Our state MS society, in its infinite wisdom and continued habit of wasting money on all things uneccessary, has re launched its employment assistance service with a new logo. The posters are numerous, large and depict lots of pretty people, all smiling inanely.

They boldly declare that the company is now 'Providing Solutions for Remarkable People'.

I don't think I was in a particularly bad mood when I read it, but it sure hit a nerve with me. I asked my consultant, 'Why am I remarkable?'.
'Because you're coping with things' she replied.

Coping? remarkable for coping? Give me strength...........

Do you feel Remarkable? given the definition..
adjective;
1.notably or conspicuously unusual; extraordinary: a remarkable change.
2.worthy of notice or attention.

How much did they pay some idiot to write that, and who was the chimp who agreed it was a good idea?

And I questioned how they've squandered 5 million dollars last year, are in debt to the tune of 80,000 and only have 2,500 'patients' to care for...

Is it me????? or...

What word would you use to describe yourself on a poster promoting yourself?

LOL this reminds me of getting angry when the NMSS sent me an email asking me which event I would like to participate in, the bike or the run fundraiser. I can neither run nor ride a bike and I found it totally offensive that they don't offer a fundraising event that people with MS can actually participate in.

One word on a poster? Let's see... frustrated?

I think the word I'd use (to describe myself, at least) would be "realistic".

I'm not remarkable. Like millions of others with daily challenges I just do what I have to do to get through the day.

Sometimes I feel like the people who come up with these catchy "slogans" need to spend a day in the shoes of someone that they're attempting to describe.

Yep, I'm very definitely remarkable. I was once accused of being "one of a kind" to which I replied, "I assure you that I am but one, I am not of any kind." I'd like to help them squander $5 million!

Legz, there are many ways for us to participate in the fundraiser events. My considered opinion is that our participation is every bit as pivotal as that of those who contribute their time, money and sweat. Everything from early organization, recruiting, driving SAG vehicles, and first aid, to just being a cheerleader at the finish line.

I go every year as a cheerleader and sometimes I get to hand out some of the little medals. I always make a big thank you sign for the car and drive the route on my way in. The walking, riding, golf, etc. appeal to the masses where the money resides.

One survey I saw about coping skills to keep MS folks in the work place was...

1. would it be helpful to have a place to lay down at work?
2. do you think if you could take naps, you could have stayed in the work place?

OMG!

1-800-RENT-A-MOOSE
MS isn't contagious. But enthusiasm is.

We make problems disappear.

Or... something.

LOL, I kove your post, Pud's, I hear you on the waste of, good research or aid to MSers, moneys..

To the NMSS, I'm just another fund raiser....no respect for being "Remarkable" at all..

Actually, that would help me! Unfortunately, the 3 hour nap would screw up my productivity even more than my normal fatigue level. It would help me in the sense that I would be less useless when I get home, though. I guess I'm stuck popping ritalin...

I would SO like to be able to stay at work and maybe have a little nap half way through my shift, and be able to leave a bit early so I get home before midnight. Not sure who would be in charge whilst I napped, but what a lovely thought.

Legz, I hear you. It's not the fact that you could do something to help, it's that like me, you probably get all the requests to do this that and the other. I get so many begging letters, lottery slips, charity fundraiser events, ticket things and book offers. All over $100. Like I've got spare money!!!
Or I can stand in the shopping centre next month and collect money if i like!!!!
Himself saw my 'invitation' to be a collector and I had to stop him from taking it and shoving it up their asre.

I wouldn't mind doing something if I was sure the money went to research, paying a scientist, paying for equipment or helping those who need it.

But most of it goes to salaries and fundraising events!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAARRRGHHHHHH. Fundraising to earn money to pay more salaries...

Sal, like you say, I'm not one to be helped in their eyes. I'm an extra body to raise money to pay their wages before they see if there's any left to help those worse than me.

That is exactly my point. I have twice called my local NMSS. The first time I was looking for an MS Specialist in my area. They instead sent me a list of every neurologist in the state; except of course for the actual MS Center in Norfolk! That one was not listed.

The second call I had a question about how to determine the difference between a residual effect of a flare and a continuation of same flare... and I was told to call my neuro and ask her.

Don't get me wrong, I am sure they do tremendous things for a lot of people, but the "local" office here is over 50 miles from me and I have not recieved anything from them aside from requests for donations.

Which is why I would donate to the local MS clinic or the colleges that are doing MS research before I give money to the NMSS.