47 msfocusmagazine.org never been good with essays, and that kept me from applying sooner, but I realized that there was something inside me I felt had been missing for decades – music and playing guitar! I love my new guitar. It is absolutely beautiful. The sound is amazing. Some chords came to me like it was yesterday. I am a little rusty after all these years, but my soul feels whole again.” Brenda, from New Hampshire, received a new loveseat through the BTG. Brenda doesn’t have much furniture other than a hospital bed, which meant that visitors had nowhere to sit or sleep if they had to stay the night, and she had nowhere to relax. A convertible loveseat was the perfect solution for her. “I can't begin to express how much this has changed my life for the better. During the dark days of winter when I was ill, it made such a difference to be able to have my homecare aides transfer me out here to my living room. Even in winter, the sun shines in and I could just lay on the loveseat and not feel quite so alone! The ability to have visitors overnight, or to have people come and visit with me during the day, or be able to have someplace other than my hospital bed to rest and recuperate when I need it has been the most wonderful gift.” Every summer, we are flooded with requests and can’t wait to start bringing joy to tomorrow. Everyone deserves a brighter tomorrow, so it is easy to see why the BTG is our most popular program. We can’t fill every request, but if you’ve applied in the past and haven’t received the grant, why not try again? Whether it is something big or small, starting a new passion or rekindling an old one, or a necessity you’ve been without, the Brighter Tomorrow Grant was created to fulfill those needs. So, if you find yourself going through grey, lonely days this summer, remember what Annie said and know that even if today seems bad, MS Focus is here to help make your tomorrow brighter. After all, “it’s only a day away.” The Brighter Tomorrow Grant is open from June 1 to Sept. 1. To apply, visit msfocus.org, click Get Help, and then select Brighter Tomorrow Grant. The application can be completed and submitted directly from our webpage, or mail your completed application to: MSFocus: BTG Committee 6520 N. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 Completed applications can also be faxed to 954-351-0630 or emailed to support@msfocus.org Restrictions apply. See the application on the next page for full rules and guidelines.