38 msfocusmagazine.org Caregivers’ Night Out 2018 Ann M. Moore – Willowick, Ohio I would like to nominate Kathy Crowley. Kathy and I were classmates in high school, but lost touch until Facebook brought us together again after 30 years. When we reconnected, Kathy was faithful in coming to my home to assist me with an exercise routine in my battle with MS. When it was necessary to move to a powerchair, Kathy offered to live with me and become my caregiver. Kathy is a constant source of hope in my MS journey. Her unique gifts of compassion and patience have seen me through many days. In spite of the difficulties that this disease poses, she’s a true champion who inspires me to continue the fight. It would be an honor to reward her kindness and sacrifices she makes to help me cope with the challenges of multiple sclerosis. MS Focus Activities November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time when people all over the country recognize the loved ones who help them and show their appreciation. Whether they are a friend or family member, young or old, with you one day a week or all the time, caregivers are a huge part of life. For many people, the assistance offered by a caregiver helps them live healthier, more productively, and, in some cases, more independently. For everything they do, caregivers typically ask for nothing more than a “thank you,” but sometimes you want to give more back to them. To honor the wonderful caregivers out there, MS Focus recently held our annual Caregivers’ Night Out contest. We asked people with MS to write and tell us about their caregiver. These letters are always some of the most heartwarming, humbling accounts we see, including stories about children caring for their parents the way they cared for them, spouses loyally standing by each other no matter what, and even ones detailing how strangers have come together to help each other. Here are a few excerpts from the letters of our most recent winners: “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed” – Maya Angelou