If ever there was a “poster child” for the fact that with some perseverance, energy and passion, a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis doesn’t have to completely slow you down, it’s Sandee Walling. Even though she admittedly gets in situations where she needs a little help here and there (she says that was tough because of how independent she’s always been), it’s evident that Sandee is as vibrant and active as ever, and she is much loved in the community because of it.
Sandee was honored at the 2014 MS Gala for the Rocky Mountain MS Center, and she and her sons Christopher and Jonathan were on hand to thank supporters and give kudos to Dr. Timothy Vollmer, medical director, whom Sandee credits with making an incredible difference in her life and countless others.
Co-Chairs Terri Fisher and Gayle Novak thanked everyone for attending, and CEO Gina Berg was equally thankful for the efforts of guests, volunteers, staff and supporters. Board Chair Paul Wisor also gave a speech about how he got involved and how honored he is to be a part of the effort.
Guests enjoyed a scrumptious dinner, live auction by auctioneer Jim Berz and danced the rest of the night away to the Tripping Griswolds.
It is encouraging that there are some cutting edge treatments and therapies for those with MS, so that hopefully we can say we understand and can beat the condition.
The mission of the Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center is to improve the quality of life of individuals and their families living with MS and related neurological diseases through care, support, education and research. They are a Colorado-based nonprofit dedicated to changing the way we think about and treat MS in order to protect the futures of those living with the disease.
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- Christopher Walling, honoree Sandee Walling and Jonathan Walling
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- Ginny Messina, left, and Jamie Angelich
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- Ed and Gayle Novak with their niece, Angela English
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- Co-Chairs Gayle Novak and Terri Fisher flank honoree Sandee Walling
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- Sandee Walling and Lois Paul
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- Arlene and Don Johnson
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- Great silent auction items
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- George Becker, left, Vanessa Skinner, John Genova, Connie Genova, Ralph Bellizzi
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- Dennis Kreutz and Robyn Donnellan
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- Peter Broderick, RMMS Marketing/Communications Mgr., with Brett Hanselman, board vice chair
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- The Vollmer family: Brandi, left, Dorothy, Dr. Timothy Volllmer, Katrina Vollmer, Ryan Davis
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- BJ Dyer and Bouquets did a marvelous job with the decor, as always
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- Al and Terri Fisher, left, Danny Fisher, Nikki Fisher, Heidi Fisher, AJ Fisher
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- Lee Bowen and Louise Richardson
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- Tom and Cyndy Marsh, left, Ray and Denise Bellucci, Terri and Al Fisher, Louise Richardson and Lee Bowen
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- Craig Fleishman, left, and Al Fisher talk Corvettes
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- Barry and Fran Hansen, left, with Patrick Vecicci and Elizabeth Parsons
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- Liz Carroll and Joel Neymark
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- Michele Harrison, left, CEO Gina Berg, Shelley Leopard
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- Ian and Megan Cole, Bill Topkis, Leslie Tew, Matt Cobb
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- John Casillan and Renee Burris
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- Erma Pachelo, left, Christine Drummond, Meg Williams, Amy Wall
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- Sheila and Damon Cain
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- Chris and Meredith Lager
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- Chris Pelletier, left, Esther Stengel, Teresa Kloser, James Mills
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- Board Chair Paul Wisor, left, CEO Gina Berg, Susan Spero and Jerry Buck
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- Phillip and Alice Foster
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- Steve Roesinger, left, and Del Arnold
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- Joanne and Miles Moore
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- Angela and John DellaSalle and Adrine Writer
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- Terri Calvin, left, Marilyn Lindsay, Debbie Engebretson, Roddy Hibbard, Joe Lindsay, Brent Weakley
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- Steve and Angela King, left, and John Gerster
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- Keri Christiansen and Steve Edmonds
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- Annie Ziegler and Derek Sevier
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- Dr. Michael and Lyn Schaffer
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- Pat Robinson and Casey Kemp
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- Al and Terri Fisher (event co-chair)
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- Meg Williams, left, and Carla McElroy
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- Joi and Malcolm Evans
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- Jan Hammond, left, Susan Stiff, Nancy Koontz and Lorraine Salazar
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- John Farnam and Paul Heitzenrater
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- George Becker, left, John Genova, Connie Genova (proud mom) and Michael Genova
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- Bethany Fette’ and Scott Epstein
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- Gina Berg, left, Bob and Amy Shanahan
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- Ryta and Steve Sondergard
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- Beautiful centerpieces by Bouquets
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- Zerry and Pamela Rue
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- Angie Austin did emcee duties well
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- Angie Austin welcomes CEO Gina Berg to the stage
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- Co-Chairs Gayle Novak and Terri Fisher flank CEO Gina Berg on stage
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- Angie Austin listens to speeches
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- Board Chair Paul Wisor says a few words
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- Auctioneer Jim Belz starts out the “Heads or Tails” game
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- Audience members choose “heads or tails”
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- Winner of the Heads or Tails game with auctioneer Jim Belz
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- Dr. Timothy Vollmer says a few words
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- Dr. Timothy Vollmer, medical director for RMMS Center
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- Sandee Walling accepts her award
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- Sandee Walling on stage with her sons and board chair Paul Wisor
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- Paul Wisor presents the tribute to Sandee Walling
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- Paul Wisor congratulates Sandee Walling
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- Sandee Walling gets a hug from Paul Wisor as Angie Austin looks on
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- The Tripping Griswolds gearing up before playing their music
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- A model shows of a fox cape from Dan Sharp, up for live auction
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- The Tripping Griswolds–photo courtesy of Nancy Koontz
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- Susan Stiff and BJ Dyer cut a rug (photo courtesy of Nancy Koontz)
