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Meet The MSA Coalition’s New Patient Representative, Alan Smally

Meet The MSA Coalition’s New Patient Representative, Alan Smally

By: Alan Smally, Patient Representative of The MSA Coalition

Like many MSA patients I was diagnosed initially with Parkinson’s disease in 2016 after one to two years of mild symptoms. The possibility of MSA was discussed and the likelihood was thought to be low. I was competing in triathlons and doing well in my age group at that time. The worsening of my symptoms prompted me to see a movement disorder specialist who diagnosed possible MSA and on follow-up visit, likely MSA.

My wife (a pediatrician) and I had retired in 2014 and purchased an Airstream RV trailer. Between 2014 and 2020 we traveled twice yearly on two-to-three-month journeys around the USA. Our travels totaled 150,000 miles. We visited most states and National Parks in the lower 48. Our RVing was curtailed by MSA.

Prior to my retirement and diagnosis, I was a doctor of emergency medicine. After growing up in Florida, I attended the University of North Carolina as an undergraduate and the University of Florida College of Medicine. The last 27 years of my career were spent in the Emergency Department of Hartford Hospital, an urban high-volume (>100,000 patients/year) and high-acuity teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. During my career, I served as Chief of Emergency Medicine at the University and Hartford Hospital, Medical Director of the Hartford Hospital ED, and Professor of Traumatology and Emergency Medicine at the University. In addition to my administrative responsibilities as chief, I was elected to Hartford Hospital Medical Executive Committee for several terms, including two as treasurer.

My greatest career enjoyment was practicing clinical emergency medicine and teaching residents in the clinical setting. Teaching physicians and other healthcare professionals was also important to me. I authored or coauthored over 50 publications in the medical literature. Awards received included residency teacher of the year award three times; Phil Stent Award for “leadership and outstanding contributions to Emergency Medicine in CT” by the Connecticut College of Emergency Physicians; University of CT Integrated Residency in Emergency Medicine Lighthouse Award for “leadership and support of residency education”; and Distinguished Service Award given annually by the Hartford Hospital Medical Staff.

Working in the medical field was very fulfilling to me. While I never expected my diagnosis of MSA, or my life to look like how it does now, I am grateful for the chance to continue to help others by serving on the MSA Coalition Board.

2023 Board of Directors Update

2023 Board of Directors Update

The MSA Coalition welcomes new leadership to the Board of Directors starting January 2023. Learn more about our new Chair of the Board and new board members below:

The MSA Coalition Welcomes New Chair of the Board, Pam Bower

The MSA Coalition is excited to introduce Pam Bower as the new Chair of the Board of Directors. Pam is no new face to the organization having served as Secretary and then Vice Chair of the Board. She has led the Research Committee as chair through seven research grant cycles, maintains an active presence on MSA social media groups, and has been globally recognize for her efforts in MSA advocacy. Read more about Pam’s service to the organization here.

“It is my great honor to continue to serve MSA families as I accept a new role as chair of the MSA Coalition Board of Directors,” Pam shares. “Over the past 30 years, the MSA Coalition has built a community of hope for all affected by the disease by offering caring support, sharing reliable information and advocating for increased awareness and research funding. Our vision to improve quality of life and advance research towards a cure has never been clearer or our mission more urgent. I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new board members joining this year who bring with them fresh ideas and enthusiasm.”

As Pam steps into her new role, Cyndi Roemer has transitioned from Chairperson, a role she has held with the Coalition for 6 years, to serve as Immediate Past Chair for this final year of her tenure on the board. She will help ensure a smooth transition for the organization.

“I want to acknowledge and thank the outstanding team of volunteer board members and advisors with whom I have had the privilege to work during my tenure as Board Chair,” Cyndi shares. “I am proud of the great strides we have made building on the work of the founders to support this community, advancing our mission and expanding our impact.”

“I am pleased that Pam Bower will lead the next chapter of our efforts,” she continues, “with the support of an impressive board and professional staff. Pam has demonstrated exceptional commitment to this community and her experience on the board will provide valuable insights in her new position as Chair. I look forward to further progress under her leadership. She has my support in my role as Immediate Past Chair to ensure a smooth transition and continued services to this community.”

Reflecting on Cyndi’s role with the organization, Pam shares how grateful she is to Cyndi for her leadership. “I look forward to continuing to work with her as she completes her term on the board this year. I also look forward to working closely with Joe Lindahl, our energetic and passionate Executive Director, as well as our experienced and dedicated Board of Directors.”

With fresh perspectives and a plan to roll out some exciting strategic initiatives for the organization this year, The MSA Coalition is looking forward to having its most impactful year yet!

Meet The New Board Members

We are excited to introduce you to our newest group of dedicated volunteers joining The MSA Coalition Board of Directors this year:

Dawn Rodgers-Dexter, Treasurer of The MSA Coalition

Dawn’s journey with MSA began when her father-in-law, Richard Dexter, began to experience balance difficulties and falls from orthostatic hypotension in early 2015. After many visits to specialists in Memphis, TN, Dawn, and her wife worked with his primary care physician to secure an appointment at Mayo Clinic-Scottsdale, AZ. After several days at Mayo, it was determined that Richard was experiencing symptoms related to a possible MSA diagnosis. Unfamiliar with the disease, the family sought a second opinion from a movement specialist at UAB where the possible MSA diagnosis was confirmed.

“Upon receiving Pop’s diagnosis,” Dawn shares, “Jana and I immediately began to research and advocate for his treatment and overall well-being. It is when we found The MSA Coalition that we were able to find guidance on how to manage his symptoms and give him the greatest enjoyment of life possible. It was also through The MSA Coalition’s Patient and Family Conferences that we met other families having a similar experience and lifelong friendships were formed. We are grateful we found The MSA Coalition very early on in our journey.”

A Midsouth native born and raised in Tennessee, Dawn attended Christian Brothers University in Memphis where she participated as a member of the Division II Women’s Softball Team and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Dawn earned an Executive Certificate in Financial Planning from Christian Brothers University, Certified Trust & Fiduciary Advisor designation from the Institute of Certified Bankers, and Certified Wealth Strategist® designation from the Cannon Financial Institute. Dawn is a Vice President and Fiduciary Strategist at Comerica Bank & Trust, N.A.

A passionate sports enthusiast, Dawn enjoys spending time outdoors with her wife, Jana, and two beloved English Labrador Retrievers, Adler and Lucia.

“I am truly honored to serve on the Board of Directors of the MSA Coalition. The impact this organization has had on my family is immeasurable. I look forward to the opportunity I have to further the mission and goals of the Coalition.”


Alan Smally, Patient Representative for The MSA Coalition Board of Directors

Like many MSA patients I was diagnosed initially with Parkinson’s disease in 2016 after 1-2 years of mild symptoms. The possibility of MSA was discussed and the likelihood was thought to be low. I was competing in triathlons and doing well in my age group at that time. Symptom worsening prompted me to see a movement disorder specialist who diagnosed possible MSA and on follow-up visit, likely MSA.

My wife (a pediatrician) and I had retired in 2014 and purchased an Airstream RV trailer. Between 2014 and 2020 we traveled twice yearly on 2-3 month journeys around the USA. Our travels totaled 150,000 miles. We visited most states and National Parks in the lower 48. RVing was curtailed by MSA.

After growing up in Florida, I attended the University of North Carolina as an undergraduate and the University of Florida College of Medicine. The last 27 years of my career were spent in the Emergency Department of Hartford Hospital, an urban high volume (>100,000 patients/year) and high acuity teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. During my career, I served as Chief of Emergency Medicine at the University and Hartford Hospital, Medical Director of the Hartford Hospital ED, and Professor of Traumatology and Emergency Medicine at the University. In addition to my administrative responsibilities as chief, I was elected to Hartford Hospital Medical Executive Committee for several terms, including two as treasurer.

My greatest career enjoyment was practicing clinical emergency medicine and teaching residents in the clinical setting. Teaching physicians and other healthcare professionals was also important to me. I authored or coauthored over 50 publications in the medical literature. Awards received included residency teacher of the year award three times; Phil Stent Award for “leadership and outstanding contributions to Emergency Medicine in CT” by the Connecticut College of Emergency Physicians; University of CT Integrated Residency in Emergency Medicine Lighthouse Award for “leadership and support of residency education”; and Distinguished Service Award given annually by the Hartford Hospital Medical Staff.

After six years and 150,000 miles, the progression of MSA ended our travels, and when I became familiar with the Coalition, I felt that being a patient, coupled with my experiences as a physician, provided a perspective that would allow me to help other patients by volunteering as the patient representative to the board.”


Andre Cote Barch, Care Partner Representative for The MSA Coalition Board of Directors

“My mother, Isabelle, was diagnosed with probable MSA-P in 2019 after initially being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2018. As a young caregiver, I have supported my mother in her daily tasks, visits to neurologists across North America, and her clinical trial in New York City. The MSA Coalition has provided my family with educational resources and supportive communities which enable both my mother and my family to flourish in new ways. I am hoping to share my experiences and advocate for caregivers as a member of the Board of Directors.

I currently serve as an Investment Banking Associate at Greenhill & Co. where I am focused on serving clients in Canada across industries. Prior to that, I served as an Investment Banking Analyst at Gordon Dyal & Co. in New York City and RBC Capital Markets in Toronto and Calgary. I hold a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University. I live In Toronto, Ontario with my wife, Emily, and share caregiving duties with my father, Richard and my sister, Margot.

I am honoured to join the Board of Directors of the MSA Coalition and continue to advance its mission. As a caregiver to my mother, I have seen firsthand how the MSA Coalition has provided our family with a community of support, research initiatives, and a platform to spread awareness about MSA. I look forward to working with the board to represent caregivers and contribute to the strategy of the MSA Coalition.”


Gary Troutman, Director At-Large

“My wife went with me to see my Neurologist at Emory when he confirmed my diagnosis of MSA-P, in April 2022. I’ll never forget the ride home, we were devastated with the news. However, both of us had a good start at our understanding of the condition and how it could affect me over time. And since then, I’ve been focused on learning as much as possible about the condition and research related to improving the lives of people that suffer from MSA.

I’m married to an incredible and beautiful woman, Martha. We have a blended family with 5 amazing children, 3 girls and 2 boys. They are all very close, very different and doing well. I am so proud of each one of them! We also recently became Grandparents and have 2 G-babies that are about 2 weeks apart and recently turned 1 year old.

Way back, a few years ago, I graduated from the University of South Carolina with an undergraduate degree in chemistry and later went back to get an MBA from the Moore School of Business. After graduation, I moved to Georgia where I worked with Georgia Institute of Technology’s Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC). The ATDC was set up by Georgia’s Board of Regents to provide support to researchers within Georgia’s University System designed to help commercialize technology, often developed through research contracts within the various institutions. I left Georgia Tech and started a technology services company that I ran for almost 20 years, which I ended up selling. For the past few years I provided new business development support for large and speciality accounting and professional services firms such as Crowe LLP, True Partners Consulting and RSM US, LLC. I took disability leave in June 2022 and am currently not working.

MSA is a rare condition and there isn’t much information out there. Fortunately, I found the MSA Coalition organization early on and it has been such a beneficial resource and most importantly, a place where I connect with others who have MSA or are care takers/loved ones as well as people interested in MSA related research.

I’m very excited and honored to be part of the Board for the MSA Coalition. I’m looking forward to being part of the team and hope to become an integral component of this incredible, support-focused organization.”


William Finnerty, Director At-Large

“In 1998 my mother Gloria Finnerty was at the top of her game! She had a fabulous job, a loving family and a bright future right in front of her. Then little things started happening, things she could not understand. Things that made people notice. At the time she was living alone and keeping these events to herself. Until she couldn’t hide it anymore. Finally, after many trips to many different doctors, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease like many MSA patients. Little did we know that it was Multiple System Atrophy. After many years of looking for the correct diagnosis, we finally landed on MSA. I had the honor of being a caregiver for her throughout her battle. It was a unique dynamic taking care of the woman who raised you and should be in the prime of her life. My mother fought this disease from 1998 until her passing on February 8th, 2013, at the young age of 64. For her to make that age and fight what she fought is the single greatest achievement that I will ever witness in my life.

In September of 2013, I attended the Annual Patient & Family Conference in Milwaukee and was amazed so many other people were suffering like her. At that point I made it a goal to spread the word about MSA. To raise awareness could be the key to turning the tide in this battle.

I have lived in the Western New York area since 1982. I consider myself a proud Buffalonian and a proud part of #BillsMafia. This area supports each other with unquestioned love and support. I attended St. Francis High School and SUNY Fredonia before entering the foodservice industry on 6/17/1994. Working at J. P. Fitzgeralds for 21 years until after my mom passed gave me a unique opportunity to provide round the clock care for my mother with the help of my brother and future wife. In 2014, I started working for Meals on Wheels of WNY until the present day. I realized giving back to the community is my true passion.

In 2016 we opened Finnerty’s Tap Room in Ellicottville, NY. Being an owner/operator gave me the experience of running a business on all different levels. From operations, to staffing to community involvement, the amount of knowledge I’ve gained over the last 6 years has been incredible. I’m looking forward of using that to help spread the word about MSA!

After seeing the great work the MSA Coalition does and my experience as a caregiver for my late mother Gloria, I can think of no higher honor than joining the board to add my perspective and enthusiasm to help those thru awareness, understanding and fundraising!”

Happy 2023 and Welcome to the Board!

 

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know – Equipment For MSA

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know – Equipment For MSA

By Michelle

When my husband was diagnosed with MSA eight years ago at age 52, we didn’t know what we didn’t know about equipment that makes the MSA journey easier. Since then, we have rented and purchased equipment that has been essential for helping improve my husband’s quality of life and my experience as a caregiver.

Two common challenges we have utilized equipment for are pressure sores and safe transfers.

Pressure sores are common in the advanced stages of MSA because an individual with MSA spends their day either in a wheelchair or bed and has difficulty repositioning. Therefore, it is essential to alleviate points of continuous friction to prevent pressure sores and inflammation and to heal them. Otherwise, there is the risk of infection, which creates other problems.

Being able to do safe transfers becomes more challenging as MSA progresses. Unfortunately, the only equipment Medicare covers for safe transfers is a Hoyer lift, which has its purpose but may not be the best solution for individuals who can bear weight and do not have severe hypotension upon standing.

For these individuals, equipment that enables them to safely transfer while not being completely immobilized is a better solution for their health and well-being according to medical professionals. Currently, we use a sit-to-stand lift. It’s great for my husband, and it’s easy to use for caregivers. A word of caution: Not all sit-to-stand lifts raise an individual to a standing position and/or fit through narrow bathroom doors. Rest assured; the two lifts included in the table below do both.

The table below includes challenges my husband has confronted and the equipment that we personally have found helpful in addressing each challenge. I encourage you to review the table from the vantage point of the present and the future. There may be equipment that can help you with a challenge you are facing now or may face in the future. I have identified the equipment covered by Medicare. To get this equipment, follow your health plan’s instructions. For non-Medicare covered equipment, shop around. If you don’t have Medicare, check your health plan’s Evidence of Coverage for durable medical equipment (DME) covered by the plan.

Please note that each example link is just for reference and/or personal preference of the author and is not a sponsored link. There are many different options available out there that may be preferred by patients for any reason.

MSA Challenges & Equipment Solutions

Challenge Equipment Example
Pressure sores
Bed *Low air loss mattress DermaFloat® APL
Heels while in bed *Prevalon heel protector boot Prevalon Heel Protector
Wheelchair *ROHO cushion ROHO Cushions
Elbows while in bed Soft pillow
Transfers
Positioning in a vehicle Swivel seat HealthSmart 360 Degree Swivel Seat Cushion
Safe assisted manual transfers Gait belt Elite Medical Instruments GAIT-M-Black Gait Transfer Belt
Safe assisted transfers for individuals who can bear weight Sit-to-stand lift Protekt® 500 Stand

Mini Compact Sit-to-Stand Lift

Safe standing transfers Transfer pole Security Pole
Showering in a bathtub Swivel tub transfer seat Carousel Sliding Transfer Bench with Swivel Seat
Other
Blood pressure regulation

Swallowing

Swollen feet & legs

*Hospital bed Delta® Ultra- Light 1000, Semi-Electric Bed
Breath support

Lung infections

Incentive Spirometer

How to Use Your Incentive Spirometer

Incentive Spirometer

Door clearance for wheelchair and/or lift Offset hinges Generic 3.5 inch Swing Clear Offset Door Hinge
Lung health

Aerobika Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure Therapy System

The AEROBIKA® OPEP Advantage
Posture in a wheelchair *ROHO cushion ROHO Cushions
Power failure Battery back up APC UPS 1500VA Battery Backup Surge Protector
Stridor *CPAP CPAP Machine
Toilet hygiene Bidet Bio Bidet USPA 6800U Bidet Seat
Walking independently safely *U-step walker U-STEP Neuro

*Covered by Medicare. See Medicare.gov for a full list of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) coverage: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/durable-medical-equipment-dme-coverage

Meet The MSA Coalition’s New Patient Representative, Alan Smally

Sharing Your Journey

By Cathy Chapman, Former Patient Representative for The MSA Coalition

Several years ago, I began journaling my experiences with MSA, beginning with my diagnosis, and continuing with how it impacted my life, what was most important to me, my favorite verses, and what I’m thankful for. This was helpful for me to put things in perspective and to share my experiences.

I have found it to be therapeutic to put into words how I am feeling at any point in time and to be able to look back on all of it later on. Everyone has their own way of coping with their feelings, but this is one thing that I have personally found to be helpful.

We are all on the same path, but our individual journeys are all different. Each of you have your own experience with your disease progression, how you cope, what makes things easier for your, the important people in your life, and anything that is important to you. You can choose to journal or share any of this or none of this in any way that you choose. It is your story, and you have the right to share it and experience it on your own terms.

It is my privilege to share parts of my personal story with all of you with the help of the MSA Coalition. I hope that it is helpful to listen to my story and the stories of others who chose to share theirs, and I hope that it helps make you feel less alone in your journey. It takes strength to live with illness, but it also takes strength to share your story of that illness.

If you feel like it would be helpful to you to write down your experiences either just for yourself in a journal or to share with others, I encourage you to do so. If you feel moved to do so, the MSA-Coalition is always seeking submissions for patient stories to share via blog posts, on the website, and through email. We all have a unique story to tell, but there are common threads linking all of us, and there may be something in your story that resonates with and helps someone else in their journey.

None of use chose to be on this particular, often difficult journey. But it is the support, encouragement, and understanding that we gain from each other, with the stories of your journey that teaches us that we are not alone.

Thank You, Carol Langer, for 10 Years of Service to The MSA Coalition

Thank You, Carol Langer, for 10 Years of Service to The MSA Coalition

Join us in saying a fond farewell to MSA Coalition Board Treasurer, Carol Langer. As her ten-year tenure on our board of directors comes to a close this year, we want to reflect on all she has done for our organization and the MSA community.

Carol with her husband Rob, who was diagnosed with MSA in 1998

An active member of this community for over twenty years, Carol joined The MSA Coalition board in 2013 bringing her executive level leadership skills and accounting background to the role of Treasurer. Professionally, Carol trained as a CPA who first worked in public accounting and later rose to become a senior financial executive for technology companies until she retired in 2000 to care for her husband Rob who was diagnosed with multiple system atrophy in 1998.

Upon her appointment as Treasurer, Carol went to work immediately to implement improvements to the MSA Coalition’s accounting procedures and remained laser focused on ensuring financial stability and transparency of the organization. Carol prepared annual budgets and kept a close eye on expenses while supporting the steady expansion of the MSA Coalition’s programs in support, education, research and advocacy.

As our organization adopted online fundraising, Carol made sure we were properly registered in all required states. Under her direction, annual external audits were arranged, further strengthening the MSA Coalition’s reputation for sound financial management. Indeed, her attention to detail and firm commitment to transparency have helped the Coalition earn the highest recognition for excellence from charity watchdog organizations, most notably being a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator.

Carol’s remarkable ability to manage our financial affairs helped with the steady growth of the MSA Coalition. When the time came for us to move to the next level of hiring resources to carry out day-to-day operations that were being handled by a few volunteers, Carol worked hard to find the best alternatives to professionally staff the organization. Her efforts led us to contract this work to a management company, which helps ensure our organization will remain sustainable for many years to come and be able to deliver the kind of excellence our MSA community deserves.

“As Carol concludes her role as Treasurer for the MSA Coalition, I extend my sincere appreciation for all she has done,” shares Cyndi Roemer, Chair of The MSA Coalition. “Her commitment to this organization and the community has surpassed her role as treasurer. During her time on the Board, Carol has actively contributed to the growth of the organization through our important work on policy development, her financial guidance, and her service on many committees including strategic planning, research, and support services. But even more notably, Carol has shared her knowledge and experience as a care partner to support others as their loved ones battle MSA. She has presented at conferences, facilitated support groups, interacted on social media, and connected with the community significantly to provide the support so desperately needed when living with a rare disease. She was always ready to help and though she is leaving her role on the Board, I know she will stay connected and committed to this community. Many thanks to Carol, for her time, passion, and commitment.”

Carol represented the MSA Coalition at many scientific conferences including the Global MSA Roadmap Meeting, American Academy of Neurology, American Autonomic Society and International MSA Congress. She was also invited to represent the MSA Coalition as a member of the Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension Advocacy Working Group where she served for several years. At our annual conference, Carol often led the care partner breakout sessions and her presentation known as “It Takes a Village” was so popular that she was asked to repeat it several times as well as to record it for future viewers.

Carol at the American Academy of Neurology Congress 2017 – with Dr. Jerome Lisk

Carol at the American Autonomic Society Congress 2019 – presenting the Don Summers Memorial Travel Award

Carol at the Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension (NOH) Advocates Working Group Meeting 2018

 

Carol appearing on the WWLP TV show “Mass Appeal” in 2016 along with MSA patient Pam Maheu.

Pam Bower, Vice Chair of the Coalition reflects on meeting Carol for the first time many years ago. “Carol was actually a member of the MSA community for many years prior to her board service. I first got to know Carol when she joined an online support group for MSA not long after her husband Rob was diagnosed in 1998. As a member of that group, Carol took a great interest in helping MSA patients and their care partners find needed resources and support. She started an in-person support group in Boston and facilitated a monthly care partner webinar for over 10 years. She also gave interviews to local TV networks to raise awareness of the disease. Many times, Carol was there alongside MSA families to personally accompany them at doctor’s appointments to help explain the disease. I greatly admire Carol for her leadership skills and strong work ethic but most of all for her deep compassion for others. I will certainly miss working alongside her on the board but our friendship will continue for a lifetime”.

Carol lives in Boston with her beloved cat Keiko and spends her summers enjoying the beach and entertaining family and friends at her home on Nantucket. She is an avid fan of live theater and serves as a trustee of the Huntington Theatre Company. She also serves as Chair of the Neuroscience Advisory Committee for Beth Isreal Deaconess Medical Center. Carol has an A.B. from Boston University in English Language and Literature and an M.S. from Northeastern University in Accounting.

Our organization owes Carol a huge debt of gratitude that we will continue to pay by dedicating our work to bettering the lives of MSA patients and their families and building hope for the future. Carol, we cannot express our thanks to you enough for all you have done for the MSA community. We wish you all the best in this next phase of your life.

A Brief Message from Carol Langer:

I will be leaving the board of directors at the end of December after 10 years of service. As I reflect on my time with the MSA Coalition, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to give back to the amazing community that helped my late husband Rob and me navigate our journey with MSA. I am honored to have worked with a dedicated team that has accomplished so much, from funding over $3 million in research to holding successful patient and care partner conferences that educate, provide emotional support, and help build community. In my role as treasurer, I am also proud that we have built a financially stable organization that will carry our mission forward in the coming years and help the MSA Coalition accomplish even more.


Watch the presentation “IT TAKES A VILLAGE”: A description of Carol’s personal journey through multiple system atrophy with her husband, and how they built their care team and includes guidance on interaction with friends, family and professionals and links to many different helpful resources.

Honor Carol With A Donation to Her MSA Coalition Facebook Fundraiser

Or Donate With A Check by Mail:

The MSA Coalition
7918 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 300
McLean, VA 22102