MS Connection, winter 2015 by National MS Society, Upper Midwest Chapter

WINTER 2015 UPPER MIDWEST CHAPTER

MS Connection Newsletter

Help drive policy change at State Action Day

INSIDE 04 THIS ISSUE

FDA Approves two new MS therapies

State Action Days scheduled

MS Activist joins Medical Cannabis Task Force

Talking about Stem Cells, Part 1

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: WINTER 2015

Can you help us? If you’re able to make an in-kind donation to the Upper Midwest Chapter, contact Allison at 612-335-7921, 800-582-5296 (option 2) or allison.wagner@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

Bike rack

Digital photo printer

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

Concert and event tickets

Jump drives (portable storage devices)

Gift basket items for silent auctions

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.

mssociety.org | 800-582-5296

Letter from the Board Chair

Thank you for a tremendous year Connect with us online

We’ve made remarkable progress toward a world free of MS in the last 12 months, and I want to say “thank you.” Whether you’re a volunteer leader, generous donor, corporate sponsor, event participant or MS activist, you made an impact on Society work and people living with multiple sclerosis. A few major achievements in 2014: n

Nearly 4,000 volunteers helped out at Society events.

More than 17,250 people participated in a fundraising event and raised more than $7 million to support people with MS.

The chapter finished fiscal year 2014 with a surplus of approximately $148,000.

Financial assistance totaling to $470,000 helped people with MS maintain independence and overcome financial obstacles.

Like us: facebook.com/ UpperMidwestMS

More than 125 programs, focused on education, socializing, exercise and wellness, were offered throughout the chapter area.

The 12th disease-modifying drug was approved by the FDA.

Society dollars funding MS research amounted to $50 million.

The International Progressive MS Alliance began working to advance research for progressive forms of MS.

Watch us: tinyurl.com/ UpperMidwestVideos

While our contributions to the MS movement vary, we’re all connected by one common goal: to end MS forever. As Upper Midwest Chapter board chair, it’s been an exciting year for me, and humbling to witness your incredible work of supporting people who live with this disease. I look forward to being a part of this work again in 2015!

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

Find us: @UpperMidwest MS

Wishing you a warm holiday season and a happy new year.

4 NEWS

FDA approves two new MS therapies In August and November 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved new medications for people with relapsing forms of MS, bringing the total number of disease-modifying therapies to 12. Plegridy™ (peginterferon beta-1a, Biogen Idec), now available for prescription, is injected under the skin every two weeks, and belongs to the same interferon class as several other medications approved to treat MS. The new version is designed to maintain the effects of interferon in the body for a longer period of time, thus reducing frequency of injection.

MS connection: WINTER 2015

The most recently approved MS therapy, Lemtrada™ (alemtuzumab, Genzyme, a Sanofi Company), is given as intravenous infusions — for five consecutive days initially and for three consecutive days one year later. Because of its safety profile, the prescribing information indicates that use of Lemtrada should generally be reserved for people who’ve had an inadequate response to two or more MS therapies. Lemtrada is expected to be available in December 2014. “We are pleased that the voices of the MS community have been recognized and that people with relapsing MS will now have access to new, needed treatment options,” said Dr. Timothy Coetzee, Chief Advocacy, Services and Research Officer at the National MS Society. Taking a disease-modifying therapy is currently the best way to reduce MS disease activity and disease progression. Selecting an MS therapy should be done by people with MS in collaboration with their MS doctors, taking into account a variety of factors, including the effectiveness of any therapy they’re currently using, and weighing potential risks and benefits, costs and lifestyle factors. To learn more about advancements in MS research and treatment leads currently being explored, visit nationalMSsociety.org/research. n

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Help drive policy change, attend State Action Day

important MS-related policy issues and share your story with elected officials.

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

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 10 a.m. – noon

Attend a State Action Day to learn how to be an effective MS activist, hear from experts about

MS Scholarship applications due Jan. 15 MS Scholarship applications for students pursuing a post-secondary education are due Jan. 15, 2015. Eligibility requirements, enrollment information and the application form can be found at nationalMSsociety.org/Scholarship. Notification letters will be mailed to all recipients and non-recipients in mid-April.

No one’s voice matters more than yours — tell your legislators how MS affects us all. For information or to RSVP, contact Dan at 612-335-7930 or dan.endreson@nmss.org. n

St. Paul, MN Pierre, SD Thursday, Feb. 12, 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Bismarck, ND Thursday, Feb. 12, TBD

Des Moines, IA Tuesday, Feb. 17, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The Society established its scholarship program in 2003 to help students achieve post-secondary education goals despite the financial burden MS can impose. In 2014, more than $1 million was awarded to 718 scholars.

Jumpstart MS Scholarship The Jumpstart MS Scholarship, sponsored by Best Buy, is a $1,500 award designed to encourage ninth graders affected by MS to stay on track toward post-secondary education and remain active in their school and community. Applications are available at MSsociety.org and must be submitted by April 30, 2015. n

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NEWS

Chapter Board of Trustees. He earned the Society’s prestigious National Volunteer of the Year Award in 2010 and also published a book about his life with MS. He’s candid about the difficult experiences he’s faced living with MS, which allows other people with the disease to see that they too can live their best lives and be leaders in the MS movement. Tom is dedicated to empowering all people affected by MS, and he’s the embodiment of optimism and commitment.

Three extraordinary leaders from the Upper Midwest Chapter were named 2014 National MS Society Volunteer Hall of Fame award winners. This prestigious honor is given to the most esteemed and select group of the nation’s Society volunteers.

National Volunteer Hall of Fame — Health Professional, Cindy Phair, R.N., M.S., M.S.C.N.

Three Chapter Volunteers Receive National Award National Lifetime Achievement Award, Thomas Holtackers, P.T. Tom Holtackers has volunteered his time and talent with the National MS Society for more than 35 years. He first volunteered with the Society in 1979 — one year before he was diagnosed with MS. Tom was an active volunteer with the Upper Midwest Chapter until he moved to Arizona this past spring, where he’s continued his volunteer work with the Society. Tom has contributed to countless programs and events, and on boards and committees — including more than 20 years on the Upper Midwest

Cindy Phair has devoted her career to MS nursing at the Schapiro Center for Multiple Sclerosis in Golden Valley, Minn., where she’s been associated for more than 30 years. Over the last three decades, Cindy has helped people with MS live better lives on all fronts — not only providing top-notch clinical care, but offering education and support. For the past eight years, Cindy has served on the International MS Nursing Certification Board, which is responsible for setting standards of care and level of performance competence in nurses caring for MS patients around the world. In addition, Cindy has volunteered as head nurse for Majestic Shores Resort, a weeklong getaway for people with MS — many of whom live with progressive forms of the disease.

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National Volunteer Hall of Fame — Programs and Services, Beth Jensen As area coordinator, Beth Jensen organizes networking, training and support opportunities for MS group leaders under her care. Through her leadership, these group leaders have become a strong and reliable source of encouragement for one another, and Beth is deeply committed to their success. Beth, a long-time group leader for

7 the St. Paul, Minn., Care-to-Share MS group, has the unique ability to connect with others by meeting them wherever they are in their personal MS journey. She does this with authenticity and genuine respect for every person she meets. In this way, she’s engaged many people affected by MS during her more than 25 years volunteering with the Society. She even recruits groups to volunteer at chapter event finish lines because she recognizes the value of connecting event participants to the programs they support.

Norman Cohn Hope Award Rox Watercott is a volunteer who goes above and beyond to provide a better experience for Bike MS riders with the goal to raise more money to end multiple sclerosis for good. Rox started fundraising in 2002 as a Bike MS team captain for her former employer. As captain of “Folks on Spokes,” she helped raise more than $223,000 for Bike MS: Twin Cities Ride; Rox has personally raised more than $121,000. While her fundraising efforts are impressive, Rox isn’t afraid to do the hard, day-to-day volunteer work. She recruits volunteers for two bike rides, oversees large-scale volunteer projects, secures food for rest stops, makes phone calls to event participants and so much more. In everything she does, Rox considers all the unique people who are engaged in this movement and what she can do to help. She’s a champion connector and volunteer, and her commitment reaches every corner of the Upper Midwest Chapter.

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VOLUNTEER

Nominate a Walk MS ambassador Each one of us has a reason for participating in Walk MS. You may live with MS, or you may have a close family member or friend with the disease. Regardless of your connection, you have a unique story to tell. The National MS Society, Upper Midwest Chapter wants you to share your story. As we build excitement for 2015 events, we’re seeking nominations for ambassadors who can put a face on the disease and help raise MS awareness. Nominate yourself or nominate someone who inspires you! Ambassadors share their stories to engage and educate their communities, as well as help the Society succeed with

Walk MS recruitment and fundraising goals. Ambassadors also promote MS Awareness Week and are featured on the Society website, Walk MS emails and media pitches, and give interviews as needed. Please complete the online form at tinyurl.com/WalkMSambassadors2015 and submit your nomination by Jan. 1, 2015. Questions? Contact Anna at 612-335-7918 or anna.kucera@nmss.org. n

Help grow Society presence in your community

Awareness Council members will coordinate and execute awareness activities — leveraging existing awareness efforts to increase community relevance (MS Awareness Week, Walk MS, World MS Day, etc.) — thereby growing knowledge of MS and the National MS Society and inspiring others to impact the MS movement through personal action.

New in 2015, MS Awareness Councils will help determine awareness initiatives and identify both one-time and year-round opportunities to engage the general public in the MS movement.

If you’re interested in becoming an MS Awareness Council member, contact James at 612-335-7984 or james.adkinson@nmss.org. n

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Raise your glass and Join the Movement ®

The Upper Midwest Chapter will host two unique events this winter in Des Moines, Iowa, and Fargo, N.D. Both events feature speakers, a silent and live auction, delicious food and the company of other people who are passionate about ending MS forever.

A Taste of Generosity

from all around the world, enjoy gourmet food and experience the excitement of an impressive silent and live auction. Last year, 120 event guests raised nearly $80,000.

On the Move Little Black Dress Luncheon Join the Fargo, N.D., community Friday, March 20, at the Holiday Inn in Fargo to celebrate the 10th annual On the Move Little Black Dress Luncheon. More than 350 people will gather to enjoy lunch, inspirational words from a keynote speaker and time with friends and family.

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

W I N E A U C T I O N•2015

IMAGINE A WORLD FREE OF MS Save the Date | Friday, Jan. 30, 2015

A Taste of Generosity, to be held Friday evening, Jan. 30, 2015, in Des Moines, Iowa, invites guests to sample extraordinary wines

RSVP information To learn more or purchase a seat for either event, call 800-582-5296 (option 2) or visit MSsociety.org and choose “Fundraising Events” in the left-hand navigation.

10 ADVOCACY

MS Activist Joins Government Mandated Task Force MS activist Sarah Wellington speaks on behalf of Minnesotan’s with MS Within 90 days after Sarah Wellington was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, she reached out to the National MS Society, eager to get involved. Since her diagnosis, she’s been passionate about fundraising, participating in motorcycle events and MuckFest™ MS. Last October marked Wellington’s fourth year living with MS and her first as an MS activist. She’s currently advocating for people with chronic illnesses, specifically MS, as a member of Minnesota’s Medical Cannabis Therapeutic Research Task Force. “I responded to the email requesting volunteers to serve on the task force. I didn’t have a lot of time to think about the implications of advocacy, but I knew it was something I was very interested in,” Wellington said. “I’ve always felt like federal politics were so far and distant from me, but this is something that I have a direct connection to.”

MS connection: WINTER 2015

The Minnesota Legislature approved the use of medical cannabis in pill and oil forms in May 2014 for patients living with one of nine chronic diseases, including MS. After consulting their physician, a patient will be given a prescription to obtain medical cannabis from one of eight distribution sites in the state. The medicine is scheduled to be available July 2015, pending no delays. The 23-member task force — made up of law enforcement officials, legislators, addiction specialists, health care professionals and potential customers living with chronic illnesses — was assembled to inform the Office of Medical Cannabis on the program’s operation, and report its findings to the legislature Feb. 15, 2015, and every two years thereafter.

“I’ve always felt like federal politics were so far and distant from me, but this is something that I have a direct connection to.” Though still controversial, cannabis has quickly gained support for use in treating symptoms related to chronic illnesses like MS, cancer, HIV and more. As of print date, 23 states and the District of Columbia have legalized used of medical cannabis. However, as more states consider cannabis legislation, that number will likely increase.

Continued ON page 15 (ADVOCACY)

mssociety.org | 800-582-5296

GIVING

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

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

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

Give a gift with meaning

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

Join the Golden Circle Donors who demonstrate their passionate commitment to achieve a world free of multiple sclerosis through an annual gift of $1,000 or more are members of the Golden Circle. Their generosity allows scientists to move solutions forward faster, provides families affected by MS with resources to help them live their best lives and supports those who advocate for more research dollars and legislation to improve the lives of those affected by MS.

Visit MSsociety.org to make your tax-deductible gift today, or contact Julie at 612-335-7953 or julie.collier@nmss.org. Please be sure to let us know your gift is a holiday honorary gift contribution, and provide us with the name and address of the person you’re honoring. n

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

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

Breaking MS news alerts

Special access to local and national leadership

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

To learn more about joining the Golden Circle, contact Jennifer at 612-335-7965 or jennifer.mcgee@nmss.org.

12 RESEARCH

TALKING ABOUT STEM CELLS: PART 1

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recently sat down with Dr. Richard Burt, Chief, Division of Immunotherapy at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Ill., to talk about hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation as a possible treatment for relapsing-remitting MS. An established international researcher, Dr. Burt pioneered the use of hematopoietic stem cells to treat autoimmune diseases. Will you explain the procedure you’re testing? We’re testing a procedure called hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). In HSCT, we use standard immune-suppressant drugs in a very short exposure and high dose to knock

MS connection: WINTER 2015

down the immune system, and then we give the patients back their own immune stem cells that we collected before the procedure. How does it work? In multiple sclerosis, the immune inflammation that destroys myelin requires two signals to get started. The first is exposure to myelin or something that looks like myelin, and the second is a danger signal that tells the body there is a need for an immune attack. If either of these two signals is missing, you will not get the inflammation that causes MS. In HSCT, we’re resetting the immune system. Think of it like a reboot of your computer, wiping the hard drive clean and starting over. The immune system learns all over again which things to fight (pathogens like bacteria and viruses) and which things to leave alone (myelin). We think what happens in HSCT is that the immune response is exposed to myelin in the absence of the danger signal and as a consequence is rendered harmless (tolerant), unable to do any more damage. What type of MS is most likely to benefit from HSCT? What we’re doing is stopping the inflammation that needs to be treated when the disease is in its inflammatory stage, which occurs in relapsing-remitting MS. We don’t think this treatment will benefit people with late progressive forms of MS.

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Our early data suggests that HSCT does something that second-line therapy has never done: it reverses disability and significantly improves quality of life. Are you still recruiting people for your trial? The trial is open and ongoing. We’re looking at people who have failed a first-line therapy and who have opted for stem-cell transplantation over a second-line treatment. Our goal of the trial is to establish in a randomized trial that this is the proper role for HSCT. Our early data suggests that HSCT does something that second-line therapy has never done: it reverses disability and significantly improves quality of life. There are different centers performing HSCT around the world. Is the treatment standardized in any way? I hope that when our clinical trial data is published, it will help standardize HSCT. We’re coordinating the trial at a few other centers around the world, including the University of São Paulo, Brazil, and the University of Uppsala in Stockholm, Sweden, and the University of Sheffield in the U.K. Are there any risks? All procedures come with risk, but you can minimize them if you follow proper procedures. For example, in HSCT, there

13 is a risk for infertility, although many trial participants have gone on to become pregnant. As a precaution, we encourage people who are concerned about infertility to consider options such as sperm or egg storage prior to the procedure. Late complications of this procedure unique to MS that may arise in a small subset of participants include hypo- or hyperthyroidism, or more rarely, a drop in platelets that may require transient medical treatment. Most people get blood transfusions during this treatment, so there is a small risk of infection with HIV or hepatitis. In my lifetime, I’ve probably transplanted about 1,500 patients and none have had any problem. n Originally published at MSconnection.org/blog. Join the conversation about stem cell treatments at MSconnection.org, and visit nationalMSsociety.org/clinicaltrials for more information about how to participate in clinical studies.

MS connection: WINTER 2015

CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT

The National MS Society, Upper Midwest Chapter honors three top sponsors with a Corporate Star Award in 2014. The Corporate Star Award, presented at each respective state’s MS Annual Conference and Sylvies Awards Banquet, is given to companies that support the Society financially and go above and beyond to advance the MS movement.

Corporate Star Award Given to three Top Sponsors NORTH AND SOUTH DAKOTA

Harding’s Hope grants $83,000 to Chapter Programs In September 2014, Harding’s Hope — a nonprofit founded by Minnesota Wild goalie Josh Harding — granted the National MS Society, Upper Midwest Chapter $83,000 to help fund direct financial assistance programs for families affected by MS.

Thank you to the following companies for your support in improving lives of people with MS.

IOWA

MINNESOTA “This generous donation will make a tremendous impact in the lives of families struggling to cope with the financial burden of this lifelong disease,” said Upper Midwest Chapter President Holly Anderson. “We extend our deepest gratitude to Harding’s Hope for helping people with MS live their best lives.” Harding’s Hope raises awareness and funds to support people living with MS. “On behalf of Harding’s Hope and all those affected by MS, we are thankful to the hundreds of individuals and organizations that contributed this past year to make this donation possible,” Harding said. The four Society programs chosen for funding include chore services, care partner relief, exercise and wellness, and aids for daily living. n

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Continued from page 10 (ADVOCACY) Wellington began exploring alternative treatments shortly after being diagnosed. She read anecdotal evidence that cannabis showed efficacy for some people with muscle spasticity and pain — but being that it’s illegal, and as both a mother and middle school teacher, it wasn’t something she felt comfortable pursuing. Though Wellington expressed some nervousness about her job security as a teacher while advocating for something not yet completely understood by the medical industry or the mainstream population, she said, “I think we’re neglecting an area of research and patience assistance by not exploring it. This is about people being able to medicate and go to work and take care of their families without being in fear of social stigma and legal complications.” Wellington’s goal as a task force member is to keep the process moving forward and reduce deferments to availability. She said the new medical cannabis law allows the state to postpone distribution until 2016, which Wellington believes would be an “unnecessary delay, especially for families affected by chronic illness or pain who see great benefit in using medical marijuana.” Even though cannabis is available in the U.S. for medical purposes, its benefits and risks are a long way from being fully understood. Medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are carefully evaluated for safety and effectiveness in treating specific symptoms and diseases before they are allowed on the market. However, medical cannabis has

never been officially evaluated by the FDA — a concern for some who oppose its use.

“This is about people being able to medicate and go to work and take care of their families without being in fear of social stigma and legal complications.” The Society’s Position The Society supports the rights of people with MS to work with their healthcare providers to access medical cannabis in accordance with legal regulations in those states where such use has been approved. In addition, the Society is actively advocating for additional research funding to study the safety and effectiveness of medical cannabis and related medicines and is committed to funding research with cannabis products. Visit MomentumMagazineonline.com for more information regarding medical cannabis or the Society’s position on its use to treat MS symptoms. 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). Programs that are planned and facilitated by volunteers are denoted by the symbol "(VIP)."

Program feature Request an MS Awareness Week toolkit During MS Awareness Week, March 2–8, 2015, people all over the nation will come together to share, educate and inspire others to contribute to the MS movement in ways that are meaningful to them. By participating in quick and easy awareness activities, you can help speed progress in creating a world free of MS. We’ve made it easy for everyone with a connection to MS to be a part of this important week. Request an MS Awareness Week toolkit, which includes “how-to” guides, letter templates and other materials that will help amplify your voice and build connections. Digital toolkits are available at MSsociety.org. To have a toolkit mailed to your home address, email editor@MSsociety.org or call 800-582-5296 (option 2).

IOWA Understanding Mood and Cognition (VIP) Tuesday, March 3, 6:30 p.m. Mercy Hospital, 250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque, IA 52001 Mood, cognition and physical functioning are intricately entwined, and treating one area often brings profound improvement to other aspects of an individual’s life. This informational program aims to increase your understanding of MS symptoms related to mood and cognition and how to address these symptoms so that you feel empowered to live a fuller, more productive and more satisfying life. For more information or to RSVP, contact Sarah at 563-513-5025 or msmatters_dbq@yahoo.com.

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New Iowa MS groups The National MS Society understands the value in connecting with other people who understand what it means to live with MS. Check out one of the new MS groups in central Iowa to build meaningful relationships, learn more about MS and the National MS Society and have a good time! Young Parents Living with MS, Des Moines For date and location details, contact Amy at 515-971-9868 or amywedmore@gmail.com. MS Support Group, Ames For date and location details, contact Lin at 641-295-2030 or linyoder@gmail.com.

Minnesota/Wisconsin Understanding Mood and Cognition (VIP) Thursday, March 5, 7 p.m. Access North, 606 NW Fifth St., Brainerd, MN 56401 To RSVP, contact Jasmine at 218-839-1774 or jasminewinkelman@yahoo.com. Tuesday, March 10, 6 p.m. Superior Public Library, 1530 Tower Ave., Superior, WI 54880 To RSVP, contact Jackie at 715-398-5043 or jacstenb@yahoo.com; or Michael at 218-391-6262 or mkillian262@gmail.com. Wednesday, March 11, 6 p.m. Macalester Plymouth Church Annex, 1658 Lincoln Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105 To RSVP, contact Beth at 612-825-7990 or bajsensen@me.com. Thursday, March 12, 11 a.m. St. Josephâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church, 315 SW 21st St., Grand Rapids, MN 56744 To RSVP, contact Sally at 218-326-1371; or Betty at 218-999-7481 or bettydren@gmail.com. Mood, cognition and physical functioning are intricately entwined, and treating one area often brings profound improvement to other aspects of an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. This informational program aims to increase your understanding of MS symptoms related to mood and cognition and how to address these symptoms so that you feel empowered to live a fuller, more productive and more satisfying life.

MS connection: WINTER 2015

Pet Therapy (VIP) Wednesday, March 11, 5 p.m. St. Cloud Public Library, 1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud, MN 56301 Discuss the rewards and challenges of being a pet owner with MS. Pet ownership isn't a responsibility that's right for everyone, but pets can bring great rewards to our lives. During this program, we’ll also look into the subject of service dogs and the positive difference they’re making for people who live with a chronic illness. Family members and friends are welcome. For information or to RSVP, contact Betsy at 320-253-5421 or betsymahowald@gmail.com.

MS Annual Conference Saturday, Jan. 31, 1–4 p.m. Doubletree by Hilton Minneapolis South, 7800 Normandale Blvd., Bloomington, MN 55439 Attend the Minnesota MS Annual Conference to learn more about the important work the Society is doing, discuss the progress that’s been made in MS research and what’s in store for the future. Connection opportunities will also be available for teens and care partners. Make every connection count, and join us for this important program.

North Dakota Primary Progressive MS: Perspectives on Moving Forward (VIP) Tuesday, March 24, 7 p.m. Sanford Health, Seventh & Rosser Clinic, 414 N. Seventh St., Bismarck, ND 58501 Primary-progressive MS (PPMS) is characterized by a steady decline in function without relapses, and current disease-modifying treatments are largely ineffective in people living with PPMS. Join the Bismarck MS Group to watch the DVD program “Primary-Progressive MS: Perspectives on Moving Forward,” in which four individuals living with PPMS tell their stories and perspectives. For information or to RSVP, contact Nettie at 701-355-2254 or nalindvig62@yahoo.com.

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South Dakota MS Annual Conference Saturday, Jan. 10, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sheraton Sioux Falls Hotel, 1211 N. West Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Attend the South Dakota MS Annual Conference to learn more about the important work the Society is doing, discuss the progress that’s been made in MS research and what’s in store for the future. A connection opportunity will also be available for teens. Lunch will be provided. Make every connection count, and join us for this important program.

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 topic-area expert(s) by phone with online presentations and Q&A session. MS Research — Your Questions Answered Jan. 20 and 22 MS and Employment Feb. 12 and 26, March 12 and 26 Managing MS Bowel & Bladder Symptoms March 17 and 19 Learn more and reserve your spot at nationalMSsociety.org/telelearning or call 800-344-4867.

MSConnection.org MS Connection — an online community that’s all about making meaningful connections when, where and how you want — provides easy access to the best content and resources the MS community can bring you. Learn about the topics that are most important to you, connect with people you want to connect with and have expert MS information right at your fingertips. Visit MSconnection.org, complete your community profile, find new connections, join and start groups and discussions and more. If you have any questions, contact us at community@nmss.org.

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Sign up to receive email alerts and connect in ways that are most meaningful to you. Receive the latest updates about MS research, local programs and services, fundraising events, advocacy and more. Start by creating a new profile or logging in to your existing account at MSsociety.org. Visit â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Profileâ&#x20AC;? to subscribe to Society email and select categories to receive email messaging related to your specific interests. Questions? Contact us at info@nmss.org or 800-582-5296.