Momentum - Spring 2013

do this. Because most of my symptoms are invisible, everyone thinks I will be fine. There needs to be some type of support for us caregivers with MS.

Anna Siegel, via email

More support needed

The article, “MS activists on the frontline,” (Summer 2012) says, “The Lifespan Respite Care Program is a critical service that enables caregivers to receive support and often permits people with MS to live at home longer.” Apparently, that support was not enough to keep Kim and Gary Campbell (“A short guide to long-term care,” Fall 2012) from losing their house and cars when Kim needed full-time assistance because of her MS, and Gary had to quit his job. What did members of Congress say when MS activists told them that the Lifespan Respite Care Program did not provide enough support to help Kim and Gary Campbell?

Rose G., Illinois
caregivers the support that
they need. MS Activists most
recently lobbied legislators for
$5 million for Lifespan Respite at
the Society’s 2012 Public Policy
Conference. While Congress has
not finalized FY 2013 funding,
the Senate Appropriations
Committee approved $4.99
million for Lifespan Respite. The
Society will continue to advocate
for this funding as the FY 2013
budget is finalized. To help
us advance this critical cause,
visit nationalMSsociety.org/
advocacy.

Momentum

The magazine of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Speaking the language of MS

SPRING.2013

El idioma de
la esclerosis
múltiple

PAGES 17 AND 19

EN INGLES Y ESPAÑOL

IN A FLASH!

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Editor’s note: The Lifespan Respite Care Program, which supports family caregivers, has been severely underfunded by Congress since its inception. Despite this, state grantees have made great progress, including creating public awareness programs and online respite directories. The Society continues to advocate for annual funding for Lifespan Respite, so it can provide family

Two tattoos

The article “A Deeper Tattoo” (Fall 2012) hit very close to home. I was diagnosed with MS five years ago at the age of 48. Two years ago I wanted to get a tattoo. I did a lot of research and came up with a cross, and my daughter Koren wanted to support me by getting the same one. We now have them on our lower necks. I chose the placement because MS can be in the spine and brain. By having the cross placed there, I am asking God to watch my back (and head).