MS Connection, summer 2016 by National MS Society, Upper Midwest Chapter

SUMMER 2016 UPPER MIDWEST CHAPTER

MS CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

Photo by Ken Klotzbach

DR. CLAUDIA LUCCHINETTI WINS AWARD FOR MS RESEARCH

INSIDE 04 THIS ISSUE

CHALLENGE WALK MS CELEBRATES 15 YEARS

MAYO NEUROLOGIST RECEIVES MS RESEARCH AWARD

NEW FINDINGS ON EMPLOYMENT AND 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: SUMMER 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 Gift cards for grocery stores, gas stations, etc. n Office chairs n Laminating pouches (letter size) n 5 push brooms n Staples for staple guns (T50 1/4" and 1/2")

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 © 2016 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Upper Midwest Chapter

Magic markers (king size, black) n Duct tape (small rolls) n Orange magnetic flashing lights n Fruit, water and snacks for events n Picnic table n Padding press and glue 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 BOARD CHAIR

IN IT TOGETHER 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 Sign up to receive National MS 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

Earlier this year, I had the honor to meet and dine with Ann Romney during A Taste of Generosity, an MS fundraising event held in Des Moines, Iowa. Ann, who was diagnosed with MS in 1998, wrote the book In This Together. In the book, she describes her life before and after her MS diagnosis as a politician’s wife, mother, friend and advocate. The title of the book was inspired by her husband Mitt’s response upon hearing the diagnosis. He told her “they would tackle the diagnosis as a team…we are in this together.” Who’s on your team? Who’s “in it together” with you? Life throws each of us challenging experiences, taking our lives on a journey we never thought we would travel. An MS diagnosis, death of a loved one, loss of a job, financial worries, etc. Along the way we need to seek out people who inspire us, encourage us, listen to us, take us by the hand and tell us “we’ll tackle this together!” Take good care of yourself, we need you – because we’re all in it (to end MS!) together! Warm regards, Sue Christensen Board Chair

MS CONNECTION: SUMMER 2016

EVENTS

CHALLENGE WALK MS CELEBRATES 15 YEARS This fall, Challenge Walk MS will celebrate its 15th anniversary with hundreds of participants, many of whom crossed the finish line at the first-ever Challenge Walk MS event in 2002. When Challenge Walk MS was first hosted in the Twin Cities, there were only five disease-modifying treatments. Today there are 13.

“NEVER IN MY LIFE HAD I FELT SO STRONG, SO POWERFUL, SO HOPEFUL OR SO BRAVE. CHALLENGE WALK MS IS MORE THAN A TEST OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STRENGTH. IT’S AN EXPERIENCE THAT CHANGED ME.” The surge in research that helped develop these treatments was funded, in part, by the more than $5.4 million lifetime total raised through this event. While the fundraising total is impressive, the dedication and passion each participant brings to the event is unparalleled. Sore feet, blisters and achy joints are painful yet common

MICHELE CONLON (RIGHT), CHALLENGE WALK MS PARTICIPANT occurrences in a 30- to 50-mile walk, but to Challenge Walkers, they’re just a small part of a journey that carries so much meaning and makes such an extraordinary difference in the lives of people affected by MS. “As I crossed the finish line, all the pain washed away,” said Challenge Walk MS veteran Michele Conlon. Michele’s husband, Scott, was diagnosed with MS in 1999. “Never in my life had I felt so strong, so powerful, so hopeful or so brave. Challenge Walk MS is more than a test of physical and mental strength. It’s an experience that changed me.” Michele and others invite you to join them at this year’s Challenge Walk MS Sept. 23–25. Participants can choose to walk 30 miles in two days, or 50 miles in three days. Learn more by visiting 2dayChallenge.org or calling 855-372-1331. n

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NEWS

MAYO NEUROLOGIST RECEIVES PRIZE FOR MS RESEARCH

PROF. CLAUDIA LUCCHINETTI, MAYO CLINIC Claudia Lucchinetti, MD, Chair of Neurology and the Eugene and Marcia Applebaum Professor in Neurosciences at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, has been chosen by a committee of her peers to receive the National MS Society/ American Academy of Neurology’s 2016 John Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research. Professor Lucchinetti is being honored for her seminal contributions to understanding the neuropathology of MS — how the disease damages brain and spinal cord tissues — and translating this understanding into better care for people with MS.

5 The $15,000 Dystel Prize was presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in Vancouver, BC, Canada, in April. “Professor Lucchinetti’s research changed the way we look at MS,” said Bruce Bebo, Executive Vice President, Research, at the National MS Society. “She has dedicated her career to deciphering how MS damages tissues in the brain and spinal cord. But her focus is broader than just laboratory research; she is also dedicated to improving the diagnosis and treatment of MS. This is a reflection of her deep commitment to helping people who live with MS, and makes her a very worthy recipient of the Dystel Prize.” Prof. Lucchinetti has become one of a handful of world authorities in experimental and applied neuropathology research in the area of demyelinating and inflammatory central nervous diseases including MS. She has published more than 170 research papers. Additionally, she’s been an outstanding mentor to numerous fellows from all over the world, many of whom have become faculty members at the Mayo Clinic or their home country’s institutions. Learn more about Prof. Lucchinetti’s work in MS research at nationalMSsociety.org n

MS CONNECTION: SUMMER 2016

VOLUNTEER

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT PETER BERMAN, PHOTOGRAPHER, VIDEOGRAPHER AND SOCIETY VOLUNTEER Peter Berman first got involved with the National MS Society, Upper Midwest Chapter less than a year ago and has shown he’s a valuable asset to the MS movement. A former television news video journalist for ABC’s flagship station in New York, Peter has utilized his experience to help capture many important moments throughout the chapter area, helping a cause close to his heart as he has lived with MS since 2009. He’s been a key volunteer at the Minnesota State Fair, MuckFest® MS Twin Cities, the

MS Annual Conference and Walk MS, with plans to attend even more Bike MS events this year. Peter has also found a passion for advocacy work, serving on the Minnesota State Advocacy Council and has attended MS State Action Day in Iowa and Minnesota. Peter’s outgoing, friendly and charismatic demeanor only adds to his charm and makes him a truly valued volunteer. Thank you, Peter, for sharing your talents and helping us move closer to a world free of MS. n

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Volunteers are needed at the following fundraising events: Bike MS: TRAM n July 20–24 Bike MS: Sioux Falls Ride n Aug. 6 MuckFest® MS Twin Cities n Aug. 20 Challenge Walk MS n Sept. 23–25 If you want to learn more about these volunteer opportunities, contact Lissa at 612-335-7984 or lissa.martinez@nmss.org.

CALL FOR BOARD NOMINATIONS The governance committee is considering candidates to serve on the Upper Midwest Chapter Board of Trustees. To propose a candidate, please write to Larry Schmid, chair of the governance committee, by July 15, 2016. Mail nominations to 200 12th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415. The committee will select the best-qualified candidates and present a slate of nominees at the next annual meeting. Nominations will not be taken at the meeting.

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EVENTS

NEW TWIN CITIES EVENT ADVANCES MS MOVEMENT The first annual Taste of Generosity: Cocktails & Nosh will be held Aug. 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the new Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown (1500 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis). Taste of Generosity will feature craft cocktails and tastings courtesy of local distilleries,

NEW WELLNESS RESOURCES ON SOCIETY WEBSITE As part of the National MS Society’s focus on wellness initiatives, we’ve enhanced content on the Living Well with MS web pages. Visit nationalmssociety.org/wellness to check out

wineries and breweries, along with delicious hors d’oeuvres and a signature dessert. Guests will sip and nosh while perusing a variety of silent auction items and connecting with other movers and shakers in the Twin Cities MS community. The event also includes a short program featuring an exciting live auction and our 2016 Honoree. Tickets are $85 per person or $150 per pair. Or sponsor a table of 10 for $1,000 in honor of someone special in the MS movement — whether it’s a person you care about who lives with MS, a dedicated team captain, an extraordinary volunteer or anyone who is doing big things to change the world for people with MS. Honorees will receive a 2016 custom keepsake item. Visit TasteofGenerosity.org to learn more and register today. n

some of the latest additions, including videos and articles that cover topics such as: Yoga n Sleep issues n Cigarette smoking n Nutrition, diet and MS n Aquatics (for aquatics instructors) n Wellness Discussion Guide (for people with MS and their health care providers) n Introduction to MS (an online course for fitness and wellness instructors) n

MS CONNECTION: SUMMER 2016

LIVING WITH MS

PAYING IT FORWARD BY KELLY ERICKSON Tami Thurmer’s air conditioning had gone out. The furnace was on the fritz and was expected to stop working at any time. Both needed replacing, not only to combat the steamy Minnesota summers and frigid winters, but to help manage heat sensitivity, fatigue and other MS symptoms that can be triggered by changes in temperature. Tami was diagnosed with MS in 2002, shortly after her adult son, who lives with her, received his diagnosis in 2001. Tami called the National MS Society in the summer of 2015 — one of the few times she’s reached out to the Society for help. After she was sent several financial forms, she gave up the task, thinking she’d never qualify for financial aid as both she and her husband work full time. Replacing those vital appliances lingered on her to-do list, but with little urgency due to the total cost amounting to nearly $10,000. Someday they would get to it.

“I CAN’T PUT IT INTO WORDS HOW GREAT A FEELING IT REALLY IS TO BE ABLE TO HELP SOMEBODY AND SEE THEIR ELATION THAT COMES FROM GETTING IT,” LEROY SAID.

That day came sooner than expected. Walking through the mall at Christmas, she received a call from Heather Svenson, Services Director at the National MS Society, Upper Midwest Chapter, asking if she still needed a furnace. As Tami put it, “That’s when the journey began.” In November 2015, Bike MS Team Captain LeRoy Bendickson was honored with the Bryant Community Hero Award. His prize: a new furnace with free installation from Pronto Heating and Air Conditioning based in Eden Prairie, Minn. LeRoy, a 26-year veteran of the MS 150 Ride, simply didn’t need it. “I called them back and asked if I could donate it to somebody who really needs it,” LeRoy said. “They said they could, so I called the MS Society.” After a simple search through the Society’s database about requests concerning a furnace, Tami’s name popped up. Heather reached out to Tami shortly after.

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“I thought, ‘is this for real?’” Tami said. “We don’t need financial aid, so I didn’t think it was going to happen. Then she called and said I qualified and I felt compelled to say that I work. She said, ‘It’s not a financial thing, it’s an MS thing.’” With the furnace on its way, Tami still needed a new air conditioner. After leveraging some more resources, the Society gave $1,000 toward a new AC unit. Svenson reached out to Bike the US for MS — an organization that coordinates cross country bike trips to raise awareness for the disease — who also donated $1,000 toward the new AC unit. Tami and her family financed the remaining balance. Before reality set in, the lingering chore was no longer a worry. “It was just really awesome,” Tami said. “I kept feeling like I had to justify it. Heather made me feel really good about it. LeRoy, too. He said the time was right and I got it, just that I must pay it forward.” The experience was extra special as LeRoy and Tami live minutes from each other in White Bear Lake, Minn. “I can’t put it into words how great a feeling it really is to be able to help somebody and see their elation that comes from getting it,” LeRoy said. LeRoy’s Bike MS team, the Real Estate Riders, has helped raise more than $1.6 million through the MS 150 Ride since 1990. He noted that once you cross that finish line after 150 miles, you know what you’ve accomplished. Surrounded by people cheering and ringing bells, it’s an emotional moment.

“That’s what this was,” Bendickson said, drawing a comparison. “It was very emotional to know that we were able to make this thing happen.” For Tami and her family, they’re simply thankful for the whole situation and still trying to grasp that it actually happened. “It’s just kind of surreal,” Tami said. “I still can’t really believe it happened. I didn’t think programs like this existed ... I didn’t think they would give this to everyday, working people. I guess I would just say: if you’re not sure, ask.” Living with MS can mean unexpected and ongoing financial difficulties for you and your family. We may be able to help if you’re struggling to pay for something that helps you maintain quality of life, such as: Home and automobile modifications n Equipment and adaptive tools n Critical short-term needs like rent or utility shut-offs n Transportation to and from medical appointments n Lawn mowing, snow removal and housekeeping n And more. n

Call an MS Navigator at 800-344-4867 to learn more about how the MS Society can help ease the challenges of living with MS. No question is too big or too small. n

MS CONNECTION: SUMMER 2016

GIVING

MY GIVING STORY ELI RUBENSTEIN, FORMER CHAIR OF THE NATIONAL MS SOCIETY BOARD OF DIRECTORS My uncle was the first in my family to be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. That was in the late 1930s, when diagnosing MS was an extremely difficult process. In those days, no one really knew very much about MS at all. He was a musician — a concert pianist. Shortly after his diagnosis, it became clear that he was no longer going to play the piano, professionally or otherwise. And, as we all know, there were no treatments available at that time. He died just a few years after his diagnosis. So where was the National MS Society when this was going on? It did not yet exist. The Society wouldn’t be founded until the mid-1940s when Sylvia Lawry put her ad in the New York Times trying to get information about the disease with which her brother had recently been diagnosed. So — no effective treatments, very little knowledge, nothing in the way of organized programs or services for people whose lives were affected. When I was 5 years old, MS struck my family a second time. My parents had bought a new house to accommodate our growing family.

My father was standing in the yard in a trench the landscapers had not yet filled in. There was water in the trench up to his knees, yet he did not feel it. He was admitted to the hospital later that day and diagnosed with primary progressive MS. He never returned home and my sisters and I did not see him again.

“AT FIVE, I WAS NOT ABLE TO CONDUCT MEDICAL RESEARCH, BUT I WAS ABLE TO RAISE FUNDS.” His MS was unusually aggressive and he died two weeks after the diagnosis. At 5, I was not able to conduct medical research, but I was able to raise funds. In those days the Society led door-to-door fundraising campaigns where volunteers carried little boxes shaped like treasure chests, known as “Hope Chests for MS.” With the Hope Chest, I canvassed the neighborhood seeking contributions. The suburban town we lived in was like a small village and my parents, who had been active in civic affairs, were fairly well known. I continued my annual appeal to our neighbors until I left for college. We did very well with those appeals. I was proud of the impact we were making together. While I was completing my law degree some 20 years later, our older sister noticed numbness in one of her arms and some visual disturbances. She called me in an understandable panic — we knew our family history. She was, however,

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assured at the time by her doctor to cut down on cigarettes and she’d be fine. So she went ahead with plans for a trip abroad. Two weeks later I received a call from a doctor in London to let me know that she had been diagnosed with MS. As it turned out, her MS, like my father’s and my uncle’s, was primary progressive. Here it was the 1970s and there were still no treatments for this disease; still no real understanding of the disease process, and no answers about its cause. There was, however, the Society. After years of public education campaigns, there was greater awareness of MS and programs and services for people affected by the disease in many areas of the country. Yet, there was still no cure and no effective disease-modifying therapy available to our sister. For 15 years she coped with the unpredictable symptoms of progressive MS until she too lost her battle.

“WE HAVE MADE INCREDIBLE PROGRESS SINCE THE TIME MS RAVAGED MY FAMILY.” We have made incredible progress since the time MS ravaged my family. We have learned and continue to learn more about the disease. A lot more. The research that we poured hundreds of millions of dollars into has paid off with a clear picture of the disease process. Today, there are nearly 15 disease-modifying treatments and more in the pipeline. We have a sense

11 of what might contribute to triggering the disease process, and even some clues about what might prevent it. I’m very proud of where we are today, and of how much we have achieved over our history. I became involved with the Society because I intended to do something about MS. There is still much to be done and I’m proud to be a part of such a successful organization moving closer every day to achieving our vision of a world free of MS. Eli Rubenstein is former chair of the Society’s National Board of Directors; he has been a director on the Board since 1998 — the same year he won the Norman Cohn MS Hope Award. He was inducted into the Society’s Volunteer Hall of Fame in 2007, joined the board of the MS International Federation in 2010, and was honored with the Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. n

12 RESEARCH

MS RESEARCH TAKES NOVEL APPROACH TO STOPPING MS PROGRESSION MS can involve damage to several parts of the brain and spinal cord, and that damage appears to go beyond what might be attributed to the immune attacks that occur. Another possible type of pathology that could lead to nervous system damage is called metabolic stress. Metabolic stress in cells encompasses a variety of problems including energy deficits and failure to recycle and break down unneeded proteins. There is growing evidence that metabolic stress in cells is associated with MS progression. Drs. Claudia Lucchinetti and Charles Howe have assembled a talented team at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., that aims to conduct “metabolic profiling” of people with MS in hopes of revealing novel markers of progression that can be used to inform clinical care and the development of new therapeutic strategies. This team includes both MS experts and researchers with expertise in the study of

MS CONNECTION: SUMMER 2016

metabolism. By combining the novel skills of non-MS investigators with the disease insights of the core MS research group, this team intends to forge a multidisciplinary approach to MS metabolomics and metabolic profiling with an eye toward stopping MS progression in its tracks. This research study is being funded by an $825,000 grant awarded by the National MS Society. Read more about Dr. Lucchinetti — who was recently honored with a prestigious award for her work in advancing MS research — on page 5. The National MS Society recently committed $25.3 million for an expected 60 new research projects and training awards. Visit nationalMSsociety.org/research to learn more about other research studies underway. n

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MONEY MATTERS

NEW FINDINGS ON EMPLOYMENT AND MS New studies funded by the National MS Society surveyed people with multiple sclerosis to explore whether the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has improved employment issues for people with MS. The results of these studies, published in Work (November 2015), may help provide data to influence public policy and offer practical ways to address employment concerns.

IDENTIFYING ISSUES In one study, less than 40 percent of 1,924 people with MS who responded to a questionnaire were paid employees at the time, even though 98 percent had a history of working and 82 percent were working at the time of their diagnosis. The respondents said they were not satisfied with current employment policies and practices in these areas: disclosing disability status; n discussing job accommodation needs with employers; n requesting a review of accommodation needs without fear of retaliation; n

understanding ADA employment protections; n exploring reassignment to other positions within the same company; and n understanding the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and how it relates to employee benefits. n

Researchers then sent a second questionnaire to the same group to determine relationships between quality of life and illness, and employment and psychosocial factors. Respondents indicated a higher quality of life with increased education levels, employment status and job satisfaction.

FINDING SOLUTIONS The researchers, led by Phillip Rumrill, Jr., PhD, (Kent State University) suggest that employers work with rehabilitation professionals to determine how accommodations can enable people with MS to stay in their current jobs and that support be provided when reassignment to a new position becomes necessary. The Society offers many employment-related resources, including a webinar, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Navigating Career Change: Working with MS is Possible!â&#x20AC;? at nationalMSsociety.org/telelearning. Or visit nationalMSsociety.org/employment for guides to disclosure decisions and accommodations in the workplace, a video series and toolkit on managing MS in the workplace, a video for employers on managing MS in the workplace, and more. For referrals or assistance with employment, benefits, or health insurance concerns, call an MS Navigator at 800-344-4867. n

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STAY INFORMED, STAY CONNECTED

SIGN UP FOR SOCIETY EMAIL 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 “My Profile” 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 800-344-4867.

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).

FATIGUE: TAKE CONTROL 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. Join the Albert Lea MS Group to view a video program about fatigue and why it’s so common in MS; factors that can complicate and compound MS fatigue; treatment options; and fatigue management and overall wellness strategies. There is no cost to attend this program. Albert Lea, MN n Monday, Aug. 8, 7 p.m. Grace Lutheran Church, 918 Garfield Ave., Albert Lea, MN 56007 For more information, contact Cindy at 507-461-3648 or cklewer7@gmail.com.

MS CONNECTION: SUMMER 2016

MAKING WELLNESS A PART OF EVERYDAY LIFE Health is a dynamic, ever-changing condition that affects an individual’s ability to optimally function. Wellness is a lifelong, personalized process through which people make informed choices about their own lifestyle behaviors and activities across six interrelated, interactive dimensions — physical, emotional, occupational, spiritual, social and intellectual — and it’s attainable for everyone. This program will offer you a framework for understanding wellness and suggestions for incorporating a wellness attitude into everyday life. For more information or to RSVP for this free program, contact the person listed with each location. Clinton, IA n Tuesday, July 19, 6 p.m. Mercy Medical Center, North Campus, 1410 N. Fourth St., Clinton, IA 52732 For more information, contact Tami at 563-357-4884 or tleavens@mchsi.com. Bemidji, MN n Saturday, July 16, 10 a.m. Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, 1300 Anne St. N.W., Bemidji, MN 56601 For more information, contact Ann at 218-766-1465 or mahayesbji@midco.net. Burnsville, MN n Saturday, Sept. 3, 1 p.m. and Tuesday, Sept. 6, 6:30 p.m. Fairview Ridges Education Center, 152 Cobblestone Lane, Burnsville, MN 55337 For more information, contact Sue at 952-200-9515 or elmo31757@hotmail.com; or Mike at 952-898-2857. Valley City/Jamestown, ND n Tuesday, Sept. 13, 6:30 p.m. Location TBD For more information, contact Denise at 701-789-7312 or beavereslinger@yahoo.com.

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STRESS AND MS Stress can be caused by both pleasant and unpleasant changes in our lives. Many people with MS feel there is a definite connection between stress and MS. Some believe that controlling stress will have a beneficial impact on MS. Still others believe neither stress nor controlling stress has any effect at all on MS. Stress canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be and shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be totally avoided. The challenge is to learn to reduce its intensity and use it to work for us, not against us. Join us for this informative video program about stress and MS at any of the locations below. For more information or to RSVP for this free program, please contact the person listed with each location. Burnsville, MN n Tuesday, Aug. 2, 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 6, 1 p.m. Fairview Ridges Education Center, 152 Cobblestone Lane, Burnsville, MN 55337 For more information, contact Sue at 952-200-9515 or elmo31757@hotmail.com; or Mike at 952-898-2857. Spearfish, SD n Friday, Sept. 9, 10 a.m. Spearfish Recreation Center, 122 Recreation Lane, Spearfish, SD 57783 For more information, contact Liz at 605-644-8921. Sioux Falls, SD n Monday, Sept. 12, 6 p.m. Non-Profit Center, 1000 N. West Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 For more information, contact Maureen at 605-332-7297 or maureen.patch@nmss.org. Clive, IA n Sunday, Sept. 18, 2 p.m. Walnut Ridge, 1701 Campus Drive, Clive, IA 50325 For more information, contact David at 515-556-5338 or dlmetal@mediacombb.net.

MS CONNECTION: SUMMER 2016

MS SUMMER PICNIC The National MS Society recognizes that multiple sclerosis can have a significant impact on loved ones, offering support services and programs to friends and family of people with MS. Join us for a MS summer picnic for a chance to socialize in a fun and relaxed setting. Some food will be provided, but guests are encouraged to bring a dish to share and any additional beverages they may want. RSVP is required. This program is free to attend. For more information or to RSVP, please contact the person listed with each location. Duluth, MN n Tuesday, July 5, 11:30 a.m. Bethany Baptist Church, 6700 Grand Ave., Duluth, MN 55807 For more information, contact Bev at 218-624-1212 or bevs2@juno.com. Lino Lakes, MN n Saturday, Aug. 6, noonâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;3 p.m. Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Park Reserve, Centerville Beach Pavilion, 7401 Main St., Lino Lakes, MN 55038 Guests must pay a $5 park entrance fee. For more information, contact Dawn at 651-216-4937 or dawn_marie72@hotmail.com.

MS RECHARGE & RECONNECT Maple Lake, MN n Monday, Sept. 12 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Thursday, Sept. 15 Camp Courage, Maple Lake, MN MS Recharge & Reconnect (or MS R&R; formerly known as MS Camp), is a three-night retreat held at Camp Courage in Maple Lake, Minn. It gives people living with MS an opportunity to connect with others at a beautiful, lake-side setting, and take a break from the daily challenges of living with a chronic illness. MS R&R will be held in partnership with True Friends at Camp Courage. While we require people to be independent and/or bring their own caregiver or personal care attendant (PCA), we will offer some scholarships for both people with MS and their caregivers. Limited funds for transportation will be available as well. More details about the application process and financial assistance options are available at nationalMSsociety.org/RandR. Or, call Sarah at 612-335-7985. Cost to attend MS R&R is $139 per person.

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ANYTIME, ANYWHERE PROGRAMS WEBINAR AND TELELEARNING SERIES Created by the National MS Society and Can Do MS, these webinar and telelearning programs aim to provide information and guidance on current matters essential to living one’s best life with MS. Each free program features topic-area expert(s) by phone with online presentations and a Q&A session.

UPCOMING TOPICS: Understanding and Managing Your Spasticity n July 12, 7 p.m. CST Work Out Your Worries: Anxiety and Stress in MS n Aug. 9, 7 p.m. CST Health Insurance: What Everyone Needs to Know n Sept. 13, 7 p.m. CST Visit nationalMSsociety.org/telelearning to learn more and reserve your spot, 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.

MSCONNECTION.ORG Social networking has become one of the most popular ways to connect online. However, public social networks might not be the most comfortable place to share personal information about living with a chronic health condition like multiple sclerosis. That’s why the National MS Society created MSconnection.org, a social networking website and online community allowing those living with MS, their loved ones and health care professionals to connect in a safe and secure environment. Join thousands of people who are supporting one another and exploring issues that shape our world. Sign up, create a profile and start connecting at MSconnection.org.

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MuckFest® MS Twin Cities is the FUN mud run with the best obstacles. No special training required! We’re also on a mission to end multiple sclerosis: 100% of your fundraising dollars benefit the National MS Society. Have a blast and make a difference!

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