Special Assignment! What do you think?
Special Assignment! What do you think?NBC15 Blog Listing
Special Assignment! What do you think?
Topic Author: Leigh Mills
Posted: 8:03 PM Jul 9, 2008
Replies Posted: 22 comments
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I am consumed once again with one of my favorite news series.  For the third year in a row, I am proud to bring you a four part series on the lives of those here in our area affected by Multiple Sclerosis and the research being done to improve treatments and hopefully find a cure.

 

It is unbelievable how many stories are out there and it is always so hard to choose which to develop for this July series.  All of the stories air during our 10pm newscast.  Once they air, I will link the video clip to this blog.

 

Here is a quick synopsis:

 

July 10: Turning a dream into a reality.  A woman is diagnosed with MS and her favorite pastime is almost stolen from her.  Instead of giving in, she decides to fight back.  It’s an inspiring story of perseverance.

http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/24405334.html

 

July 17: Can drinking worm eggs treat MS?  A look at a UW study that hopes to improve the devastating symptoms of the disease.

http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/25601344.html

 

July 24: A story of hope.  A woman is diagnosed with 47 lesions.  She immediately gets on an MS drug and now a year later, she witnesses an amazing turn of events.  This story will make you believe that anything is possible.

http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/25881119.html

 

July 31: An unbelievable feat in the name of MS!  An area man is taking on 3 ironman triathlons to raise money for the National MS Society.  Plus, he has a personal connection to the disease.  We’ll explain and follow him as he pumps up for IM Wisconsin.

 

Check the stories out and let me know what you think!

 

I’d especially like to know whether you enjoy watching longer, feature stories.  We regularly have the discussion in the newsroom on breaking news vs. hard news vs. feature reporting.  Which deserves the most time?  Which do you prefer?  Would you like to see more of something?  I pull hard every year for this series and some of the other feature series I do because I believe we need a little break from all of the doom and gloom.  What do you think?  I’d like to hear your thoughts!

 

As in the past, this series runs in conjunction with the lead in to the MS 150 Best Dam Bike Tour, which is a two day trek from Waukesha to Whitewater to Madison that takes place on August 2 and 3.  I do many events throughout the year and can honestly say it is my favorite!  For more information, go to www.wisms.org

 

And, if you have any suggestions for next year’s series, please send them my way!  I keep a folder year round and would love to add any and all story ideas.  There is always more we can do to fight for a world free of MS.

 

Leigh =)

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  • by mb Location: Madison on Aug 1, 2008 at 12:53 PM
    My spouse was diagnosed 18 years ago with MS. Will you run any stories on MS Caregiver Support available in the Madison area? Caregivers can get to be very stressed out and can use some support especially when family members don't help. Thank you for this report.
  • by SK on Aug 1, 2008 at 11:37 AM
    Great job- found the series very informative. I have a family member and know many others with MS. I taped the show and will share with them. Nice to see all 4 shows. They each had a positive perspective and HOPE for the future.
  • by Jessica Location: Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin on Aug 1, 2008 at 08:33 AM
    I was extremely pleased with your story on Paul and Judy Stich surrounding the MS awareness. This is a disease that needs to find a cure, and Paul is taking on a huge challenge to raise money for the cause! I think you did a great job bringing it to everyone's attention. Again, great story and wonderful and amazing couple!
  • by Duane Location: Middleton on Jul 31, 2008 at 10:31 PM
    Hard news please. World, national, local. Cut the fluff.
  • by Connie Hartje Location: LaValle, WI on Jul 31, 2008 at 10:21 PM
    I enjoyed your weekly assignments regarding MS. I was especially interested in the one about 3 weeks ago with the testing with worms. Could you please send me the link? It is no longer on the news links. I thought all of the presentations were very interesting & gave ideas for anyone dealing with MS. The worm segment really intrigued me & I would like to call for additional information. Receiving ideas to follow up on is great. Thanks for the segments & the ideas & inspiration.
  • by Lynn Location: Madison on Jul 26, 2008 at 10:41 AM
    Leigh, you outdid even yourself with this one. You captured the essence of Shauna and the HOPE that carries her thru.
  • by Jennifer Location: Rainbow City, Alabama on Jul 25, 2008 at 07:23 AM
    I have MS. A friend of mine is in your city today with business and happened to see your segment on Shawna and called me. I am VERY, VERY curious to know which drug she is taking. Please email me the drug name that she is taking. Thank you for doing this segment! I along with so many others need reminders that we ALL have hope! Jennifer Elliott, Rainbow City, AL mrijennifer@aol.com
  • by Leigh Location: NBC 15 on Jul 21, 2008 at 03:01 PM
    To answer your question on the HINT (worm egg) study, contact Andrea Maser. She is the research specialist and program manager for the Office of Clinical Trials at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. Her number is (608) 265-6544. Her pager number is (608) 265-7000 x5553. Remember, you must have been diagnosed with MS in the last two years and you cannot be on an MS specific medication to participate in the trial. If you have more questions, please ask!
  • by Anonymous on Jul 21, 2008 at 02:59 PM
    I need more info on MS study-have MS would like to partake in the study, send name and numbers of who to contact, thank you.
  • by Karen Location: Waunakee on Jul 21, 2008 at 09:45 AM
    I really enjoy the special feature segments. I think that they are very interesting and make the newscast even better to watch. I like that you moved this segment to the 10:00 broadcast. Thank you so much for all you do to bring awareness to multiple sclerosis. The good, the bad, the research, the hope.... It is all part of this disease we call MS. I'm so glad that you Joined the Movement!!!
  • by Kathi Location: Stoughton on Jul 13, 2008 at 07:12 AM
    I like to have both. We Need to have the breaking news that may effect our lives in an urgent way. But that news is often depressing and scary. Whereas stories like the one you are doing on MS are enlightening and give us hope!
  • by Gary Location: Deerfield on Jul 12, 2008 at 07:37 AM
    I liked it. When you read about MS and the symptoms, it doesn't really set in the same as hearing/seeing someone's story. This helped me understand how MS effects people's lives. The big headline stories are fine, but sometimes you need to slow down and spend a little time getting in depth with something/someone in Wisconsin. Whatever helps get the word out on MS. Great job!
  • by Caissa Location: Milwaukee on Jul 11, 2008 at 09:06 PM
    Hi Leigh-I think that there should be, if possible, the same time allotted for both breaking/the day's news and feature stories. Even though I'm studying to be an anchor myself, so I don't really mind the "doom and gloom," I do enjoy seeing the optimism that feature stories like yours have. (though the worm eggs thing seems kinda gross...) I agree with Carol-keep pushing for the feature stories; it's an inspiration to see anchors that put their heart and soul into feature stories because they want to, not because they have to. =)
  • by Sara Location: Mazomanie on Jul 11, 2008 at 08:19 PM
    We enjoyed the story last night.Your series is so imformative and enlightening. Keep it up! I have an AFO also and try to use it if I'm walking more than a mile. I'm so glad we are riding together on the Sonic Streamers again this year. We now have a recumbent tandem! And we have our own website HelpMeFindaCure.com!
  • by Cynthia Location: Beloit on Jul 11, 2008 at 02:34 PM
    Chemo - in this case, Cytoxan - sometimes helps with MS because it suppresses the immune system. MS is an auto-immune disorder in which the body's own defenses attack nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Although it is not one of the first-line treatments, many individuals - myself included - have found it helpful in reducing exacerbations and slowing disease progressionn when the more standard disease-modifying medications aren't effective.
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