Ohio Buckeye Chapter Moves to the Beat of a "Green" Heart

In addition to helping more than 18,000 people in Ohio living with multiple sclerosis, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Ohio Buckeye Chapter is also helping the planet.

The Ohio Buckeye Chapter recently recycled nearly 50 pieces of unusable computer hardware. Not only were pieces of office equipment recycled, chapter staff were encouraged to bring in personal computer hardware to be recycled. The chapter contacted Itran Electronics Recycling to help dispose of the equipment in a way that was safe for the environment.

“The hardware was no longer usable, and we were glad to find an environmentally friendly means of disposal,” said David Stallman, Director of Information Technology for the Ohio Buckeye Chapter. “We are committed to moving toward a world free of MS and we want to do our part to ensure that the world will be here when that day comes.”

The Ohio Buckeye Chapter plans to host a Recycling Fundraiser in Spring 2009 to help other businesses and individuals safely dispose of their unwanted equipment while helping fund programs, services and vital research to find the cause and cure for multiple sclerosis. If anyone is interested in donating computer hardware to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society call David Stallman or Jodi Shipley at 800-667-7131.

In addition to computer hardware recycling, the chapter is also helping conserve resources by offering its constituents the opportunity to receive quarterly newsletters via email versus mailed hardcopies. Reducing the number of mailed copies helps to reduce printing costs, as well as the amount of paper used to print the quarterly newsletter. Walk MS and Bike MS participants are also encouraged to fundraise online and can download fundraising materials from MSohiowalk.org and MSohiobike.org Web sites versus receiving materials through the mail.

What Price Would You Pay to Help Someone In Need?

Heroism is contagious. When Don Fetzer, Gary Graham and Dempsey Root volunteered to build a ramp to help Carolyn Thornton, of Wooster, Ohio, they never dreamed that it would almost cost one of them their lives and create another hero in the process.

Problems with walking are certainly nothing new to Paul and Carolyn Thornton. The couple needed the ramp built as Carolyn could no longer maneuver the steps at the entryway of their home. Carolyn was diagnosed with MS ten years ago and now depends on a walker for mobility.

A collaborative effort between the Ohio Buckeye Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Smithville was begun to construct the ramp.

According to Pastor Scott Bacon, “church members, including Don, Gary and Dempsey, donated all the labor required to build the ramp”. Don led the effort by designing the ramp plans, getting the building permits and following through with the inspections.

However, Don in no way imagined the price of his good deed could be so high. The first day of construction at the home he started to feel ill. Paul insisted on driving him to the hospital which turned out to be a life saving decision because Don was having a heart attack. He needed emergency surgery to implant a pacemaker to save his life.

Thanks to the efforts and generosity of church members and support from the Society, the Thorntons are enjoying a new freedom this holiday season. And thanks to the unexpected heroism of Paul, Don is appreciating the special gift he received - life.