MS Connection, fall 2009 issue

MINNESOTA CHAPTER

MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS | VOLUME 22 • EDITION 3

More than $100,000 awarded to local scholars touched by MS In 2009 the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter awarded college scholarships to 52 students touched by MS in Minnesota and western Wisconsin — totaling more than $100,000. On a national level, the society granted more than $1 million to 510 scholars across the country this year. Meet two of this year’s scholars.

Leah Van Beusekom, Brooklyn Park, Minn.

Leah Van Beusekom woke up feeling excited the first day of section playoffs for fast pitch softball back in spring of 2008. She also woke up with a numb right foot. Like many athletes do, she shook it off and played in the tournament.

But when the numbness spread, the Champlin Park High School graduate saw a doctor and was eventually diagnosed with MS. Today, Beusekom is trying to focus on the good things MS has brought to her life. The disease, she says, has made her appreciate the little things in life. “I no longer take things for granted because everything can change in the blink of an eye.”

Beusekom plans to study business or architecture at a four-year university and continue on to post-graduate school. College is a big transition, but Beusekom has experience dealing with new challenges.

“Just when you feel like nothing can take you down, something does and you have to step back and put things in perspective,” she said. continued on Page 14

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

News Page 4

Events Page 6

Research Page 8

Volunteers Page 13

612-335-7900 / 800-582-5296

Can you help us?

Publication of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Chair • Karen Larson

If you are able to make an in-kind donation to the Minnesota Chapter, contact Teri Cannon at 612-335-7925 or tcannon@MSsociety.org.

To see the full in-kind list, visit MSsociety.org and click “Donate.”

Chapter President • Maureen Reeder

Office supplies

Newsletter Editor • Emily Wilson

n copy paper

Minnesota Chapter

E-mail • editor@mssociety.org

(colored, letter size)

n hanging file folders

Event rest stop supplies n disposable cutting

boards

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

n legal notepads

n duct tape

n padded envelopes

n hand sanitizer

Information provided by the 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 National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician.

n tape and glue sticks

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to ending the devastating effects of MS. © 2009 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

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(small and large)

n paper and binder

clips

n pens and highlighters n Post-it® notes

n knives

(medium and large)

n plastic serving gloves n sunscreen

(SPF 15, 30 and 50)

n T50 staple guns

GIVING TIPS Check out Page 11 to learn creative ways to donate without breaking the bank.

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 contact the society at www.nationalmssociety.org or 1-800-582-5296 to learn more.

NOTE FROM THE BOARD

Out of sight but never out of mind Heading off to college is an exciting and lifechanging time. It starts with deciding whether to go away or to stay near home. If a teen chooses to go away there are roommates to meet, supplies to be bought and transportation to be arranged.

So I packed up my things and off I went to conquer the world. The independence felt great. Just like any first-year college student, I loved having my own place — a 10-by-10 cubicle shared with a roommate. There were no curfews and the only restrictions were ones I made for myself. Ah, freedom.

But when my Mom was hospitalized for a period of time, I realized that you never really get away from MS whether you are the person with the disease or a loved one For a teen with a parent who While I will always be the of that person. I still remember has multiple sclerosis, there the anxiety of not being able child of a parent with MS, are additional hurdles to to see for myself how she was overcome and arrangements that first year away gave doing. My Dad always did to be made. Because many his best not to worry us. His me an understanding families affected by MS favorite line was “there’s nothing of what life without MS face financial challenges, you can do about it anyway so paying for tuition and living don’t worry about it.” could be like. My hope expenses may be difficult. is that soon we will be True; but not realistic.

Many teens contribute sending our kids out significantly to the care of I wouldn’t trade that first year their parent with MS and of college for anything. I learned into a world free of MS. alternate arrangements how to balance competing for care have to be worked out. There is also needs. I realized the importance of family. the emotional toll it takes on a teen leaving And although I didn’t recognize it at the time, behind a parent with MS. I would later understand the sacrifices my Although it has been 30 years since I left home parents made to send me off to school.

Karen Larson Board Chair

for college, I still remember the challenge of that first year. My parents were both very supportive of my decision to go away to college.

In fact, I don’t remember there being any discussion about not going.

While I will always be the child of a parent with MS, that first year away gave me an understanding of what life without MS could be like. My hope is that soon we will be sending our kids out into a world free of MS.

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NEWS BRIEFS

What’s on MS Connection Online right now? n When a medication is off label

Almost every medication used to treat MS symptoms is prescribed “off label.”

Learn what this means and how it affects insurance coverage.

When you see this icon, it means

there’s expanded coverage of this topic online. Visit MSsociety.org and check out the news section on the right hand side.

n Detecting nervous system protection

and repair Imagine this: a new therapy works to protect brain cells from damage caused

by MS. But there’s no way to tell when it is actually working. Learn about three emerging technologies that may help solve this problem.

“Amazing Race” host fuels the MS movement Last spring Phil Keoghan, host of CBS’s “The Amazing Race,” biked more than 3,500 miles from Los Angeles to New York City in 40 days to raise funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis. Sponsored by GNC LiveWell, Keoghan raised $500,000 for the National MS Society in collaboration with GNC’s in-store fundraising campaign. Keoghan fueled his ride with NOW One Square Meals (NOW OSM), and to continue the momentum, NOW OSM has agreed to share a portion of profits from every bar sold now through the end of September.

Learn more at nationalMSsociety.org/philkeoghan.

Phil Keoghan at the New York Stock Exchange after completing his 3,500 mile ride for MS.

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NEWS BRIEFS

Online games help people with MS boost brain power The MS Technology Collaborative — an alliance of Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Microsoft, and the National MS Society — recently unveiled a first-of-its-kind suite of online games designed to help people with multiple sclerosis exercise cognitive function.

Approximately 50 percent of people living with MS develop cognitive challenges.

MyBrainGames, available for free at www.MyMSMyWay.com, was developed under the direction of leading health care professionals specializing in MS and cognition, as well as people with MS.

Visit www.MyMSMyWay.com.

New “We care” Web page for family caregivers The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter recently launched an expanded Web page for care partners of people with MS. The new-and-improved “We care” page offers information about upcoming programs and special resources just for care partners, personal stories of care partners in the chapter area and care partner news and updates. The Web page also includes a place for people with MS to publicly thank the care partners in their lives.

Visit the programs page at www.MSsociety.org and click on “Family, care partner and youth programs.”

DID YOU KNOW? November is National Family Caregivers Month. Visit www.nfcacares.org to learn more.

Society commits $15.8 million to new research, including Mayo Clinic study The National MS Society announced it has committed $15.8 million to support 45 new MS research projects as part of its $40 million international investment this year alone to spur momentum in cutting-edge MS research.

Some of those funds are allocated for a

post-doctoral fellowship led by Dr. Dale Edberg at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minn.

Learn about all newly-funded studies at www.nationalMSsociety.org/research.

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EVENTS

Chapter expects 2009 events to raise $6 million As of press time the National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter’s event season had nearly come to a close, with just three events yet to be held.

Walkers cross the finish line at Walk MS: Christopher & Banks Twin Cities Walk 2009 presented by Anchor Bank.

Participants in the 2009 MS Sno Rally Snowmobile Tour.

The fundraising season kicked off in February with the MS Sno Rally Snowmobile Tour, which brought 45 riders and raised approximately $65,000. The 20th annual Walk MS: Christopher & Banks Walk presented by Anchor Bank drew nearly 10,000 people at 17 sites throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. In all, Walk MS participants raised nearly $1.9 million to help create a world free of multiple sclerosis.

The chapter’s 2009 Bike MS series started May 9 with the Allianz Twin Cities Ride, raising more than $200,000, followed by the 30th annual Larkin Hoffman MS 150 Ride June 12 to 14. More than 3,100 cyclists participated in the two-day, 150-mile ride from Proctor, Minn., to the Twin Cities, raising $2.5 million. The series came to a close with the 20th annual Star Tribune TRAM Ride — or The Ride Across Minnesota — which raised approximately $850,000.

The Minnesota Chapter anticipates 2009 events will raise more than $6 million to help fund programs and services for the nearly 10,000 people living with MS in Minnesota and western Wisconsin and drive research for a cure.

Register for a 2010 event at www.MSsociety.org.

Cyclists en route to the Twin Cities during Bike MS: Larkin Hoffman MS 150 Ride 2009.

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LIVING well WITH MS

MS on the job: seven things to know People with multiple sclerosis who work can face many different issues in the workplace. Sarah Danen, Jill Parkinson and Heather Svenson, MS Navigators with the Minnesota Chapter, share tips for dealing with MS on the job. n If your employer offers one, be sure to

enroll in a long-term disability plan.

n Understand your benefits and keep copies

of benefit plans at home and work. This includes health insurance, life insurance, short- and long-term disability benefits, etc.

n Be aware of policies on time away for illness

and Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) and the time frames covered under short- and long-term disability.

n Consider how MS could affect your job

performance down the line. Come up with a list of indicators to help decide if and when you should consider switching to part-time, changing vocations or stopping work (For instance, if fatigue affects my performance, I may need to cut down my hours).

n Disclosing your disease to an employer

is necessary when you require a special accommodation. If not, the decision is up to you. Consider your relationship with colleagues and the climate at your workplace.

Every situation is unique so think about what’s best for you.

n Learn how the Americans with Disabilities

Act can be a resource for you. Questions?

Contact the National MS Society, Job Accommodation Network (jan.wvu.edu) or Work Incentives Connection (mnworkincentives.com).

n If you experience workplace discrimination,

contact the MS Society, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (eeoc.gov) or Minnesota Department of Human Rights (www.humanrights.state.mn.us) right away.

GET ANSWERS Contact the Minnesota Chapter for more information about workplace issues or visit nationalMSsociety.org/employment.

Spreading the word about working with MS When Natasha Frechette, Columbia Heights, Minn., was diagnosed with MS, she worried about how the disease would affect her job.

Frechette shared some of her experiences as a person managing a chronic illness on the job

with the New York Times this summer. To read her story and get tips from national experts, visit www.nytimes.com/patientmoney and click on “Protecting Your Job While Coping With a Chronic Illness.”

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RESEARCH

Breastfeeding may benefit women with MS In a recent study, only 36 percent of women with multiple sclerosis who breastfed exclusively for at least two months after birth experienced an exacerbation, as compared to 87 percent who did not breastfeed or who supplemented with formula. While the study was small, the results question the benefit of forgoing breastfeeding in order to resume MS treatment after birth. Not breastfeeding reactivates the ovaries, said lead researcher Dr. Annette Langer-Gould, a process that may be the reason MS exacerbations typically increase after birth.

The researchers will conduct a larger study to confirm the findings and possibly identify the immunosuppressive factor in breastfeeding.

What’s going on with new oral therapies in MS? Late last spring, researchers reported positive results from late-stage clinical trials of two experimental oral MS therapies — cladribine and fingolimod. Both drugs target immune B and T cells, which are thought to be involved in the immune attack in MS, and in trials, both therapies reduced the relapse rate of trial participants to about 20 percent. Stay on top of the latest news related to these and other emerging therapies in the pipeline on MS Connection Online.

Visit www.MSsociety.org and click “Chapter news” then “Research.”

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Studies identify new genes, gene regions that increase people’s MS risk Two recent studies report identifying new genes and gene regions that contribute to making people susceptible to developing MS. The findings add to a growing list of gene variations linked to MS susceptibility. Identifying all MS genes will likely lead to the development of more effective ways to treat the disease, and open the door to uncovering the cause of MS, which may lead to its prevention.

Environmental risk factors take center stage at MS meetings At a conjunctive annual meeting held for two major MS research organizations, worldrenowned epidemiologist Alberto Ascherio, MD, DrPH, Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, presented strong evidence for three environmental risk factors influencing susceptibility to MS: infection with the Epstein-Barr virus, exposure to vitamin D and cigarette smoking. In his presentation, Ascherio said the potential for finding a way to prevent MS serves as motivation to studying these risk factors on a larger scale.

Read the full report on these and other studies at MS Connection Online.

RESEARCH

Research pipeline Dr. Adam Carpenter, a faculty member at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, spends his days trying to understand MS from both a clinical and research perspective.

Dr. Adam Carpenter In an interview with the Minnesota Chapter, Carpenter discussed biomarkers, magnetic waves and more.

What projects are you working on?

I am researching the roles of biomarkers in MS. A biomarker is something we can measure in people that acts as an indicator for a particular disease state. Biomarkers are useful because they tell us what’s happening “beneath the surface.”

What kinds of biomarkers are you investigating?

One project is looking at proteins in the blood.

Another is investigating magnetic brain waves.

How do you study magnetic brain waves?

We use magnetoencephalography (MEG).

An MEG is similar to an EEG, but it measures magnetic waves in the brain instead of electric waves. Magnetic waves can be more effective since they aren’t suppressed by the brain, skull, fat and skin like electric waves are.

What’s the benefit of studying magnetic waves of people with MS? People with MS have myelin loss and atrophy of nerve cells, which makes

the brain behave differently. The MEG has 248 sensors that measure how areas of the brain “talk to one another” or correlate. We believe we’ll find a difference in magnetic waves in people with relapsing-remitting and progressive forms of MS. How can these measurements be useful?

We want to mathematically compare how the magnetic waves correlate. For example, we’re looking how waves in each various locations in the brain communicate and then compare those of a healthy control group, and to people with different forms of MS or types of MS-related disability. It’s tricky though, because we measure the brain activity 1,000 each second at more than 200 different places, and then have to measure the cross talk between all that brain activity.

What do you hope to learn from this research?

Essentially, we hope to understand how MS affects brain function. We know a lot about the symptoms and damage MS causes in the brain, but we don’t know very much about how it affects brain activity. We also hope this research will help us better understand the differences between the various forms of MS. By studying how brain waves change over time, we hope to find a new, more sensitive way of evaluating whether a person’s MS is stable or progressing.

What do you do outside the lab?

I like to play with my 10-year-old son, read and play guitar. I also enjoy traveling with my wife.

Log on for a Research Pipeline extra!

Learn about Dr. Carpenter’s work in investigating MS biomarkers in blood in the research news section at www.MSsociety.org.

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GIVING

Chapter calls on supporters for donations before fiscal year end In light of the current economic downturn, the National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter for the first time will call on supporters to make donations before its 2009 fiscal year comes to a close on Sept. 30.

While Sept. 30 may seem insignificant, donations received before the end of an organization’s fiscal year can be important, especially during tough economic times.

“During times like these, it matters that donations come in sooner rather than later — this helps ensure we meet our financial goals for the year and are prepared for the next,” said Minnesota Chapter Vice President of Development and Major Gifts Shannon Wolkerstorfer. “Gifts to the society are important any time of the year, but right now, we’re asking for help with a last-minute rally so we can regain our financial footing as we enter 2010.”

According to a June 2009 study released by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, the recession has seriously affected the state’s non-profit sector, showing an across-the-board decrease in all major revenue sources. Plus, of the 571 Minnesota non-profits surveyed, a majority reported an increase in demand for services, which rings true for the MS Society.

“Living with a chronic illness can pose a number of financial challenges such as lost wages and medical bills,” said Sarah Danen, Director of Client Services for the chapter. “For many people with MS, every day is an economic downturn, even when times are good.”

GET INVOLVED To make a donation to the chapter, visit www.MSsociety.org and click on “Donate.”

Go to work, make a difference Sometimes, making a big difference can be as simple as going to work. Participating in a workplace giving program is an easy way to support the MS movement.

If your company participates in a workplace giving campaign, sign up to use automatic payroll deduction to make regular gifts to the National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter. If your workplace participates in the Community 10

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Health Charities campaign, consider choosing the society as your gift recipient. Or, if your workplace participates in a United Way campaign, write in a designation to the chapter.

Your campaign coordinator can help you.

If you are unable to make your gift through a workplace giving campaign, you can also set up a sustaining gift at www.MSsociety.org. For more information, contact Rachel Hughes at 612-335-7965 or rhughes@MSsociety.org.

CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT

Local companies ensure longevity for scholarship program

The National MS Society launched the scholarship program in 2003 to help students affected by multiple sclerosis pursue postsecondary education. Since its inception the Minnesota Chapter’s local scholarship program has grown significantly — with 52 scholarships awarded in 2009 (see cover story).

To accommodate the growing number of eligible scholars — and help support students throughout their education — three local companies established an MS Scholarship Endowment, which will help build a stable, long-term stream of funding.

The Christopher & Banks Corporation, Cub Cares Community Foundation and Pentair Foundation generously invested in the MS Scholarship by funding 2009 scholars and contributing the minimum $25,000 gift to name an endowed scholarship. Each of these outstanding corporate partners have demonstrated a commitment to young people whose lives have been touched by MS and the Minnesota Chapter is grateful for their long-term support.

Creative donations accepted When Dale Tennison receives his MS Connection newsletter, the first thing he does is turn to the in-kind donation request list on the inside cover. Tennison then goes online to order some of the items and ships them directly to the Minnesota Chapter office. And sometimes, when he’s exhausted all the items on the list, Tennison purchases gift cards for the chapter to use as needs arise.

According to Jo Ann Phelps, office services coordinator for the Minnesota Chapter, the donations are very helpful in keeping the organization running smoothly. “Dale’s gifts are so generous. He’s sent us everything from paper towels to digital cameras,” Phelps said.

But Tennison doesn’t drain his bank account to donate so many items to the MS Society.

Instead he redeems his credit card reward points to purchase the merchandise. “With all the traveling I do for work, I’d rather make a donation to the MS Society than use my points for more air travel,” Tennison said. “This is a fun and easy way to make a significant impact.”

To view the full in-kind list, visit www.MSsociety.org and click “Donate,” or view selected items on the inside cover of this publication. To donate an item, contact Teri Cannon at 612-335-7925 or tcannon@MSsociety.org.

DONATE

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ADVOCACY

Be an everyday activist — it’s as easy as 1-2-3 Activism calls for a personal story, passion for change and dedication to a world free of multiple sclerosis. With the 2010 legislative session just around the corner, the National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter calls on people affected by MS to be everyday activists.

So what does it mean to be an everyday activist? It’s simple. By learning the issues and sharing your story, you unleash the power of everyday activism. Here’s how:

1. Build your story.

Your personal experience is your most powerful tool. Think about the issues that matter to you. For example, how do high prescription co-payments or the need for PCA and caregiver services affect your life?

Are you concerned about your employment situation or problems accessing state services?

Practice telling your story in under two minutes. Explain how this issue affects your life and what kind of changes you wish to see.

2. Share your story.

Now it’s time to spread the word. Share your story by talking to someone in person or over the phone or writing a letter or e-mail.

Practicing your story with family and friends is a great way to test your skills before talking with your legislator. Plus, advocacy staff at the MS Society can help you prepare your story and set up opportunities to share with your legislator.

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3. Engage others.

There are many opportunities in your community to be an everyday activist. Stay on top of the issues by reading your local newspaper, submitting letters to the editor, attending city council meetings and organizing town hall forums. If you are interested in holding a town hall forum or inviting legislators to a self-help group meeting or other activity in your area, contact the MS Society.

As another state legislative session approaches, the Minnesota Chapter needs you to raise awareness by engaging people in your community and legislators in the MS movement. Your everyday activism — big or small — can move us closer to a world free of MS.

TAKE ACTION To learn more about everyday activism visit www.MSsociety.org and click “Take action.”

VOLUNTEERS

Chapter volunteer receives national recognition Each year the Five Star Volunteer Award Program, launched in 2005, recognizes more than 100 employees who provide exceptional volunteer service to a nonprofit organization in their community. U.S. Bank employs approximately 58,000 people nationwide.

Lorraine and Tom Hus at Bike MS: Larkin Hoffman MS 150 Ride 2008.

Lorraine Hus, a longtime volunteer for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter, was recognized as one of U.S. Bank’s top employee volunteers with a 2009 U.S. Bank Five Star Volunteer Award.

As a recipient of the award, U.S. Bank has awarded $1,000 to the MS Society in honor of Hus — a personal banker at the company’s Roseville, Minn., branch.

Lorraine and her husband, Tom, have been active volunteers and fundraisers for the Minnesota Chapter for more than 10 years.

In addition to riding in Bike MS events, the couple volunteers for other events including the three-day Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities.

Lorraine has also served as hospitality volunteer at education programs and as a chaperone for MS Youth Camp.

Volunteer opportunities Building maintenance assistant General upkeep inside and outside the chapter office, including landscaping, warehouse organizing, etc. Ongoing

Care partner networking coordinator Indentify and connect care partners to participate in informal networking opportunities. Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote opportunities. Ongoing

Couple’s networking coordinator

Indentify and connect couples with a person with MS to participate in informal networking opportunities. Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote opportunities. Ongoing

Media awareness assistant

Search the internet and newspapers for MS-related media coverage. Ongoing Learn more about volunteer opportunities at www.MSsociety.org.

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from page 1

William Matchett, River Falls, Wis. For William Matchett, understanding the true impact of multiple sclerosis has been a process. He was 10 years old when his mother — a single parent of three and third-grade teacher — was diagnosed with the disease. Over time Matchett has come to better understand the invisible symptoms his mother experiences, like fatigue, leg pain and neuralgia.

Support the scholarship program To learn about making a donation to the scholarship program, contact Shannon at 612-335-7928 or swolkerstorfer@MSsociety.org.

2010 applications Scholarship applications for 2010 awards will be accepted between Oct. 15, 2009, and Jan. 15, 2010. Stay tuned to the scholarship page at www.MSsociety.org for more details.

Congratulations

“My mom keeps a busy schedule that would tire most people,” Matchett said. “Yet sometimes her exhaustion is so great that I can feel her pain.”

The Minnesota Chapter congratulates all 2009 scholars, including these seven students who earned prestigious named scholarships.

Matchett says he admires his mother for her ability to stay positive in spite of the unknown.

“The disease is part of her, but does not define her. This courage in the face of fear has been an inspirational example for me in my life.”

Pentair Foundation Endowed Scholarship William Matchett

Matchett graduated from River Falls High School where he captained the cross country team, was inducted into the National Honors Society and served five terms as class president.

He has also contributed his time to the Ecology Club, City of River Falls Youth Advisory Council, YMCA Youth in Government, Students Offering Support, Locks of Love and Relay for Life, among others.

This fall Matchett plans to attend a four-year university and pursue an advanced physics degree. His goal is to work for NASA or CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research.

Christopher & Banks Endowed Scholarship Andrew Wolter Cub Cares Foundation Scholarship Melissa Saner Randall T. Schapiro Scholarship Jordan Becker Brittany Groess Scholarship Brittany Groess Brittany Groess Scholarship Breana Kochmann Brittany Groess Scholarship Clarissa Longworth Learn about all 52 scholars at www.MSsociety.org/MSscholars.

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CALENDAR

Sept. 10

Managing MS, Alexandria

Sept. 11–13

Challenge Walk MS: Twin Cities

Sept. 15

MS World, Chaska

Sept. 26

Family Retreat, Annandale

Sept. 29

Managing MS, St. Cloud

Sept. 30

Exercise and MS, Burnsville

Oct. 3

Acupuncture and oriental medicine, Oakdale

Oct. 6

Home assessment for functionality and personal safety, Duluth

Oct. 14

Harnessed walking and exercise with MS, St. Paul

Oct. 22

Managing MS Symptoms, Brainerd

Telephone consultations *Free and by appointment only Family attorney consultations Rod Jensen, attorney at law Sept. 22, Oct. 27 and Nov. 24 Employment consultations Jennifer Johnson, tips on interviewing, resumes and more June 16, July 21 and Aug. 18 Employment discrimination/private disability consultations Denise Tataryn, attorney at law Sept. 2, Oct. 7 and Nov. 4 Financial planning consultations John Robinson, C.F.P.ÂŽ, financial advisor Sept. 21, Oct. 19 and Nov. 16

For information or to register Programs Contact registration line: 612-335-7970 Telephone consultations Contact Sarah or Heather: 612-335-7900 Walk MS, Bike MS and motorsport events Contact Cortney: 612-335-7971

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

RESEARCH

Study shows smoking worsens MS, quitting may help Harvard researchers report results of a new study that adds to growing evidence that cigarette smoking has a negative impact on multiple sclerosis progression and speeds conversion to a progressive course of the disease. After tracking a group of 1,465 people with MS — including smokers, ex-smokers and never-smokers — for approximately three years, investigators found that MS disability progressed more quickly in smokers, and this difference was also noted in MRI measures of disease activity. Also, ex-smokers did not differ substantially from never-smokers, suggesting that quitting may delay MS progression.

Learn more at www.nationalMSsociety.org/research.