- About Us
Founded from Lived Experience
MS Moments began with Karrie — alongside her best friend and husband — grounded in lived experience with Multiple Sclerosis. As someone navigating MS herself, Karrie understands the challenges families face every day. MS is more than a diagnosis; it’s a journey shaped by physical symptoms, emotional weight, and financial strain.
Together, they envisioned more than a nonprofit. They created MS Moments as a
compassionate support system built on understanding, dignity, and care. That shared
vision lives on through a mission focused on meaningful, ongoing support — creating
moments of relief, connection, and hope for individuals and families affected by MS.
Our Mission
To help families affected by Multiple Sclerosis stay healthy—both physically and mentally—by providing meaningful support through grants and services.
Our Vision
A future where no Iowa family faces the challenges of MS alone, and where support is accessible, consistent, and compassionate.
Our Goal
Our goal is simple—to ensure no Iowa family faces Multiple Sclerosis alone, by providing ongoing support that truly makes a difference.
Our Story
How MS Moments Began
MS Moments was created to support families living with Multiple Sclerosis in ways that are both meaningful and enduring. What started as a grassroots effort has grown into a state wide organization, raising nearly $1.7 million to support Iowa families.
While numbers tell part of the story, the heart of MS Moments lies in relationships. We have supported nearly 300 families, many returning year after year as they navigate the ongoing challenges of a progressive, lifelong disease. MS isn’t a one-time hardship — and our support isn’t one-time either.
Today, MS Moments continues to stand beside families across Iowa, offering not only financial relief, but also compassion, understanding, and the reassurance that they are not walking this journey alone.
Our Story
How MS Affects Families
Multiple Sclerosis is more than a medical condition—it impacts every aspect of a person’s life and the lives of those around them. From physical limitations and fatigue to emotional stress and financial strain, families often face ongoing challenges that evolve over time.
MS Moments recognizes that support needs to go beyond one-time assistance. That’s why the organization focuses on providing continuous care—helping families manage both the visible and invisible effects of MS.
- Our Value & Approach
Principles Powering Reliable, Scalable Operations
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Customer Success
Integrity
Innovation
Inclusive Access
Transparency
- Founder
Karrie Anderson
Karrie Anderson is a co-founder of MS Moments and a passionate advocate for individuals and families living with Multiple Sclerosis. Living with MS herself, Karrie understands firsthand that the disease affects far more than physical health — touching emotional well-being, financial stability, relationships, and everyday life.
Motivated by her own journey and the gaps she experienced in traditional support systems, Karrie helped create MS Moments alongside her husband and best friend with a clear purpose: to build a compassionate, community-driven organization that meets people where they are and provides support over the long term. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a trusted Iowa nonprofit dedicated to making life with MS a little lighter. Beyond MS Moments, Karrie is an active advocate for systemic change. She has taken her voice from Iowa to Washington, D.C., advocating for medical cannabis access, increased NIH funding for MS research, and legislation supporting home modifications that allow people with disabilities to live safely and independently. Her advocacy is rooted in lived experience and a belief that policy should reflect the real needs of those it serves. Through MS Moments, Karrie plays a hands-on role in shaping programs, fundraising efforts, and storytelling that elevate real experiences and real impact. She is deeply committed to ensuring families receive practical support while also fostering connection, dignity, and hope.
Karrie lives in Urbandale, Iowa, with her husband, Cris, their son, Kellen, and their two miniature Australian Shepherds, Doug and Duchess. Her leadership is guided by empathy, authenticity, and the belief that even small moments of relief can be life-changing for someone living with a progressive, lifelong disease.
Board Member & Community Partner, MS Moments
Jennifer Staack
Jennifer Staack is a dedicated board member of MS Moments and a passionate supporter of Iowa families living with Multiple Sclerosis. She brings a deep sense of community, creativity, and compassion to the organization, helping strengthen MS Moments’ mission through leadership, advocacy, and meaningful partnerships.
Jennifer is the owner of Salon 86, a full-service salon and spa located in Urbandale, Iowa. As an entrepreneur and creative professional, she has built Salon 86 into a space rooted in connection, confidence, and care — values that closely align with the heart of MS Moments. Her talent in hair and makeup has been featured in local and national publications, and her work has included local, national, and international clients.
Family is central to Jennifer’s life and her involvement with MS Moments. She is the proud mom of Devin and Christian, and a devoted “Glamma” to her granddaughter Haley, who she proudly describes as the sassiest and smartest little redhead. Jennifer shares her life with her longtime partner, Nate, owner of Nate’s Rock Shop, whose creativity and entrepreneurial spirit complement her own. Together, they exemplify the importance of small business, family, and community connection.
As a board member, Jennifer is known for her authenticity, energy, and unwavering commitment to making a difference. She plays an active role in supporting fundraising efforts and community engagement, helping ensure MS Moments continues to provide life-changing support for individuals and families navigating the realities of MS across Iowa.
Board Member, MS Moments
Shannon Steele
Shannon Steele is a dedicated board member of MS Moments whose commitment to the organization is rooted in both personal connection and professional expertise. Her passion for the mission is deeply driven by her best friend’s experience living with Multiple Sclerosis — a relationship that has shaped Shannon’s understanding of the daily, long-term realities MS brings to individuals and families.
Shannon brings a strong financial and operational perspective to MS Moments through her background as an accountant and her previous management experience at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino. Her attention to detail, strategic thinking, and organizational leadership help ensure the foundation remains sustainable, transparent, and focused on maximizing impact for the families it serves.
Beyond the boardroom, Shannon is actively involved in supporting MS Moments’ fundraising efforts and events, often alongside her boyfriend, Josh, who consistently steps up to assist in all things MS Moments. Together, they embody the community-driven spirit that defines the organisation — showing up, pitching in, and supporting the mission however needed.
Shannon lives in Madrid, Iowa, and believes deeply in the power of community, consistency, and compassion. Through her board service, she helps MS Moments continue to provide meaningful, long-term support — ensuring families a ected by MS feel seen, supported, and never alone on their journey.
Board Member, MS Moments
Amy Rasmussen
Amy Rasmussen brings financial expertise, compassion, and a personal connection to the MS community to her role as a Board Member of MS Moments. With her sister, Carole, living with multiple sclerosis, Amy understands firsthand the impact MS can have on individuals and families, and she is deeply committed to supporting the mission of MS Moments.
Amy serves as the Controller and Accountant for MS Moments, where she plays a vital role in ensuring the organization’s financial integrity, transparency, and sustainability. Her attention to detail and stewardship help ensure that MS Moments can continue to direct the vast majority of every dollar raised back into the community through grants and services for Iowa families affected by MS.
Beyond her financial leadership, Amy is a trusted and steady presence on the Board, contributing thoughtful insight and a strong sense of responsibility to the organisation’s governance and long-term planning. Her work reflects a shared belief in accountability, service, and the power of community support.
Amy lives in West Des Moines, Iowa, with her puppy, Jake. She loves spending time with her adult children and grandchildren and is proud to support an organization that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of families navigating multiple sclerosis.
Board Member, MS Moments
Megan VanGundy, RVT, CCRA
Megan VanGundy, RVT, CCRA brings compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to service to her role as a Board Member of MS Moments. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2022, Megan experienced a life-changing transition that ultimately led her to MS Moments—first as a grant recipient, then as a Gala Committee volunteer, and ultimately joining the Board in early 2025. Her journey reflects the powerful impact of community support and her desire to pay that support forward to others living with MS.
Megan’s professional background is rooted in a lifelong dedication to animals and wildlife conservation. Her career includes experience as a zookeeper, where she cared for a wide range of species and helped develop public education programs, as well as serving as a registered veterinary technician, providing medical care and support to ensure animal health and well-being.
On the Board, Megan leverages her hands-on professional experience and organizational insight to support fundraising efforts and community outreach initiatives. Her unwavering commitment to making a positive difference—for people and animals alike—drives her involvement with MS Moments and strengthens the organization’s impact across Iowa.
Megan lives in De Soto with her husband, Alan, and their son, Hudson. Together, they have restored 2.5 acres of their property back to Iowa native prairie, continuing their conservation efforts at home. In her free time, Megan enjoys spending time outdoors, camping, and travelling.
Board Member, MS Moments
Emily Harringa
Emily Harringa brings a deep personal connection and a long-standing commitment to the MS community to her role as a Board Member of MS Moments. Through nearly a decade of friendship rooted in shared MS-related experiences, Emily has witnessed firsthand the growth, impact, and importance of MS Moments in supporting individuals and families affected by MS. It is an honor for her to serve alongside a board dedicated to making that impact possible.
Emily is a Regional Marketing Manager at Case IH, where she manages channel marketing for dealer complexes across seven states. Agriculture based marketing has been the focus of her career, and while she grew up in the Des Moines metro, supporting farmers became both her passion and her profession.
Beyond her professional work, Emily is actively involved in MS-related volunteerism and philanthropy. She previously served multiple years on the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Mid States Chapter Board and continues to support professional and academic development as a mentor to Case IH colleagues and students affiliated with the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business Marketing Institute.
Emily lives in Pleasant Hill with her husband, Ryan, and their children, Chelsea and Daniel. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors close to home, golfing recreationally, and exploring nature during occasional travel.
Board Member
Katie Blaha
Katie Blaha brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her role as a Board Member of MS Moments. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 17, Katie has seen firsthand the meaningful difference that support, connection, and community can make for individuals and families living with MS. Her personal journey fuels her passion for the mission of MS Moments and her commitment to giving back.
Katie is a Senior Consultant in Business Consulting at Nationwide Insurance, where she has built a successful career since joining the organization in 2011. She began in the commercial call center after earning her degree from AIB College of Business and has since gained broad experience across commercial insurance, including processing,
underwriting, leadership, and project management. In 2018, Katie earned her MBA from Drake University, further strengthening her expertise in business and management. In addition to her corporate role, Katie serves as an adjunct professor at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), where she teaches business courses part-time.
Beyond her professional work, Katie is actively involved in her community. She coaches multiple youth soccer teams with the Spring Creek Football Club and is engaged in her local Catholic church.
Katie and her husband are busy raising their two daughters, who are currently active in soccer, baseball, gymnastics, and basketball. When they are not cheering from the sidelines, the family enjoys spending time at the lake, watching the Hawkeyes, travelling, and attending concerts.
- Get Started
Volunteer, Donate, and Transform Lives Together
- Our Team
In‑House Volunteers Changing Lives Daily
A passionate, volunteer-driven team working together to support Iowa families living with MS.
Chris Klocke
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Aisha Ronald
Urban Garden Coordinator
Ahmed Hassan
Data & Impact Analyst