Winter 2013/2014 by Marni Deckter

WINTER 2013/2014

Southern California & Nevada Chapter

MS Connection Newsletter

get connected connect with the information you need, Story page 6 walk MS, story page 9

INSIDE 04 THIS ISSUE

research

Volunteers

special events

programs connection

MS connection: WINTER 2013/2014

letter from the president

making connections “three years ago I was diagnosed with MS. My struggles have varied from day to day and treatments have started to help my progress. because of that I have hope. As things get harder, I am doing even more by raising awareness and by joining in events such as walk ms in order to raise money to help find a cure for not only myself but for anyone and everyone who is also suffering from MS.” ” —JOE

Connect with us online: www.nationalmssociety.org/CAL Like us: facebook.com/MSsoutherncal Follow us: twitter.com/MSsoutherncal Watch us: youtube.com/MSSoCalChapter

MS Awareness Week is coming up on March 3 - 9, 2014 and it’s a time for people affected by MS to connect with others, share knowledge and take action to increase awareness about the disease. But I’d like to challenge all of us to build connections and raise awareness throughout the entire year. It’s easy. Recruit someone new to Walk MS, Bike MS, Challenge Walk MS or our newest event MuckFest MS. Invite 10 friends to like our Chapter facebook page or retweet posts from our Chapter twitter feed (@MSsoutherncal). Send an email to your legislator to advocate for issues important to our community. Talk about why you’re involved in the movement to end MS informally at the dinner table or in line at the grocery store; or contact your local school, community organization or service club to ask if they’ll allow you time for a more formal presentation. Visit MSconnection.org to connect with others who are living with MS or care about MS. Join the discussions, find informative blog posts, share experiences and get support from volunteer-led groups, one-on-one peer connections and MS Navigators. Together, our voices and our connections become more powerful than the connections that MS destroys. The opportunities and possibilities are limitless. Get creative and find ways that are meaningful to you to get connected this year. n

nationalmssociety.org/cal | 1-800-344-4867

advocacy

activist achievements Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), as well as continued investment in the National Institutes of Health. • In 45 states, advocated for issues on the Society’s Unified State Policy Agenda: Medicaid Expansion, Access to Medications, and MS Awareness and Education. Thanks to the commitment and action of our MS Activist Network, in 2013, MS activists: • Held more than 275 meetings with Congressional offices to raise awareness about MS and our community’s needs. • Sent more than 21,000 emails to Congress urging them to support important issues like medical research funding and family caregivers. • Helped get a $1.2 million increase for MS research funded through the Congressionally

National Multiple Sclerosis Society Southern California & Nevada Chapter WE MOVED! 5150 W. Goldleaf Circle., Ste. 400 Los Angeles, CA 90056 1-800-344-4867 Chair: Kim Phillips Chapter President: Susan Bradley Editor: Marni Deckter © 2013 National MS Society, Southern California & Nevada Chapter; Published Quarterly—Winter 2013/2014

• Advocated for the U.S. Senate to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities through social media, online petitions, calls, meetings and nearly 5,000 emails.

take action

Join the MS Activist Network at www.nationalMSsociety.org/ActivistToolkit to sign up to receive news and updates on health policies, help find solutions to MS issues, and take action on legislation that matters. n Information provided by the 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 National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends that 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.

MS connection: WINTER 2013/2014

research

major advancements

if confirmed, it may ultimately be used to identify people who are likely to progress to full-blown MS after an initial attack.

Significant research progress occurred over the course of 2013, offering new leads that are driving efforts to stop MS in its tracks, restore function, and end MS forever. We now have a better idea of what’s causing MS damage and progression, understand more than ever the benefits of early and continuous treatment, and know more about what factors influence the body’s brain repair mechanisms.

STOPPING THE DISEASE

Here are just a few of the many highlights from the last year:

StopPING MS • The oral therapy Tecfidera was approved for relapsing MS by FDA. STOPPING THE DISEASE

RESTORING WHAT’S BEEN LOST

ENDING MS FOREVER

• The Society joined with NIH to launch a therapy trial of the re-purposed therapy ibudilast in primary-progressive and secondary-progressive MS. • The global Progressive MS Alliance held its first scientific meeting to identify challenges and opportunities, and released its first request for research applications to address gaps in knowledge and research tools. • Researchers found a possible “biomarker” or indicator that may help predict MS disease progression. It is called Tob1, a molecule associated with immune cells, and

• A large meeting of the National MS Societylaunched MS Outcome Assessments Consortium and the FDA cleared a pathway for a new tool for improving and speeding clinical trials in MS.

RESTORING WHAT’S BEEN LOST • The first Phase 2 trial was launched of “antiLINGO” investigational therapy aimed at stimulating myelin repair in people with MS.

RESTORING WHAT’S BEEN LOST

ENDING MS FOREVER

• Society-supported researchers used noninvasive imaging called PET (positron emission tomography) to visualize the loss and repair of myelin in rats over time, which can be used to identify compounds with future potential to treat MS. • A small study suggested that aerobic exercise has potential for broad benefits for people with MS including improving memory and building brain circuitry. The Society also initiated funding for a clinical trial to determine whether aerobic exercise can improve cognitive impairment in people with MS. • The Society partnered with the University of Miami and Accera, Inc. to test novel “Medical Food” for MS cognitive impairment.

AT’S BEEN LOST

nationalmssociety.org/cal | 1-800-344-4867

Ending MS forever ENDING MS FOREVER

• A global consortium identified 48 new MS risk genes, with funding from the Society and others, which better define the biological pathways leading to MS and may ultimately lead to ways to prevent the disease and enhance the design of better treatments. • A study suggested that the MS incidence is higher in African-American women than previously thought, and researchers pinpointed genetic differences between African-Americans and Northern Europeans who have MS. • New studies reported that eating fatty fish has the potential to reduce the risk of developing MS, and that smoking increases the risk of developing MS, as does obesity in girls.

05 Progressive MS Pursuits In September, the Society committed $7 million to support 15 new research projects focusing on innovative approaches to myelin repair. These new investments, in both commercial therapeutics and academic research, expand the Society’s comprehensive portfolio to 88 current research projects focusing on repairing the nervous system in people with MS, with multiyear commitments totaling $37.8 million.

• The Society recruited experts to launch the MS Prevalence Work Group, and engaged a consulting group, to begin work that will provide an updated estimate of MS prevalence in the United States. This has been a year of significant research progress, bringing us closer to solutions for everyone with MS. Looking ahead, the Society is committed to fueling research by increasing its annual investment to $50 million in 2014 — because understanding and ending MS can’t come fast enough. n Read more about these highlights and more at www.nationalMSsociety.org/news, and sign up at www.nationalMSsociety.org/signup to receive our monthly MS eNEWS.

Also, this fall, the Society hosted a briefing on Capitol Hill on “Severe, But Untreatable: Why More Medical Research is Needed for Progressive MS.” Congressional MS Caucus Co-chairs Representatives Michael Burgess, MD (TX-26) and Chris Van Hollen (MD-8) expressed their commitment to continuing to fund medical research to better understand and treat MS. Over 40 bipartisan House and Senate offices attended the briefing, as well as numerous partner organizations. n

MS connection: WINTER 2013/2014

living with MS

connect with the information you need Ruth Sosa has been living with MS since she was 13 years old. Though the disease has progressed, Ruth continues to keep charging ahead, thanks to the support of her loving family. She, and her husband Julio, also credit the Society for helping them to live well with this disease. Many years ago, the Sosas reached out to the National MS Society for information about resources and programs that were available for their family. An MS Navigator connected Ruth to doctors and other health care professionals knowledgeable about MS, and to Chaptersponsored programs that provided answers to her questions about symptoms and treatments. Throughout the years, Ruth and her family continue to work with MS Navigators, who have connected them to other families living with MS in their community and to a Spanish-speaking support group Ruth can attend monthly. Ruth and Julio call an MS Navigator each time they need up-to-date information about treatments, research, support and available resources. They said, “With the National MS Society on our side, we feel that someone is with us along this long journey.”

julio & Ruth

Finding answers and making decisions relies on having the right information at the right time. We have it right at your fingertips. • Ask an MS Navigator for help to navigate the challenges of MS. Find personalized answers to your unique needs, up-todate information, referrals and practical resources. • Visit MS Learn Online—educational webcasts available anytime. • Attend a local educational event or workshop to learn about wellness, symptom management, research and more. • Join discussions, share experience and learn from others at MSConnection.org. Stay informed and get connected! Visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/CALservices or call 1.800.FIGHT.MS (1.800.344.4867). n

nationalmssociety.org/cal | 1-800-344-4867

volunteers

OUR NEW CHAIR

hall of fame

Congratulations to Kim Phillips, who on December 12, 2013, became our Chapter’s first Chair of the Board of Trustees who is living with MS since its founding in 1947. Since her Kim phillips diagnosis in 1986, Kim has been an active member, volunteer and fundraiser of the New York City, Greater Washington, Channel Islands and Southern California & Nevada Chapters of the National MS Society. She has served on the Board of Trustees for the Channel Islands and Southern California Chapters for the last twelve years, and she has served on the Society’s National Board of Directors since 2008.

Congratulations to Dick Bell on his induction into the Society’s prestigious Volunteer Hall of Fame. Richard (Dick) A. Bell, CLU, ChFC, CFP, owner of Bell Financial, has provided insurance and financial services to countless businesses and individuals for more than four decades. In 2006, he spearheaded the Financial Education Partners™ pro-bono project, with a particular emphasis in helping people with MS. FEP brings hope to people facing financial crisis as a result of job loss, disability, or lack of education and experience in financial matters. In the last 13 years, Dick has aided hundreds of families affected by MS with pro-bono guidance and through chapter and Societywide programs on various topics, including insurance matters, benefits concerns and lifestyle financial options planning. n

Challenges with gait and balance forced Kim into early retirement. However, MS has not slowed Kim down. She volunteers with several Santa Barbara community organizations, though MS is the cause nearest and dearest to her heart. Kim participates annually in Walk MS and Bike MS, is a member of Golden Circle, and a passionate advocate for MS research. If you ask Kim what she does now for a living, she responds, “I raise money for the National MS Society.” n

Susan Bradley, Dick & Bonnie Bell

MS connection: WINTER 2013/2014

cHALLENGE WALK MS

TAKING THE CHALLENGE ON! MEET AN ELITE FEET Kathy Kirk, #4 Top Fundraiser and Ramona Roadrunners Team Captain (pictured 3rd from left on the left and below) shared why she walks:

Over 200 Walkers enjoyed Challenge Walk MS this past September raising over $750,000 for MS! This 3-day, 50-mile journey from Carlsbad to downtown San Diego is a truly life-changing experience. You can join us for this inspiring event in 2014 on September 5 – 7. Learn more at myMSchallenge.com. Congratulations to our Elite Feet Top Fundraisers, each raising $10,000 or more! 1. Allen Anne - $43,325 2. Jeanne Woodard - $14,700 3. Brian Grey - $12,288 4. Kathy Kirk - $10,490 Congratulations to our top teams! Mission Possible Team ($75,000+) Hurt SO Good!! - $83,840 Gold Award Team ($50,000-$74,999) NorCal StreetWalkers w/ Good Carma - $66,015 Silver Award Teams ($25,000-$49,999) Aye, Aye Captain - $48,738 Team Momentum - $46,272 RAMONA ROADRUNNERS - $26,375

I registered for Challenge Walk MS because I have MS and I want to do something for myself and my dear friend David, who has been living with MS for years. David is 42 years old, uses a wheelchair, and cannot walk. I CAN walk and as long as I can walk, I will. Raising MS awareness through walking and talking, has been rewarding, since you meet people who share their experiences, their triumphs and their stories, it is inspirational. I think one of the best outcomes is getting to know my team so well after weeks of walking, talking, sharing, sweating, and blistering. But I do have to say how supportive everyone was who donated. I would not have achieved Elite Feet without them. They were the elite; I was the feet! Thank you to our 2013 sponsors!

BRAND DEVELOPMENT ADVERTISING

® ®

nationalmssociety.org/cal | 1-800-344-4867

walk MS

giving back Nancy Grainger, team captain of “Big Strides for Nancy,” has been participating in Walk MS since 2001. She feels it’s important to give back through Walk MS to support the programs and services that the Chapter has been able to provide to her. She said, “I continue to use the cushion for my scooter and the hands-free telephone they helped secure. Last spring, they sent a group of volunteers to our home to wash windows inside and out. We have been overwhelmed by the support they have given us over the years.”

support MS research efforts. Nancy Green was diagnosed ten years ago, and six years later, her son was also diagnosed. Nancy said, “I raise funds to support research that leads to new treatments. I am lucky; I was diagnosed almost 10 years after the first FDA-approved treatment was released which altered the course of the disease and the future of those with MS. My son started his treatment with the first ever FDA-approved oral MS drug. I cannot describe how grateful I am that my 22 year old son does not have to face a lifetime of daily injections. Fundraising has had an important part in allowing breakthroughs in research and disease fighting drug approval.” n

The Green family rallies their “Mean Green MS Fighting Machine” team annually to

Register now to participate or volunteer April 6, 2014 Greater LA, Pasadena Rose Bowl April 12, 2014 Conejo Valley, Conejo Creek Park Desert Cities, Palm Desert Civic Center Park Fresno, Fig Garden Village San Luis Obispo, Sinsheimer Park April 26, 2014 Inland Empire, Citizens Business Bank Arena Las Vegas, Sunset Park Long Beach, Shoreline Village

www.WALKTOENDMS.org

May 3, 2014 Antelope Valley, Lancaster Marketplace Big Bear, North Shore Elementary School Reno/Sparks, Idlewild Park Terrace Santa Barbara, Leadbetter Beach September 20, 2014 South Lake Tahoe, Camp Richardson october 25, 2014 Bakersfield, The Park at River Walk

Southern California & Nevada 2014

MS connection: winter 2013/2014

dinner of champions

Fresno fundraiser We were thrilled to honor the Stefanopoulos Family at the 2nd annual Dinner of Champions Fresno in recognition of their outstanding commitment toward raising much-needed MS awareness and funds to support the more than 2,400 people living with MS and their families in the San Joaquin Valley. The Stefanopouloses have embraced the MS community as part of their extended Stamoules Produce Company family. We are so incredibly grateful for their unparalleled and exceptionally generous efforts in support of Walk MS, MS Awareness Week, Bike MS and the Dinner of Champions. The evening raised more than $66,000 with nearly 300 people in attendance, including Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin, Fresno County Supervisor Andreas Borgeas, and Fresno City Councilmember Lee Brand. Thank you to chairs Steve Alfieris and Kopi Sotiropulos; to the honorary committee; and to the San Joaquin Valley community for making the evening a success. n

Fotini alfieris; elena stefanopoul0s; Mayor Swearengin; peggy, dio & tom stefanopoulos

kopi & elaine sotiropulos, and Steve alfieris MuckFest TM MS Los Angeles is a mucky romp through a 5K of mud & obstacles. Saturday, September 27, 2014 100% of the fundraising proceeds go to the National MS Society. Register Now at MuckFestMS.com. Save $50 until 5/21.

nationalmssociety.org/cal | 1-800-344-4867

Bike ms

bike ms breaks record! We had two fantastic Bike MS events with Coastal Challenge in Ventura in October and Vegas Challenge in November. Both were awesome and unforgettable weekends with beautiful weather, amazing cyclists and incredible volunteers. As we go to print on this newsletter and with a few weeks left in the campaign, Bike MS Coastal Challenge has already raised $1.18 million, breaking its previous record! Thank you to everyone who went the distance to help us reach this milestone, which most importantly, directly benefits people living with MS in our local communities by funding much-needed programs and services as well as cutting-edge research worldwide. We are already looking forward to Bike MS 2014 with the NEW Coastal Challenge from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara on October 11 & 12. Registration will open online in February. n

Thank you to our sponsors!

12 giving

count the ways

There are many ways that you can make a significant gift today or plan a gift for the future to move us closer toward a world free of MS: Golden Circle: Join the Chapter’s elite gift campaign by making an annual gift of $1,000 or more to accelerate MS research, and expand local programming for 19,000 people with MS and their loved ones. Gifts may be paid annually or by monthly installment. Gifts of Stock: You may want to look through your portfolio before you write a check. Consider donating appreciated securities – stocks or mutual funds – instead of cash. Please check

MS connection: winter 2013/2014

with your attorney, CPA, or tax professional for your personal advice and options. Lawry Circle: Sylvia Lawry founded the National MS Society in 1946, hoping to cure her brother’s MS. The Lawry Circle is comprised of people who know that the quest for a world free of MS must continue. It honors donors who have informed the Society of their intention to help create a better future for the MS community through their will, trust or estate plan. Please consider increasing your charitable gift this year in one of these meaningful ways to truly make an impact. Contact Kate McIntosh at 310.481.1124 if you have questions or would like to make a gift. n

Benevolent backers We are grateful to the foundation and corporate supporters that contributed $70,715 in grant awards September 1, 2013–November 15, 2013: • $32,215 from the Jane Reinking-Kilgore Fund and the Edna Relyea Fund #1 of the California Community Foundation to support MS research. • $12,500 from the Friends of the NMSS in general operating support for the Northern Nevada Regional Office. • $10,000 from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians to support the Better Living Program Initiative in the San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.

• $5,000 from the Arthritis Association of Kern County Fund at the Kern Community Foundation toward the delivery of programs and services in Kern County. • $4,500 from the Friends of the NMSS toward the CogniFitness and Free from Falls programs in Reno and Lake Tahoe. • $4,000 from the Williams-Corbett Foundation to support the delivery of the adaptive circuit training program at Human Performance Center in Santa Barbara. • $2,500 from Chevron to support the 2014 MS Service Day for residents of Bakersfield and Western Kern County. n

Programs

FREE From falls

Do you sometimes feel unsteady on your feet? Do you often use a wall or furniture to help you balance when you walk? Do you get nervous going down stairs? Have you had an unexpected trip or fall? Falls are quite common among people with MS. But there is something you can do to reduce your risk and prevent unnecessary injuries that can impact your well-being. Free From Falls is a fall prevention program designed specifically for people with MS who are able to walk, but may be at risk for falling. • Gain an increase awareness of what can contribute to falls • Identify strategies you can use to prevent falls in your home and in the community • Engage in and develop a fitness plan to improve balance, endurance, strength and mobility to reduce fall risk • Increase your confidence to avoid falls and to manage falls, if they do occur.

In a fun, supportive group atmosphere, expert instructors in rehabilitation, health and wellness will help you develop a personal plan to maximize your safety and wellbeing.

Connection

nationalmssociety.org/cal | 1-800-344-4867

Susan, diagnosed in 1995

8-week classes in Pomona, Reno and West Los Angeles will begin in February and March. One-day intro workshops will take place this spring in Bakersfield, the Coachella Valley, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Palmdale, Riverside, Santa Barbara and Visalia. Sign me up! 800.344.4867 www.nationalMSsociety.org/CALcalendar

MS connection: WINTER 2013/2014

Aging well with MS 8 Tuesdays, starting in January, 2014 6:30 – 8:00 pm “There are some studies that suggest that lifestyle choices may have a greater impact than genetics on how well we age. How well we live, and therefore age, may be to a great extent in our control.” Join Theresa Mortilla, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has been living with MS for 23 years, for an 8-week telephone support group where you’ll share experiences, ideas and resources to help embrace aging with MS with

grace and vigor! Spaces are limited to 10 participants and registered on a first come, first serve basis.

carole, diagnosed in 2005

Sign me up! Please contact Mary Ann Holm, Manager of Clinical Services at 310.479.4456 ext. 66121 or maryann.holm@nmss.org.

connect with the information you need every connection counts

• Ask an MS Navigator for help to navigate the challenges of MS. Find personalized answers to your unique needs, up-todate information, referrals and practical resources. • Check out MS Learn Online--educational webcasts and podcasts available anytime. • Attend a local educational event or workshop to learn about wellness, symptom management, research and more. • Join discussions, share experiences and learn from others at MSConnection.org.

Darren, diagnosed in 2002 Find resources. Get connected!

1-800-FIGHT-MS (344-4867)

nationalMSsociety.org/CalServices

nationalmssociety.org/cal | 1-800-344-4867

dial, listen & learn

relationships, including:

Join us from the comfort of your own phone for one or more of these free conference call programs on a diverse range of topics. Preregistration is required for each program. Prior to the teleconference, you will receive a toll-free dial-in number.

• Tools for making repairs in relationships when conflict arises

Sign me up! 800.344.4867 www.nationalMSsociety.org/CALcalendar

9 Things People Do Differently to Achieve Their Goals

Tuesday, January 14, 12:00 – 1:00 pm

Have you wondered why you are not getting to your goals or have a lot of unfinished business? Do you think it’s because of a character flaw or your MS? Is your inner critic being very loud or pesty right now? Catherine Freemire, LCSW will share the strategies that successful people use to achieve their goals. Then, with self-compassion, learn how to recalibrate these strategies to realistically fit your life of living with a chronic condition.

Communication Tools for Maintaining Good Relationships Thursday, February 6, 6:30 – 7:30 pm

Join Catherine Freemire, LCSW, to learn communication tools for maintaining good

• Tools for creating positive emotion within relationships • Tools for making requests vs. making complaints

Embracing The Heart: The Gift of Emotional Self-Care

Tuesday, February 11, 12:00 – 1:00 pm Living with a chronic illness can pose both physical and emotional challenges. We often forget we need to give ourselves the gift of selfcare. Lisa Geren, MSW will help you explore ways to tune in and identify self-care needs as well as effective tips on how to reduce stress, encourage creativity, boost personal resilience and enhance emotional well-being.

Turn it Up! Harness Music to Lift Mood and Manage Chronic Pain Tuesday, March 11, , 12:00 – 1:00 pm

Music is all around us and has been used for ages to impact mood and facilitate healing. Dr. Susanna Kanther will highlight research on the health benefits of music and identify its brilliant capacity to improve mood and physical health through relaxation. Get reacquainted with your favorite musical pieces, and turn it up!

16 Financial Assistance We offer Direct Financial Assistance to people with MS and their families to help access needed services that are not available using other resources or insurance. The program is based on financial need and offers funding for the following services. Checks are made out and sent directly to the vendor. For more information, call 800.344.4867 or 310.479.4456.

MEDICAL CARE

MS Physician Consult program: Funding for one-time consult with an MS specialty neurologist. Must have limited geographic and/ or insurance resources. Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy: Inhome evaluation and five to six follow-up visits for a person who cannot leave home. Individual counseling/telecounseling sessions: 6–10 visits per year with a licensed therapist who is experienced in MS.

MS connection: winter 2013/2014

SUPPORT SERVICES

Sherak Emergency Fund: Funding for unexpected one-time situations (food, rent, utilities). Official documentation demonstrating proof of emergency is required. Limit: up to $300 within an 18-month period. Durable Medical Equipment: Share of cost for durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, hand rails, etc.). Limit: up to $400/year. Rhoda Goetz Home Assistance Fund: Provided through a licensed home care agency for a person experiencing an exacerbation or post-hospital visit who does not have a caregiver. Limit: Up to 72 hours per year. Rhoda Goetz Personal Care Fund: • Beauty/Wellness: A fund to assist individuals who face barriers to maintaining healthy personal hygiene and care. Gain access to services such as hair, skin and nail care. Limit up to $120/year. • Chore Service Program: Light housekeeping only for those unable to manage these tasks. Limit: up to $300/year.

SUPPORT FOR FAMILY MEMBERS

Grisanti Respite Fund: Provided through a licensed home care agency for the family member who is a full-time care partner and needs time off. Limit: up to 50 hours/year. Supporting the Family: A fund to take care of special out-of-the ordinary family needs (i.e. school pictures, sports uniforms, etc.) Limit: up to $300/year.

nationalmssociety.org/cal | 1-800-344-4867

self help groups

Connect Community Self-Help Groups

Please contact the group’s facilitator(s) to learn more about a specific self-help group listed below, or contact the Chapter at 800.344.4867.

at-home Telephone Group 3 Wednesday, 1:00 pm Toll-free dial-in number: 1-888-279-3775, entry code 4001# rd

Los Angeles County Antelope Valley 3rd Thursday, 6:30 pm, Robertson Honda Call Missy 661.406.0741 Central LA 4th Saturday, 12:00 pm, Bilbrew Library Call Alva at 323.233.5413 Downey - MS Wellness Focus Thursdays, 10:00 am Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center Call Staci at 310.603.6853 or 310.918.8977 Downey - Young Professionals Group for people in 20s - 40s. Friends & family welcome. 2nd Saturday, 10:00 am, Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center. Contact Sarah at 562.401.7622 or Beth at ypg@nmss.org GLAMS (Gay and Lesbian Support Group) 3rd Saturday, 1:00 pm, Location varies. Contact Ronni at 626.392.4321 or socalglams@cs.com

Lakewood/Long Beach 3rd Sunday, 1:00 pm, May Boyer Park Call Fran at 562.925.4405 Los Angeles 3rd Thursday, 6:00 pm, Fairfax Branch Library Call Michael at 213.804.1249 or Allison at 323.876.7606 Monrovia/Pasadena 2nd Monday, 10:00 am, First Presbyterian Church Call Aynn at 626.303.4343 North Hollywood - Drumming Group Learn a unique way to express yourself. No musical experience needed. 2nd Saturday, 12:00 pm, Remo Drum Center. Call Beth at 818.219.1715 Santa Clarita 2nd Thursday, 6:30 pm, Saint Kateri Catholic Church. Call Eire at 661.297.6887 South Bay/Harbor City 3rd Thursday, 4:00 pm, Gardena Mayme Dear Library. Call Pattie at 310.769.0694 Tarzana/Northridge – Spanish Speaking Group 2nd Saturday, 10:00 am, Tarzana Community & Cultural Center. Call Maria at 818.370.8073 Tarzana – Let’s Play social group 1st Saturday, 12:00 pm, Tarzana Community Center. Call Linda at 818.222.7678 West Covina 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 11:00 am, Senior Center North Building. Call Tadd at 626.962.7909 West LA Last Monday, 6:30 pm, National MS Society Contact Mary Ann at 310.479.4456 ext. 66121 West LA – Men’s Group 3rd Tuesday, 6:00 pm, National MS Society Call Larry at 310.926.1641

MS connection: winter 2013/2014

Channel Islands

Inland Empire/Coachella Valley

Arroyo Grande 2nd Tuesday, 6:00 pm, United Methodist Church Call Ellen at 805.343.6094

Apple Valley/Victorville 1st Thursday, 10:00 am, Senior Select Advocate Apple Bear Center. Call Roseanne at 485.630.7572

Morro Bay Last Saturday, 10:30 am, St. Peters by the Sea Church. Call Jeanette at 805.682.8783 ext. 68103 Ojai Valley – Wallwalkers 2nd Thursday, 7:00 pm, Oak View Community Center. Call Tammy at 805.648.6402 Ojai – Lunch meeting 4th Tuesday, 12:30 pm, Eggs N Potatoes. Call Donna at 805.646.3750 or Tammy at 805.648.6402 Santa Barbara - MS Friendship Circle 3rd Wednesday, 11:30 am, National MS Society Call Francine at 805.682.8783 Santa Maria 3rd Saturday, 10:30 am, Café Noir Call Jeanette at 805.682.8783 ext. 68103 Simi Valley 1st Monday, 10:00 am, Cornerstone Church. Call Dennis at 805.584.2526 or Tina at 805.581.2264 Thousand Oaks 2nd Monday, 9:30 am, Goebel Senior Adult Center Call Tina at 805.581.2264 or Ken at 818.518.4226 Ventura Last Friday, 11:30 am, Carrow’s. Contact Vincy at 805.340.9627 or vincyntha@hotmail.com

Hemet 2nd Friday, 10:00 am, Hemet Public Library Call Tammy at 909.499.9012 Lake Arrowhead 1st Friday, 4:00 pm, Location varies Call Joyce at 909.337.7573 Ontario 1st Saturday, 10:00 am, Redeemer Lutheran Christian Church. Call Emily at 909.851.6204 or Kathy at 909.621.3519 Palm Desert 2nd Wednesday, 6:00 pm, Olive Garden Contact Maria at 760.238.8200 or Rebecca at 760.340.0651. Rancho Cucamonga - Moms with MS 2nd Tuesday, 12:00 pm, Rancho Cucamonga Resource Center. Call AnaMaria at 909.463.0334 or Kim at 909.904.0352 Rancho Mirage 2nd Thursday, 11:00 am, Mimi’s Cafe Call Richard at 760.899.4174 Riverside 1st Saturday, 10:00 am, Tucker Medical Building Call Gilbert at 951.544.1441 or Katrina at 951.906.1752 Temecula 1st Wednesday, 10:00 am, Mary Phillips Senior Center. Call Denise at 909.519.4410, Tammy at 909.499.9012, or Jacqueline (Spanish-speaking) at 951.302.3529

nationalmssociety.org/cal | 1-800-344-4867

Temecula - Men’s Group Last Wednesday, 1:00 pm, Location TBD Call Ric at 619.985.5736 Upland Last Wednesday, 10:00 am, Calvary Chapel Contact Tammy at 909.499.9012 or Denise at 909.519.4410 or dennydiego5@verizon.net Yucaipa 3rd Tuesday, 2:00 pm, Good Shepherd Church Call Clare at 909.795.5128 or Tom at 909.795.1717

Nevada Las Vegas/Henderson - Oasis group 1st Saturday, 11:00 am. Call Ed at 702.271.3007 or Jerry at 702.285.6479 Las Vegas - MS Lunch Club 1st Tuesday, 11:30 am, Los Prados Country Club Call Darlene at 702.240.3210. Must RSVP and purchase lunch for $10/person Las Vegas- Westside Stories 3rd Wednesday, 6:00 pm, HealthSouth Call Darlene & Maria at 702.240.3210 Loyalton - Rural Outreach to Wellness Call BonniSu at 530.993.4499 for details. Mesquite 1st Thursday, 10:00 am, Virgin Valley Home Care Call Erica at 702.346.7565 Reno/Sparks - “Live Life with Passion with MS” 4th Thursday, 5:30 pm, The Continuum-Reno 2nd Thursday, 5:30 pm, More To Life-Sparks Call Heidi at 775.240.1085 Reno/Sparks 3rd Thursday, 10:00 am Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living Call Mary at 775.772.3404

Truckee 2nd Thursday, 5:30 pm, Tahoe Forest Hospital Cafeteria. Call Rick at 530.550.0654 or BonniSu at 530.993.4499

San Joaquin Valley Bakersfield 1st Thursday, 7:00 pm, HealthSouth Rehab Hospital. Call Joanne at 661,872.1973 or Christine at 661.321.9512 Bakersfield - Breakfast & Lunch Groups 2nd Wednesday, noon or 4th Wednesday, 9:30 am Lorene’s Coffee Shop. Call Ron at 661.833.0388 or Sarah at 661.865.6238 Bishop 3rd Saturday, 10:00 am, Calvary Baptist Church Call Danice at 360.690.6012 or Brad at 360.690.5712 Clovis/Fresno 3rd Saturday, 10:00 am, San Joaquin Rehab Hospital. Call Yolanda at 559.908.4644 or Doris at 559.299.2072 Fresno – Spanish Speaking Group Call Sharon at 559.579.4096 for details. Hanford 1st Saturday, 10:00 am, First Christian Church Call Barbara at 559.584.1903 or Debra at 559.585.8054 Tehachapi 2nd Thursday, 5:00 pm, Tehachapi Moose Lodge Optional “Dinner on the Grill” $3.50 & up Call Linda at 661.822.7440 Visalia 2nd Saturday, 10:00 am, Kaweah Delta Rehab Call Fotini at 559.439.2154

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WalkToEndMS.org Southern California & Nevada 2014

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