Font Size:

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 =)