Seattle Resident Jilladair Carlson Embarks on a National Fundraising Project for the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America

October 20, 2006

This holiday season join Jilladair Carlson, a music producer from Seattle, Washington and Erik Kjelland, a singer and songwriter from Madison, Wisconsin, in a unique fundraising opportunity benefiting the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA). Kjelland and Carlson have joined forces to write, sing, and produce Everybody Falls, a CD compiled to inspire not only individuals in the multiple sclerosis (MS) community, but all who listen.

While wanting to help MSAA, Carlson also has a personal interest in MS, as she was diagnosed 20 years ago with the disease. As a way to express her feelings about living with MS, she helped to write “Brighter,” the title track to the CD. “I wrote the lyrics to ‘Brighter' because I believe them. I believe that each person who has MS is a star and we are all special,” states Carlson. “And yes, we do fall, but it is how we pick ourselves up – that is what makes us stronger.”

“The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America is delighted to be the beneficiary of Erik Kjelland's Everybody Falls CD,” states Malcolm Friend, MSAA's director of volunteer services. “We offer our most heartfelt thanks to Erik, Jilladair Carlson of La De Da Productions, Guest House, Sooper Dooper and Chroma Sound in making this prestigious project a reality that will benefit so many individuals with multiple sclerosis and their families across America. MSAA extends our thanks to those who purchase the Everybody Falls CD. Support of this project directly assists the MS community by providing funds for MSAA's programs and services. ”

Carlson has set some ambitious goals for “Brighter” and the Everybody Falls CD. “One is to raise awareness of MS and MSAA,” says Carlson. “The second is to bring in two million dollars to MSAA through CD sales.” In order to facilitate this, Carlson herself will serve as the distributor – which means that the CD will only be available online at www.everybodyfalls.com . To help fulfill orders and meet her goals, Carlson has a team of volunteers waiting to help, along with the equipment needed to ship the orders from her office.

The cost of the CD is $10.00 plus shipping and handling and is on sale now at www.everybodyfalls.com or call (877) 783-7516. For more information on this fundraising project or MSAA please contact Amanda Bednar at (800) 532-7667, extension 122 or via email at abednar@msaa.com .

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America is a national nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to enriching the quality of life for everyone affected by multiple sclerosis. MSAA offers programs and services including a toll-free Helpline (1-800-532-7667); support groups; equipment ranging from grab bars to wheelchairs; MRI funding and insurance advocacy; educational literature including a quarterly magazine, The Motivator; Lending Library; cooling program for heat-sensitive individuals; awareness events; and more.

To make a donation to MSAA or to inquire about volunteering or fundraising, please contact MSAA at (800) 532-7667, extension 159 or visit MSAA's website at www.msaa.com for information.

The most common neurological disorder diagnosed in young adults, multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. This disorder damages or destroys the protective covering (known as myelin) surrounding the nerves, causing reduced communication between the brain and nerve pathways. Common symptoms include visual problems, overwhelming fatigue, difficulty with balance and coordination, and various levels of impaired mobility. MS is not contagious or fatal.

Amanda Bednar
MSAA Public Relations Manager
(800) 532-7667, extension 122
abednar@msaa.com

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