Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52 Page 53 Page 54 Page 55 Page 56 Page 57 Page 58 Page 59 Page 60 Page 61 Page 62 Page 63 Page 6455 msfocusmagazine.org ‘Just Ask’ Key to MS Focus Ambassador Success By Alissa Ayden While Twyla Cochran didn’t know much about multiple sclerosis when she was diagnosed, she did know that she wanted to have a positive impact in the MS community. Becoming a MS Focus Ambassador provided her with the perfect opportunity. As an Ambassador, she’s helped spread knowledge and awareness about the disease and all of the free programs and services MS Focus provides. She said, “It gives me satisfaction when I can give information about the Foundation to people that didn’t even know anything about it.” While Twyla has done an amazing amount of work on behalf of the MS community, her own experience with MS has not always been easy. “Living in a small town where there isn’t a MS specialist,” Twyla said, “it makes it hard to place the Foundation’s information in the right hands. I have to travel approximately 70 miles to see a MS specialist.” Still, that hasn’t slowed Twyla down one bit. This year, Twyla hosted a restaurant fundraiser at Habanero’s Fresh Tex Mex in Copperhill, Tenn. to benefit MS Focus. Twyla ensured that she was able to hand out information to diners and connect people with MS Focus services as well. Recently, Twyla also packed her car with MS Focus goodies and took a road trip to Knoxville to represent the organization and share information at a patient educational program hosted by a pharmaceutical company. In 2017, Twyla hopes to host a concert fundraiseroreven herfirst carshowfundraiser. While not everyone has the time or ability to be a MS Focus Ambassador, Twyla firmly believes that everyone is capable of spreading awareness. When asked for her advice to others who want to get involved, she said, “Don’t be shy about asking people for their help in spreading awareness. I’ve used social media a lot to reach out and ask. I’ve had Bobby Amaru, from the band Saliva, show his MS awareness support on social media. I’ve had Nolan Neal, who was on TheVoice, post his MS awareness support. I did this by just reaching out on social media and asking. Just ask!” The MS Focus Independent Support Group Network is growing! Please welcome these newly affiliated groups: • LaGrange MS Support Group, LaGrange, Ga. • Learn to Fly Baptist MS Center Support Group, Lexington, Ky. • MS Sno-Flakes Support Group, Edmonds, Wash. • MS Support Group of Eastern Kentucky, Jackson, Ky. • Upland MS Support Group, Upland, Calif. Please visit our website at www.msfocus.org for the meeting dates, times, and locations or to find the support group nearest you. MS Focus Activities