MS Connection, winter 2016 issue

WINTER 2016 UPPER MIDWEST CHAPTER

MS CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

04ATTEND YOUR LOCAL MS ANNUAL CONFERENCE

06VOLUNTEER HALL OF FAME AWARD RECIPIENTS

12NOW RESEARCH CAMPAIGN COMES TO A CLOSE

15MAKE AN IMPACT AT STATE ACTION DAYS

2 MS CONNECTION: WINTER 2016

CAN YOU HELP US?If you’re able to make an in-kind donation to the Upper Midwest Chapter, contact Mark at 612-335-7970, 800-582-5296 (option 2) or [email protected]. To see the full in-kind list, visit MSsociety.org and click “Donate,” then select “Other ways to give.”

Needed items:n Pitney Bowes D380

Inserter

n Power pallet jack

n Bike rack

n Gift cards (restaurants, convenience stores, etc.)

n Concert and event tickets

n Jump drives (portable storage devices)

n Gift basket items for silent auctions

n Paper cutter

Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with multiple sclerosis. The National MS Society’s medical advisors recommend that people with MS talk with their health care professionals about using these medications and about effective strategies and treatments to manage symptoms. If you or someone you know has MS, please visit nationalMSsociety.org or call 800-582-5296 to learn more.

NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETYUpper Midwest Chapter 200 12th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55415 800-582-5296

Board chair: Susan Christensen Chapter president: Holly Anderson Editor: Maggie Flanagan Design: Sue Schweitzer

© 2015 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Upper Midwest Chapter

Information provided by the National MS Society is based upon professional advice, published experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The Society recommends all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician.

The Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The Society assumes no liability for the use or contents of any product or service mentioned.

3MSSOCIETY.ORG | 800-582-5296

CONNECT WITH US ONLINEIf you wish to receive MS Connection via email, please let us know at [email protected].

Upper Midwest Chapter MSsociety.org

Like us: facebook.com/UpperMidwestMS

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Watch us: tinyurl.com/ UpperMidwestVideos

Find us: @UpperMidwest MS

LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIRDear Friends,

As the incoming board chair of the National MS Society, Upper Midwest Chapter, it is with great pleasure that I begin serving people who live with MS and the Society in this capacity. My fellow board members are dedicated individuals who devote their time and talents to help in the fight to end MS. Each brings a passion and commitment to the cause through advocacy, building awareness and/or fundraising. I’m honored to serve alongside each of them.

My participation with the Society began in July 2000. As a cyclist who had just completed a week-long bicycle event, I was challenged by a colleague living with MS to register for the Sioux Falls Bike MS event. Thinking I couldn’t possibly raise the mandatory $200 fundraising minimum in two weeks, nor was I that excited to get back on a bike, I politely declined. My colleague would not accept my response. She insisted I could raise $200 in two weeks with no problem. I eventually relented and registered for the event. Not only did I raise $200, I raised enough to receive my first Bike MS jersey! During that first ride, I met two incredible people living with MS who inspired me to join the MS movement: Anna, who cheers each cyclist along the route and arrives at the finish line to give hugs, and Pat, who exemplifies the meaning of determination with his custom-built hand cycle.

Every year since, I’ve looked forward to reuniting with these two and renewing my commitment to a world free of MS. I’m thrilled about my new role as board chair and am excited to dig into a new year.

Sincerely, Susan Christensen


NEWS

JOIN US AT AN MS ANNUAL CONFERENCE THIS WINTEREach year, the Upper Midwest Chapter hosts four MS annual conferences in different parts of the chapter area. The conferences are both for celebration and planning — we take time to reflect on our achievements, and begin shaping the ways we’ll impact the MS movement in the coming year.

This year’s conference theme is “Together we are stronger.” This statement encourages us to celebrate and recognize our collective contributions to the MS movement, and highlights our responsibility to deepen connections, further our commitment to ending MS and inspire others to join us in helping everyone affected by the disease.

Attend an MS Annual Conference this winter to learn more about what’s in store for the year ahead and how you can fuel impact in 2016. Hear about groundbreaking research, recently approved therapies and what’s in the pipeline. Plus, join us to celebrate the remarkable work of volunteers, donors and other dedicated leaders who made a difference in 2015.

WHO SHOULD ATTENDn People living with MS, their care partners,

family and friends

n Upper Midwest Chapter Board of Trustees members

n Health care professionals

n Corporate partners, donors and volunteers

n Event participants and team captains

Networking and social opportunities will be available for both teens and care partners.

For more information or to register for a conference, visit MSsociety.org or call 800-582-5296 (option 1). n

REGISTER NOW

DES MOINES, IA Saturday, Jan. 16, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel

BROOKLYN CENTER, MNSaturday, Jan. 30, , 1–4 p.m. Earle Brown Conference and Event Center

SIOUX FALLS, SDSaturday, Feb. 20, , 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sheraton Sioux Falls Hotel

FARGO, ND Saturday, March 5, , 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Holiday Inn Fargo


NEWS

MS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE JAN. 16MS scholarship applications for students pursuing a post-secondary education are due Jan. 16, 2016. For eligibility requirements, enrollment information and the application form, visit nationalMSsociety.org/Scholarship.

Notification letters will be mailed to all recipients and non-recipients in mid-April.

The Society established its scholarship program in 2003 to help students achieve post-secondary education goals despite the financial burden MS can impose. In 2015, more than $1 million was awarded to 834 scholars.

JUMPSTART MS SCHOLARSHIPThe Jumpstart MS Scholarship, sponsored by Best Buy, is a $1,500 award designed to encourage ninth graders affected by MS to stay on track toward post-secondary education and remain active in their school and community.

Applications are available at MSsociety.org and must be submitted by Feb. 5, 2016. n

VOLUNTEER

NOMINATE A WALK MS AMBASSADOREach one of us has a reason for participating in Walk MS. You may live with MS, or you may have a close family member or friend with the disease. Regardless of your connection, you have a unique story to tell.

As we build excitement for 2016 events, we’re seeking nominations for ambassadors who can put a face on the disease and help raise MS awareness.

Nominate yourself or nominate someone who inspires you! Ambassadors share their stories to engage and educate their communities, as well as help the Society succeed with Walk MS recruitment and fundraising goals. Ambassadors also promote MS Awareness Week and are featured on the Society website, Walk MS emails and media pitches, and give interviews as needed.

Visit tinyurl.com/2016WalkAmbassador to complete the online form. Please submit your nomination by Feb. 10, 2016.

Questions? Contact Maggie at 612-335-7913 or [email protected]. n


NEWS

SIX CHAPTER VOLUNTEERS RECEIVE NATIONAL AWARDNATIONAL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Bill MacNally has been an invaluable leader for the National MS Society for two decades. He provides high-level expertise and guidance on the chapter board, as well as

countless committees and advisory groups at the local and national level, including eight years on the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Project Peer Review Team. Bill has been an especially vocal and influential MS activist, influencing legislation to reduce prescription drug co-payments, negotiating with health plans, lobbying as part of the Public Policy Conference for more than 10 years, as well as attending State Action Days each year. On top of this, Bill volunteers for nearly every major chapter event and program throughout the year and is an around-the-clock ambassador for the Society, always focused on ways to engage new people in our work and raise awareness.

As someone who has lived with MS for many years, Bill maintains a deep, personal understanding of the often complex nature of this disease, and ensures the greater MS community remains at the forefront of everything he does.

NATIONAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD WINNERSThe Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to volunteers with 30 or more years of service who have steadfastly given of themselves to the MS movement by demonstrating leadership, creativity or innovation while advancing the Society’s mission.

Connie Anderson has worked closely with people living with MS as a long-time volunteer at Majestic Shores Resort and the chapter’s exercise program. For more than two decades,

Connie has been central to the success of Walk MS: Twin Cities as the check-in supervisor.

Warren John, known for his nonstop enthusiasm and engaging personality, has been involved with the Society for 33 years. He volunteers at Walk MS, Bike MS, Challenge

Walk MS and MuckFestTM MS, serving food to participants, staffing information tables and performing volunteer check-in. Warren also raises awareness for the Society at the Minnesota State Fair, interacting with hundreds of visitors each day.


Kathy Kahnke was diagnosed with MS in 1975 and got involved with the Society more than 30 years ago. She has been a lifeline for people newly diagnosed with MS,

providing support and connections. In addition to her years of volunteering on rides, camps and events, Kathy became a support group co-facilitator, and later became a self-help group area coordinator, a volunteer management position she continues to hold today.

Curt Muller has been involved as an intersection safety volunteer at nearly every Upper Midwest Chapter Bike MS and Walk MS event over the last three decades. Curt is

a leader for the intersection safety team, trains new members, and decides how to best allocate volunteer resources across hundreds of miles of route. His leadership makes events successful, safe and fun for thousands of participants.

Doug Nelson has volunteered his time and talent with the Society for 35 years, starting as a ride marshal for the very first Bike MS: 150 Ride in 1980. Since then, he has been

an integral part of the ride marshal team for Minnesota’s two biggest Bike MS events. Not only is Doug the only person to ride in every single Bike MS: TRAM, he also raises thousands of dollars for the Society.

NORMAN COHN HOPE AWARD, TRAVIS AND JENNY GRISEOver the last 10 years, Travis Grise — who lives with primary progressive MS — and his wife Jenny, have been a rallying point for connection and support in their community. They’ve worked ardently to plan and facilitate support, education and social opportunities for couples and care partners, as well as individuals and families affected by MS. Jenny is a strong and passionate voice for the care partner community, having served on the chapter’s Care Partner Advisory Committee since 2007. As advocates, Jenny and Travis attended Minnesota’s State Action Day and Jenny traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend the Public Policy Conference.

Not only have the Grises provided life-changing programming for others affected by MS, they’ve also been passionate fundraisers and team captains since 2002. The couple has personally raised more than $16,000 though Challenge Walk MS, Walk MS and MuckFest MS, and their team, “Team Travis,” has raised nearly $75,000!


EVENTS

WINE AUCTION TO FEATURE ANN ROMNEYThe Upper Midwest Chapter will host two unique events this winter in West Des Moines, Iowa, and Fargo, N.D. Both events feature speakers, a silent and live auction, delicious food and opportunities to make a big impact in the movement to end MS.

A TASTE OF GENEROSITYPresented by John and Mary Pappajohn, A Taste of Generosity, to be held Friday, Jan. 15, in West Des Moines, will feature keynote speaker Ann Romney, wife of

former presidential candidate Mitt Romney. Ann will tell her story of life with multiple sclerosis and her mission to cure the disease.

Guests of the annual event will enjoy extraordinary wine, delicious food and the excitement of a live and silent auction.

Purchase your seat today by visiting TasteofGenerosity.org or call 515-270-6341.

LITTLE BLACK DRESS LUNCHEONJoin the Fargo community Friday, March 4, at the Holiday Inn to celebrate the 11th annual Little Black Dress Luncheon. More than 350 men and women will gather to enjoy lunch, inspirational words from a keynote speaker and time with friends and family.

Learn more at LittleBlackDressforMS.org or call 701-235-2766. n

GET INVOLVEDParticipation in local events is critical to helping us continue the important work of supporting people who live with MS. If you cannot attend, please consider donating an auction item or joining a volunteer committee to help with event promotion and planning. Sponsorship and table hosting opportunities are available for both events. Visit MSsociety.org and choose “Fundraising Events” in the left-hand navigation to learn more.


GIVING

GIVE A GIFT WITH MEANINGAs the holiday season nears, so might the stress of giving thoughtful gifts to the people you love. Some families draw names or pass along wish lists; others unearth items for a “white elephant” exchange. The traditions may vary, but undoubtedly, our sock drawers seem a little more crowded come January.

This year, no matter how you celebrate the holidays, consider making a charitable,

tax-deductible donation in the name of a friend or family member who’s affected by MS. It’s a meaningful way to honor someone you love. Your gift will continue to accelerate promising new research leads, fund life-changing programs and provide financial assistance for people with MS.

When you make an honorary holiday contribution, we’ll send a personalized letter to your friend or family member.

Visit MSsociety.org to make your tax-deductible gift today, or contact Michele at 612-335-7922 or [email protected]. Please be sure to let us know your gift is a holiday honorary gift contribution, and provide us with the name and address of the person you’re honoring. n

JOIN THE GOLDEN CIRCLE

Donors who demonstrate their commitment to achieving a world free of multiple sclerosis through an annual gift of $1,000 or more are members

of the Golden Circle. Their generosity allows scientists to move solutions forward faster, provides families affected by MS with resources to help them live their best lives and supports those who advocate for more research dollars and legislation to improve the lives of people affected by the disease.

Golden Circle members stay connected to the impact of their gifts through:

n Events, conference calls and webinars focusing on progress in MS research and the MS movement

n Breaking MS news alerts

n Special access to local and national leadership

n Connections to other Golden Circle members who share a passion for creating a world free of MS

To learn more about joining the Golden Circle, contact Jennifer at 612-335-7965 or [email protected]. n

MS CONNECTION: WINTER 201610

ADVOCACY

HAVING A SAYBY BRENT KIRKHART

After my diagnosis with multiple sclerosis in 1997, I knew I would be faced with obstacles, but didn’t know when they would occur or what they would be. I was a schoolteacher and coach, a former college athlete and father of two daughters. In my mind, I was still invincible.

LIVING YOUR BEST LIFEIn 1999, my son was born and, like most fathers, I dreamed of the day I would get to run alongside him while teaching him how to ride his bike. That day came four years later. I placed my hand on his back and together we took off down the street ready for his first ride, or so I thought. My legs simply would not move. My son fell over on his bike and I could not run to help him. That was the moment I realized that MS was going to affect me more than I

had anticipated. It had slowed me down and tainted a moment that I had looked forward to for years.

My son is now 15 and all he’s ever known is a dad who has MS. He and his sisters, along with my wife, have grown into MS advocates who have attended State Action Day in Kansas as well as Walk MS events for almost two decades. Having the support of your family at home is important, but so is physically having a home that can support your family — a home that can help you live your best life despite MS.

A HOME FOR USFor years, we lived in a California style split-level ranch house that had four flights of stairs. We loved our home, but it was not a safe space for me. The doorways were not large enough for my chair, the stairs were difficult to climb and falls were frequent and dangerous. I was limited to life on the first floor.

We bid adieu to our family home last year and prepared to make memories in a new space. Upon arriving, I discovered that my family and church had pitched in to build a small ramp at the entrance of our home. In addition, we installed handrails on the shower, replaced the tub with a walk-in shower, and widened the door to the master bathroom so that my chair could fit through the door. I didn’t think we would love this house like we loved our last home, but we did! For the first time in several years, I could finally move around our home without relying on assistance.

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A WAY TO TAKE ACTION Knowing my story, the National MS Society reached out to me about moving forward with a home modification tax credit bill known as the Kansas Disabled Access Tax Credit. Last year, I was asked to speak and tell my story at Kansas State Action Day. Not only did I speak in front of fellow MS activists, but I was invited to speak in front of the Senate State Tax Committee. As I spoke, I looked around the room and was overwhelmed by the concern and “want to help” expressions on the faces of committee members.

The president of the committee took the floor and said, “We don’t usually do this, but I want to move this bill forward and vote right now to move this out of committee.” The group voted unanimously to do so.

“BEING ABLE TO MAKE THESE MODIFICATIONS HAS GIVEN MY FAMILY THE COMFORT OF KNOWING THAT I AM SAFE.”

STAYING THE COURSESadly, the bill did not move to the House before the session ended that year. During the interim time, I made it my mission to get to know the state representative of my previous home’s district. As the new legislative session began, he and his colleagues made sure to get the bill

moving and made it retroactive so that people who made modifications in 2013 could benefit as well. It was passed in 2014 through both houses and signed into law by the governor. It was exhilarating!

It’s common knowledge that home modifications serve people living with disabilities — but home modifications also serve their families. Being able to make these modifications has given my family the comfort of knowing that I am safe. They know that together we can live in this house longer — as a family. n

Brent Kirkhart was diagnosed with MS in 1997 and is a member of the Society’s Government Relations Committee for the Mid America Chapter.

This article was originally published on MSconnection.org/blog. Learn how to have your say and become an MS activist at nationalMSsociety.org/advocacy.


RESEARCH

NOW: SOLUTIONS AND HOPEMelissa Martin can personally attest to the incredible impact that MS research can have on a person’s life.

Diagnosed in 2009 with secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis, Martin joined a double-blind clinical study co-funded by the National MS Society and the National Institutes of Health for a promising new medication in 2014.

“My hopes weren’t very high that the study would do anything for my symptoms,” said Martin, whose mobility issues and fatigue became so severe that she had to leave her home and husband to live with her parents. “I was falling all the time, bumping into walls, sleeping 16 hours a day. I wasn’t able to bathe or dress myself.”

“Mainly what I was hoping for was that the research could be used to help other people,” she said. But to her surprise, the research had a personal impact. “Now, I can do everything but drive. And I’ve moved back home with my husband.” While not every study has such a dramatic personal effect, many lead to a deeper understanding of the disease and make progress toward stopping MS in its tracks, restoring function and ending MS forever.

LIFE-CHANGING IMPACTIncredible research advances have changed the landscape of MS treatments and strategies for living one’s best life with the disease. Take Nancy Speer, diagnosed with MS in 1993 — before the first disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) were introduced. “For the first five or six years after my diagnosis, there wasn’t any kind of treatment,” she said. “The only thing my doctors could recommend was a vitamin and mineral regimen.” When DMTs became available, Speer was ecstatic. However, she found that the side effects she experienced were a major drawback.

Newly available infusion-based and oral MS medications became available, making a major difference in Speer’s life. “It’s absolutely amazing,” she said. So, she and her husband Ray Anderson are devoted to ensuring that other people with MS will benefit from research as much as she has. Toward that goal, they are dedicated donors to the Society’s No Opportunity Wasted (NOW) MS Research campaign, which has funded Society research initiatives and is now drawing to an end.

UNPRECEDENTED PROGRESSIn just five years, the NOW campaign is responsible for more than a quarter of the nearly $1 billion the Society has raised for MS research since the Society was founded in 1946. As a result, the promise of MS research is more apparent than ever, with three potential myelin repair treatments now in


clinical trials and more potential treatments for MS — including progressive MS — in the pipeline than at any other time in history. Our understanding of the causes of the disease has also deepened significantly, with more than 100 genetic variants identified and several risk factors for developing MS confirmed. In addition, five new treatments became available, dramatically increasing the range of options for people with MS.

Since the NOW campaign’s start, the Society has launched 779 cutting-edge research projects that include:

n 71 clinical trials;

n 137 grants to train promising MS researchers;

n 132 projects to test rehabilitation and wellness approaches; and

n 25 commercial research partnerships aimed at overcoming any barriers to developing promising new therapies.

In partnership with MS Societies of Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Canada and the MS International Federation, the Society founded the International Progressive MS Alliance, which brings together a growing number of MS organizations and international experts to hone in on the causes and treatments of progressive MS. The Alliance has thus far awarded 33 grants to MS researchers and developed a global MS research portfolio to understand where research is most needed.

“One thing I like about the NOW campaign,” said Lisa Sailor, a mother of three who was diagnosed with MS in 1993, “is that it helps people like me who live with a progressive form of MS. It’s exciting to live in this time because I think we will soon see some

major breakthroughs in MS research. There’s hope on the horizon and that in itself is huge.”

LASTING IMPACTMake a lasting impact and celebrate our achievements over the last five years by helping us reach the $250 million NOW Campaign goal by Dec. 31, 2015. You can help accelerate breakthroughs that will change lives and end MS forever by:

n Making a NOW gift today

n Sharing your story on the impact that MS research has had on your own life

n Asking friends, family, coworkers and other members of your community to give

Together, we can stop progression of MS, restore lost function and end MS forever. Visit nationalMSsociety.org/NOW. n

LISA SAILOR, DIAGNOSED IN 1993


EVENTS

2016 EVENT CALENDARRegistration for almost all 2016 fundraising events is open. Visit MSsociety.org and select “Fundraising Events” in the left navigation to learn more and sign up, or call 800-372-5296.

Jan. 15 A Taste of Generosity, West Des Moines, IA

March 4 Little Black Dress Luncheon, Fargo, ND

April 23 Walk MS: Christopher & Banks Iowa Walk

April 30 or Walk MS: Christopher & Banks Minnesota Walk May 1 (visit walkMS.org for more information about event dates)

May 7 Bike MS: Twin Cities Ride, St. Paul, MN

May 14 Walk MS: Avera Brain and Spine Institute South Dakota Walk

June 10–12 Bike MS: C.H. Robinson MS 150 Ride, MN

June 25 Bike MS: C.H. Robinson Iowa Ride, Ankeny, IA

July 20–24 Bike MS: TRAM (The Ride Across Minnesota), MN

Aug. 6 Bike MS: Sanford Health Sioux Falls Ride

Aug. 20 MuckFest™ MS, location TBD

Sept. 23–25 Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities, MN

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CHAPTER PROGRAMS

UPCOMING PROGRAMSPrograms are free unless otherwise noted. For more information or to register for a listed program, visit MSsociety.org or call 800-582-5296 (option 1).

PROGRAM FEATURE

HELP DRIVE POLICY CHANGEJOIN OTHER MS ADVOCATES AT YOUR CAPITOL’S STATE ACTION DAY

You can amplify the voice of the MS movement by joining other activists at your capitol’s State Action Day! Elected officials will soon be making decisions that impact people living with multiple sclerosis, including the future of health care and access to affordable treatments. If you’re a person living with MS or a family member of someone who is, these decisions impact you.

Attend a State Action Day to learn how to be an effective MS activist, hear from experts about important MS-related policy issues and share your story with elected officials. No one’s voice matters more than yours — tell your legislators how MS affects us all.

For more information or to RSVP, call 800-582-5296.

PIERRE, SD nWednesday, Feb. 10, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

DES MOINES, IA nTuesday, Feb. 16, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

ST. PAUL, MN nTuesday, April 12, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

North Dakota legislators are not in session in 2016.


IOWA

TRAVELING WITH MSCedar Rapids nSunday, Feb. 21, 2 p.m. Hallagan Education Center, Mercy Hospital, 701 10th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403

A diagnosis of MS shouldn’t keep you from traveling or participating in recreational activities you enjoy. The key is research and planning. When you’re ready to hit the road— or the high seas — it’s important you gather the necessary information about traveling and your destination first. Join the Cedar Rapids MS Group as they discuss and share resources for traveling with MS.

For more information, contact Carrie at 319-360-3563 or [email protected].

MANAGING BLADDER AND BOWEL ISSUES IN MSDavenport nThursday, March 3, 6 p.m. Davenport Public Library, 3000 N. Fairmount St., Davenport, IA 52801

People with multiple sclerosis may find that bladder and bowel symptoms prevent them from fully interacting with their community, friends and family. Once diagnosed, these common MS symptoms are in fact quite manageable and treatable, with the potential to profoundly improve quality of life and overall health. This video program presents discussions about the latest advances and recommendations

For more information, contact Becky at 563-650-0820 or [email protected].

MOOD AND COGNITION IN MSDes Moines nTuesday, March 8, 6:30 p.m. Mercy Ruan Neurology Clinic, East Tower (Level A), 1111 Sixth Ave., Des Moines, IA 50314

Mood, cognition and physical functioning are intricately entwined, and treating one area often brings profound improvement to other aspects of a person’s life. This informational program aims to increase your understanding of these symptoms and how to address them so that you feel empowered to live a fuller, more productive and satisfying life.

For more information, contact Molly at 515-270-6341 or [email protected].

MSSOCIETY.ORG | 800-582-5296 17

MINNESOTA

MANAGING BLADDER AND BOWEL SYMPTOMS IN MSMinneapolis nSaturday, Feb. 27, 11 a.m. Sumner Library, 611 Van White Memorial Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55411

For more information, contact Linda at 612-290-9515 or [email protected]; or Pam at 612-664-0182.

Duluth nTuesday, March 1, 11:30 a.m. Bethany Baptist Church, 6700 Grand Ave., Duluth, MN 55807

For more information, contact Bev at 218-624-1212 or [email protected].

Albert Lea nMonday, March 14, 7 p.m. Grace Lutheran Church, 918 Garfield Ave., Albert Lea, MN 56007

For more information, contact Cindy at 507-461-3648 or [email protected].

People with multiple sclerosis may find that bladder and bowel symptoms prevent them from fully interacting with their community, friends and family. Once diagnosed, these common MS symptoms are in fact quite manageable and treatable, with the potential to profoundly improve quality of life and overall health. This video program presents discussions about the latest advances and recommendations.

NORTH DAKOTA

LIVE FULLY, LIVE WELL: A WELLNESS PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE WITH MS AND THEIR SUPPORT PARTNERSJamestown nTuesday, Jan. 12, 6:30 p.m. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1000 Fifth Ave. NE, Jamestown, ND 58401

Managing your health and wellness is an integral part of living well with MS. Live Fully, Live Well is a comprehensive wellness program from the National MS Society and Can Do MS, designed for people living with MS and their support partners. Live Fully, Live Well covers topics affecting the whole family in order to strengthen relationships, increase understanding and promote improved health and quality of life.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Denise at 701-839-7312 or [email protected].


MAKING TREATMENT AND LIFESTYLE DECISIONS: THINKING ABOUT BENEFITS AND RISKSJamestown nTuesday, Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1000 Fifth Ave. NE, Jamestown, ND 58401

In the past 20 years, our understanding of multiple sclerosis has expanded tremendously, and we now have more treatment and symptom management options than ever before. When considering these options, we must weigh the reliability of various information sources (scientific data, clinical studies, healthcare professionals, media, etc.) and the preferences of family and friends. A number of additional factors can complicate decision making, such as: comfort with risk, tolerance of side effects, treatment methods and more. In this program, we’ll consider these and other factors that can influence treatment decisions and lifestyle choices.

For more information, contact Denise at 701-839-7312 or [email protected].

MANAGING BLADDER AND BOWEL SYMPTOMS IN MSGrand Forks nTuesday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m. NDAD, 2660 S. Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58201

People with multiple sclerosis may find that bladder and bowel symptoms prevent them from fully interacting with their community, friends and family. Once diagnosed, these common MS symptoms are in fact quite manageable and treatable, with the potential to profoundly improve quality of life and overall health. This video program presents discussions about the latest advances and recommendations.

For more information, contact Lee at 701-787-5164 or [email protected].

MOOD AND COGNITION IN MSJamestown nTuesday, March 8, 6:30 p.m. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1000 Fifth Ave. NE, Jamestown, ND 58401

Mood, cognition and physical functioning are intricately entwined, and treating one area often brings profound improvement to other aspects of a person’s life. This informational program aims to increase your understanding of these symptoms and how to address them so that you feel empowered to live a fuller, more productive and satisfying life.

For more information, contact Denise at 701-839-7312 or [email protected].


SOUTH DAKOTA

FATIGUE AND MSSioux Falls nThursday March 24, 6:30pm Non Profit Center, 1000 N. West Ave., Ste. #310, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS and can significantly interfere with a person’s ability to function at home and at work. This DVD program provides an overview for understanding fatigue and medical management of factors that can complicate and compound MS fatigue as well as introducing steps for making personal, proactive energy choices.

For more information, contact Maureen at 605-332-7297 or [email protected].

ANYWHERE

KNOWLEDGE IS POWERKnowledge Is Power is a free, at-home educational series for people newly diagnosed with MS and their families. This series was written by Dr. Rosalind Kalb, a highly regarded author and psychologist, who knows about MS and the effect it can have on your life and the lives of people who care about you.

Knowledge Is Power provides information about dealing with one of the greatest challenges presented by MS—the unpredictability and uncertainty of the future.

You can have Knowledge Is Power delivered to your email address or your postal address. Choose the service that serves you best. Visit nationalMSsociety.org/knowledge to learn more and register for this program.

MSCONNECTION.ORGMS Connection — an online community that’s all about making meaningful connections when, where and how you want — provides easy access to the best content and resources the MS community can bring you. Learn about the topics that are most important to you, connect with people you want to connect with and have expert MS information right at your fingertips.

Visit MSconnection.org, complete your community profile, find new connections, join and start groups and discussions and more. If you have any questions, contact us at [email protected].

NonprofitUS Postage

PAID Twin Cities, MNPermit No. 1759

200 12th Ave. S.Minneapolis, MN 55415-1255

Sign up to receive email alerts and connect in ways that are most meaningful to you. Receive the latest updates about MS research, local programs and services, fundraising events, advocacy and more.

Start by creating a new profile or logging in to your existing account at MSsociety.org. Visit “My Profile” to subscribe to Society email and select categories to receive email messaging related to your specific interests.

Questions? Contact us at [email protected] or 800-582-5296.

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Documents

MS Connection, winter 2016 issue