Our Vision
To inspire communities to embrace life fully through positive connections with the multiple sclerosis community.
More Than Programs
A community that understands.
Living with multiple sclerosis can bring physical, emotional, and social challenges that are difficult for others to fully understand.
MS Bright Spots of Hope creates spaces where people do not have to explain every part of their experience. Participants can connect with others who understand, try new activities at their own pace, learn from positive role models, and build relationships that extend beyond a single program.
We welcome people living with MS, family members, friends, care partners, volunteers, healthcare professionals, and community supporters.
Together, we create opportunities to feel informed, encouraged, capable, and connected.
How It Began
Created from professional experience and a personal MS journey.
MS Bright Spots of Hope was founded in 2016 by Michelle Keating, RN, MSCN. Her experience includes oncology nursing, MS nursing certification, patient education, counseling, injection training, telephone support, and the development of programs focused on helping people live with greater confidence and hope.
Michelle was diagnosed with MS in 1981. Her personal journey, nursing career, patient-education work, and belief in the power of community inspired her to create programs that extend beyond medical care.
What began with programs such as MS Evening of Hope and Many Steps Toward Hope grew into an organization offering wellness, movement, education, cycling, aquatics, social connection, and annual community experiences.
In Michelle's words
"Medical care is an essential part of living with MS—but so are friendship, confidence, movement, creativity, laughter, and hope."
Michelle Keating · Founder
Vision & Mission
Our mission and vision.
Our Mission
To educate, empower, inspire, and enhance wellness and creativity for people affected by multiple sclerosis and the broader community through engaging programs, meaningful relationships, and positive role models.
Our Mission in Action
Four commitments that guide our work.
Educate, empower, inspire, and enhance wellness—the pillars behind every program we create.
Educate
Knowledge can build confidence. We help participants learn about wellness, movement, resources, and practical approaches to living with MS.
- Understand MS-related wellness
- Discover healthcare & social-support resources
- Learn from professionals and peers
- Make informed personal decisions
Empower
Every person should have opportunities to participate. We provide welcoming, adaptive experiences that build confidence.
- Try new activities
- Set personal goals
- Improve strength and movement
- Develop supportive relationships
- Participate at your own pace
Inspire
Positive examples help people imagine new possibilities. We share stories from people pursuing meaningful goals while living with MS.
- Completing a first adaptive bike ride
- Returning to movement
- Forming a new friendship
- Sharing an honest personal story
- Helping another feel less alone
Enhance Wellness
Wellness includes body, mind, creativity, and connection. Our programs support physical, emotional, social, and creative well-being.
- Adaptive movement
- Aquatic activity
- Cycling
- Mindfulness and relaxation
- Social connection
- Creative expression
Our Values
What guides our work.
Hope
We recognize challenges without allowing those challenges to define the possibilities ahead.
Belonging
We create welcoming spaces where people can participate without judgment.
Adaptability
We recognize that MS affects every person differently and that participation should never follow a single standard.
Connection
We believe shared experiences and meaningful relationships can reduce isolation.
Courage
We celebrate the courage required to try, adapt, ask for help, and keep moving forward.
Joy
We intentionally create opportunities for laughter, creativity, friendship, and celebration.
What We Do
Creating bright spots throughout the MS journey.
Our free programs are designed to support different interests, comfort levels, and abilities.
Movement & Wellness
Adaptive fitness, aquatics, cycling, movement, relaxation, and wellness experiences.
Community & Social Connection
Dinners, sharing socials, celebrations, seasonal gatherings, and informal community events.
Education & Inspiration
Educational programs, expert perspectives, peer stories, and positive MS role models.
Annual Experiences
Signature programs and celebrations that bring the community together around hope, accomplishment, and connection.
Community Impact
Bright spots become lasting change.
A welcoming conversation, an adaptive bike ride, a new friendship, or the confidence to try something different can have an impact far beyond a single event. Our programs help participants feel less isolated, more informed, more connected, and better supported in living life with MS.
2016 Year founded
Creating connection and hope in the MS community.
350 + Participants
Engaged in programs during 2025.
Free Community programs
Designed to reduce barriers to participation.
Our Leadership
Guided by experience, compassion, and community.
Our board brings together people with professional expertise, lived MS experience, family experience, advocacy backgrounds, and a shared commitment to creating more hopeful, connected lives.
Michelle Keating, RN, MSCN
President & Executive Director
Nurse, MS-certified educator, advocate, and founder—combining clinical expertise with decades of lived experience.
View profileGina Fletcher
Chair & Programs Administrator
Retired global sales leader, coach, author, and person living with MS with a powerful message of resilience.
View profileRuss Miller
Treasurer
Banking professional and support partner bringing financial expertise and deep commitment to families navigating MS.
View profileCathy Daugherty
Secretary
An educator and person living with MS who brings a passion for learning, encouragement, and community participation.
View profileWho We Serve
Everyone affected by MS deserves support.
MS Bright Spots of Hope welcomes:
- People newly diagnosed with MS
- People who have lived with MS for many years
- Family members
- Friends
- Care partners
- Healthcare professionals
- Volunteers
- Community organizations
- Donors and sponsors
You do not need to be highly active, have a particular type of MS, or already know someone in the organization. You are welcome to begin wherever you are.
Get Involved
Help us create the next bright spot.
Join a program, share your time, become a community partner, or make a gift that helps keep welcoming experiences available to people affected by MS.
Join a Program
Attend an event, meet the community, and discover an experience that feels right for you.
Find a ProgramShare Your Time
Help us create welcoming, organized, and memorable experiences for participants and their families.
Become a VolunteerBecome a Partner
Collaborate with us as a healthcare organization, community group, venue, sponsor, or wellness professional.
Partner With UsSupport Our Mission
Your contribution helps provide inclusive wellness, educational, and social experiences at no cost to participants.
Make a DonationFind your next bright spot.
Whether you are looking for connection, movement, knowledge, friendship, or encouragement, there is a place for you in our community.