Friday, February 19, 2010

ziMS Foundation 2nd Annual Flip-Flop Retreat


Thanks to the generous support of family, friends & corporate sponsors in 2009, The ziMS Foundation, this past February 13th & 14th, funded their 2nd Annual Flip-Flop Workshops By The Seashore in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Organized and conducted by The Hampton Roads Chapter of Multiple Sclerosis--over 200 MS patients, family members and caregivers were on hand at The Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel (the same resort which hosted the 2009 ziMS Foundation Gala) for a weekend get together in hopes of learning more about caring for MS and to also just let attendees enjoy a nice, relaxing weekend--and hopefully make some new friends along the way.

All thanks to a $37,000 donation given by The ziMS Foundation.

As most fans of Our Washington Nationals know, Ryan Zimmerman's Mom, Cheryl, was diagnosed with MS in 1995 and over the past four years, Ryan's family and countless others have given their time, money and resources to assist The ziMS Foundation in making a difference fighting MS. The ultimate goal--to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.

The Director of The James Q. Miller MS Clinic at The University of Virginia--Dr. Myla D. Goldman, MD, MS--was the keynote speaker for this Flip-Flop Retreat. Additionally, Dr. Goldman spoke during breakfast breakout sessions and brought along some of her staff from The Neurological Center at UVA in Charlottesville to be as through and helpful as possible.

Additionally, as part of the weekend's fun, comedian Anthony Griffith was on hand for the entire event to spread some joy and provide laughter. ziMS Foundation staff informing Nats320 that Mr. Griffith was 'hilarious'.

Since it's founding in 2006, The ziMS Foundation has raised over $250,000 for beneficiaries.

The 3rd Annual Flip-Flop Retreat will be held in February, 2011.

PS: Below--a few more pictures from last weekend's event:

Volunteer Bunky Manley with Cheryl Zimmerman

Volunteer Debbie Ballard on hand to answer questions at The ziMS Foundation Table.


All Photos Courtesy of The ziMS Foundation

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