winter 2015/2016
Southern California & Nevada Chapter
MS Connection Newsletter
INSIDE 04 THIS ISSUE
research
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dinner of champions
programs connection
Community groups
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MS ConneCtion: winter 2015/2016
letter froM the preSident
a year to Celebrate As the year comes to a close, I’d like to take some time to reflect on the remarkable accomplishments we made together: • Thousands connected and raised funds at special events throughout the year. Together, we walked, cycled, danced, and trudged through an obstacle course of muck with a common goal...to change the world for people affected by MS.
Save the date: 2016 annual Meeting Saturday, January 23, 2016 8:30am - 11:30am Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center 601 W. McKinley Ave Pomona, CA 91768 Call 800-344-4867 to RSVP!
ConneCt with uS online: www.nationalMSsociety.org/CAL Like us: facebook.com/MSsoutherncal Follow us: twitter.com/MSSoCalNev Watch us: youtube.com/MSSoCalChapter
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• MS Navigators continued to connect more than 200,000 people across the country with answers and critical resources needed to ensure each person with MS can live their best life. • Your support of the NOW MS Research Campaign accelerated vital progress unlike any other time in history towards stopping MS, restoring lost function and ending MS. This progress is essential to changing the world for everyone living with MS and will continue in 2016 with a bigger, bolder funding platform that will drive our entire mission. • More than 75,000 activists across the country united and shared their collective voice to make impactful policy changes, secure crucial government research funding, and drive change wherever it is needed. Congratulations and thank you for your countless contributions. Together, we will ensure that people are surrounded with the resources and support they need to move forward and be more powerful than the challenges of MS. Together, we are stronger. Warm wishes this holiday season, Julie Kaufer, Chapter President 10/28/15 10:02 AM
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community spotlight
cars for a cause On May 31, 2015 the Pomona Valley Corvette Association (PVCA) held the second annual Car Show for MS at Rotolo Chevrolet in Fontana, CA benefitting the Southern California & Nevada Chapter. “Some of our club members and their families have been affected by MS, and it seemed right to take care of our extended family,” said committee members Kevin and Debbie Jones. Over 170 cars entered the show, and a spectacular raffle and silent auction were highlights of the event. At the club’s August meeting, the PVCA presented the National MS Society with a $15,000 check. Congratulations on a successful event, and we look forward to next year’s Car Show for MS! Interested in combining your passions with fundraising for MS? Be a part of the new craze...Do It Yourself and fundraise! Visit DoItYourselfMS.org to get started.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Southern California & Nevada Chapter 5150 W. Goldleaf Circle, Suite 400 Los Angeles, CA 90056 1-800-344-4867 Chair: Kim Phillips Editor: Emily Hazlett Designer: Nare Ovsepian Copywriter: Jenna Tucker © 2015 National MS Society, Southern California & Nevada Chapter; Published Quarterly—Winter 2015/2016
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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.
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research
Unlocking the mystery of memory Memory challenges occur in more than half of people with multiple sclerosis, but the details on how and why have been mysterious. Microscopic connectors, or synapses, are the point of communication between individual nerve cells, and they are critically important for all functions of the nervous system, including memory. Some research has shown that synapses may be lost in some parts of the brain during the course of MS. Now, a study published in May in Annals of Neurology by Drs. Iliana Michailidou, Valeria Ramaglia and colleagues in the Netherlands and Germany has uncovered evidence that a group of immune system proteins, called “complements,� may play a role in the loss of synapses in the hippocampus, a part of the brain linked to memory. The researchers examined samples of the hippocampus from brain tissue donated by people who had primary-progressive MS or secondary-progressive MS in their lifetimes. Compared to brain tissue donated by people without neurological disease, the investigators observed a decrease in the density of synapses in the hippocampus. Two specific types of
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complement proteins were increased in MS tissue at the site of synapses, compared to the other tissue samples from people of the same age. Brains of those with MS were also positive for proteins that indicate biological stress, but showed no signs of the type of complement implicated in some other diseases. The results of the study suggest a role for specific components of complement activity in synaptic loss in the hippocampus in people with MS. In light of the important role the hippocampus plays in memory, this study also suggests that complement activity may contribute to cognitive problems experienced by people with MS. If these results are confirmed and refined through additional research, it is possible that in the future, therapies that target the complement system may be useful for preventing or treating memory problems in people with MS. Visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/cognition to learn more about MS-related memory issues or cognitive challenges. n
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living with ms
beat the winter blues Between the short days and long nights of winter, the dropping temperatures and gloomy skies, and the stress that many people feel during the holidays, winter can brew up a “perfect storm” for the blues. For people with MS, the demands of the season may feel even more intense when compounded by disease-related symptoms such as fatigue and depression. Rosalind Kalb, PhD, a clinical psychologist and the National MS Society’s vice president of Clinical Care, has some tips for warming up to winter. Exercise: “Exercise is always good for general health and managing mood,” says Dr. Kalb. While in some places winter’s colder temperatures may keep you inside, you could explore adaptive winter sports or indoor options such as yoga. For more ideas, visit nationalMSsociety.org/ exercise. Balance: Dr. Kalb recommends finding a balance between “me” time and staying in touch with others. “Avoid isolation during stressful months, but don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by too much activity,” she says. Don’t be afraid to go small: You may want to choose an intimate dinner with a few family members and friends over a big holiday party.
Sunshine: Recent research has indicated potential benefits of vitamin D for people with MS. One source of vitamin D is the same sun that is setting earlier each day. Make some time each day to go outside, whether you’re just sitting on a park bench in the sun for a few minutes or taking a walk around the block (but limit your exposure so you don’t burn). Visit nationalMSsociety.org/vitaminD. Attention: Dr. Kalb stresses paying attention to your moods and knowing there’s a difference between regular winter “blahs” and depression. “For most people, the winter season and holidays bring a mixture of pleasure and stress,” she says. “If the season brings only distress, sadness and emptiness, depression may very well be the source of the problem.”
You Can Overcome Depression People with MS can get depressed. A lot of feelings come up when adjusting to life with a chronic disease. But if your “blue” mood goes on for weeks or more, it may be a sign that you are clinically depressed. Depression tends to worsen if it is not treated. Take action if you think you are depressed. Learn more: http://ntl.ms/MSdepression
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national family caregivers month
becoming carepartners
Living life with MS is better with support from friends, family, neighbors and healthcare professionals. In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, we’re sharing practical tips for carepartners. “With carepartners, there is a true partnership, in which the person with MS gives back to the person caring for him or her,” explains Nancy Law, former executive vice president of Programs & Services for the National MS Society. “In a balanced partnership, each partner gives and receives, and both feel like they make valuable contributions to the relationship—even if they do it in different ways than before MS came along,” she adds. “Couples can create that balanced giveand-take, and relieve stress on the primary caregiver, in a variety of ways, including sharing household chores,” Law says. The first step for any couple living with MS is to address the ways that the disease has changed their relationship. That starts with communicating openly about feelings—such as fear, anger, guilt, frustration, sadness and resentment—along with learning to accept the disease and nurturing intimacy, all of which feed into one another.
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Partnership Starts with Giving Seek support. Speak with a counselor or join a support group to learn communication and coping tools and to connect with others in similar circumstances. Likewise, you can chat with others in the self-help group for caregivers at MSconnection.org. Share the load. If you have MS, you may no longer be able to do certain tasks (or it may take longer). Decide what tasks you want to spend your energy on. Look for new ways you can contribute, such as managing finances or helping kids with homework. Ask your partner what you can do to support him or her. Say yes when a neighbor offers to make dinner, and if you can afford it, hire help where you need it most, suggests occupational therapist Laura McKeown, PhD.
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Caregivers: Set aside “me time.” Attend your favorite exercise class or meet a friend for lunch. Time on your own can help you maintain a sense of self, recharge and avoid feeling resentful of your role as a caregiver. “You have to be a good self-advocate,” says George Willey, who cares for his partner Michael Nesson. “You have to take care of yourself before you take care of others.” Do activities you enjoyed together before MS affected your life, which can help you reconnect outside the sphere of MS. This may be as simple as setting aside an hour to watch a favorite TV program. Find new ways to do what you used to enjoy. Robert Berry, who has MS, used to mow his lawn and work in the garden. Now he hires kids to do outdoor chores while he oversees their work. Plus, “that gives me some ‘me time,’ ” his wife, Patti, says. They also go dancing, only now Robert is on wheels. Keep a sense of humor. “If people can smile and laugh to ease the stress of a situation, they are more likely to let some of the frustration roll off their back,” rehabilitation psychologist Kevin Alschuler, PhD, says.
Connect with Others
open enrollment The three month Open Enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace, the online health insurance shopping ‘portal’ through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), ends February 15, 2016.
What you should know about open enrollment Open Enrollment is the only time of year that people who are not already insured can apply for coverage and tax credits unless they qualify for a special enrollment due to certain circumstances (i.e. a job change, out-of-state move, having a baby, etc.). It is also the only time current enrollees in a Marketplace plan can compare their current coverage to other options and enroll in another plan better suited to their needs and budget. Before enrolling in a new plan, people with MS should check to see if their prescription drugs and health care providers are covered. Visit www.healthcare.gov to register or switch plans. If you have questions about MS and the Health Insurance Marketplace, call our MS Navigators at 800-344-4867 for assistance. n
To connect with other carepartners who share similar experiences, log into the carepartners discussion group on MSconnection.org. Or call an MS Navigator at 1-800-3444867 to find other carepartner resources and opportunities to connect. MSCX_winter_2015_2016.indd 7
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ways to give
golden circle Year End Challenge
GOLDEN CIRCLE 2015 YEAREND CHALLENGE $575,000 Contributions needed from Golden Circle Donors
+
$575,000 Match by the Power & Kaufer Families
$1.15 MILLION for Golden Circle this quarter!
The Kenrose Kitchen Table Foundation and the Steve and Caroline Kaufer Family have posed a $575,000 Challenge for this year’s Golden Circle campaign. If Golden Circle donors contribute a total of $575,000 by December 31, 2015, the campaign will be assured an aggregate of at least $1,150,000! All Golden Circle gifts contributed October 1 December 31, 2015 will count toward the $1.15 Million Challenge regardless of restriction or giving level. Your contributions will fund research and help people with MS live their best lives as we search for a cure. Please make a gift today and help the Chapter move closer toward a world free of MS. For more information, please contact Elicia Lopez at 310-481-1111.
make an impact from your office!
Every year, people nationwide help create a world free of multiple sclerosis by contributing through their employer’s charitable giving campaign.
Most campaigns kick off in the fall, so if you’ve been looking for an easy and efficient way to join the movement, act now. Simply designate your annual pledge to the National MS Society, Southern California & Nevada Chapter. Your donation will be automatically deducted from each paycheck to fund cutting-edge research and provide programs and services to help people affected by MS move their lives forward.
Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), the nation’s largest workplace giving program. If you participate in the CFC, designate your gift to the Society using CFC#68906. If your company offers a workplace giving program, look for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Southern California & Nevada Chapter listed under Community Health Charities. If your employer doesn’t offer a giving program, talk to your benefits administrator or call us at 1-800344-4867, option #2, to see if we can help. n
Federal government employees and military personnel are eligible to participate in the
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foundation & corporate supporters
generous grantmakers We are grateful to the foundation and corporate supporters who contributed $605,474 in grant awards March 1 – September 30, 2015. • $450,000 from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to support a pledge to fund The Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement Center at UCLA • $37,500 from Friends of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in general operating support for the Northern Nevada office • $35,000 from the AEGON Transamerica Foundation to support the Chapter’s greatest needs • $31,524 from the Jane Reinking-Kilgore Fund of the California Community Foundation to support the Chapter’s greatest needs • $10,000 from the Henry L. Guenther Foundation to support the Fitness for All program initiative • $7,000 from the John and Maria Laffin Trust of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation to support NOW: An MS Research Revolution • $5,000 from Employees Community Fund of Boeing California to support the Chapter’s Educational Scholarship Program for Students Affected by MS • $5,000 from the Freeman E. Fairfield Foundation to support programming for people living with progressive MS at Vista Cove Care Center in Long Beach
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• $5,000 from the Sister Hughes Endowment Fund for Special Needs sponsored by the Friends of Mercy Foundation to support the Chapter’s Improving Access to MS Related Health Care Initiative in Kern County • $4,750 from Genzyme to support the Chapter’s Annual Meeting “Fueling Impact in MS Research” and “Beyond Diagnosis: Moving Forward with MS” programs • $3,000 from Acorda Therapeutics to support the Chapter’s Annual Meeting “Fueling Impact in MS Research” and “Beyond Diagnosis: Moving Forward with MS” programs • $3,000 from the Bloomingdale’s Fund of the Macy’s Foundation to provide a scholarship for a member of The Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement Center at UCLA • $3,000 from Novartis Pharmaceuticals to support the Chapter’s MS Awareness Week Open House and “Beyond Diagnosis: Moving Forward with MS” programs • $2,500 from Biogen to support the Chapter’s “Beyond Diagnosis: Moving Forward with MS” programs • $1,000 from Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals to support the Chapter’s “Beyond Diagnosis: Moving Forward with MS” programs
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dinner of champions 2015
los angeles
The 40th Annual Los Angeles Dinner of Champions took place on August 27 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel, honoring Emmy Award Winning Actor Shemar Moore for his contributions to the National MS Society. Moore has participated in Bike MS Coastal Challenge: Santa Monica to Santa Barbara for ten years and rides for his mother, Marilyn Wilson-Moore, who lives with MS. Marilyn was also honored with the Dorothy Corwin “Spirit of Life” Award. Pictured (clockwise from top): Shemar Moore & Marilyn Wilson-Moore; Criminal Minds’ Joe Mantegna & Moore; Fern Seizer, Kim Phillips & Bob Seizer; comedian Anthony Griffith; emcee & radio personality Jillian Escoto
reno
The Silver Legacy Resort Casino was home to the 9th Annual Dinner of Champions Reno on August 27. The goal of the Dinner is to raise money for direct services for more than 1,400 individuals living with MS in Northern Nevada and their families, and to fund MS research worldwide for better treatments and a cure. This year’s honoree was Mary Simmons, Vice President, NV Energy. Mary has demonstrated passion and dedication to the community and has supported the National MS Society for over 13 years, both financially and with volunteer support. Pictured (clockwise from top): Linda Lott, Director Nevada, Honoree Mary Simmons, VP of Business Development & Community Strategy, NV Energy & husband Reed Simmons; Fox 11 News, Reno emcee Melissa Carlson MSCX_winter_2015_2016.indd 10
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dinner of champions 2015
11 fresno Celebrating its fourth year in 2015, Dinner of Champions Fresno took place on September 8 at Pardini’s Catering and Banquets. Each year, the Fresno Dinner of Champions event honors a philanthropist who has made a significant contribution to the fight against multiple sclerosis, and is heavily supported by the local community. Honorees are outstanding examples of Champions in Fresno, and this year that honor went to Avtar S. Gill from Gill Insurance Agency. Pictured (clockwise from top): Dr. Husam Kaileh, Avtar S. Gill, Najwa Kaileh; Steve Alfieris, Esq.; Dr. Perminder Bhatia, Amarjit Muharram, Avtar S. Gill, Dr. S.P. Dhillon, Jagroop Gill
las vegas
The inaugural Dinner of Champions Las Vegas was a great success! Supported by the local and corporate Las Vegas community, the goal of the Dinner, held on October 2 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, was to raise money for direct services and programs for more than 2,500 individuals living with MS in Southern Nevada and their families. Congratulations to 2015’s honoree Kirk Clausen, Nevada Region President, Wells Fargo Bank, who has demonstrated passion and dedication to the community and continues to raise awareness for MS. Pictured (clockwise from top): Chad Konrad, VP of Finance, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Honoree Kirk Clausen, Paul Huether, EVP/CFO, Go Wireless; News 3 Las Vegas emcees Krystal Allan and Jeff Maher MSCX_winter_2015_2016.indd 11
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bike MS
two rideS, one MiSSion bike MS: laS vegaS, preSented by interbike
Bike MS: Las Vegas made a triumphant return in 2015, thanks in part to a successful partnership with Interbike. The ride took place on September 19 and offered participants two route options, either 30 or 50 miles, which took cyclists across the beautiful Nevada landscape. Participants were also offered a special incentive this year to welcome the event back to Las Vegas; complimentary entry to Interbike’s Customer Appreciation Day on Friday, September 18 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.
bike MS CoaStal Challenge: Santa MoniCa to Santa barbara, preSented by antheM blue CroSS Nearly 1,100 cyclists hit the coast of Southern California October 10 – 11 for 2015’s Bike MS Coastal Challenge: Santa Monica to Santa Barbara. Riders traveled between 30 and 150 miles throughout the two-day event and were cheered along by more than 400 volunteers. Routes included beautiful ocean views, rolling foothills, and for the more experienced cyclists, challenging hill climbing. Notable riders included Phil Keoghan, and the cast and crew members of the CBS show Criminal Minds, including Shemar Moore. To date, Bike MS participants have raised over $1.1 million to help those in the community affected by MS through programs, services, and groundbreaking research. MSCX_winter_2015_2016.indd 12
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prograMS ConneCtion
optiMal living with MS
Are changes in your MS affecting your mobility and making everyday living more challenging? Discover how you can take control and reclaim your sense of well-being. Optimal Living: Redesigning Life with MS helps you improve performance, regain and maintain independence, and overcome challenges. In just 11 weeks, you will learn practical tips and strategies to make life at home and in your community easier, safer and more productive. Work with a team of rehabilitation professionals in occupational and physical therapy to: • Develop a comprehensive personal fitness program • Understand fatigue and integrate pacing and energy conservation strategies into everyday activities • Evaluate your home environment for efficiency and safety Fridays, January 22, 2016 - April 8, 2016 10:00am - 2:00pm USC Health Sciences Campus Call Nicole Stoltzfus at 310-479-4456 for an application today!
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winter 2015/2016
beyond diagnoSiS Moving forward with MS Saturday, November 21 | 10:00am - 12:00pm Casa Colina Centers for Healthcare 255 E. Bonita Ave, Pomona, CA 91767 Hearing the words “you have multiple sclerosis” can set off a flood of emotions, fears and questions. Join MS health and wellness professionals in an open conversation about the disease, and discover how wellness practices can help you live your best life with MS. This free program is designed for people diagnosed with MS within the past two years. Register online at nationalMSsociety.org/ CAL or contact Katherine Lee at 909-9491363 for more information.
CoMing to laS vegaS! Join us for an upcoming Beyond Diagnosis program in 2016! Please call Angela VanBrackle at 702-736-7272 ext. 66702 for details. 10/28/15 10:03 AM
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programs
diet & ms
Good nutrition is essential to everyone. But for people with MS, how you eat can have additional importance. Join nutrition experts as they provide great tips to survive holiday eating and share four simple steps to take the stress out of entertaining. Inland Empire Thursday, Nov. 19 | 5:00pm - 7:00pm Fontana Senior Center, Fontana Los Angeles Monday, Nov. 23 | 10:30am - 12:30pm The Wellness Center, Los Angeles Bakersfield Wednesday, Dec. 9 | 12:00pm - 1:30pm Lorene’s Coffee Shop, Bakersfield Visalia Saturday, Dec. 12 | 10:30am - 12:00pm Kaweah Delta RehabCenter, Visalia Visit nationalMSsociety.org/CAL to RSVP or call 800-344-4867 today!
Join us for an online newly diagnosed orientation led by Dr. Elizabeth Crabtree and learn more about the most common concerns for people who are newly diagnosed with MS. Thursday, November 12 | 6:00pm – 7:30pm RSVP today at nationalMSsociety.org/ calendar/norcal or call 800-344-4867.
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free from falls The National MS Society’s Free From Falls program is designed for people living with MS who are able to walk but may be at risk for falling. Discussion, exercise, and group and individual activities are elements of this engaging format where participants will learn about: fall risks, tips, strategies to reduce risk for falling, and exercises to enhance balance and safety. A supportive group atmosphere and expert instructors in the field of rehabilitation, health and wellness will help each participant develop a personal plan to maximize safety.
8-Week Series in pomona, CA Level 1: Designed for people who are able to walk but may use the assistance of a three-point cane. Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation Wednesdays, Jan. 13 - Mar. 2, 2016 11:00am - 1:00pm Application Deadline: Jan. 6, 2016 Level 2: Designed for people who use a walker, crutches, or a scooter (but are still able to walk a short distance). Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation Wednesdays, Mar. 9 - Apr. 27, 2016 11:00am - 1:00pm Application Deadline: Mar. 2, 2016 Pre-registration and an application are required. Please call Katherine Lee at 909-949-1363 for an application today! 10/28/15 10:03 AM
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programs
ask the doc
cognifitness
Join us for this opportunity to ask questions about treatments options, symptom management and wellness practices that can help you live your best life with MS. Featuring guest speaker Elizabeth H. Morrison-Banks, MD, MSEd.
This fun and interactive workshop will introduce CogniFitness, the Society’s mental exercise program, and will help you learn tricks to strengthen your cognitive skills and help you do things in a different way. Learn to facilitate focus and concentration, improve memory, organization, problem solving, critical thinking skills, and more!
Palm Springs Saturday, Jan. 30 | 10:00am - 12:00pm Neuro Vitality Center, Palm Springs
Fresno Saturday, Dec. 5 | 9:30am - 1:30pm San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation, Fresno
Register today at nationalMSsociety.org/CAL or call 800-344-4867.
upcoming teleconferences getting creative in the kitchen
invisible symptoms: managing pain
Preparing food and eating a healthy diet can be a challenge for anyone due to busy schedules. When combined with the added challenges of multiple sclerosis, it can seem impossible. Join Denise Nowack, dietitian, and Anna Cotton, occupational therapist, in this webinar where they will provide realistic, practical solutions to the daily challenges of eating healthy.
Pain can be one of the most difficult “invisible” symptoms to describe. It might feel like squeezing, crushing, cold, hot, stabbing, burning, or a tightness in the chest. Mixed with the other symptoms of MS, this pain may seem unbearable. Join Deb Miller, social worker, and Lynn Stazzone, nurse practitioner, for tips and strategies on managing your invisible symptoms.
RSVP today www.MScando.org/webinar.
RSVP today www.MScando.org/webinar.
Presented by Can Do MS Tuesday, Nov. 10, 5:00pm
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Presented by Can Do MS Tuesday, Dec. 8, 5:00pm
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community groups
connect with others 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. PLEASE NOTE: Sometimes group meeting locations, times, and dates change. We highly suggest calling the leader at the number listed on the group before attending to confirm the meeting details.
at-home telephone group 3rd Wednesday, 1:00 pm Toll-free dial-in number: 1-888-279-3775, entry code 4001#
Los Angeles County Antelope Valley 3rd Thursday, 6:30 pm, Location TBD Leader: Christine, 661-321-9512 Boyle Heights/USC Wellness Center--Spanish speaking group 2nd Saturday, 10:00 am, The Wellness Center at the Historic General Hospital Leader: Nicole, 213-261-3685 Central LA 4th Saturday, 12:00 pm, Hawthorne Library Leader: Brenda, 310-679-8193
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Downey - The Force MS Self-Help Group Thursdays, 10:00 am Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center Leader: Staci, 213-343-9962 “I recently had two women come to group who had never been before. Afterwards, one of them shared their experience with me. The most important aspects for her were the connections that she was able to make. She gets support from peers who understand what she is going through and who can personally relate to the obstacles she faces. She vastly believes talking and surrounding herself with others who have multiple sclerosis helps make her a better person and also allows her to understand her MS more.” - Staci
Please note: This group does not meet if temperatures are over 85 degrees. Downey - Young Professionals Group for people in 20s - 40s. 2nd Saturday, 10:00 am, Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center Leaders: Sarah, 562-401-7622 or Beth, ypg@nmss.org Lakewood/Long Beach 3rd Sunday, 1:00 pm, May Boyer Park Leader: Fran, 562-925-4405, franitkoff@cs.com
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community groups Los Angeles 3rd Thursday, 6:00 pm, Fairfax Branch Library Leader: Michael, 323-939-9598 & Allison, 323876-7606 Please call first to confirm meeting details. Monrovia/Pasadena 2nd Monday, 10:00 am, First Presbyterian Church Leader: Aynn, 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. Leader: Beth, 818-219-1715 Please call first to confirm meeting details. Santa Clarita 2nd Thursday, 6:30 pm, Saint Kateri Catholic Church Leader: Eire, 661-297-6887 South Bay/Harbor City 3rd Tuesday, 4:15 pm, Gardena Mayme Dear Library. Leader: Pattie, 310-769-0694 Please call first to confirm meeting details. Tarzana/Northridge – Spanish Speaking Group 2nd Saturday, 9:00 am, Tarzana Community & Cultural Center Leader: Maria, 818-370-8073 Tarzana – Let’s Play social group 3rd Saturday, 12:00 pm, Tarzana Community Center Leader: Linda, 818-222-7678
West LA Last Monday, 6:30 pm, Veteran’s Memorial Building Leader: Nancy, 310-999-8335 If you are interested in leading, please call Nancy! West LA – Men’s Group 3rd Wednesday, 6:30 pm, Veteran’s Memorial Building, Leader: Larry, 310-926-1641
CHANNEL ISLANDS At-home telephone group Arroyo Grande
2nd Tuesday, 6:00 pm, United Methodist Church Leader: Ellen, 805-343-6094 Ojai Valley Wallwalkers Lunch Meeting 4th Tuesday, 12:30 pm, Eggs N Potatoes Leader: Donna, 805-646-3750 & Tammy, 805-648-6402 Simi Valley 1st Monday, 11:00 am, Cornerstone Church Leader: Dennis, 805-584-2526 & Tina, 805-581-2264 Thousand Oaks 2nd Monday, 9:30 am, Goebel Senior Adult Center Leader: Tina, 805-581-2264 & Ken, 818-518-4226 Ventura Last Friday, 11:30 am, Carrow’s Leader: Tammy, 805-648-6402 Ventura Social Group 3rd Thursday, 3:00 pm, Panera Bread in Ventura Leader: Tammy, 805-648-6402
West Covina 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 11:00 am, Senior Center (North Building) Leader: Todd, 626-962-7909
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community groups INLAND EMPIRE & COACHELLA VALLEY Apple Valley/Victorville 1st Thursday, 10:00 am, Senior Select Advocate Apple Bear Center Leader: Katrina, 951-906-1752 Hemet 1st Wednesday, 10:00 am, Hemet Public Library Leader: Sarah, 760-580-0658 Lake Arrowhead 1st Friday, 4:00 pm, Mountains Comm. Center Leader: Joyce, 909-337-7573 No meetings Dec-April due to winter weather. Murrieta - So Cal MS Outlaws 4th Wednesday, 10:00 am, Trinity Lutheran Church Leaders: TBD Ontario 1st Saturday, 10:00 am, Redeemer Lutheran Christian Church Leaders: Emily, 909-851-6204 & Kathy, 909-621-3519 Palm Desert 2nd Thursday, 11:00 am, Buffalo Wild Wings Leader: Richard, 760-899-4174 Palm Springs 2nd Sunday, 12:00 pm, Billy Reed’s Restaurant Leader: Tony, 760-831-6365 Rancho Cucamonga - Moms with MS 2nd Tuesday, 12:00 pm, Rancho Cucamonga Resource Center, Leaders: AnaMaria, 909-463-0334 & Kim, 909-904-0352
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Riverside 1st Saturday, 10:00 am, Riverside Medical Clinic (lower level) Leader: Gilbert, 951-544-1441 Temecula 1st Monday, 10:00 am, Mary Phillips Senior Center Leaders: Maby, 760-562-4533 & Jacqueline (Spanish-speaking), 951-302-3529 Temecula - Men’s Group Last Monday of every other month at 1:00 pm Location TBD Leader: Ric, 619-985-5736 Please call first to confirm meeting details. Upland Last Wednesday, 10:00 am, Calvary Chapel Leaders: Denise, 909-519-4410. Yucaipa 3rd Tuesday, 2:00 pm, Good Shepherd Church Leaders: Clare, 909-795-5128 & Tom, 909-795-1717
nevada & northeastern california Las Vegas/Henderson - Oasis Group 1st Saturday, 11:00 am, Hope Church Leader: Mike, 313-310-1439 Las Vegas - MS Lunch Club 1st Tuesday, 11:30 am, Town Center Lounge & Restaurant, must RSVP Leader: Carol, 702-480-1339 Las Vegas - Westside Stories 3rd Wednesday, 6:00 pm, HealthSouth Center Leader: Gaby, 702-328-6989
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nationalmssociety.org/cal | 1-800-344-4867
community groups Las Vegas - Young People with MS Email msunder40group@yahoo.com for details or visit the MS Under 40 Group Facebook page. Leaders: Cecilia Reno/Sparks 3rd Thursday, 2:30 pm, Renown Rehabilitation Center Leader: Christine, 775-560-1215
Bakersfield - Young Professionals Group 4th Tuesday, 5:30pm Leader: Christine, 661-321-9512 Clovis/Fresno 3rd Saturday, 9:30 am, San Joaquin Rehab Hospital Leaders: Yolanda, 559-908-4644 & Doris, 559-299-2072
Reno/Sparks 3rd Thursday, 10:00 am, N. Nevada Center for Independent Living Leader: Mary, 775-772-3404
Fresno – Newly Diagnosed/Working Professionals Group 3rd Tuesday, 6:00 pm, Sal’s Mexican Restaurant Leaders: Myrna, 559-349-0423 & Cherish, 559-287-3042
Reno – Young People with MS Under 40 3rd Wednesday, 5:30 pm, Swill Coffee House Leader: Dana, 775-843-0784
Fresno – Spanish Speaking Group 3rd Saturday, 12:00pm, TBD Leader: Sharon, 559-579-4096
Truckee 2nd Thursday, 5:30 pm, Tahoe Forest Hospital Cafeteria Leader: Bonni Sue, 775-741-0107
Hanford 1st Saturday, 10:00 am, First Christian Church Leaders: Debra, 559-585-8054
San joaquin valley
Lancaster 3rd Wednesday, 5:30 pm, Greenhouse Cafe Contact: Christine, 661-321-9512
Bakersfield 1st Thursday, 7:00 pm, HealthSouth Rehab Hospital Leader: JoAnn, 661-872-1973
Tehachapi 2nd Thursday, 5:00 pm, TBD Leader: Linda, 661-822-7440
Bakersfield - Breakfast & Lunch Groups 2nd/4th Wednesday, 10:00 am Lorene’s Coffee Shop Leader: Ron, 661-833-0388
Tehachapi – Wheels in Motion 3rd Thursday, 10:00 am, Kelcy’s Restaurant Leader: Linda, 661-822-7440
Bakersfield Spanish Speakers TBD Leader: Alfredo, 661-699-4171
Visalia 2nd Saturday, 10:00 am, Kaweah Delta Rehab Leader: Mary Ann, 559-936-3960
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5150 W. Goldleaf Circle, Suite 400 Los Angeles, CA 90056
Southern California & Nevada Chapter 5150 W. Goldleaf Circle Suite 400 Los Angeles, CA 90056 310.479.4456 800.344.4867
CALIFORNIA OFFICES Channel Islands
1921 State Street, Suite A Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805.682.8783
Inland Empire
3110 E. Guasti Road Suite 320 Ontario, CA 91761 909.949.1363
Kern County
1800 30th Street Suite 105 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661.321.9512
San Joaquin Valley
7472 N. Fresno St., #210 Fresno, CA 93720 559.439.2154
NEVADA OFFICES Northern Nevada
4600 Kietzke Ln., #K-225 Reno, NV 89502 775.329.7180
Southern Nevada
2110 East Flamingo, #203 Las Vegas, NV 89119 702.736.7272
ED IN 2008
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NOSED IN 2015; LYN
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WALKMS.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
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