http://www.msfocusdev.info/latest-news.aspxMultiple Sclerosis Foundation Related NewsWhat a wonderful time was had on this year's Cruise for a Cause, and what spectacular scenery! We know you had your cameras clicking! Cruisers, select your favorite photo from this year's Cruise and submit it for a chance to win cash prizes. But hurry, while we've extended the deadline, the contest ends Friday, August 6th. For complete rules and submission guidelines, see http://www.msfocus.org/pdf/2010-ALASKA-PHOTO-CONTEST.pdf. We can't wait to see your entries! http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=652010-07-19T00:00:00-07:00The MSF has found a new home. Our headquarters will be relocating, effective September 13, 2010. This new, larger location will allow our continued growth as a leading provider of services to the MS community. Our new address will be 6520 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. Our phone numbers will remain unchanged. Here's a first look at our new national headquarters: http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=662010-07-19T00:00:00-07:00*Brighter Tomorrow Grant (BTG): Each year the MSF makes dreams come true for people with MS through this national program. The goal is to provide goods or services to improve the quality of life for people living with MS by enhancing safety, self-sufficiency, comfort, or well-being. In the past, BTG recipients have received adaptive sports equipment, appliances, exercise classes, hobby supplies, various home modifications, life chairs, musical instruments, and partial scholarships for the MSF Cruise for a Cause ®. Previous grant recipients are ineligible but applicants who were denied in the past may apply again. Applications are confidential and will be reviewed by the grant committee. Recipients will be notified after December 1, 2010. Applicants are asked to provide basic personal and financial information, and to write a brief essay of 100 words or less to describe how the grant would help them have A Brighter Tomorrow™. If you would like to apply for a BTG, simply fill out our online application (available July 1st) at www.msfocus.org, print an application, or call 888-673-6287 to receive an application by mail. Applications are also included in the summer 2010 issue of the MSFocus. By mail, completed applications can be sent to the MSF, BTG Committee, 6350 N. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309. Applications are accepted from July 1st to October 1st of each year. For further information on the BTG, call our Program Services Department at 1-888-MSFOCUS or you can contact us by email: support@msfocus.org. *Computer Grant Program: The Computer Grant Program provides refurbished laptop or desktop computers for individuals with MS on limited or fixed incomes. The application process requires verification of a diagnosis of MS and a brief essay from the applicant explaining how a computer will enhance their quality of life. Internet access and technical support will be the responsibility of the grant recipient. Applications are accepted from July 1 to October 1 of each year. If you would like to apply for a computer grant, simply fill out our online application (available July 1st) at www.msfocus.org, print an application, or call 888-673-6287 to receive an application by mail. Applications are also included in the summer 2010 issue of the MSFocus. By mail, completed applications can be sent to the MSF, Computer Grant Program, 6350 N. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309. http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=642010-07-01T00:00:00-07:00The Energizer Kids Take Charge video campaign has announced the top 10 finalists in the contest that asked kids, “What happens when your toys run out of batteries?” The finalists’ videos are now available for viewing and voting at www.energizer.com/smartcharge. Each finalist has selected a charity to receive their portion of the $10,000 cash prize, which will be determined based on the percentage of votes his or her video entry receives. Voting runs through July 5, 2010. “The Kids Take Charge contest offered families the opportunity to flex their creative muscle with short, humorous videos and the freedom to select a cause important to each finalist,” said Jim Olsen, Vice President of Marketing for Energizer North America. “Thanks to these great entries our audience will be entertained as they come back daily to help a favorite charity win some money.” Young finalist Benjamin Kop selected the MSF as his charity. You can vote for Benjamin's video once per day from now until July 5!http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=622010-06-18T00:00:00-07:00The MSF is proud to partner with THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola through TICKETS Fore CHARITY, a fundraising program designed to generate revenue for local charities where PGA TOUR tournaments are held. The MSF is promoting the sale of tournament tickets with 100 percent of the net proceeds from the ticket sales going to charity. Fifty percent of the proceeds will benefit the MSF and 50 percent will benefit the East Lake Foundation, a program that helps families create a better future and a stronger community through quality education, affordable housing, and innovative programs that build strength now and for future generations. Ordering is easy: CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to THE TOUR Championship on behalf of the MSF. Select the quantity of tickets you would like to purchase and be sure to enter code TCMXUR to designate the MSF as the benefiting charitable organization. Provide payment information and you will receive a confirmation email, with your e-ticket attached, shortly thereafter. Please be sure to print out this ticket and present it at the gate in order to gain entry! For more information or if you have any questions, please visit www.AtlantaTFC.com or contact Chelsea Stewart at 404-370-8360. Sponsored by PGA TOUR, Inc., Registration #CH4537. Upon written request to PGA TOUR at 100 PGA TOUR Boulevard, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida 32082, Attn: Legal Department, a full description of the TICKETS Fore CHARITY program and the activities of the charitable organization who will benefit from the TICKETS Fore CHARITY program, including a financial summary, will be provided. The ticket purchase is not tax deductible as a charitable contribution by the consumer.http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=612010-06-16T00:00:00-07:00The MSF has launched a fun initiative called "Shine with Sunny" to encourage everyone with MS to particpate in National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month (NMSEAM 2010. Through this initiative, the MSF is challenging people with MS to get outside their comfort zone and experience new people, places and activities. Joining them as they travel outside their comfort zone will be Sunny. A very cheery-looking sun character on a stick, Sunny is distributed in the Foundation’s 2010 NMSEAM Awareness Kits. Upon their return, they will send a photograph of themselves with Sunny, along with a short essay explaining what they did and how that took them outside their comfort zone. The MSF will choose 50 winning entries to receive T-shirts commemorating 2010 NMSEAM. Some will also be chosen to feature in MSFocus, the Foundation’s quarterly magazine. To order a free awareness kit fill out this form or email awareness@msfocus.org and get ready to “Shine with Sunny”. http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=502010-03-04T00:00:00-07:00“Ready, Set, Shine.” The MSF has chosen this theme for National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month (NMSEAM) to acknowledge the many people with MS who have not only prepared themselves as much as possible for living with a chronic, unpredictable disease, but also have continued to lead active, fulfilling and productive lives. During NMSEAM, as well as all year long, we encourage everyone with MS to feel good about their achievements, to keep striving for more, and to keep “shining on.” During the month of March the MSF will be presenting an array of educational programs throughout the country, providing you with access to many MS experts who will bring you the latest information on how to stay active with MS. For information on those programs click here. No matter where you live, you can participate in our teleconferences on the topics of maximizing mobility and staying open to change. Click on Maximizing Mobility and Staying Open to Change to find out dates and times. http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=492010-03-03T00:00:00-07:00Too often, MS symptoms are left in the shadows. People don’t see your fatigue and depression and can’t feel your pain. They say you look good but have no idea what’s going on inside. It’s time to speak up for yourself and others with MS! This spring, the MSF will choose ten people with MS from around the country to serve as ambassadors. These people will become leaders in the MS community by: • Attending local and regional MSF events.• Speaking at support groups and health fairs.• Participating in public outreach. Those selected will have the chance to participate in leadership training to help them become advocates for MS awareness, and work closely with the MSF to help meet their advocacy goals. So, tell us how you would get the word out! Be creative – write an essay, record a video, include photos, or do a slideshow presentation. See full guidelines and application at http://www.msfocus.org/pdf/AmbassadorApp.pdf or in the current issue of MSFocus.http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=482010-03-01T00:00:00-07:00Living with MS can sometimes bog you down. To learn how to rev back up, come out to one of the many nationwide educational programs the MSF is hosting during National Multiple Sclerosis Education and Awareness Month (NMSEAM) in March and listen to MS healthcare professionals speak about how to “Remain Active, Manage Your Disease and Shine On.” In addition to getting useful information about living with MS, you will also be able to meet and have lunch with others who, like you, have MS and want to keep moving forward. Friendship opportunities await! Here is a listing of the programs by state. Space is limited, so please make a reservation with Gloria at 1-888-673-6287, ext. 126. Georgia: Speaker: Ben Thrower, M.D., Medical Director of the MS Institute at Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA When: Saturday, March 20th Time: 11 a.m. registration, 11:30 a.m. program and lunch Where: Shepherd Center, 2020 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA Florida: Speaker: Jonathan O. Harris, M.D., Board Certified Neurologist, Neurological Consultants, P.A., Ft. Lauderdale, FL When: Saturday, March 20th Time: 11 a.m. registration, 11:30 a.m. program followed by lunch Where: Hilton Deerfield Beach/Boca Raton, 100 Fairway Drive, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 Maryland: Speaker: Raul N. Mander, M.D., Certified Neurologist, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, in private practice, North Bethesda, MD When: Saturday, March 20th Time: 11 a.m. registration, 11:30 a.m. program and lunch Where: Residence Inn by Marriott, 192 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745 Michigan: Speaker: Jayne Ward, D.O., Associate Professor of Neurology at Michigan State University When: Saturday, March 27th Time: 11:00 a.m. registration, 11:30 a.m. program followed by lunch Where: Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, Michigan State University, 55 South Harrison Ave., East Lansing, MI 48824 Pennsylvania: Speaker: David E. Jones, M.D., Neurologist, Director of the MS Center of Lehigh Valley, PA When: Saturday, March 20th Time: 11:00 a.m. registration, 11:30 a.m. program followed by lunch Where: Hilton Scranton Conference, 100 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Texas: Speaker: Annette Okai, M.D., Board Certified Neurologist, MS Treatment Center of Dallas, Baylor University When: Saturday, March 13th Time: 11:a.m. registration, 11:30 a.m. program and lunch Where: Hyatt Regency Dallas, 300 Reunion Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207 Washington: Speakers: Ted. R. Brown, M.D., MPH, Director of Neurorehabilitation, MS Center at Evergreen. Jeffrey Shaw, Psy.D., Neuropsychologist at Evergreen Hospital Also featuring: Kasey Minnis, MSF representative and Bill Brayer, MS Helping Hands Group Leader, MSF Ambassador When: Saturday, March 27th Time: 8:00 a.m. registration, 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. program, 12:00 p.m. lunch, 12:45 p.m. program. Where: Evergreen Hospital and Medical Center, Education Center Surgery & Physician’s Building, Tan 100/101 at 12333 NE 130th Lane, Kirkland, WA Virginia: Speakers: Mitzi Williams, M.D., Medical Director of the Augusta MS Center, Augusta, GA. Lara Stepelman, Ph.D., Director of the Psychological Services Program at the Augusta MS Center. When: Saturday, March 27th Time: 9:30 a.m. registration, 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. program and Q & A, 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. lunch, 12:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. program and Q & A. Where: Quality Suites Lake Wright, 6280 Northhampton Blvd., Norfolk, VA (for directions 757-461-6251). http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=472010-02-22T00:00:00-07:00Have a question on your mind about MS and mobility? Wish you had easy access to an expert who could provide you with the information you need? That chance is coming. “Maximizing Mobility: Small Changes Make a Big Difference” will be the topic of a teleconference hosted by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation from 8 to 9 p.m. (EST) Tuesday, March 9th. In addition to answering your questions, panelists will provide lots of helpful information on easy adaptations you can make to keep moving with MS. Panelists include: Jodie Haselkorn, M.D., M.P.H., director of the department of veteran’s affairs at the MS Center of Excellence West in Seattle, Wash. Dr. Haselkorn is also a professor of rehabilitation medicine and an adjunct professor of epidemiology at the University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine in Seattle. Janet Powell, occupational therapist and associate professor in the department of rehabilitation medicine at the University of Washington. She has more than 20 years of clinical experience working with adults and children with various neurological conditions, including MS. If you want to participate, call in directly at (888) 550-5602 and enter 2344 1168. You can also register to get a meeting reminder by phone or by email by emailing editor@msfocus.org or by calling (800) 225-6495, ext. 145.http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=432010-02-19T00:00:00-07:00Since your MS diagnosis, have you been afraid to try new activities? Have you withdrawn and become isolated? Want to break out of that same old routine but don’t know how? Too often the psychological aspects of life with MS are ignored and it can be difficult to know where to turn. Two experts on the topic have offered to answer your questions in a national teleconference hosted by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. "Outside the Comfort Zone: Staying Open to Change and New Experiences” will be the topic of a teleconference from 8 to 9 p.m. (EST) Thursday, March 25th. Panelists include: Lara Stepleman, Ph.D., licensed psychologist and an associate professor of psychiatry and health behavior at the Medical College of Georgia at the Augusta MS Center. She is the director of the psychological services program, which focuses on emotional wellness and quality of life for patients of the center and their loved ones. Yvette Rojas, executive director of the Louisville Comprehensive Care MS Center in Kentucky. She has been living with MS for more than 20 years. If you want to participate, call in directly at (888) 550-5602 and enter 2344 1168. You can also register to get a meeting reminder by phone or by email by emailing editor@msfocus.org or by calling (800) 225-6495, ext. 145. http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=452010-02-19T00:00:00-07:00A Fish Fry and Dance benefiting the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation will take place at 5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 28th at the Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina, 38801 Overseas Hwy, MM 39, Big Pine Key, FL 33043. A $10 donation per person is required to attend the dance and dinner, which will feature fresh fish caught locally by Captain Robert Veres, better known as “Captain Jersey Bob.” Among the highlights of the event: all-you-can-eat fresh fish prepared four different ways (the fish comes from the captain’s fishing expeditions), a magic show, comedian, raffles, door prizes, 50/50, goody bags, music and dancing. Though no alcohol will be for sale, BYOB is permitted. Captain Jersey Bob has organized the fish fry to benefit the MSF for the past six years. He will also be donating free, half-day fishing trips during the week of Feb.21-27 to anyone having MS. Contact Captain Jersey Bob for details and to purchase tickets at 305-872-2363http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=462010-02-19T00:00:00-07:00Applications are now being accepted for the MSF’s 2010 Cooling Program. A variety of free cooling accessories are offered, including bandanas, neckties, hats, wristbands and two types of cooling vests. Use these items during the hot summer months to prevent overheating, which can lead to weakness, fatigue, visual disturbances, and the exacerbation of other symptoms. While the heat does not cause your MS to worsen, it can alter the passage of nerve impulses and slow you down. All applications are confidential and will be reviewed by the grant committee. Applications can be submitted online or completed applications can be mailed to Multiple Sclerosis Foundation Cooling Program, 6350 North Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. To find the application on this website, go to “Programs and Activities” and then click on “Cooling Program.”http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=352010-02-01T00:00:00-07:00 “African Americans with MS” is the newest addition to the MSF’s lineup of forums designed to meet the diverse needs of the MS community. Medical and healthcare professionals knowledgeable about the distinctions of MS in African Americans will answer your questions on a wide range of topics, including the medical, psychological, and cultural aspects of living with the disease. The forum will also serve as a venue for African Americans with MS to connect and share their experiences. Here’s a brief introduction to the doctors participating in the “African Americans with MS” forum: Mitzi Williams, M.D., is medical director of the Augusta MS Center and an assistant professor in the neurology department at the Medical College of Georgia. Annette F. Okai, M.D., is a neurologist at the MS Treatment Center of Dallas. Dr. Okai is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Lara Stepleman, Ph.D., is director of the MS psychological services program at the Augusta MS center. A licensed psychologist, she is an associate professor in the department of psychiatry and health behavior at the Medical College of Georgia. To submit a question for the doctors, go to www.msfocus.org. Click on “MS Community” and click on “Forums”.http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=262009-11-17T00:00:00-07:00 “African Americans with MS” is the newest addition to the MSF’s lineup of forums designed to meet the diverse needs of the MS community. Medical and healthcare professionals knowledgeable about the distinctions of MS in African Americans will answer your questions on a wide range of topics, including the medical, psychological, and cultural aspects of living with the disease. The forum will also serve as a venue for African Americans with MS to connect and share their experiences. Here’s a brief introduction to the doctors participating in the “African Americans with MS” forum: Mitzi Williams, M.D., is a neurologist and medical director of the Augusta MS Center at MCGHealth Center. She is also an assistant professor in the neurology department at the Medical College of Georgia. Annette F. Okai, M.D., is a neurologist at the MS Treatment Center of Dallas. Dr. Okai is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Lara Stepleman, Ph.D., is director of the MS psychological services program at the Augusta MS center. A licensed psychologist, she is an associate professor in the department of psychiatry and health behavior at the Medical College of Georgia. To submit a question for the doctors, go to www.msfocus.org. Click on “MS Community” and click on “Forums”.http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=272009-11-17T00:00:00-07:00What are the most important challenges facing people with MS today? That's the question the MSF is seeking to answer in a new survey. We are requesting that people with MS share their thoughts, in order to help us develop future programs and publications that meet the vital needs of the MS community. To participate in this short survey, please visit: https://app.icontact.com/icp/sub/survey/start?sid=3206&cid=263560http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=192009-09-16T00:00:00-07:00It's All About MEE. That's the motto of the MSF's educational programs, including the MSF Cruise for a Cause. Our goal is to Motivate, Educate, and Empower you. In that spirit, we'd like you to help select the itineraries for our future cruises. Where would you like to go? Let us know know by participating in a short survey. Completing the survey will take approximately two minutes, and will help us to determine which cruises our attendees would most enjoy. Click Here to Take the Survey!http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=172009-07-21T00:00:00-07:00Beginning July 1 and continuing until October 1, the MSF will be accepting applications for the Brighter Tomorrow Grant (BTG) Program. Each year, the MSF makes dreams come true for people with MS through this program by providing goods or services—valued at up to $1000 per recipient—to people with MS nationwide. The goal is to improve the quality of life for people with MS by enhancing their safety, self-sufficiency, comfort or well-being. Past recipients of the grant have received car repairs, ramps, wheelchairs, walkers, eyeglasses, appliances, televisions, furniture, therapeutic equipment, hobby supplies, retreats, and various home modifications. To qualify, a recipient must be 18 years of age or older and diagnosed with MS, or be the parent of a minor child diagnosed with MS. They must be a legal U.S. resident and must not have any other means of fulfilling their wish. Applicants are asked to provide basic personal and financial information, and to write a brief essay of 100 words or less to describe how the grant would help them. Requests made to the BTG Program must be for specific goods or services. Applications asking for cash and medications are not considered. Requests for items covered through other MSF grants—such as assistive devices and computers—will be referred to those programs. Applications will be made available on this website (click Programs and Activities, the Brighter Tomorrow Grant), in MSFocus magazine, or by calling 888-673-6287. Previous recipients of the BTG are ineligible for future BTGs but are welcome to apply for services through other MSF grant programs.http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=132009-07-01T00:00:00-07:00Applications will be accepted from July 1 to October 1 for the MSF’s Computer Grant Program. There is a world of support and information about MS to be found using a computer, but many people cannot access it. Because a technology gap still exists for people with disabilities, this grant program provides refurbished desktop computers and for people who have MS and have limited or fixed incomes. To meet approval for this grant, the applicant’s MS diagnosis must be verified. A brief essay from the applicant explaining how a computer will enhance their quality of life is also required. Internet access and technical support will be the responsibility of the grant recipient. Those who need training will be referred to computer literacy classes in their area. Refurbished computers come from schools, businesses and office buildings. The program offers only desktop computers of various models. If your computer is broken, the MSF may supply a new tower for use with your existing monitor and accessories. Applications for this grant are available online (click Programs and Activities, then Computer Grant Program), in MSFocus, or by calling 888-673-6287.http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=142009-07-01T00:00:00-07:00 For nearly a decade, MSF has helped to connect the MS community to assistive technologies (AT) through our Assistive Technology Program. We are pleased to announce that MSF has taken that commitment one step further by becoming an Affiliate Partner of the MS Technology Collaborative, a joint-effort between Microsoft, the National MS Society and Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals. Created in 2007, the Collaborative is dedicated to helping people living with MS overcome cognitive, vision, and dexterity challenges through the use of AT. The Collaborative?s home is www.MyMSMyWay.com, a comprehensive online resource built for the MS community by the MS community. With the guidance of a steering committee of nine people living with MS, MyMSMyWay.com has become a one-stop-shop for AT information and resources. Here, visitors can use the ?Snapshot? tool, a short quiz that provides customized technology solutions based on each individual?s specific needs. MyMSMyWay.com also offers user-submitted technology tips, a monthly column on how to incorporate AT into your daily life, and an abundance of information about specific types of AT that are available, including options that are affordable and at times even free. As an Affiliate Partner, MSF will work closely with the Collaborative, contributing content to MyMSMyWay.com and Helping to promote the Collaborative?s efforts to the MS community. One such project that we?re particularly excited about is the development of an online game designed specifically to address the cognitive challenges of people living with MS. Expected to launch in June 2009, this game is being developed in consultation with leading healthcare professionals as well as several members of the MS community. In the coming months, the Collaborative will look to the MyMSMyWay community to test the initial version of the game. Click here to register with MyMSMyWay.com and be one of the first to play this landmark game and provide your feedback. We look forward to our ongoing partnership with the Collaborative, which we?re certain will help us continue to bring critical information and resources to the MS community.http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=22009-05-01T00:00:00-07:00 The City of Miramar Presents the 1st Annual Gospel Hip-Hop Cultural Showcase and Summit on Friday May 22nd and Saturday, May 23rd at the Miramar Cultural Center/Artspark. In partnership with Dunamis Power Productions, this two-day event promises to stimulate, educate and uplift aspiring independent Hip-Hop/Gospel artist by providing "behind the mic" knowledge of the music industry. Local and international artists, including Grammy award nominee Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Dove Nominee Dooney Da Priest will share their art-form while simultaneously creating awareness of multiple sclerosis and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. The purpose of the Gospel Hip-Hop Cultural Showcase and Summit is to provide: 1. An incentive for youth and young adults to create and perform original positive or inspirational music. Target Audience: Middle and High School Students. Aspiring hip-hop artists, independent hip-hop artists, upload your original music, video clips and lyrics to www.sonicbids.com/ghcs to be selected to perform at the GHCS Talent Contest & Show with upcoming independent artists. Songs need not be gospel but must be positive. ? GHCS Talent Contest and Show ? Friday, May 22nd 7:00 pm-9:00 pm at the Miramar Cultural Center/Artspark. The winner will receive a cash prize award of $500, ride in a limo to the Red Carpet Preshow & Concert on Saturday evening, be interviewed on the Red Carpet and perform on stage with national artists. 2. Workshops that will enhance and/or begin careers of aspiring and independent artists. Target Audience: Anyone interested in a music career. ? Educational Summit - Saturday, May 23rd, 9:00 am-4:00 pm, Miramar Cultural Center/Artspark. Lunch is included. Participants will learn and discuss artist development, protecting your art through copyright, marketing strategies and other discussions. 3. Hip-hop music fans and the community at large can enjoy an alternative to mainstream hip-hop as they enjoy nationally known inspirational hip-hop artists. Target audience: Everyone ? Red Carpet Preshow and Concert ? Saturday, May 23rd, 7:00 pm ? 10:30 pm at the Miramar Cultural Center/Artspark. Performing in concert, Cross Movement Records presents two time Stellar Award Winner, Da? T.R.U.T.H. and Grammy Nominee, Ambassador. Also performing Dove Nominee Dooney Da Priest with his hit single, ?Pull Up Your Pants?. Grammy Nominee, Gospel Legend and spokesperson for Multiple Sclerosis, Vanessa Bell Armstrong will host the concert and perform. Prices ? Weekend Package $60 - Talent Contest & Show, Educational Summit including lunch, Red Carpet Preshow and Concert - $50 for a group of 20 or more ? Saturday, Educational Workshops Only - $50, $40 for a group of 20 or more ? Saturday Night, Preshow & Concert - $30, $25 for a group of 20 or more SPONSORS: ? City of Miramar ? The Mango Festival ? United Way of Broward County For more information, call the Fund Development Department at 800-225-6495.http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=32009-04-01T00:00:00-07:00 The most important tool in raising MS awareness year-round may be...you. This March, the MSF is seeking eight people from around the country who are ready to be leaders in the MS community. By sharing your MS story, advocating for your MS-related cause and raising awareness in your community about the services the MSF provides, you can help improve the lives of other people with the condition. Those who are chosen as volunteer MS Ambassadors will receive leadership training through the MSF, and one will have the opportunity to tape a public service announcement about MS. For more information, or to apply, please see the winter edition of MSFocus, or click here.http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=52009-03-23T00:00:00-07:00 Bookings have begun for the next MSF Cruise for a Cause, an Alaskan tour in June 2010. Alaska's stunning scenery and cool temperatures make it an ideal setting for an accessible, enjoyable trip for people with MS of all abilities, as well as family and friends. Although the trip is still 15 months away, the Cruise can sell out quickly - especially the accessible cabins! This is a common occurrence on all our cruises. The 2010 Alaska cruise is the only official MSF Cruise for a Cause and will feature top educational speakers and engaging programs during days at sea, as well as support from the MSF staff. This year, an interest-free payment plan is available. For booking information or more details, see our MSF Cruise for a Cause page today.http://www.msfocusdev.info/news-details.aspx?newsID=62009-03-19T00:00:00-07:00