News

Join us for our next MSAV Online MS Support Group Meeting on Tuesday, August 12th, at 12:00 PM (noon) EDT!

We are thrilled to welcome our special guest speaker, Rebecca Parsio, RN, BSN, Healthcare Compliance Officer – Driver Services Administration for the Virginia DMV.

Rebecca will be providing an invaluable overview of the Virginia DMV process, specifically highlighting “red flags” that may impact driving privileges for individuals with MS. Following her presentation, there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain important information directly from an expert and get your questions answered. We encourage everyone to attend!

Date: Tuesday, August 12th, 2025

Time: 12:00 PM (noon) EDT

Location: ZOOM 

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7127679497
Meeting ID: 712 767 9497
One or call: 1-312-626-6799
or 712-767-9497

We look forward to seeing you there!

My family and I were planning a move into a new home. Like many other homeowners, we had been working toward this moment for years. It was surreal that it was finally here. But the move prompted me to think about how I could set up my new home in a way that would best support my health. READ FULL STORY HERE

The annual Brian Mason Respite Weekend is fast approaching, and we’re excited for another wonderful event! With many new faces joining us, we felt it was the perfect time to reintroduce the man who inspired it all. It is our distinct pleasure to present Brian Mason, a truly dedicated philanthropist whose unwavering commitment has profoundly impacted the Multiple Sclerosis Alliance of Virginia.

Brian is the visionary force behind the “Brian Mason Respite Camp,” an initiative born from his desire to offer a much-needed sanctuary for individuals living with MS and their caregivers. This camp provides a vital break from daily challenges, fostering a sense of community, respect, and love. His enduring support for the MS Alliance of Virginia, inspired by the passion of President Suzanne O’Connell, stems from a recognition of the Alliance’s crucial role in addressing the daily, on-the-ground needs of individuals with MS. Brian’s continued sponsorship isn’t just motivation; it’s a deep “connection” and a profound commitment to instilling “HOPE” in the hearts of everyone touched by MS.

Interview with Brian Mason

MSAV:  To begin, could you tell us a bit about what initially inspired your journey into philanthropy?

BRIAN:  I was President of the YARC (Youth Association for Retarded Children… not politically correct verbiage now) my junior and senior years in high school. I developed a passion for helping people less fortunate and for those who couldn’t help themselves. We participated in Special Olympics and took the children to places they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to see or experience. It was challenging (especially for teenagers), but the incredible feeling we received from watching the children’s faces was irreplaceable.

MSAV:  The “Brian Mason Respite Camp” has become a beacon of hope and enjoyment for so many. Could you share the original vision and story behind how the camp first came to be?

BRIAN:  The Respite Camp’s original purpose was to offer a getaway for people who suffered with MS and their caregivers. We wanted to first serve the most afflicted who may not otherwise get a vacation or time away from their home. We wanted caregivers to receive a much-needed break from the daily grind by having nurses and volunteers to take the burden away for a few days. We wanted to celebrate the ones who so bravely handled the day-to-day struggles and celebrate the caregivers who seldom received a thank you. It eventually evolved into something similar to today’s version with workshops and speakers. I’m very proud of the benefit it has been and continues to be for so many. It’s a magical experience as it makes everyone there feel respected and loved because it’s all about them as they associate with people who are experiencing the same affliction.

MSAV:  What first brought the Multiple Sclerosis Alliance of Virginia to your attention? Was there something specific about our mission or work that resonated with you?

BRIAN:  Suzanne’s vision first brought me to the MS Alliance. She has a passion for helping others. The Alliance fills the void left by other MS organizations. They are predominantly devoted to research and have a “big picture” mentality which is extremely important, but as hard as they try, they can’t meet the everyday needs at the ground level. The day-to-day needs are maybe the most important when dealing with MS.

MSAV:  Could you tell us about how your association with our President, Suzanne O’Connell, began? How did that relationship develop and lead to the MSAV becoming the fortunate beneficiary of your generosity?

BRIAN:  Suzanne is a remarkable person, a diamond. She has a quality most people must learn; hers is natural. She has the ability to understand and feel the needs of others. I feel very honored to know her.

MSAV:  The Smith Mountain Lake 4-H Center provides such a serene and suitable environment for the camp. What led you to select this specific venue? What qualities of the 4-H center made it stand out as the ideal location?

BRIAN:  Pure luck. We needed something large enough and suitable for people with special needs. In hindsight, it was divine intervention!

MSAV:  What motivates you to continue your generous sponsorship of the MS Respite Camp year after year?

BRIAN:  I wouldn’t call it motivation; I would call it connection. I feel connected to everyone who has MS, and I’m passionate about giving those who suffer the most a break and the feeling of being wanted and, more importantly… HOPE!

MSAV:  From your perspective, what do you hope participants experience and gain from attending the Brian Mason Respite Camp?

BRIAN:  Being wanted… being needed, and knowing that they are appreciated and loved. They can accomplish anything, and they are not alone.

MSAV:  Are there any particular moments, memories, or stories from past camps that have been especially meaningful or impactful for you personally?

BRIAN:  I have enjoyed and cherished all of them. I feel so good when I receive a thank-you note or card or email and read about how special the camp was for them. It’s beyond rewarding!

MSAV:  Is there anything else you would like to share about your involvement with the camp, or your broader commitment to supporting individuals living with MS?

BRIAN:  I would like to thank you for taking the time to ask me about the camp and thank Suzanne and the Alliance for their commitment to helping all who suffer with MS. Always remember, “Hope” is a good thing… maybe the best thing!

Treatment with neural stem cells, which have the ability to differentiate into neurons and other supportive cells of the nervous system, was safe and significantly boosted myelin repair in spinal cord lesions in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS), a study showed….READ MORE

A six-week music therapy intervention significantly reduced psychosocial fatigue — or fatigue that interferes with a person’s motivation and ability to engage in social and daily activities — and heat sensitivity in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), according to data from a clinical trial….READ MORE

A global clinical trial has been launched to evaluate the oral therapy candidate BMS-986368 for treating spasticity — muscle stiffness and spasms — in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The Phase 2 study (NCT06782490), called BALANCE-MSS-1, will enroll about 200 adults with MS who have experienced spasticity…READ MORE

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive disease of the central nervous system that is well known for its effects on a person’s ability to move. However, one of the lesser-known symptoms of MS is cognitive decline — sometimes known as cog fog or brain fog. The term “cognitive” refers to how your brain thinks, learns, remembers, and understands things.

As MS progresses, approximately 40 percent to 65 percent of people diagnosed with the condition will experience cognitive changes. Additionally, research suggests that cognitive dysfunction can occur earlier in the disease than health experts once thought. These challenges can affect a person’s ability to work, drive, socialize, and live daily life independently. Read full story here….

Get ready, Lynchburg MS support group members! The group has some important updates regarding upcoming meetings and a new social gathering opportunity.

July Support Meeting

The next support meeting will be held on Thursday, July 10th, at Mi Patron (3412 Waterlick Rd, Lynchburg, VA). Members can join for a social hour starting at 5:30 PM, with the meeting officially kicking off at 6:00 PM. It’s a great chance to connect with fellow members and share experiences.

New Monthly Social Gatherings

Starting in August, the group is excited to announce a new monthly social gathering at Buffalo Wild Wings! These gatherings will take place on the first Wednesday of every month and will also serve as a fundraiser for the MSAV (Multiple Sclerosis Association of Virginia). More details about the exact timing for these events will be shared soon, so members should keep an eye out!

Mr. Huntsman – It is an honor that has been given to us to serve this special MS community. I would ask for trust. I know that working with a new team can be a little scary – and I am sure that there may be issues that arise in the coming months and years, but our entire team will work hard to address any issue a patient may have. We will give our all for each MS patient (and other neurology patients) and want to thank Dr. Cramer for granting us this privilege of continuing the journey that she has started.

Special THANK YOU to Hannah Borny

Patients are often caught in a system of impersonal treatment when the “business” of medicine and health insurance predominate over human health.

It is extremely rare today for physicians to see and know their patients outside of their medical office hours; I have known only a handful. When they do, they come to really know how the patients’ medical conditions affect their ability to function physically and emotionally. Is there no better gift that a doctor can give? I would like to share a tribute to a physician who has transformed the care of people with Multiple Sclerosis in a rural area of southwest Virginia, and worked with the 2000-member, all-volunteer support program founded by a patient…Read full story  by clicking HERE

“Oh, honey! Why don’t you go ahead and put your head in the freezer over there?”

The cashier who said this to me seemed both worried and sympathetic. In front of her was a woman who had sweat running down her face. It was snowing outside, but here she was looking like she had run a marathon. That woman was me. Read more HERE.

Since my diagnosis in 2016, I’ve often seen MS as a condition that takes things away from me. It holds me back, sets limits, and forces me to say “no” when I so badly want to say “yes.” It’s held me back from hot yoga and intense workouts that I once loved. It’s sidelined me on days when fatigue hits hard, forcing me to adjust my plans—or cancel them altogether. It’s kept me indoors on hot summer days when all I wanted was to soak up the sun….read full story HERE.

With a deep sense of gratitude for her years of dedicated service to the Multiple Sclerosis community, the MS Alliance of Virginia presents this candid and informative farewell interview with Dr. Jill Cramer. As she embarks on a new chapter, Dr. Cramer graciously shares the personal reasons behind her transition, offers crucial guidance for her patients navigating this change, and reflects on her impactful journey. We extend our sincerest thanks to Dr. Cramer for her unwavering commitment and wish her the very best in all her future endeavors.

MS ALLIANCE:  What factors led to your decision to transition from your neurology practice at this time?

DR. CRAMER:  (1) God is calling me in a different direction, and (2) my family needs me in new ways that I cannot fulfill while working the extensive hours that I have had to work to run the business in addition to practicing medicine. Ultimately, running the medical office business is the part that is impossible to do any more, but practicing and the business go together, so when the business closes, I cannot stay.

MS ALLIANCE:  We understand that your patients care deeply about your well-being. Is there anything you would like to share with them regarding your decision?

DR. CRAMER:  Thank you for asking. No, I am not sick, and the cancer remains in remission.

MS ALLIANCE:  Could you share more about your future academic pursuits?

DR. CRAMER:  Separate from the business decision, I got into law school. I planned to go to law school and run the practice until recent developments made it impossible to continue my business. The decision to go to law school was actually made after I had to decide to close the business.

MS ALLIANCE:  Will you continue to see patients at any other locations or institutions following your departure from this practice?

DR. CRAMER:  I will have limited hours at Wytheville. I’ve been working there part-time for a year and enjoy going down there where I do not run the business and also see patients. The administrators who run the practice are lovely people who are patient oriented, and I appreciate working with them in that philosophy.

MS ALLIANCE:  What is the process for patients to obtain their medical records after your departure?

DR. CRAMER:  Request medical records by phone or fax request. We will fax records for free to physician’s offices. We will provide a copy of your records on CD for $6.50 if you pick it up or for $11.50 if you need it mailed to you. Our website will be updated after we close on May 31 in case you forget the details and need to reach us in the future.

MS ALLIANCE:  What is the procedure for patients to obtain necessary prescription refills during and after this transition?

DR. CRAMER:  After May 31, I am not able to refill any medications. Before May 31, please contact the office through phone call or portal message. We will send in as many refills as legally allowed for the medications that we prescribe. We are hearing that some pharmacies will not fill more than a 3 month supply of amphetamines (Adderall, Ritalin, and similar medications), but other controlled medicine we can refill for 6 months and non-controlled medicines we can refill for 12 months.

MS ALLIANCE:  How will ongoing infusion treatments be managed for current patients?

DR. CRAMER:  We will refer infusion patients to local infusion facilities. Carilion will not honor my prescriptions after May 31 unless you are already a Wytheville patient (that is a separate practice with separate rules). We are generally sending patients to the free standing infusion facility that their insurance prefers. Please check with your insurance and let us know where they will cover your infusions. We will write prescriptions for at least six months so you can get your infusions. You will work with Renee in my office to transfer the infusions.

MS ALLIANCE:  What will happen with scheduled appointments after your departure date? Should patients expect them to be cancelled?

DR. CRAMER:  The office closes after May 31. Appointments scheduled in the Salem or Christiansburg offices after May 31 will be cancelled. None of these answers apply to Wytheville, which is a completely separate practice.

MS ALLIANCE:  Are you making specific referrals to other MS specialists or neurologists for your patients’ continued care?

DR. CRAMER:  I am still working hard to bring in MS specialty care to the Salem office. I don’t know if we will be able to set this up, so I am not able to give details at this time. Anyone with MS will be notified if this arrangement happens. Otherwise, I am sending patients to the physicians on the MSAV MS Specialist List. Most of my MS patients need another MS experienced physician to manage their complex care. The closest specialist physicians who do this work are at University of Virginia.

MS ALLIANCE:  Do I need to see a MS Specialist or can my primary care doctor or general neurologist handle my care? What guidance can you offer patients regarding the level of specialized neurological care they may require moving forward?

DR. CRAMER:  Generally, a person who is prescribed disease modifying therapies needs an MS specialist. If you do not have disease modifying therapies, do not take amphetamines, and only have medicines for MS symptoms, some primary care will be comfortable refilling medications until hopefully the Roanoke area can recruit another MS specialist. It is up to the specific general neurologist whether they are familiar enough with your case and your specific treatments whether they can continue your care without an MS specialist.

As I noted previously, I am working with some MS specialists and a company to bring in physicians and an MS trained NP to take over MS care at the Roanoke Area MS Center facility at 431 Apperson Dr in Salem. The agreements have not been confirmed, so I have no further details at this time. Patients with MS will be notified if we are able to set up MS specialist care in that office.

MS ALLIANCE:  What will be the role of other members of your team, such as Elena, the Physician Assistant, after your departure? Will they continue to see patients at this location?

DR. CRAMER:  The entire office is closing May 31. This includes Elena, who will not be seeing patients in the Roanoke-Christiansburg area after May 31.

MS ALLIANCE:  What is the anticipated future of the MS Center and the MS Alliance following your transition? Will there be any changes in their operation or services?

DR. CRAMER:  The Roanoke Area MS Center building was purchased for the benefit of the MS Alliance. The building is still available for MS Alliance activities. What changes will occur depend partly on whether we are successful to bring in MS treating providers to use part of the building. The MS Alliance can discuss the changes they may make. Regardless of whether we are able to bring in MS treating providers for MS care, the building will be more available for MS Alliance activities, parties, meetings, sessions, etc. after August 1.

MS ALLIANCE:  Reflecting on your time here, what are some of the key principles or approaches to patient care that you hope will be carried forward by your colleagues?

DR. CRAMER:  An individualized approach in which the patient’s opinions and experiences are respected is very important. MSAV has built an incredible community of knowledgeable and involved individuals with MS. The original goal of the MS Center was to bring patient-centered care to the Roanoke area, and I would want anyone who comes to the area to provide the medical portion of that mission to continue that patient-centered philosophy. I also would want MS care to be delivered by MS-familiar neurologists, which is why I am generally referring MS patients to the MS specialized neurologists that MSAV has listed.

MS ALLIANCE:  As you embark on your legal career, do you envision any potential intersections or ways your legal work might connect with the healthcare or disability advocacy fields in the future?

DR. CRAMER:  I don’t know what God is setting up for me. I would love to advocate for patients injured by bad health insurance company decisions because I see the ways insurance companies act contrary to patients’ best interests all day long. I don’t even know that holding health insurance companies accountable is even a job. We will see where the training and future leads.

MS ALLIANCE:  Based on your experience, what are some of the biggest challenges you see for individuals living with MS in our region, and what kind of support or changes do you feel are most needed?

DR. CRAMER:  The absolute biggest challenge in my opinion and experience is the lack of resources. Not only do we not have a lot of MS-familiar neurologists, but the employers, systems, education programs … none are well equipped or educated to work with individuals who have MS. A hospital system that truly advocates for the MS community would be a huge benefit to patients with MS. I would like to see a strong treatment team come to the area.

MS ALLIANCE:  What are some of the most significant advancements you’ve witnessed in MS treatment during your practice, and what are you hopeful for in the future of MS care?

DR. CRAMER:  When I started clinical practice in 2002, we had five MS medications. The average life span of a person with MS was shortened by about 15 years. We now have over two dozen disease modifying therapies that are slowing disease and improving life expectancy for people living with MS. Community engagement, education, and understanding – while still needs work – has improved tremendously. I have been honored to be part of the incredible changes in MS care over the past 25 years and appreciate so much your taking this amazing journey with me.

MS ALLIANCE:  Is there anything else you would like to say to your patients and the wider MS community who have supported you during your time here?

DR. CRAMER:  I have appreciated so much the support and partnership that MSAV and patients living with MS have given to me in the almost 20 years we have been together. You are an amazing group, with incredible grit. I am so inspired by each and every one of you and your accomplishments, challenges, and attitudes. Thank you. Thank you a thousand times over. I will miss each and every one of you.

Treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) can be complex, involving a range of options, including U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), drugs under clinical investigation, and off-label medications to manage symptoms. If you or a loved one is navigating MS, gaining a clear understanding of these different treatment paths can help support better decisions and conversations with your healthcare team.

Let’s explore how to make sense of these different drug types and treatment options. Read full story HERE…

— Two trials have reported data, and more are underway…

Should multiple sclerosis (MS) patients stop disease-modifying treatment (DMT) as they get older?

The answer depends on several factors, noted John Corboy, MD, of the Rocky Mountain MS Center at the University of Colorado in Aurora, at the 2025 Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) Forum.

“Many patients are discontinuing DMTs as they age, and there is little data to guide them as to risks or benefits,” Corboy told MedPage Today.

Observational studies and two randomized controlled trials consistently suggest that, in general, disease recurrence after DMT discontinuation diminishes with age and patients may wish to consider stopping MS drugs.

The Multiple Sclerosis Alliance of Virginia (MSAV) is overflowing with gratitude for the incredible success of our March is MS Awareness and Rejuvenation Weekend, held at the beautiful Bent Mountain Lodge. The peaceful and scenic setting provided the perfect backdrop for a day of education, connection, and support.

We are deeply thankful to everyone who contributed to making this event so special. Your dedication has made a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by MS in our community.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes to our primary sponsor, TG Therapeutics, for their unwavering commitment to patient care. We were honored to have Dr. Rahul Davé, sponsored by TG Therapeutics, as our keynote speaker. His insightful presentation provided valuable information and inspiration to our attendees.

We also extend our sincere thanks to Genentech, Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI), Cycle Pharma and Polar. Your continued support is deeply appreciated.

A special thank you to David and Ginger McDonald, the exceptional owners of Bent Mountain Lodge. Their hospitality and accommodating spirit created a warm and welcoming environment for our event. The serene setting truly enhanced the experience for everyone.

We were also fortunate to have a team of dedicated medical specialists who participated in roundtable discussions, providing personalized insights and answering attendees’ questions. Their expertise and willingness to share their knowledge were invaluable.

And, of course, we extend our deepest gratitude to all the attendees who joined us. Your presence and engagement made the event a resounding success. Your willingness to learn, share, and connect created a powerful sense of community.

This year’s event allowed the Multiple Sclerosis Alliance of Virginia to:

• Provide a peaceful and informative environment for people affected by MS.

• Facilitate meaningful connections between patients, medical professionals, and support organizations.

• Increase awareness about MS and the resources available to those living with the condition.

• Strengthen our community and support network.

We are inspired by the resilience and strength of the MS community and are committed to continuing our work to provide a sense of community, education, and advocacy.

Thank you again to everyone who made this event possible. Your support is making a real difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by MS in Virginia.

We are thrilled to introduce you to Marion Thomas MSN, NP-C! Marion has worked with our beloved Dr. Carlos Mora since 2023, and she is eager to continue the exceptional care he has provided to our MS community. Marion brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for working with patients living with multiple sclerosis. She has a strong background in neurology, having worked as a registered nurse in neurosurgery at UVA Medical Center and in the Neuro-Trauma Intensive Care Unit at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Her dedication to this field led her to specialize in neurology as a nurse practitioner, and her commitment to providing holistic care for individuals with chronic conditions makes her a perfect fit for our team. Marion believes in connecting with her patients, fostering open communication, and empowering them to actively participate in their care. She is particularly interested in the latest advancements in MS treatment, including disease-modifying therapies and the emerging role of the gut microbiome in MS development and management. She is a Roanoke native and deeply committed to serving the needs of our local MS community.

To help you get to know Marion better, we recently sat down with her for a Q&A session:

What inspired you to specialize in neurology, and specifically, what drew you to working with patients who have Multiple Sclerosis?

Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, I worked as a registered nurse in neurosurgery at UVA Medical Center, and in the Neuro-Trauma Intensive Care Unit at Roanoke Memorial Hospital. So, my background and passion have always been neurologically focused. I knew when I became a Nurse Practitioner I wanted to continue with my passion in the field of neurology. When I was approached by our management team asking me to work alongside Dr. Mora to serve the MS community through Carilion, I wanted to do research into the disease prior to accepting the position, as I believe you have to love what you do in healthcare in order to make a positive impact. Once I started learning about multiple sclerosis, and how it does not limit itself by demographic, sex, or age, and the holistic approach to treatment, including all of the advances over the past 40 years, I knew this would be a subspecialty I would not only enjoy but feel as though I could make a positive impact by being a part of caring for these patients.

What is your philosophy of care when working with patients with chronic conditions like MS?

I desire to connect with my patients, which opens an opportunity for vulnerability and the real ability to provide the holistic care that I aspire to provide. I think multiple sclerosis and many other chronic neurological conditions require an approach that looks at the person as a whole and therefore needs to be treated as such.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of working with MS patients for you?

Patients living with multiple sclerosis are some of the most self-aware patients that I serve. They have been forced to get to know their bodies in a way many of them likely thought they never could. They are often in tune with their needs as well as what works for managing their care and what does not. This inspires me to ensure that I am including them in all decisions that are made about their care. Having patients that are motivated about their health and quality of life is always rewarding.

What are some of the biggest challenges you see in providing care for MS patients, and how do you address them?

The most obvious challenge is that I am not a physician, which means my scope of knowledge has its limitations. With that being said, I have established relationships with other individuals in the healthcare system and beyond who have an extensive knowledge of treating MS, and I am always willing to reach out to them in challenging situations. MS is also a very individualized disease, meaning that no patient presents the same, which can pose challenges in care, as what works for one patient may not work for the next. However, I find this to be an inspiring challenge as it forces me as a healthcare provider to develop a greater knowledge and expand my approach to managing symptoms that the disease may cause.

What are some of the most exciting advancements you’ve seen in MS treatment and research in recent years, and where do you see the future of MS treatments heading in the next 5-10 years?

The most exciting advancement is the disease-modifying therapies that continue to be developed that target the disease in a better way, but also in a way that has potentially fewer side effects for patients and are easier to use, such as infusions and once-to-twice-yearly treatment instead of daily or weekly. I see the future of MS as broad, including more disease-modifying therapies and symptom management options.

Are there any particular areas of MS research or treatment that you are particularly interested in or involved with?

I think MS research is constantly evolving in terms of therapies, which is exciting in terms of the future of MS. However, one area I am particularly interested in is the influence of the gut microbiome in the development and management of MS. We are starting to understand the significant role that the gut plays in predisposing patients to MS as well as influencing their disease progression. This is also an area that can be managed through lifestyle and diet changes, which means it is cost-effective and easier to obtain than many of the medications used to treat symptoms of MS.

What can patients expect when they come to see you for their MS care?

I treat all of my patients with kindness, respect, and empathy. I always want to ensure that my patients know we are a team, and I will never make decisions without them, as this is their body and health journey. I want patients to always feel heard and comfortable with the care they receive from me. I tend to take a holistic approach with my care for MS patients as this is a condition that involves every part of their body; therefore, integrating things such as lifestyle changes, therapies, diet, and developing a support system is important to me in managing their symptoms and chronic condition.

Is there anything else you’d like the community to know about you or your practice?

Being a Roanoke native, I know that there is a major need in this community for passionate and accessible care for the MS population. I strive to advocate for our MS patients and make sure they feel supported through their healthcare and community.

We are confident that Marion Thomas will be a valuable asset to our community and a compassionate advocate for our MS patients. Please join us in making her feel welcome to our MS team.

A friend of mine went hiking alone during the warmer months of early autumn. Before he left, he contacted several of his friends via a group chat and let us know when and where he intended to start and the location where he planned to camp for the night. He then designated a time and place where he’d exit the woods and promised that he’d send a message when he was back home. At the time, I remember thinking that he’d essentially left us a five-point contingency plan. Read full story by clicking HERE…