MS Connection Newsletter Spring 2015

Spring 2015 UPPER MIDWEST CHAPTER

MS Connection Newsletter

Be inspired. Get connected. Walk MS.

INSIDE 05 THIS ISSUE

Walk MS event registration now open

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MS Awareness Week is March 2–8

Talking about Stem Cells, Part II

Upcoming MS programs

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

MS connection: Spring 2015

Can you help us?

If you’re able to make an in-kind donation to the Upper Midwest Chapter, contact Mark at 612-335-7970, 800-582-5296 (option 2) or mark.turbak@nmss.org. To see the full in-kind list, visit MSsociety.org and click “Donate,” then select “Other ways to give.”

Needed items: n Pitney Bowes D380 Inserter n

Power pallet jack

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Bike rack

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Digital photo printer

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Gift cards (restaurants, convenience stores, etc.)

National Multiple Sclerosis Society Upper Midwest Chapter 200 12th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55415 800-582-5296 Board chair: Larry Schmid Chapter president: Holly Anderson Editor: Maggie Flanagan Design: Sue Schweitzer © 2015 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Upper Midwest Chapter

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Concert and event tickets

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Jump drives (portable storage devices)

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Gift basket items for silent auctions

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Paper cutter

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

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

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mssociety.org | 800-582-5296

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Hope is not a strategy I remember saying to a professor once that I hoped my paper was good enough. He looked at me sternly, threw the paper back and said, “Hope isn’t a strategy. Bring this back when you know your paper is good enough.” From that day forward I didn’t rely on hope to get me through anything. I rolled up my sleeves and worked until I was confident in my results.

Connect with us online If you wish to receive MS Connection via email, please let us know at editor@MSsociety.org.

Upper Midwest Chapter MSsociety.org editor@MSsociety.org Like us: facebook.com/ UpperMidwestMS Follow us: twitter.com/ UpperMidwestMS Watch us: tinyurl.com/ UpperMidwestVideos Find us: @UpperMidwest MS

While I understand what my professor was trying to teach me, today I don’t totally agree. Hope can be a strategy, but only if it’s active hope.

Active hope is a practice I learned about after reading a book by the same name. Authors Joanna Macy and Chris Johnson write that “passive hope is about waiting for external agencies to bring about what we desire. But active hope is about becoming active participants in bringing about what we hope for.”

How can we practice active hope? For the MS movement, it’s about making meaningful connections. It’s about listening. It’s about volunteering and raising funds. It’s about giving. It’s about leading, sharing and engaging. It’s finding your way to actively participate in the change you want to see.

At this time of year, as we focus on MS awareness, let’s be sure to practice active hope. There’s no act too big or too small as long as you are actively participating in creating a world free of MS. I’m sure you’ve heard about the Butterfly Effect … the idea that a single butterfly flapping its wings could cause a hurricane halfway around the world. I don’t know if that’s true, but I do believe with all my heart that this theory applies to our movement.

If we all engage in active hope, we can create a hurricane against MS resulting in the ultimate transformation — a world free of this disease. n

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MS connection: Spring 2015

NEWS

Fargo’s Little Black Dress Luncheon to be held March 20 More than 350 people will gather, Friday, March 20, at the Holiday Inn in Fargo, N.D., to celebrate the 10th annual On the Move Little Black Dress Luncheon. The luncheon will feature delicious food, a keynote speaker and opportunities to make financial gifts that support people affected by MS.

Keynote speaker Emily Blosberg, 18, was diagnosed with MS at age 15.

Her dad has lived with the disease since she was two years old. The winner of the Upper Midwest Chapter’s 2012 Youth Volunteer Award, Emily’s gone above and beyond in her efforts to end this disease for herself, her dad and her MS family.

RSVP details The cost to attend is $50 per seat. Guests will help people with MS live their best lives and drive research for a cure through auction purchases and gifts made during the luncheon.

The little black dress is optional (men are welcome), but you must RSVP by March 6 at MSsociety.org or 800-582-5296. n

Jumpstart MS Scholarship applications are due April 30 Applications for the Jumpstart MS Scholarship, a $1,500 scholarship awarded to ninth graders with multiple sclerosis or who have a parent with MS, are due April 30.

The one-time scholarship, sponsored by Best Buy, is designed to encourage ninth graders affected by MS to stay on track toward post-secondary education. It’s awarded at the time of enrollment in an accredited post-secondary institution.

For more information, or to download an application, visit MSsociety.org and search “Jumpstart.”

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EVENTS

Sign up NOW for Walk MS

Money raised at Walk MS supports programs and services for more than 17,000 people who live with the disease in Upper Midwest Chapter communities. It also funds global research that is changing the world for people affected by MS. Register now for one of 29 events in the chapter area. Team up with others, and start raising awareness and asking for donations today.

Call 855-372-1331 or visit walkMS.org to sign up, and ask each of your family members, friends and neighbors to join you. n

Walk MS 2015 dates Minnesota and Hudson, WI May 2 or 3 (date varies by location)

Iowa May 16

Be inspired. Get connected. Walk MS.

South Dakota Sept. 19

Last year, more than 330,000 people participated in a Walk MS event and collectively raised more than $50 million to fuel progress toward a world free of MS. Though these numbers are something to be incredibly proud of, they’re also indicative of how many people MS affects and the number of people who want to end the disease forever.

MS Jewelry Line

Whether you live with MS or are connected to the disease through a family member, friend, coworker or neighbor, you can sign up, show up and help send a message that gets louder and louder, year after year. Together, with the power of our connections, we will destroy MS.

Long time Walk MS corporate partner Christopher & Banks has launched a new MS jewelry line with 50 percent of the purchase price from the sale of each item donated to the National MS Society.

Visit christopherandbanks.com to purchase your MS jewelry.

North Dakota Sept. 26

6 NEWS

Get involved during MS Awareness Week March 2–8 is MS Awareness Week.

The National MS Society is unwavering in our commitment to build awareness for multiple sclerosis and everyone affected by it.

The disease and the MS movement — those engaged in addressing the challenges of MS today while moving toward long-term solutions for tomorrow — become better known each year, but more must be done.

Every connection counts when it comes to increasing awareness and support of our cause.

Every individual we connect with personally, every letter we write to an elected official, every person we follow on social media, every poster we put up, every dollar we raise, every video we share — each connection has the opportunity to change the world for people affected by MS. Helping others better understand this complex and unpredictable disease is a critical part of creating MS awareness. Additionally, getting involved in Society work can fuel progress toward our shared vision of a world free of MS.

MS connection: Spring 2015

Five ways to get involved n

Visit MSsociety.org to check out the MS Awareness Week Web page. You’ll find ideas and tools you can use to raise awareness.

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Attend an MS program in your community, or consider hosting your own. Visit the Chapter Calendar for upcoming programs at MSsociety.org.

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Wear your MS apparel while you’re out during the week.

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Sign up as a participant or volunteer for a chapter event.

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Send emails requesting donations on your behalf in honor of MS Awareness Week.

Helping others better understand this complex and unpredictable disease is a critical part of creating MS awareness.

We’re counting on you to make a connection during MS Awareness Week, and we look forward to hearing your success stories! For more information about MS Awareness Week and how you can get involved, or to share your ideas, contact Maggie at 612-335-7913 or maggie.flanagan@nmss.org. n

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Events

Introducing the 2015 Bike MS series

There’s a reason Bike MS is considered the nation’s premier cycling series. Find out why.

For more information about Bike MS or to register, call 855-372-1331 or visit bikeMS.org.

Want to help but don’t want to pedal? The success of Bike MS is directly related to our invaluable volunteers. Visit the volunteer Web page at bikeMS.org to learn more. n

Bike MS 2015 series Bike MS: Sam’s Club Twin Cities Ride May 9, Summit Brewery, St. Paul, MN

Bike MS: C.H. Robinson MS 150 Ride June 12–14, Duluth to the Twin Cities, MN

Bike MS: C.H. Robinson Iowa Ride June 27, Firetrucker Brewery, Ankeny, IA

NEW LOCATION!

Bike MS: TRAM Ride July 23–28, Northern Minnesota The Bike MS team is excited to announce shiny new details about the 2015 Bike MS series. Plans for 2015 events include new start and finish locations, added route options and post-ride celebrations designed to draw a crowd.

Join us for one or more of the six upper Midwest bike tours, designed for riders of all levels.

Each event offers stocked rest stops, bicycle mechanics, rider assistance along the route, a T-shirt and post-ride festivities. All riders must be at least 12 years old.

NEW 3-day option!

Bike MS: Sanford Health Sioux Falls Ride Aug. 1, Borrowed Bucks Roadhouse

NEW LOCATION!

Bike MS: Sanford Health Fargo Ride Aug. 15, Great Northern Bicycle Co.

NEW LOCATION!

8 Living well with MS

When Linda met Mary

MS connection: Spring 2015

Linda Gill and Mary Hogan, both diagnosed in the ’90s, attended their first MS program shortly after their diagnoses. They continued participating in programs to learn more about the disease and meet other people living with MS. However, even when sitting among more than 20 people on average, the feeling of aloneness remained.

Linda, originally from Detroit, is African American. And though MS affects thousands of people within communities of color, it’s far more common in Caucasians.

Mary and Linda met at an MS program more than five years ago and have been close friends ever since.

A story about the power of connections When newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, attending your first MS program can evoke an array of emotions. Some people might feel relief in learning more about the disease and joy in meeting a community that understands MS, while others might experience a deep sadness in confronting their “new life” with a chronic illness, and in some cases, an even greater feeling of isolation.

“Right after I found out about my MS, I connected to the Society, and I met people.

But I got frustrated after seeing a lot of the materials that would come out. I never saw people of color,” said Linda. No matter how many programs she attended, she was often the only African American in the room.

Mary, originally from Iowa, was born hard of hearing. When with a group of people, she communicated primarily using American Sign Language and attended MS programs with a hearing interpreter. She, too, felt disconnected from other program participants.

One day, both Linda and Mary attended the same MS program about fatigue. “There was a big group of us, 22 maybe, and Mary mentioned something about it being hard to make friends,” Linda said. “I understood what she was going through. My husband and I were the only people in the room who were black. So I decided we should be friends.”

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Linda and Mary recognized the sameness in their differences and exchanged email addresses at the program. It wasn’t long before a life-long bond was formed. In an effort to impress Mary, Linda even decided she would learn sign language.

“I wanted to learn how to sign so bad! And then she got digital hearing aids. I was so surprised by how she could all of a sudden hear me,” said Linda.

During one of their email exchanges, Linda told Mary she and another woman were going to start an MS support group in the Twin Cities for African Americans. Mary responded “That’s great! I wish I could join,” acknowledging that the group was for “people of color.”

“Isn’t white a color?” Linda replied. “Then see you next Saturday.”

“When you’re with people who have MS, and you’re walking very slowly, the people you’re with walk slowly, too. They don’t leave you behind 20 feet. People don’t remember how important that is, to walk together.”

For more than five years, Mary has been attending Linda’s MS support group. For the first few years, she was the only white person, but now there are others who regularly attend, including people who don’t have MS.

9 “We have so much fun… We will discuss some MS-related things, and we’ll focus on it when it’s necessary, but our group is more about enjoying life together,” said Linda.

The Metro Area MS Group for People of Color (official name) meets the fourth Saturday of every month, at 11 a.m., at the Sumner Library in Minneapolis. Together, they attend plays, throw holiday parties, do Zumba, host barbecues and more. Most importantly, they laugh — a lot.

“Linda is one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. But really it’s just nice to be able to say to somebody ‘I’m too tired to do this’ and not have to make an excuse,” said Mary. “When you’re with people who have MS, and you’re walking very slowly, the people you’re with walk slowly, too. They don’t leave you behind 20 feet. People don’t remember how important that is, to walk together. It’s the understanding that makes it easier.”

Clubs and groups provide opportunities to create meaningful connections with other people who understand MS. More than 100 MS clubs and groups in the Upper Midwest Chapter area meet on a regular basis. For an updated list of clubs and groups in your area, call 800-582-5296 or visit MSsociety.org. n

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MS connection: Spring 2015

Volunteer

Volunteer spotlight Rick Ebner, Speakers Bureau Volunteer For more than 15 years, Rick Ebner has supported National MS Society work and people with multiple sclerosis by participating and volunteering in fundraising events and Society programs. Rick, who lives with MS, excels in sharing his story, and he has used his public

speaking skills to engage Bike MS and Walk MS teams and people who are newly diagnosed with MS. Rick talks about living with MS in an incredibly honest and heartfelt way and continues to inspire people across the chapter area.

In addition, Rick organized his own DIY fundraising event, which reaches people and companies not already connected with the Society. He said he’s incredibly thankful for the support he’s received from friends, family and the Society, and he shares his story as a sign of his appreciation.

Talking about your MS diagnosis can be an incredibly powerful way to raise awareness and funds that support people living with the disease. Thank you, Rick, for all you do. n

Share your story, inspire a team Volunteer as a Team Ambassador Your story is a powerful tool that can fuel progress to end MS. Let us connect you with a Bike MS team to illuminate the impact of their fundraising efforts. By reaching out to a team through a letter or in person, you can create a personal connection to motivate them to raise more funds.

If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a Team Ambassador, please contact James at 612-335-7984 or james.adkinson@nmss.org.

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Ways to Give

Swimming with Sharks

By Megan O’Neal

Padien in front of the Golden Gate Bridge Thousands of people across the United States are using their creativity and talents to forge unique Do It Yourself (DIY) fundraising events that raise awareness and critical funds in support of life-changing programs for people with MS and cutting-edge research. Last summer, devoted husband Keith Padien joined them.

“My wife Christina was diagnosed with MS shortly after our honeymoon in November of 2008,” Padien, 37, explains. “We got involved with the Society after that and participated in Challenge Walk MS in 2009 and 2011.

However, this year I wanted to splash things up a bit.”

An avid swimmer, it was an easy decision to combine swimming with his passion for MS advocacy. So in June 2014, Padien raced against 228 participants in Sharkfest, a 1.6-mile swim under the Golden Gate Bridge in San

Francisco, and raised more than $32,000 for the MS movement.

A few fundraising secrets Padien shares a few insider secrets for anyone who is interested in hosting their own DIY event: n

Fundraising is a “contact sport.” The more contacts you make, the more likely you are to raise money. Email everyone you know.

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Send emails when people are more likely to be in front of their computers. Monday mornings seemed to work best for Padien.

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Thank everyone (non-donors included) with a follow-up email. Include your fundraising results and pictures of the event.

Padien encourages anyone who wants to raise money or awareness for MS to find a personalized way to get involved. “If walking or biking for MS doesn’t get your heart pumping, join us DIY folks and create your own event!” he said. “Your enthusiasm will be infectious, and I find people always seem happy to give to a good cause.”

Interested in creating your own DIY fundraiser?

Contact Amanda at amanda.baldwin@nmss.org or 612-335-7966, or visit DIYMS.org to get started. n Author Megan O’Neal is a National MS Society supporter and has participated in Challenge Walk MS for many years. This article was originally published in the Pacific South Coast MS Connection newsletter.

12 Research

Talking about stem cells: Part 2

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recently sat down with Dr. Jeffrey Cohen, director of the Experimental Therapeutics Program at Cleveland Clinic’s Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research to talk about mesenchymal stem cells as a treatment for both progressive and relapsing forms of MS. At the Mellen Center since 1994, Dr. Cohen has been involved in various capacities in a large number of clinical trials developing new therapies for MS. Could you explain the procedure that you’re testing?

The type of stem cell we are testing are called mesenchymal stem cells. These cells are present in many tissues of the body and have been studied fairly extensively. In our study, the stem cells were extracted from the patients’ bone

MS connection: Spring 2015

marrow, then grown in the lab to purify them and increase their numbers. They are then injected intravenously back into the patients.

Why did you choose to look at mesenchymal stem cells?

We chose to look at these cells because they have the potential to treat MS. First, the cells appear to have neuroprotective or tissue-protective properties. Second, the cells may encourage natural repair mechanisms within the damaged tissue. Third, these cells have some immune-modulating properties. Finally, they appear to be able to move from the blood into tissues that are inflamed or damaged. This makes it more convenient to administer the cells.

Research also suggests that we don’t have to inject the cells directly into the nervous system.

Instead, we believe we can introduce them intravenously or through a spinal tap, and the cells will find their own way to the areas of damage.

What are you expecting to learn from this study?

The phase I study we just completed focused on the feasibility and safety of the procedure.

The results were very encouraging; we didn’t encounter any practical issues or safety concerns, and there were very few side effects. We also took a preliminary look at benefit — both reported by patients themselves and clinical measures — and a range of advanced imaging and immunologic techniques in preparation for what we hope will be a larger study.

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Who was included in the trial?

We enrolled 24 people with MS, approximately half with relapsing-remitting MS and half with secondary-progressive MS. Because this was a preliminary safety study, people on certain medications, such as immune-suppressing drugs, were excluded. We wanted to make sure that if someone had a complication, we knew whether it was due to the cell therapy or the medication. There is also concern that some disease-modifying therapies may interfere with the ability of mesenchymal cells to migrate to or to repair damage.

Is there any advice or caution you would offer people who want to consider stem cell transplantation?

I share in the excitement and interest in cell-based treatment for MS — it shows a lot of promise. I also appreciate that people are anxious to pursue those therapies now. We were pleased that the study went so smoothly, but it was apparent that there were a lot of issues related to stem cells, including uncertainties of how best to grow them, where to isolate and administer them, and the optimal dose. At this point, I think it is premature to pursue cell-based therapies outside of a carefully conducted, formal clinical trial.

How does someone find such a trial?

Both clinicaltrials.gov and the Society have a listing of ongoing studies — visit nationalMSsociety.org/clinicaltrials.

The International Society for Cellular Therapy at celltherapysociety.org is another useful source

13 of information on cell-based therapies. General questions people should ask are: What is the rationale for this particular cell therapy? What kind of experience do the investigators have?

What is the plan to monitor for safety? I think a red flag would be if the plan is to have the cells administered and send you home with no follow-up.

“The work that has been done so far has been very promising. I believe cell-based therapies are going to be a big part of medical practice in the future.”

What makes you so excited about research in this area?

It’s a large area of unmet need in MS and other conditions in which there is injury to tissue. The work that has been done so far has been very promising. I believe cell-based therapies are going to be a big part of medical practice in the future.

The particular cells that we studied are the initial endeavor, but there is a number of other more advanced cell therapies being developed. I think there’s a good chance that in the future this is going to be how we treat a lot of diseases.

This article was originally published on MSconnection.org/blog. Join the conversation about stem cell treatments at MSconnection.org. n

14 Corporate Spotlight

Prime Therapeutics fuels MS progress Each year, staff with Prime Therapeutics, a Twin Cities based independent pharmacy benefit manager, rally around the company’s five partner charities — all of which are in the health and human services field. PrimeCares, the company’s corporate giving and volunteer program, reflects the employees’ passion for improving the lives of others.

The National MS Society is one of Prime’s five select charity partners. During Prime Therapeutics’ annual week of giving, employees have the opportunity to earmark their contributions to the National MS Society.

Additionally, Prime sponsors and participates in several annual events with the Upper Midwest Chapter, ranging from Walk MS and the MS 150 Ride, to the On the Move Luncheon and the Society’s scholarship program.

Julie Surlin, a principal recruiter with the company, said, “In 2014, more than 50 employees participated in an MS event, and

MS connection: Spring 2015

Prime donated more than $40,000 thanks to the success of our Week of Giving campaign.”

A number of Prime Therapeutics employees are living with MS or have a close family member living with the disease. One Prime staff member said, “I’ve been involved with the MS Society for nine years because my dad has MS and because of friendships I’ve made through the MS Society. Seeing first hand where our dollars go, from helping people with MS now, to research and scholarships, is truly amazing!

And then to see these research dollars come full circle into new treatments that our members at Prime can take to make them feel better and live well — it gives me stronger commitment to this great cause in hopes that someday soon we will have a cure!”

To learn how your company can support the Society’s mission, contact Mark at 612-335-7970 or mark.turbak@nmss.org. n

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Chapter programs

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

Program feature Youth Camp June 15-20, YMCA Camp Icaghowan, 899 115th St., Amery, WI Youth Camp brings together young people entering grades four through 12, who live with someone who has MS, for a week of summertime fun, memory-making and personal growth.

Youth Camp is hosted at YMCA Camp Icaghowan, which spans an entire island on the edge of beautiful Lake Wapogasset. Campers can enjoy a variety of activities, such as swimming, high ropes and horseback riding.

The program fee is $200 per child; fee adjustments are available upon request. Requests for travel assistance can be made with applications and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Online applications are available at MSsociety.org and must be received by April 30. For more information or to request a hard-copy application, contact Krista at 612-335-7937 or krista.harding@nmss.org.

IOWA Energy Conservation and Adaptive Equipment (A volunteer-coordinated program) Davenport n Thursday, March 5 Davenport Public Library, 3000 N. Fairmount St., Davenport, IA 52804 Health advocate Bonnie Behyl, OTR/L, will speak on energy conservation and adaptive equipment, answer your questions and share her 30-plus years of experience as an occupational therapist.

Friends and family are welcome. There is no RSVP requirement.

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MS connection: Spring 2015

Mood and Cognition in MS Knoxville n Monday, March 16, 6:30 p.m.

Knoxville Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1201 S. Attica Road, Knoxville, IA 50138 RSVP to Melinda at 641-670-0994 or twiggizbiz@hotmail.com Clinton n Thursday, March 19, 6:30 p.m.

Mercy Medical Center, South Campus, 638 S. Bluff Blvd., Clinton, IA 52732 RSVP to Tami at 563-357-4884 or tleavens@mchsi.com Mood, cognition and physical functioning are intricately entwined, and treating one area often brings profound improvement to other aspects of an individual’s life. The expanded understanding of how and why these symptoms occur — as well as recent advances in treating them — are enabling more people with MS to continue to stay engaged in their lives and in their health care.

This informational program aims to increase your understanding of these symptoms and how to address them so that you feel empowered to live a fuller, more productive and satisfying life.

Minimizing your Risk of Falls Davenport n Thursday, April 2 Davenport Public Library, 3000 N. Fairmount St., Davenport, IA 52804 Due to mobility issues and other MS-related symptoms, many people with MS are at significant risk for falls. Although completely eliminating falls may be unrealistic, many of them occur under predictable circumstances. This program features a DVD presentation, which provides an introduction and overview of fall risk and prevention and discussion with others living with MS. Friends and family are welcome. There is no RSVP requirement.

Pain and Sleep Issues in MS Davenport n Thursday, May 7 Davenport Public Library, 3000 N. Fairmount St., Davenport, IA 52804 This program features a DVD that focuses on two issues that can have a profound impact on quality of life — pain and sleep disorders. You’ll learn more about managing these problems, available treatment options, and research to identify the cause of pain and sleep disorders in MS. Friends and family are welcome. There is no RSVP requirement.

mssociety.org | 800-582-5296

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Minnesota/Wisconsin Mood and Cognition in MS Staples n Thursday, April 9, 3:30 p.m.

Lakewood Health System Care Center, 401 Prairie Ave. NE, Staples, MN 56479 To RSVP, contact Angela at 218-894-8393 or angelaanderson@lakewoodhealthsystem.com Minneapolis n Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m.

Sumner Library, 611 Van White Memorial Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55411 To RSVP, contact Linda at 712-381-1822 or MITnLIN@comcast.net; or Pam at 612-664-0182.

Albert Lea n Monday, May 11, 7 p.m.

Grace Lutheran Church, 918 Garfield Ave., Albert Lea, MN 56007 To RSVP, contact Cindy at 507-461-3648 ir cjkewer7@gmail.com.

Mood, cognition and physical functioning are intricately entwined, and treating one area often brings profound improvement to other aspects of an individual’s life. The expanded understanding of how and why these symptoms occur — as well as recent advances in treating them — are enabling more people with MS to continue to stay engaged in their lives and in their health care.

This informational program aims to increase your understanding of these symptoms and how to address them so that you feel empowered to live a fuller, more productive and satisfying life.

Everyday Matters: Living Your Best Life with MS Mankato n Thursday, May 14, 7 p.m.

Hosanna Lutheran Church, 105 Hosanna Drive, Mankato, MN 56001 Everyone has their own idea of what it means to live their “best life.” For people with multiple sclerosis, the idea of that best life can change due to the challenges of having a chronic, unpredictable and lifelong disease. In this program, you’ll learn principles of positive psychology and strategies to enhance personal strengths that can help you live your best life with MS. The program will be facilitated by Jeff Fisher, programs director with the National MS Society.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Jen at 507-981-3017 or jencarl3017@gmail.com; or Shirley at 507-340-8114 or shirleycourrier@gmail.com.

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MS connection: Spring 2015

MS Fatigue Bemidji n Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m.

Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, Meeting Room C, 1300 Anne St. NW, Bemidji, MN 56601 Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS and can significantly interfere with a person’s ability to function at home and at work. This DVD program provides an overview for understanding fatigue and why it’s so common in MS; factors that can complicate and compound MS fatigue; and treatment considerations and options including fatigue management and overall wellness strategies.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Ann at 218-766-1465 or mahayesbji@midco.net.

North Dakota Everyday Matters: Living Your Best Life with MS Grand Forks n Tuesday, April 14, 7 p.m.

NDAD, 2660 S. Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58201 Everyone has their own idea of what it means to live their “best life.” For people with multiple sclerosis, the idea of that best life can change due to the challenges of having a chronic, unpredictable and lifelong disease. In this program, you’ll learn principles of positive psychology and strategies to enhance personal strengths that can help you live your best life with MS. The program will be facilitated by Jeff Fisher, programs director with the National MS Society.

For information or to RSVP, contact Lee at 701-787-5164 or ljncpajd@gmail.com.

MS Fatigue Bismarck n Tuesday, June 23, 7 p.m.

Sanford Health, Seventh & Rosser Clinic, 414 N. Seventh St., Bismarck, ND 58501 Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS and can significantly interfere with a person’s ability to function at home and at work. This DVD program provides an overview for understanding fatigue and why it’s so common in MS; factors that can complicate and compound MS fatigue; and treatment considerations and options including fatigue management and overall wellness strategies.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Nettie at 701-355-2254 or nalindvig62@yahoo.com.

mssociety.org | 800-582-5296

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South Dakota Plans for several spring programs are underway. For the most current listing of MS programs in South Dakota, please visit the Chapter Calendar at nationalMSsociety.org/mnmcalendar.

Anywhere Upcoming telelearning programs The National MS Society telelearning program for people with multiple sclerosis and their families aims to provide information and guidance on current matters essential to living one’s best life with MS. Each free telelearning program features a topic-area expert by phone with online presentations and a Q&A session.

Managing MS Bowel & Bladder Symptoms March 17 and 19 Sex Ed for Grownups — Intimacy in MS May 19 and 21 Learn more and reserve your spot at nationalMSsociety.org/telelearning or call 800-344-4867.

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

Knowledge Is Power provides information about dealing with one of the greatest challenges presented

by MS—the unpredictability and uncertainty of the future.

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

Nonprofit US Postage

PAID

Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 1759

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

Connect to the information you need The National MS Society telelearning program for people with multiple sclerosis and their families aims to provide information and guidance on current matters essential to living one’s best life with MS. Each free telelearning features a topic-area expertby phone with online presentations and a Q&A session.

Learn more and reserve your spot at nationalMSsociety.org/telelearning or call 800-344-4867.