Sept 26, 2002
Diane Butcher is a single mom from Lafayette, Indiana, with multiple
sclerosis.
Each winter, she struggled to provide a warm home for her child and herself using only her disability income to cover the enormous bill generated by an antiquated furnace.
In 2001, Butcher received one of 60 Brighter Tomorrow Grants from the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and purchased a new, energy-efficient heater.
Brighter Tomorrow Grants of up to $1000 in goods and services are distributed each year to applicants at least 18 years of age who have been diagnosed with MS, or to parents of minors with MS. The grants are meant to improve quality of life by enhancing self-sufficiency, comfort, or well being.
Past recipients of the grants have received alternative therapy, yoga classes, hobby supplies, computers, air conditioners, home repairs and modifications, appliances, musical instruments, and exercise equipment.
Applicants must explain in 100-words or fewer how this grant could offer
them a brighter tomorrow. Basic personal and financial information is also
required. If an applicant is unable to write or lacks fluency in English,
a friend or family member may assist in this process. This article was
prepared by Health and Medicine Week editors from staff and other reports.
© Copyright 2002, Health and Medicine Week