Can Do Multiple Sclerosis is the new name of the nation’s leading provider of lifestyle empowerment programs for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their support partners, announced Kim Sharkey, CEO, Can Do MS.

Formerly The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis, Can Do MS conducted months of research, assessments, planning and strategic development to position its distinct competitive advantages in the fast-evolving field of MS care management. Based on the research, the board of directors determined the new name best reflects the organization’s core beliefs, builds a stronger brand and creates new national collaborative opportunities with organizations. This initiative of Can Do MS will expand the organization’s national reach and grow its support while helping more people change the way they see themselves living with MS.

“Twenty-five years ago our organization’s founder, Jimmie Heuga, introduced a pioneering philosophy of active self-care that inspired people to act on the belief that they are more than their MS,” said Sharkey. “Our new name and brand reflect our growing role as a unique educator that uses health, wellness and lifestyle principles to empower people with the knowledge, skills, tools and confidence to realize their power to create well-being and transform their lives. Our CAN DO, CAN DO 2 and JUMPSTART programs have helped thousands of people living with MS reclaim a sense of dignity, control and freedom by teaching them how to take charge of their MS and tailor lifestyle strategies to help them live their best lives.“

“We’ve spent the last three years growing our capacity, improving our governance and operational efficiency to ensure we’re a thriving organization for another 25 years,” said John Shipp, Board of Directors President, Can Do MS. “Now it’s time to focus on expanding our complementary approach to traditional medical treatments that fills a critical gap in the continuum of MS care services. Traditional medical models for managing chronic disease tend to overlook many important aspects of living with MS, including the emotional, interpersonal, mental and social health of a patient. We offer a comprehensive, personalized and interdisciplinary approach to enable people to become active co-managers of their health and well-being.”

Can Do MS connects the expertise of industry professionals from across the field of MS care management, including neurologists, psychologists, occupational and physical therapists, speech and language pathologists, registered nurses, physicians and nutritionists. It offers the industry’s top programs that address the needs, concerns and challenges of support partners, such as family members or friends. The programs allow support partners to be acknowledged, understood, accepted and respected by a community of peers and health professionals. The organization also works collaboratively with MS care providers and organizations to support the journey to more empowered living.

Can Do MS not only has a positive impact on the overall well-being of the patient, but is gaining a positive effect on the entire field of MS care management, including medical providers, allied health professionals and insurance providers, according to Sharkey. “The health care industry is now looking to comprehensive wellness programs as a viable complementary care option and clinically sound approach to reduce health care costs while improving the conditions of patients,” she said.www.mscando.org or call 970-926-1270.

A national nonprofit organization based in Edwards, Colo., Can Do MS is an innovative provider of lifestyle empowerment programs that empower people with MS and their support partners to transform and improve their quality of life. For more information, visit the organization’s Web site at

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 at 7:35 am and is filed under News Alerts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.