May 23, 2024 Meeting Summary

Presiding: Randi Downham

Meeting Room setup/takedown and general problem solving: Tom Mangan & Team

Inspiration: Natalie White

Introduction of Guests: Dave Hansen

Rotaract/Interact Students:

Humor: Terry Roark

Foundation Drawing: Terry Roark won $10 with $1,560 in the jackpot and 25 cards remaining in the deck.

O’Dwyers Drawing: Pam Dunnuck

 

 

Special Presentation: Randi Downham presented Dave Hansen with his Paul Harris Fellow +1. Congrats Dave!

 

Rotarian of the Week: Kelly Neville nominated Chet Lockard and Rollin Abernethy for attending District Conference. She attended as well.

 

Songs: By the Light of the Silvery Moon, Beer Barrel Polka

 

Program: National MS Society, Deb Dawson

 

Introduction: Tom Mangan

 

Deb Dawson has volunteered for the MS Society since 1994. There are many ways to help and to get Wyoming more involved. Wyoming is currently underrepresented in relation to MS.

 

MS is an unprecedented disease of the central nervous system, affecting the brain, spine, and optic nerves. IT is an autoimmune disease. There is damage to the message conduit, which disrupts the signal from the nerves.

 

MS can change daily, and no two people are the same. Some have a complete inability to function, while others have less issues. Eighty percent of MS patients deal with fatigue.

 

Most people are diagnosed with MS between the ages of 20-50. It is the most widespread disability and is more common in women. Interestingly, it is also more prevalent in patients further away from the equator and those with less sunlight/Vitamin D access. The highest rates of MS are in Canadians. One in 350 people have MS.

In 2022, research found that the average cost of medical needs for an MS patient was $100,000. About 1 million people in the US have MS, and there are 200 new cases each week. The numbers have quadrupled from 1994 to 2017 because of better diagnosis. Wyoming is one of nine states with the highest rates in the US.

 

There are four categories. One is clinically isolated syndrome, which is common for 85 percent of patients. The second is relapse and remittance, for about 70-80 percent of MS patients. This is when a patient may have a relapse with symptoms but is able to recover. This is the most common form. Three is secondary progressive. This is when the disability increases after the initial diagnosis. The fourth is primary progressive, in 10 percent of patients. This is when there is a high and steady decline because of MS.

 

Many studies have moved MS forward, especially with resources and medications. There is no cure. Disease modifying meds do help alleviate the disease and can help decrease further nerve damage.

 

Exercise, being aware of diet, staying hydrated, and having a good neurologist are all important considerations for MS patients. It can be difficult to find a neurologist in Wyoming, but the Rocky Mountain MS Center in Denver has many good resources.

 

Upcoming MS Walks are:

 

Response: Doug Faus

 

 

 

Birthdays in May: Jamie Terry, John Evans, John Bard, Tim Stamp, Becky Maddox, Ron Van Ekeren, Randi Downham, Todd Pearson, Dustin Richards, Ollie Walter, Ken Patel, and Mari

 

Rotary Anniversaries in May: Natalie White (1 year), Neil Theobald (1 year), Tony Hoch (15 years), Terry Roark (25 years), Paul Greaser (38 years), Kerry Greaser (38 years).

 

Of the things we think, say, or do:

•Is it the Truth?

•Is it Fair?

•Will it build Good Will and

  Better Friendships?

•Will it be Beneficial to All    

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Spoke Editor: Caitlin White, 307-630-1965, cwhite@acplwy.org