MS Connection, spring 2016 issue

WINTER 2016 UPPER MIDWEST CHAPTER

MS CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

8 IAGNOSED IN 200

D 2015; LYNNE (R), IN D E S O N G IA D ), HAYLEY (L

To end MS, Walk MS INSIDE 04 THIS ISSUE

2016 LEGISLATIVE ISSUES

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MS AWARENESS WEEK IS MARCH 7–13

PARENTING WITH MS

UPCOMING 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: WINTER 2016

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 Tea light candles n Gas cards n Gift cards for grocery stores, convenience stores, etc. n Office chairs n Standing desks n Laminating pouches (letter size) n 5 push brooms

NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY Upper Midwest Chapter 200 12th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55415 800-582-5296 Board chair: Susan Christensen Chapter president: Holly Anderson Editor: Maggie Flanagan Design: Sue Schweitzer © 2016 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Upper Midwest Chapter

Staples for staple guns (T50 1/4" and 1/2") n Magic markers (king size, black) n Duct tape (small rolls) n Orange magnetic flashing lights n Fruit, water, and snacks for events n

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 of any product or service mentioned.

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER The theme of this year’s MS Awareness Week is “Together we’re stronger.” We are all focused on our goal—a world free of MS, and yet we all do different tasks to get there.

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE

I think about the MARs foundation in Iowa, funding more than $1 million in MS research by bringing together hundreds of people every year to play golf.

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

I think of Wally Kirchoff, who runs intersection safety for our three largest bike rides, filling 150 positions and ensuring our rides are the best supported events.

Upper Midwest Chapter MSsociety.org Sign up to receive Society emails at nationalsociety.org/signup Like us: facebook.com/ UpperMidwestMS Follow us: twitter.com/ UpperMidwestMS Watch us: tinyurl.com/ UpperMidwestVideos Find us: @UpperMidwest MS

I think of the volunteers who donate their time to call every person newly diagnosed with MS within 30 days of first reaching out.

I think of our clubs and groups leaders — more than 100 strong — who are the face of MS in their communities and who are often called upon to support a person with MS. I’m reminded of our activists who go to our days at the capitol and the Society’s Public Policy conference and lobby our legislators to make change for people with MS. And I think of team captains, who tirelessly recruit, encourage fundraising and create their own incredibly creative ways to engage more people to join their teams.

Collectively, these actions help accelerate progress and connect people to the solutions they need to live their best lives.

There is great urgency in our work. If we each do our part, what emerges can only be something none of us could have done alone — a world free of MS. MS is a complex disease. But our collective actions are strong enough to beat it. n

4 ADVOCACY

LEGISLATIVE ISSUES IN 2016

BY DAN ENDRESON The Upper Midwest Chapter continues its work at the state capitols in our chapter area on issues that benefit those living with MS. Some of the 2016 issues we’ll be watching include:

IOWA Home Modification Assistance Implement a home modification assistance program, which was recently recommended by the Iowa Mental Health and Disability Services Commission. The proposal would create a $1 million program that offers grants and tax credits to offset renovation costs when modifying a home to increase accessibility.

Medicaid Privatization Monitor the state’s plan to privatize their Medicaid program. The state wants to move the Medicaid program to private companies known as Managed Care Organizations (MCO) and current Medicaid beneficiaries will need to enroll with an MCO to continue receiving benefits. We will monitor this transition to ensure current beneficiaries do not lose coverage or access to the care they need.

MS CONNECTION: WINTER 2016

MINNESOTA Medical Assistance Eligibility Reform We continue to support efforts to reform the eligibility standards for those living with a disability who access Medical Assistance, Minnesota’s Medicaid program. Last year, we were part of a coalition which successfully raised the program’s spend-down requirement from 75 percent of Federal Poverty level to 80 percent, and we will work in 2016 to move it to 100 percent.

Home Modification Assistance We will continue to work on a bill to create a home modification assistance grant program to help homeowners lower the cost of renovating a home to increase accessibility.

NORTH DAKOTA North Dakota is not in session in 2016.

SOUTH DAKOTA Medicaid Expansion We continue to support efforts to expand Medicaid coverage for South Dakotans who earn less than 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. By expanding, approximately 55,000 South Dakotans will gain access to health care they currently lack.

Volunteers play a huge role in our ability to be successful on legislative issues. If you would like to get involved or learn more about being an MS advocate, contact Dan at dan.endreson@nmss.org. n

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NEWS

HOW WILL YOU HONOR MS AWARENESS WEEK? EVEN THE SMALLEST CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE POWER. BECAUSE TOGETHER, WE ARE STRONGER. MS Awareness Week is March 7–13. During this important week, the MS community unites to demonstrate that while alone we may be strong, together we are stronger. This is what the MS movement is about. All of us — coming together — sharing experiences and knowledge and contributing all that we can.

So much has happened since the MS Society’s inception in 1947. Millions of people have made generous donations, some starting at just $1. Others have spent a few hours volunteering.

Thousands have joined conversations online about their symptoms or shared their story with someone newly diagnosed. Thirteen disease modifying treatments are available today because of people who participated in clinical trials.

Because of these contributions, the world is a better place for people affected by MS. Awareness, in whatever form it takes, fuels progress toward our shared vision of a world

free of MS. How will you join the movement and honor MS Awareness Week this year?

FIVE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED Visit MSsociety.org to check out the MS Awareness Week Web page. You’ll find ideas and tools to raise awareness. n Attend an MS program in your community or consider hosting your own. Visit the chapter calendar for upcoming programs at MSsociety.org. n Wear your MS apparel while you’re out during the week. n Sign up as a participant or volunteer for a chapter event. n Talk to your friends and co-workers about your connection to MS and how they can Join the Movement®. n

THIS IS WHAT THE MS MOVEMENT IS ABOUT. ALL OF US — COMING TOGETHER — SHARING EXPERIENCES AND KNOWLEDGE AND CONTRIBUTING ALL THAT WE CAN. 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

TO END MS, WALK MS Every year, thousands of people across the country gather for Walk MS. They show up with siblings and grandparents, or uncles and aunts. They arrive to connect with a big group of friends. Sometimes, walkers come in pairs as neighbors. And sometimes, just one person will come alone, seeking hope after their new diagnosis.

Ending multiple sclerosis for good will take all of us. It’s why Walk MS matters so much. And it’s why you matter so much. Walk MS helps us team up with friends, loved ones and coworkers to change the world for everyone affected by MS. Together, we become a powerful force.

And with every step we take, every dollar we raise, we’re that much closer. Together, we will end MS forever.

WE’RE STRONGER

TOGETHER

MISSY, DIAGNO

SED IN 2014

WALK MS 2016 DATES IOWA April 23

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.

MINNESOTA AND HUDSON, WI

Register now for one of 30 events in the chapter area. Team up with others and start asking for donations today.

SOUTH DAKOTA

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

April 30 or May 1 (date varies by location)

NORTH DAKOTA April 30 May 14

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EVENTS

BIKE MS 2016 SERIES The Upper Midwest Chapter will host five Bike MS events this year. The Bike MS Team is excited to roll out another season of cycling that’s designed to please both the rookie and veteran rider. Regardless of how many miles are clocked, each rider is fully supported and receives a commemorative T-shirt, a fun,

post-finish party and more. All riders must be at least 12 years old.

Bike MS is recognized as the largest fundraising bike event in the world and fifth top fundraising event in the U.S., generating $399 million.

There’s a reason Bike MS continues to be so successful — it’s more than just a ride.

For additional information, 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 2016 DATES BIKE MS: TWIN CITIES RIDE May 7 Summit Brewing Company, St. Paul, MN

BIKE MS: C.H. ROBINSON MS 150 RIDE June 10–12 Duluth to the Twin Cities, MN

BIKE MS: C.H. ROBINSON IOWA RIDE June 25 Firetrucker Brewery, Ankeny, IA

BIKE MS: TRAM RIDE July 20–24 (3- and 5-day options) Central Minnesota

BIKE MS: SANFORD HEALTH SIOUX FALLS RIDE Aug. 6 Borrowed Bucks Roadhouse, Sioux Falls, SD

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RESEARCH

A GLOBAL EFFORT The International Progressive MS Alliance, an initiative connecting resources and experts around the world to end progressive multiple sclerosis, has awarded 11 collaborative network planning grants to MS researchers. Last year the Alliance funded 22 projects, all part of an ambitious program that will cumulatively invest nearly $25 million over the next five years in progressive MS research.

“The global commitment to collaboratively addressing — and overcoming — the barriers to developing solutions in progressive MS is inspiring the entire world to do more,” said Cynthia Zagieboylo, Chair of the Alliance Executive Committee and CEO of the National MS Society.

FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS The one-year planning awards launch a focused program to accelerate research progress in three key areas: 1) Develop better and more effective therapies for progressive MS; 2) Develop more meaningful ways to measure progression and monitor treatment effectiveness; and 3) Initiate clinical trials for new interventions.

Each project selected for funding addresses one of these priority areas and will be directed by some of the world’s most prominent thought leaders and MS scientists.

Current projects selected for support include the development of: a treatment-discovery pipeline for secondary-progressive MS, an MRI biomarker for disability progression for use in clinical trials, novel molecular imaging probes to predict disability progression and evaluate therapies, and a multicenter project on cognitive rehabilitation and exercise. Project awardees will have the opportunity to apply for a full, four-year Collaborative Network award at the conclusion of the 12-month planning grant.

“Not only has worldwide attention to progressive MS increased, but progress toward solutions that will change the world for people with progressive MS is accelerating,” noted Dr. Alan Thompson, Chair of the Alliance’s Scientific Steering Committee and Dean of University College London Faculty of Brain Sciences.

Visit ProgressiveMSAlliance.org for more information. Learn about progressive MS at nationalMSsociety.org/progressiveMS. n

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PROGRAMS

UNPLUG AND PLAY AT MS YOUTH CAMP

connection. In small group discussions, campers are encouraged to ask questions and share how multiple sclerosis has affected their families.

Coping with MS and its impact can be very difficult for a child. It can make them feel isolated without peers who can relate. The power of Youth Camp was most evident to me when I saw relief and understanding on the face of one camper after they shared their difficult story and another camper added a consoling “me too.”

BY K ARL KOEHLE MS Youth Camp was an incredible experience, and I can’t wait to go back.

I attend camp as a volunteer counselor. Before my first year, I was nervous because I associated “camp” with my own less-than-stellar experiences camping as a child. Those included: sleeping in a tent, long hikes to the latrine, eating soup from the can and spending hours alone whittling a stick while tending to the fire.

MS Youth Camp is different. We have cabins with windows and doors, and the bathrooms and showers are nearby. Food in the dining hall is both tasty and plentiful! The daily activities include canoeing, swimming, field games, disc golf, art projects, climbing and drumming — there’s never a dull moment.

Though we play games and participate in team-building exercises, what makes this experience so remarkable is the opportunity to build relationships through a common

WHAT MAKES THIS EXPERIENCE SO REMARKABLE IS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH A COMMON CONNECTION. This year’s MS Youth Camp will take place June 20–25 at YMCA Camp Icaghowan in Amery, Wis. The program fee is $250 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.

Applications are available at MSsociety.org and must be received by April 8. For more information or to request a hard-copy application, contact Krista at 612-335-7937 or krista.harding@nmss.org. n

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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

MS CONNECTION: WINTER 2016

of programs offered by the Society, she became a volunteer at a number of these same events.

Now 25 years old, Samantha has served as an MS Youth Camp counselor, a Teen Crew chaperone, an MS Youth Camp Planning and Volunteer Recruitment Committee member and an advocate for youth affected by MS. In addition to her volunteer work, she’s also a successful fundraiser for chapter events.

Samantha, whose mother lives with MS, is known for being a reliable, energetic volunteer who always has a smile on her face and is willing to share her experience and learnings with other volunteers. Her passion for helping and dedication to the MS movement has made her a strong, enthusiastic leader and an excellent volunteer recruiter who has established a tight-knit circle of reliable volunteers.

Samantha Stephens of Plymouth, Minn., has been a familiar face at the National MS Society for many years. After participating in a variety

Samantha, thank you for strengthening the movement to end MS! n

SHARE YOUR STORY, INSPIRE A TEAM

fundraising efforts. By reaching out to a team through a letter or in person, you can provide a personal connection that creates a more meaningful experience and motivates them to raise more funds.

VOLUNTEER AS A TEAM AMBASSADOR

If you want to learn more about becoming a Team Ambassador, please contact Will at 612-335-7992 or will.ziegenhagen@nmss.org. n

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

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GIVING

FINISHING RAGBRAI WITH MS

BY BRENT RENNEKE When it came to biking, no challenge was too big for Steve Doerfler. The Mason City, Iowa, native’s riding resume included 25 years of triathlons and road races, so there was little intimidating about the 250-mile, multi-day RAGBRAI race spanning Iowa.

A multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2012, however, changed all of that. Finishing the famous Iowa ride would not only be a physical triumph; it was also an opportunity to ride as a Finish MS participant and to make a difference for others with the disease.

Consulting his doctor, he was told to try, but temper expectations. Heat management (RAGBRAI is held in late July), muscles spasms and overall fatigue would all be barriers. So Steve’s training started slow. At first, he struggled to reach 12 miles. A month prior to RAGBRAI, Steve knew he had to increase intensity to accomplish his goal of finishing the 250-mile ride in six days.

“I spent three days at one of my favorite trail systems with the goal to ride 30 miles each day, and I ended up riding 100 miles total,” Steve said. “That is when I really started to think that

I could pull off RAGBRAI, and I just kept the training going.”

Steve’s goals went beyond his own personal triumph. Throughout, he put the same determination toward his fundraising, raising more than $9,700 on behalf of the National MS Society.

“The financial aspect was very motivating,” said Steve. “The money started to come in, and I thought ‘I have to do this whole thing — I have to do the 250 miles.’”

Steve’s family provided the strong support system that made it possible. His wife assisted him throughout his journey, ensuring he had proper nutrition and gear. His daughter even joined him on the ride to motivate him in the first and last days of RAGBRAI. Combining personal motivation with a family determined to make it possible, Steve overcame the barriers created by his MS and finished the 250-mile journey in six days.

“I see my doctor in a month, and I cannot wait to tell him about this experience,” Steve said. n

LEARN MORE ABOUT FINISH MS Endurance athletes all over the country are taking on remarkable challenges and using the fundraising tools provided through Finish MS to help build awareness and create a world free of the disease. You pick the challenge: run a marathon, climb a mountain, complete a triathlon. Visit FinishMS.org to learn more.

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PARENTING WITH MS

LISA, DIAGNOSED IN 2007 The National MS Society recently sat down with Dr. Deborah Miller of Cleveland Clinic’s Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research to discuss parenting with MS. Here’s what she had to say: What parenting-related issues often come up in your work at the Center?

A lot of parents are concerned that their having MS will interfere with their children’s ability to have a “normal” childhood. People are also concerned that they won’t be able to adequately parent their children — either in terms of their ability to participate in activities or their ability to discipline their children.

MS CONNECTION: WINTER 2016

What do you say to people with MS who are concerned about whether or not they should have kids?

The decision to become a parent should be carefully considered by anyone, whether you have MS or not, but there’s absolutely no reason to not have children if you want them.

Before having children, though, it’s a good idea to think about your support system and realize that there may be times you will need people to step in and help out. You may also want to think about and plan for your financial future. MS is an expensive disease and you may need to consider how you will balance the cost of MS-related expenses with saving for your family’s future.

We’ve heard from grown children of people with MS that they gained wisdom, empathy and a sense of responsibility by helping their parents as they were growing up. How do you know when you may be asking too much of your child?

There’s a good bit of evidence that children who have a parent with MS develop into healthy adults. It’s really important that they learn more by what their parents do than by what their parents are unable to do. If a parent sets a good example in terms of being adaptive and finding ways to make accommodations that keep them active and involved, it’s a great lesson for children to learn.

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“IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT THAT CHILDREN LEARN MORE BY WHAT THEIR PARENTS DO THAN BY WHAT THEIR PARENTS ARE UNABLE TO DO.” In terms of household responsibilities, I don’t think there are any particular lines you shouldn’t cross. However, until they are adults, in general children should not be involved in intimate care, such as helping a parent get dressed or use the restroom. The important thing is that kids have an opportunity to be involved in deciding what their responsibilities are at home. I find that in any family, when children are able to negotiate what responsibilities they take on, it makes them much more willing to participate.

Are there common issues or concerns you hear from children who have a parent with MS? Kids, especially younger children, can worry that they did something to cause their parent’s MS. Children also often worry that their parent is going to die. We make it a standard part of most family-related sessions that parents let their children know that most people with MS live very long lives. MS may force them to do things differently, but they will be there to love and take care of you. As children get older, they’re often concerned that they’re going to get MS themselves.

It’s also important to give MS a name because kids’ imaginations can go worse places than

MS could ever be. However, with younger children, there’s no need to go into detail about what causes the condition. I typically encourage parents of younger kids to talk in terms of symptoms. Explaining the symptom you’re experiencing and tying that back to MS can help them make sense of it. As children get older and more sophisticated, it can help them to have information that ties different symptoms together and to see how these issues are related, so that there’s a coherent explanation for what’s going on.

Any final thoughts?

Good parenting is a very active process. Setting boundaries, being consistent, rewarding good behavior and recognizing when a child isn’t doing well are important for all parents, but especially important when a parent has MS. All too often people will blame MS for problems in the family. It’s essential to look beyond MS when things aren’t going right. Don’t be afraid to seek help when your family is struggling with an issue — a therapist can be a really valuable resource to help you through the tough times.

You shouldn’t have to face challenges alone. n For more information on families and MS, visit nationalMSsociety.org/family. Call an MS Navigator at 800-344-4867 for parenting resources in your area.

This article was originally published on MSconnection.org/blog.

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CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT

MEET THE 2015 CORPORATE STAR AWARD WINNERS Each year, the Upper Midwest Chapter celebrates our strongest corporate supporters with the Corporate Star Award. Award winners are a testament to the corporate community’s ability to rally behind the MS movement and help us move closer to a world free of MS.

South Dakota’s Avera Brain and Spine Institute is a key supporter of Walk MS. Serving as South Dakota’s Walk MS title sponsor, Avera Brain and Spine Institute helps underwrite expenses so participant fundraising dollars go directly toward the Society’s mission.

This year, Avera employees took an extra step rallying together to volunteer at the Sioux Falls Walk MS event. Employees cheered on walkers while handing out snacks and beverages.

C.H. Robinson continued its stellar support in Iowa in 2015. The company acts as the title sponsor of the Bike MS: C.H. Robinson Iowa Ride. The title sponsorship helped ensure the $100,000 raised by over 300 riders this year went toward MS research and programming.

In addition, C.H. Robinson’s Iowa Ride team greatly increased its ridership this year growing from 40 riders in 2014 to 66 riders in 2015.

In addition to organizing a powerhouse Bike MS team each year — which has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars — Pentair provides significant financial support to the MS 150 Ride and donates water bottles for every single rider. This longtime corporate partner also donates a Twins suite experience to the chapter’s On the Move Luncheon auction, supports the MS Scholarship Program and provides financial gifts to other Society events across the country.

Thank you to 2015’s Corporate Star Award winners! 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 800-344-4867 (option 1).

PROGRAM FEATURE

WEBINAR & TELELEARNING SERIES The 2016 Webinar & Telelearning Series, created by the National MS Society and Can Do MS, brings together a collaboration of experts to help you build strategies to live your best life with MS. Each program, available online and by phone, features two presenters, with time for Q&A. Programs take place from 7 to 8:15 p.m. (CST) Upcoming topics:

March 15 The Complete Guide to Social Security Disability

March 29 Home Based Employment: What Employers Want

April 12

Research Updates

May 10

Traveling with MS

Register now by calling 800-344-4867 or visiting nationalMSsociety.org/telelearning.

IOWA MOOD AND COGNITION Des Moines n Tuesday, March 8, 6:30 p.m.

Mercy Ruan Neurology Clinic, East Tower, Conference Room, 1111 Sixth Ave., Des Moines, IA 50314 Mood, cognition and physical functioning are intricately entwined, and treating one area often brings profound improvement to other aspects of a person’s life. 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.

For more information, contact Molly at 515-270-6341 or molly.severson@nmss.org.

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MANAGING BLADDER AND BOWEL SYMPTOMS WITH MS Knoxville n Monday, March 21, 6:30 p.m.

Knoxville Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1201 S. Attica Road, Knoxville, IA 50138 People with MS may find that bladder and bowel symptoms prevent them from fully interacting with their community, friends and family. They may feel embarrassed, or erroneously assume that bladder and bowel changes are related to normal aging. But these common MS symptoms are quite manageable and treatable. This video program provides the latest advances and recommendations from individuals who have experienced these symptoms and clinicians.

For more information, contact Melinda at 641-670-0994 or twiggizbiz@hotmail.com.

MANAGING DEPRESSION WITH MS Davenport n Thursday, May 5, 6 p.m.

Davenport Public Library, 3000 N. Fairmount St., Davenport, IA 52801 Depression is one of the most common symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Left untreated, depression reduces quality of life, makes other symptoms feel worse and may be life-threatening. While we do not fully understand the nature of depression in MS, we’ve learned that many factors may contribute to it. Jamie McWade, LMHC, IADC, DCC, of Liberty Counseling, will discuss different ways of coping with depression and provide resources for depression management.

For more information, contact Becky at 563-650-0820 or angelbecster50@hotmail.com.

MINNESOTA CARE PARTNER CONFERENCE Minneapolis n Saturday, April 2, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Dunwoody College of Technology, 818 Dunwoody Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55403 Caring for someone with a chronic illness can be deeply satisfying but also physically and emotionally challenging. Join us for a conference focused on strategies to best provide care to your loved one and yourself. Choose among several breakout sessions to attend throughout the event and connect with others. Lunch will be provided.

Registration is required for this program. To register, visit MSsociety.org or call 800-344-4867. The cost to attend is $10. Please note that this program is for care partners only, not for people with MS. If you’re in need of respite care, please call 800-344-4867 for assistance.

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EVERYDAY MATTERS St. Cloud n Saturday, April 9, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Opportunity Matters, 701 23rd St. S., Sartell, MN 56377 Everyone has their own idea of their “best life.” For people living with MS, the idea of that best life can change due to the challenges of having a chronic, unpredictable and lifelong disease. Because living with MS can lead to significant implications for mental and physical functioning, learning interventions that teach positive and empowering strategies is important to overall well-being. This interactive, day-long workshop is based on guidance from the book “The Happiness Advantage,” and teaches positive psychology to help people thrive and become happier and more productive.

Registration is required for this program. To register, visit MSsociety.org or call 800-344-4867.

PRIMARY PROGRESSIVE MS: PERSPECTIVES ON MOVING FORWARD Monticello n Wednesday, April 20, 6 p.m.

CentraCare Health, 1013 Hart Blvd., Monticello, MN 55362 Primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) is characterized by a steady decline in function without relapses. Current disease-modifying treatments are largely ineffective in people living with PPMS. In the DVD “Primary-Progressive MS: Perspectives on Moving Forward,” listen to four individuals living with PPMS tell their stories and perspectives. This program also has relevance for people living with secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) which mimics PPMS. For more information, contact Jane at 763-295-8103 or dnjtref@gmail.com.

MANAGING BLADDER AND BOWEL SYMPTOMS WITH MS Fergus Falls n Wednesday, May 11, 11:30 a.m.

Pioneer Care, Wellness Gym, 1131 S. Mabelle Ave., Fergus Falls, MN 56537 People with MS may find that bladder and bowel symptoms prevent them from fully interacting with their community, friends and family. They may feel embarrassed, or erroneously assume that bladder and bowel changes are related to normal aging. But these common MS symptoms are quite manageable and treatable. This video program provides the latest advances and recommendations from individuals who have experienced these symptoms and clinicians.

For more information, contact or Connie at 218-736-7285 or Don at 218-739-9056.

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NORTH DAKOTA EVERYDAY MATTERS : LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE WITH MS Fargo n Saturday, March 19, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Messiah Lutheran Church, 2010 N. Elm St., Fargo, ND 58102 Everyone has their own idea of their “best life.” For people living with MS, the idea of that best life can change due to the challenges of having a chronic, unpredictable and lifelong disease. Because living with MS can lead to significant implications for mental and physical functioning, learning interventions that teach positive and empowering strategies is important to overall well-being This interactive, day-long workshop is based on guidance from the book “The Happiness Advantage,” and teaches positive psychology to help people thrive and become happier and more productive.

Registration is required for this program. To register, visit MSsociety.org or call 800-344-4867.

FREE FROM FALLS: A FALL PREVENTION PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE WITH MS Jamestown n Tuesday, April 12, 6:30 p.m.

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1000 Fifth Ave. NE, Jamestown, ND 58401 Because of challenges related to balance, mobility and other symptoms, people with MS may be at significant risk for falls and the potentially life-altering consequences of fall-related injuries. Although completely eliminating falls is unrealistic, many of them occur under predictable circumstances. This program aims to help you prevent falls by identifying key risk factors and embracing tools and tips to minimize them.

For more information, contact Denise at 701-837-7312 or beavereslinger@yahoo.com.

MANAGING BLADDER AND BOWEL SYMPTOMS WITH MS Williston n Sunday, April 16, 6 p.m.

Hardee’s, 1020 Second Ave. W., Williston, ND 58801 People with MS may find that bladder and bowel symptoms prevent them from fully interacting with their community, friends and family. They may feel embarrassed, or erroneously assume that bladder and bowel changes are related to normal aging. But these common MS symptoms are quite manageable and treatable. This video program provides the latest advances and recommendations from individuals who have experienced these symptoms and clinicians.

For more information, contact LaWanda at 701-570-0194 or lawanda_rock@hotmail.com.

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EVERYDAY MATTERS: LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE WITH MS Jamestown n Tuesday, May 10, 6:30 p.m.

St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1000 Fifth Ave. NE, Jamestown, ND 58401 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, contact Denise at 701-837-7312 or beavereslinger@yahoo.com.

SOUTH DAKOTA FATIGUE: TAKE CONTROL Sioux Falls n Thursday, March 24, 6:30 p.m.

Non-Profit Center, 1000 N. West Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 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 of fatigue and medical management of factors that can complicate and compound MS fatigue, as well as introduces steps for making personal, proactive energy choices.

For more information, contact Maureen at 605-332-7279 or maureen.patch@nmss.org.

RESEARCH UPDATE Sioux Falls n Tuesday, May 24, 6:30 p.m.

Non-Profit Center, 1000 N. West Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Learn about the latest in MS research — including recent discoveries and novel therapies —as well as new treatments and what’s in the pipeline. This program includes a video of leading MS researchers discussing recent topics at the 2015 Society Leadership Conference in Fort Worth, Texas.

For more information, contact Maureen at 605-332-7279 or maureen.patch@nmss.org.

Nonprofit US Postage

PAID

Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 1759

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

JOIN THE MS COMMUNITY ONLINE AT 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 questions, contact community@nmss.org.

FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND OR HANDICAPPED

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

JOIN THE MS COMMUNITY ONLINE AT 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 questions, contact community@nmss.org.