Programs
October — November 2008 • Vol. 7 No. 6
CONNECTION
Care Partner Appreciation Dinner Together we support families.
Couple’s Getaway A fine romance.
Plus Connect Locally Exercise and much, much more
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
MOVING IS WHO WE ARE “We are committed to speaking up for care partners all year long.” November is National Family Caregivers Month — a time to thank, support, educate and empower care partners. This year’s theme is “Speak Up.” Nancy Dawn Van Beest, Family Support Coordinator
At the Minnesota Chapter, we care, and we are committed to speaking up for care partners and their needs not only in November, but all year long.
Under the direction of a care partner advisory group, the chapter is working to meet the key needs of care partners in many ways. MS activists are advocating for a caregiver tax credit at state and national levels. You can speak up for caregivers by signing the caregiver tax credit petition at www.MSsociety.org. This November, the chapter honors family care partners and health care professionals at the third annual Care Partner Appreciation Dinner. New this year, we’ll recognize a care partner who goes above and beyond with the Luminary Award. The chapter also provides grants to help pay for respite services, self-help groups specifically for care partners, on-call information and support, getaways, programs for youth in caring roles and a variety of books and DVDs in our Lending Library. Here at the Minnesota Chapter, we care about the unique challenges care partners face, and we’re here to help. Call, visit us online, or read through this issue to learn ways we can help. Learn more in this issue Take a moment this month to tell a care partner in your life how much you care.
Care Partner Relief Grant, Page 6 Care Partner Appreciation Dinner, Page 7 Couple’s Getaway, Page 9
Sponsorship of society programs or events does not connote that the National Multiple Sclerosis Society recognizes superiority in products or services provided by the sponsoring entity over other entities providing like or similar products or services.
Programs Connection Programs Connection is a free publication of the National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter 200 12th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55415-1255 1-800-582-5296 proconnect@MSsociety.org Editors Timothy Holtz Emily Wilson MS Navigators Sarah Danen Jaclyn Groneberg Jill Parkinson Heather Svenson Vice President of Programs Linda Munson Chapter President Maureen Reeder To obtain an audio tape of Programs Connection, call Timothy Holtz at the Minnesota Chapter.
Promising treatments for MS
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. National MS Society medical advisors recommend that people with MS talk with their health care professional about using one of these medications and about strategies and effective treatments to manage symptoms. If you or someone you know has MS, please contact the Society today at www.nationalMSsociety.org or 1-800-582-5296 to learn about ways to help manage multiple sclerosis and about current research that may one day reveal a cure.
Table of Contents
Programs by topic
Research
Care partners
Connect Locally Face Time with Your Local Neurologist
Care Partner Relief Grant Care Partner Appreciation Dinner Couple’s Getaway
6 7 9
Healthy living Exercise
16
Inspiration Care Partner Appreciation Dinner Connect Locally Couple’s Getaway
7 11 9
Join the Movement Programs Volunteer Leadership Task Force
5 13 6 18
What’s online?
15
Young adults Couple’s Getaway What’s online?
9 15
Alexandria
9
9
Duluth 11
Hibbing Connect Locally
Relationships Couple’s Getaway
7 18 9 15
Technology
Connect Locally
Newly diagnosed Clubs and Groups
Care Partner Appreciation Dinner Clubs and Groups Couple’s Getaway What’s online?
Couple’s Getaway
Money matters Care Partner Relief Grant
Personal connections
Programs by location
Managing MS symptoms Face Time with Your Local Neurologist
11 13
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Twin Cities – Metro programs Care Partner Appreciation Dinner
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JOIN THE MOVEMENT
MS and the artful life Donna Johnson, who lives with multiple sclerosis, started beading in 1991. Because of the disease, Donna has to make some adjustments, like using larger beads. But it would take a lot more to deter Donna from the craft that helped her endure grave, personal loss. Donna understood the effects of MS long before she was diagnosed with the disease. Her mom, a floral designer, lived with MS for years before passing away at age 81. “I hope you never get this disease,” she would tell her daughter. Donna was diagnosed at age 53, just months after her mom died. Seven months later, over a period of several weeks, Donna’s father and husband, Ray, a professional artist and cartoonist, both died unexpectedly. After Ray’s death, Donna couldn’t do bead work for months. But when her daughter Kamela brought Donna to a writing class, she discovered a love for poetry, which she says gave voice to her losses. She also took up doll making, and soon thereafter returned to beading. Ray also left behind a treasure trove of paints and brushes, which led Donna to acrylic painting.
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“Art is instant healing.” – Donna Johnson, diagnosed in 2004 Donna says art has helped her recover from her losses and transcend concerns about MS. To share the therapeutic value of art with others, Donna recently contacted the Minnesota Chapter about launching a self-help group for artists, writers or crafters with MS. “I’d love to get together with other creative people with MS and encourage one another to continue creating in the face of MS,” Donna said. “There may be things we can no longer do, but there are so many other things we can do, or new ways of doing our art — art is instant healing.”
Additional resources If you are interested in participating in an art focused self-help group, contact Jeff Fisher at jfisher@mssociety.org or 612-335-7951.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter
Programs Volunteer Leadership Task Force Join the movement. To move closer to a world free of MS, we must mobilize the talents and resources of the millions of people who want to do something about MS now. The National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter presents an exciting volunteer opportunity for people with MS to use their creativity and innovation to recruit and engage more volunteers in the MS movement. The Programs Volunteer Leadership Task Force is made up of people just like you who have a vision of a world free of MS. There are three different ways to get involved. n
Take on an exciting ongoing office position. Help connect people affected by MS to chapter programs as a volunteer programs assistant.
n
Become a programs volunteer recruiter. Engage more volunteers in the MS movement by using your expertise of chapter programs and connections to people affected by MS.
n
Launch your own unique program. Do you have special talents or a unique idea for a program for people affected by MS? Tell us your idea and you may have the opportunity to execute your own program, like Tom Holtackers.
Additional resources To learn more, contact Timothy Holtz at 612-335-7930 or tholtz@mssociety.org.
“I have lived with the physical and emotional effects of MS for almost four decades. To help heal, I began volunteering and participated in Challenge Walk MS. As I gained strength and endurance, I realized I was developing the fitness I will need to endure rehabilitation when we find a cure. I am helping the chapter introduce “MS Fitness Team.” To participate, you need to have MS; exercise 30 minutes a day, five days a week; and be an MS Society volunteer and fundraiser. I invite you to join the movement, make the team and be the change you hope to see.” – Tom Holtackers, MS Fitness Team Programs Volunteer Leadership Pilot
phone 612-335-7900 or 1-800-582-5296 (v/tdd) • fax 612-335-7997 • www.MSsociety.org
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Care Partner Relief Grant Taking care of yourself while caring for someone else. Caring for someone with a chronic illness like multiple sclerosis can be deeply satisfying. Spouses and partners, family members and friends may forge a stronger bond through shared concerns and collaborative efforts. Nevertheless, caring also can be physically and emotionally exhausting, particularly for the primary care partner. While this is most often a partner or spouse, the primary care partner may also be an adult child, parent or friend. Whoever you are, remember that paying attention to your own health and well-being is essential to your ability to care for someone else. Taking time for rest and relaxation or attending to personal or business matters are essential to self-care. Respite — temporary relief for family care partners of people with MS — is an important family preservation and support service. The Minnesota Chapter offers up to $1,500 per year to help cover the cost of either home care or a stay in a skilled facility so care partners can take a break.
Additional resources To learn more about the Care Partner Relief Grant, contact Scott Ahlgren at 612-335-7967 or sahlgren@MSsociety.org.
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National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter
Care Partner Appreciation Dinner Together we support families. Nov. 21 n Minneapolis In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, the Minnesota Chapter hosts the third annual Care Partner Appreciation Dinner to recognize, honor and empower those who love and support a person with multiple sclerosis.
Additional resources Dealing with MS in your important relationships www.MSsociety.org (click on Living with MS, then Relationships) A Guide for Caregivers A booklet with practical issues caregivers face including a resource list. Contact an MS Navigator for a free copy.
Grant Watkins
At the dinner, the chapter honors all those who support people with MS, including family caregivers, health care professionals and lawmakers who drive legislation to champion the needs of families affected by the disease. Dynamic speaker Grant Watkins, author of “CPR for Caregivers: Connect, Project and Reflect,” will inspire attendees with stories of his 20-plus years of caregiving. The chapter invites all people with MS to bring their care partners to this empowering and inspirational dinner.
phone 612-335-7900 or 1-800-582-5296 (v/tdd) • fax 612-335-7997 • www.MSsociety.org
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Care Partner Appreciation Dinner
Friday, Nov. 21
5–7 p.m. Exhibit hall and reception Entertainment: Kerry and David Smith 7–9 p.m. Dinner and program
Space is limited. Registration form must be received by Nov. 7. Please print ID# (from mailing panel) ________ Name________________________ Address_____________________ City_________________________ State________ ZIP_____________ Home phone _____-_____-_____ Work phone _____-_____-______ E-mail_______________________ Complete names of others attending: _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ Special accommodations: If you need any special accommodations such as an ASL interpreter or a vegetarian meal, please call 612-335-7970 to make arrangements. Requests must be received by the registration deadline date.
7–9 p.m.
Location Hyatt Regency Minneapolis 1300 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, MN 55403 612-370-1234 www.mineapolis.hyatt.com Parking at the Hyatt Ramp is $9.
Program fee There is no fee for this program.
Register Online or by phone Visit www.MSsociety.org or call 612-335-7970. By mail Mail registration form to the National MS Society. National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter 200 12th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415
Questions For more information, contact Timothy Holtz at 612-335-7930 or tholtz@MSsociety.org.
Made possible with a restricted educational grant from
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Couple’s Getaway A fine romance. Feb. 13–15 n Alexandria Couples affected by multiple sclerosis are invited to enjoy a Valentine’s weekend getaway in a setting of natural splendor at the Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center in Alexandria, Minn. The getaway is for people with MS and their spouse, partner or significant care partner, and provides an opportunity to socialize with other couples affected by MS, learn new information and build supportive relationships. This year’s getaway theme is “A fine romance.” Cheryl and Len Chatman
Additional resources Relationship Matters A program for couples living with MS that features facilitated online chats, topic-based teleconferences and audio files. Contact couplesprogram@nmss.org for more information.
The weekend features a couple’s workshop facilitated by Cheryl and Len Chatman. The Chatmans, who have been married 24 years, have a personal connection to MS. After experiencing vision problems, Cheryl was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS in 1990. Her husband, Len, a marriage enrichment specialist, minister and retired naval administrator, immediately took on an active role in helping Cheryl manage her MS. Cheryl and Len are authors of “The Art of Living with MS; Six Secrets for Managing MS as a Team.” Len also developed a passion for teaching other care partners ways to approach MS with a positive spirit and enrich their relationships. He will lead a special session specifically for care partners. Couples will have leisure time for relaxation and optional activities during the weekend.
phone 612-335-7900 or 1-800-582-5296 (v/tdd) • fax 612-335-7997 • www.MSsociety.org
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Couple’s Getaway
Feb. 13-15
Space is limited. Interest form must be received by Jan 16.
Friday, Feb. 13
Please print ID# (from mailing panel) ________ Name________________________ Name of spouse/partner _____________________________ Address_____________________ City_________________________ State________ ZIP_____________ Home phone _____-_____-_____ Work phone _____-_____-______ E-mail_______________________ Do not send payment with this form.
Alexandria
Enjoy dinner, meet new friends and get comic relief with the “Newlywed Game.”
Saturday, Feb. 14 Explore the secrets of managing MS as a team, enjoy the Valentine’s dinner, dance or try your luck at Bingo with Stacie.
Sunday, Feb. 15 Learn the art of living with MS.
Location Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center 2100 Arrowwood Lane N.W. Alexandria, MN 56308 320-762-1124 www.arrowwoodresort.com
Program fee $250 per couple. Fee adjustments available upon request.
Register If you are interested in participating, complete the interest form. Do not mail a check with this form. After registering, you will receive a detailed packet of program information and a billing invoice. Online or by phone Visit www.MSsociety.org or call 612-335-7970. By mail Mail interest form to the National MS Society. National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter 200 12th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415
Questions For more information, contact Timothy Holtz at 612-335-7930 or tholtz@MSsociety.org. Made possible with a restricted educational grant from
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INTEREST FORM
Connect Locally Connect with people in your community and learn about MS-related research, symptom management and ways to cope with MS. Duluth Research update: remyelination Tuesday, Oct. 7, 11:30 a.m. Bethany Baptist Church, 6700 Grand Ave. Duluth, MN 55807 Multiple sclerosis occurs when the immune system attacks the myelin coating that insulates nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. The process by which damaged myelin is repaired is called remyelination. By understanding how remyelination occurs, researchers hope to design therapies to enhance the process, reverse damage from MS and protect the central nervous system from further damage. Dr. Dale Edberg, diagnosed with MS in 1995, will speak at the program. He is currently a research fellow, focusing on remyelination, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and a member of the National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter Board of Trustees. For more information and to R.S.V.P., contact Bev at 218-624-1212 or bec2@juno.com. Bring a bag lunch. Coffee is provided.
phone 612-335-7900 or 1-800-582-5296 (v/tdd) • fax 612-335-7997 • www.MSsociety.org
Dr. Dale Edberg
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Connect Locally Hibbing Moving Forward Film Festival viewing Thursday, Oct. 30, 1 p.m. Open Door Church, 12025 Corey Tracts Road Hibbing, MN 55746
In 2007 the National MS Society launched an MS Film Festival to give people affected by multiple sclerosis a platform to tell their story and show the world how they move forward. Five finalists were selected by a film committee made up of people with MS who work in the entertainment industry and paired with a production company to help bring their stories to life. Sharpen your movie critic’s tongue and join the Hibbing self-help group for a screening of films by the five finalists. Popcorn is provided. For more information and to R.S.V.P., contact Corry or Renee at 218-262-1364 or rfred284@gmail.com.
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Can’t make this program? The winning films from the MS Film Festival will be played on the big screen at the MS Annual Convention Saturday, Nov. 22, in Minneapolis. Learn more at www.MSsociety.org.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter
Face Time with Your Local Neurologist Get answers straight from the source. Neurologists from local MS clinics host these informal, question-and-answer style sessions about living with MS and research. MS Treatment and Research Center at the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology Join Dr. Gary Birnbaum and Jane Iverson, MS-certified nurse Monthly at 6 p.m. Perpich Center for Arts Education, Glass Box Conference Room 6105 Hwy. 55, Golden Valley, MN 55422, 763-591-4700 Topics:
Nov. 12
2008 ECTRIMS Research Update — A worldwide meeting on MS
Please R.S.V.P. at 763-302-8282, ext. 4823. Dr. Gary Birnbaum
St. Mary’s Duluth Clinic MS Center Join Dr. Gary Beaver and Missy Rosin, MS-certified nurse Every other Wednesday at 6 p.m. Radisson Hotel Duluth Harborview 505 W. Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802, 218-727-8981 Topics:
Dr. Gary Beaver
Oct. 22
Intimacy and sexual issues
Nov. 5
Service dogs
Nov. 19
Benefits of the MS Society
Dec. 3
Beginning an exercise program
For more information, contact St. Mary’s Duluth Clinic MS Center at 218-786-8270.
phone 612-335-7900 or 1-800-582-5296 (v/tdd) • fax 612-335-7997 • www.MSsociety.org
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Face Time with Your Local Neurologist The Schapiro Center for MS at the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology Join Dr. Randy Schapiro and Dr. Jonathan Calkwood Every Wednesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Regency Hospital, 4101 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55422, 763-588-2750 Topics:
Oct. 22 Depression and MS
Oct. 29 Complimentary and alternative medicines
Nov. 5
Cognition and emotional issues in MS
Dr. Randy Schapiro
Nov. 12 Vision problems and MS
Nov. 19 Managing pain with MS
Dec. 3
Dec. 10 Managing the bladder and bowel
How to talk to your doctor
For more information, contact the Schapiro Center for MS at 763-302-4199. Dr. Jonathan Calkwood
University of Minnesota MS Center Join Dr. Gareth Parry and Denice Wax, MS-certified nurse Monthly at 6 p.m. Kingsley Commons, 4550 Humboldt Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55412 Topics:
Nov. 10 Bowel and bladder
For more information, contact the University of Minnesota MS Center at 612-626-2675. Dr. Gareth Parry
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National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter
What’s online? Live webcasts for young adults with MS.
The National MS Society, in partnership with MS LifeLines®, will hold its third annual Real Talk. Real Answers. Living with MS in Your 20s and 30s series. The series, which includes a live webcast Tuesday, Nov. 18, is designed to give young adults living with multiple sclerosis a chance to take part in candid conversation about “real” topics that matter such as communicating with family and friends about MS, finding meaningful ways to get involved in support networks, learning to be your own best advocate, personal planning and more. The webcast includes an expert presenter, moderator and a group of young adults with MS for an interactive panel discussion including a question and answer session that allows
Upcoming webcast
“virtual” participants to submit questions in real-time. You can participate live from wherever you are — virtually. Access the webcast at www.RealTalkRealAnswers.com. Visit the site today to register and check out other resources about living with MS in your 20s and 30s, including tips from opinion leaders, journal entries from your peers who are living with MS and much more. If you are unable to participate in the live webcast, information will be posted after the event at www.RealTalkRealAnswers.com. Real Talk. Real Answers. Living with MS in Your 20s and 30s is brought to you by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and MS LifeLines®, a free resource sponsored by EMD Serono and Pfizer.
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m.: Building and Maintaining Connections with Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor from the UCLA MS Achievement Center
Additional resources To register or learn more, visit www.RealTalkRealAnswers.com.
phone 612-335-7900 or 1-800-582-5296 (v/tdd) • fax 612-335-7997 • www.MSsociety.org
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Exercise Studies show exercise not only improves your overall health and well-being, but can also help to manage many MS symptoms. Read about people with MS who are moving forward through exercise and find an exercise program in your community. Featured group
Shoreview STEP Physical Therapy Exercise
What is your exercise group doing to move forward with MS? If you want to be the next featured group, e-mail your stories and photos to Emily at ewilson@MSsociety.org.
“As a registered nurse, I understand the importance of movement to prevent loss of function and other issues in MS. It’s so important that people learn about exercise and take advantage of the life-changing benefits that can result.” – Christine Grui, group participant
WATER EXERCISE Albert Lea
Andover
Detroit Lakes
Family YMCA Bill Villarreal, 507-373-8228 T/R, 1-2 p.m.
YMCA Delores Smith, 763-230-6546 R, 11 a.m.-noon
Alexandria
Burnsville
Detroit Lakes Community & Cultural Center Kim Bettcher, 218-844-4221 Call for details.
Lakes Area Recreation held at Arrowwood Resort Pool Kelly Wencl, 320-762-2868 M/W 4:30-5:30 p.m. T/R 9-10 a.m.
Minnesota Valley, YMCA Nanette Denk, 952-435-9022 T/R, 9-9:45 a.m.
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Duluth
Duluth Clinic, Fitness & Therapy Center Kelly Fugere, 218-786-5400 Coon Rapids Low impact M/W, 10-11 a.m., Emma B. Howe Northtown YMCA Water exercise F, 10-11 a.m. Joel Giedlinski, 763-717-1859 T/R, 11 a.m.-noon National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter
Eagan
St. Cloud
Minneapolis
Southwest Area YMCA Trenne Fields, 651-456-9622 T, 9-10 a.m.
Family YMCA Will Hurst, 320-253-2664 M/W/F, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Kingsley Commons Jeanine Farrell, 612-925-8478 F, 2:30
Eden Prairie
St. Paul
Uptown YWCA
Community Center Beth Witt, 952-949-8447 M/W, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Humboldt Senior High School Pam Weiss, 651-632-6020 M/R, 5:30-6:20 p.m. S, 8:30-9:20 a.m.
Lisa First 612-822-3504 F, Noon
Golden Valley Courage Center Kaari Hilgert, 763-520-0385 T/R, 1-2 p.m.
Grand Rapids Itasca County Family YMCA Sue Beer, 218-327-1161 T, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Inver Grove Heights The Grove Amy Crary, 651-554-3420 M/W, 10:10-11 a.m.
Mankato Mankato Family YMCA Joy Leafblad, 507-345-9813 W, 5-6 p.m.
Mankato East High School
Staples Staples Community Center Kevin Grondahl, 218-894-2553 W/F, 11 a.m.-noon
Stillwater Courage St. Croix Joanie Kiminski, 651-439-8283 T/R, 10-11 a.m.
Virginia Mesabi Family YMCA Becky Zubich, 218-749-8020 T/R, 1-2 p.m.
Waconia Safari Island Sara Johnson, 952-442-0695 M-F, 8:30 a.m.
Pam Schreiner 507-388-7652 M, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
YOGA
New Hope
Dionne’s OM Yoga Studio Dionne Daly, 218-766-9262 S, 10-11:30 a.m.
Northwest YMCA Laura Kueny, 763-592-5515 T/R, 11 a.m.-noon
Perham Community Center Marie Hanson, 218-346-7222 T/R, 8:30-9:30 a.m., W, 11-11: 45 a.m.
New Hope Northwest YMCA Amy Bakken, 763-592-5570 W, 11:25 a.m.-12:25 p.m.
Roseville Fairview Community Center Donna Anderson 651-604-3770 R, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Stillwater Courage St. Croix Joanie Kiminski, 651-439-8283 W, 10:00, Thursday 6:30-7:30
GROUP EXERCISE Shoreview Harbor Suites Megan Frost, 651-766-0080 M/W, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Bemidji M= Monday R = Thursday T = Tuesday F = Friday W= Wednesday S = Saturday
Eden Prairie Eden Prairie Community Center Beth Witt, 952-949-8447 Fridays, 10:30-11:15
phone 612-335-7900 or 1-800-582-5296 (v/tdd) • fax 612-335-7997 • www.MSsociety.org
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Featured group
Maple Grove Book Club
Clubs and Groups Join an MS club or group to connect with other people affected by MS, enjoy lively discussions, learn valuable information and ways to cope
“Book clubs are clusters of people who love to read, expand their worlds and share thoughts and feelings. They come together to talk about the month’s selection, but on another plane, to share in each
with challenges, have fun and be inspired. Read about groups and clubs that are moving forward together and find a club or group in your community that’s right for you.
others’ lives. This is one of the most remarkable, supportive groups I’ve attended.” — Nancy Leigh Harless, author of “Womankind: Connection & Wisdom Around the World” (pictured front row, center)
BOOK CLUBS
Eden Prairie
Maplewood
Apple Valley
Last Monday of the month 10 a.m. Barnes & Noble
Fourth Tuesday of the month 6:30 p.m. Call Donna for Location, 651-763-4084
First Friday of the month 10 a.m. Barnes & Noble
Duluth Fourth Tuesday of the month 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble 18
Maple Grove Fourth Tuesday of the month 10 a.m. Barnes & Noble
Minneapolis Third Tuesday of the month 7 p.m. Kingsley Commons
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter
Rochester
St. Louis Park Care Partners
For newly diagnosed
Fourth Tuesday of the month 7 p.m. Barnes & Noble Apache Mall
Third Tuesday of the month 6:30 p.m. St. Louis Park City Hall
New Hope Newly Diagnosed
Roseville
St. Paul Care Partners at MSAC
First Tuesday of the month 10 a.m. Barnes & Noble Har Mar
SELF-HELP GROUPS New group South Metro for Newly Diagnosed Last Wednesday of the month 6:30 p.m. Jo Jo’s Rise & Wine
For care partners Bemidji Care Partners Third Saturday of the month 10 a.m. North Country Regional Hospital
Elk River Care Partners First Wednesday of the month, 6:30 p.m., Senior Center
Men’s Care Partner Breakfast Third Saturday of the month 10 a.m. Different restaurant each month Contact Dan for location at 651-779-9435 or dbr@danielrude.com
Perham Care Partners Last Tuesday of the month 1 p.m. Calvary Lutheran Church
Second Tuesday of every other month 7 p.m. MS Achievement Center
For couples Stillwater Couples Second Saturday of the month Noon Courage Center St. Croix
For GLBT St. Paul GLBT: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Living with Chronic Illnesses and Disability First Tuesday of the month 6 p.m. Metropolitan Center for Independent Living
For men Metro Area It’s Just Breakfast (with the guys) Various Saturdays of the month 10 a.m. Different restaurant each month Contact Rick for location at 763-208-8741 or rleaf@msnet.org
Third Saturday of the month 10 a.m. Caribou Coffee
For people of color Metro Area MS Group for People of Color Second Saturday of the month 10 a.m. Wayman AME Church in Minneapolis
For people mildly affected by MS Southwest Metro MS group for mildly affected Third Saturday of the month 10 a.m. United Methodist Church in Eden Prairie
For professionals Let’s Lunch: professionals living with MS Third Saturday of the month 11 a.m. Chatterbox Pub in St. Paul
For singles St. Paul Maximize Being Single Second Saturday of the month 10 a.m. Fairview MS Achievement Center
phone 612-335-7900 or 1-800-582-5296 (v/tdd) • fax 612-335-7997 • www.MSsociety.org
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For women
Belview
Cambridge
Maplewood Peer Emotional Support Women’s Group
Third Thursday of the month 7:30 p.m. Parkview Home No meetings Nov. - Feb.
Third Thursday of the month 7 p.m. Cambridge Medical Center
Bemidji
Second Thursday every other Month, April through December 4 p.m. Sanford Canby Medical Center
Third Thursday of the month 6:30 p.m. Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church
Canby
General self-help groups
Third Saturday of the month 10 a.m. North Country Regional Hospital
Aitkin
Benson
First Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m., and third Monday of the month, 1 p.m. Access North
Fourth Tuesday of the month 7 p.m. Westwood Manor Apartments No meetings Dec.–Feb.
Chaska
Albert Lea
Bloomington
Second Monday of the month 7 p.m. Grace Lutheran Church
First Wednesday of the month 7 p.m. Nativity of Mary Church No meetings July - Aug.
Coon Rapids North Suburban
Alexandria Second Monday of the month 5 p.m. St. Mary’s Office Building
Apple Valley First Thursday of the month 9:30 a.m. Christ Church
Arrowhead region Second Friday of the month 1 p.m. Babbitt Municipal Building
Austin First Monday of the month 6:30 p.m. Grace Lutheran Church
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Blue Earth Fourth Monday of the month 7:30 p.m. Senior Citizen’s Center
Brainerd MS Breakfast at the Mill
Third Tuesday of the month 12:30 p.m. Chaska Library
Second Wednesday of the month 7 p.m. Coon Rapids City Center
Detroit Lakes Second Monday of the month 6 p.m. Lincoln Park Assisted Living
Duluth
Third Monday of the month 9:30 a.m. Sawmill Inn
First Tuesday of the month 11:30 a.m. (bring a bag lunch) Bethany Baptist Church
Burnsville/Apple Valley
Eden Prairie
First Tuesday of the month 6:30 p.m. Fairview Education Center in Burnsville
Third Tuesday of the month 7 p.m. Wooddale Church
Fergus Falls Second Wednesday of the month 11:30 a.m. United Church of Christ
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter
Forest Lake Area
Lake Elmo
New Ulm
Second Thursday of the month 6:30 p.m. The Meadows for Assisted Living
Third Wednesday of the month 11:30 a.m. Christ Lutheran Church
Third Tuesday of the month 7 p.m. Oak Hills Living Center
Gaylord
Litchfield
Oakdale
First Sunday of the month 7 p.m. Lakeview Home
Fourth Tuesday of the month 7 p.m. Meeker County Memorial Hospital
First Saturday of the month 10:30 a.m. Oakdale Library
Gibbon
Luverne
Third Saturday of the month 9:30 a.m. Gibbon Community Center
Third Thursday of the month 7:30 p.m. Rock County Family Services
Last Tuesday of the month 1 p.m. Calvary Lutheran Church
Golden Valley
Mankato
Second Monday of the month 7 p.m. Golden Valley Lutheran Church
Second Thursday of the month 7 p.m. ISJ Physical Medicine, Madison East Center
Grand Rapids Second Thursday of the month 12:30 p.m. Grand Rapids Public Library
Hibbing Last Thursday of the month 1 p.m. Open Door Church
Hutchinson Second Monday of the month 6:45 p.m. Christ the King Lutheran Church
Inver Grove Heights /West St. Paul First Monday of the month 7:30 p.m. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Maple Grove Second Saturday of the month 10 a.m. St. Joseph the Worker Church
Maple Lake/Annandale Third Monday of the month Noon Maple Manor East in Maple Lake
Minneapolis Last Saturday of the month 10 a.m. Kingsley Commons
Mora Second Monday of the month 7p.m. Kenebec Hospital
Perham
Little Falls/Pierz First Wednesday of the month 1 p.m. Bethel Lutheran Church
Princeton Third Saturday of the month 10 a.m. Fairview Northland Regional Hospital
Rochester Second Wednesday of the month 7 p.m. Meadow Lake Senior Living
Roseville Second Wednesday of the month 6:45 p.m. Roseville City Hall
St. Anthony/New Brighton Fourth Tuesday of the month 6 p.m. Christ the King Lutheran Church in New Brighton
phone 612-335-7900 or 1-800-582-5296 (v/tdd) • fax 612-335-7997 • www.MSsociety.org
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Staples
Stillwater
Second Wednesday of the month 3:30 p.m. Lakewood Care Center No meetings June–August
Third Wednesday of the month 6 p.m.
St. Cloud Second Wednesday of the month 7 p.m. St. Cloud Public Library
St. Cloud-Granite City First Tuesday of the month 4 p.m. Whitney Center
St. Croix Falls Third Saturday of the month 2 p.m. Good Samaritan Nursing Home
St. Paul Care to Share Second Wednesday of the month 7 p.m. Macalester Plymouth Church Contact Mary Lynn at 651-644-1429 to verify location
Superior Second Tuesday of the month 6 to 8 p.m. Superior Public Library
Waseca Third Tuesday of the month 7 p.m. Waseca Medical Center
Wayzata-Suburban West Hennepin
Windom/Cottonwood County Third Tuesday of the month 7 p.m. ALC Lutheran Church
Woodbury A.M. Second Thursday of the month 9:30 a.m. King of Kings Lutheran Church
Woodbury P.M. Fourth Tuesday of the month 7 p.m. St. Ambrose of Woodbury
First Thursday of the month 1 p.m. Wayzata Community Church
Willmar First Tuesday of the month 7 p.m. Bethesda Pleasant View Nursing Home
Additional resources
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Book clubs
Self-help groups
For more information about book clubs, visit www.MSsociety.org. Click on Client Programs, Clubs and Groups and then Book Clubs. If you would like to start a book club in your area, contact Jeannie Zank at 612-335-7939 or jzank@MSsociety.org.
For more information about self-help groups, visit www.MSsociety.org. Click on Client Programs, Clubs and Groups and then Self-help Groups. If you would like more information about a group or would like to start one in your area, contact Jeff Fisher at 612-335-7951 or jfisher@MSsociety.org.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Use this all-in-one directory to find the programs, services and resources that are right for you. Advocacy Joel, 612-335-7933
Emergency assistance Scott, 612-335-7967
Camps and getaways Getaways for couples, families, men and women Timothy, 612-335-7930
Equipment programs Equipment Loan Equipment Exchange Scott, 612-335-7967
MS Camp Jeannie, 612-335-7939 Youth Camp Nancy Dawn, 612-335-7936 Chore services Kari, 612-335-7968 Clubs and groups Book clubs Jeannie, 612-335-7939 Self-help groups Jeff, 612-335-7951 Education programs Timothy, 612-335-7930
Exercise programs Jeannie, 612-335-7939 Family, youth and care partner programs Nancy Dawn, 612-335-7936 Giving to the MS Society Shannon, 612-335-7928 Rachel Hughes, 612-335-7965 Housing Steve, 612-335-7974 Independent Living Grants Grants are available for care partner relief, aids for daily living, adaptive equipment and home modification. Scott, 612-335-7967
Information and Referral Center MS Navigators can answer questions about living with MS and connect you to resources. Heather, Jaclyn, Jill and Sarah, 612-335-7900 Inservices for companies and organizations Steve, 612-335-7974 Lending Library Heather, 612-335-7947 Jill, 612-335-7938 Mentor Program Jill, 612-335-7938 Professional education Megan, 612-335-7955 Volunteer opportunities Timothy (Programs), 612-335-7930 Will (Events), 612-335-7992 Walk MS, Bike MS and motorsport events Cortney, 612-335-7971
Calling from Greater Minnesota? Call 1-800-582-5296. phone 612-335-7900 or 1-800-582-5296 (v/tdd) • fax 612-335-7997 • www.MSsociety.org
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How are you? It’s hard to find time in a busy day. When someone you care for has MS, it can be even harder.
How are you?
We care and we want to hear from you. We can help whenever you face a challenge. We can help: n
give you a break
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support you
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find answers
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connect you with others
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find emergency resources
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listen
WE CARE ABOUT A CURE … THIS IS WHY WE GIVE.
Give us a call. We’re listening. Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 612-335-7900 or 800-582-5296
Can’t talk during business hours?
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Call for an after-hours appointment.
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Or visit www.MSsociety.org to learn about the countless resources available to you.
We care. www.MSsociety.org 800-582-5296
Because we care… Our daughter has MS. Of course we care about a cure! That’s why we included a bequest to the National MS Society in our wills. It’s easy to provide for causes you care about and the society can help you learn how. Join the movement in a powerful way. Contact Shannon at 612-335-7928 or swolkerstorfer@MSsociety.org.