About a thousand years ago, I was in college at Michigan State University. While there, I met a bunch of people … my wife(!) and the best man at my wedding among them.

My freshman year, I met some of the gals of our “sister floor”. One was Sue [last name omitted to protect those who have bad knees]. Since college, she has devoted more than her fair share of time and effort to creating, sustaining, and maintaining a non-profit organization called CHUMS.
C - Children’s
H - Hope
U - (for) Understanding
M - Multiple
S - Sclerosis

Her cause and efforts have been outstanding, and now she has the opportunity to receive the deserved recognition. Take a look at the following, and please vote!
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Friends and colleagues:

Anyone who knows me knows about my nonprofit organization, CHUMS - Children’s Hope for Understanding Multiple Sclerosis.

As a tribute to my father who endured the disease for 27 years, I started CHUMS in 1993 as a way to give children an understanding about MS so that they may more effectively cope with it as a component of their lives.

Now, CHUMS is one of three finalists selected to receive a MS Leaders of Hope award from Biogen Idec and Elan in association with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and MS World.

Now that the finalists have been selected, the winner is determined by online votes from the public.

So to earn this distinguished recognition, I need your help.

If you would, please click on the link at the end of this paragraph to take you to the MS Leaders of Hope web site and click on CAST YOUR VOTE to take you to the award categories. Once there, scroll down to see the categories and select RELATIONSHIPS . Then, scroll down to view the finalists. CHUMS is the second entry listed and you simply check the box next to it to cast your vote.

Voting is open now through October 20, 2005. The winner in each category will be notified by October 28, 2005.

Thanks in advance for your consideration and support.

Sue

Here is an excerpt from my entry:
(Children) learn how MS attacks the central nervous system not through lectures but through games, creative demonstrations and simulations in which they experience common MS symptoms. CHUMS provides adults with simple, practical ways to talk with their kids about the disease. I accept no compensation for any of my MS-related work or speaking engagements. CHUMS is self-funded and self-operated. It’s not how I make my living, but I do consider it my life’s work.

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Thanks!