playing. I was 33 when I was diagnosed with MS and my symptoms worsened over the course of a year. Depression set in. So much so, I stopped playing the guitar and piano. Fast-forward 27 years. I have