New Chair for GA Chapter Board of TrusteesPage 3

MS Activism - Lame Duck SessionPages 12

In this Issue: Extreme Cold Guide Page 14

Walk MS & Bike MS2015 Top 100 ClubPages 6 & 10

MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS | VOLUME 7 • EDITION 4

2 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

MS Connection1-800-344-4867PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONALMULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETYGeorgia Chapter • 950 East Paces Ferry Road, NE Ste. 110 • Atlanta, GA 30326

Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annette Mengert

Vice Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keith Keller

Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Denise Dauphin

Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tom Holler

Chapter President . . . . . . .Roy A. Rangel

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society assumes no liability for the use of contents of any product or service mentioned.

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 National Multiple Sclerosis Society‘s mission is to mobilize people and resources, to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS.© 2014 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Georgia Chapter

Are you looking for aSelf-Help Group or Peer Supporter

in your community?

Are you looking for a Self-Help Group or Peer Supporter in your community? Whether you just received a MS diagnosis or have been living with MS for a long time, the National MS Society, GA Chapter, has impactful programs available where you can find support and experience-based guidance on how to live a productive and happy life with MS.

Self-Help Groups meet regularly for educational and social purposes, allowing members to express feelings and provide support to one another. Members share a belief that positive personal change can happen through individual effort with the support of others. To find Self-Help Groups near you, call an MS Navigator at 1-800-344-4867.

Peer Supporters are trained individuals living with MS or have a family member living with MS. Via telephone, our Peer Supporters called “MS Friends,” offer information, companionship, emotional support and encouragement to peers living with MS. There is no cost to participate in a Self-Help Group or Peer Support Program.

To request services or if you are interested in starting a Self-Help Group or becoming a Peer Supporter, call the GA Chapter Office at 1-800-344-4867 or e-mail the GA Chapter’s Services Manager, Carole Anderson, at carole.anderson@nmss.org

For general information about the support resources available through the National MS Society, please visit http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Resources-Support/Find-Support.

See complete listing of Self-Help Groups in Georgia on Page 16.

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 3

Congratulations Annette Mengert, 2015 Chair Of Georgia Chapter Board of Trustees

We are pleased to announce Annette

Mengert as the 2015 Chair for the the Geor-

gia Chapter Board of Trustees.

Annette has served on the Board of Trustees

since 2008 where she has held several posi-

tions including Government Relations Com-

mittee Chair and Special Events Chair.

“Annette brings an abundance of financial

literacy and corporate networks to our

Chapter,” says Roy A. Rangel, Chapter Presi-

dent. “Her global enterprise perspective,

innovativeness and passion for our mission

will further lead us to mobilizing resources to

drive research for a cure and to address the

challenges of people living with MS.”

Professionally, Annette is the Senior Vice

President of Colliers International, a leading

company in global real estate offering com-

prehensive services to investors, property

owners, tenants and developers around the

world. Her responsibilities at Colliers include

managing retail and office properties within

the company’s retail/office portfolio.

Annette joined Colliers International in 2006.

Previously, she served as the Vice President

for Cumberland Management Partners/The

Hawkins Companies where she managed a

portfolio of five million square feet of single

story and mid-rise office.

Annette is a member of Commercial Real Es-

tate Women – Atlanta (CREW), and Building

Owners and Managers Association (BOMA).

Annette MengertSenior Vice PresidentColliers International

Annette Mengert & granddaughter at Walk MS 2014

Generations of Hope award recipients at the 2014 Annual Meeting

4 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

November is National Family

Caregivers Month

You are needed. You are appreciated

Julie Dilisio joins the Georgia Chapter as a Programs & Services intern. She graduated from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the spring of 2013, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psy-chology. After graduation, she spent a year working as a preschool teach-er in Charlotte, North Carolina. Although Julie enjoyed her time as an educator, her passions and talents are more aligned in pursuing a career in the non-profit sector.

Julie is originally from Charlotte, North Carolina where most of her family still resides. She has an older sister and a younger brother. Her older sister recently got engaged and Julie is very excited to be a sister-in-law!

Julie was drawn to the National MS Society because of the connection she has with her best friend, whose father is living with MS. Over the years Julie has witnessed the struggles and challenges those living with MS routinely face. After a long conversa-tion with her best friend and the Georgia Chapter about services and support offered through the Society, she knew the experience here would be the best fit for her to learn and make a valuable impact!

Welcome Julie DilisioIntern, Programs & Services Department

Tricia Passuth is the newest member of the National MS Society, Georgia Chapter and will be serving as the Director of Clinical and Chapter Programs. She will be responsible for administering the chapter’s client, professional, and community based programs to assist in meeting the needs of individuals with multiple sclerosis, their families and care partners. A native of New Jersey, Tricia re-cently relocated to Atlanta.

While in New Jersey, Tricia worked as the Director of a transitional living program for homeless and at risk teens. In this position, she developed programs to foster inde-pendence for the youth served. Prior to this position, she was the Executive Director of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Ocean County, a volunteer-based program which advocates for children in foster care. Tricia is a 2010 graduate of Fordham University, receiving a master’s in social work degree. Additionally, she earned an undergraduate degree in social work in 2008 from Georgian Court University. She is a licensed master of social worker.

Say HELLO to Tricia Passuth, LMSWDirector, Clinical & Chapter Programs

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 5

November is National Family

Caregivers Month

Now more than ever...

WE JOINEDTHE MOVEMENT

You are needed. You are appreciated

6 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

When I found out I had MS, I had been working for the same company for 28 years. At the time, I had been a store director for 20 years. My expertise was traveling to stores that were not making a profit, retraining and boosting sales. The last store I managed became the most profitable and busiest in the division; it served as the newest training location for managers. But, after being diagnosed, I needed a less stressful position.

On a Wednesday evening, after disclosing my illness and discuss-ing my options with the boss, I was pulled outside where no one else could hear us. He explained to me that they did not have another position for me and I was asked to leave. After I explained all I had done for the company and all the hours I put in, (which averaged 60-65 hours per week), he responded with “I’m sorry but you will have to leave.” He then walked away, and I was left in shock.

I didn’t work the next day, and I wondered what could be done. I couldn’t tell my wife, who was already upset and worried about my MS diagnosis, and my daughter, only 13 at the time, was too young to understand. Then it hit me - I had previously been to a store directors meet-ing that went over a new federal law called “The Americans with Disabilities Act.” The act stated that a company has to make reasonable accommodations for someone with a disability.

Immediately, I contacted an ADA representative. I explained to an advocate at the ADA headquarters that I worked for a company for over 20 years, and they told me I had to leave due to my MS. She then told me “Oh, honey they are not going to do that! I have six lawyers here that would love to speak to them.” She then asked for the company’s name and contact information.

The next morning, I made the decision to go back to the store. I arrived at 7:00am, as I normally did, and my boss asked to speak with me. He asked if I called the ADA, and after I told him yes, he explained that the company was going to take care of me, and that I didn’t need to call or report them again. I later found out the ADA warned the company they would be fined a million dollars if this situation occurred again.

I worked ten more years after my diagnosis, and retired after the death of my wife and daughter. Six months later I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, but am now cancer free! My advice to you is: do not let anyone or any company treat you as a disabled person! You are still very important and can still be productive. Remember if you feel you are being discriminated against at your job, call the ADA.

Southeast ADA Center1419 Mayson St NE, Atlanta, GA 30324

Phone:(404) 541-9001www.adasoutheast.org/

Ronnie WilsonColumbus, Georgia

MS & the JOB

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 7

MS Research –Your Questions AnsweredJanuary 20 & 22, 2015 MS and EmploymentFebruary 12 & 26, March 12 & 26, 2015 Managing MS Bowel & Bladder SymptomsMarch 17 & 19, 2015

Sex Ed for Grownups – Intimacy in MSMay 19 & 21, 2015 Gender Differences in MSJuly 21 & 23, 2015 Preparing for MS Doctor VisitsSeptember 15 & 17, 2015

Learn more and reserve your spot at

The National MS Society telelearning program for people with multiple sclerosis and their

families aims to provide information and guidance on current matters essential to living one’s best life with MS. Each free telelearning

features topic-area expert(s) by phone with online presentations and Q&A session.

nationalMSsociety.org/telelearningor call 1-800-344-4867

8 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

1. Michael Combs $29,6002. Don Logana $17,2423. Kelly Freeman $15,9084. Therese Stepowany $11,1405. Amy Nash $10,4426. Scott Moore $5,7507. Nancy Jo McDaniel $5,1308. Brent Wilkes $5,0909. Linda Hilscher $4,84010. Linda Agnello $4,64411. Lanie Nash $4,450 12. Sheri Polk $4,24513. Abby Karsch $4,22414. Todd Hardy $4,20015. Jessica LeClaire $3,98416. Tina Schuh $3,81017. Isabelle LeClaire $3,73818. Jasmine Kenney $3,73519. Mary Beth Ritthaler $3,65520. Martha Mattews $3,58421. Christine Hatcher $3,54022. Cheryl Harris $3,50023. Lynn Kaden $3,40824. Kathryn Youmans $3,40525. Sabrina Kulinski $3,39026. Julie Bumpus $3,37027. Kelli Zaremba $3,11528. Kelly Meredith $3,10529. Elizabeth Barfield $3,06030. Robert Stepowany $3,05531. Jo-Anne Liakakos $3,00532. Rebecca Hampton $2,94533. Jane Branham $2,91534. Sandra Taylor $2,86035. Jacob Boxer $2,837

36. Ellen Hellman $2,76337. Yosafa Deutsch $2,72638. Katherine Davis $2,63539. David Hicks $2,61540. John Young $2,58341. Martina Flanagan $2,52142. Theresa McDaniel $2,50043. Fay Gibson $2,49544. Destiny Strider $2,43945. Larissa Henson $2,38746. Diane Wright $2,38547. Russ Johnson $2,34048. Cindy Wilson $2,31549. Robert Udwin $2,27550. Sarah Neighbors $2,24551. Ronnie Wilson $2,15552. Lee Kordel $2,14553. Mary Ellen Gray $2,12054. Charlotte Wilson $2,11355. Sue Foege $2,10556. Graham Kuhn $2,10057. Jonathan Reiss $2,09858. Stacey Samuel- O’Brien $2,09759. Katie Kulinski $2,08560. Kathleen Bennett $2,08061. Robin Remich $2,06562. Lisa Hecht $2,02963. Kelly Calvo $2,00064. Kate Dugan $1,97565. Amy Fuller $1,95566. Emily Moore $1,945

67. Katye Watkins $1,90568. Peggy Saunders $1,84569. Staci Wilson $1,83070. Larry Clements $1,80571. Sheila Glenn $1,78372. Britney Darby $1,76073. Jeannette McGowen $1,72074. Jodi Giles $1,70075. Wanda Headrick $1,69476. Josh Mannino $1,62577. Dawn Stone $1,60278. LaTonya O’Neal $1,59079. Ashley Van Lede $1,55080. Gayle Palmer $1,54281. Natalie Croy $1,51582. Robin Horne $1,50183. Joan Daniel $1,49584. Laura Murray $1,47085. Christine Silver $1,45086. Frank Jones $1,44087. Paige McCullough $1,40588. Gwendolyn Albrecht$1,38089. Brittany Rapheal $1,37590. Kevin Jackson $1,33091. Elisa Dorton $1,30092. Catherine Farlow $1,29593. Kay Gardner $1,29594. Sunday Pate $1,29095. Christine Hall $1,28096. May Kulinski $1,27097. Scott White $1,27098. Donna Martin $1,26499. Cristen Core $1,245100. Debbie Hamilton $1,245101. Cris Davis $1,240

WALK MS2015 Walk MS Top 100 ClubBased on 2014 Walk MS Totals as of Pledge Deadline June 30, 2014

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 9

2015 Walk MS Top 100 ClubBased on 2014 Walk MS Totals as of Pledge Deadline June 30, 2014 REGISTER TODAY

walkMS.org or 1.800.344.4867Walk MS connects people living with MS and those who care about them. This community

event raises critical funds to support life-changing programs and cutting-edge research.

MARCH 21, 2015AlbanyAlbany Municipal Auditorium

AthensOconee Veterans Park

AugustaLake Olmstead

MARCH 28, 2015MariettaMarietta Square

APRIL 11, 2015ColumbusGolden Park

MaconGEICO Corporate Campus

RomeBerry College

APRIL 25, 2015AtlantaPiedmont Park

MAY 2, 2015SavannahDaffi n Park

Sarah, diagnosed 2009

BE INSPIRED. GET CONNECTED. WALK MS.THANK YOU TO OUR NATIONAL SPONSORS:

Georgia 2015

10 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

Shortly after learning, through the results of an MRI, that one of the lesions on my brain (caused by MS) increased in size, I received a text message from my friend April saying...

Having wanted to try road biking for some time, my immediate response was an em-phatic “Yes!” So we, along with a few more of my dear girlfriends, signed up to ride in the Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride 2014 at Callaway Gardens. We named our team “Sag Harbor”.

I sent my first fundraising e-mail before I or anybody else on my team even owned a road bike. We didn’t have spandex shorts and didn’t grasp the need for chamois cream. Yet.

Despite the fact that we were completely unequipped for the ride, people were already giving… And giving… And giving… I reached my initial fundraising goal pretty quickly and it was at that point that I knew there would be no turning back. So… My teammates and I bought bikes. And spandex shorts. And, after my first ride, I bought some chamois cream.

Training for the ride:

We didn’t have a training plan; we just rode when we could. Since we’re all working moth-ers with corresponding hectic schedules, we

found the best time for us to ride together was on Saturday mornings. We carved out individual rides when we could but these Sat-urday morning gatherings were our favorite. There’s just something exhilarating about getting up ridiculously early on a Saturday morning to meet your friends for a bike ride. That’s what we told ourselves, anyway.

As much as I’d like to tell you our rides were about building strength and endurance and developing all of the physical attributes we’d need for the Bike MS ride, I can’t. I won’t. Those “training” rides with my Sag Harbor teammates ended up being more about communing with friends and sharing life’s troubles and triumphs together. We rarely pedaled beyond our capacity to talk and al-though we were certainly preparing our bod-ies for the Bike MS weekend, we were actually fortifying our souls... From the seats of our bikes.

“These Training rides are whaT i Treasure mosT abouT The whole bike ms experi-ence.”

Fundraising through selfies:

As our training continued, so did our fund-raising. While we were able to secure dona-tions through e-mails and word-of-mouth, there is one tool that was more powerful than any other we used: Selfie photos.

My first Bike MS adventure started with an MRI...Well sort of

Rebecca Gaston, Team Captain, Sag Harbor

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 11

Continued

That’s right, selfies posted on social media are, without a doubt, the reason Team Sag Harbor was able to double our fundraising goal of $2,500.

Each time we’d meet for a ride, we posted photos on Instagram and Facebook. The selfies are what prompted people to ask us about the Bike MS event in passing conversa-tion and, personally, they gave me a platform to share my own story of MS and how a bike is helping me battle the disease on so many fronts, including physi-cally, mentally and emotionally.

Go Time:

We decided to turn the Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride into a girls’ weekend (aka: mommy needs a getaway). We descended on Callaway Gardens with no preconceived notions about what the weekend would hold. Heck, we didn’t even know for sure what distance(s) we were going to ride. All we knew is that we were finally there and ready to support a great cause, and have fun. We were ready to ride our bikes, too.

The whole weekend was amazing, actually. We were blown away by how well the event was organized, the number of riders there, and the sea of volunteers… Oh the volun-teers! I’m convinced, after my experience at the Bike MS event, that volunteers are what make the world go ‘round.

The routes were challenging but safe and wove through some of the most beautiful Georgia back roads I’ve ever seen. There were several – mostly rolling – hills but for each challenging climb there was an equal – and much more fun – descent!

We were never far from the SAG (Supply and Gear) support vans and our wonderful motorcycle escorts kept us safe and alerted

cars to our presence on the roads. The break stations seemed to be placed just where we needed them most and were well stocked with yummy treats and staffed with friendly people who were as helpful as they were encouraging.

Our fellow riders came in all shapes and sizes and their equipment ranged from top-of-the- line road bikes to rusty cruisers. It was a beautiful sight to see so many people come together for a cause that is so near-and-dear to me. I saw several other fellow MS warriors and enjoyed learning more about how the Bike MS event was so personal to them, as well.

Although exhausted and relieved, I was really kind of sad when we finished our Sunday ride. Tears welled up in my eyes as we turned into the Callaway Gardens entrance to cross the finish line and I began to reflect on the weekend and the culmination of so much love and support from my teammates as well as those who backed me with donations, well-wishes, and prayers

It was truly a wonderful experience and I can’t say enough about how thankful I am to have had the Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride as my introduction to organized road riding.

afTer riding 130+ miles on my bike ThaT weekend, i learned one very imporTanT lesson: don’T skimp on The chamois cream.

12 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

1. Dan Yuhaschek $18,8762. Cherise Mlott $17,9053. William Barney $15,8544. Scott Stafford $11,9105. Richard Spencer $11,4006. Kevin Fitzpatrick $10,1837. Rosetta Dillard $9,3508. Bob Lepping $9,3509. Daniel Shim $8,52310. David Cohen $7,51511. Terri Latimer $7,27412. Jeffrey Lund $6,80013. Francisco Izurieta $6,04614. Ryan Rodriguez $5,37315. David Small $5,35516. Bill Holley $5,25517. William Plough $5,12018. Frank Bell $5,00019. Alex Holloway $4,88320. Harald Walter $4,86021. Glenn Mason $4,20022. Allan Wendt $3,96523. Barton Mitchell $3,78524. Jack Basham $3,75025. Jeanne Slagel $3,71026. Michael La Kier $3,69427. Wight Mixon $3,65028. Tristen Anderson $3,59229. Dan Jones $3,48030. Eric Williams $3,45031. Kinney Bacon $3,32032. Steve Webb $3,28833. Catherine LeMay $3,25534. Paul Barrie $3,120

35. Bobbi Noland $3,09036. Diane Heller $3,08537. Jim Moulton $3,08038. Marilea Welhouse $3,07639. Richard Griffiths $3,02040. Rebecca Gaston $2,77541. Kevin Kuntz $2,71042. David Shope $2,69543. David Wilderman $2,65544. Vern Herr $2,64845. Brian Martin $2,60546. Dan White $2,60547. Barry Nash $2,60048. Tony Harrington $2,57549. Zev Yanovich $2,55150. Steve Morrow $2,52051. Terri Wilson $2,46552. Angela Black $2,38653. Cliff Hagan $2,37554. John Lawrence $2,35055. Joe O’Rourke $2,33556. Michael Jahl $2,33057. Renee Spivy $2,32058. John Strickland $2,31059. Christiana Muntzel $2,28560. Guy Tucker $2,26861. Randy Hawley $2,22062. Jack Lyons $2,19063. Jerry Lipsky $2,16564. David Furmanski $2,16065. Julie Schendel $2,15166. Sean Baxter $2.10167. John Stamey $2,005

68. Steve Agnello $2,00069. Philip Boedeker $2,00070. Kyle Teasdale $1,96071. Andy Weiss $1,92172. Chris Boyle $1,92073. Diane Michaels $1,91574. Robert Meyring $1,90575. Mackay Asbury $1,87076. Jay Walters $1,85977. Chris Williams $1,85078. Cynthia Curry $1,83879. Dan Coats $1,82580. Robert Moody $1,81581. Peter Bade $1,78582. Mark Davidson $1,78083. Randal Garner $1,73084. William Hawkins $1,72585. Don Chapman $1,71086. Ralph Gallagher $1,71087. Brent Mlott $1,70088. David Kaiser $1,68189. Sandra McNamee $1,67190. Douglas McNamee $1,67091. Christina Story $1,66892. Ed Story $1,66693. Janice Story $1,66694. Lisa Montbellier $1,64095. Andrew Goldberg $1,63096. Renee Torina $1,61097. Bob Kendall $1,57098. Alan Voss $1,56599. Peter Allen $1,545100. Dan Brown $1,525101. Joe Henson $1,525

2015 BIKE MSBike MS Top 100 ClubBased on 2014 Bike MS Totals as of Pledge Deadline October 31, 2014.

A woman in Georgia posts an article on how personal appearance affects mood.

A woman in New York decides to start a program that gives makeovers to people with MS.

Print PSA-Jessie-Lisa-8.5x11_Final.indd 1 6/29/12 9:36 AM

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 13

The Annual Meeting & Volunteer Recognition Ceremony is a time for the MS Community to join together and celebrate the accomplishments of donors, volunteers and community partners who are moving us toward a world free of MS . We say thank you to those who are mobilizing Geor-gians to do something about MS now, through fundraising, activism, advocacy and influence. Learn how the Society is helping Georgians living with MS and find out the latest news in MS treatments .

Be informed . Be inspired . Be there .Thursday, January 29, 2015

Hyatt Hotel Atlanta in Buckhead3300 Peachtree Road, NE

Atlanta, GA 303056:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Registration Required, visit : MSGeorgia .org

14 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

Post-election day on November 4, members of Congress will return to Washington for a lame duck session with several important issues to resolve . Namely, Congress must fund the fed-eral government for 2015 by extending current spending levels past mid-December or combining all remaining spending measures, referred to as an omnibus . The National MS Society will be ad-vocating that Congress pass the omnibus because

it is the best chance that $10 million for the MS Congressionally Directed Medical Research Pro-gram-- which was approved by the U .S . House of Representatives this summer—will be included in next year’s budget .

Additionally, the Society hopes that Congress will advance the bipartisan Ensuring Access to Quali-ty Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act (HR 942/ S948) . Thanks to MS Activists and more than 50 partnering organizations, the Act has gained nearly 90 co-sponsors just this year .

The bill would create a separate Medicare benefit for complex rehabilitation technology (CRT), protecting access to customized products like wheelchairs and seating and positioning systems so that people living with significant disabilities, including MS, can have their medical needs addressed and remain active members of their communities . CRT can currently be covered by Medicare’s durable medical equipment (DME) benefit, but a separate benefit category is warranted because CRT typically have incredible technology advances that promote function and independence that simply did not exist when the DME benefit was created more than 40 years ago .

The complex rehab bill rightly supports community integration by covering CRT for people transitioning from skilled nursing facilities to the home and community . It also exempts CRT products from Medicare’s “in-the-home” restriction, an illogical policy only covering mobility devices when they are used inside a person’s home (and not for out-of-the-home necessary activities like grocery shop-ping) .

Prior to the lame duck session, members of Congress need to hear from their constituents about the importance of MS research funding and complex rehab technology . Get more information about all of the Society’s policy priorities at:www.nationalmssociety.org/advocateforchange.

MS ACTIVISM Needed in Remaining Days of 113th Congress

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 15

The National MS Society, Georgia Chapter Honored by Wells Fargo through ‘Days of Giving’

The National MS Society, Georgia Chapter was honored by Wells Fargo with a $2,000 grant at the Days of Giving celebration in North Atlanta on Oct . 28 at the Marriott Perimeter Center .

The Georgia Chapter was among 240 groups chosen by the bank’s team members for the recognition across metro Atlanta . The donation helped push total giving to more than $1 .5 million across Georgia since the program’s beginning six years ago .

Wells Fargo Area President Scott Asher led the ceremony . “To some a $2,000 grant may seem small, but we know each of these great groups will be able to make a huge dif-ference with this,” he said . “And collectively this will have a major impact in our community .”

Added Robert Dobbs, Wells Fargo Business Banking Area Manager, “This is one way we are trying to be the best local bank in Atlanta .”

Wells Fargo also announced that its metro Atlanta employees gave or pledged $1 .8 million this fall in the United Way and Community Support campaign – 24 percent more than last year .

16 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

EXTREME COLDGUIDE

a prevenTion guide To promoTe your personal healTh and safeTy

When winter temperatures drop significantly below normal, staying warm and safe can become a challenge. Extremely cold temperatures often accompany a winter storm, so you may have to cope with power failures and icy roads. Although staying indoors as much as possible can help reduce the risk of car crashes and falls on the ice, you may also face indoor hazards. Many homes will be too cold—either due to a power failure or because the heating system isn’t adequate for the weather. When people must use space heaters and fireplaces to stay warm, the risk of household fires increas-es, as well as the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Exposure to cold temperatures, whether indoors or outside, can cause other serious or life-threat-ening health problems. Infants and the elderly are particularly at risk, but anyone can be affected. To keep yourself and your family safe, you should know how to prevent cold-related health problems and what to do if a cold-weather health emergency arises.

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 17

Plan AheadPrepare for extremely cold weather every winter—it’s always a possibility. There are steps you can take in advance for greater wintertime safety in your home and in your car.

Winter Survival Kit for Your HomeKeep several days’ supply of these items:

• Food that needs no cooking or refrigeration,such as bread, crackers, cereal, canned foods,and dried fruits. Remember baby food andformula if you have young children.

• Water stored in clean containers, or purchasedbottled water (5 gallons per person) in caseyour water pipes freeze and rupture.

• Medicines that any family member may need.If your area is prone to long periods of coldtemperatures, or if your home is isolated, stockadditional amounts of food, water, and medicine.

Emergency Supplies List:• an alternate way to heat your home during a power failure:

• dry firewood for a fireplace or wood stove, or• kerosene for a kerosene heater

• furnace fuel (coal, propane, or oil)• electric space heater with automatic shut-off switch and non-glowing elements• blankets• matches• multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher• first aid kit and instruction manual• flashlight or battery-powered lantern• battery-powered radio• battery-powered clock or watch• extra batteries• non-electric can opener• snow shovel• rock salt• special needs items (diapers, hearing aid batteries, medications, etc.)

18 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

Prepare Your Home for WinterAlthough periods of extreme cold cannot always be predicted far in advance, weather forecasts can sometimes provide you with several days’ notice. Listen to weather forecasts regularly, and check your emergency supplies whenever a period of extreme cold is predicted.

If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating, have your chimney or flue inspected each year. Ask your local fire department to recommend an inspector, or find one in the yellow pages of your telephone directory under “chimney cleaning.”

Also, if you’ll be using a fireplace, wood stove, or kerosene heater, install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated. Test them monthly, and replace batteries twice yearly.

Your ability to feel a change in temperature decreases with age, and older people are more susceptible to healthproblems caused by cold. If you are over 65 years old, place an easy-to-read thermometer in an indoor location where you will see it frequently, and check the temperature of your home often during the winter months.

Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze. To the extent possible, weatherproof your home by adding weatherstripping, insulation, insulated doors and storm windows, or thermal-pane windows.

If you have pets, bring them indoors. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure that they have access to unfrozen water.

Keep A Water SupplyExtreme cold can cause water pipes in your home to freeze and sometimes rupture. When very cold temperatures are expected:• Leave all water taps slightly open so they drip continuously.• Keep the indoor temperature warm.• Improve the circulation of heated air near pipes. For example, open kitchen cabinetdoors beneath the kitchen sink.

If your pipes do freeze, do not thaw them with a torch. Instead, thaw them slowly by directing the warm air from an electric hair dryer onto the pipes. If you cannot thaw your pipes, or the pipes are ruptured, use bottled water or get water from a neigh-bor’s home. As an emergency measure—if no other water is available— snow can be melted for water. Bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute will kill most microorganisms or parasitesthat may be present, but won’t remove chemical pollutants sometimes found in snow.

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Prepare Your Car for WinterYou can avoid many dangerous winter travel problems by planning ahead. Have maintenance service on your vehicle as often as the manufacturer recommends. In addition, every fall:

• Have the radiator system serviced, or check the antifreeze level yourself with an antifreeze tester. Add antifreeze, as needed.

• Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture.

• Replace any worn tires, and check the air pressure in the tires.

• During winter, keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.

Equip your car with these items:

• blankets• first aid kit• a can and waterproof matches (to melt

snow for water)• windshield scraper• booster cables• road maps• mobile phone• compass • tool kit• paper towels

• bag of sand or cat litter (to pour on ice or snow for added traction)

• tow rope• tire chains (in areas with heavy snow)• collapsible shovel• container of water and high-calorie canned or dried

foods and a can opener• flashlight and extra batteries• canned compressed air with sealant (for emergency

tire repair)• brightly colored cloth

Winter Survival Kit for Your Car

Outdoor SafetyAvoid ExertionCold weather puts an extra strain on the heart. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice about shoveling snow or performing other hard work in the cold. Other-wise, if you have to do heavy outdoor chores, dress warmly and work slowly. Remember, your body is already working hard just to stay warm, so don’t overdo it.

Understand Wind ChillThe Wind Chill Index is the temperature your body feels when the air temperature is combined with the wind speed. It is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the effects of wind and cold. As the speed of the wind increases, it can carry heat away from your body much more quickly, causing skin temperature to drop. When there are high winds, serious weather-related health problems are more likely, even when temperatures are only cool.

20 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.orgTo make a reservation, please call 1-800-344-4867or register online at www.MSGeorgia.org

Registration deadline: Thursday, January 16, 2014

Avoid IceWalking on ice is extremely dangerous. Many cold-weather injuries result from falls on ice-covered sidewalks, steps, driveways, and porches. Keep your steps and walkways as free of ice as possible by using rock salt or another chemical de-icing compound. Sand may also be used on walkways to reduce the risk of slipping.

Be Safe During RecreationNotify friends and family where you will be before you go hiking, camping, or skiing. Do not leave areas of the skin exposed to the cold. Avoid perspiring or becoming overtired. Be prepared to take emergency shelter. Pack dry clothing, a two-wave radio, waterproof matches and paraffin fire starters with you. Do not use alcohol and other mood altering substances, and avoid caffeinated beverages. Avoid walking on ice or getting wet. Carefully watch for signs of cold-weather health problems.

Be Cautious About Travel• Listen for radio or television reports of travel advisories issued by the National Weather Service.• Do not travel in low visibility conditions.• Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads, overpasses, and bridges if at all possible.• If you must travel by car, use tire chains and take a mobile phone with you.• If you must travel, let someone know your destination and when you expect to arrive. Ask them to

notify authorities if you are late.• Check and restock the winter emergency supplies in your car before you leave.• Never pour water on your windshield to remove ice or snow; shattering may occur.• Don’t rely on a car to provide sufficient heat; the car may break down.• Always carry additional warm clothing appropriate for the winter conditions.

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In 2014, the Society invested $50.6 million to advance more than 380 research projects around the world in order to stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever. Through our comprehensive nation-wide network of programs and services, we helped more than one million people affected by MS connect to the people, information and resources needed to live their best lives.

All of this is possible because of individuals like you. More than half a million people fueled progress through events like Walk MS, Bike MS, Challenge Walk MS and MuckFest MS; MS activists across the nation advocated for research dollars and drove change at federal, state and local levels; and, thousands of volunteers served as community leaders, ambassadors and champions of the MS movement.

Happy HolidaysGAA HolidayCard 11-17-14.indd 1 11/17/2014 9:25:43 AM

With deepest appreciationfor making your connections count.

Together, we will create aworld free of MS.

Happy Holidays

from your friends at the

The National MS SocietyGeorgia Chapter

GAA HolidayCard 11-17-14.indd 2 11/17/2014 9:25:44 AM

22 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

CHALLENGE WALK MS: SAVANNAH MARCH 6-8, 2015

3 DAYS. 50 MILES.CONNECT TO END MULTIPLE SCLEROSISLEARN MORE: challengeMS.org or 1.800.344.4867

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METRO ATLANTA BASED SELF-HELP GROUPS

African Americans with MS Self-Help GroupContact Info: JoAnn: (404) 932-2662Email: joanndicksonsm@bellsouth.netLocation: Berean Seventh Day Adventist Church291 Hamilton E. Holmes Drive Atlanta, GA 30318When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 3:00pm - 5:00 pm

Atlanta Women’s Self-Help GroupContact Info: Claire Clements (404) 351-0205 {ext. 123}Location: MS Center of Atlanta 3200 Downwood Circle NW, Suite 550 Atlanta, GA 30327Level C conference roomWhen do we meet? Meets the 4th Tuesday of every month from 6:15pm - 8:00pm(No meetings in November and December)

Decatur Self-Help GroupContact Info: O.J. (770) 256-2516Email: ojf2@yahoo.comLocation: Green Forest Community Baptist Church 3250 Rainbow Road Decatur, GA 30034When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 10:00am - 12:00pm

Lawrenceville Women’s Self-Help GroupContact Info: Karen M. (678) 975-7167Location: McKendree Methodist Church1570 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd Lawrenceville, GA 30043When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 10:30am - 12:00pmThis group will not be meeting until September

Perimeter – Atlanta Area: “Dine and Discuss: For Partners and Spouses”(This is a “Well Spouse” not meant for individuals living with MS)Contact Info: Jan (404) 579-6782Location: La Madeleine Restaurant at The Perimeter 1165 Perimeter Center West Atlanta, GA 30346When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Thursday of every month from 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Snellville Self-Help GroupContact Info: Vicki (770) 978-1517Email: Thepomeroys@gmail.comCo-Facilitator: Lois: (770) 339-6520Location: Eastside Medical Center 1700 Medical Way SW Snellville, GA 30078 When do we meet? Meets the 4th Saturday of every month from 10:00am - 12:00pm

OUTSIDE “METRO” ATLANTA BASED SELF-HELP GROUPS

Albany Self-Help GroupContact Info: Janet (229) 435-2517Email: jkhancock45@yahoo.comLocation: Phoebe Putney NW Conference Center 2336 Dawson Road Albany, GA 31701When do we meet? Meets the 1st Monday of every month from 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Albany-African American Self-Help GroupContact Info: Colette (229) 395-4150Location: Chosen to Conquer, Inc. ,1120 W. Broad Ave., Suite C-1, Albany, GA 31707When do we meet? Meets the 1st Saturday of every month from 11:00am - 1:00pm

Athens MS FamilyContact Info: Siri Baker (706) 353-0606 Email: sbaker@athensneuro.com Co-Facilitator: Danielle (706) 983-9802Email: depps@athensneuro.comLocation: Athens Neurological Associates 1086A Baxter Street Athens, GA 30606

When do we meet? Meets the 3rd Thursday of every other month from 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the months of Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept and Nov

SELF-HELP GROUPS GEORGIA

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23

24 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

SELF-HELP GROUPS GEORGIA

Augusta MS Self-Help GroupContact Info: Erin (706) 721-1411Location: Georgia Health Sciences - MS Center 6th Floor 1120 15th Street Augusta, GAWhen do we meet? Meets the last Monday of every month from 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Cartersville “Bartow County Self-Help Group”Contact Info: Towanda (770) 344-8887 Email: tobme3@gmail.comLocation: IHOP, 640 E. Main Street, Cartersville, GA 30121When do we meet? Meets the 4th Thursday of every month from 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Camilla Self-Help Group“Mitchell County MS Self-Help Group”Contact Info: Lucas (229) 224-5979Location: Mitchell County Hospital-Community Room, 90 E. Stephens Street Camilla, GA When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Columbus, Georgia“Chattahoochee Valley Self-Help Group” Contact Info: Lori (706) 575-6925Email: lorikiker@yahoo.comLocation: Columbus Regional HospitalWhen do we meet: This group’s schedule changes monthly; please call Lori for updated times and days.

Cumming Self-Help GroupContact Info: Anthony (Tony) (678) 455-4139Email: ravengreen@comcast.netLocation: Northside Forsyth Hospital 1400 Doctors Bldg., Cumming, GAWhen do we meet? Meets the 1st Saturday of every month from 10:00am - 12:00pm

Douglasville Self-Help GroupContact Info: Stephanie (770) 577-0408Location: First Presbyterian Church Parlor Room Douglasville, GAWhen do we meet? Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month from 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Peachtree City/ Fayetteville: “Let’s Lunch: MS Group for Working Professionals”Contact Info: Bill Clements (770) 631-4194 Email: bclements59@att.netLynn (612)-655-9901Email: lynn.meloche@gmail.comLocation: Piedmont Fayette Hospital1279 Hwy 54 West, Fayetteville, Ga. 30214Conference Room D 3rd Flr. ( West side Bldg entrance)When do we meet? Meets the last Saturday of the month from 11:00am - 1:00pm

Thomaston “T.A.M.S. Self-Help Group”Contact Info: Sherry (706) 472-3273 or (706) 975-9762Location: American Pie Pizzeria of Thomaston 710 N. Church Street Thomaston, GA When do we meet? Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month from 12:30pm – 2:00pm

Thomasville MS Self-Help GroupContact Info: Mike (229) 346-9746Location: Plaza Restaurant - Thomasville, GAWhen do we meet? Meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Valdosta MS Self Help Group Contact Info: Barbara (229) 247-7792 Smith Northview Hospital 4280 Location: North Valdosta Road Valdosta, GA 31602 Located in the cafeteria of the hospitalWhen do we meet? Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month at 6:30pm

Vidalia Self-Help Group “Looking Good Self-Help Group”Contact Info: Paula (912) 538-0142Email: nonerves@bellsouth.netLocation: Tree House, 723 North Street West Highway 292 Vidalia, GA When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every other month from 7:00pm - 9:00pm

| JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org24

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 25

Waleska Self Help GroupContact Info: Jennifer Email: jjaress1@gmail.comLocation: Cherokee Outdoor Family YMCAG. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA 151 Waleska St. Canton, GA 30114When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Warner Robins “Middle GA Self-Help Group”Contact Info: Michelle (478) 335-4675 Email: msmidga@yahoo.com Location: Houston Medical Center, North Tower1601 Watson Blvd. Warner Robins, GAWhen do we meet? Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Woodstock MS Self-Help GroupContact Info: Zaida (770) 485-4226Location: St. Michael the Archangel Churchinside the main church building 490 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock, GA 30188When do we meet? Meets the 3rd Saturday of every month from 11:00am-1:00pm (No meetings in July and August) This group starts its meetings with a short opening prayer

SAVANNAH BASED SELF-HELP GROUPS

Pooler Self-Help Group“Pooler’s Positive Movers and Shakers: MS Share & Support Group”Contact Info: Andraya: (912) 658-9629 or PoolersPositiveMS@gmail.com

Savannah Self-Help Group –“PRYME2”Contact Info: Virginia (912) 355-5832 Email: vmorriso@bellsouth.net One of the rooms in St. Joseph Hospital For more information, contact VirginiaWhen do we meet? Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm Please call Virginia to confirm location and meeting dates.

TELEPHONE BASED SELF-HELP GROUP

Statesboro SupportsContact Info: Carolyn: (912) 531-0416This is a telephone support group. Please contact Carolyn for additional information.

SELF-HELP GROUPS GEORGIA

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The National MS Society is a secular organization, welcoming those of every faith and those that espouse none.

Please contact the Self-Help Group leaders prior to attending a group meeting to assure that the meeting time, date, and location are accurate. Groups occasionally change their meeting schedules to participate in other National MS Society events. Please note, our Self Help Group leaders are volunteers who have been trained by the National MS Society. They are not necessarily licensed mental health providers. Please respect their role as a volunteer and contact them during reasonable hours of 8am-8pm. If you are facing an immediate crisis please dial 911. For more information on attending Self-Help Groups or starting Self-Help Groups in your community please call 678-672-1000 OR 1-800-FIGHTMS