b'MS Focus ActivitiesCelebrating Caregivers Contest provides a night out for those most deservingEach November, in recognition of National Family Caregivers month, we honor the special people who selessly devote much of their time and attention to care for friends and loved ones with multiple sclerosis. For the MS Caregivers Night Out contest, we asked you to tell usin 100 words or lesswhat makes your caregiver special and how he or she has made a difference in your life. Spouses, children, and friends have made all the difference to their loved ones living with MS. They go out of their way to help out with chores, providing essential services, and offering emotional support.The following care partners were chosen to receive dinner for two at a restaurant of their choice. We salute them and the caregivers who work hard every day to assist those affected with MS. Here are a few excerpts from the letters of our most recent winners: Patty BennettNominated Anna Tinsley BennettLewes, Del.My daughter, Anna, 23 weeks pregnant at the time, stepped up to help me when my husband could not. She gave up the week of her fourth wedding anniversary celebration to take care of me. I had a bad fall that left me with two broken ribs and a broken hip that required partial replacement surgery. After a week in the hospital, ten days in a rehabilitation facility, and two weeks of home healthcare, Anna cooked meals, helped me in and out of bed, devised a way to shower independently, and literally wiped me one day.Brandy ShroutNominated Claudia Atkinson Kingwood, W.Va.My beautiful mother, Claudia, is the epitome of a caregiver. Not only does she battle MS for herself and my baby sister, but also me. Mom can barely walk, but she ensures that Im taken care of daily. She still drives and gets me to doctor appointments, grocery shopping, and wherever else I need to go. I cant do MS without her. I thank God daily for my momma, and Id love to celebrate her strength and care for me with a caregivers night out. Thank you. msfocusmagazine.org 22'