b'MS Focus ActivitiesDDrreeaammssFFuulllllleeddTThhrroouugghhMMSSFFooccuuss\'\'AABBrriigghhtteerrTToommoorrrroowwPPrrooggrraammTThheepprrooggrraammhhaassbbeeccoommeeaabbeeaaccoonnooffhhooppeeffoorrtthhoosseennaavviiggaattiinngglliiffeewwiitthhMMSSBy Aron FyneLiving with multiple sclerosis can presentto occupational therapy in her area, Karla anarrayofchallengesbeyondthephysicalstruggled with worsening ne motor skills. ones. From nancial strain to limited resources,The grant provided her with a new dollhouse the hurdles often feel insurmountable. That\'skit, allowing her to rene her motor skills and where the Brighter Tomorrow Grant comes inbringjoytoothersbydonatingfinisheda program that has become a beacon ofcreations to women\'s and children\'s shelters. hope for those navigating life with MS."This grant has restored my optimism and Administered by MS Focus: the Multiplemade me a very happy woman," Karla said. Sclerosis Foundation, the Brighter Tomorrow"It\'s more than a hobbyit\'s therapy for my Grant offers up to $1,000 to fund goods orhands, my heart, and my soul." services that can signicantly improve recipients\'For others, the grant provides tools for quality of life. Since its inception, this grant hasentertainment and relaxation, essential fullled unique and heartfelt requests, fromcomponents of well-being. Sally Tirey, from adaptiveequipmenttocreativehobbies,Taylorville, Ill., was overjoyed to receive a 65-showcasing the program\'s commitment toinch television. "I can nally catch up on all uplifting the MS community.the Hallmark movies I\'ve missed." she said. "We aim to provide more than just assistance;"This grant has brought so much joy into my weaimtomakedreamscometrue,"saidlife, and I can\'t wait to give back by donating Kashanna Allen, MS Focus\' cyclical programsto the [Brighter Tomorrow Grant]." manager. "The goal of the grant is to improveMeeting Unique Needssomeone\'s daily life in a way that might notThe grant is distinctive for its ability to otherwise be possible."creatively meet recipients\' needs. From a Transforming lives, one grant at a timevacuum robot for a busy family in Florida to an adaptive jewelry-making machine for a Each year, the Brighter Tomorrow Grantresident in Texas, the BTG doesn\'t shy away acceptsapplicationsbetweenJune1andfrom unconventional requests. Sept. 1, inviting individuals with MS to shareTwo particularly memorable stories for Allen theirvisionsforabettertomorrow.Theinvolvedfundingagoat-milkingmachine possibilities are as unique as the applicants.and a kayak. "Those requests stuck with me For Karla Olaski, a resident of Franklin, N.C.,because they weren\'t just practicalthey the grant made it possible for her to continuebrought joy," she said. "This is a feel-good her cherished hobby of building dollhouses.grant, and we encourage applicants to think Diagnosed with MS and facing limited accessoutside the box." 24 msfocusmagazine.org'