Hula Hoops[R], Beatles, and a very BRITE light.

My first experience with movements was the great Hula Hoop Movement of 1958. It took me months but I finally won my very own trophy. It was silver plated and turned purple six months later, but it remains a symbol to me of how motivated one can get when something captures your imagination.

My next movement was the British Invasion in 1963 when The Beatles played on The Ed Sullivan Show. We swore our undying loyalty to the Beatles, and withstood the endless ridicule of Elvis fans.

Then came the demand for civil rights and I finally understood what a true movement was. I heard the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, It., articulating the clear injustices in our country--in our own backyards. There was despair, violence, sacrifice, betrayal--and assassination. But the movement thrived because passion, urgency, and inspiration come to those who commit to ending injustice.

When a bright light shines on injustice, good people cannot help but respond. When what seems normal and acceptable one day is understood to be unjust and intolerable the next, then a movement has begun.

We're here to shine a BRITE light on the injustices of MS and all of its repercussions. The movement to end MS is under way, and you can help. Collect petitions to save MS research funding at the NIH; share your story on the FaceofMS.org; become pen pals with your state and federal representatives; start a Bike or Walk team to raise funds; visit someone who feels isolated by MS--do something NOW?

The themes of earlier movements still ring in my ears--but I never doubt the strongest one: "We Shall Overcome"!

The National MS Society has declared that we will respond to MS by shining a BRITE light on its injustices: we will be Bold, Relevant, Inclusive, Transparent, and Engaging.

Joyce Nelson

President & CEO 

The National MS Society

700 Broadway, Suite 810

Denver, CO 80203

or e-mail [e-mail]