msc mi vol 3 iss 1

8/6/2019 MSC MI Vol 3 Iss 1

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Volume 3 • Issue 1 Michigan Chapter, Inc.

January/2006

Because the uture ace o MS is everyone’s business....This is why we’re here.

Pregnancy and MS, p. 3News, p. 5Legal Briefs, p. 7Staying Connected, p. 9

Keep Stress in Check, p. 13MS Awareness Week, p. 15Fundraising Event Calendar, p. 17Regional News, p. 21

Nelson, continues on p. 2

Getting Acquainted with

Joyce Nelson

Joyce Nelsonhas nowserved as

President andChie ExecutiveOcer o theNational MS

Society or a year.She succeedsGeneral Michael J.Dugan who retiredin January 2005.

O her early lie,Joyce says, “Where

I grew up in Chicago, I could standin a parking lot near my house

and see my grade school, my highschool and my college. My ather

was a minister with the SwedishCovenant Church. He became

very involved in the civil rightsmovement. I wondered what it

would be like to be in a minority, soin 1968, in the spring o my senior

year, I transerred to a mostly black

school on the south side o ChicagoIn my last weeks there, MartinLuther King, Jr. was killed. Soonater I arrived the next day, theschool closed because o rioting. Mynew riends surrounded me and got me saely to a station where I could

get a bus back home. The memory o their kindness, in spite o thepain and anger, has never let me.”

Ater graduating rom NorthPark University with a degree inEnglish and Secondary Education,Joyce taught reading in the Chicagopublic schools and worked as a

youth minister, as well as in other

youth-related activities, or morethan a decade. She also bartendedat night while teaching English as asecond language.

She began her 21-year career with the Society as Development Manager with the Northern

Joyce Nelson,President and

Chie Execu-tive Ofcer o the NationalMultiple Scle-rosis Society


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/msc-mi-vol-3-iss-1 2/24 Toll Free Number: 1-800-FIGHT-MS

The mission o the National MultipleSclerosis Society is to end the devastating

eects o multiple sclerosis.

A publication of the National MultipleSclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter21311 Civic Center Dr., Southeld,

48076-3911

Ph: 248-350-0020 800-243-5767Fax: 248-350-0029E-mail: [email protected]

Chapter Chair

Jeff Bell

1st Vice Chairman

Peter Burton

Chapter President

Patricia A. McDonald

Newsletter Editor

Joseph Mead

The Michigan Chapter of the NationalMultiple Sclerosis Society is proud to be asource of information about multiplesclerosis. Our comments are based onprofessional advice, published experience

and expert opinion, but do not representtherapeutic recommendations or prescrip-tions. For specic information and advice,consult a qualied physician.

The Michigan Chapter of the NationalMultiple Sclerosis Society does notendorse products, services ormanufacturers. Such names appear (inthis publication or here) solely becausethey are considered valuable information.The chapter assumes no liabilitywhatsoever for the contents or use of anyproduct or service mentioned.

© Copyright 2005 National MS Society

2

F R O M C O V E R P A G E

Caliornia Chapter. Ater two years she was selected to be Executive Director in the Mid America Chapter, serving the greater Kansas City area, westernMissouri and eastern Kansas. In 1991,

she joined the Society’s national sta and relocated to Denver. In the yearssince then she has served as NationalDirector o Campaign Development,

Vice President o Chapter Programs,and Vice-President o Field Operations.

Joyce says, “I intend to apply thelie lessons I learned in the eld, suchas ensuring I receive input rom the

broadest possible audience whenmaking important plans, and tapping into the talents o the thousands o people who want to help the Society eradicate MS.

Following her appointment as CEO,Joyce Nelson invited everyone to tellher what’s on their mind about living

with MS. “I heard rom researchers,

physician-scientists, pharmaceuticalleaders, people with MS, and their loved ones, “ she says.

She still wants to know what’son your mind. Send a letter to TheNational MS Society, 700 Broadway,Suite 810, Denver, CO 80203. Or [email protected]



WINTER2006

Visit us online at www.nationalmssociety.org

R E S E A R C H

Pregnancy and MS, continues on p. 4

It’s been said that the best treatment or MS is pregnancy. A woman with relapsing

MS will experience signicantly ewer MS relapses during a pregnancy. Thereduction can be higher than the resultso a disease-modiying drug (Betaseron,Copaxone, Avonex, or Rebi).

Some studies show a spike in thenumber o relapses during the rst six months ater childbirth. Then, a woman’sMS tends to return to her pre-pregnancy

pattern. Many studies conrm that pregnancy has no long-term eect, either good or bad, on the course o the MS.

Potential parents need to plan or theunpredictability o MS. Losses in ability require adaptation and almost certainly some extra help.

For most people with MS, the risk o having a child who will developthe disease is well within the limits o “normal” risk. But people in amilies

where more than one member has MSmay want to discuss the potential or increased risk with a genetic counselor.I you have questions about having children, call us or a list o specialists inthis area.

Does recent research oer new insights?

Taming the postpartum fareGammaglobulins Post Pregnancy in MS: A multicenter study in Europe looked at theeects o two dierent doses o immuno-globulins, given intravenously (IVIG).

These are blood-derived antibodies

Suzanne King and her daughter, Sara

Zeroing in on pregnancy and MS

believed to moderate the immune system. The 163 women in the study received

IVIG within 24 hours o birth and thenonce a month or six months. Irrespectiveo the dose, the treated women had noincreases in expected relapses during thesix months.

Pregnancy in MS Study (PRIMS): Datarom this 1998 study o 227 women wereanalyzed or actors that might predict relapses in the rst three months ater

childbirth. They ound a trend, but not very powerul evidence: Women who hadthe most relapses beore pregnancy hada slightly increased chance o a higher number o relapses ater their babies wereborn.

Analysis ailed to nd any signicant


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R E S E A R C H

Pregnancy, continued from p. 3

STudy

Multiple sclerosis is a devastating disease.

This is why the National MS Society undsmore research than any other voluntary health organization in the world. More

progress has been made in the last 10 yearso research than in the previous 100 years.

connections between relapses and breast-eeding, epidural anesthetic during labor, age at pregnancy, age when MS

developed, length o time the woman hadMS, number o previous pregnancies, or the sex o the baby.

Both these studies need to beconrmed by other studies. IVIGtreatment is considered experimental.

Saety o disease-modiyingdrugs in pregnancy

EMPATIE Study on Pregnancy and MS Therapies: Researchers reviewed therecords o 36 pregnancies in women

who had been taking intereron beta. All stopped the drug or the durationo pregnancy, but eight pregnancies

were unplanned. These women took their medication or 2–3 weeks beorebecoming aware o their condition. The

others stopped beore the pregnancy occurred. The rate o miscarriage (25%)

was identical in both groups.

Pregnancy registries

The FDA has asked the pharmaceuticalcompanies that sell intereron-based MSdrugs to track pregnancy experiences.

Ask your health-care provider or call or

inormation. Participation is voluntary,strictly condential, and important or uture knowledge.

Avonex Pregnancy Registry:800-811-0104Rebi Pregnancy Registry: 877-447-3243

The Betaseron Pregnancy Registry wasbeing evaluated by the FDA at press time.

INfoRmaTIoN aNd

REfERRal

The National MS Society is proud tobe your comprehensive source or MSInormation and Reerrals. To receiveinormation on multiple sclerosis, thelatest research, or or reerrals to programsand resources in your area, please call our Inormation and Reerral line at 800-243-5767 ext. 235 or send a request by e-mailto: [email protected]

Please notethat due to our condentiality policy, we willnot say we arecalling romthe NationalMultiple Sclerosis Society,Michigan Chapter, when

we return a call or leave a message. Also,i you have Privacy Manager or Caller ID our phone number will show up as“1111111”.



WINTER2006


N E W S

mEdICaRE

PRESCRIPTIoN dRuG

BENEfIT uPdaTE

According to a recent USA Today/CNN/Gallup survey, more than hal o Medicarebeneciaries do not understand the newMedicare Rx drug benet. Just a reminder,there are a number o resources to guide

you.

Enrollment Inormation• www.medicare.gov has tools to help you decide about coverage, select an

Rx plan, and nd the nearest locationor personal assistance.

• 1-800-MEDICARE will connect you toa person who can answer questions.

• Medicare Rx Connect, www.maprx.ino, has a useul FAQ section oneligibility, enrollment, and costs.

General Inormation• Medicare & You 2006 handbook was

sent to every Medicare household. I you haven’t received one, call 1-800-MEDICARE.

• I you are eligible or the low-incomesubsidy, be aware o an error in theMedicare & You 2006 handbook.It incorrectly states that all plansavailable to low-income beneciaries

will charge no premium. About 40%

will not charge a premium. Check careully.

National MS Society Resources• Medicare Rx News on the

nationalmssociety.org home page will direct you to the most current inormation.

• MS Learn Online about MedicarePart D, “Understanding the Facts,Understanding Your Options,”

premiered December 1, 2005. View it in the archives, go tonationalmssociety.org/mslearnonline.

• Call us at 1-800-FIGHT-MS (1-800-344-4867) i you have questions or i problems arise.

TySaBRI uPdaTE

Saety and nal trial results rom studieso Tysabri (natalizumab) or use by people

with MS were presented to the FDA or evaluation in early all by Biogen Idec andElan Corporation, Tysabri’s sponsors. Thisraises the possibility that the drug may return to the market.

Tysabri was suspended last February ollowing the diagnosis

o PML (progressive multiocalleukoencephalopathy) in two peoplebeing given both Tysabri and Avonex.

According to the companies, there havebeen no new cases o PML conrmedin people with MS. See our website or detailed inormation (keyword Tysabri) or call us or a paper copy.

The FDA would like to hear rom

people with MS about Tysabri. Tel: 888-INFOFDA; e-mail: [email protected];mail: Oce o Special Health Issues, FDA,HF-12, Room 9-49, 5600 Fishers Lane,Rockville, MD 20857.



N E W S

KNoW youR Nabs

One o the more controversial debatesabout MS therapies concerns neutralizing antibodies—NAbs or short. Antibodies

are immune system proteins, which thebody naturally creates to ght o oreignsubstances, such as viruses and bacteria.Some people taking Avonex, Betaseron, or Rebi—the three intereron-based disease-modiying MS drugs—develop a ormo antibody to these drugs. Scientists callthem “neutralizing” antibodies becausethey can sometimes interere with, or

neutralize, the eects o the intereron.NAbs potentially render the drug lesseective.

Not everyone taking an intererondevelops NAbs, and some who developNAbs continue to do well on their intereron. Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) is a dierent type o drug, andthe antibodies that develop in response

to it do not appear to have any clinicalsignicance.

What is known about NAbs Neutralizing antibodies typically developa year to 18 months ater a person hasbegun treatment. NAbs occur least otenin people taking Avonex, but researchersdo not know i this is because Rebi and

Betaseron are taken more requently, or i the dierence is related to the ways thedrugs are made, the dosage levels, or theroutes o delivery. (Avonex is injected intomuscle; Rebi and Betaseron are injectedjust under the skin.)

Conclusions Some people continue to do well in spiteo testing positive or NAbs, and decisionsabout treatment should be based on how

well a person is doing, rather than on whether a person has tested positive or NAbs. A change to the non-intereronmedication (Copaxone) might beconsidered in someone whose diseaseremains active and who then tests positiveor NAbs more than once.

People concerned about NAbs shouldread the Society’s clinical update at

nationalmssociety.org/Clinup-Antibodies.asp (or call us at 1-800-FIGHT-MS torequest a copy) and discuss these matters

with their health-care proessional.

ouR RESPoNSE To ThE

huRRICaNES of 2005

In September, as the scope o devastation

wrought by Katrina became clear, wecreated a dedicated page on our website,nationalmssociety.org/hurricane, toprovide resources and inormation tothe MS community. It includes updatedinormation on local resources, reerrals,prescription and over-the-counter drugs,Medicare, Medicaid, and more.

I you know someone with MS

who has been aected by this year’shurricanes, please help us help them. Let them know that inormation about howto get help is available at the URL above.



WINTER2006


A D V O C A C Y

There are many legal issues

that have particular impact on the lives o those diagnosedwith MS. While the localchapter cannot provide legal

services, it does try to provide general inormation and reerrals to resources.Ina C. Cohen is an attorney and member o the Board o Trustees, National MultipleSclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter, Inc.

Q: My husband/wie and I aren’t getting along. It seems that since my diagnosis, there has

been tremendous stress, arguing, andproblems. We are always short o money and the kids are suering. I cannot work due to my MS. What do I need to know?

a: Unortunately, money andillness can put an enormousstress on a amily. I your

relationship is strong, it may be able to weather the situation. However, i it isdetrimental to your health or your children,

you may have to consider divorce.

Essentially, there are three separate partsto a divorce:

1. Division o the assets and debtsbetween the parties (property settlement)

2. Custody and child support issues(including division o parenting timeand responsibilities)

3. Spousal support (ormerly known asalimony)

First, you must realize that, as a result o a divorce, there will be the start o asecond household. All o the resources

that went into maintaining onehousehold will not have to support twohouseholds unless someone increasestheir income or a party who wasn’t

working beore gets employment. In most instances, your economic level will bereduced signicantly. You will also nolonger be included in amily benets or pricing (i.e. separate health insurance,

automobile insurance, etc.). I you havehealth insurance coverage through your spouse’s employer, you will be able to buy continued coverage or three years ater the divorce. Ater that, you will need tond other health care insurance.

Legal Briefs By Ina Cohen

Legal Briefs, continues on p. 8



In general, spousal support (alimony)is no longer granted with the samerequency or duration as in the past. Only

those marriages o a substantial durationor with large sources o income are most likely to involve spousal support. In someinstances, spousal support is granted or a limited time (i.e., ve years). Oten,this is reerred to as rehabilitative spousalsupport and is intended to enable thenonworking spouse to get additionaltraining and a job.

The considerations or granting spousalsupport are: past relations and conduct o the parties, length o marriage, ability o parties to work, source o and amount o property awarded to the parties, ageso the parties, ability o the parties to pay spousal support, present situation o theparties, needs o the parties, health o the parties, prior standard o living o the

parties and whether either is responsibleor the support o others and generalprinciples o equity (airness).

While your health and inability to work may be strong actors in your avor, theother considerations still apply. Thereore,i your spouse cannot pay anymore oncechild support has been determined, nomatter how dire your circumstance, you

might not be awarded spousal support. Ingeneral, it is a balancing decision or thecourts i the parties cannot negotiate anagreement.

Over the years, the most signicant issue I have experienced with individuals

with MS is that others do not understandthe nature and extent o the disability

when evaluating spousal support.Symptoms such as atigue and cognitiveunctioning, are not always apparent or understood. Attorneys or judges, not amiliar with MS, might not appreciatethe inability to be gainully employed. I

you haven’t been working or a while, youprobably would not be eligible or any disability benets.

Under these circumstances, youneed to document your situation andprovide your attorney with the necessary inormation so that the Court will be

advised o your needs. Not only should you look to your neurologist and any other physicians or medical explanationsand descriptions, but you should consider being evaluated or employability toestablish that you cannot work.

It isn’t simply enough or you to testiy that you cannot work. Further, you needto be concerned about testiying i you do

suer rom cognitive issues. You can comeacross as being not very truthul and

vague i your memory ails you and it isn’t explained. Your inability to understandquestioning or how to respond may look like you are not being candid.

It is up to you to adequately explainthese issues and concerns to your attorney so that he/she can protect you in Court

and in the process o the divorce.

Legal Briefs, continues on p. 8

A D V O C A C Y



WINTER2006


T E C H N O L O G Y

What modern tool allows you to stay

in touch with riends and amily, locateinormation about your latest interest,shop, buy tickets, or register or eventsthat interest you? The Internet, o course!

This “inormation super highway” hasbecome more and more pervasive in our daily lives as it brings the world into our homes.

The Michigan Chapter o the National

MS Society has expanded its use o the web in an eort to better serve itsmembers. The www.nationalmssociety.org/mig website contains the most up-to-date inormation about upcoming programs and events, chapter news,and links to the most recent news andresearch inormation.

And now we are beginning to take

registrations or programs through the website. The online Chapter Calendar has all our programs and events listed inorder o occurrence. From the calendar listings you can link to more inormationabout each program as well as to the line

where you can register or events andprograms where that is available.

Staying Connected through the Internet By Jim Freer, Director o Inormation Technology

The registration process is quick

and easy. All you need is your address,phone number, e-mail address, and i the program has a ee, your credit card.

Ater you register or a program or therst time, the system will remember allo your inormation through the useo a username and password that youcreate. Our secure servers saely processthe transaction and keep all o your

inormation sae.Please visit our website oten to keep

current. I you have questions about the website or about registering on line, pleasecontact [email protected] or by calling toll-ree 877-242-3784 ext. 14.

IBM has supplied the National MSSociety, Michigan Chapter Inc. with apiece of software that will help makesurng the web much easier for people

with visual acuity problems. The toolwill allow you to create a prole thatthrough the manipulation of text sizeand background colors helps aid inbrowsing web pages. There is even a

feature that will read the web site foryou. IBM has generously made thisweb adaptation technology available tomembers of the Michigan Chapter.

If you are interested or have questionsabout the software and its availabilitycontact Jim Freer at 877-242-3784 orvia e-mail at [email protected]

EaSy WEB SuRfING



M O N E Y M A T T E R S

You or your health-care provider ledan insurance claim; it bounced back to

you marked denied. What can you do? I you believe the service, device, treatment,or medication you received should havebeen covered, you can and should appeal.

Many people don’t pursue their appealrights because they don’t believe they can

win. But when done correctly, over hal o all appeals are ultimately awarded in avor o the insured person.

Start by reviewing your plan manualto make sure what you thought wouldbe covered really is. It’s not unusual or people to discover that a medical serviceor treatment is not covered by their policy.I something is specically excluded rom

the written policy, the chances o winning coverage or it on appeal are slim to none.

But i the policy does not mention thetreatment in question, or the coverageis unclear, or your denial notice says theitem or service is “not medically neces-sary”, it is to your advantage to try anappeal.

Careully review the explanationo benefts (EOB) Read the EOB orm, the ocial responseto your claim the company sent you.Make sure you understand the reason

you were denied coverage or why you were reimbursed less money than youexpected. The explanations oten appear as codes on the ront o the orm, with

explanatory notes at the bottom or on theback.

• Is there a simple explanation, such asthe claim is a duplicate?

• Is there a mistake in the billing code,patient identication number, date o service, or the like? Call your insurer

with the correct inormation.

Follow your plan’s rules or appeal I your claim seems in order, the next step is to understand your plan’s AppealProcedures. Look in your manual.(It may be listed under “Grievancesand Appeals”.) Follow the procedurescareully, especially the deadlines—andthese guidelines:

• Write a letter providing the acts anda concise explanation o why youbelieve your claim should be paid. Bebusiness-like, not emotional.

• Keep your letter to one page, but besure to include your insurance IDnumber, the specic claim number (i applicable), the name and con-tact inormation o your health-care

provider, and date o service (i appli-cable).

• Keep copies o your letter and appealorm. Keep records o all interac-tions with your insurer, including names o company representatives

you speak with on the phone andrelevant dates. Keep copies o claims,

How to Appeal When Your Health Plan Refuses Your Claim By Kimberly Calder, MPS, Manager, Health Insurance Initiative



WINTER2006

Visit us online at www.nationalmssociety.org 16

M O N E Y M A T T E R S

bills, letters, attachments—anything the company sends you.

Involve your health-care provider Discuss your appeal with your health-

care provider and ask or his/her activesupport. Send your provider copies o

your appeal letter(s) or his/her recordsand to make sure you don’t duplicateeorts. I the dispute is over the necessity or value o a service or treatment, your health-care proessional’s support in theorm o a letter about your condition,

which reers to scientic studies

supporting the benet o the treatment in question, could be invaluable. I your doctor thinks a delay in the treatment or therapy would pose a danger to your health or result in your inability toregain unctions, you should request an “expedited or accelerated review”.Expedited reviews typically cut the appealreview time down to two or three days.

We can help your health-careproessional Call our program director i the disputeis about the medical necessity o specic drugs, rehabilitation therapy, wheelchairs,scooters, or other durable medicalequipment. The Society has prepared a“tool kit” o successul appeal letters, withreerences to relevant medical research,

or your proessional to use. The lettersare on a CD, enabling busy practitionersto upload materials to a computer, andpersonalize an appeal in a matter o minutes. We will send a copy on request.

What else can the Society do? The home oce produces “Expert Opinion” papers and other proessional

reports describing the use and value o various therapies in the diagnosis andmanagement o MS. These are availableon nationalmssociety.org, under thesection “For Proessionals”. Feel reeto provide them to your insuranceadministrators and your health-careproessionals.

Follow up! I your appeal is denied, go to the next level. A second appeal won’t happenautomatically. You need to communicate

your desire or a second-level appeal to

your insurer on the phone and in writing. This will be another “internal” appealconducted by the company, but it willinvolve a reconsideration o your claim by higher-level proessionals.

I your second appeal is denied, youmay be eligible or an “external review”by health proessionals who are not a-liated with your insurer. Contact your

insurer again to nd out i you are eligi-ble. I you are, you will need guidance onexternal review procedures. We’ll try tond someone to help you.

For more information on health insur-ance, go to nationalmssociety.org, clickon Living with MS, then Life Planning and

Independence, then Health Insuranceand Medicare. There you will nd insur-ance FAQs, COBRA and HIPAA informa-tion, drug facts, and more.

If you don’t have access to the Internet,call us with your question and we’ll printout material and send it to you by mail.



NEWS you CaN uSE

If you aRE NEW To mS...What do you do now? The National MS Sociehas many resources for you and your family to

explore. Here are some suggestions on whereto begin.

Knowledge Is Power is a free education pro-gram of eight weekly mailings sent to youre-mail or postal address on such issues astreatment options and the impact of MS on thefamily. Sign up online at nationalmssociety.orgKnowledge, or call us.

We want to be your mainline to services. Our

offerings include physician referrals and self-help groups.

Our website houses more than 3,000 pages oup-to-date information on MS. For easy accesclick on the words “Site Map”, located in the uper-right corner of every page, just beneath thsearch icon.

To network with others, there are chat rooms

and message boards. Sign up at nationalmssciety.org/chat.asp.

Brochures and other publications are all avail-able on the website. The Newly Diagnosedpage at nationalmssociety.org/Newly Diag-nosed links to brochures on topics ranging froMS drug treatments to choosing a health-careprovider. If you don’t have web access, call us

Publications for families are also on this page.

Click on the icon for Teen InsideMS, our quar-terly webzine by and for teens affected by MSFor younger kids, Keep S’myelin is available inprint and as an interactive website. The icon wtake you there.

And if you’d like someone to talk to, call us at1-800-FIGHT-MS (1-800-344-4867). This is whwe’re here.

NEW BooKS INmIChIGaN ChaPTERlIBRaRy• Living Beyond Multiple Sclerosis: AWomen’s Guide by Judith Lynn Nichols,Hunter House Publishers, 272 pages,2000. (2 copies)

A sequel to the 1999 award winning Women Living with Multiple Sclerosis, thisguide contains valuable inormation or people with MS and their amilies andriends, caregivers and well-wishers. It also shows how a close-knit support group can help people with chronic

illnesses, and how the Internet can bea blessing or those who may not havethe energy or the mobility to nd sucha group in their neighborhood.

• Multiple Sclerosis: The History o a Disease, by T. Jock Murray, OC, MD,Demos Medical Publishing, 580 pages,2005. (2 copies)

In this elegantly written andcomprehensive history, we meet individuals who suered with MSin the centuries beore the diseasehad a name. From these early cases the author demonstrates howprogress in diagnosing and managing multiple sclerosis has paralleled thedevelopment o medical science.Dr. Murray takes us on a ascinating

journey o discovery, in the processshowing how the evolution o our understanding o multiple sclerosishas been part o the greater history o medical knowledge.

To borrow these materials call toll-ree800-243-5767 ext. 239.

W E L L N E S S



WINTER2006

Visit us online at www.nationalmssociety.org 18

W E L L N E S S

Is your body trying to tell you that

you’re too stressed out? Common

signs o unhealthy levels o stress in-clude constantly eeling irritable or resent-ul, being easily distracted, or short andshallow breathing.

“You fnd it difcult to concentrate, and you may eel jumpy or easily agitated,” saidDeborah Miller, PhD, director o Compre-hensive Care at the Cleveland Clinic Mel-len Center or MS. “You may

not be able to manage things you’re used to dealing withevery day.”

Too much stress David Mohr, PhD, an associ-ate proessor in the depart-ments o Psychiatry andNeurology at the University o Caliornia, San Francisco, is

an expert in MS and stress. Heanalyzed and reported on 14studies on MS and stress or the March 19,2004 British Medical Journal.

“It’s still unclear i stress causes MS exac-erbations or i it’s just a statistical associa-tion,” Dr. Mohr said. “But we know toomuch stress takes a toll.”

Dr. Miller agreed: “Stress can increase

blood pressure. The sooner you pinpoint the source o stress and reduce it, the lesslikely it is to worsen.”

Stress-busting tips Dr. Mohr breaks stress-reduction into threecategories:

n Controlling your environment. “Stressis usually in response to some event in

the environment,” Dr. Mohr said. “An-ticipating and planning or potentially

stressul events can take much o thepressure o and keep stress at bay.”

Dr. Miller agreed. “I you’re over- whelmed with tasks, delegate work to others. Even money worries can bereduced by getting help with fnancialplanning.”

n Adjusting perceptions.“How you interpret an

event can strongly deter-mine your response to it,”Dr. Mohr said. “It’s goodto stop and think throughthings, to consider wheth-er something is as bad asit might seem, or i your response is mostly emo-tional.”

“When you’re really stressed, you may not be able to see

the parts or the whole,” Dr. Miller said.“Locating specifc concerns that youhave and then thinking through themone at a time may relieve stress.”

n Taking care of your body. Dr. Mohr advises people to learn how to calm thebody down—through yoga, meditation,

or relaxation exercises. “The more youpractice these disciplines, the better youget at them,” he said.

Read more about stress and what youcan do in the Society’s booklet Taming

Stress in MS. Call us at 1-800-FIGHT-MSand ask or a copy, or read it online at nationalmssociety.org/Brochures-Taming-Stress1.asp.

Keeping Stress in Check



W E L L N E S S

Does this describe your lie? Your partner

ignores you, your kids are mean to you,no one visits and no one calls. Do you eelhelpless to do anything about it? Well,good news! You’re not helpless at all. Youjust need to stop being a victim.

We all know victims, olks who believethey’re at the mercy o lie with no controlo anything. They point an accusatory fnger at others while wallowing in sel-

pity or their plight. Victims can be rich,poor, young, old, smart, not so smart,able bodied, not so able bodied…they canbe anyone! Does this describe you? Sure,there are things you have no control over:the weather, your health, and other people.But there is one thing you can control andthat’s the way you choose to react to liesituations.

You can stop being a victim. Start by changing yoursel and see what happens.

This can be difcult depending on how deeply rooted you are in the negative.

Assuming you’re ready to look at yoursel objectively, what’s next?

When your kids get home rom school, what do you say? When your partner getshome rom work, how do you greet him/her? I your riend calls, what do you talk about? Are you picking up on a themehere? Maybe it’s your negativity that isdamaging your relationships. A partner and kids must return home physically, but they can shut down emotionally to your negativity. Friends can just stop calling. I

Change Changes Things By Sue Chapman MA, MSW

this is what’s happening, then, maybe it’s

time or a change.Here are some strategies or starters.

Keep in mind they take practice. You needto smile with both your words and your body language. Be interested in what oth-ers are doing, rather than just the bor-ing old stu you talk about all the time.Sorry to say it, but as tired as you must beo talking or griping about your lie, so

must others be o hearing about it! When your partner gets home, ask how their day went…anything new? Any changes?See anyone? You get the idea. When your kids get home, fnd out about their day. Becreative or they’ll just say, “Fine,” and walk away. Ask what they did at recess or whomthey sat with on the bus. Remember, thisis a ‘new YOU’ and they’ll need some time

to process this change. Don’t get rustrated;old habits die hard. Families get used tobehaving in the same old ways and canresist change. You must be the one to per-severe. Once they see that you’re sincere,they’ll come around.

As or your riends, you may need totake the frst step. Call and see how they’redoing. Ask about their amily, what they’ve

been up to, their job, their kids. You’llknow what to say. Listen to their lives.

They might like this new you!

Remember, it never hurts to say, “I’msorry, I’d like to change.” Acting with loveis powerul; see what it can do or you.



WINTER2006


March 13-17 Proclaimed MS Awareness Week The National Multiple Sclerosis Society

is excited to announce the rst ever MS Awareness Week. During MS Awareness Week, the Society will be going above andbeyond its usual eorts to educate thepublic about MS and to help those living

with the disease.

We need your help! Please join us in theght against MS. Tuesday, March 14 willbe known throughout the nation as the

“Day o Hope.” We encourage those aect-ed by the disease to show “aWEARness”by wearing MS identiers such as the MSRibbon o Hope lapel pin, the MS Band o Hope, old National MS Society event t-shirts, or simply the color red.

We are also using the week to encouragepeople living with MS to register with theChapter. Since MS is not a reportable dis-ease, it is up to you to contact us in order

or you to benet rom our won-derul programs and services.

Another important reason to reg-ister with the Chapter is research.

Accurate measurements o the MSpopulation increases research dol-lars the disease is entitled to - mov-ing us one step closer to nding thecure to this devastating disease.

Get your riends and amily

involved! MS Awareness Week isa great opportunity to register or the Christoper & Banks MS Walk,presented by Serono, or the Gener-al Motors MS Bike Tour. I you area goler, register or the Hunting-ton Bank MS Longest Day o Gol.Events like these raise awarenessand help raise money or vital pro-

grams and services or people withMS, research, education, and more.

I you have already signed up or an event, MS Awareness Week isalso a great time to ask people to

sponsor you, or to join your event team. The events provide un or the entire am-ily while raising money or the cause.

Photo o the Certifcate o Proclamation, signed by Governor Jennier Granholm,that declares March 13 the start o MS

Awareness Week.

F U N D R A I S I N G A N D A W A R E N E S S



NEWS you CaN uSE

16

The Michigan Chapter, Southeld oce,held its 2005 Recognition Reception on

Tuesday, Nov 15, honoring top individualand third party event undraisers, andtop teams. The Grand Rapids oce (west side o the state) hosted a reception on

Thursday, Nov. 17. This event provides anexcellent opportunity or the NationalMS Society sta to personally thank 63team captains and over 75 individual

event participants in attendance.

In 2004, the National MS Society,Michigan Chapter, established a newcorporate award to recognize theaggregate support o a company toinclude team undraising, sponsorship,and in-kind giving within the Chapter’s

TeamMS programs. The Shining Star Corporate Award was presentedto General Motors or the secondconsecutive year in recognition o reaching the highest level o support

within the Michigan Chapter. Accepting this prestigious award was GM’sExecutive Director o Labor Relationsand National MS Society Board Member,Dean Munger.

A special thank you to Bualo Wild Wings who provided the ood anddesserts or the Southeld reception, and

Teva Neuroscience or the underwriting o the Grand Rapids reception.

TImmy’S JouRNEy To

uNdERSTaNdING mSThe National MS Society is pleased to

announce a new children’s video (VHSor DVD) called Timmy’s Journey toUnderstanding MS. This new animatedproduction shares a little boy’s adventurein learning about multiple sclerosis. WhenTimmy’s father comes home from workand is too fatigued to play ball, Timmy getsupset and stomps up to his room. Here asuperhero comes to life and takes Timmy

on an adventure through the human bodywhere Timmy learns how MS affects thecentral nervous system. This video willhelp your child understand MS . . . and youmay learn a few new things as well.

You can order this delightful new programfor $10 plus $3.50 for shipping from theMichigan Chapter. To request an order

form, call Karen Bables toll-free at 1-877-242-3784 or e-mail her at [email protected]. Be sure to include youraddress and phone number. (Please beprepared to allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.)



WINTER2006



What if every day you woke up not knowing if you would be able to get out of bed or hold your child?For many people with multiple sclerosis, this is their reality.

THIS IS WHY WE CARE.Multiple sclerosis (MS) usually strikes adults in the prime of life – between the ages

of 20 and 50. MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system affecting the

brain and spinal cord. One new case of MS is diagnosed every hour. It comes and

goes unpredictably, leaving those with MS to wonder, “Will I become paralyzed, blind

or have trouble walking? Will I be able to raise my family and continue my career?”

APRIL

22 Detroit,GrandRapids,

Midland

23 Dearborn,Lansing

29 AnnArbor,Holland

30 Marquette

MAY

6 Warren

7 Birmingham,Grosse Pointe,Jackson

13 Frankenmuth,Kalamazoo

JUNE

24 TraverseCity

JUNE

10-11 GrandRapids

JULY

15-16 MetroDetroit

16 MountainBikeTour

PresentedBy

PresentedBy

MAY

1-31 Statewide



W

e would like to extenda special thank you

to everyone who attended the2005 Women Against Multiple Sclerosis(WAMS) luncheon in Frankenmuth.More than 130 people attended. They

were entertained by Rain Pryor who gaveinsight into growing up as the daughter o comedic legend Richard Pryor. Rainalso shared her personal experience o living 18 years with the eects o multiple

sclerosis on someone she loved. Her story was heartelt and portrays how multiplesclerosis aects the amily unit as a wholeand is not just limited to the person whohas been diagnosed.

National MS Society events make adierence in the lives o some 16,000

on October 23, 2005 more than100 Marathon Strides Against Multiple Sclerosis (MSAMS)

participants ran in the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon. Despite thecold temperatures, members o MSAMSenjoyed beautiul Detroit and Windsor landmarks and crossed the nish line at

Ford Field, home o the Detroit Lions.Not all runners competed in the ull-marathon race (26.2 miles). Some ranin the hal-marathon (13.1 miles) or participated in the 5-person relay, whileothers challenged themselves in the 5K Fun Run/Walk event.

Women Against Multiple Sclerosispeople in Michigan who live with thisdevastating disease. A large portion

o money raised through events like WAMS stays here in Michigan and helpsto und programs such as sel-helpgroups, wellness programs, inormationand reerral, and even equipment loanprograms.

Support also helps und over 300 newand ongoing research projects designed tond the cause o and a cure or MS. These

are the projects that will one day makeMS stand or “mystery solved”.

Marathon Runners Race with Purpose

In addition to training and partici-pating in the marathon, MSAMSmembers were committed to raising money or the National MS Society.

While pledges are still coming in, so ar

more than $42,000 has been raised!I you are interested in running or

MS and raising money through MSAMS,please contact Shannon Westphal at 800-243-5767 ext. 218.


18



WINTER2006


In 2005, over 8,200people joined our ght to end the devastating eects o MS. Whether it was raining, snowing or a bright sunshiny day,participants rom all over the state came together at 15 sites ready to walk.

Through their hard work and dedication, and thesupport o our sponsors,

we raised more than$1.3 million to support research and localservices!

Do you know what that means to the more

than 16,000 people,and their amilies, inMichigan who are living

with MS? With 89 centso every dollar raisedgoing directly to the mission to end thedevastating eects o MS, that meansmore research, more local programs andservices, more equipment, and more

scholarships. That means we’re that muchcloser to a cure. It’s the support romall o you that makes the MS Walk thesuccess that it continues to be. And itsbecause o you that we all continue tohave hope.

2005 Christopher & Banks MS Walk Presented by Rebif Raises $1.3 Million

We thank everyone who playeda role in the success o the 2005 MS

Walk. Without you, the participants,the volunteers, and the sponsors,none o this would be possible. We are

looking orward to 2006 which willbring some new and exciting changes,and hope to see you all again. Look or more details on our website at www.nationalmssociety.org/mig or call 800-243-5767 ext. 219.




The Michigan Chapter’s Annual

Meeting and Volunteer Awards luncheoncelebration was held on November 5,2005 at the Ypsilanti Marriott.

The keynote speaker was Karl Gross,M.D., Assistant Proessor o Neurology at the University o Colorado School o Medicine. He spoke about new researchand treatment options. The other eatured speaker was Rain Pryor, actress,

singer, writer, producer, comedienne anddaughter o comedian legend, RichardPryor. Rain gave a moving presentationon lie as the caregiver o a person whohad advanced MS.

Volunteer award winners were alsohonored at the program. They include:

• George A.L. Gant Regional Volunteer

AwardDon Wolcott–Metro RegionBob Larsen–Eastern RegionMary Ann Papp–Western RegionErin Glomski–Northern Region

• Youth Volunteer –Gautum Reddy • Richard Ennis Award–Sherry Johnson• Advocate o the Year –Ann Seran• Public Ofcial o the Year –Janet

Olszewski, Director o the MichiganDepartment o Community Health• Corporation o the Year –Hungry Howie’s

Pizza• Hope Award–Vicki Spehar • MS Achievement Award–Sherry

Johnson

The event was sponsored by

Berlex, Biogen Idec, Serono and TevaNeuroscience.

2005 Annual Meeting and Volunteer Awards Dinner

George A.L. Gant Regional Volunteer Award winners, Mary Ann Papp (let),Erin Glomski (center), and Don Wolcott (right)

Hope Award winner,Vicki Spehar

Richard Ennis Award and MS Achievement Awardwinner, Sherry

Johnson

R E G I O N A L N E W S



WINTER2006



Regional News, continues on p. 22

fEBRuaRyLie Planning Teletraining Series

These telephone sessions are anopportunity to explore current anduture nancial dilemmas associated

with lie with MS in the privacy o your own home. Each call willinclude presentations by one or moreproessions ollowed by Q & A with thespeaker(s).

• Feb 21 - Insurance Issues• Feb. 28 - Tackling Your Month-to-

Month Money Issues• March 7 - Long Term Lie Planning

and Financial Matters All sessions will be conducted via

phone rom 7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.Participants can choose to register or one, two or all three sessions.Registration ee is $5 per session.Registration deadline is February 7,2006. Participation instructions andhandouts will be mailed prior to each

session. For inormation, contact RuthLinnemann at 517-339-6002.

Career Crossroads A three-part telephone series willexamine employment related topicsincluding disclosure, legal protections,accommodations, and matching employment to the reality o MS in

your lie. Instruction will be romspeakers and a National MS Society

video resource available in video or DVD ormat.

Sessions will be held three Mondaysthis spring or summer, rom 7:00 p.m.– 8:30 p.m. each night. Exact dates

will be chosen by participants. $20

registration ee or the entire series. For inormation contact Ruth Linnemann,517-339-6002.

February 11–Practical Inormation

or Caregivers in KalamazooDo you have questions about thephysical logistics o caring or a lovedone? A proessional in the eld willpresent inormation in conjunction

with the newly orming caregivers sel-help group. While caregivers learn inone room, the regular sel-help groupor people with MS will happen right

next door, so both o you can come! Tolearn more, call Amy at 877-242-3784.

February 16 and 23–Ater You’veBeen Told teleconerence

This is an educational, toll-reeteleconerence or people who havebeen diagnosed with MS withinthe last two years. This two-part

program will be held in the evening on February 16 and February 23. Eachconerence call will eature a talk by anMS proessional, ollowed by a questionand answer segment. Proessionals willdiscuss the medical aspects o MS inthe rst call and emotional issues inthe second call. For more inormation,please call Sarah at 800-243-5767 ext.

230.

maRChMid-March 2006–Tai ChiBeginning in March 2006 we willoer a 6-week tai chi class in




Regional News, continued from p. 21

22

Marquette. Oten reerred to as amethod o “moving meditation”, TaiChi is a conditioning regimen that

is even gentler than most orms o Yoga. Partial scholarships will beavailable. Watch your mail or anannouncement. For more inormationcontact Rose at 800-243-5767 ext. 231.

March 26–Circles o Hope A one-day conerence acilitated by Douglas Schwentor, MA, CSW, CWA,

will be held in Grand Rapids rom9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the ApplauseBanquet Center, 2728 Birchcrest SE.Learn how to live with increased hope

while coping with a chronic illness.For more inormation, contact Karen at 877-242-3784.

The 2006 North American EducationConerence, MS: The Genetic Connection

This program will be held in severallocations. A video presentation eaturesDavid Hafer, MD, Stephen Hauser,MD, Dessa Sadovnick, PhD, and JohnRichert, MD. A Question and Answer session will ollow the video at eachsite. The cost or the program at all sites

will be $5. Watch or a brochure listing details or each o the ollowing sites:

• March 10 – at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital rom 6:00– 8:00 p.m. Dr. John Kamholz willacilitate the Question and Answer session. For more inormationcontact, Sue at 1-800-243-5767 ext.232.

• March 15 – in Petoskey at theNorthern Michigan Hospital,Community Health EducationCenter. For more inormationcontact Barbara at 231-348-7992.

• March 25 - in South Haven at the Warren Center. Jean Kruger, RN,Research Advocate volunteer, willacilitate the Question and Answer Period. For more inormationcontact Amy 1-877-242-3784

• March 30 – in Cadillac at Mercy Hospital at 6:30 p.m and West Branch at the West Branch Regional

Medical Center. Louise O’Donnell,R.N., M.S., Nurse Practitioner and Clinic Coordinator o the

West Michigan MS Clinic, willacilitate the Question and Answer period. For more inormation,contact Barbara 231-348-7992.

• April 1 – in Muskegon at the MonaShores Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m.

Maureen Dunn, PhD, Research Advocate volunteer, will acilitatethe Question and Answer period.For more inormation, contact Amy at 877-242-3784.

aPRIl April 8–Program on Alternative andComplementary Therapies in the

Oakland county area. Allen Bowling, MD, PhD, MedicalDirector o the Rocky MountainMS Center and author o Alternative

Medicine and Multiple Sclerosis will bethe eatured speaker. Presentationson various types o complementary



WINTER2006



and alternative therapies will also beeatured in this program you will not

want to miss! Look or an upcoming brochure in the mail soon. For moreinormation, call Sue Arnot at 800-243-

5767 ext. 232.

April 8–Aquatics in Traverse City Have you tried it yet? I not, you’ll beamazed at the things you can do withthe assistance o water. Volunteers areavailable to help in the pool. Join usat the Civic Center Pool rom 10:20am -11:00 am. For more inormation,

contact Lauran at 231-386-7579.

may (advaNCE NoTICE)

May 4–North American EducationConerence in Freeland

May 13–Curious about Complemen-tary Medicine Program in TraverseCity

May 20–Family Day in Grand Rapids

May 20–North American EducationConerence in Marquettte

This program will be video conerencedto Iron Mountain, Sault Saint Marieand Alpena.

May 22–North American EducationConerence in Owosso

A Program For Children We are planning a program in themetro Detroit area or children whose

parents have MS. I you would like tohave your child’s name included on themailing list or this upcoming program,please call 800-243-5767 ext. 239.

April 20-May 25–Gateway to WellnessHeld at the Michigan Chapter Ocein Southeld. For more inormation,contact Karen Bables toll ree at 1-877-242-3784.

mSCoNNECTIoNmISSIoN STaTEmENTEmpowering through inormation

This is accomplished by providing:• inormation on research updates in

multiple sclerosis

• articles by proessionals in the eldrelated to multiple sclerosis

• inormation on activities that benet the National Multiple SclerosisSociety, Michigan Chapter, Inc.

The mission o the National MultipleSclerosis Society is to end the devastating eects o multiple sclerosis.



1996 Ford Windstar , 53k engine miles, ront pass. seat is motorized–comes out and downto passenger, no rust, very good condition.Call Barbara at 989-352-7130.

1994 Econoline 150 van, handicapped

equipped, hand controls, lit, swivel ront seat, $12,000. Call John at 248-887-9753.

1992 Plymouth Sundance, 20k miles, w/hand controls, red in color, like new, $3,000. Call Donald at 248-661-6260.

1989 Ford E-150 van, 86k mile, loweredfoor, Braun lit, Q-straints tie down, newer brakes and tires, $7,500. Call Roger at 616-452-0151.

Legend Pride our-wheel elec. scooter, 5 years old, new batt. last year, runs well, ask-ing $500. Call Jim at 616-669-8643.

Inventacare Power 9000 elec. wheelchair ,new batt. and charger, new tires, air condi-tion, $850. Call Faith at 616-754-3418.

Invacare Panther MX4 scooter, 2 sets o batt., excellent condition, $1,000. Call Charlesat 517-263-1816.

WINTER2006E Q U I P M E N T C O R N E R

Jazzy Power Chair, Roho cushion, $3,000. Chaueur elec. cart, w/ air cushion, $1,200.Hospital bed, w/ Hoyer lit, $1,200. For any o these three items call Lentz at 231-869-2131.

Uplit Power Seat, elec. liting cushion,

new, never used, asking $149. Call Maryannat 248-722-0848.

Pride Scooter, power seat, onboard charger,basket lights, deluxe model, excellent condi-tion, $2,000 obo. Call Josie at 586-939-8521.

WANTED–3-wheel Bicycle and a Pre-carerowing machine. Call Peter, located in Com-merce, MI, at 248-366-1960 with inormation.

I you are interested in listing an advertisement

or equipment that will beneft people with MS,please send your ad to [email protected], with“Equipment Corner” as the subject. You can alsocall 800-243-5767 ext. 205, with your ad or axit to 248-350-0029. No commercial ads please.

National Multiple Sclerosis SocietyMichigan Chapter, Inc.

21311 Civic Center Drive

Southfeld, MI 48076-3911

Closing in on a cure

msc mi vol 3 iss 1

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