msc mi vol 5 iss 1

8/6/2019 MSC MI Vol 5 Iss 1

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The 2007 Annual Meeting or theMichigan Chapter o the NationalMS Society relected a sense onew energy and excitement about

the uture or people living with MS inMichigan. The chapters Annual Meeting& Volunteer Recognition Luncheon washeld at the Hilton Detroit Troy on Saturday,November 10, 2007. Approximately 300attendees were introduced to ElanaSullivan the chapters irst new president in

28 years. According to Ms. Sullivan, TheNational MS Society is not only gainingmomentum, we are creating a whole newMS movement.

Benjamin Segal, M.D. was the eatured

research speaker. The Michigan Chapterwas happy to introduce Dr. Segal,a new MS expert to the local MScommunity. He recently joined the staat University oMichigan and is aHoltom-Garrett Proessor oNeurology and Chieo the U o M MultipleSclerosis Center andNeuroimmunologyProgram. He is a pastrecipient o the HarryWeaver NeuroscienceScholar Award,considered one o the most prestigioushonors given by the National MS Society.

Our celebrity speaker, David Lander is

Volume 5 Issue 1 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

Annual Meeting 2007Outstanding Volunteers Honored

Listen Up! Page 11 2007 da Vinci AwardsPage 16 2007 Team MS RecognitionReception Page 17Discovered MS riskgenes Page 6

INSIDETHISISSUE:

Winter/2008

Walk MS

celebrates 20 y

See pg. 19 for de

The 2007 Annual Meeting awardees with ChapterChairman Peter Burton (ar right), ormer ChapterPresident Pat McDonald and Chapter PresidentElana Sullivan (centered standing).


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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, consult aqualied 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 Society isto end the devastating eects o multiplesclerosis.

Copyright 2008 National MS Society,

Michigan Chapter

best known to all o us or his portrayal oSquiggy, rom the 1970s hittelevision series, Laverne &Shirley. Since then, David

has appeared in countlesseature ilms and televisionshows, and you have alsoheard his voice doing manyvoiceovers or radio, TVand in animation. In 1999,David announced to thepublic that or 15 yearshe had been hiding theact that he has MS, and began serving as

an ambassador and spokesperson or theNational MS Society.

Thanks to Biogen Idec, attendeesreceived ree copies o Davids audio bookFall Down Laughing: How Squiggy CaughtMultiple Sclerosis and Didnt Tell Nobody.Mr. Lander was so generous with his timethat he autographed the book or eachparticipant who wanted one.

This yearly celebration recognizedthe contributions o several outstandingvolunteers along with one corporation anda public oicial.

The newly created Legacy Award waspresented to ormer chapter president,Patricia A. McDonald. This award isdesigned to recognize an individualwhose achievements over a LIFETIME havesigniicantly impacted and improved the

lives and well being o people with MS. Patresigned last winter ater 28 years o servicto the Michigan Chapter. Comerica Bank received the 2007Corporation o the Year Award. Forseveral years hundreds o employees, amiand riends have walked as part o theComerica Bank Team. During the past iveyears, they have raised more than $100,000

David Lander

2 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

2007 Annual Meeting


3/20 3TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867

In 2007, Comerica Bank more than doubledthe size o their walk team, recruiting 176walkers who raised $28,794 placing thecompany irst in undraising among all 710MS Walk teams in Michigan.

Sue Hart o Flushing took home theMS Achievement Award. She is a membero the chapters Government RelationsCommittee and has been described as aearless, tireless voice or persons withdisabilities. She worked with advocatesto bring about the enactment o the irststate inclusive home design legislationin the country as she served as Chair o

the Housing Work Group o the DisabilityNetwork o Michigan. The 2007 HOPE AWARD recipientis Susan Rokosz. Susan is a FordMotor Engineer, and major player indevelopment o the da Vinci Awardsundraiser beneiting the National MSSociety. The da Vinci Awards salute anapproach to the design o products,services and environments to be usable by

as many people as possible regardless oage, ability or circumstance.

Representative Gary McDowell oRudyard was named the Public Servanto the Year Award recipient. Rep.McDowell is a champion or MI Choice, theMedicaid Home and Community BasedServices Waiver. Under his leadershipas Chair o the Community Health

appropriations subcommittee, MI Choicereceived the irst unding increase since2001.

GEORGE A.L. GANT REGIONALVOLUNTEER AWARD winners:Southeastern Region Josie DeYonker oClinton TownshipEastern Region - Brenda Johnson oDurand

Western Region - Jack Heuvelhorst oGrandvilleUpper Peninsula Region - Jeanne Baumanno MarquetteYOUTH VOLUNTEER AWARD recipient isCassidy Zainea o Grand Rapids.THE RICHARD ENNIS AWARD went to GaiSmith o Lake Linden.

The luncheon was ollowed by a special

reception to recognize the chapters topundraisers. The entire day was all aboutcelebrating the eorts o people whowant to do something about MS NOW.

According to Elana, This is not the sameNational MS Society as when I let back in2001. Dont get me wrong we have thesame great programs, the same dedicationo sta and volunteers, the same desire tohelp every single person who is aected

with MS but the dierence, top down,is in a renewed energy and enthusiasm oall involved to truly do whatever it takes towipe MS o o the ace o the earth.

This event was partially funded by thefollowing sponsors: Biogen Idec, EMDSerono, Teva Neuroscience and BayerHealthCare.

2007 Annual Meeting (Continued)

Pat McDonald receiving the Legacy Awardwith Chapter President, Elana Sullivan andChapter Chairman, Peter Burton.


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Dear riends,

With the New Year upon us, I want to take this opportunity to thank eachand every one o you or your membership and participation with theMichigan Chapter o the National MS Society. Whether you are a personwith MS, a donor, an event participant, a caregiver, or someone who has

joined our movement or another reason, we are so grateul or yourcontinued belie in our mission o creating a world ree o MS.

In the past six months, I have been blessed to meet many o you, and I continue to bemotivated and energized by your stories. At our Chapters Annual Meeting and VolunteerRecognition Luncheon in November, it was particularly inspiring or me to learn about andcelebrate some o the Chapters most dedicated volunteers, clients and event participants. It isapparent that there truly are many, many people across the state o Michigan who want to do

something about MS now.We have aggressive plans or growth in 2008 and are excited to share them with you as the

year progresses. Chapters Board o Trustees and sta join me in inviting you to participate inthe MS movement again in the coming year, in whatever way you choose.

My email address is [email protected], and I can also be reached by phone at248 351-2190. I welcome your calls and emails to let me know what is on your mind in thenew year.

Warmest regards and best wishes or a truly exceptional 2008,

Elana SullivanChapter President


A Letter from your Chapter President

Longtime Chapter Volunteer Honored at National Conference

During the 2007 National Conerence held in Dallas, Texas last November,Deborah Silkwood-Sherer was inducted into the National Volunteer Hall

o Fame or Programs & Services. Since 1985, she has served the chapter

in numerous capacities. Although she initially got involved to assist people with

MS in her local community, Debbie has helped many others statewide.

She helped develop and expand direct services, programs or the newly

diagnosed, proessional education seminars, the MS Achievement Center and more. Debbiehas served on the Michigan Chapters Board or 17 years.


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Join the Movement and help spreadawareness during this years MS

Awareness Week March 10 17. Every

one and anyone can make a dierence,

and just think how big a dierence we can all

make together. To be successul in raising MS

awareness, we need you and the talents andresources you can bring to this cause.

We cant do it alone.

Every hour someone

is diagnosed with MS.

What can you do in anhour to connect with

someone with MS and

to help those living with

MS move their lives

orward? The ollowingare some impactul ideas

to consider doing during MS Awareness

Week to build an MS movement that gives

voice to everyone living with MS.

Support our advocacy eorts. The

Society advocates or legislation thatwill ensure air treatment o people with

disabilities and protect the rights to equal

access, employment, and proper health

care or people with MS. By visiting the

National MS Societys Web site

(www.nationalMSsociety.org) and signingup or MS Action Network, you help us to

create a strong voice needed to impact

our leaders and lawmakers at the national

and state levels. You will be notied when

your voice is needed, and the Societywill arm you with the inormation and

tools you need to ully understand the

issues, our policy positions, and the best

ways to act on them. You will also receive

an MS Action Alert when an important

issue or piece o legislation calls or yourimmediate action.

Support our 2008 event season. Register

to orm a team in our Walk MS, Bike MS,

or the MS Longest Day o Gol events,

or simply help to recruit team members

to participate on your behal i you cantpersonally take part. Help us grow these

events by encouraging everyone you

know to Join the Movement in support othese undraisers.

Volunteer to take Walk MS, Bike MS, or

The MS Longest Day o Gol brochures

to places you patronize. Brochures can

be obtained by late January.

Put a ace on MS by submitting yourstory to www.aceoms.org. Share your

connection to MS. Talk about why youthink its important to lead others in themovement to a world ree o MS. You dont

have to have MS to share your story on this

Web site. All that matters is that you are

committed to the MS community.

Organize a third-party event to beneft

the Society. Approach groups or clubsyou are already active with to see i they

will help with a special MS Awarenessundraiser. For example, your church group

may organize a bake sale to not only create

awareness about MS, but also to raiseunds to help people with MS.

Together, we will make a dierence and

work towards creating a world ree o MS.

Save the Date!MS Awareness Week: March 10 17, 2008

5TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867


6/206 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

Society-funded researchers discovertwo new MS risk genes

M

S is not a single-gene disorder.Researchers have already

concluded that the disease

involves many genes interacting with someenvironmental trigger or triggers.

Locating the specic genes that are

associated with a higher risk or MS can

tell scientists more about how the disease

worksand may lead to new therapies.

For more than a decade, the National MS

Society has taken the lead, aggressivelyunding MS

genetics research.

It helped launchthe International

Multiple Sclerosis

Genetics Consor-

tium (IMSGC), a

collaborative group

o researcherswith expertise in

genetics, database

design, and

immunology who pool the large amounts o

data needed or genetics studies.

New ndingsThis year, the IMSGC completed the largest

genome scan or MS to date. Using a DNAchip that maps 500,000 individual genetic

locations they ound two genetic variations

strongly associated with MS.

The variations were ound in the genesor interleukin-2 receptor-alpha and

interleukin-7 receptor-alpha, both o

which control cytokinesthe messenger

proteins that regulate immune cells.

Interleukin-2 and -7 have been associatedwith T cells that have the power to turn o

an immune attack. Research has shownthat interleukin-2 is involved in other auto-

immune diseases, including type 1 diabetes.

The IMSGC published these ndings in anearly online edition oThe New England

Journal o Medicine (July 29, 2007). The

study was jointly unded by the Society and

Harvard University. All o the data rom the

gene scan is being made publicly availableto aid uture research.

Two studies conrm ndingsTwo papers published online in Nature

Genetics on July 29 reported similar

ndings associating interleukin-7 with MS.

In the rst, an international group o colla-

borators unded in part by the Societyexplored three genes that had earlier been

associated with MS. The group was able to

conrm an association with the gene or

interleukin-7.

The second paperby collaborators in

Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway

ollowed up an earlier study and also

identied interleukin-7.

The road aheadThe ndings o all three studies suggest

possible new targets or better MS therapies

One therapy is already being tested.

The monoclonal antibody daclizumab(PDL BioPharma and Biogen Idec) targets

interleukin-2 receptor-alpha.


7/20

What is CIS?

Aperson diagnosed with CIS, or

Clinically Isolated Syndrome, typically

has experienced a single neurologicalsymptom, such as partial vision loss, vertigo,

double vision, or weakness. The symptomlasts at least 24 hours and may even

continue or weeks, but then goes away,

oten without treatment.

[CIS] typically occurs out o the

blue in an otherwise healthy

person, said J. Theodore Phillips,

MD, PhD, director o the MSCenter at Texas Neurology

in Dallas. It appears to be

occurring in an isolated ashion.

To be diagnosed with CIS, all

other explanations or thesymptom have to be ruled out.

Is CIS an early sign of MS?The big question with CIS is whether itindicates early development o MS. The

second question is whether early interven-

tion can help slow down that development.

In three large clinical trials, early treatment

appeared to delay a second episode. Theresults were so positive, the FDA extended

the labeling o Avonex and Betaseron to

include people who have had just one

clinical episode i they have multiple MRI-

detected lesions consistent with MS.

Is early intervention necessary?I started early in the appropriate person,

these medications can be important in

slowing down the progression into classicMS, Dr. Phillips said. But who is the

appropriate person? Do I know that this

single event will evolve into MS? Disease-

modiying drugs are expensive, inconve-

nient, and do not cure MS, he pointed out.

MRI evidence makes the caseLong-term studies show that what a

persons MRI looked like at the time o aCIS largely indicated whether they went on

to develop MS.

I the MRI is completely normal with theexception o abnormality associated with

the CIS, then that person has a relatively low

risk o MS even 15 years out, said Dr. Phillips.

But i there are multiple lesions consistent

with MS, that person has a pretty high risk.When thats the case, many neurologists

recommend early intervention with a

disease-modiying drug. Insurance coverage

or Avonex or Betaseron shouldnt be a

problem, since the FDA now includes CIS asan indication or both drugs.


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.


8/20

c. General Durable Power of Attorney

This is a general authorization that

continues to be valid even i the

individual who granted the power oattorney becomes legally incapacitated

(i.e. becomes mentally impaired, is

unconscious, etc.).

d. Durable Power of Attorney for Health

Care This is a Limited Power o Attorney

(to deal with medical issues only) that is

durable (i.e. continues to be valid even i

the signer o the power o attorney loses

his or her capacity).

A power o attorney can be limited by

its terms (i.e. to be valid or a specic period

o time). By using a power o attorney, it

is oten possible to avoid a guardianship

or conservatorship or an individual who

is unable to ully take care o his/her own

business due to physical disability.

A power o attorney should only be

used issued to someone who is completely

trustworthy. While a power o attorney can

be revoked at any time, it can be difcult to

actually do it. For example, i the relationship

between the two people involved is

disrupted or they have dierent interests

or concerns, the person with the power o

attorney many not be willing to return it.

Without knowing where that individual plans

to use it, the person who signed the power o

attorney cannot notiy others that the power

o attorney is no longer valid. Thereore, any

power o attorney should only be executed

ater consideration o your particular

situation and needs. Serious discussion with

an attorney by the individual authorizing the

power o attorney is recommended.

There are many legal issues

that have particular impact on

the lives of those diagnosed

with MS. While the localchapter 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.

Ive been writing columns or MSConnection since the summer o 1998. Ive

covered most o the topics o concern to

individuals with disabilities over the years.

For the next ew issues, I am going to repeat

prior articles. In the near uture, it is my goal

to have all o the previous columns available

online at our Web site.

Powers of AttorneyA power o attorney is a document thatauthorizes someone to act on behal o

another individual. There are dierent kinds

o powers o attorney:

a. General Power of Attorney This is

a general authorization allowing the

individual to whom it is granted to do any

act on behal o the person who signs the

power o attorney.

b. Limited Power of Attorney This is a

restricted authorization allowing the

individual to whom it is granted to do a

specic act identied in the document (i.e.

sell an automobile or complete a particular

transaction).

Legal BriefsBy Ina Cohen



9/20 9TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867

MS Caucus gains powerThis summer the Society announced the new Congressional MultipleSclerosis Caucus in the U.S. House o Representatives. This Caucus is

the rst o its kind, and provides the MS movement with champions in

Congress to support MS issues. Congressmen Russ Carnahan (D, Missouri)

and Michael Burgess (R, Texas) are co-chairing. As o mid NovemberMichigan Congressmen Thaddeus McCotter (R-Livonia) and Fred Upton(R-St. Joseph) have joined the Caucus.

Keep the momentum buildingThe MS Caucus gives the movement to end MS an eective presence on

Capitol Hill. I your U.S. Representative has not yet signed on, encourage

him or her to do so. Go to nationalmssociety.org/advocacy , click on

Announcing New Congressional MS Caucus, and enter your ZIP Code.

The push for new MS research funding

For the past year, the Society andthousands o MS activists have been

aggressively pursuing a new avenue

o ederal unding or MS research:

Legislation that would designate $15 million

or MS research through the Congressionally

Directed Medical Research Programs(CDMRP) at the Department o Deense.

Unortunately, the bill that passed in the

House on August 5, 2007, did not include

unding or MS research. But MS activists didnot give up. In late September, Congressman

John Murtha (D, Pennsylvania) nally agreed

to ght or at least $10 million or MS research

during the conerence committee, which

came ater the Senate voted on the bill.When the Senate Deense Appropriations

Subcommittee approved their FY 2008

spending in mid-September, the bill

included language to support MS research.

Even though it was not in the program werequested, it will provide a new avenue or

unding. We will continue pursuing CDMRP.

Congressman

Thaddeus McCotter

Congressman Fred Upton

About the unds

The CDMRP provides unding or research

through the Department o Deense as

directed by members o Congress. Activists

believe that MS research would be an

appropriate target o these unds: A study

published in 2004 identied more than5,000 cases o MS among veterans that were

deemed service-connected.

In late 2006, the Society began a

nationwide petition drive urging Congressto support unding or MS research through

the CDMRP. The petition garnered more than

100,000 signatures.

In March 2007, MS activists who attended

the annual MS Public Policy Conerence inWashington, DC, brought the issue to Capitol

Hill in person.

Whats next

For the latest, go to msactivist.blogspot.com,and to learn how to help, join the movement

at nationalmssociety.org/advocacy .


10/20

Everyday heroes

L

ast year Jeanne Clem o Kentucky

wrote the national oce: What I

want or Christmas is to hear rom

everyday heroes who deserve to be

heard. You hear celebrities stories on thenews. But you dont hear, Two years ago

today, Jeanne Clem was diagnosed with

multiple sclerosis and her employment

along with bits o her lie were terminatedbut here she is now, celebrating small

victories!

To accommodate this universal need, theSociety created theFaceoMS.org in March

2006. People have been posting stories thereever since. Here are two o them.

Tom Young, OhioAbout 10 years or so ago,

I was diagnosed with

probable MS. Later the

diagnosis became moredenite.

My amily MD said, expect interesting

symptoms. He was certainly right about

that. Some o the interesting symptoms

included a sensation o fashing lights when

I was in total darkness. O course the lessinteresting symptoms bother me the most.

The real bummer is that I have almost no

sense o balance. I can only remain upright i

I can see a horizon.

The progression o the disease has been

very slow because Ive been taking a veryexpensive drug. Im still working. I did,

however, give up fying airplanes. I my

sense o balance ever comes back the rst

thing Im going to try to get is the required

medical certicate and fy an airplane again.

Michele Mogck,MontanaI was diagnosed six years

ago, shortly ater the birth

o my beautiul daughter.People look at me strangelywhen I tell them that I eel

MS is probably one o the best things that

has ever happened to me. I have always

been very drivenocusednever letting

anything stand in my way. I was so ocused, Iwas never, really, in the present.

Ive learned not to take things or grantedand to be thankul or everything that I

do have. I shudder to think that had it notbeen or my MS, how quickly lie would

have passed without me taking the time to

cherish, love, and just enjoy.

Visit FaceoMS.org or many many morestoriesand to add (or update) your own!


TAMING WORK STRESS

Take a short break right at yourdesk. Mute the phone and the com-puter. Take o your glasses i youwear them. To help slow down yourmind, inhale while thinking theword peace, then exhale to theword tension. Even fve minuteso quiet breathing can bring somerelie.

For more ideas, visit our brochureTaming Stress at nationalmssociety.org/TamingStress. Or call us or aprinted copy.


11/20

Listen up!

The National MS Societys Web site

eatures a number o sound les,

including podcasts and archived

webcasts, oering easy listening at your

convenience. And beginning December2007, an audio version o the national

magazine, Momentum (ormerly InsideMS),

will also be available.

Ive never used a sound le before!Actually, you probably have.

A sound le is simply any

electronic le that contains digital

inormation to reproduce sound.CDs use very large sound les,

using something called PCM

coding.

Because o their large size they

arent used much on the Internet.

Instead, les on the Web are

usually in the MP3 ormat.

What does that mean to me?The MP3 is compressed, eliminating por-

tions o the audio le that are essentially

unnecessary. That means you can download

them relatively quickly. The Societys pod-casts, archived webcasts, and the new audio

version oMomentum are saved as MP3 les.

How do I listen to an MP3 le?Lets try one o the Societys podcasts as anexample. First, go to nationalmssociety.org/podcasts and nd a podcast that

interests you.

To listen to it immediately, just click on the

link as you normally would and the le will

play automatically in your browser. Most

browsers (e.g., Internet Explorer, Saari, etc.)

will have the appropriate player already

installed. I yours does not, you will be

prompted to download it at no cost.

You can also download the audio le to your

computer by placing your cursor on the

link and clicking the right-hand side o yourmouse (right click). (Mac users, hold down

the Apple key, then click.) Choose Save

Target As and then choose

where on your computer you

want to save the le. You should

be able to choose Desktop, orexample.

Depending on whether you havea modem (telephone line) or

broadband Internet connection,

this will take a ew seconds or

a minute or so. Once the le is

downloaded, you can select

open and the le will begin toplay right on your computer.

I you would

like to listen onyour portable

MP3 player,

such as an iPod,

simply move

the le to thesubdirectory

where you keep

your song les,

then import the

le into your MP3management

sotware, such as

iTunes or Zune.


For more helpApple Computers

www.apple.com/itun

Yahoo Podcasts

podcasts.yahoo.com

Zune

www.zune.net

About.com

mp3.about.com


12/20

February 18 & 21, Hold that Thought!

Cognition and MS, the 2007 North American

Education Program (NAEP).

In the video program created by the

National MS Society, experts in the eldo cognition and MS will discuss ways MS

aects cognition and how you can manage

cognitive symptoms. A question and answer

session with a local neurologist will ollowthe video. Participants will also receive a

50-page program booklet that provides

inormation about cognitive problems in

MS, cognitive rehabilitation, and current

research.The program will be held at the ollowing

sel-help group meetings:

Tuesday, February 19th in Caro (Davenport

University), time to be determined. For

more inormation call Betty Priest at 989-

761-7479.

Thursday, February 21st in Bruce (Grace

Lutheran Fellowship Church) at 6:30 p.m.

For more inormation call JacquelineWunsche at 586-801-9045.

Watch the spring calendar for additional NAEP

sites throughout the State.

February, Gentle Yoga in Metro Grand

Rapids

For all skill and ability levels. This six-week

session is in the nal planning stages. For

more inormation, contact Amy at 616-

942-5505.

February 27,Attention Family Caregivers

in Northern Michigan

The group has reserved the date o February

27, 2008 to have a luncheon meeting at

The Wild Onion in Alden, MI. All Family

Caregivers are invited to enjoy lunch andellowship at 12:30 p.m. This is a great group

o people with a wealth o experience as

Family Caregivers, who want to share, and

get to know others in similar circumstances.

Lunch is on your own, but the riendship is

ree and will be shared by all. I you havequestions, please call Barb at 231-348-

7992. I you cannot join them, but would

like to know about uture outings, please

call and have your e-mail address and phone

number added to their list. Dont miss thisopportunity to join with people who truly

understand what it means to be a Family

Caregiver.

March 8,Wellness Program -

Baker College in Flint

Join us as we explore wellness topics that

aect you. Dr. Albert Aniskiewicz, Proessor

o Psychiatry and Neurology at MichiganState University will be presenting on

Depression. The day will continue with

breakout sessions ocused on caring or

yoursel and your environment presented

by the Occupational Therapy Departmentat Baker College. In conclusion, Rob Kowalk,

volunteer and ormer Flint Police Ocer, will

acilitate a sel-deense session. The cost o

this program is $5.00 and complimentary

admission is available. Preregistration isrequired. For more inormation, contact

Christy at 989-249-1184.

March 14, Family Night in SouthfeldThis event will be held at the National MS

Societys Education Center (21311 Civic

Center Dr. in Southeld) rom 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Get rid o the winter blahs by joining us oran inormal night o un, ood, and riends.

For inormation and to register, please

call 800-344-4867. Space is limited, so call

now!

Michigan Chapter Program Calendar



13/20

April,Aquatics - Spring Session

Traverse City

All are welcome to join in the exercise. For

more inormation, call Barb at 213-348-

7992.

April, Perspectives on Living with MS

Grand RapidsPlease join us or a day-long retreat/

conerence with inormation and sharing

ocused on creating and achieving goals

that will allow you to live with MS. Check

your mailbox and our Web site or more

inormation on this positive, supportive,

and un day.

April 5, MS and Movement

Utica United Methodist Church

Join us as Diana Hohn, Research Advocate,

presents research updates, ollowed by aPhysiatrist discussing movement and MS.

This is a program you will not want to miss.

Check the Web site or urther updates!

April 26,Spring Conerence, MarquettePlease mark your calendar and save this date.

Check your mailboxes in mid-February ordetails!

April 26, Insurance Symposium

Join us or a keynote speaker and seminarsto explore how to nd and keep health

insurance, appealing insurance coverage

denials, cautions and limitation in disability

insurance and long term care insurance.

Watch the Chapters Web site or complete

program details. Holiday Inn Hotel,Farmington Hills rom 9:00 a.m. 2:30 p.m.

For inormation contact:

[email protected]

May 17,Lie Planning and Independenceare the topics that will be addressed in this

day o learning and sharing. Mark your

calendar and plan to join us. For more

inormation, call Barb at 213-348-7992.

May, Yoga in Houghton

The Instructor, Sue Stephens will be

organizing a spring session. For more

inormation, call Barb at 213-348-7992

May, Tai Chi in Escanaba

We will be oering an introductory workshop

and regularly scheduled classes. Check your

mailbox or details.

May, Yoga or Health Chair Yoga

Yoga classes are being oered in Ypsilanti atthe St. Joseph Mercy Health System Michigan

Heart & Vascular Institute. This program isappropriate or anyone who wishes to gain

the benets o yoga, but does not want to

get on the foor. Poses can be perormedrom a chair or wheelchair. Those who are

more mobile may perorm some poses

standing, using a chair or assistance. Six-

week sessions are oered on Thursdays rom

5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and are $60*. For more

inormation, please contact Diane, RYT, at734-712-3546.

Gentle Moves or Persevere Exercise

classes are being oered in Pontiac at

the Village o Oakland Woods with ACE

and ACSM certied personal trainer, Julie

Richmond. This program is geared towardthe needs o people with MS and is designed

to improve stamina, endurance, balance,

coordination and fexibility. Classes areoered on Tuesdays and Thursdays rom

11:00 to 11:45 a.m. and are $20*/month. For

more inormation, please contact Julie at

248-334-4379.

*Partial scholarships are available through the

Michigan Chapter by contacting Sue Arnot at

800-344-4867, option 2, ext. 232.



14/20

OpportunitiesSel-Help Group Co-Leader is needed or

Bay City to start a group. This volunteer

position requires a minimum o a one-year

commitment to help organize, plan, and

acilitate a monthly sel-help group orpeople with MS in the Bay City area. The

time commitment is approximately three-

our hours per month and training will be

provided. Please call Christy Bomba at 989-

249-1184 i you are interested.

A Family Caregiver Sel Help Group

is orming in Grand Rapids. I you areinterested in attending as a member or

exploring leadership opportunities, pleasecall Amy Piscopink Taylor at 616-942-5505.

Plans are in process or gatherings or

People with MS in their 20s and 30s in

Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Southfeld. I

youre interested in helping with logistics, orjust coming or the un, call Amy Piscopink

Taylor at 616-942-5505 or e-mail her at

[email protected]

New Book inMS Society Library

Living withProgressive

Multiple Sclerosis:

Overcoming theChallenges- Second

Edition by PatriciaK. Coyle & June Halper, Demos Medical

Publishing, 162 pages, 2008 (two copies).

I you or a loved one has been diagnosed

with progressive multiple sclerosis, this

completely updated book is an essentialresource or managing the challenges that lie

ahead. This concise and practical overvieweducates you about diagnosis, disease-

modiying therapies, new drug treatments,

management o dicult symptoms andcoping strategies. The authors, both

leading experts in MS, emphasize a

wellness approach that includes weighing

your options, planning or the uture, and

maintaining humor and composure in the

ace o adversity.

Coping With AdvancedMultiple SclerosisJoin us for this FREE two-part teleconference targeting those with progressive MS.

Register NOW for this FREE program while space is available.To register call 800-344-4867 or visit online www.nationalMSsociety.org/mig.DEADLINE for registration is Friday, February 1, 2008.

This program is funded by a grant from EMD Serono & is offered by the National MS Society, Michigan Chapter

Part IFebruary 6, 2008, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Carol Freeman, RN, MSN, MSCN, CNRNHer talk will focus on coping with the medicalcomplications of advanced MS.

Part IIFebruary 13, 2008, 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Shelley Peterman SchwarzThis presentation will offer practical, everydaytips and solutions for living with advanced MS.



15/20

O

ne o my most treasured experiences

at the National MS Society was the

opportunity to meet lots o really

ne people; olks with MS, their amiliesand caregivers, riends and proessionals.I learned many things worth passing

along. The ollowing is a small compilation

o observations along with suggestions

gleaned rom conversations with many o

you. They concern how you cope with MS,deal with others and wish others would deal

with you.

A previous article dealt with concreteways to improve your lie using ADLs

(Activities o Daily Living.) Today, lets lookat some lie skills involving interpersonal

relationships; how best to preserve, protect

and enhance them. It includes arenas

such as attitude, manners, behaviors and

thoughts! Yes, they all overlap one on theother (like an onion) but each requires

mindulness on the part o anyone who dealswith MS be it the person or the relevant

others.

Weve all heard, Attitude is everything.And Fake it til you make it! How true these

words are. Negativity is contagious; they

gripe, you gripe, we all gripe! This wont

work, nor that, why bother? Remind you o

anyone? Think about it, what wouldyou do

i someone jumped into that boat o miseryand griped along with you? Fodder or a

great lm noir but as a steady diet YIKES!

Manners are crucial to healthy

relationships. Instead o demanding, trysaying please or thank you. It sounds so

easy, virtually remedial, but simply being

polite can make a huge dierence in all

o your interactions. Simple courtesiescan be overlooked albeit unintentionally.

When visiting a riend with MS, be aware

o the time. Sometimes an extended visitcan be exhausting. Spread your visits out;

three small (30 minutes) as opposed to oneentire uncomortable aternoon. While

were on the subject, let me point out how

treasured those visits are. We orget that

even the slightest kindness is special to

someone whose lie exposure may havebecome limited. Another tip: helping is

great and admirable when the target oyour help wants it. Ask rst, so your help

will be welcomed rather than oensive. To

paraphrase noted author, Stephen Covey,Ph.D., treat others as theywould like to be

treated.

Thoughts can be extremely toxic i

you arent careul. Is there no one who

understands the miserable plight o my lie?

Nobody wants me around. A steady diet onegative thoughts will poison your outlook

on everything, yoursel and others. The sel-

ullling prophecy can easily come true i

you arent mindul o your thoughts.

Being someone others enjoy beingaround goes miles in reducing isolation.

No one wants to be around a Negative,

Demanding Griper MS or not. Now thats

a sad personality prole, the terrible NDG!Inclosing, let me reiterate; these observationsapply to everyone dealing with MS, the

individual as well as caregivers and riends.

If you would like to speak with a counselor

who can help you further explore these issues,

call Sarah Allan, MA, MSW, at the National MS

Society for referrals, 1-800-FIGHT MS, ext. 230.

Simple TruismsSue Chapman, MA, MSW



16/20

The da Vinci Awards recognizes the most

innovative developments and research

in adaptive and assistive technologythat embrace the Universal Design Principle

- an approach to the design o products,

services and environments to be usable by as

many people as possible regardless o age,

ability or circumstance.The 2007 da Vinci Awards gala, presented

by General Motors, was held on September

28 at The Ritz-Carlton in Dearborn, Mich.

Honorees traveled rom all over the country

and as ar as New Zealand to accept theirawards to an audience o more than 430

people.

The da Vinci Awards went to:EagleEyes allows people to control the

computer by moving only their eyes.

The FuelCall System enables drivers with

disabilities to know which service stations

provide assistance and easily summon this

assistance.

Handybar is a strong, lightweight

aluminum portable handle that

ts securely into the vehicle doorstriker plate, enabling easy entrance

and exit rom a vehicle.

INDEPENDENCE iBOT 4000

Mobility System is unlike any

wheelchair on the market today

as it allows users to power across

uneven terrain, easily climb curbsand steps, rise to an eye-level

position and hold a conversation,

even while on the move.

PROPRIO FOOT provides a wide

and automated range o ankle fexion with

Flex-Foot dynamics allowing unction asclose as you can get today to the human

oot.

WalkAide System is designed to assist users

with oot drop through technology which

restores the unctionality o an impaired

extremity.

Four special awards were alsoawarded to:Roger McCarville received the da VinciFounders Award rom ounder Michael

J. Rokosz. McCarville is the host and co-

producer o Disabilities Today, the nations

rst and only weekly television programdedicated to helping those with disabilities.

Grayson Rosenberger was awarded the da

Vinci Apprentice Award or his Bubble WrapProsthetic Leg. Fiteen-year old Grayson has

developed a low-cost Bubble Wrap covering

or articial legs providing amputees in

developing countries with a way to make

articial limbs more lie-like.

The 2007 da Vinci Awards

The 2007 awardees with Michael Rokosz (second rom right),Founder o the da Vinci Awards and Elana Sullivan (ourth rom

right), President o the National MS Society, Michigan Chapter.



17/20

The Michigan Chapter, held its 2007

TeamMS Recognition Reception on

Saturday, November 10th, 2007 inconjunction with the Chapters 2007 Annual

Meeting. This event honored more than

90 top individual undraisers, 12 top third-

party event undraisers, and 55 top teams in

attendance.Each year the National MS Society,

Michigan Chapter presents a special award,the Shining Star Award, to recognize the

support o a company to include team

undraising, sponsorship, and in-kind givingwithin the Chapters TeamMS programs.

The Shining Star Corporate Award was

presented to The Dow Chemical Company

in recognition o reaching the highest level

o support within the Michigan Chapter.

Accepting this prestigious award was DowsExternal Communications Manager, Jennier

Heronema.Another company that went above and

beyond in 2007 is Ford Motor Company, who

was presented with the Mission Possible

Triple Crown Award. Ford Motor Company

raised over $16,000 in each o the threeTeamMS events, earning them a Mission

Possible Award, representing $1 or everyone o the 16,000 people living with MS in

Michigan, in all three events. In 2007, the

number o individuals living with MS inMichigan surpassed 18,000. As a result, the

Mission Possible Award level will increase to

$18,000 in 2008.

2007 TeamMS Recognition Reception

Dr. Rory Cooper was honored with the

da Vinci Lietime Achievement Award or

his lietime o signicant contributions

to advancing accessibility. Dr. Coopers

energy and devotion to the eld orehabilitation engineering and assistive

technology are unmatched.

Dana Bowman was awarded the Spirit

o da Vinci Award or his courage,

perseverance and creative use o assistive

technology. Bowman employs various

assistive technologies in the prosthetic legs

he wears to parachute,

combining dierent

types o braces,

sockets and joints

in order to managethe unique stresses a

skydiver encounters in

the course o a jump.

For more details on the2007 da Vinci Awardrecipients, visitwww.davinciawards.org.

Dana Bowman receiv-ing his award rom daVinci Leadership Chairand OnStar PresidentChet Huber.

Chapter Chairman, PeterBurton with the winnerso the Traveling Trophyawards (rom let to right)Dow/TCC or Bike MS;Ford or The MS LongestDay o Gol and ComericaBank or Walk MS.



18/20

The National MS Society is

looking orward to the 2008

event season. Our events will have a new look,

including brand new event names and logos.

The new logos incorporate the new National

MS Society brand platorm, one that unites us,

energizes us, and enables us to move orward

together, aster than ever beore.

Walk MS: Great LakesWalk 2008

The Michigan Chapter is

celebrating the 20th anniversaryo our walk, and has made some

new and exciting changes! We

are taking action to create a new, even more

powerul movement, and want you to join

us. For more details, see Walk MS 2008 article,

page 19.

Bike MS: Great Lakes

Breakaway Ride 2008Because there are thousands o

you in Michigan who want to join

the movement to do something

about MS NOW, we will be

oering a greater variety o route lengths

in 2008. Its our hope people o all cycling

experience levels, rom the beginner to the

expert, may participate. The West Michigan

ride (May 31st and June 1st) will oer a one ortwo day 30-mile option. At the Mid Michigan

ride (July 12th and July 13th) we have plans to

add a 50-mile option as part o our two-day

event Saturday and a 30-mile road bike route

on Sunday only. To wrap up the season we

will oer a Mountain Bike Ride (September 13,

2008), location and route length TBD. Accept

the challenge and join us or an unorgettable

ride and an unbeatable destination - a world

ree o MS!

The MS Longest Day ofGolf 2008

The MS Longest Day o

Gol 2008 is a month-long,

statewide event to raise awareness and unds

to ght MS. Back or its 18th year in 2008,

this unique golng experience gives you the

opportunity to play as many holes as you wish

in one day on one o our many great hostcourses without paying greens ees! Organize

your team and select one day in May when

you will putt with a purpose!

The 2008 registration for Walk MS, Bike MS and

The MS Longest Day of Golf is now available on

our website at www.nationalmssociety.org/mig.

Form a team and register today!

Be a Sponsor in 2008Corporations and local businesses can

support the ght against MS through event

sponsorship, product donations, point-o-

purchase donation programs or by supporting

teams o employees participating in our

undraising events. I you or your company

would like to sponsor a National MS Society

event, contact us at 248-351-2190.The National MS Society is a collective group

o passionate individuals, moving together

to create a world ree o MS. When you join

the National MS Society and get involved in

a Walk MS, Bike MS or The MS Longest Day o

Gol event, you become a part o the powerul

movement that will end MS orever.

EVENT SEASON IS COMING...SoJoin the Movement in 2008!



19/20

T

he Michigan Chapteris celebrating the

20th anniversary oour walk in 2008, and we

have made some changes

to better refect ourdesire to do something

about MS NOW. We are

condent that because

you also want to do something about MS

NOW, we can count on your continued

support! Here are the highlights: Our event will now be known as Walk

MS to better represent the action we are

taking as we walkto create a world ree

o MS.

A powerul new event logo, as shown

above, will help to convey this call toaction.

We have consolidated several walk sites to

create larger, more engaging events that

will attract more participants, sponsors,

and media support.

These changes symbolize ourcommitment to stimulate the growth

needed to continue providing top-notch

support to the more than 18,000 people

living with MS in Michigan, as well as

the eorts to nd the cause and cure orMS. We are depending on you to help us

demonstrate that commitment.

Time is o the essence, and the time is

NOW! We have to intensiy our eorts, and

present a strong, united ront that clearly

represents our desire to create a worldree o MS, and compels others to join the

movement. We want to be bigger and

better than ever beore! It will also producebetter opportunities or marketing and

media support, increase the value o oursponsorships, and strengthen our identity

and awareness within the community.

Ultimately, these changes will help us toraise more money or programs and services

in Michigan and nationwide MS research.

We sincerely hope that you will become

part o our newly energized and powerul

movement, and help make our 20th

anniversary a year to remember! Please visitour Web site at www.nationalmssociety.org/migto view our 2008 Walk MS calendar, and

register today. I you have any questions,

please call 248-351-2190.

Important and exciting changes for the 20th Annual

Walk MS Presented By Christopher & Banks!

April 26, 2008: Midland

May 3, 2008: Movin in the D (Detroit),

Frankenmuth, West Michigan(Grand Rapids)

May 4, 2008: Lansing, Metro Detroit

Northeast (Troy), Downriver/Monroe County(Wyandotte)

May 10, 2008: Ann Arbor

June 28, 2008: Traverse City

Walk MS:

Great LakesWalk 2008Locations



20/20

21311 Civic Center Drive

Southeld, 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 changeqRemove rom mailing listqReceived more than one copyqPlease send me my MS Connection

via e-mail. My e-mail address is:

Amigo Scooter. Bought in 2001. Blue with

black seat and basket. Retractable cord.

Asking or $750. Call Paula at (248) 499-7099.

Theracycle. Looks like an exercise bike.

Three and hal years old. Low to theground. Can set speed and time. O-white

color. Beautiul piece o equipment. Bought

in 2001. Used very little. I new, would cost

$3,500. Asking or $2,300. Call Sharon at

(586) 292-9666.

Pride Victory Mobility Scooter. Brand

new. Used once. Paid $1,800 or it. Asking

or $850-900. Call Andrea at (586) 731-9295.

Amigo Scooter.Ten years old. Asking or

$500. Wheelchair. Good condition. Asking

or $50. Two Walkers. Asking $15 each.

Walking Cane. Four pronged that olds or

more stability. Asking or $15. Call Robert at

(313) 563-8709.

msc mi vol 5 iss 1

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