msc mi vol 4 iss 3

8/6/2019 MSC MI Vol 4 Iss 3

1/20

This has been

a very big

year or Elana

Sullivan, who was

recently announcedas the new

President o the

National MS Society,

Michigan Chapter

in Southeld. Withthe year only hal

over, Elana recently

married in March

and by July 9thwill be behind

the wheel o theSoutheld-based National MS Society

Michigan Chapter. This is not her rst visit.

Fresh out o Michigan State University in

1990, Ms. Sullivan joined the National MS

Societys Michigan Chapter. As her career

grew over the next 11 years, she would

hold eight dierent positions with the

Society, nally earning the oce o Vice

President, Marketing and Development.

In 2001, Elana let the National MSSociety and joined Henry Ford Health

System (HFHS) where, as Senior Director o

Corporate Development

and Philanthropy Events,

she was responsible orraising millions o dollars

annually. It was at HFHS

that I learned the true

art o undraising anddonor cultivation, Sullivan

continues. As she returnsto her ormer employer,

she brings these valuable

skills and will endeavor

to apply them to raise

money or the ght against MS. My major

Volume 4 Issue 3 Michigan Chapter

M O V I N G T O W A R D A W O R L D F R E E O F M S

New Chapter President comes back to her roots

Home Is Where the Heart Is

Action Altert - Sign UpPage 9 MS Society Night atComerica ParkPage 18 Dow & Loons PromoteMS Bike TourPage 19Nerve Pain is DifferentPage 4

Elana Sullivan,incoming president othe National Multiple

Sclerosis Society,Michigan Chapter

da Vinci Awa

See page17 details!

INSIDETHISISSUE:

Summer/2007


2/202 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

goal here is to eradicate this

disease, and we need to raisesubstantially more unds to

do so, observes Elana.

What brought her back?

She kept in touch with her

old comrades and continuedas a supporter, nancially

and otherwise. Pat

McDonald, recently retired

chapter president, had

become a dear riend. It was over lunch onday that Pat shared with me her intention to

retire. The MS cause has always been close

to my heart, and Id developed many dear

riends at the Michigan Chapter. I could ee

my passion or the cause rising again, sherecalls.

Henry Ford was very supportive o Elanas

opportunity. Her soon to be ex-boss, Senior

Vice President o Philanthropy at Henry Ford

Gary Rounding, even went so ar as to helpher weigh the opportunity. Needless to say

her departure was on a very positive note.I you subscribe to the saying home is

where the heart is, then the National MS

Society is where Elana Sullivan belongs. Anher new husband?she rst met him 17

years ago as she was planning the MS 150

Bike Tour to ght the disease.

A publication o the National MultipleSclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter21311 Civic Center Dr.Southeld, MI 48076-3911

Ph: 800-344-4867Fax: 248-350-0029E-mail: [email protected]

Chapter ChairPeter Burton

Chapter PresidentElana Sullivan

Newsletter Editor

Chris Collins

The Michigan Chapter o the NationalMultiple Sclerosis Society is proudto be a source o inormation aboutmultiple sclerosis. Our comments arebased on proessional advice, publishedexperience and expert opinion,but do not represent therapeuticrecommendations or prescriptions. For

specic inormation and advice, consulta qualied physician.

The Michigan Chapter o the NationalMultiple Sclerosis Society doesnot endorse products, services ormanuacturers. Such names appear (inthis publication) solely because they areconsidered valuable inormation. Thechapter assumes no liability whatsoever

or the contents or use o any product orservice mentioned.

The mission o the National MS Societyis to end the devastating eects omultiple sclerosis.

Copyright 2007 National MS Society,Michigan Chapter

Elana Sullivan

FROM PAGE 1

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

nationalMSsociety.org/mig


3/20

T

he new MS Technology Collaborativewants to raise awareness o howtechnology can help people with

MS live well. It wants to break downbarriers or those who arent comortableusing technology and educate peopleon how to choose, use, and maximizethe impact o technology on their livesno matter how MS aects them. Thecollaborative plans to

nExplore how people with MS currentlyuse technology, including computers,cell phones, PDAs, and Web

communities;nIdentiy techniques and applications

that can solve individual problems;

nIncrease everyones awareness oavailable solutions; and

nDevelop new solutions to ll in the gaps.

Visit mymsmyway.com to learn more.

Access or allThe MS Technology Collaborative is aunique initiative by the National MSSociety, Microsot, and Bayer HealthcarePharmaceuticals, a division o BayerSchering Pharma AG (ormerly Berlex).The three partners are creating a uturewhere technology can be used by anyoneliving with MS. That includes people whohave blurred vision, uncooperative ngers,and iy memories. It includes those who

are newly diagnosed or have progressingMS related symptoms. The MS TechnologyCollaborative is ounded on the belie thatimproved technology can help peoplewith MS move their lives orward. Fromtelephones to global positioning systems,technology provides access to the worldoering entertainment, education,employment, and personal connections.

Technology has even more potentialor those living with MS. Health care

systems will increasingly use computercommunication or partnerships in selcareand health education. Computer use may

soon be a link to healthy living with MS.Also go to nationalmssociety.org/mig ormore inormation

Preparing the wayBeore mymsmyway.com went live, thecollaborative rst ormed a steeringcommittee o diverse people living with MSacross the country. That committeeis providing ongoing input. Next, the

collaborative elded a nationwide surveyto get the big picture into ocus: What is therole o technology in the lives o people withMS?

The survey asked pointed questionsabout how people currently use technology,what limitations they experience, andwhether technology helps them to livebetter. Survey results will be posted on bothmymsmyway.com and the Societys Web siteas soon as an analysis is nalized.

The MS Technology Collaborative hopesto develop a personalized, interactive Webexperience that can deliver inormationtailored to the needs o a specic individual.Just how that will work is verymuch a work in progress. Be part o theuture. Visit www.mymsmyway.com today,and join in.

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867

The MS Technology Collaborative:Making Technology Work for You

COOL TIPS FORHOT DAYS

Avoid the hot seat

Keep your car cooler with

refective shades or the

windshield and abric carseat covers. Available at

auto supply stores.

3


4/20

All pain is transmittedby nerves, butnerve pain isdierent. Phantom

limb pain is a vivid exampleo neuropathic or nervepain. This type o painoriginates in the centralnervous system in injurednerve pathways, not in thebones or muscles. A personwith phantom limb paineels pain in a body part thatwas amputated in the past.

MS lesions can injurenerve pathways andproduce neuropathic painor unpleasant sensationscalled dysesthesias (or di-es-THESE-ee-ahs). The burning, aching,stabbing, prickling, or itching may start andstop or drag on. MS lesions may also causeallodynia (Al-oh-DIN-ee-ah)

which is pain romsomething that shouldntbe painul. A sot touch, theweight o bed covers, evena cool breeze can be thetrigger.

Neuropathic pain isnot soothed by the over-the-counter medicationsthat work on muscle pain.Even powerul prescriptionmedications such asPercocet, Lortab, Oxycontin,or Darvocet are not eectiveor this kind o pain.

Instead, physicians needto prescribe medicationsthat work on nerves. Theymay be anti-convulsants

(such as Tegretol, Dilantin, or Neurontin),antidepressants (such as Elavil), or newdrugs approved or diabetic pain (such asLyrica or Cymbalta). Its not uncommon totry out drugs to nd what works best.


Nerve Pain is Different

Muscle and bone painhappen too

People who have di-

culty walking may

develop pain rom

the stresses placed

on muscles, bones,

and joints. Sitting alsostresses body parts.

Muscle and bone pain

responds to physical therapyand to

standard pain medications. A person

with MS might have more than onekind o pain. The rst step to pain con-

trol is a proessional diagnosis.

4

COOL TIPS FOR HOT DAYS

Water and...

Keep a plastic water bottle hal lled

in the reezer. Top it o and youll

have a drink that stays cool all day.

Herbal teasruity blends,

peppermint, and gingeraregood chilled and have little or

no calories i you make your

own.

Avoid sugary drinks.They leave

you thirstierand heavier too,

because o all the calories.

Drink ruit juice the light way

by extending with ice, water, or

a ruity herbal tea.


5/20

Global survey showscommunication criticalto pain relieA seven-country survey by HarrisInteractive* shows that doctor-patientcommunication is essential or diagnosisand treatment o nerveor neuropathic

pain.The survey ound that many general

practitioners (amily doctors) did not ndit easy to recognize this type o pain. Thesurvey also ound that people with nervepain waited rom 5.7 to 19.5 monthsbeore talking to a physician about it.Many believed the pain would go away byitsel.

Language mattersSuccess involves two-way communication.People who were able to describeintensity, duration, location, and how apain eelsand physicians who asked orthese descriptionswere ar more likelyto have successul outcomes. They used

descriptive words like dull, throbbing,stabbing, numb, achy, prickly, burning,pins and needles, and shock-like.

The survey contacted approximately700 people diagnosed with nerve painbecause o MS, diabetes, herpes, cancer,stroke, or other conditions and 700physicians in Finland, Germany, GreatBritain, Korea, Italy, Mexico, and Spain.

Tell your doctor

The National MS Societys ProessionalResource Center Clinical Bulletin, Painin Multiple Sclerosis by Heidi Malone,PhD, RN, can be downloaded atnationalmssociety.org/PRC. It includescharts on pharmacological managementand an extensive bibliography.



Snackin cool

Smoothies and

slushies pack a cool

nutritional punch. Ina blender,

combine banana,

melon, strawberries,or peaches with low-

at milk or ruitjuice. Then pile in

the ice. Add a ew

drops o vanilla or

an exotic touch.

5

Try nondrug approaches

right away

While you and your physician inves-tigate meds, pain specialists say its

smart to add complementary therapies

right away. Nerves can become habitu-ated to pain, making the pain harder to

control.Consider relaxation techniques,

meditation, guided imagery, sel-

hypnosis, prayer, or music therapy.

Joining a support group, pursuing a

hobby, or having a good laugh watch-ing comedy videos are also known to

minimize pain.Experiment with applications o

heat, cold, or pressure. Try massage,

acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, or physicaltherapy.

Oddly enough, neuropathic pain

does not mean the MS is getting worse.

But it could make lie worse.

*Funded by the Neuropathic Pain Network and Pfzer, Inc.


6/20TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 48676

Anything New in Your World?By Sue Chapman MA, MSW

A

hh, the good old summertime! Or is itthe same old summertime; being hotand watching the world go by. A ew

years back, an article ran requestingideas or making activities o daily living,ADLs, easier. As readers, you supplied lots osuggestions; ways to ease daily tasks, copingstrategies, and even dierent routines. Itstime, again, to share your ideas, tips and tricks!What makes your lie run more smoothly?Caregivers, too, whatve you ound thatlightens your load as parent, spouse, riendand caregiver? Now, maybe something comes

to mind but you dismiss it as either so obviousor too simple. Please, tell us about it anyway;youd be surprised how valuable that tip justmight be to another reader!

For instance, how do you keep your coolduring the hot weather? Cooking tips orinstance, double the recipe; eat one andreeze one. Time savers, clothing tips, travelsuggestions (user riendly getaways), andparenting pointers (especially with kids homeor the summer); anything youve ound thatsmade a dierence in your lie.

During the next ew weeks, think aboutsuggestions or strategies you use that mightjust help someone deal better with their

world. Then, send it to the NMSS, MI Chapterattention: Sue Chapman, 21311 Civic CenterDrive, Southeld, MI 48076. Or you may call

the Society, 1-800-344-4867, Option 2, Ext.243 (Ask the Nurse line) and leave your ideasto my attention on voice mail. Please includeyour name and phone number, slowly andclearly, so you may be contacted, i necessaryDeadline: August 1.

Heres a suggestion to start your creativejuices owing. The worlds changing soquickly, but like everyones, your lie mayseem dull and boring at times. Just or un,

take a trip to one o the home health careproviders showroom. Youll be surprised athow much has been developed to make liewith a disability more comortable. Not onlyin acilitating daily necessities but technologyhas ound ways to enhance the recreationalaspects o lie as well. Youll nd things younever knew were out there. Knowledgeablepeople will help you explore the wide range oadaptations and accommodations available.Always remember, the National MS Society ishere to help you with any reerrals you mightbe seeking. Look orward to hearing rom yoand enjoy the summer!

Michigan Chapter Announces New Service with IRC

The Michigan Chapter contracted

with the Inormation Resource Cen-

ter (IRC) in June. Inquiries regarding

inormation on MS, programs, andlocal resources are now directed to the IRC,

and handled by the trained Inormation &

Reerral Specialists. Rose Jones Taylor, Chap-

ter Programs and Services Vice President,

said This is an exciting time or the Michi-gan Chapter! The Programs Specialists and

Managers in our oce have worked relent-

lessly to manage I & R calls, and coordinate

the additional programs we oer. The IRC

will allow the sta added time or growth inlocal programs delivery, and will assure con-

tinued customer service and accurate inor-

mation to our clients. To contact the Inor-

mation Resource Center dial 1-800-FIGHT

MS (1-800-344-4867), and select option 1, orby email at [email protected].


7/20TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 7

Game OnBy Dan Digmann,self-help group leader in Alma,and a frequent contributor to the MS Connection.

You can try with all your might,

But youre reminded every nightThat you been judged and handed lieDown in the Jackson Cage.- Bruce Springsteen

Ididnt have a choice when I wasdiagnosed with having multiple sclerosis.

Oh, I guess I could have kept thenumbness in my hands, chest, and eet

to mysel. But the abundant scarring on my

brain was kind o hard todeny while the neurologistheld my MRI scans up tothe light as though he waspresenting evidence in ahigh prole court TV case.

Hindsight being 20/20,I should have shouted, Iobject! when he ormally

issued my diagnosis.Multiple sclerosis: A chronic,unpredictable neurologicaldisease that aects thecentral nervous system. Not terminal, butno known cure. Two to three times as manywomen as men have MS.Lucky me.

The phrase that looped through my headthe entire ride home and all the next day was

reminiscent o when I pleaded or my parentsto merciully overturn a childhood grounding:But I didnt do anything.

And just like my brother would standbehind Mom and Dad pointing and makingun o me, MS was in the back o my mindlaughing as she made hersel at home.MS was here to stay. I didnt have a choice.

But I soon realized that the choice was all

mine when I decided how I was going to live

with the disease. Empowered by lyrics in theBruce Springsteen song Jackson Cage andusing the title as a euphemism or multiplesclerosis, I began endurance training or mycompetition o a lietime.

And it dont matter just what you sayAre you tough enough to play the gamethey playOr will you just do your time and ade away

Down into the Jackson Cage.Game on, I said. Game on, I

continue to say every single day.I have no control over what

the disease may do to me. But itis my choice and its the choiceo every other person living withMS whether to get into the ringand give it our best shot every

day.These are just a ew o thethings in my lie that came aboutbecause I chose not to give up

ater I was diagnosed with having MS:I didnt choose to have the

disease, but I did choose to start taking bettercare o mysel by eating more healthy oodsand exercising regularly. Oh yeah, and I lostnearly 40 pounds as a result.

I chose to help others and mysel deal withthe disease by starting and leading a sel-helpgroup. Take that, MS!

I chose to beriend a National MS Societyprograms manager who helped me developas a writer and introduced me to Jennier, thewoman who became my wie. Thanks, Karen.

Game on, and may we all be champions inour respective competitions.


8/20TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 48678

Direct Assistance Now Available

The National MS Society, Michigan Chapter, is offering new nancial assistance services to

address the needs of individuals with multiple sclerosis and their families.

The goal of Direct Assistance is to provide nancial support to enhance the quality of lifeand help individuals with MS achieve their highest level of independence.

This program helps Chapter members with MS obtain nancial assistance in the areas of:

Transportation for medical appointments ONLY.

Respite Care - care when the usual caregiver is temporarily unavailable because oftravel, illness or other demands.

Short-Term Counseling - counseling for those facing unexpected challenges as a resultof their MS. Limited counseling services are available through in-person and telephonesessions.

Medical equipment, home and auto modications, emergency response systems andwindow air conditioners.

All assistance is based on nancial need and provided according to a sliding scale.To obtain assistance, the Chapter requires:

A verication of diagnosis

Completion of a condential nancial assistance application

Some items/services also require a physicians prescription

For more information or to apply for nancial assistance, call 800-344-4867.

Services provided depending on available resources. Advance notice required for all services.


9/20TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 9

The National MS Society is a collective group of passionateindividuals who want to do something about MS Now. Together,we can change the future and bring an end to multiple sclerosis. Youcan join the movement by registering in the Action Alert network.

Members are asked to write, call, e-mail, or visit their legislators tovoice support or opposition to proposed legislation. Action Alertannouncements are distributed about six times a year. Often a

sample letter is included. These grassroots efforts are a powerfulway to impact the legislative process.

Join Action Alert! Now, more than ever, legislators need to hearfrom you. Help give us greater strength in numbers.

Name ______________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________

City _______________________________ Zip _____________

E-mail ______________________________________________Phone ( ) _______________________________________

___ I want to be on the state issues Action Alert list to impactissues such as home care, Medicaid, and transportation.

___ I want to be on the national issues Action Alert to impactissues including Medicare, public funding of MS research,and bio-generic drugs.

Send form to:Ruth Linnemann, Advocacy and Programs DirectorP.O. Box 215, Haslett, MI 48840

Or for more information go to nationalmssociety.org/migand click on Advocacy.

We need your inuence. We strongly encourage you toJoin the Movement!

ACTION ALERT - SIGN UP!

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

The National MS

Society, Michigan

Chapter, advocates

for legislation that

will ensure fair treat-

ment of people with

disabilities and pro-

mote awareness ofissues that impact

people with MS. A

strong voice and joint

effort are needed to

impact our leaders

and lawmakers at the

national and state

levels.

We address issues

such as biomedical

research funding,

health care, and

health insurance

reform. Michigan

issues being empha-

sized are Medicaid

Home and Communi-ty Care Waiver fund-

ing, long-term care

reform and accessible

housing.


10/20

There are many legalissues that have particularimpact on the lives o those

diagnosed with MS. While thelocal chapter cannot providelegal services, it does try to

provide general inormationand reerrals to resources. Ina C. Cohen isan attorney and member o the Board oTrustees, National Multiple Sclerosis Society,Michigan Chapter, Inc.

Q:I am having diculty takingcare o my fnances becauseI cant get to the bank andit is dicult or me to write and signmy checks. I need to pay my bills. Whatshould I do?

A:There are a number o possibilities.You can arrange or automatic billpayment or your routine monthly

bills. By completing a orm, your checking orsavings account will be charged on the duedate. You will still receive your regular bill soyou will have an opportunity to challengeany errors, make adjustments etc. beore thedue date. This service is generally availableor no charge you dont even pay postage.

You can also have someone elses nameput on your bank account so he/she canhandle your business. However, a creditor

o that individual might be able to collect ajudgment against o the account (which isrisky or you) and cause you considerableaggravation. You can also give someonea power o attorney to transact businessor you but that can be dicult. Bankinginstitutions are reluctant to honor powers oattorney and always want currently signedpowers.

There are also drawbacks in using powerso attorney (see prior article on Powers oAttorneys).

Many businesses will now accepttelephone authorizations to debit achecking or savings account. I am not evenmentioning using the internet becauseit is not always available or accessible toindividuals with disabilities.

You need to analyze your own situationand speak with your bank or credit unionto nd a way to handle your transactions.Continuing to struggle could ultimatelycause you to lose your independenceand control. I you dont make arrange-ments to compensate or mobility or visionlimitations, tremors and other symptomrelated impairments while you still have thecapability, you might nd yoursel in a badsituation.

Aside rom being contacted by creditorsand not meeting your expenses, someone

could le a petition in Probate Court to havea conservatorship created or you and youwould lose control over various aspects oyour lie. Relatives, medical personnel, sociaworkers and anyone who has knowledgeo your diculties can petition the court tohave some one take over these tasks.

A conservatorship is granted when anindividual is (1) unable to handle his/herown nancial aairs due to physical illness

or disability and (2) either property willbe wasted or dissipated unless propermanagement is provided or the adult orhis/her dependents are in need o money orsupport, care and welare and pro-tectionis necessary to obtain or provide money.This standard is not particularly dicultto establish in the Probate Court. I such aproceeding is started and a conservator is


Legal Briefs

10

By Ina Cohen


11/20TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 11

appointed, that individual will handle allo your nancial aairs, will control whereyour money is kept, how it is investedand how bills are handled. There will beannual reports required by the court, theconservator will be paid a ee or his/herservices and your unds will thereby be

reduced.The best approach is to make secure,

reasonable arrangements or your nancialbusiness so that you can avoid ever beingthe subject o a conservatorship. You shouldidentiy someone who is trustworthy andwilling to assist you. Plan how your bills willbe paid, how you will get sucient cash orday to day needs and whatever other issues

need to be addressed i you experience an

exacerbation or deterioration that preventsyou rom managing as you currently are.So much can be done automatically that itis much easier to avoid the imposition o aconservatorship than ever beore. It is verydicult to terminate a conservatorship onceit is ordered by a Probate Court.

More members, more callsOur nationwide network o MS activistshas increased by more than 80% this year.

That means members o Congress have

heard rom more MS activists on moreMS issues than ever beore. MS activistsmade more than 64,000 calls and e-mailsto their legislators so ar this year. That isalmost double the number o contactsmade in all o 2006.

Does it work?With the help o these calls and e-mails,the Liespan Respite Care Act passed theU.S. House and Senate last year. Signed

into law in December 2006, the actprovides almost $300 million over ve yearsor competitive grants or states to increasethe availability o respite care services oramily caregivers o individuals with specialneeds regardless o age.

On our agenda

nSupport or unding MS researchthrough the Department o Deense isgrowing impressively.

nLegislators who are on one o theAppropriations Deense Subcommitteesare currently being contacted.

nActivists will be on hand at the Iowa,New Hampshire, and other presidentialprimary stops to question candidatesabout health care, prescription drugcoverage, and more.

Get updates online

Its easy to get involved. Sign up atnationalmssociety.org/advocacy . Wellsend updates on news rom Washington,hot issues, and ways to take action. As anMS activist, youll help ensure that ourvolunteer work, research investment, andprograms are supported by laws andregulations that make sense.

Become an MS activist. Join themovement.

MS Activists Inuence Grows


12/20

It

It was a trip to the doctors that Ina

Cohen would not soon orget. OnI-696, in heavy trac, Ina swerved

her Buick LaCrosse to avoid anothercar and lost control o hers. Sliding and

spinning, the car nally came to rest against

the concrete barrier. Air bags discharged.Two wheels had snapped completely o.

Perhaps miraculously, Ina was only shaken

and her car had not hit anyone else.

Then she heard the voice

This is OnStar calling...are you

all right Ms. Cohen? OnStarhad received the signal that

air bags had deployed and

they called or assistance; an

automatic response to thebags. With GPS integrated into the two-way

communication system, the exact location

o the car was transmitted to the police and

rescue responders. They knew my name,

and beyond that, even called my doctorsoce to let them know Id be missing theappointment. recalls Ina.

Although this is an interesting story, it

doesnt end there.

Ina Cohen is a board member o the

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan

Chapter and while she doesnt have MS, she

does use adaptive pedals on her car. Ina isalso an attorney whose practice specializes

in representing people with disabilities.Strangely, having this accident brought

home a point...OnStar is an amazing device

or people with mobility impairment.

Most American automobile companies

provide a mobility reimbursement or

those in need o adaptive technology, cites

Ina, but General Motors takes this one stepurther. OnStar gives people People who

purchase a new GM vehicle equipped with

OnStar and use the mobility allowance

in their rst year o ownership get an

additional two years o OnStar service orree or a total o three years o servicesince the rst year is included on all new

OnStar-equipped GM models .

For people who are disabled or drive with

specially equipped vehicles and may have

diculty walking or gas or changing a tirethis kind o added protection can denitely

come in handy. Ina makes another point:

I even get a monthly e-mail rom OnStargiving me vehicle diagnostics, so I know in

advance i Im low on oil or in need o othermaintenance.

It seems OnStar has made a believer out

o Ina. For more inormation about the

GM Mobility Reimbursement Program with

OnStar, visit gmmobility.com or call 1-800-323-9935.


Ina Meets OnStar

12

An Accidental Encounter

Ina Cohen

COOL TIPS FORHOT DAYS

Tax deduction

With a doctors prescription,

you can claim a new air-conditioner as a taxdeductible

medical expense.


13/20TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 13

July 7 August 11,Aquatics Summer Session11:00 am, Kalkaska Kaliseum

This is a wonderul opportunity to explorewater exercise. Youll be amazed at howmuch easier it is to exercise in the water.For more information please call 800-344-4867.

July 23 & 24, Ater Youve Been ToldStatewideThis is a two-part teleconerence or thosewho have been newly diagnosed with

MS. It will be held on Monday, July 23 andTuesday, July 24 rom 6:30-8:00 pm eachnight. A presentation will be given rom6:30-7:30, with time or questions rom 7:30-8:00. Proessionals will speak on medical andemotional issues related to MS. For moreinformation, please call 800-344-4867.

August 11 & 18,MS Journey Club

Frederik Meijer Gardens andSculpture Park, Grand Rapids, MIWanted: Adventurous amilies in the GrandRapids area who want to learn about MS ina un, relaxed and supportive environment.The Program: two consecutive Saturdays inAugust (amilies must attend both sessions)at a amily-riendly and un location. Fivehours each session - think amily education

with a summer camp twist. Ideal participants:Parents with MS, spouses/signicant others,and children between the ages o 5 and 12.Older kids are welcome to help volunteerwith young kids. Interested? Please call800-344-4867.

August 15, Family Day at CampIndependence - Big Bay, MIJoin us as we come together at Camp

Independence or a day o un and games,ending with a BBQ chicken dinner. Free ocharge, but please call and register so we canplan to see you. For more information or toregister call 800-344-4867.

September 15,Getting There: StayingMobile with MSOfered in Alpena & Traverse City, MI.Watch or a fyer with details.

An inormative video presentation willeature medical proessionals rom Michigan,and interact with rehab specialists who cananswer your questions. It is also a chance tomeet with an equipment vendor. For moreinformation call 800-344-4867.

September 8, Something For EveryoneNovi Sheraton Hotel, Novi, MI

Dont miss out on this exciting program. Weare oering you the chance to choose rom avariety o topics on MS presented by expertsin their eld. The day will begin with ourkeynote speaker, Dr. Robert Lisak, presentingupdates on MS research. Breakout sessionswill ollow that include Medicare/Medicaid,sel-advocacy, amily dynamics, managingoptic neuritis, and pharmacology. Lunch will

be provided. The cost o this program is $5.00and complimentary admission is available.Pre-registration is required or the program.For more information, pleasecall 800-344-4867.

Michigan Chapter Program Calendar


14/20

September 8 - November 10Aquatics - Fall SessionCivic Center Pool, Traverse City, MIHere is another chance to join with thosewho take part in water-based exercised.For more information call 800-344-4867.

September 22- Finding the Silver Lining-Benefts in Adversity- Flint, MIPsychologists have discovered that peopleget psychologically stronger ater adversityby way o stress-induced growth. DougScheventor, MSW, will acilitate a powerulworkshop describing the ve phases ocoping with crisis or adversity. You willlearn how to meet challenges head-on and

nurture rom them. A manual lled withvaluable inormation describing this processwill be provided to you on how to applythis inormation to your lie. There will beopportunities throughout the program orparticipants to share inormation about theirown thriving experiences. The program isscheduled rom 10:00-2:00. Lunch will beprovided. The cost o this program is $5.00

and complimentary admission is available.Pre-registration is required. For moreinformation, call 800-344-4867.

October 6,Speak Up or YourselMarquette, MILearn to be your own advocate and to getthe results you want when dealing withdicult situations. Ruth Linnemann willpresent the skills we all need to practice inour interactions with others. As a special

treat, we will have a chance to learn aboutYoga Laughter. For more information call800-344-4867.

October 20,Recruiting your MS TeamKalamazoo, MIHow can proessionals assist you in dealingwith MS? What is the role o a PT versus anOT in your lie? How can a nancial planner

help you with your uture? What can yougain rom a mental/emotional healthproessional?

This program is designed to empower youto make the smart choices and understandwhat options you have. It will be held in theLawrence Center at Borgess Medical Center,1521 Gull Rd. For more information call800-344-4867.


Young People with MS

Youre Young. You have MS. Youre not alone! Join the

Living with MS in Your 20s and 30s Network. For inorma-tion, support, and the opportunity to connect with peers,

contact Amy at [email protected].

I youd like to meet up with other young adults with MS

in the Lansing area once a month email the now-orming

area sel help group at [email protected].


15/20TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867

Sara Heins is a recent graduate and

honor student rom East Lansing HighSchool. She is also a long-distancerunner and currently training to take

part in a triathlon.With the help o a National MS Society

scholarship, Sara will attend CornellUniversity where she plans to enroll as aBiology and Society major. Upon graduation,Sara plans to pursue an epidemiologist

position at the Center orDisease Control, researchingthe environmental actorsthat contribute to multiplesclerosis and other complexautoimmune diseases.Saras mother, a proessor atMichigan State University and

diagnosed with multiple sclerosis six yearsago, has a huge inuence on her.

The biggest way MS has aected mylie, has been how it has changed my uturecareer goals. Sara comments, When my

mother was rst diagnosed, we were very

scared because we did not know how thedisease would aect her. So ar, weeklyinjections o intereron have helped keep thesymptoms rom progressing, but even whenMS does not make you physically disabled,the emotional impact can be devastating.

The cause o MS is one o the most bafingquestions in the medical world. Multiplesclerosis cannot be explained by genetics

alone. I am very interested in the eect othe environment on the disease and theoverall health o dierent populations,Sara observes. She is also a board memberon the Student or Environmental ActionCommittee.

To learn more about multiple sclerosisand how the National MS Society MichiganChapter provides support and assistanceto some o the 16,000 people in Michigan

diagnosed with this disease, visitwww.nationalmssociety.org/migJoin theMovement!

East Lansing High Grad Receives NationalMS Society Scholarship

Mothers Disease Prompts Career Path

15

Sara Heins

Featured speaker

David Lander:well-known actor and comedian

Saturday, November 10, 200710:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m.

Hilton Detroit/TroyTroy, MI

Watch for yer in the mail. You wont want to miss it!

2007 ChapterAnnual Meetingand Volunteer

Recognition Luncheon

SAVE THE

DATE


16/20

Begin with MS Learn Online

Fearul, depressed, conused? A person caneel all o this ater an MS diagnosis. Butperspectiveand hopeare available in

the MS Learn Online webcast Where do Ibegin? Newly Diagnosed with MS.

Three people, with more than 30years o living with MS between them, talkabout their lives and recall their eelings atthe time o their diagnosis. They discussrelationships and support, becomingones own healthcare advocate, and thepossibility o reinventing onesel whilemanaging lie with a chronic illness.

To view the 23-minute webcast andexplore the ull roster o MS Learn Onlineoerings, go to nwww.nationalmssociety.org/mslearnonline.

New! KIP Teleconerence SeriesThe Knowledge Is Power home studyprogram (KIP) or people newly diagnosedand their amily members answersmany questions. But you may still havemore. KIP is beeng up by oering a serieso ree telephone conerence calls hostedby MS experts.

Neurologists and other MS proessionalswill answer questions on topics such assymptom management, relationships,employment, and more. These calls notonly provide inormation, they oer achance to interact with others who are alsoacing a new MS diagnosisall rom theprivacy o home.

Register or KIP and receive a tele-conerence schedule as part o this ree, six-week course. See ad this page or details.


Get Going With Two New Resources

16


Dress light and loose

Loose cotton blends and micro-ber abrics allow perspirationto evaporate. Try a wide-brim

hat. Canvas or mesh sneakers

are cooler than leather.

Cool clothing

Commercial cooling garments,

such as vests, bra inserts, and headbands,can help you stay cool or hours. Search

ABLEDATA (www.abledata.com or call800-227-0216) or call us or reerrals.

Spray instead

Sweat evaporating on skin is how your

body stays cool. Carry water in a spray

bottle and wet your shirt and hat or thesame eect. Stand in ront o a an or

instant A/C.


17/20

This years Special Award recipients include:

The Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing a lietime o signicant

contributions to advancing accessibility, will be presented to Dr. RoryA. Cooper. Dr. Cooper began his career as a soldier in the United StatesArmy and in the late 1970s qualied to represent the U.S. Army duringthe Olympic trials. Unortunately, his Olympic aspirations were de-railed by a tragic bicycle accident which let him paralyzed. Ater his

spinal cord injury, he returned to the States where he earned his undergraduate,masters, and doctoral degrees in engineering. Dr. Coopers energy and devotionto the eld o rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology are unmatched.His career has been dedicated to improving the lives o individuals with disabili-ties. Today, Dr. Cooper is currently the President o Rehabilitation Engineering andAssistive Technology Society o North America (RESNA).

The Spirit of da Vinci Award, will be presented to Dana Bowman inrecognition o the creative use o assistive technology. Bowman was amember o the U.S. Armys elite parachute team, the Golden Knights.In 1994, he lost his legs when he collided in midair with his teammateduring a training. Nine months later, Bowman turned this tragedy intoa triumph when he became the rst double amputee to re-enlist in

the Army. Bowmans hobbies include skydiving, scuba diving, skiing, snowmobil-

ing and bicycling. He spends time helping other amputees and disabled or physi-cally challenged people and works on designing parts or prosthetic limbs to im-prove their unction. Bowmans motto is, Its Not the Disability Its the Ability. His lie shows that there is no limit to what a person with a disability can achieve.

LOCATION: Ritz-Carlton, 300 Town Center, Dearborn, MIDATE AND TIME: September 28, 2007 beginning at 6:00 p.m.INDIVIDUAL TICKET PRICES: $300 per ticket; $450 per couple,and $3,000 or a table o 10.For more inormation and to register or tickets go to www.davinciawards.com

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 17

The 2007 da Vinci Awardsl e a d e r s h i p c h a i rp r e s e n t e d b y

Chet HuberPresident, OnStar

The da Vinci Awards recognize the most innovative developments and research inadaptive and assistive technology that embraces the Universal Design principle.Since its inception in 2001, the da Vinci Awards has become a recognizable andprestigious international symbol o recognition and has raised more than $1.7 mil-lion or the Michigan Chapter.


18/20TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867

Join the National MS Society or a Fun Filled Nightat Comerica Park

18

Engaging Others in the Fight Against MS - Judy Harris

Judy Harris

J

udy grew up in Kenya and moved to the United States in 2001.She is now attending graduate school at Wayne State University

where she hopes to obtain her Masters in Public Administrationwith a concentration in Non-Prot Management.Due to her commitment and love or the cause she is now doing her

internship as an Event Coordinator or the National MS Society Night atComerica Park, Monday August 13th.

We are very lucky to have Judy on our team and look orward tohelping her get the experience she needs to achieve her dreams andmake a dierence in the lives o others! For more inormation about this event pleasecall Judy at 800-243-5767 ext. 214.

T

he National MS Society is having itsSecond Annual Night at ComericaPark event and we need your involve-

ment. Join us on Monday,August 13, 2007, as we cheer theDetroit Tigers on to victory asthey take on the Oakland As.The game starts at 7:05pmater a specialpre-game ceremony dur-ing which the NationalMS Society will be recog-nized.

Tickets sold through

the National MS Societyare $20 with $9 rom eachticket going toward theSocietys mission o end-ing the devastating eects omultiple sclerosis. We have morethan 1,000 tickets with all seats in theUpper Box behind home plate. Accessibleseating is also available. Last year, we had thesame number o tickets and were sold out sowe encourage you to get your tickets early toavoid missing out on this un lled event. Weare also asking ticket purchasers to Join the

Movement and wear orange in support othe National MS Society and its mission.

The National MS Society Night at

Comerica Park is a amily event and weencourage you to bring your am-ily members and loved ones

to share in this special eventthat will help make a di-

erence in the lives o themore than 16,000 Michi-gan residents living withMS.

Last year, the NationalMS Society Night at Co-

merica Park raised nearly$10,000 and we hope to

knock this years undraisingright out o the ballpark. With

your help, we are condent thatwe can do it.

Tickets or this event can bepurchased online via our Web site atwww.nationalmssociety.org/mig or bycalling Judy Harris at 248-351-2190 ext 214.Comerica Park is located at 2100 WoodwardAvenue in downtown Detroit.


19/20TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 19

Dow, Loons Partner or Family Fun in the SUNdayto Promote MS Bike Tour

The Dow Chemical Company and theGreat Lakes Loons joined orces tourge mid-Michigan residents to helpwipe out multiple sclerosis (MS)

with special events Sunday, June 24 duringthe Loons home game against the South

Bend Silver Hawks.The Loons hosted Dow and the Michigan

Chapter o the National Multiple SclerosisSociety or bike-related between-inning pro-motions and a Loons vs. Dow bike challengeon the main concourse. J.E. Johnson, Inc.also donated thousands o new bicycle hel-mets to youths ages 5-14 upon entering thegame. Riders rom the Dow/Tri-City Cyclists

MS Bike Tour and walkers rom the Dow MSWalk team paraded around the eld beorethe National Anthem, as a way to show theirsupport or the cause and encourage peopleto sign up or the Mid-Michigan MS Bike Tour.

Our hope is that by raising awareness orthe Mid-Michigan MS Bike Tour, more peoplewill join our eorts and those o so manyothers in Michigan to bring an end to this

devastating disease, says David Kepler, Dowsenior vice president.

Dow is the presenting sponsor o the 2007MS Bike Tour in Michigan. Dow employeesrst participated in an MS Bike event inFreeport, Texas, in 1996. There were only 33

employees riding that year, but their dedica-tion was strong and every year they recruitedmore o their coworkers to either ride or topledge to the cause. Since then, more than500 Dow bike riders rom ve states haveraised approximately $3 million or local MSchapters nearly $1 million o that in Michi-gan.

Dows support will make this years event

the biggest ever in Michigan and more im-portantly will have a critical impact on theght against the devastating eects o MS,said Patti Radzik, director o Corporate Part-nerships or the Michigan Chapter o the MSSociety.


20/20

21311 Civic Center DriveSouthfeld, MI 48076-3911

Invacare Rolls Wheelchair or largeperson. Capacity is 340 lbs. 29 wide seat.Can wheel ones sel around. Asking or$60. Will also oer ree walker that can beadjusted or height. Call Lynda at (734) 961-6667

Pronto MGI Sure Step Electronic Wheel-

chair. New. Power Lit. Inside and outside

use. Many extras. Asking or $2,000. Call Ralph

at (989) 922-4111.

Hoover Round Wheelchair. Have two tosell. Good condition. Has charger and a newbattery. Asking or $600 each. Brand newHospital Bed. Feet and head go up and

down. $750 or best oer. Sliding ShowerBench. Asking or $25. Call Curtis at (586)291-5533.

Jazzy Wheelchair. Five years old.Rechargeable. Scooter. Good Condition.Rechargeable. To inquire about price call(586) 296-5838.

1997 Ford Conversion Van. Handicap

accessible with power platorm lit andswivel ront seats. Good condition. Asking$13,500. Call Casey at (810) 736-6366.

Condo, handicapped accessible, located in

Troy, 3 bedroom ranch, asking or $145,000.

Call Darlene at (248) 703-4823.

Motorized/Electric Merits collapsibleWheelchair. Two new batteries. Folds up

to store in car. Holds up to 300 lbs. Full sizewith Back Pack. $2,000 OBO. Call Keith at(248) 219-2022.

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