Thanks to all of the Wild West Walkabout participants. The importance of your committment to raising money to help those of us with MS cannot be overstated. Your hard work has had a major effect on my life. The money you raised made it possible for the CNS Foundation to assist me in acquiring The Ness L 300. This wireless nerve stimulator has changed my life. It's a miracle! That's what my daughter said the first time she took me shopping after I received my Ness L 300. It has transformed my life from being a shut-in and dependent on others for assistance to becoming a more independent person. The last time she tried shopping with me she had to push me around in a wheelchair. When my husband took me to a supermarket he had to pull up as close as he could to the entrance so I could hobble over to the electric carts. The handicapped parking was never close enough. Now when we go to a supermarket we park wherever we like! I am now able to walk several blocks to our community swimming pool and spend time doing water exercises. The last two summers I had to be driven to the pool and still had difficulty walking the short distance from the street to the pool area. It was so difficult and embarrassing that I gave up. The Ness L 300 has changed my life in a matter of weeks. Thank you to all the Walkabout participants, the CNS Foundation and everyone responsible for this incredible transformation. Keep walking!

Donna Petersen

It was such a blessing to me to be able to help at last year's Walkabout! Most of my life I've been able to help by volunteering in one way or another, but after I started exhibiting more and more MS symptoms, I had to curtail my previous way of life! I had to work hard and long with various therapists to finally get to the place where I could accept and receive and not always be the giver. There's joy to be found in both! When my grant was approved, at first I was a bit embarrassed to be receiving help and financial aid. The care coordinator for the grant partnered with some amazing volunteers from Faith Evangelical Church in Loveland to finish building a wheelchair ramp for me. Once I relaxed and realized that all the volunteers also received joy from giving, I could once again feel the blessings even though I was now on the receiving end! The whole cycle of life is one of giving and receiving, and we all will at some point need to learn how to graciously do both. I think I learned the 'receive' lesson sooner rather than later due to MS. But am I not the most fortunate person?! I feel so blessed -- not just because of the help (which I was in dire need of!), but also to see that cycle repeat itself again and again My heartfelt thanks to all who've been a part of this and to everyone who will participate in the 2007 Wild West MS Walkabout!

Jeannie Kelso

As August starts to approach it's time to get to the more serious chats about "self-preservation" on the walk. This doesn't just mean "survival," we're there to have a great time as well. Being happy is two-fold: happy mind, happy body.

Feet seem to be the #1 thing that creates an "unhappy" body and, as a result, an unhappy mind. Here are a few things to remember:

1) Feet love to be dry and hate to be wet. You can never have too many fresh pairs of socks. Talcum powder can be very helpful. Frequent changes with a little powder can really help.

2) New, but broken in shoes are a must. Old ones will give you trouble, then we get to meet.. :( Bring 1-2 extra pairs.

3) Blisters are NO fun. Bring moleskin for padding. Ensure the padding is porous to allow moisture "wicking" away from the area. If you get a "hot-spot," STOP RIGHT THEN AND THERE and deal with it. Often waiting until the next stop is too late. Once you do get to the next stop, have it looked at. Be very conservative, you know, an ounce of prevention. . .

4) If something "just doesn't "feel right," pull up some shade and rest a few minutes.

5) If you do have any floppy dead-skin, trim it off, all it will do is "bunch-up and create another "hot-spot."

6) Pace yourself and really avoid sudden starts and especially stops and pivots, shearing forces like that are the skin's enemy.

7) Carry a good prevention kit in your fanny-pack including the above items plus some alcohol swabs, silk tape, a few safety pins and a small set of scissors with a good sharp tip.

Of course, medical is always just a "shout" away if you need us. As time draws closer we'll be sharing a few more tips and then right before the walk starts we'll chat again!

Can't wait to see you all in August!
Dr. Jim

And speaking of feet, Runners Roost in Ft. Collins is offering a 15% discount to all of our walkers! Visit www.runnersroost.com to look at their incredible inventory. Just mention the Walkabout to get the discount.

902 West Drake Road, Ft Collins, CO 80526.
(970)224-9114.

Finally, we hope you'll use A to Z Party Rentals for all of your summer and holiday entertaining needs. A to Z has been a great supporter and sponsor.

Call 970-224-4774 or visit 1588 Riverside Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524