msc mi vol 4 iss 4

8/6/2019 MSC MI Vol 4 Iss 4

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/msc-mi-vol-4-iss-4 1/20

F

all is here and

the giving

season is

upon us. As

the leaves begin tochange color and the

temperature outside

is dropping, thoughts

turn to spending

time with amily andriends. The holiday season is a time to give

thanks and remember those no longer

with us. To honor our amily and riends

and support the Michigan Chapter o theNational MS Society, we begin to oer you

a new eature on our Web site, a new way togive, our Tributes & Memorials pages.

These Web pages provide an opportunity

to create a und to honor a loved one,

caregiver, co-worker, or special someone,

while raising money and awareness o

multiple sclerosis. Similar to the web pages

used to support our TeamMS events, these

pages are created by a Fund Champion,

an individual who selects the und name,

creates the Web page, using the easy touse web tools provided, and asks others to

support the und through

online giving.

Web pages may be

personalized with pictureso the honoree, special

stories, or how the honoree

is connected to MS. To

create a Tribute orMemorial und or or

more inormation, go to

nationalMSsociety.org/mig,

select the Tributes &

Memorials unds link, and

begin creating your und page. Join the

Movement by becoming a Fund Champion.

Volume 4 • Issue 4 Michigan Chapter

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

Michigan Chapter Offers New Ways to Give Online

Season of Giving

Research done onSex Hormone Page 9 2007 MS HolidayCards 6 MS Society Night atComerica Park Page 18MS Activists Readyto Move Page 6

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E :

Fall/2007

TeamMS 2

See page19details!



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 o multiple sclerosis.

© Copyright 2007 National MS Society,Michigan Chapter

In Memory...It is with sad regret that we announce the

loss o Robert Bacon, a 63-

year old participant in our

2007 bike ride. Mr. Bacon had

been looking orward to thisevent or some time so that

he could show his support

and love or his wie Rebecca,

who has MS and was also a

volunteer at the event. De-spite having ridden over 500

miles in preparation or the

tour, Mr. Bacon experienced a sudden atal

heart attack while resting along the route.Plans are underway to dedicate the 2008

bike ride to Mr. Bacon’s memory. More up-

dates will be made beore the upcoming 200

event season.

Robert Bacon

2 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

This is an actual heart

that was created by one

of our 8,000 walkers who

participated in the 2007

Christopher & Banks MS

Walk!

By beinginvolved in theNational MSSociety!

Here is a heart you

have touched...



A Letter from your new Chapter President

Dear Friends,

It is my true pleasure to have been selected as the National MS Society’snew Michigan Chapter President. I have received a very warm welcome, andin my rst ew months in this role, I have been impressed daily with the spiritand enthusiasm o the Chapter’s Board o Trustees, volunteers and sta.

We have much work to do, but I am excited and energized about theprospect o creating a new course o growth or the Chapter. Ultimatelyour goals are to be a driving orce o MS research, relentlessly pursuing

prevention, treatment and a cure, while at the same time, addressing the challenges o eachperson whose lie is aected by MS.

It is my intention to meet with as many members o the MS community across the state inthis rst year, in an eort to understand what those challenges are, and to learn about what

is important to you. Please watch or notices o this upcoming “road show” as I would love tohave the chance to meet with you.In the meantime, I welcome your ideas and perspectives. My email address is

[email protected], and I can also be reached by phone at 248-351-2190.

I look orward to meeting you and to serving the MS community.

Warmest Regards,

Elana SullivanChapter President

Annual Meeting & Volunteer Recognition Luncheon

You won’t want to miss this year’s Annual Meeting & Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.

The volunteer awards presentation will once again celebrate the outstanding

achievements o many deserving individuals. Featured speakers will be Benjamin M.Segal, M.D. and actor/comedian David L. Lander.

When: Saturday, November 10, 2007, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Where: Hilton Detroit Troy, Troy, MIAlthough the deadline is November 1st, registration could close early due to space

limitations. Register NOW.

For more ino call 800-344-4867, press 2, then ext. 255 or go to

www.nationalMSsociety.org/mig.

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 3



Knowledge Is Power is a six-week free,at-home educational pro ram for peoplewho are newly diagnosed. Mail or e-mailformats. To register, call 1-800-344-4867,or visit nationalMSsociety.org/knowledge.

T

eaming up with your Healthcare

Providers is available on our Website at nationalMSsociety.org/

mylieworkbook or by calling us or a

copy. This is the rst segment o our My

Lie, My MS, My Decisions workbooks—or

newly diagnosed people and everyone else. The need to make decisions can occur at any

time in lie with MS.

Based on experience This workbook, ocused on how to work with

physicians and therapists, was written byKaren DeJoe, DO, a doctor who has had MSor over 10 years. She blends her experiences

as a proessional and a person with MS in

discussing practical techniques or getting

the best out o these important relationships.

The workbook presents case histories

o real people with real problems givingusers an opportunity to work out solutions to

their issues. It also has sample letters, record-

keeping orms, and an impressive list o

resources or trustworthy inormation on MS.

Future segments in the My Lie, My

MS, My Decisions series will ocus on treat-

ments, clinical trials, and wellness.

Dr. DeJoe is a physician consultant or the

National MS Society and the Central New England Chapter and is writing a book about

the lessons she has learned through having MS.

Biogen Idec, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, EMD

Serono, Pfzer, and Genentech provided unrestricted educational grants to

support this program.

My Decisions workbook

Time to tell your bossyou have MS?

Stop; breathe! Before your meeting …get technical advice. There is much atstake. You need facts about the ADA(Americans with Disabilities Act) andadvice about the kinds of accommodationsthat have worked well for otherpeople with similar problems.

We also think you’ll need some

psyching up—just as you do for tellingpeople in your personal life. TheNational MS Society wants to be yourally in this process. Call us.

Excerpt from Disclosure: the Basic Facts,a National MS Society brochure availableon our Web site at nationalMSsociety.org/Disclosure, or call us at 1-800-344-4867.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org4



Ask medical questionson Curbside.MD

T

here’s a new medical search engine—Curbside.MD—that lets you entermedical inormation, details about a

condition, and ull questions—evenparagraphs. The more the better! You don’thave to limit a search to one or two words orphrases.

The site searches the best medical databasesor articles. What you get is a “ResultsSummary Page” organized into user-riendlycategories. Quick Consult lists articles thatgive a broad overview o the topic (good i

you want to learn more). Best Evidence provides in-depth articles or experts. BestHits presents the most relevant resultsresources. Try www.curbside.md. It’s ree.

Virtual gathering for“Real Talk. Real Answers.”

• Trying to have a

normal social liewithout MS gettingin the way?

• Wondering whatto do when you’retired and yourriends don’t get it?

• Thinking about telling people at work that you have MS?

Join us—for real!I you’re young and living with MS, take partin some candid conversation at the upcomingsessions o Real Talk. Real Answers.Living with MS in Your 20s and 30s. Theseries, sponsored by the Society and MSLieLines, will be broadcast live on theSociety’s Web site.

Building a career path with MSSaturday, November 3 at 1:00 p.m. ETand 10:00 a.m. PTLive in Los Angeles, Caliornia

Each event will have a moderator, an expertpresenter, and a group o young adults

with MS or an interactive panel discussion.Viewers who register or the webcast cansend in questions and get answers in realtime.

Attend—no matter where you live!Visit RealTalkRealAnswers.com to learnhow to join the discussion wherever youare. Registration is ree. Can’t make the

event? The webcast will be posted onrealtalkrealanswers.com.

This program is sponsored by the NationalMS Society and MS LieLines, a ree resourcesponsored by EMD Serono and Pzer.

OnStar needs you

The National MS Society and General Motorare looking or lost people with MS! Orrather, people who would have been lost buused the OnStar saety and security serviceto help them out while on the road. Thestory may be used by the Society and/orGeneral Motors to highlight how innovativeproducts like OnStar touch the lives o people with MS. To share an experience,

please e-mail Virley Gottried at [email protected].

General Motors has a longstandingrelationship to the Society, including the GMNational team (participating in multipleevents), which last year raised $144,420 orSociety services and research.

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 5


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MS activists ready to move

More than 90% o people respond-ing to a survey by the Society’sPublic Policy Oce last May saidthey would like to be more

involved in MS advocacy activities. The survey

was sent to 14,000 people who have signedup or the MS Action Network. About 2,100people—one in seven—responded.

The survey asked respondents aboutissues they ound most important, tools theycould use to be more eective activists, andtheir level o participation in MS activism.

Ready to moveMany said they would attend a town hallmeeting, a rally, or write a letterto the editor.

Nearly a quarter said theywere willing to post inormationabout MS issues on theirblog, in chat rooms, or on aWeb page. Many MS activistsalready do.

These are all easy ways to join the movement. Anyone can be an MSactivist without leaving town, or even with-out leaving home.

About the MS Action Network The MS Action Network is a nationwidegroup o thousands o MS activists who stayinormed on MS issues and take action when

necessary. To nd out about getting involved,visit nationalMSsociety.org/advocacy.

The ultimate inadvocacy: Vote!General elections will be held November 6,2007. Get ready now:

1. Visit the U.S. Election Assistance

Commission’s Web site (www.eac.gov)

to access the national voter registration

orm and inormation about voting regu

lations in every state.

2. Contact your local board o elections to

nd out i your polling place is accessible

and what devices are available or

people with low vision, poor manualdexterity, or anything else that could

interere with voting.

3. I your polling place lacks accommoda-

tion, request changes or ask or reassignment to a place that meets ADA guide-

lines. These guidelines are online at wwwada.gov/votingchecklist.

htm.

4. Some voters with disabili-

ties opt or an absentee ballo

Some states have deadlines

or these applications. Go to

www.vote411.org and

click on Absentee Voting or inormation.

No Internet? Call 1-800-344-4867 and ask

or an MS Navigator.

Get your word outEvery day, MS activists all over the country

are at work educating policymakers about

public policy o great importance to peoplewith MS. Now you can read about what

these activists are doing, and add

comments and links o your own, at

MSActivist.blogspot.com.

The blog is updated requently. Visitoten and let your voice be heard.



There are many legal

issues that have particular

impact on the lives of those

diagnosed with MS. While thelocal chapter cannot provide

legal services, it does try to

provide general information

and referrals to resources. Ina C. Cohen is

an attorney and member of the Board of

Trustees, National Multiple Sclerosis Society,

Michigan Chapter, Inc.

Q: I am having financial problemsand can’t make my monthly

bills, what should I do?

A: This is a problem acing a largeportion o the population thesedays. Do not wait to start dealing

with your situation. It may take time to work out solutions and you may need help rom

a proessional credit counselor or attorney.Sometimes, arrangements can be workedout or nancial help can be obtained.You need to explore all o your options sothat you can protect yoursel.

I you are sued and a creditor obtainsa judgment against you, they usually can“garnish” your income, bank accounts, etc.or obtain a “writ o execution” and seize yourpossessions to be sold.

A garnishment occurs ollowing a judgment in a court o law by ling paperswith the court and on someone else holdingunds belonging to the debtor. It could bea bank, an employer or the state and ederalgovernments (income tax reunds).I your income is solely rom Social Securitybenets, Supplemental Security Incomebenets or disability income payments,

your creditors cannot garnish these sums.However, to protect these types o unds,they must be kept separate and identiable.

I you put them in an account with othermoney, they will probably lose theirprotected status. I wages are garnished,the creditor is limited to an amount over aguaranteed sum set by the state to assurethe wage earner receives a portion o his/herearnings. The costs o the garnishment areadded to the judgment and come out o theproceeds.

An execution also occurs ollowing a judgment in a court o law by ling paperswith the court and serving them on thedebtor, usually by a court ofcer or sheri.Certain items are protected rom seizureaccording to statute. Basic necessities areusually “exempt” rom being seized. Thisis a less likely used remedy or a creditorbecause o its cost and the steps required todo it properly. A “sale” is then held and your

goods are sold with the unds going to coverthe cost o the execution (the ling ees,sheri’s ees and advertising ees) rst andthe balance going towards the judgment.

I your nancial situation is severe andyou simply do not have enough income topay your debts, you might have to considerbankruptcy. Bankruptcies are led in ederalbankruptcy court. As soon as a bankruptcy iled, all creditors must discontinue trying to

collect money rom you and any other courtproceedings are halted. The bankruptcycourt allows the debtor to keep certainproperty (the property is “exempt” such asclothing, household goods, lie insurance,older cars, etc.) and i there are any unds/assets remaining, whatever debts that can bepaid are and the rest are discharged. At thatpoint, you have no urther obligations and

Legal BriefsBy Ina Cohen

7 TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867


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Access to long term care services and inormation in Michigan was streamlined throughoutstanding eorts o advocates in the National MS Society, other disability organiza-tions, and seniors. Long Term Care Connection, a pilot system recently ormed, serves

clients in Metro Detroit, west and southwest Michigan, and the Upper Peninsula.A call to a toll-ree number, 1- 866-642-4582, connects consumers with an options counselo

to ensure access to appropriate long term care services in the preerred settings. The service ac-cepts calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Options Counseling is available to help an individual understand the array o long term caresupports that are available. It enhances individual choice, and supports inormed consumer

decision-making. Benets counseling is oered to help people learn about and apply orpublic and private benets. People in all income categories who want to plan ahead or theirlong term care needs can receive unbiased inormation.

The passage o Public Act 634, another advocacy success, assures that the Long Term CareConnection pilots will continue and become statewide. The legislation was the result o exten-sive support rom a cross section o advocacy groups and legislative eorts.

Thank you or the persistence o many MS activists. Others are invited to join the movementJoin the MS Action Network (see article on page 6).

Advocacy Leads to Long Term Care Options

you start resh. I a debtor has a house or anewer automobile and wishes to keep them,special agreements are entered into so that

they can be retained by the debtor.Sometimes, bankruptcy is the only

reasonable alternative i you have hugemedical bills that you cannot pay or havesignicant obligations but no source o income due to disability. Bankruptcy isdesigned to help individuals who becomeoverwhelmed with debt and simply cannotmeet their responsibilities. However, i youelect to proceed with a bankruptcy, youneed to evaluate your situation ater thebankruptcy to make certain you are able tohandle your nancial circumstances as youcannot le again or eight years.

Don’t wait until you have a catastrophicsituation. Consult someone as soon asyou realize that you cannot meet your

obligations in the oreseeable uture.



Society funds major clinical trial of sex hormone

N

eurologist Dr. Rhonda Voskuhl (UCLA) is leading a

team o researchers at seven medical centers to

conduct a two-year, controlled clinical trial o

estriol, a emale sex hormone, added to standard

therapy with Copaxone (glatiramer acetate, Teva Pharmaceuti-cal Industries Ltd.) in 130 women with relapsing-

remitting MS. The trial is currently recruiting participants.

This study is being unded by the Society in partnership

with the Society’s Southern Caliornia chapter and theNational Institute o Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

The role of hormones in MSMS aects women two to three times as oten as men. This

and other gender dierences spurred the Society to launcha research initiative into gender in 1998. Fity projects support-

ed through this $10 million initiative ollowed.Among the ndings was the possibility that estriol

may help protect against the immune attacks that underlie

MS. Estriol levels rise signicantly during pregnancy, when

disease activity declines in most women with MS.

“We are very enthusiastic about this new agent,” Dr. Voskuhl said. “Estriol has decades o human saety experience throughout Europe, and it will be given as a pill, not a shot.”

For more inormation about this trial, visit nationalMSsociety.org/EstriolTrial. To readabout the Society’s gender initiative, visit nationalMSsociety.org/Gender. I you don’t have

access to the Internet, call us to have the inormation sent to you.

Major trial for secondary-progressive MS treatment launched

BioMS, which makes MBP8298, launched a phase III clinical trial this June

to test the drug in more than 500 people with secondary-progressive MS.

Positive results rom a phase II trial and long-term ollow-up were recentlypublished in the European Journal of Neurology.

MBP8298 is a synthetic myelin basic protein ragment, or peptide. Researchers

believe it may make the immune system o people with MS tolerant o myelin.

For more inormation about the trial, including inormation on participating, visit

clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00468611.




True or False?

The National MS Society only provides

grants to support research of already suc-

cessful therapies.

FALSE.Researchisaboutdiscovering

thingswedon’tknow—asmuchasitisaboutveriyingwhatwethinkweknow.The

Societyisundingclinicaltrialsoexperimen-

taltreatmentsorMS,suchassexhormones

(seepage8),andmore,including30special

“high-risk/high-reward”pilotgrantsto

explorenewanduntestedideas.Formore

inormationonSociety-undedresearch,visit

nationalMSsociety.org/FundedResearch.

The Society is currently working across

borders with researchers in Canada and

other countries.

TRUE.ThemovementtoendMSis

global,andtheSocietyhaslongbeen

involvedonaninternationallevelunding

researchprojectsallovertheworldincluding,

mostrecently,Australia,Cyprus,France,

Germany,Israel,Italy,andtheUK.TolearnmoreaboutresearchtheSocietyisunding

worldwide,visit nationalMSsociety.org

/InternationalResearch.

The National MS Society’s Web site only

reports research conducted in the USA.

FALSE.Aspartoitsglobaloutlook

andcommitmenttothebiggerpicture,the

SocietypostsMS-relatedstudyresultsromallovertheworldat

nationalMSsociety.org/Bulletins.

The National MS Society’s Web site doesn’t

report information about research into

alternative and complementary medicine.

FALSE.Whetheryogaclasses,ginseng

supplements,oracupuncture,recentstudies

showthatabout75percentopeoplewith

MSusesomeormoalternativeorcom-

plementarymedicine.Forthatreason,the

Societyreportsonthelatestresultso

studiesonstressmanagement,herbalandnutritionalsupplements,reexology,

andothercomplementaryandalternative

medicines.

The Society does not support research

into progressive MS.

FALSE. Sinceitsinception,theSociety

hasbeenactivelyinvolvedinsupporting

studiesrelatedtoprogressiveMS.Themorethan380researchprojectscurrentlyund-

edbytheSocietyexplorevirtuallyeveryas

pectoMS,aswellasmorebasicresearch

intonervoussystemdevelopmentand

repairandtheworkingsotheimmune

system.Toreadaboutprojectsspecifcally

ocusedonprogressiveormsoMS,goto

nationalMSsociety.org/ProgressiveMS,

thenscrolldownandclickonCurrentFunded Research and News.Orcallusto

havetheinormationsenttoyou.

CLINICAL TRIALS101

Forinormationaboutclinicaltrials

currentlytestingMStreatments,gotonationalMSsociety.org/ClinicalTrials. Thispageincludesalinktotrialscur-rentlyseekingparticipantsaswellasanexplanationotrialphases,andnewsoresults. Call1-800-344-4867iyouhavenoInternetaccess.




Important Notice Regarding Medicare Part D

Portable Power Wheelchair. $2,000 or bestoer. Call Keith at (248) 219-2022 or (248) 515-9133.

Two Victory Three-Wheel Scooters. Three

years old, like new. Each $300. Electric Wheel-chair. New. $1,000 minimum. Call Herbert at

(313) 384-5860.

2006 Pronto Electric Wheelchair. Two main

tires and our wheels. Joystick maneuver.Excellent condition. Paid $5,000 asking$3,000. Call Henry between 5-8 p.m. at (810)664-6389.

Electric Lit Recliner. Two to three years old.Green. Excellent condition. Asking or $300.Call Clay at (248) 543-4783.

Pacesaver Celebrity. Four wheel scooter.Forrest Green. Like new. All bells and whistles.Headlights, horn, emergency turn signal.$2,000 or best oer. Call Linda at (616) 642-6238.

2000 Grand Caravan Conversion Van. Sport

package. Bruan Enter-Van. 50,000 miles.

Good Condition. Asking $18,000 or best oer.

Call (616) 669-8401.

Power chair with power leg lits and powerback tilt. Purchased rom Airway Oxygen,three years old, used one year. New batteries,in good shape. Purchased or $16,000, asking$5,000 or best oer. Call Robert at (616) 453-

6993.

See more equipment classifeds on page 20

DuringthemonthoOctober,all

peoplewhoarecurrentlyenrolled

inMedicarePartDwillreceivetheir

“AnnualNoticeoChange,”asrequiredbylaw.Iyouarecurrentlyenrolled,watchor

yourpacketinthemail.Thepacketomateri-

alsidentifeschangesinyourdrugplanor

thecomingyear.Changesexplainedinthe

packetbecomeeectiveJanuary1andwill

applythroughDecember31otheupcom-

ingplanyear.

Theselettersaretoinormmemberso

anyandallchangestheirplanintendstomakethatcouldaectplanmembers,such

aschangestotheormulary,whatisand

isnotcoveredthroughthe“donuthole,”

monthlypremium,and/orco-insurance

amounts.Itisimportanttoconsideryour

needsandmakesureyourplanisthebest

oneoryou.Iyouneedadierentplan

orfndthependingchangesunsatisactory,

youcanchangeplans.Gotowww.medicare.gov/andselect“compare

MedicarePrescriptionDrugPlans.”Youcan

receivephoneassistancetoinvestigateal-

ternateplansbycalling1-800-803-7174.All

changesmustbemadebeoreDecember31

2007.AllchangestakeeectonJanuary1,

2008.

Thisisyouropportunitytoenrollorthe

frsttimeichangesinprescriptioncoveragromanon-Medicaresourcemakeitneces-

saryoryoutoenroll.Besuretohaveastate

mentocrediblecoverageromthepreviou

coveragetopreventapremiumpenaltyor

delayedenrollment.




Tips for Lowering Your Costs Duringthe Medicare Part D Coverage GapOn January 1, 2006, Medicare began oering a new prescription drug beneit, called Medicare

Part D. This prescription beneit is available to all Medicare beneiciaries, regardless o income.

Beneiciaries may not have coverage or prescription costs between $2,250 and $5,100. This is

called the “Coverage Gap,” or sometimes reerred to as the ‘Doughnut Hole.” During the Cov-

erage Gap, beneiciaries would be required to pay 100% o their drug costs along with their

monthly premium. For beneiciaries entering the Coverage Gap, there are ways to save money

on the cost o prescription medications.

Extra Help

Medicare beneiciaries with limited assets may qualiy or extra help or paying or prescription

drugs. The amount o extra help a beneiciary is eligible or depends on income and assets. For

questions or to apply or extra help, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 o

visit www.socialsecurity.gov.

Consider Switching to Generics or Other Lower-Cost Drugs

Medicare beneiciaries may wish to talk to their doctor about the drugs currently being taken

to ind out i there are generic or less-expensive brand-name drugs that would work just as wel

as the drugs being taken now.

Compare Prices at Other Pharmacies

Prescription drug prices can vary rom pharmacy to pharmacy. You may save money bytranserring your prescription to a dierent pharmacy. For pricing inormation on the 30 most

common prescriptions, contact the Michigan Rx Price Finder at 1-866-755-6479 or visit

www.michigandrugprices.com. Ask your local pharmacy i they have a program available to

help lower the cost o your prescription drugs. Using mail order pharmacies may also help to

save money beore and during the coverage gap.

Pharmaceutical Patient Assistance Programs

Many o the major drug manuacturers oer assistance programs or people enrolled in

Medicare Part D. To ind out whether a Patient Assistance Program is available or the drugs youtake, contact the Area Agency on Aging 1-B Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) at

1-800-803-7174. A list o brand name and generic drugs and their Patient Assistance Programs

are available at www.needymeds.com

For more information on possible additional assistance, call 1-800-344-4867 or 1-800-803-7174.



Thanks, all o you! I asked or yoursuggestions and you responded withsome great tips that just may help easesome o lie’s daily tasks. Interestingly,

most o these don’t ocus on ‘getting by’but more on lie enhancement. True, mosteveryone with MS deals with limitationso some kind, but with a little extra eort,oresight and planning, lie with MS can belled with quality and un.

1. Do your shopping early in the day whenyou have more energy.

2. Shop by catalog or Internet - avoid crowdsand stress.

3. Use a smaller airport when fying, lesscrowds and easier to maneuver. Scheduleenough time between connecting fightsto allow or transer, ood and bathroom.

4. Keep popsicles in the reezer or a quick cool o.

5. Exercise is good or your body and good

or your mind. Use an exercise bike, takeYoga, Tai Chi, or Pilates; try water aerobics,

jogging, even just a daily walk!

6. Don’t sit at home. Use a tricycle (greaterbalance) and ride with your kids to thelibrary or the soccer games.

7. Keep a portable scooter in your trunk ortimes when walking will be too tiring.

They’re easy to assemble and then, ‘o you

go!’8. Many malls and retail stores have scooters

available. You may decide to patronizeplaces with a commitment to olks withdisabilities.

9. At home, make sure your walking space iscleared o any obstacles.

10. Avoid potential embarrassment, neverpass up a restroom!

11. Keep your mind sharp; use theInternet or games, puzzles, anymental exercise. It is also a library at

your ngertips, help your kids andeducate yoursel.

12. An over-bed tray table can be useulin other rooms, even the kitchen.

Be sure to read, “Inside MS”, August–September, ‘07, p.15-25, ‘Friendly LivingSpaces’ and ‘Top 10 Tips or a Clean House.Great inormation..

Lastly, a ew things ound at the home

health supply that may surprise you:

1. Biotene, gum to alleviate dry mouth.

2. Plastic grips to enlarge your house/carkeys.

3. ‘Reachers’ to pick up an item rom thefoor or grab an item o the shel.

4. ‘Coilers’ to turn lace shoes into‘pull-ons.’

5. The ‘PurrFect Opener’ - it lits tabs,removes plastic wrap around bottles,pierces seals, removes the cotton, andalso lits lids rom opened cans, whew!

6. You’ll nd tools to button, put onshoes, and pull up zippers.

7. Good grips silverware.

8. Magniers.

9. Even playing cardholders! It was a

most enlightening trip.Hope you ound some ideas to try. Thanksto Mary, Gary, Laura, Tom, Debbie andVickie or their contributions. With theholidays just around the corner, thesemight make great gits or items or yourown wish list.

Now, That’s a Thought!Sue Chapman, MA, MSW




MS Volunteers Needed for Research Study

Wayne State is looking or women with relapsing-remitting MS or a 24 -month study to see i there are less relapses with the treatment o Copaxone injections plus oral Estriol as comparedto the treatment o Copaxone injections plus oral placebo.

We are looking or:Women 18-50 years oldDiagnosed with deinite RRMSAble to walk without any aids such as cane or walkerHad at least one relapse within the last two years

You are not eligible or the study i you are pregnant, breast-eeding, smoke, or have other seri-

ous medical conditions. You are also not eligible i you have ever received Copaxone. You canhowever be included in our study i you have been treated with Avonex, Rebi or Betaseron orless than three months.

This study is being conducted by Omar Khan, M.D., Proessor, Wayne State Department o Neurology.

I you are interested, call Elisabeta Levcovici, the study coordinator at (313) 966-5068 or urtherinormation and a 20-minute telephone screening to determine initial eligibility or the study.

A glance into our programs calendarshows that the Michigan Chapter will hostand honor caregivers in many communi-

ties in November. The month o Novem-ber is National Family Caregivers Month.MS impacts each body in dierent ways.For that reason, every amily member andriend o someone with MS has a uniquestory. I you care about and care or some-one with MS, please consider attendingone o our programs to share your story,and to allow us to honor your contribu-

tions as you Join the Movement againstMS.For inormation and resources about

caring or someone with MS, please visitwww.nationalMSsociety.org, and searchor “caregiver” or call 1-800-344-4867.

Thank You FamilyCaregivers




New Book in MS SocietyLibrary

“Yoga & Multiple Sclerosis” – by Loren M. Fishman, MD, & Eric Small. Demos Medical Publish

ing, 273 pages, 2007. (2 copies)“Yoga & Multiple Sclerosis” contains inorma-tion or people experiencing symptoms acrossthe MS spectrum, including those who are inwheelchairs or have limited mobility. You willlearn a variety o yoga poses that will helpcombat atigue, reduce spasticity, relieve stresand increase range o motion. This practicalguide:

• Describes how yoga works• Contains “starter poses” that help begin-ners and the physically challenged to gentlyachieve a posture.

• Includes photographs and descriptions o each pose.

• And much more

The MS Society Library can be ound via theinternet at www.nationalMSsociety.org.

2007 MS Holiday Cards

H

elp support the National MS Society, Michigan

Chapter by purchasing your 2007 holiday cards

through http://ms.holidaycardstore.net. Over

20 designs are available eaturing artwork rom proes-

sional artists with MS and children o parents living with

MS. 20% o the proceeds rom Michigan orders will help

und MS research and amily programs in our state. By

purchasing one box o cards, you could help an indi-

vidual with MS attend a six-week session o Gateway to

Wellness! Make a dierence this holiday season!

2007 TeamMS

R ecognition R eception

SAVE THE DATE!

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Hilton Detroit Troy • Troy, MI2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

2007 TeamMS Recognition Reception -honoring top individual undraisers and

top undraising teams.

Invitations have been mailed out toqualiying awardees.



Jean Anderson – Making a Difference in theFace of MS!


the disease. She ound it easy to solicit

donations because “the NMSS is soinvolved in supporting cutting-edge

research.” Her husband, Darrell, liked

being active and decided to ride in theMS Bike Tour about ve years ago. Jean

went along as a volunteer or the event

and was overwhelmed by the helpulness

and kindness o everyone involved. “I

ound it encouraging,” she says, “and you

meet lots o people who are just like you.” The couple looks orward to participating

in the undraiser with amily and riends

each summer.

Jean also enjoys being a Power

Partner or the MS Bike Tour, whereindividuals with MS are paired with

participants who might not necessarily

know someone with the disease. The

program aims to encourage awarenessby acilitating a relationship. “It’s great!It’s awesome to be a part o that process

when people don’t have a connection to

MS,” she asserts.

Jean believes her strong

aith and supportive amily

is helping her endure thechallenges o living with

multiple sclerosis. “I might

not get better and that’s

okay. But I have all

that I can handle.”

Living with an autoimmune disease like

multiple sclerosis may seem dicultand depressing to many people. But

or Jean Anderson, who was diagnosed in

1992, it provides a chance to emphasize

the positive in lie and send a message o

awareness to others.

Jean was diagnosed with MS our weeks

ater the birth o her rst child. At the time,she was scared and overwhelmed by the

news. Now the busy mother o three, she

cites atigue as her main physical symptom.

“With MS, you start with a quarter tank

when you get up, instead o a ull tank,” sheexplains.

Jean and her amily began participating

in the National MS Society’s Ann Arbor

Walk to raise money and awareness or

Jean Anderson(center) with her family.

Written by Ann Farrell, National MS Society Volunteer & MS Walk participant



The Michigan Chapter joined orceswith Comerica Park or the secondyear as we presented our NationalMS Society Night at Comerica Park

on Monday, August 13th. Unortunately, ourDetroit Tigers lost to the Oakland A’s, butwe hit a home run! Nearly 1,050 NationalMS Society supporters came decked out inorange t-shirts and not only helped us shinethe spotlight on the National MS Societyand multiple sclerosis, but also helpedus raise more than $9,000! Thanks to theDetroit Tigers’ Ticket Fundraising Program,$9 rom each ticket sold rom our Southeldoce was donated back to the MichiganChapter. These proceeds will be used tocontinue providing programs and servicesor the more than 16,000 people in Michiganliving with MS, as well as the research

needed to nd a cause and cure or MS.Our night o un started o with a pre-

game interview with WXYT-1270 AM,ollowed by recognition during the pre-game ceremony as our new NationalMS Society PSA was shownon the big screen. Throughthe eorts o Team Ford’ssupport o the National

MS Society’s undraising events, theFord Chorus had the honor o singingthe National Anthem. The highlight o the night, though, was when 82-year oldCharlie Morris, a 17-year veteran o ourMS Bike Tour and long-time supporter o the Michigan Chapter, threw out the rstpitch! It was a wonderul and memorablemoment or Charlie, the 16 members o his amily who came to watch this once-in-a-lietime opportunity or him, and theNational MS Society.

We would like to take this opportunityto thank the sta and administrationo the Detroit Tigers and ComericaPark, especially Corey Bell, Ticket SalesFundraising Manager, and Sam Abrams,Manager o Player Relations, Youth andSports Programs, who were instrumental

in the planning and execution o theNational MS Society Night at ComericaPark. We would also like to thank everyone who purchased tickets through

the National MS Society in supporto our event. We couldn’t do it

without YOU! Thank you orJOINING THE MOVEMENT

The National MS Society Hits A Home RunAt Our Night At Comerica Park




21311 Civic Center DriveSoutheld, MI 48076-3911

Mailing Label ChangesPlease check the appropriate box

below, correct the label then return

to National MS Society, MI Chapter

qName change or misspelledqAddress change

qRemove rom mailing listqReceived more than one copy

Reclining Chair. Allows to stand up or reclineby remote control. Tan. Used or a couple o weeks. Asking or $600 or best oer. Call Gail at (734) 662-7184.

Jazzi Wheelchair. Five years old, recharge-able scooter. Good condition. Call to inquireabout price. Call Andrea at (586) 596-5838.

Rascal Model 255 (“Chaufeur”) HeavyDuty 4-Wheel Power Scooter: One owner,purchased new in 1997. Used lightly until2000 and then stored; showroom conditionwith new batteries. Manual included. Color:Champagne with upgraded black ComortSeat and Fold-Away Tiller. Pick-up. ($4,878new) $750 OBO . Bruno VSL-600 Curb-SiderElectric Lit: Purchased in 1998, one owner,used lightly. ($1,985 new) $500 OBO. Daytime and early evening calls: (616) 656-3221. Email inquiries at [email protected]

2000 Pontiac Montana Mini-Van. HasBruno VSL-670 Curb side lit or transport-ing scooter or wheelchair. Good condition.Asking $6,000. Call Paula at (248) 357-9177.

Power Drive Stand Aid. Never used.

$3,000 or best ofer. Sliding Shower Chair,$800. Four Wheel Walker with handbrakes, $100. Electrical Hospital Bed withnew special mattress. Perect condition.$1,000. Call Joyce at (269) 687-0994.

Reciprocal Walker - $10. Four WheelWalker with brakes - $75. Quad Cane- $5. Electric Wheelchair - $300. BedsideCommode - $60. Three Wheel Electric

Scooter - $600. Fully Electric HospitalBed - $200. Shown by appointment only.Call Florence at (586) 756-9591.

msc mi vol 4 iss 4

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