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Westward Ho!

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New this year is Westward Whiskey, donating two certificates for four people to go taste some of the highest-rated single malt whiskey in the USA.

Each and every drop of Westward American Single Malt whiskey is brewed, distilled, matured, and bottled at the Westward distillery. Book a tour and meet the talented people behind our whiskey, learn about our pioneering spirit, and walk the distillery floor to see first-hand how our unique production techniques – and our passion – make Westward the highest rated American Single Malt whiskey. All tours wrap up in our tasting room for an exploration of distillery exclusives that are not available anywhere else in the world.

Even Rob’s uncle, who lives in Los Angeles, has gushed over this amazing brand of whiskey. We were enjoying a great family dinner in December when we were visiting and he broke out a bottle and served up a glass of Single Malt American Whiskey. Rob loved it! Visit their website for more information!

Donations are coming in!

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Hey there everyone! It’s been a week since we kicked off procurement for this year’s Auction 2 Cure MS and we are already getting commitments from local businesses!

I wanted to take some time to spotlight a couple that have been so gracious in their donations!

First off, I am going to shout out JJT Studios! JJ, the owner, is helping us out with a discounted space rental! This will be great because we won’t be battling the 90-degree heat and the wind! We will have an awesome PA and a great atmosphere! She has also donated 10 packs of fitness classes that are held at JJT Studios. She also offers DJ lessons (Lincoln loved those) and Pod Casting Classes (Lincoln is taking it now with Ambush), as well as the event space! Check them out at Tribe Called Sweat!

Next up is Portland Singing Christmas Tree. They have faithfully donated to every event we have had. They are an amazing organization that loves and supports the Portland Metro area. They are going to be celebrating their 58th year this coming holiday season. You can see the shows at the Keller Auditorium, opening the day after Thanksgiving! We have two packages, good for 2 seats and maybe some other swag! Be ready to kick off the holidays in style and the right way!

One other that has faithfully donated every year is Maryhill Winery in Washington. They have donated a tour and tasting for 8, along with crystal wine glasses. They are located up the beautiful Columbia River Gorge, in Goldendale, Washington. In 2014, they were voted Winery of the Year by San Francisco International Wine Competition and in 2009 Seattle Magazine voted them Best Destination Winery. Be ready to bid on this great item!

New this year to our auction is Le Pigeon. Here you can enjoy Spice Glazed Wagyu Brisket or Mustard Crusted Pork Ribeye; or if you would like to really go all out, select the chef’s tasting menus 7-course option where you can also pair with beverage offerings. A perfect place for a celebration or a great date night out with the significant other! We have a $100 gift certificate up for auction. Bon chance!

We will continue to spotlight local businesses that show support for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as the procurement process continues.

Thank you for your continued support!
Melissa

Why we raise money for MS

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The reason we do this auction is twofold: We love to see our friends-eating, drinking and being merry & we love to help the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Oregon Chapter.

The reason we are so pationate about the later is because Melissa was diagnosed in 2013 with Relapsing Remitting MS. Over the course of 6 1/2 years, she’s taken well over 300 injections, had two rounds of IV steroids at the hospital that lasted up to five days, spent hours in an MRI machine and had plenty of bumps, bruises, [MS] hugs, Cog-Foggy days, and lots of spasticity in her lower back and hips, making sitting and standing hard.

But she carries on! In 2014, she found the MS Society and participated in her first WalkMS event in Portland. Later that year, she rode in her first BikeMS event, making it 26 miles before her body was so over heated and she bonked (cyclist terms for crashing in energy, mood, and all around feeling like shit). But she was proud and decided to make both a yearly event!
Want to know how many miles she (and her husband, Rob) have done?

  • 2014: 26 Miles
  • 2015: 33 Miles
  • 2016: 65 Miles- First Metric Century ride with Rob (going forward)
  • 2017: 33 Miles
  • 2018: 100 Miles- First Century ride!
  • 2019: 65 Miles- Second Metric Century ride!

Sometimes she forgets she has MS, but then there are days where she is so pooped, she can’t not think about it. This is why she (and Rob) ride.

There is no reason not to help find a cure. To help those who are struggling with day to day life, surviving (not living) with MS. Because sometimes it’s just getting through the day to day…MS patients are not living. We need to make it so people can LIVE again!

I am strong! Bike MS 2017

Patient’s stem cells cure MS?

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National MS Society Funds New Clinical Trial of Individuals’ Own Stem Cells to Treat Progressive MS
March 11, 2019

The National MS Society has committed $1 million over three years to help support a Phase II clinical trial of stem cells in progressive MS. The trial is being led by Dr. Saud Sadiq at the Tisch MS Research Center of New York, and follows a Phase I trial at Tisch MSRCNY that suggested the procedure was safe.
 
The Phase II is a placebo-controlled trial that will involve 50 people with progressive forms of MS. The stem cells are derived from participants’ own bone marrow stem cells. The cells are expanded in the laboratory, directed to develop into specific cells called Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Neural Progenitors, and infused into the spinal fluid in multiple doses.
 
The stem cells are thought to release growth factors that may promote tissue repair as well as immune messengers that may inhibit immune responses. The trial will test whether participants show positive changes in measures of disability.
 
“There is an urgent need for more effective treatments for MS, particularly for those with more progressive forms of the disease,” said Dr. Bruce Bebo, National MS Society Executive Vice President, Research. “We believe that the potential of all types of cell therapies must be explored, and we are pleased to be a part of this clinical trial.”

National MS Society

MS Awareness Week

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This week is MS Awareness week… 3 years ago this week I was at the hospital hooked into an IV getting heavy steroids to stave off a flare up. This week I went rock climbing at an indoor gym (something I hadn’t done in 2 years). How’d I do, you might ask? Not great, but I was able to climb up a wall, however I realized that my grip strength is crap and I need to work on strength training even more. LOL!

I had posted to Instagram and Facebook, that I wanted to get a plan for the auction this year. I asked if July or September worked best for attendees. I plan on announcing that date this week but I am waiting to hear back from our awesome BikeMS director because I want to get a couple questions answered. The biggest change to this year’s auction, besides the possibility of it being in September, is HOW we turn in money. We are going to be working to get Intel to match up to $5,000! So I am trying to iron out those kinks. We will also be using real tickets as well, whether through Eventbrite or another vendor.