MSConnection 1999 #1...6 1999 #1 Toll-Free Number: 1-800-FIGHT MSHere are some important considerations when choos-ing a cane or walker: • A cane is often most use-ful when there

The National MS Society...One thing people with MS can count on.

MSConnectionNorthern California Chapter1999 #1

Adaptive Driving... page 18 Fashion Show... 24 Vetoes & Victories... 22

T E C H N O L O G YMakes Life With MS Easier

From Scooters (page 4)...

to Computers (page 8)

MS Connection is the quarterlynewsletter of the Northern CaliforniaChapter of the National Multiple Scle-rosis Society. It is mailed free of chargeto chapter members.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Societyis proud to be a source of informationabout MS. Our comments are based onprofessional advice, published experi-ence, and expert opinion, but do notrepresent therapeutic recommendationor prescription. For specific informationand advice, consult your personal phy-sician.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Societydoes not endorse products, services, ormanufacturers. Such names appearhere solely because they are consideredvaluable as information. The Societyassumes no liability whatsoever for theuse or contents of any product or ser-vice mentioned.

© 1999National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Northern California Chapter150 Grand Avenue, Oakland, CA 94612

Phone: (510) 268-0572Fax: (510) 268-0575

E-mail: info@nmss–nocal.orgWeb: www.nmss–nocal.org

Chair SecretaryJill Wright, MD Marc Stolman

Vice Chair TreasurerKathleen Maureen LuceyO. McEligot Mihelich

Chapter Programs ChairJoan Hall-Feinberg

Chapter PresidentJulie E. Thomas

Newsletter EditorTerence Keane

Toll-Free Number: 1-800-FIGHT MS1999 #1 2

I N T H I S I S S U E

From the PresidentNew Name, New Look ..................... 3

ProgramsMobility Aids..................................... 4Online with Bill Lind ......................... 8Speech-Recognition Software......... 9Hot Sites .......................................... 10We Help You Save on Equipment 12Tips From Toni ................................ 13On the Road Again ......................... 18On the Shelf .................................... 30

Health FocusAdapting to Adaptations................ 14

ResearchOur First Recommendation ........... 16Herpes? Hepatitis? Novantrone?... 16

MS & The LawVetoes & Victories .......................... 17

Speak OutHavin’ A Heat Wave........................ 21

VolunteersThe End of a Chapter ..................... 22Volunteer Opportunities................. 22

Community RelationsMS: It’s Not a Software Company . 23

FundraisingTea for Two Hundred ...................... 24Warm Up for the Walk.................... 25Successful Bike Tours .................... 26Year-End Appeals ........................... 27

ListingsEquipment Resources .. 11, 13, 19, 20Self-Help Groups ............................ 28Classifieds ....................................... 30Calendar .......................................... 31

and...Research Highlights pull-out section!

F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T

MS ConnectionVisit Our Website: www.nmss–nocal.org 3

Our mission:

to end the

devastating

effects

of

multiple

sclerosis.

New Name, New Look...Dear friends,As I’m sure you’ve noticed, the newsletter has a newname and a new look! Since our Needs Survey in1996, we’ve used your feedback to make our news-letter into the most useful MS publication you canfind. Now we’ve taken the final step in that process.Welcome to MS Connection!

You can still rely on the same great content:insightful feature stories, moving personal accounts,Online with Bill Lind. You’ll still find timely articlesby respected professionals in the fields of wellness,medicine, and law. And you’ll still receive our greatsemiannual pull-out sections: Research Highlightsand Kids Konnections.

But you’ll get it all in a format that’s more ex-citing and easier to read. The National MS Societywants to present a consistent image from coast tocoast. We believe our new look is in keeping withthat image: reliable, serious, state of the art. Weare the one thing people with MS can count on.

For example, many survey respondents re-quested information on day-to-day coping with MS.So now occupational therapist Toni Wigle will an-swer your letters in her new Tips from Toni column(page 13). But don’t worry— that’s the last majorchange you’ll see for a while. At least until you canread MS Connection online!

Let me know what you think: call 1-800-FIGHTMS or e-mail [email protected]. We believe MSConnection is a community. Thanks for being part ofthat community.

Yours truly,

Julie E. ThomasChapter President


Getting Around with the Right Aid

any one of which can make walkingdifficult or impossible. Sometimes oneor more of these problems occur inter-mittently. Other people may experiencea relatively stable condition, and stillothers may experience a steadily de-clining ability to walk.

Just as everyperson with MS hasdifferent symptoms,the walking diffi-culties you experi-ence may be quiteunique. For thisreason, maximizing

the ability to walk independently is adifferent process for each person withMS. Treatment may include physicaltherapy, use of orthoses, a cane or walk-er, or use of wheelchairs or scooters.

Assess Your Gait and StrengthThe first step toward improving yourmobility is to get an assessment of yourmuscle strength, sensation, reflexes,tone, and gait. Your neurologist orphysiatrist will be able to do the above,and determine if spasticity is an issueand whether antispasticity medicationcan be of use. Your physician shouldalso work with a physical therapist (PT)to determine what exercises could im-prove your mobility and also whetheran orthosis is needed.

If you have spasticity, a good dailystretching program is the first step inkeeping your joints healthy, maintain-

ne of the most common dis-abilities associated with MS isdifficulty walking. People withgait problems are at risk for

joint sprains and strains, fractures, andincreasing secondary disability as theirwalking becomes less steady. Often theywill become reluctant to go out, particu-larly at night or in inclement weather,and will feel trapped in their homes, tooembarrassed to ask for help.

The first thing many people withwalking problems do is buy a cane fromthe local drugstore. Sometimes thishelps somewhat; however, most peoplecan achieve a safer and more rewardinglevel of mobility by getting help from ahealth care team skilled in MS care.

MS can affect walking in a numberof ways:• Some of the leg muscles may become

weak, causing an imbalance and in-stability of the hip, knee, or ankle.

• Spasticity causes increased tone inthe muscles of the legs. Nonfunction-al muscle contractions or rigidity canget in the way of walking.

• Tremor or ataxia can cause the legor foot to move “on its own” in waysdifferent from what was intended.

• Sensory problems can prevent youfrom knowing where your foot is andwhether it’s safe to bear weight on alimb.

Usually a person with MS experi-ences a combination of these problems,

O

C H A P T E R P R O G R A M S

b y C a t h e r i n e W. B r i t e l l , M D

Gettingaround can

be madeeasier with

the rightequipment


risk for skin problems from theorthosis. When you start using it,frequently check the skin under-neath and around the orthosis forany kind of redness or breakdown.Have your orthotist make any neces-sary adjustments to prevent rubbingor pressure sores.

• Always wearan absorbentsock under yourorthosis. Manypeople also weara sock over theorthosis, so thebrace isn’t vis-ible with pantson.

The rightorthosis will

stabilize your foot and ankle and assistyour knee mechanics. By doing this youcan minimize your energy expenditurewhen walking, decrease fatigue, andwalk faster and more safely.

If an ankle brace doesn’t provideenough knee control to allow walking,a full-length brace (knee-ankle-footorthosis, or KAFO) is sometimes con-sidered. However, this is often not help-ful, as the energy cost of walking withthis type of brace is very high, and anindividual can often be much morefunctional using a wheelchair.

Canes & WalkersIf muscle imbalance, sensory problems,tremor, or ataxia are present, a cane orwalker might be helpful. Canes comewith different handles and bases.

Continued on next page...

ing comfort, and minimizing walkingdifficulty. Sometimes, muscles maybecome weak during an exacerbation.A specific, focused strengthening pro-gram can be very useful in regainingoptimal function.

Ankle InstabilityAnkle instability is a common problemfor people with MS. It may be causedby muscle weakness, spasticity, or both.Treatment may include using a sup-portive, high-topped shoe or boot. Some-times a specially formed shoe insert canboth improve stability and inhibit spas-ticity. A high-topped, supportive shoe,with or without a molded insert,may be all that’sneeded to help youwalk better.

If there’s sig-nificant weaknessin the muscles thatpick up the toes, orif spasticity coun-teracts useful anklemovement, a spe-cially molded ankle-footorthosis (ankle brace) can help. Here’swhat you should know about orthoses:

• An orthosis should be carefully ad-justed to provide the correct level offoot and ankle control, as well asknee movement control. Too stiff abrace, with the ankle bent too far,may make the knee buckle, whereasnot bending the ankle far enoughmay cause the knee to snap backand become painful.

• Most orthoses are made of plasticand fit inside the shoe. If you do nothave normal sensation, you can be at


Here are some importantconsiderations when choos-ing a cane or walker:• A cane is often most use-

ful when there is mildweakness or ataxia.

• A regular J-shaped canemay be difficult to grasp,and may be less functionalthan one with a T-shapedor “pistol-grip” handle.

• Canes must be adjusted orcut to the proper length,so that when the cane isat your side with the tipon the floor, your elbow isat a 20 to 30 degree angle.

• You should usually use acane on the side with thestrongest leg.

• If you need a wider base ofsupport and more stabil-ity, you may want to try aquad cane. It’s adjustable,made of aluminum, andhas the advantage of staying put,rather than sliding off the back ofthe chair or wall and clattering tothe floor.

When balance is a significant prob-lem, a walker may be useful. These areusually lightweight, and fold up andtransport easily. Wheels can be added tothe front if the user has difficulty pick-ing up the walker. People with tremormay benefit from adding weight and/or

retractable lock-ing wheels to thewalker.

Wheelchairs &ScootersAt some time,many peoplewith MS opt touse wheeled mo-bility for at leastsome of theiractivities. Thiscan be a difficultissue to address.Many peopleequate using awheelchair orscooter withbeing an “in-valid.” The often-heard comment“at least I’m notin a wheelchair”expresses thiscommon miscon-ception.

Most people consider it sensible touse technology to make their lives easi-er and more productive. They regularlyuse electric drills, dishwashers, andwashing machines. It’s good to think ofwheeled mobility as just another tool.For example, you can spend hours andall of your energy pushing your walkeraround the mall to help your daughtershop for her prom dress, or drive ascooter and make yourself and everyonearound you more comfortable.

Continued from page 6...

Getting Around with the Right Aid


At September’s Family Dayat the Zoo, people with MShad the opportunity to tryout scooters for free.


In general, it is time to think abouta wheelchair or scooter when one of thefollowing things happen:• There are places you don’t go be-

cause even walking from the “handi-capped” parking area is too far.

• You’ve given up favorite social, reli-gious, and cultural events becauseyou can’t get there easily or you’retoo tired to enjoy them once youarrive.

• Friends and relatives don’t ask youto go places with them because it’stoo difficult for you to get around.

• You go without things you need be-cause you don’t want to ask peopleto shop for you.

• You have had some trouble withstumbling and falling even with opt-imal bracing and a cane or walker.

• You’re just too fatigued to continueyour job or do anything for enjoy-ment.

A manual wheelchair is sometimesuseful, but often doesn’t provide thebest independent mobility becausemost people with MS have weakenedupper extremities. In addition, fatigueis often such a significant issue that themanual wheelchair user may require a“pusher,” which compromises his or herindependence. If you decide to use amanual chair, have a PT measure youfor proper fit and help determine whichoptions are best for your needs. Manualchairs should be light, fold easily, andhave removable wheels for easy loadinginto the car.

Motoring alongThere are two basic types of poweredmobility: electric wheelchairs and scoot-

ers. These are a major investment andmust be chosen carefully with long-term considerations in mind. Here aresome factors to consider when choosinga powered mobility device:• cost, • how often you use it,• turning ability, • ability to transfer,• ease of steering, • seating stability,• durability, • portability.

People should be allowed to try outsome options before purchasing a pow-ered wheelchair or scooter. Your PT canhelp you arrange trials and choose thebest device.

Of course, seating and posture aremajor considerations with any wheel-chair or mobility device. An appropriatecushion is essential. This is particularlyimportant for people who have sensoryabnormalities where they sit. Again, aPT can help you choose the right seatcushion.

Different SolutionsGetting around can be made easier withthe right equipment. Because MS is dif-ferent in each individual, the solutionsto mobility problems also vary from per-son to person. Furthermore, a personwith MS will often have fluctuationsin function, and so will need differentmobility assistance at different times.If mobility is an issue, don’t just go tothe drugstore and buy a cane. Workwith your health care team to makecertain you can get around efficientlyand safely. The right mobility aid canhelp you enjoy the slice of life that youdeserve. �

Reprinted from MS Quarterly Report.Catherine W. Britell, MD, is a physicalmedicine and rehabilitation consultant.


Software Narrows the Gap

reading chair, another location such asan airplane, or even to bed.

Another advance that could besignificant for some are the many soft-ware/communications improvementsthat make it possible to work produc-tively from home without having to facethe daily stress of commuting to a cen-tral work location. A recent surveyindicated that by 1999, 11 millionpeople will be telecommuting to work.

These technologies are just a fewrecent developments and the flow ofothers will continue. These are excitingtimes. Stay tuned! �

Bill Lind, retired from a 33-year careerwith Chevron’s computer division, spent26 of those years dealing with symptomsof MS. An active chapter volunteer, hesits on our Chapter Programs Commit-tee and its new Internet Subcommittee.

he technology advances ofthe recent past have madelife easier for everyone,especially for those of us

who may be more physically chal-lenged than others. The computerhas played a key role in these ad-vances. The computer equipment(hardware), while very fast andreliable, can do nothing by itselfwithout programs (software),which are step-by-step instructionsauthored by people.

These authors (programmers)have been so creative they have sub-stantially closed the gap between com-puters and us. Computers have beentrained to talk to us, listen to us, andfollow our spoken instructions— allthrough software. (See page 9.)

This capability allows you to dic-tate a typed letter or ask the computerto send it somewhere by e-mail or fax.You can even ask your computer toread your e-mail to you using its ownvoice. If manipulating a mouse to con-trol your computer is your challenge,new software provides some capabilityto do this vocally.

A new product that might be of useto some is the electronic book (E-book).An E-book is an electronic device, aboutthe size of a one-inch thick magazinewith a display screen. You can downloadthe text of a book (or books) onto it, upto 100,000 pages from the Internet. Youcan take the device to your favorite

T

O N L I N E W I T H B I L L L I N D

b y B i l l L i n d

E-mail Bill at [email protected].


Do You Need Speech Recognition?

mouse function; you speak system andprogram commands to control your filesand applications. Say “Bring up Access,”for instance, and up pops your databasestuffed full of your personal life: tele-phone numbers, addresses, birthdays,medical records, car or wheelchairmaintenance histories.

Until recently, most products reliedon discrete speech, where you dictateone... word... at... a... time, with pauses

in between. The latest productsunderstand continuous speech.You can speak at a normal andnatural rate, like talking with afriend. Sounds great, right, butit’s not all rosy.

The continuous-speech productsrequire more computing power than thediscrete-speech products do. Instead ofa mid-range 486 PC, you’ll need at leasta Pentium-133 with 32MB of RAM;they’re not available for Macs. And, asof mid-1998, none of the continuous-speech products adequately incorpo-rates the command capability, crucial tohands-free use of the computer.

nyone with limited arm orhand function may be well-served with speech-recogni-tion technology as an alter-

native way of accessing the computer.The technology has improved so muchin recent years that even nondisabledusers can benefit, and as the targetmarket goes mainstream, prices aredropping. This time, people with dis-abilities are getting a free ride.

Voice technology involves two pri-mary capabilities that are both neededfor hands-free operation of a computer:dictation and command recognition.Dictation recognition (speech to text)allows you to enter text into a wordprocessor or other application withouttyping on the keyboard, things such asletters, reports, e-mail, or memos. Com-mand recognition (sometimes calledcommand and control) replaces typical

A


b y B r o o k s D a v i e s

Last May, people with MSlearned about computeralternatives at thechapter’s Wellness Fair inSan Mateo.

Continued on next page...


Do You Need Speech Recognition?


Accessing your computer by voice isnot an instant solution. It can be a lotof work and definitelyrequires a commitment.It helps if you’re alreadyfamiliar with the appli-cations you will be usingwith speech, such asyour word processor. Asfor any program, youmust learn the commandstructure. You must also train the pro-gram (most of them) by talking to ituntil it develops a profile of your speech

patterns. Then it requires ongoingtraining to improve accuracy.

There are other considerations.The computer is alwayslistening, so extraneousnoise— like coughingor parakeets— may berecorded as unwantedtext or actions on thescreen. For accuraterecognition, you mustenunciate clearly and

position the microphone, which is on aheadset, properly and consistently.Getting a headset on and off indepen-

HOT SITES

Continued from previous page...

Attention, Techies! If you’re an Internet professional, or just a web-savvy user,the Northern California Chapter needs you. Join our new Internet Subcommittee

and help develop online publications, programs, self-help groups, and more!

Go to:www.nmss–nocal.orginfo@nmss–nocal.org

For the scoop on equipment, check out these sites:www.closingthegap.com – This grouppromotes microcomputer technology forpeople with special needs.trace.wisc.edu – This site offers a vastamount of assistive technology information.

Or tap into these online communities:www.msworld.org – Founded by a member ofthe chapter’s new Public Relations Committee,MSWorld provides 24-hour support.www.newmobility.com – This site offers theonline version of this exciting magazine, plusmessage boards, chat rooms, and more.

Until recently,most products reliedon discrete speech,where you dictate

one... word...at... a... time...


Here are some resources for speech-recognition technologies:

Apple Computer (Mac)1-800-600-78081-800-755-0601 (TTY)www.apple.com/disabilitywww.speech.apple.com

Dragon Systems (PC)[email protected]

IBM (PC)1-800-825-5263www.ibm.com/viavoice

Lernout & HauspieSpeech Products/Kurzweil (PC)

[email protected]/kurzweil

The Lighthouse publishes introduc-tory information on computer devicesfor those with limited vision and liststheir manufacturers.

1-800-334-5497

21st Century Eloquence is a resellerof voice-recognition products with ex-pertise in all major lines. Its truly infor-mative website includes users’ forums.

[email protected]

Voice-users e-mail list: Join atwww.voicerecognition.com/voice-users.

CompuServe offers user forums titledGO Dragon and GO Voicetype. For in-formation, call 1-800-848-8990. �

dently may present a problem. Desktopmodels are available, but are harder toposition consistently. Also your voicecan be susceptible to strain just likeany other part of the body. Moderationand realistic expectations arecritical.

The three major dictationengines come from DragonSystems, IBM, and Lernout &Hauspie, which uses the Kurzweilname. Innumerable command-only products are on the marketfor as little as $40. (Apple offersone for free.) More and more, thiscapability is integrated into softwareapplications and will not have to bepurchased separately. This trend,indeed, is beginning with the largegeneral-purpose vocabularies fordictation-recognition, also. Lucky us.Currently these are available forabout $100 and up.

In the meantime, check withmanufacturers for product literatureand compare features. Ask them aboutdealers near you if you want personal-ized advice and training. Major retail-ers and mail-order or Internet outletshave the best prices, but no support.Assistive technology organizationsand experienced users are good re-sources. �

Reprinted from New Mobility maga-zine’s Spinal Network. To order a copycall 1-800-543-4116. Brooks Davies, aC5 quadriplegic, “talked” this articlecompletely hands-free using DragonSystems’ NaturallySpeaking andDragonDictate.

Cyber-Sources

R E S O U R C E S


The Society Helps You Save on Equipment

y deepest thanks to theNational Multiple SclerosisSociety for the help in buy-ing a wheelchair. It allows

me to save energy, and it gives back tomy husband and me the joy of going forwalks together.”

The cost of assistive devices canseem overwhelming. We’re grateful forthank you notes like the one above butwonder how many people realize thatwe have programs to help those withMS get the equipment they need.

Free EquipmentThe Northern California Chapter hasthree equipment loan closets. The loansare free and open-ended; we merely askthat you return the equipment when itis no longer needed. We have an exten-sive selection, including these items:

• scooters,• walkers and canes,• hand controls,• lifts,• shower aids,

• bath chairs,• hospital tables,

• wheelchair trays.Three generous firms donate

their time and storage space to manageour inventory. These vendors will de-liver equipment from our loan closets topeople with MS in their areas:• Alameda, Contra Costa & Solano

Counties: Economy Medical,

M


• San Mateo County: Wheelchairs ofSan Mateo,

• Sonoma County: Valley Oxygen &Medical Supply, Inc.

• Other areas: We will ship itemsfree of charge to people with MS inother parts of our service area.

We welcome donations of durable medi-cal equipment for the loan closet, if theitems are in good, working order.

Dollars for DevicesThe chapter also offers funds to helpwith the repair or purchase of medicalequipment. That includes everythingfrom mobility aids to vehicle and homemodifications, air conditioners, andcomputers. We have $14,000 budgetedfor our equipment program this year.Help us use it!

Too good to be true? There are tworestrictions: all equipment assistancerequires a doctor’s prescription for therequested item and confirmation of anMS diagnosis. There is also an annualcap on the amount any one person canreceive.

For all equipment requests, callRoseMarie at 1-800-FIGHT MS. Thenyou too can write a thank you note,like this one from a woman in Pleas-ant Hill: “My thanks to the chapter forhelp in the purchase of a bath chair. Istill think a shower should be takenstanding, but must confess this issafer!” �

“


b y To n i Wi g l e , O T R

Ask the Expert

Dear Toni,

My hands are getting weaker over time and I’

m having a

hard time putting on my socks. A friend told me

about a

tool that can help with this, but I haven’t been a

ble to

locate one. Do you know of any catalogs that sell

these?

I find it easier to shop by mail.Thank you, K.S.

T I P S F R O M T O N I

D ear K.S.,What you’re describing is called a sock aid. It’sdesigned for you to feed your sock over a plastic

half circular form so that the sock stays open. It hasstrings on the end of the form so that you can throw thesock aid on the floor and place your toes into the open-ing. Then by pulling on the strings, the form and thesock slide over your foot and up your leg. Once the sockis on as far as it will go, the form slips out of the sock.

There are several styles such as hard plastic orsoft terry cloth over plastic. There’s even a travel ver-sion that’s more flexible and folds up to fit in luggage.The sock aid requires enough grip strength in yourhands to pull the strings firmly.

A common problem is encountered after bathing:the feet don’t slide well through the sock aid. Dry yourfeet thoroughly and add a small amount of baby pow-der or corn starch to the sock aid. This will help yourfoot slip through.

Listed at right are several catalogs from which youcan order sock aids and other aids for daily living. Ifyou’re ordering equipment such as commodes and bathchairs, visit a medical supply vendor to determine dif-ferences between styles and brands. �

Toni Wigle is an occupational therapist at Alta BatesMedical Center in Berkeley. She has clinical experiencefrom the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit and personalexperience as her husband has MS.

R E S O U R C E S

Smith & Nephew, Inc.1-800-558-8633

North Coast Medical1-800-821-9319

Sammons PrestonEnrichment Catalog

1-800-323-5547Sears Home HealthCare Shop At Home

1-800-326-1750

You canAsk the Expert

aboutTips for Daily Living.

Write to“Tips from Toni”

National MS Society150 Grand AvenueOakland, CA 94612

or e-mailtoniw@nmss–

nocal.org.


Emotionally Adapting to Adaptations

legs may necessitate that we swallowour denial and get a disabled parkingplacard. But in the process we may betold by some DMV bureaucrat, “Youdon’t look handicapped.” So who’s right,my denialist or my survivalist?

Many whose fatigue is aided by ahandicapped placard have been ac-costed by an irate citizen who yells,“That space is for the handicapped!”These societal reactions confuse theperson who is trying desperately toadapt to the needs of living with MS.We may wonder, “If I don’t look handi-capped, am I really?”

No wonder denial seems more com-fortable. However if we fall repeatedlybecause of balance or foot-drag prob-lems, the need to be physically safe re-places the need to deny. So we may buya cane, or as I prefer to call it “a walk-ing stick” or just “my stick.” Even thenwe may engage in the loss/acceptancestruggle of whether to use it. The some-times hourly variation in symptoms canmake adaptating even more difficult.

Going MobileWe may someday discover, after manyfalls with a cane, that we need to use awalker or chair. The advantage of awalker is that you can still be uprightand at the same level as the rest of theadult world. A walker provides fourextra legs for balance, but the pace isfrustratingly slow. Meanwhile peoplestare and say things like, “They have

n his book Anthropologist FromMars, Oliver Sacks states, “Anydisease introduces a doublenessinto life— an “it” with its own

needs, demands, and limitations.” Oneof the primary limitations that MS canbring is one of mobility. A diagnosis ofMS brings with it the fear of someday“being in a wheelchair.” In fact MSersmay avoid meetings of people with MSfor fear of seeing someone using awheelchair, real life evidence of thedreaded fate.

The newly diagnosed person’s fearis a real one. A percentage of peoplewith MS eventually need to use someassistance, especially for walking. Atthe same time, the age of our popula-tion is increasing and disability is gain-ing respect in the law. People who needto use assistive devices for walking arebecoming more visible and thereforeless strange and different.

When learning to use some form ofassistance in walking, a person mustalso face emotional issues. The primaryissue is loss of mobility. We must grievethe relatively independent person wewere and accept a new identity thatincludes some limitations in mobility.This is not an easy task nor does ithappen overnight.

To Park or Not to Park?One of the ways we all cope with theloss of health and mobility is throughdenial. However, our easily fatigued

I

H E A L T H F O C U S

b y A r l e n e D u n n


those with wheels, don’t they? Wouldn’tyou be able to go faster?” At least wefeel in control of our own mobility withwalkers.

When we use some kind of mobilityassistance other than our partner’sarm, we may feel like we’re announcingto the world that there is “somethingwrong with us.” This becomes an issueof privacy and trust. To what extent arewe comfortable talking about MS andto whom? How do we cope with feelingtoo visible? We may sometimes feel thatpeople look at us and see the limp, thestick, the walker, or the chair first.

How do weaccept a limita-tion in mobilityas part of ouridentity, not all

of it? One wayis to gain sup-port from oth-ers who aredealing withMS: self-helpgroups are oneantidote to the feeling of social isola-tion. (For a list of local groups, see page28.) Another is strong family relation-ships. We need the support of loved oneswho are able to understand that MS ispart, but not all, of who we are.

Ongoing StruggleHaving MS is like signing up for aninvoluntary, crash course in aging. Wesuddenly come face to face with thefact that life is finite. Our limitationsin mobility become constant remindersof our mortality. The loss/acceptancestruggle is constant. We grieve andwe accept.

Our grief may take the form ofanger or depression, especially at timesof increased symptoms and changes inour limitations. The uncomfortablefeelings of loss are part, but not all, of

who we are. Fortunately weare also blessed with a senseof humor and the ability tofind meaning even in difficultsituations.

Our choice is whether toembrace life in the context ofour limitations. Our choicemay also be relative mobilityversus relative immobility.Not a matter of being “in awheelchair,” which impliesthat is who I am, but ratherchoosing to use a wheelchairto be mobile rather than im-mobile. I can choose to use astick, a walker, a chair, or ascooter if, and whenever, Iwant to be more mobile. It ismy choice, but not my iden-tity. It is part of the “it” withwhich I live. �

Arlene Dunn, a Marriage, Family, andChild Counseling intern, has firsthandexperience with the challenges of MS.Anthropologist From Mars is availablefrom our chapter library; call 1-800-FIGHT MS.

At our yogatraining inOctober, awoman getscomfortablein herscooter.


Society Makes First Medical Recommendation

Does herpes cause MS?For many years, human herpes virus-6(HHV-6) has been suspected as a pos-sible viral trigger of MS; media reportshave often loudly proclaimed a break-through and identified HHV-6 as thecause of MS. In October this historyrepeated itself when the results of aSociety-sponsored study at the Univer-sity of Wisconsin were made public.Although the findings support currentevidence that MS may be triggered by aviral infection, there is still insufficientproof to state that HHV-6, or any virus,causes MS. (RP 33-98)

Does hepatitis vaccine cause MS?Media stories have also suggested thatvaccination against hepatitis B may in-crease one’s risk of developing MS. Thisclaim has not been confirmed by anystatistically significant scientific study.People with MS are encouraged to dis-cuss the small general risks of viralimmunizations with their physicians.(RP 30-98)

Does Novantrone help MS?Preliminary results of a Phase 3 studyon mitoxantrone in Europe suggestthat this potent immune-suppressormay reduce relapses and slow diseaseprogression for people with relapsing-remitting and secondary progressiveMS. The drug, marketed as Novantrone,is presently approved for treatment ofcertain cancers. Concerns about thedrug’s long-term toxicity persist. (RP32-98)

R E S E A R C H R E P O R T

or the first time in its 52-yearhistory, the National MultipleSclerosis Society has made rec-ommendations about the use

of specific drugs that control MS. Basedon the work of a taskforce of nationallyrecognized MS experts who revieweddata from controlled trials and clinicalexperience, the Society recommendsthe following:• The use of Avonex, Betaseron, or

Copaxone should begin as soon aspossible following a definite diag-nosis of MS and determination ofa relapsing course of disease.

• Access to drugs should not be lim-ited by level of disability, age, orthe frequency of relapses.

• Therapy should be continued in-definitely, unless there is clear lackof benefit, intolerable side effects,new data that reveal other reasonsfor stopping, or a better therapybecomes available.

• All three agents should be coveredby third-party payers and includedin their lists of approved drugs. Thechoice of drug should be made joint-ly by the person with MS and his orher physician based on professionalevaluation and individual prefer-ence. Movement from one drug toanother should be permitted.

For the complete text of the rec-ommendation, call 1-800-FIGHT MSand request the Early InterventionStatement. The documents in the boxat right are also available. �

F


Vetoes and Victories

Wilson vetoed the following impor-tant bills:• AB 341 would have required health

plans to pay for second opinions;• AB 434 would have prohibited

plans from refusing to contract withdoctors just because they serve high-risk patients;

• AB 399 & SB 593 would have im-proved health coverage options forindividuals.

MS-CAN also worked on bills thatwould increase benefits for recipientsof the Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Portion program(SSI/SSP). As of this writing, it appearswe’ve been at least partly successful.For the first time in several years, SSI/SSP beneficiaries may get an increasein the state portion of this combinedfederal/state grant.

On the national level, Congress ap-proved a 15% funding increase for theNational Institutes of Health, the larg-est in history. That’s good news for MSresearch. Unfortunately , the majorityleadership in the House of Representa-tives blocked enactment of meaningfulpatient protections. Like a patient de-nied access to a specialist, the PatientsBill of Rights was not permitted tocome up for a vote.

Writing letters, making phone callsto key players, and visiting legislatorsin their home districts does pay off! Ifyou would like to get involved with ouradvocacy efforts, call Stewart at 1-800-FIGHT MS today. �

M S & T H E L A W

ast session,GovernorPete Wilsonsigned four

bills supported bythe Multiple Scle-rosis CaliforniaAction Network(MS-CAN), an ad-vocacy coalition ofthe National MS

Society’s seven Golden State chapters.But Wilson ended his reign as Califor-nia governor by vetoing several crucialhealth-care reform bills, including threesponsored by MS-CAN.

Of the bills that became law, threegive you more power over your medicalcare. AB 974 & SB625 will make iteasier to get the prescription drugs youneed from your health plan, even ifthey’re not on the plan’s formulary. (Aformulary is an HMO’s list of approvedor preferred drugs.) AB 1181 will makeit easier to see a specialist.

The fourth successful bill, AB 2702,sponsored by Californians for DisabilityRights, specifies that Small ClaimsCourt has jurisdiction over cases inwhich civil rights are violated understate law and damages are $5,000 orless. California’s civil rights law in-cludes the Americans with DisabilitiesAct by reference. Therefore, this newlaw makes it possible for individualsharmed by failure to comply with theADA to sue for damages without find-ing and paying for an attorney.

L


On the Road Again

to accelerate. You push that same leverforward to brake. A spinner knob can beattached to the steering wheel, enablingyou to steer with one hand. Since thoseearly days, I’ve developed many littletricks to make driving easier and morecomfortable.

Maybe you think converting yourcar will be too expensive. The miracu-lous transformation of my vehicle wasonly $450. My husband, incidentally,can still drive the car using the floorpedals and without disconnecting any-thing.

In addition to getting hand controlsinstalled in the car, you must take an-other road test with the state’s Depart-ment of Motor Vehicles to get a special


b y S u s a n S u r a c e

f you’re like me, MShas made it physicallyimpossible for you todo at least some of

the things you once did. Forexample, driving. While I wasin law school, my spasticityworsened so I couldn’t pressthe accelerator for more than15 or 20 minutes. That didn’tget me very far and cruisecontrol wasn’t cutting it.

At one point I was takingpublic transit and using awalker. Believe me, it wasn’t easy navi-gating stairs or walking two blocks onceI got off the train using a walker andcarrying my books in a knapsack on myback. A scooter or wheelchair wasn’tfeasible because the trains weren’t ac-cessible. Another story!

My neurologist suggested that Ilook into getting hand controls for mycar and wrote out a referral to go to arehabilitation center for an evaluation.There, I received a number of tests toevaluate my visual and physical abili-ties. Once satisfied that I could drivesafely using the controls, an instructortook me out to test a vehicle equippedwith the special controls.

I found the hand controls simpleand easy to use. Just to give you anidea, on the left, beneath the directionalsignal on the steering column, is a leverwhich you can either push down or pulltoward you (depending upon the model)

I

Technology makes it possible forpeople with disabilities to stayon the road.


Hand Controls & Van ConversionsAble Access, Oakland: (510) 536-2700.Access Development, Santa Rosa:

1-800-200-6226.Access Options, Watsonville: (408) 722-

6804 and San Jose: (408) 288-5438.Adaptive Driving Aid, throughout our

area: 1-800-371-4243.All-Pro Mobility, Colma: (650) 756-9802.Driving Specialties, Vallejo: (707) 553-

1515.Mobility Systems, Berkeley: 1-800-943-

7333.New Ability Driving & Transportation

Systems, San Jose: (408) 435-8005.Nor-Cal Mobility, Chico: 1-800-225-7361.

Adaptive Driving Programs & Driver Evaluations

Adaptive Driving Services, Aptos:(831) 685-8435.Apex Driving School, San Fran-cisco: (415) 541-4090.Guardian at Smith Ranch,San Rafael: (415) 499-1015.John Muir Medical Center,Walnut Creek: (925) 947-5300.Mills-Peninsula Hospitals,San Mateo: (650) 696-4310.North Bay Driving School,Napa: (707) 252-2066.

North Coast Rehabilitation Center,Santa Rosa: (707) 542-2771.

Santa Clara Valley Medical Center,San Jose: (408) 685-8435. �

license permitting you to drive withadaptive equipment. This is a re-stricted license and, once obtained,you will not be licensed to drive astandard motor vehicle.

I was under the impression thatI had to go to the rehabilitation cen-ter for driving lessons. Since it was along way from my home and the les-sons quite expensive (approximately$150 per hour), this seemed a largehurdle to surmount. But I soon dis-covered a driving school near myhome whose personnel would come tomy house. They brought a fullyequipped car and a certified instruc-tor for about half the price. How con-venient!

My success inspired anotherperson in my self-help group who hassince had hand controls installed inher car. She says, “I would advisepeople not to wait as long as I did. Itwould have made my life a wholelot easier a whole year earlierhad I done something.” Al-though hand controls won’tbe the solutionfor everyone,they’ve meantfreedom, in-dependence,and the abil-ity to keepworking forme. �Susan Surace writes regularly forthe Greater Delaware Chapter’snewsletter. She is a self-help groupleader, as well as an attorney, wife,and mother.

R E S O U R C E S

Start Your Engines!


R E S O U R C E S

ABLEDATA: This exhaus-tive, national database ofassistive devices for peoplewith disabilities also pro-vides fact sheets and con-sumer guides on assistivetechnology.

1-800-227-0216www.abledata.com

Mainstream: This month-ly, worth a read itself, alsopublishes an annual GOGuide. GO very accuratelystands for “Great Options”on disability products andresources.

(619) 234-3138www.mainstream-mag.com

New Mobility: This mag-azine also supports a greatonline community. Thevoice-recognition articlereprinted on page 9 is justone of many great productdiscussions in their SpinalNetwork. Its subtitle saysit all: The Total WheelchairResource Book.

1-888-850-0344www.newmobility.com

Technology: Finding It and Funding It

Carefully compare products, like thiscool suit, when buying equipment.

Used EquipmentHome Cares Equip-ment Recyclers acceptdonations of used equip-ment and medical sup-plies and provide themto people who wouldotherwise have difficultyobtaining them.

Alameda County:(510) 251-2273San Francisco:(415) 487-5405

Med-Sell lists classifiedads for used equipmentthroughout northern andcentral California.

(530) 272-2071www.medsell.com

Assistive TechnologyResourcesCalifornia AssistiveTechnology System:CATS provides informa-tion on mobility aids,adaptive aids, and com-munication devices, aswell as guidance andinformation on funding.

1-800-390-2699www.catsca.org

Center for AccessibleTechnology: A source forinformation on selectingand using computers andadaptive technology.

(510) 841-3224www.el.net/CAT

General Resources-

Need help finding it? Needhelp buying it? Whether it’sa catheter, cushion, com-munication device, or com-puter, you’ll find it here:


Wheelchairs,Scooters &Mobility Products

Amigo Mobility: 1-800-248-9130The Braun Corporation: 1-800-THE LIFT

www.braunlift.comBruno Independent

Living Aids, Inc.:1-800-882-8183www.bruno.com

Crow River Industries:1-800-488-7688

Electric Mobility:1-800-662-4548www.emobility.com

Everest & Jennings:1-800-235-4661

Independent MobilitySystems:

1-800-622-0623Invacare Industries:

1-800-333-6900www.invacare.com

Lark of America:1-800-446-4522

Pride Health Care:1-800-800-8586www.pridehealth.com

Quickie Designs:1-800-456-8165www.quickiedesigns.com

Ricon Corporation:1-800-322-2884

Wheelcare Inc.:(805) [email protected]

S P E A K O U T

Havin’ A Heat Wave

There once was a wheeler quite tricky,Prone to scaring poor fools with her Quickie.

But when it was hot,Her circuits were shot!

And her butt to her chair was too sticky!

She said with dismay, “I’m not picky.I adapted to life in this Quickie.

But this is too much to bear.It just isn’t fair!

I am tired of feeling so sickie!”

So she sat with cool suit and iced drink,Tried to meditate, read, even think.

If not for family and friends,Whose loving support never ends,

I’m sure she’d be over the brink!

b y S y l v i a G o m e z

Cooling GarmentsBody Cooler: 1-800-209-2665Heat Factory, Inc.: 1-800-993-HEATMicroclimate Systems: 1-800-397-3004Steele Incorporated: (360) 297-4555The Sharper Imagesells an air cooler wornaround the neck for $50. 1-800-344-4444

The ADA Stick-

This is a great tool forchecking ADA compliance.It’s lightweight, laminatedand five feet long. Theface indicates a variety ofdimensions relevant to theADA, and a pocket guideexplains each measure-ment. The stick also servesas a level to check slopesand ramps.Consumer Care Prod-ucts: (920) 459-8353 �


The End of a Chapter

ugust 28 marked the end of anera at the Northern CaliforniaChapter, when Wally Ducoteconcluded her years of dedi-

cated service as our Volunteer Librarian.Now she can pursue her cultural interestsfull time!

Wally took a personal interest ineveryone who requested a book, listeningwith a caring ear. She always used herknowledge of the library to recommendjust the right title. Wally’s affability willbe greatly missed in our office.

We wish Wally all the best as shereturns to reading books instead ofshelving them. Library materials are stillavailable for loan. (See “On the Shelf,”page 30.) �

AV O L U N T E E R C O R N E R

Wally Ducote with her “sweet-heart” Phil Winslow. Phil is alsoan active chapter volunteer.

We’re seeking volunteers. If you have time to help improvethe lives of people with MS, call Alison at 1-800-FIGHT MS.Employment Subcommittee: Help people with MS gainand maintain employment. Meetings every two weeks.Distribution Day: Bring brochures for our fundraising events to storesin your neighborhood. Pair up with a friend to make it fun! Requires onlyfive hours on a single day in February.Phone Help: A patient, friendly voice is needed to answer calls in ourOakland office. Part-time, three days per week.Public Relations Committee: Media and PR professionals needed tohelp promote our programs and events. Retirees and committed noviceswelcome. Meetings every two months and interim projects.Walk Coordinators: Help us bring the MS Walk to your community.Distribute brochures, recruit local teams, secure donations of food, planlogistics for Walk day, promote the event locally. Several hours per week.

Lend A Hand


MS: It’s Not a Software Company

his December, the letters MSwill once again be emblazonedacross hundreds of buses, bill-boards, BART platforms, and

bus shelters throughout the Bay Areaas the Northern California Chapterundertakes another ambitious publicawareness campaign.

Although we hope you like the ads,please understand that our primarygoal with this campaign is not to com-municate with our membership— that’swhat MS Connection is for. Our goal isto make MS memorable to the generalpublic.

As preliminaryresearch proved,most people do notknow what the ini-tials MS stand for—or even that MS isa disease. So we setout to help the aver-age person learn these things. Once thissimple task has been achieved we canmove on to further educate the public.We took a humorous approach, playingon common associations with the let-ters, to make MS memorable. And wekept it short so people can absorb themessage while driving on the freewayor watching a passing bus.

We’re pleased to say that peoplewith MS and their loved ones wereinvolved at all stages of planning thiscampaign. The copywriter who createdthe catchy text was proud to be giventhe opportunity to work on our account:

TC O M M U N I T Y R E L A T I O N S

her mother and sister have MS. Thewoman who arranged placement of theads had her own questions about thedisease: a friend had just been diag-nosed. Others who helped did so be-cause they themselves are hard work-ing professionals with MS. We alsosolicited input from our staff, our volun-teers, and our local Board of Directors,all people with MS and their friends.

Our resources as a nonprofit arelimited; we are extremely grateful toall the companies that provided probono work on this campaign. The inter-

national advertising agencyMcCann-Erickson, knownlocally for the slogan “It’s theCheese,” developed and placedthe ads at no cost. OutdoorSystems donated displayspace, and Berlex Laborato-ries generously covered theprinting expenses.

All this adds up to over $850,000 ofdonated media value in the last year!Special thanks to Ron Benza, one of ourboard members and the “big cheese” inMcCann’s San Francisco office. Ournational organization presented theExcellence in Communications Awardto our chapter for this program, and thechapter presented its 1998 CorporateLeadership Award to McCann-Ericksonat our Annual Meeting in November.

Our campaign last spring gener-ated interest from CNN and C|NET.We hope this year’s campaign will beanother winner! �


Tea for Two Hundred

F U N D R A I S I N G

To find out aboutnext year’s

Women Against MSevent call

1-800-FIGHT MS.

In a rare speaking appearanceon September 9, Marin’s re-nowned author Anne Lamottaddressed a crowd of 200 at theNorthern California Chapter’snewest event, Women AgainstMultiple Sclerosis.Ms. Lamott (above right), authorof the best-sellers Bird by Birdand Crooked Little Heart, spokemovingly of how her dear friendBarbie Bailard copes with MS.The afternoon at San Francisco’sWestin St. Francis Hotel alsoincluded an English tea and afashion show. The show featuredstyles from the Joan WaltersCollection graciously modeled byour staff and volunteers. BerlexLaboratories and Joan Walterssponsored the event, whichraised more than $30,000.


Warm Up for the Walk

egister now for the 1999MS Walk! Spring is comingand with it the weekendwhen communities across

America unite to fight MS. For our11th anniversary, we’re offering 11MS Walk sites throughout northernCalifornia. On April 17 and 18 joinwalkers in your area to make adifference.

Name: __________________________Address: ________________________City: ___________________________State: _____ Zip: _______________Home Phone: ( ____ ) _____________Work Phone: ( ____ ) _____________Date of Birth: ____ /____ /_________Walk Site:

❒ Alameda ❒ San Francisco❒ Burlingame ❒ Santa Rosa❒ Fairfield ❒ Ukiah❒ Fremont ❒ Walnut Creek❒ Larkspur ❒ Weaverville❒ Monterey

❒ I am walking with a team.Team name: _________________Team captain: ________________

❒ Please send me ____ brochuresand ____ posters to distribute.

❒ I’d like to volunteer.

Fill out this form and mail it toNorthern California Chapter NMSS150 Grand Ave., Oakland, CA 94612or call 1-800-FIGHT MS today! �

R

✁


Volunteers Fuel Successful Bike Tours

he NorthernCaliforniaChapter justcompleted

the financially mostsuccessful year inits 44-year history.Once again the MSBike Tour Serieswas essential to thissuccess. In 1998, theseries raised nearly$690,000— $90,000more than last year’simpressive total!

Each year, we are amazed bythe incredible spirit of the peoplewho come out to make a difference.Thousands of riders and hundredsof volunteers dedicate themselves tothe fight against multiple sclerosis.We’d like to share some of theseexperiences with you.

At every bike tour, it was a de-light to see Robert Welch of SantaRosa. He not only pedaled the longestroute available at each tour, he alsovolunteered before and after the ride.Imagine cycling 100 miles each dayand then returning to serve food and“schlep” boxes! Robert’s enthusiasmfor our events and his devotion to ourmission is incredibly uplifting.

Safety is a crucial part of our tours.We could not ensure the well-being of4,500 participants without the supportof volunteers such as Bruce MacDonald,

T

F U N D R A I S I N G

T H E V I T A L S T A T I S T I C S

• The eighth annual Top Hat Clas-sic in San Ramon attracted 2,048riders and raised $121,000.

• The fourth annual PeninsulaTour du Jour in Redwood Cityhad 1,084 registrants and raisedover $65,000.

• The 14th annual Sonoma Wavesto Wine had 1,390 participantsand raised a whopping $500,000!

Doug Green, and Clarence Melancon.We also extend our gratitude to ChrisApostolakos, known to one and all as“Nurse Chris.”

Additional thanks go out to thelong-standing “SAG King and Queen,”George and Charlotte O’Hare. Theykeep the lines of communication openand ensure that emergencies receivequick attention. The O’Hares began

The MS BIke TourSeries was key tothe most success-ful financial yearin the chapter’s44-year history.


retirement this year and have beenaway on several extended trips; yet ourbike tours remain on their list of priori-ties. They’ve scheduled their travelsaround them!

After years of service, our foodand trucking volunteers practically

run the show! That means you EileenWheeler, Mark Soljack, Jeanette Wing,Helen Fong, Tom Webster, Niran Bates,Tim Curtis, Kate Morris, Kim Villa,Richard Thomas, Bob and YvonneHornbeck, Alex Montfort, and RichSciortino.

We are fortunate to have such astrong support system. The Develop-ment Department consists of onlyseven women. Our success depends onthe people who are willing to come outon their weekends, people who travelmany miles to the sites and scheduletheir plans around ours. Through it all,they lend us their helping hands, theirexpertise, and of course, their conta-gious smiles. All of them deserve around of applause. �

ith roughly one millioncharities operating in theUnited States— and most of

them seeking year-end contributions—it’s no wonder your mailbox bulges withappeal letters as the calendar windsdown. It seems as if everyone wantsyour money!

As you consider the varietyof financial appeals you receive,we hope you’ll remember at leastthree things about the NationalMultiple Sclerosis Society:1. We count you as part of ourfamily. We consider you a partnerwith us in our quest to end thedevastating effects of MS. Whetheryou’re able to give a small annualcontribution or a larger estate gift,we rely on your financial support.The more you give, the more wecan do to fight MS. It’s that simple.

2. We pledge financial fidelity. Weassure you that financial integrity isextremely important to us. We main-tain strict accounting and reportingrules, and our books are open to you.Please know that your gift to theSociety is treated carefully and witha keen sense of stewardship.

3. We remain true to our mission.As you know, our mission is to endthe devastating effects of multiplesclerosis through our programs andour research efforts. In over 50 years,we have not veered from our mission,and we will not until our goals aremet.

Please call 1-800-FIGHT MS for detailsabout supporting our work. �

Those Year-End Appeals

W


AlamedaAlameda:New Diagnosis GroupJeannette (510) 865-8355First Wednesday, 7 PM

BerkeleyBarbara (510) 482-0266First Tuesday, 6:30 PM

BerkeleyToni (510) 653-4534Meets periodically

FremontGerry (510) 744-0763Mary (510) 537-8026Second Saturday, 12 PM

HaywardPamela 1-888-946-3876 x3Last Tuesday, 7 PM

OaklandGaby (510) 339-02651st & 3rd Thurs., 4:30 PM

Oakland:East Bay Inject-ABLESKathy (925) 672-4828Call for information

Oakland Lesbian GroupEmma (510) 451-9564Third Saturday, 10 AM

PleasantonMary Beth (925) 829-0832Second Saturday, 11 AM

Contra CostaAntiochLee (925) 706-9422Third Monday, 7 PM

ConcordJohn (925) 372-0859Shirley (925) 685-0961Second Saturday, 1 PM

DanvilleBea (925) 556-9947Fourth Saturday, 10 AM

El CerritoWillie (510) 223-9182Third Thursday, 12 PM

PinoleJill (510) 724-55642nd & 4th Friday, 7 PM

RossmoorAl (925) 935-9531Second Wednesday, 10 AM

HumboldtEurekaPatty (707) 826-1220Fourth Saturday, 11 AM

LakeClearlakeGlen & Nancy(707) 994-4271Third Wednesday, 3 PM

The Northern CaliforniaChapter sponsors the fol-lowing self-help groupsfor people with MS andtheir loved ones. Thegroups meet regularly foremotional support andeducational purposes.For information on aspecific group, call thecontact person listedhere. We also have aPhone Buddy programfor those who prefer one-on one contact. To learnabout other groups inyour community, or forinformation on the manyemotional support op-tions available throughthe National MS Society,call Carol at 1-800-FIGHT MS.

S E L F - H E L P G R O U P S


NapaNapaNeil (707) 255-8235Meets quarterly

San FranciscoSan FranciscoLynn (415) 282-2160Dolores (415) 467-6186Second Thursday, 7 PM

Potluck LuncheonKaren (415) 584-6115Call for information

San MateoSan CarlosMike (650) 368-7619Third Tuesday, 10 AM

San MateoBob & Eleanor(650) 588-07592nd & 4th Tuesday, 7 PM

MarinKentfieldJudy (415) 897-6895Third Tuesday, 7:30 PM

MendocinoUkiahWarren (707) 462-1834Second Tuesday, 7 PM

WillitsKen (707) 456-1259Call for information

MontereyMontereyRichard & Karen(831) 899-5436Third Saturday, 10 AM

Santa CruzSanta CruzJim (831) 688-3303Third Saturday, 10:30 AM

SolanoVacavilleDacia (707) 678-6131Second Saturday, 10 AM

VallejoMarian (707) 745-9333Pam (707) 745-3704Second Tuesday, 6:30 PM

SonomaRohnert ParkDara (707) 664-1586Second Saturday, 1 PM

Santa RosaCarol (707) 575-4757Third Tuesday, 7 PM

New Emotional Support StaffWith the addition of a new staff member thechapter continues its emphasis on emotionalsupport programs. Carol Figueiredo (right),a native of San Francisco, was diagnosed withMS in 1990. While studying for a Masters inCounseling at SF State University, she’ll serveas our Self-Help Group Coordinator.

Karrie Katzenberg, who formerly held thisposition, has become our Emotional ProgramsManager. Karrie will focus on the Phone Bud-dy program, our Nursing Home Visitors, andnew support options for family members.


85 Toyota Cressida: With hand con-trols. Fairly good condition. Free. Patricia:650-574-1514.87 Chevy Astro Van: V6. Fullyequipped. Adapted for disabled driver.$48,500. Walter: 510-797-4711 after 5 pm.91 Honda CRX: Automatic with left footthrottle. 24K miles, 1 owner. No AC,power steering. New tires, etc. $8000.Cathy: 415-664-6297.94 Bruno Regal Cub electric scooter:3-wheeled. With basket & trailer. Excel-lent condition. $1299 or best offer.Connie: 925-228-0934.94 Fortress 2000 Scooter: Withcharger. Good condition. $650. Tamara:510-655-2283.94 Ford Econoline E250 Van: Fullyequipped. Adapted for disabled driver.150K miles. $12,000. Mimi: 707-857-3905or [email protected].

C L A S S I F I E D S

For SaleAccessible Van: With electric side lift.32K miles. $5000. Adjustable HospitalBed: With trapeze. $500. Niagara mas-sage bed: Fully adjustable. $800. David:925-820-4292.

Bath chair: Slides on rails into tub.$130. Rose: 510-581-9056.

Fortress 2000 scooter: With batterycharger. Excellent condition. New seat &tires. $1200 neg. Sandy: 650-574-8378.

Jazzy reclining electric wheelchair:With leg lifts. Brand new. $2500 or bestoffer. 925-692-1127.

Metro Motorized Wheelchair: Prac-tically new. 2 batteries & charger. Gel-backed cushion with seat belt. $2000 orbest offer. Cedric: 510-392-0402.

Pacesaver Plus 2 Scooter: Like new.With battery charger and cover. $1000.831-475-4057.

Ads are free to chapter members. Call 1-800-FIGHT MS.

O N T H E S H E L F

ur chapter library now has a binder of employment listings, that you canview by dropping by our Oakland office. To borrow one of the followingitems, or for a complete list of library holdings, call 1-800-FIGHT MS.

• Computer Resources for People with Disabilities: The Alliance For Technologypublishes this guide to finding and funding a computer.

• Multiple Sclerosis: A Self-Care Guide to Wellness: This publication from theParalyzed Veterans of America has helpful articles on a wide range of MS issues,including driver training and accessible home design. �

OEmployment & Equipment


READaTHONThroughout the winter children across northern Califor-nia raise funds by reading books. Get your child or kids’group involved— or assist at school assemblies in Janu-ary and February. Call Maggie at 1-800-FIGHT MS.

Finances & MSAs the holidays pass and tax season approaches, financialconcerns are foremost in many people’s minds. Learn howto balance medical costs with personal needs and how toprepare for an uncertain future at this workshop in Con-tra Costa.

Research & Symptom Management SymposiumThe best and brightest of the Bay Area’s medical commu-nity will gather to present this special one-day programin Palo Alto. Hear the latest on treatments and researchtrials. The symposium will cover the management of spe-cific MS symptoms, including fatigue, depression, memoryloss, spasticity, sexuality, and bladder dysfunction.

FINanciAL FOUR Basketball TournamentCorporate teams take to the court in San Francisco toraise funds for the fight against MS.

MS & Women’s IssuesWomen develop multiple sclerosis at least twice as oftenas men. This program in Contra Costa will focus on howthe disease impacts women throughout their lifespans.Issues such as the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, parenting,menopause, and career choices will be addressed.

Working But WorriedAfter a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, working can be achallenge. This program in Santa Rosa will provide anopen forum for people with MS who are currently em-ployed or exploring job possibilities. Experts speak ondisclosure, workplace discrimination, retraining options,and benefits.

January–March

January 9

February 6

March 13

March 20

March 24

C A L E N D A R

Toll-Free Number: 1-800-FIGHT MS1999 #1

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPermit # 19

Inglewood, CA

32

Northern California Chapter150 Grand AvenueOakland, CA 94612

Change Service Requested

Chapter’s Award-WinningPublic Awareness Campaign

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Documents

MSConnection 1999 #1...6 1999 #1 Toll-Free Number: 1-800-FIGHT MSHere are some important considerations when choos-ing a cane or walker: • A cane is often most use-ful when there