SELF-HELP GROUPS
AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW, LEARN AND CONNECT Self-help groups are an important part of the National MS Society’s mission to “address the challenges of everyone affected by MS.” Groups are typically comprised of people living with MS and can include care partners or other family members as well as newcomers. The self-help group leaders are trained by the Society to guide productive discussions and inform members about helpful programs and services the Society offers. The meetings, scheduled once or twice a month depending on the group, provide an opportunity for participants to share with each other what it means to live with MS, including setbacks and successes. In addition, some leaders invite healthcare professionals or other community leaders to speak about issues related to MS and local services. Many attendees also form a bond of camaraderie and gather together for other events like Walk MS. “The reason we are inspired to run the support group is we can provide the best possible information about MS to our support group members. It helps them and us realize that we are not alone. We can be an ear to people and steer them in the right direction. It’s good for us to represent our group. People are comfortable with us and we complement each other in the tasks we
perform. We provide a friendly, concerned ear to encourage them to come to our support group meetings.” - Vicki Campbell & Anita Shaw, CoFacilitators of the Marin County MS SelfHelp Group. There are a multitude of benefits from participating, including, but certainly not limited to, learning new information, connecting with others who face similar challenges, feeling less isolated, feeling more empowered to live well, improving coping skills, and finding reassurance and support from others who have similar experiences. Currently, there are support groups in Eureka, Mendocino, Ukiah (now forming), Corte Madera, Santa Rosa, Napa, and Healdsburg. If you are interested in joining a self-help group or would like to start one, please visit us at www.nationalMSsociety.org/can or contact the Chapter at 800-344-4867. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others in a self-help group near you!
Sausalito Kayaking Adventure
Walk MS: Northern California
Saturday, June 2, 2012 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM Schoonmaker Marina, Sausalito
Walk MS: Eureka April 21, 2012 Eureka High School
Grab a paddle and climb aboard: our trained guides from ETC (Environmental Travel Companions) have experience leading sea kayaking trips for persons with disabilities. This activity is great for folks of all mobility levels, but only those ages 12 and older, please. Previous experience is not necessary. Space is limited, so be sure to sign up and reserve your spot early! Please bring a hearty lunch for a picnic on the beach and snacks that are easy to eat on the water (i.e. granola or energy bars). Equipment, safety gear and instruction are provided.
Walk MS: Santa Rosa April 22, 2012 Howarth Park
Please email Joy O’Donnell at joy.odonnell@ nmss.org (or call her at 415-230-6678 ext. 73016) for pricing information and to register.
2011 ETC kayaking trip
FACEBOOK The Northern California Chapter Facebook page has over 2,150 fans and counting. Become a fan today and get connected to other people living with MS. www.facebook.com/msnortherncal
Walk MS is the rallying point of the MS movement, a community coming together to raise awareness and celebrate hope for a world free of multiple sclerosis. This April and May, there are 12 walk sites across Northern California. Step by step, dollar by dollar, Walk MS is changing lives. To register for a walk in your community, please visit www.walkmsnorcal.org
Eureka Yoga Retreat Saturday, June 23, 2012 12:00 - 3:00 PM Arcata HealthSPORT 300 Community Park Way Arcata, CA Whether you’re an experienced yogi or a curious newbie, an afternoon yoga retreat is a great way to refresh and rejuvenate yourself. Our yoga instructor Melissa Bukosky-Boodjeh, MS, CYT, is a retired professional, senior Environmental Scientist. She began her practice of yoga in 1992 as a tool for recovering from Lyme’s disease. In 2000, she began studying and benefiting from the heart-opening journey of Anusara Yoga. To date she has completed over 1,000 hours of advanced teacher training and yoga therapy in the rigorous Anusara Certification Program. Melissa is currently an Anusara-Inspired teacher. In addition to Anusara yoga, Melissa is also a certified body worker, energy practitioner, and has taken over 200 hours of advanced training in therapeutic yoga for multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disease, pain management, and cancer. Her classes are spiritually inspiring and yet profoundly therapeutic for both the inner and outer body. Melissa integrates the radiant potential of the human heart seamlessly with scientific principles of biomechanics to help students find strength, relaxation, and their own personal wellspring of healing. Pre-registration is required by Friday, June 15, 2012. To register, please visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/can or call 800-344-4867.
North Bay Self-Help Groups HUMBOLDT COUNTY Eureka Ann Louise 707-839-0177 or Kim 707-445-9803 MENDOCINO Mendocino Alice 707-964-7850 Ukiah Self-Help Group now forming. For more information, please contact Andrew Rose at 415-230-6678, option 2, ext. 73004. MARIN COUNTY Corte Madera Vicki 415-892-7370 or Anita 415-892-5548 NAPA COUNTY Napa Penelope 707-265-9680 SONOMA COUNTY Santa Rosa Susan 707-544-9654 or Debbie 707-548-8437 Santa Rosa MS Caregiver Group Spencer 707-586-3811 Healdsburg Kate 707-433-9194
What’s Happening Around the Chapter Central Valley
Sacramento
Play Ball! - April 14 Newly Diagnosed Orientation - May 1 Insurance Appeals Workshop - May 12 Navigating Systems & Community Resources - June 14
Strike Out MS Night - April 13 MS, Memory & Concentration - April 17 Newly Diagnosed Orientation - May 3 Terry Rossman MS Golf Experience - May 11 Connecting through Clay - May 19
South Bay Area
Greater Bay Area
Fall Prevention Workshop - June 2 Newly Diagnosed Orientation - May 17 Self-Advocacy Skills Training - June 30 Yoga for MS - ongoing
Newly Diagnosed Orientation - May 2 Kayaking - June 2 CogniFitness - starts June 15
Visit nationalMSsociety.org/can to register and for full program descriptions.
Accessible from the Comfort of Home New! Online Newly Diagnosed Orientation Thursday, May 17th & Thursday, June 14th 6:00 – 7:30 PM Online and over the phone Are you Newly Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis? A diagnosis of MS can create many unexpected emotions that leave you with a strong need to understand the changes you may be facing. This web based program will be conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Crabtree, Assistant Clinical Professor of Neurology at UCSF and Director of Patient Program Development at the UCSF MS Center. Dr. Crabtree will address the most common concerns for people who are newly diagnosed. This orientation provides an excellent opportunity to have any questions you may wish to ask answered and learn more about the resources available to persons with multiple sclerosis. A phone and computer with internet access will be necessary to join this program. Please call 800-344-4867 or visit us online at www.nationalMSsociety.org/can to register for this program.
Pain Management - New Program Coming Soon! – Date & time TBD Online and over the phone Stress, pain and discomfort are very common in MS. MS creates its own emotionally taxing predicaments, not the least of which is dealing with the unpredictable course of this disease. Furthermore, some studies suggest that over 55% of people living with MS had “clinically significant pain”. Almost half (48%) were troubled by chronic pain. This program will be facilitated by Dr. Pearl Werfel, a licensed psychologist with over 25 years of experience. Her areas of expertise include living well with MS and other chronic illness and anxiety, stress and pain mitigation. If pain and discomfort are symptoms that you experience, we invite you to join the Northern California Chapter in a chapter-wide program starting this spring. Please call 800-344-4867 for more information.