Help request for MS project - VOTES only, no $$$

[twopack]

I’m providing two links to the 'Pepsi Refresh Project'.  Using them will send you to an area where you can vote for individuals and small groups who have applied for grant money from PepsiCo (a free sign in is required to vote).  When voting ends October 31st (and you can vote every day) up to ten top vote getters in each of four categories (5K, 25K, 50K, and 250K) can receive the amount of grant money requested to support their project.

This first link goes directly to the vote page for 'Oak Clinic for MS'; located in nearby Green, OH (It’s where I receive treatment).  Ten years ago one patient, his caregiver, a doctor and a nurse opened Oak Clinic for Multiple Sclerosis to treat individuals living with MS regardless of their ability to pay.  They offer a variety of treatment services to their patients in an encouraging and relaxed, yet very professional environment.

'Oak Clinic for MS' has entered the 'Pepsi Refresh Challenge' for 25K in grant funding to help mobility impaired MS patients stay connected to the world.  They would use the money to provide personal computers, user instruction and one year of free wireless service to 25 OCMS patients.  They have a matching gift opportunity offer in place that would double the funding, allowing them to expand and extend their program.

Go to the following website to read more and/or vote for the 'Oak Clinic for Multiple Sclerosis'.
http://www.refresheverything.com/click4ms

There are at least two other applications entered to obtain grant money for MS patients in the Pepsi Refresh Challenge.  Look for them also if you wish.


This second link connects to a challenging group in the 25K division, but as a veteran, I can't help but give them a daily vote too (you get to vote for 10 grant proposals each day).  'Support Military Working Dogs' is already providing body protection for dogs who are working beside our military men and women overseas.  Military Working Dogs protect human service members in a way not possible by any other means.  They perform selflessly and courageously without demand or payment (although they enjoy rations and comradery as much as any soldier).  Providing additional protection for working dogs helps dogs and humans both.  

'Support Military Working Dogs' has entered the 'Pepsi Refresh Challenge' for 25K in grant funding to provide protective equipment for deployed military working dogs.  Grant money would help them purchase (1) Cool Vests to keep dogs body temps below 103 degrees, (2) Doggles (dog goggles) to protect their eyes from blowing sand, (3) MuttLuks to protect canine feet from 130+ degree sand and asphalt that causes burns and prohibits dogs from getting rid of excess body heat, and (4) ear protection against the noise of explosions and the Black Hawk helicopters used for transport.

Go to the following website to read more and/or vote for 'Support Military Working Dogs'.
http://www.refresheverything.com/helpmilitaryworkingdogs

PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE EVERY DAY THROUGH OCTOBER 31ST

Thank you,
Mary

[rendean]

Thanks for the reminder for this failing brain =).

[twopack]

Last voting day tomorrow.

[twopack]

Bump.... remember to vote.

[twopack]

Thanks Ren.  Here's today's reminder.

Mary

[rendean]

I voted and will continue to do so. I had an associate who had a project in the Pepsi challenge last year. She did well but did not win; however someone else read her plan and she received funding from another source.

Thanks for bringing this up. Reminders would be helpful to me if you would like to send them:-)

Ren

[twopack]

Thanks Lulu.  I thought this was a great idea to submit.  It's an excellent example of the way Oak Clinic treats MS holistically.  They don't see patients there so much.  They see people.

I'd gladly send reminders out, if you want them.
Mary

[twopack]

I apologize if that sounded like yelling.  The capitols were only used for emphasis as I wanted to be sure that particular part of the post was read.  All caps is the only tool available on MedHelp for emphasis.  If we had emoticons here, could choose to make characters bold, underlined or italicized, could use color or set font styles .... it would be so much easier to put our comments in perspective.  Maybe someday.

Really wasn't aware I read anything into your post.  It seemed clear.

Mary

[Lulu54]

I've voted and hope I'll remember to keep voting.  Also posted it on my facebook page and a few groups there..  maybe others here can spread the word too.  

I sure hope they end up with one of the grants.

[Sumanadevii]

Wooooo...back up.  No need to yell at me.  I just wish that some in research had applied.  I said nothing about if I would or wouldn't vote.  The programs are all wonderful listed.  Please do not read more into my post than what was written.  

[twopack]

Maybe they did.  I don't know.  

But research has many funding sources and has continued without pause, giving us glimpses of reason for hope recently, while SOMEONE JUST LIKE US IS OUT THERE AND WOULD LOVE THE CHANCE TO BE A PART OF THIS COMMUNITY BUT HAS NO COMPUTER ACCESS OR SKILLS TO DO SO AND NO PERSON OR ORGANIZATION LOOKING FOR A WAY TO HELP.

My personal belief is that we can't overlook the needs of now because our focus is locked on the hope of the future.


Vote if you wish, or don't.  Comments are always welcome but please keep in mind that the people who submitted these grant applications worked hard to obtain funds for programs that are important to a diversity of citizens.  We can't edit the accepted applications.  

So if you have dollars do donate to MS research through another source, please give to them.  I only posted this because it doesn't take funds away from other MS financial sources or our memberships personal donations.  

If you have a vote to spare, there are MSers who will be very appreciative of the chance to thank you when they can get online some day.

Mary

[Sumanadevii]

If I were going to ask for money to go anywhere it would be for MS research.  Too bad one of those doing research didn't bother to apply for one of these grants.  Let's hope they were just too busy reseaching.