Girten was the featured speaker at the second Women Against MS Luncheon at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza hotel.

The event was sponsored by the Ohio Valley Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Girten, who grew up in Cincinnati and now lives in Chicago, told the audience how she has used her humor, creativity and positive attitude to cope with MS.

She wrote the play With or Without Wings, a story about her life, and has appeared in a small role in the production.

She is now performing in Chicago in the Arthur Miller play A View From The Bridge.

The Women Against MS Luncheon was co-chaired by Ginger Rothhaas and Patti Lufkin. Luncheon committee members were Amy Joseph, Mariana Harness, Wendy Joseph, Beth Kennedy, Barbara Saunders, Peri Barker, Kristin Barnes and Hill Carter.

The Ohio Valley Chapter provides information, referral, education, programs and advocacy for 5,000 people living with MS and their families in its 27-county area.

For more information about the organization, call (513) 769-4400 or visit the Web site, www.fightmstoday.org

Football star to speak

Kidney transplant recipient John Brockington, a former Green Bay Packer rookie of the year and three-time Pro Bowl player in the early 1970s, will be the keynote speaker at the second Celebrate Life Community Breakfast from 8-10 a.m. Nov. 18 at the Kingsgate Marriott in Corryville.

The breakfast serves to cultivate a new audience and sponsors for LifeCenter Organ Donor Network, Greater Cincinnati's local nonprofit organ recovery agency.

The network will introduce the organization's calendar for 2005, paying tribute to those who have given organs and those who are recipients.

Sponsors are Procter & Gamble, Check N' Go, Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Cinergy, the Dater Foundation, Fujisawa Healthcare, Kelly Ryan Memorial Fund and Roche Pharmaceuticals.

For more information, call (513) 961-5200, ext. 13.

Fund to benefit injured teen

A Victor Thompson Victory Fund has been set up at US Bank for a Princeton High senior who dislocated his knee in a football game Oct. 8, resulting in serious complications.

Thompson, 18, who has spent most of his life in foster homes, has undergone surgeries at University Hospital and remains in the intensive care unit. Doctors have told Thompson that if he is able to keep his leg, he will no longer be able to play sports.

Checks may be dropped off at any area US Bank location or mailed to Princeton High School Athletic Office, 11080 Chester Road, Cincinnati, OH 45246. The checks should be made payable to The Victor Thompson Victory Fund. All donations will go toward offsetting Thompson's medical expenses.

GIVING BACK

Paul F. Michels of Villa Hills led the list of donors honored by the Hoxworth Blood Center for achieving donation milestones from Sept. 25 to Oct. 5.

Michels reached the 61-gallon level, followed by Robert F. Pugh of Colerain Township, who has given 29 gallons, and Richard V. Manoukian of Terrace Park, with 22 gallons.

Also honored:

Norbert C. Hehman, Cold Spring, and James M. Salamon, Loveland, 18 gallons each.

David D. Toennis, West Chester, Stephen L. McBride, St. Bernard, and Vincent R. Kroger, Cold Spring, 16 gallons.

Paul J. Hartfiel, Price Hill, 15 gallons; and Dean A. Smith, Monfort Heights, 14 gallons.

Duane M. Karr, West Chester, and Stephen C. Clevenger, Dillsboro, 13 gallons; and Donald J. Bock, Colerain Township, 12 gallons.

Kenneth G. Preston, Bevis; Christopher G. Parker, Anderson Township; Joe Norem, West Chester; Catherine L. Johnson, Fairfield; and Mick Donna, Fairfield, 10 gallons.

Michael Anderson, director of public relations for the center, said anyone who donates blood through Saturday will be eligible to win a $2,500 gift certificate from Champion Window & Patio Rooms.