Our Vision
To inspire communities to embrace life fully through positive connections with the multiple sclerosis community.
The Meaning Behind “Bright Spots”
With multiple sclerosis, “bright spots” refer to changes seen on an MRI. For us, they are moments of connection, encouragement, laughter, and hope — the moments that inspired our name and continue to guide the community we’ve built.
Serving the Greater St. Louis MS community since 2016
Community Impact
Creating Connection. Creating Hope.
...in the Greater St. Louis area, for people with Multiple Sclerosis and their care partners.
2016 Year founded
Serving the Greater St. Louis MS community.
350+ Participants
Engaged in programs during 2025.
85+ Free Events & programs
Offered throughout the year.
Why we exist.
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.
How It Began
Created from a professional and personal MS journey.
My personal experience has helped me to see God in the small kindnesses of others who support me every day. So while Living with Multiple Sclerosis changes many things, connection, encouragement and wellness can make a real difference. Those are the bright spots that give us strength, hope and a community that understands.
Michelle Keating, Founder
MS Bright Spots of Hope was founded in 2016 by Michelle Keating, RN, MSCN-e. Diagnosed with MS in 1981, Michelle’s nursing career and personal multiple sclerosis journey inspired her to explore community-based support that went beyond medical care. What began with MS Evening of Hope and Many Steps Toward Hope has grown into 85+ programs centered on wellness, movement, education, and meaningful connection – in a safe place where people understand.
The Board
Our Leadership.
Our board brings medical and professional expertise, lived experience, advocacy, and a shared commitment to the MS community.
Michelle Keating, RN, MSCN-e
President & Executive Director
Nurse, MS-certified educator, advocate, and founder—combining clinical expertise with decades of lived experience.
Read Michelle Keating's full bio
Michelle Keating is a registered nurse, MS-certified educator, advocate, and founder of MS Bright Spots of Hope. Her 41 year career includes oncology nursing, patient education, counseling, treatment training, and years of emotional and medical support for people living with MS.
Diagnosed with MS in 1981, Michelle combines professional knowledge with decades of lived experience. Her work has included patient and professional education, published literature national presentations, and programs designed to show how connection, creativity, wellness, and positive role models can strengthen hope.
In 2016, she established MS Bright Spots of Hope to turn that belief into an enduring community resource.
Gina Fletcher
Chair & Programs Administrator
Retired global sales leader, coach, author, and person living with MS with a powerful message of resilience.
Read Gina Fletcher's full bio
A retired business executive, sales coach, trainer, author, and speaker. After decades living with MS, Gina is known for her hopeful perspective and her encouragement of others facing adversity.
She is the author of Stumble to Rise: My Life Surviving and Thriving With MS and is actively involved in support groups, fundraising, program organization, adaptive cycling, and community outreach. Gina helps plan and support programs while serving as an ambassador for the organization’s message of resilience and possibility.
Cathy Daugherty
Secretary
An educator and person living with MS who brings a passion for learning, encouragement, and community participation.
Read Cathy Daugherty's full bio
An educator and Assistant Professor at St. Charles Community College. Diagnosed with MS in 2019, Cathy found MS Bright Spots of Hope while searching for connection during the pandemic.
She first participated through virtual programs and later became involved in fitness, cycling, dance, social events, and community activities. She serves on the board because she believes deeply in the organization’s mission and wants others to experience the support, hope, and friendship she found in the community.
Laurie LeSage-Knight
Treasurer
Brings more than 20 years of experience in accounts payable, accounting, reporting, and analysis. After her MS diagnosis, Laurie found connection through the local MS community and MS Bright Spots of Hope.
Read Laurie LeSage-Knight's full bio
Brings more than 20 years of experience in accounts payable, accounting, reporting, and analysis. After her MS diagnosis, Laurie found connection through the local MS community and MS Bright Spots of Hope.
Accessible activities helped her rediscover movement, fitness, and community participation. As Treasurer, Laurie contributes her accounting background, attention to detail, perseverance, and positive energy to the organization.
Dan Shaul
Director
Brings extensive experience in legislative affairs, grocery-industry advocacy, public service, and strategic leadership. His connection is also personal—his wife, Kim, lives with MS.
Read Dan Shaul's full bio
The organization has provided their family with community and support. Dan joined the board to stand alongside people with MS and their support partners while contributing his leadership, advocacy, and community-building experience.
Jameson Holloman, MD
Director
Neurologist and MS specialist bringing clinical expertise, research experience, and a deeply personal connection to the MS community.
Read Jameson Holloman's full bio
Dr. Jameson Holloman, MD, is a neurologist specializing in multiple sclerosis at the MS Center for Innovations in Care at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in St. Louis. He earned his medical degree at Georgetown University, completed his neurology residency at Washington University in St. Louis, and finished a clinical MS fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic, where he is also completing a PhD. At Missouri Baptist he leads clinical research studies alongside his patient care, and he co-hosts MS Living Well, a podcast that brings leading MS researchers into conversation about the questions that matter most to patients. He serves on the National MS Society Board of Trustees. His interest in MS is personal as well as professional: he grew up with a mother living with the disease. Outside of work he can be found chasing his two young daughters, logging miles on foot, or on-stage doing improv comedy; a surprisingly useful skill for his busy clinic.
Matthew Porter
Director
Entrepreneur, technology leader, and endurance athlete living with MS who brings expertise in strategy, growth, and a strong belief in the power of movement and community.
Read Matthew Porter's full bio
Matthew Porter is an entrepreneur and technology executive with more than 30 years of experience in strategy, finance, technology, and organizational growth. He built Contegix from a startup to nearly 500 employees before selling a majority stake in 2016. Today, he is founder and fractional CxO of Mostest Advisory, helping organizations strengthen both technology and culture.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014, Matthew has made movement and exercise a central part of living well with MS, completing multiple 100-mile ultramarathons and other endurance events. His experience has shaped his belief that an MS diagnosis does not have to mean the end of an active life.
Matthew was drawn to MS Bright Spots of Hope because of its focus on movement, confidence, and community. He brings both his lived experience with MS and his background in strategy, finance, technology, and organizational growth to help expand the organization’s reach and impact throughout the St. Louis MS community.
Rudy Yanuck, MD
Director Emeritus
A retired physician, U.S. Navy veteran, speaker, advocate, and father of six. Diagnosed with MS in 1994, Rudy shares personal stories of challenge, adaptation, triumph, and hope.
Read Rudy Yanuck's full bio
He believes that hearing how others continue to live meaningful lives with chronic illness can be deeply encouraging. Rudy supports the organization’s mission of empowerment, positive connection, and inspiration.
Our Mission
Four pillars behind every program we create.
Educate
- Learn from professionals & peers
- Explore wellness practices
- Discover healthcare & social resources
- Make informed decisions
- Build confidence in managing life with MS
Empower
- Try new activities
- Develop supportive relationships
- Set personal goals
- Improve strength and movement
- Participate at your own pace
Inspire
- Learn to adapt
- Return to movement
- Form a new friendship
- Share an honest personal story
- Help another feel less alone
Enhance Wellness
- Build healthy habits
- Reduce stress
- Strengthen social connection
- Encourage creative expression
- Improve quality of life
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 helps people with MS – and their care partners – 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.
What We Offer
Free programs for all comfort levels, abilities, and interests.
Movement & Wellness
Adaptive fitness, aquatics, cycling, movement, relaxation, and wellness programs.
Community & Social Connection
Dinners, sharing socials, celebrations, seasonal gatherings, and informal events.
Education & Inspiration
Educational programs, expert perspectives, peer stories, and positive MS role models.
Annual Experiences
Signature programs and events that bring the community together around hope, inspiration, and connection.
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.
Who 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.