msc mi vol 5 iss 4

8/6/2019 MSC MI Vol 5 Iss 4

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O.K., Im the rst to admit it. Climbing amountain, in the middle o the desert,in the middle o summer, is not

exactly a surere sign o sanity or someone

who has MS, but anyone who knows me

knows that wasnt the issue at hand. You see, I

had made a promise to mysel eight years ago,and I ully intended to keep it.

My daughter, Shanna, had traveled to Israel

when she was 16, on a teen mission, andthe group took a day trip to hike up historicMasada (1,300 eet up via the Snake Path; asteep, switchback trail). She had volunteeredto carry the groups 30 lb.water pack because asshe told me, no one elsehad volunteered to carryit. According to Shanna,the hike and the viewwere amazing, but shehad become quite ill onthe way up. We thoughtit was rom the exertionin the 100+ degree heat(a logical assumption).The next day she calledme and said that the real reason she carried

Volme 5 Isse 4 Michigan Chater

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

MOVING MOuNTAINS30-year battle with MS didnt stop determined woman

By Dina Kawer

Get Active in theWater Page 13 ResearchersNeed You Page 15 Free FinancialPlanning Page 16Initiatives on FallMI Ballot Page 8INSIDETHISISSuE:

Fall/2008

Conclusion of 2Fundraising Sea

See pg. 22 or de

To of the world - Shanna Goldenerg (left)standing rodl next to her mother, Dina Kawer(right), at the to of Masada, Israel, Jl 1, 2008.

Moving Mountains continued on page 2


2/24

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

Ph: 800-344-4867 or 248-351-2190Fax: 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 Society isto create a world ree o MS.

Copyright 2008 National MS Society,Michigan Chapter

the pack wasbecause sheknew I wouldnever be able to

climb Masada(due to my MS)and that shewanted to carryme, symbolically,on her back.Listening toher, with tearsstreaming

down my ace, Ipromised myselin that instantthat I wouldsomeday hike Masada with Shanna. We oundout a year later that the reason she had becomso ill was due to a previously undiagnosedcongenital heart condition. Shanna has sincehad a procedure to correct it and is now,

thankully, ne. In retrospect (upon learningo the diagnosis), knowing she had literallyrisked her lie to carry me with her, my resolvwas urther strengthened to make this climb areality.

THIS pAST SuMMER, ON JuLy 1ST, MyquEST WAS REALIzED.

Through the generosity o cousins, I traveled tIsrael with my daughter, my Dad (a Holocaustsurvivor), and many other amily members ora special occasion. I had already decided tomake the climb, and so I gured it would beselsh o me not to turn this into a undraiseror MS. With the help o my son, Shay, togethewe created a website to acilitate this undrais(www.howwilligetbackdown.com ...the site isstill accepting donations).

2 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

MOVING MOuNTAINS

Drenched after the clim

continued from page 2

continued on page


3/24


The night beore the climb, I receivedcountless e-mails and messages in theGuestbook on my website, containingprayers and such positive energy that,although I never doubted my ability tomake it to the summit, I knew that energywould help to carry me up the mountain. I

was, and still am, so touched by everyonessupport. I was lled with such excitementand anticipation that I knew I would not getany sleep that night. There were so manyreasons or this climb and I was thinkingabout many people, especially my Mom, whonever had the chance to see Israel. Shannaand I were going to see it or her, throughher eyes.

KNOWING FuLL WELL THE CHALLENGESimposed by the heat, I had to start well

beore dawn. Ten o us let Jerusalem at 3:00

a.m. or the 1-1/2 hour ride to Masada...or so

I thought. Our earless driver took us on an

unexpected 95 mph thrill ride down to sealevel, only slowing down to pass through

two military checkpoints (but we did arrive in

record time and well beore sunrise). I am so

glad I was ocused on the task at hand, tryingnot to imagine our hurtling o the side oa cli, that I was able to put mysel into the

meditative state I knew was crucial to my

accomplishing this goal. I saw the road sign

directing us to the approach to Masada and

we arrived a ew minutes later.

Be still with yourself until the

object of your attention afrmsyour presence. - Minor White

And so, with those words in mind, as I

visualized and meditated on the idea oreaching the top, the energy o Masada and

the energy o its history recognized me, and

we began to climb.

IN THE pITCH DARK, ater strapping ona Camelback (or drinking water) to my

lower back, I held a small ashlight in the

grip o one o my canes, illuminating thenarrow, rocky trail in ront o us. Even inthe darkness, I could make out the outlines

o this beautiul, mountainous, lunar-like

landscape. My daughter and two o my

cousins, Larry and Michael, never let my

side. The others went on ahead o us. Theonly sounds were those o the dry earth

scratching beneath the soles o our shoes

as we climbed. It was 80 degrees when webegan at 4:20 a.m. and I had already lost

the sensation in my eet. One o my cousinsbrought extra bottles o water, or the sole

purpose o pouring them over my arms

and head to keep me cooled down. Ater

about 40 minutes, it became light enough,

and I was able to ditch my ashlight andsee where I was placing my canes and my

eet. A short while later, at 5:38 a.m., the sunbegan to rise, and we all stopped to witness

its ascent over the Dead Sea in the distance.

What a spectacular sight! We stood togetheron the edge o a cli as this ery, red orb

shed its light, rst on the edges o the sea,

then the desert, and nally on the side o the

mountain.

3TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867

Dina (center) with her sort gro whichinclded friends and famil.


4/24

Dear Friends,

We each have our own mountains to climb, and in this issue you will enjoyreading about Dina Kawers journey climbing Masada. I had the honor o

meeting with Dina the week beore her climb, and again in the days atershe accomplished this tremendous eat. Her enthusiasm and emotion,as she told me about the details o her climb, moved me to tears, andreinorced how much each o you living with MS inspires me.

In my frst year, whether about everyday lie or something more unusual,your stories have reminded me on a regular basis why our mission is so important.

This has been a very difcult year fnancially or the Chapter, as it has been or most non-proft organizations across the U.S. Despite the economic challenges we are acing, we aremore determined than ever to do our best to provide you and your amilies the services and

support you need when you need them the most.

As we look towards the end o this year, and the new beginnings ahead, I thank you or yourparticipation in our fght to create a world ree o MS. Invite you to let us know how we canbetter provide the help and hope essential or you and your loved ones.

As always, please call or e-mail me with anything on your mind.

All the best,

Elana Sullivan

A Letter from or Chater president


The holiday season is approaching, andour thoughts are turning towards amily,riends, and giving to those less ortunate.

As we do throughout the year, everyone at

the Michigan Chapter o the National MultipleSclerosis Society is striving to make sure thatthose with a need do not go without.

At this especially challenging time, we needyou more than ever! It is when times aretoughest or everyone that your help is neededthe most. We all need to come together toensure that people with MS are not only able

to receive the medicine and treatments theyneed, but also to ensure they have the basicnecessities, such as heat and water.

We are imploring you to do everything you canto help make someones holiday season a littlebrighter!

There are numerous ways to give: sendin a check; stop by our oce to drop o adonation; or easiest o all, click the Donatebutton on our Web site(www. nationalMSsociety.org/mig).

We Need Your Help More Than Ever During This Season of Giving


5/245TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867

AT THIS pOINT, I knew that the desert heatwas about to become my real challenge. Ihad to ocus and continue climbing beoremy one true nemesis; heat, shut me down.

I heard the scufing o someone coming

up behind me and all o a sudden I heard ayoung womans voice say, Youre amazing!I turned and looked around to see who shewas talking to, and she looked straight atme and repeated, Youre amazing! Whatare you doing? And I told her I haveMS and that I was raising money or theNational Multiple Sclerosis Society. Wespoke or a ew moments and she gave

me such encouragement and then wenton ahead. Soon, there were many moresuch encounters. I was so humbled byall o them and couldnt believe so manypeople were taking the time to oer suchkind words to me. And then people who

had ascended rom the other side o themountain were making their descent andbegan to approach us. It turned out thatthe climbers who had already passed meby, were telling other hikers up at the top,that I was on my way. As they met me ontheir way down, they already knew I wasclimbing and stopped as they saw me. Whatwas most unexpected was that each o them

told me, My wie has MS. My sister has MS.My sisters boyriend has MS. And they allwanted to hear about the undraiser and thewebsite, introduced themselves and wrotedown my name. Amazing. I was completelyhumbled and moved by their words.

AbOuT HALFWAy up, though it was stillearly and the sun was still not overhead, thetemperature climbed and I lost the eelingbelow the knees in both legs. I alwaysdrag my let leg, but now my right one wasbecoming compromised as well. We keptgoing, while I stayed close to the side o themountain (since balance is also an issue orme... another reason to question my sanity

over making this climb), as I navigated

the steep, rocky trail. At various pointswhere the trail is very steep, there arestone steps carved into the side o themountain (I later ound out, there are700 steps in all). The uneven rise o eachstep in most places, is the equivalent o1 1-1/2 eet high. I reused to letanyone assist me though Shannawanted to help lit my let leg. I am really

stubborn and this time I was doing thisby mysel. At the steepest points, thereare railings and I would pass my caneso to Shanna, relying on my upper body

strength to hoist mysel up the steps usingthe rails or assistance.

TWO-THIRDS OF THE WAy up, I couldhear my amily and others yelling down tome words o encouragement. At that point,

I began to lose sensation and coordinationin my let arm and the dexterity in my lethand. I could still hold my cane, but couldnot grip as hard as beore. I could eel theeects o the heat as it dramatically beganto do its work on my cognitive ability. Myspeech and thinking began to alter and,though Shanna was the only one who could

A once in a life-timeexerience sharedetween amother anddaghter.

Moving Mountains continued from page 3



6/24

detect it at this point, I heard her telling mycousins what was happening to my body. Istarted to become emotional and my cousinLarry noticed. He looked straight at meand said, Dina, you cant do this right now.You cant get emotional. You need yourstrength. Save it or the top. That was all Ineeded to hear and I sucked it back downand continued climbing. We had aboutanother hal hour to go and I knew I hadto get up there as quickly as possible. Thelast part o the ascent was the steepest.There were many steps and I was using thehandrails almost exclusively atthis point. As we reached the

nal ascent, I took my canesback rom Shanna and said, Imdoing this part with my canes.With everyone looking on,ater 2 hours and 15 minuteso climbing, I took my last stepup to the summit. Everyone,amily and strangers burstinto applause and cheers as Iburst into tears. Speaking in

Hebrew, I thanked God and then I looked upat the sky and said, I did it Mommy. Shannaembraced me and as we both sobbed I toldher, I did this or you. I did this or you andShay. You guys have always been my rockand have always given me all the strengthI need. You never have to carry me again.I carry mysel. My cousin Elaine (whoseteenage sister passed away many years

ago rom complications o a severe orm opediatric MS) hugged me and I told her thatLinda and I climbed together. She thenpoured a bottle o water over my head tocool me down and I stood there drenched bywater and tears. We walked into the ancientstone shelter that is the gateway to Masadasplateau and I sat down on one o the stonebenches that lined the walls. My body

quickly weakening, I picked up my cousinsphone and called my son Shay in Caliornia.Who knew I could get reception in the middleo the desert atop a mountain? Shay neverdoubted I would reach the summit and Icould hear him smiling across many miles andmany oceans. He had my sister Faye call me

as well, and hearing the phone ring atop thismountain was surreal. As soon as we hungup my muscles gave out and I shut down. Itwas 105 degrees, in the shade, and it was only7:05 a.m. I motioned with one nger on myright hand to my cousin Alex, who came overand picked me up and placed me back on the

bench so my body could makecontact with the stone wall aswell. I was still soaking wet andI needed to have my skin makecontact with the cooler stoneso I could begin cooling downand recover some unction.We had to wait anyway or thecable cars to begin their runs,so I was able to rest or awhile.Around 8:30 a.m., I was able tostand again and we stepped

out onto the plateau to have a photo takeno our hiking group. We then took a cable carback down the mountain. I turned to lookand all I could think was, holy crap! How didI ever climb that mountain? I know it was apower ar greater than me that allowed meto do this, and I am convinced it was thatpower and everyones positive energy thatcarried me up this mountain. And despite myprevious declarations o insanity over makingthis climb (which were said in jest, as I neveronce doubted I could do this) I would do itagain; in a heartbeat. What a rush!

WITH ALL OF THAT SuppORT ANDCOuNTLESS DONATIONS, we have thus arraised $11,000. To say I am both humbledand grateul is a huge understatement. Icannot wait or my next wild adventure!


Mission accomlished.

Moving Mountains continued from page 5


7/24

Wondering how to balance your careerand your MS? Is atigue interering with

your social lie? Considering telling the

person you are dating you have MS? At

Real Talk. Real Answers. Living with

MS in your 20s and 30s youll nd

discussions on these topics and more

and get some answers to the questions

that matter. Go to realtalkrealanswers.

com or live webcasts, virtual journals,tips rom others living with MS, and

other eatures.

Real Talk. Real Answers. is madepossible through a collaboration o the

National MS Society and MS LieLines.

Private Disability InsuranceClaims: A Guide for Peoplewith MS

I youre covered by a disability insurance

policy through your

employer, or one that

you bought on your

own, get up to speedon your rights and

responsibilities beore

you le a disability

claim.

The Societys new

guide oers a step-by-step explanation o the claims process, with

tips to help you get approved.

A companion guide or proessionals,

Supporting MS-Related Disability Claims

to Private Insurers: The Physicians Role,

provides doctors with a checklist o things

to include in their supporting statement todocument their patients claims or benets.

Call us or a copy o either booklet. Or go to

nationalMSsociety.org/insurance and click

on Other Insurance.

How are We Doing? See ourAnnual Progress Report

Moving

ForwardTogether

is now on

the SocietyWeb site,

reporting on

milestones or scal year 2007. (The 2007

scal year began October 1, 2006 and ended

September 30, 2007.)

Type annual report in the search box on the

Societys home page or a colorul look at

the years achievements.

Live links connect to the complete nancial

spreadsheets and to other resources on ourWeb site. I you cannot access the Internet,

please call us and well print one out or you.

Caf con Leche

Buenas noticias para las personas hispanas/

latinas con EM. Ca con Leche haregresado. Para ms inormacin llame al 1-

800-344-4867.



8/24

The outcome o two initiatives on the

all Michigan ballot could impactthe lives o people with MS. A state

law to allow the medical use o

marijuana and a constitutional amendment

to permit stem cell research with certain

limitations in Michigan will be on the ballot.

A ballot initiative is a way or Michiganvoters to change state law or theconstitution. What you will see on the

ballot is a 100 word summary o each

initiative while the complete initiative text

is much more detailed. The summary and

the complete text or the two initiatives,as approved by State Board o Canvassers,

are available at www.crcmich.org/election/

index.html/.

Medical MarijuanaThe medical marijuana legislative initiative

would allow under state law the medical use

o marijuana. The law would provide rules,

a system o registry ID cards or qualiyingusers, and penalties or violators o the law.

Twelve states currently permit the use o

medical marijuana even as it remains illegalby ederal statute.

The question o whether marijuana

(cannabis sativa) should be used or

symptom management in MS is a complexone. It is the opinion o the Societys

National Clinical Advisory Board that there

are currently insufcient data to recommend

marijuana or its derivatives as a treatment

or MS symptoms. However, researchis continuing to determine i there is a

possible role or marijuana or its chemical

derivatives in the treatment o spasticity and

pain. Background on MS related research

on medical marijuana is available on theweb at www.nationalMSsocity.org/ . Enter

marijuana in the search box.

Stem Cell ResearchA proposed constitutional amendment on

the all ballot would ease restrictions on

embryonic stem cell research in Michiganwith certain limitations. Embryos used or

research would be limited to those created

in a test tube or inertility treatment but

not suitable or implantation and those

IMpORTANT INITIATIVES ON FALLMICHIGAN bALLOTBy Ruth Linnemann,Advocacy and Programs Director, NMSS, Michigan Chapter



9/24

that would otherwise be discarded when

they are no longer clinically needed by the

donor. Voluntary and inormed consent,

documented in writing, would be required

rom the donors.

Some embryonic stem cell research is

allowed in Michigan now. But the states lawsabout the use o embryos are among the

most restrictive in the nation. Researchers

can use the embryonic stem cell lines

approved or ederal research unding and

stem cell lines that originated in states withless restrictive laws. Those lines sometimes

are patented by other researchers.

In 2005 the National MS Society convened

a Task Force on Stem Cell Research,

representing volunteers, people with

MS, basic and clinical researchers, MS

neurologists and sta. The task orce

concluded that research using all types o

stem cells holds great promise, potential,and hope or people aected by MS.

Background inormation on the potentialo stem cell research within MS research,

and requently asked questions about stem

cell research and the ballot initiative are

available on chapters website,

www.nationalmssociety.org/advocacy. A print copy o the material can be

requested by calling 1-800-344-4867.

Assistance at the Polls and Absentee Voting

Voters with disabilities who require assistance in casting a ballot may receive as-

sistance rom another person. The person assisting the voter cannot be the voters

employer, agent o that employer, or an ofcer or agent o a union to which the

voter belongs.

I you or someone you know requires special access to the polls, call the clerks ofce

ahead o time to make sure your voting site is ree o obstructions. I your precinct is notaccessible, you can ask to cast your ballot at an alternative site that is accessible.

Requesting an Absentee BallotI you are not able to go to the polls, you can vote absentee.

nYou must be a registered voter, October 4, 2008 was the registration deadline or the

all election.

nRequest an absent voter application orm by calling your county clerk or the clerk oyour municipality, listed in the government section o the phone book.

nAn absent voter ballot request must be in writing and must be submitted to your city

or township clerk no later than 2 p.m. Saturday, November 1, 2008.

nAter receiving your absentee voter ballot, you have until 8 p.m. on election day to

complete the ballot and return it to the clerks ofce.

Vote as i your lie depended upon it - because it does!- Justin Dart, ather o the ADA



10/24

African American AdvisoryCouncil Reaches Out

While Caucasians have a higher incidence o

MS, the disease can ollow a dierent and

sometimes more severe course in AricanAmericans. The newly ormed National

Arican American Advisory Council held its rst meeting inFebruary to discuss how to get the message about MS out

to the Arican American community.

Dr. Mary Hughes, a member o the Societys board

o directors and a neurologist at Medical College o

Georgia, whose sister Dora has MS, chaired the meeting.

Other attendees included neurologists, people with MS

and amily members, physical therapists, counselors,a public health expert, a pediatric nurse, and a neuro-

ophthalmologist. The Society received a grant rom the

Medtronic Foundation or this meeting.

Dr. Mary Hughes (L)and Dr. Dora Hughes

MiltonMorrisPhotography

Inviting people inFollowing the councils recommendations, the

Society will seek to develop relationships withArican-American celebrities, historically black

colleges, and leaders o churches and other

aith-based institutions to raise awareness

about the disease.

Other recommendations include

developing a booklet or Arican Americans

with MS, and encouraging more Arican

Americans with MS to participate in MS

clinical trials.

The Council agreed that meeting once ayear was not enough, and is planning to

talk again.


Local Member of Council Believes Progress is Being Made

Rose Taylor, Vice President o Programs at the Michigan Chapter, is a member o theArican American Advisory Council. She believes we are making progress in reversing

the lack o trust among Arican Americans caused by unethical treatments in research

studies in the past. Research today welcomes the participation o culturally diverse groups

and trials are monitored or sae and ethical treatment o all volunteers.

Rose would like readers to know that there is a need right here in Michigan or Arican

American participation in studies. Call 800-344-4867 to learn more.


11/24

I you dont take any action or work anythingout with the creditor, the creditor maychoose to le a garnishment. A garnishmentis a court order directed to another party(employer, bank, State o Michigan, etc.)which is holding unds o yours. Thegarnishment directs that party to set aside

those unds and disclose them to the court,the creditor and you. I you do not leany objections, the money will be turnedover to the creditor. However, i you leobjections with the court on time, the courtwill determine whether the money should beturned over.

Taxes and child support receive priority. So,those claims are set aside rst. I the party

is holding wages or salary, there are ederalrestrictions on how much can be takenunder a garnishment (there is a ormula thatprotects a certain amount o earnings).

I your only source o income is SocialSecurity disability, SSI, workers compensationbenets, veterans benets or other disabilitypayments, they are usually exempt rom anygarnishment (except taxes and child support)

However, the party holding the money maynot know the source o the unds (i.e. thebank just looks at your balance). It is up to youto notify the Court that those funds are exemptfrom garnishment.

In order or those types o income to beexempt, they must be clearly identiable. So,i your monthly check is deposited into anaccount with other money, you will have a

dicult time establishing the source o themoney. I your spouse or someone else usesthe account, you may have diculty showingthat the money in the account is unavailableor garnishment. It is important that youkeep protected money clearly separate i youmay be subject to a garnishment.

There are many legal issues thathave particular impact on thelives of those diagnosed with

MS. While the local chaptercannot provide legal services,it does try to provide generalinformation and referrals to

resources. Ina C. Cohen is an attorney andmember of the Board of Trustees, NationalMultiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter, Inc.

q:I am behind in paying my bills.I am araid o a garnishment.What do I need to know?

A:A garnishment is a procedureused by a creditor to collectmoney owed to it. Beore there is

a garnishment, there must be a lawsuit thatresults in a judgment against you. So, i youare served with lawsuit papers, do not ignorethem! You might be eligible or some ree

legal services or you can le papers yoursel(although it isnt always easy).

I the debt is under $25,000.00, the case willbe led in a district court.

Except or Detroit, your district court shouldbe airly close by geographically.

For residents o Detroit, the 36th DistrictCourt is downtown on Madison. It is a very

busy court and presents more diculty.

I a judgment is entered against you, youhave the right to le a petition or installmentpayments. In the petition (you can getthe orm rom the court), you must set outyour sources o income and expenses anda request to make a specic payment. TheCourt will then hold a hearing and make adetermination.

Legal BriefsBy Ina Cohen



12/24

The Skinny on SkinMost organs like the kidneys, liver andstomach are tucked inside and out o view.

But what protects them? Skin, the largest

organ o all.

Skin keeps germs, dirt and damaging sunrays out, and important

things, such as water,

blood and at, in.

Some MS symptoms, suchas bladder and bowel

problems, numbness

(see sidebar), and lack omobility can negatively

impact the skins health.

The injectable MS drugs

can also aect skin. Skin

reactions at injection sites

can range rom annoyingto serious.

Maintaining healthy skin Dont smoke. It dries out skin and makes it

harder to heal rom injection-site reactions. Keep hydrated. Heres one more reason

to drink the recommended eight 8-ounce

glasses o luid a day. And, as beauty

magazines say, moisturize regularly. Wear hats, long sleeves and pants in the

middle o the day. Use a broad-spectrumsunscreen with an SPF actor greater than15, even i your skin is very dark.

Inspect skin regularly or bruises, cuts,marks, or other damage. Dont orget the

soles o the eet and in between the toes.

I you notice something is not healing,

let your health-care provider know as

soon as possible, Anjali N. Shah, MD, told

MS Connection. Dr. Shah is the director

o Neurorehabilitation at the University

o Texas Southwestern Multiple Sclerosis

Center in Dallas.

IncontinenceI you have bladder or bowel issues, make

sure to clean and dry your skin regularly andater any incontinence.

Tuck dry underwear, moist

wipes and sot paper

toweling in a baggie andstash in your backpack,

briecase, or shoulder bag

Managing injection-

site reactionsReactions can include

redness, itchiness, andswelling. Subcutaneous

injections tend to cause

more skin reactions than

intramuscular injections,

although the latter mayproduce mild bruising and

be slightly more painul.More severe reactions include wounds,

ulcerations, lumps, or atrophy. Occasionally,

surgery and antibiotics are needed.

Dr. Shah recommends: Learn a good injection technique rom

your nurse or the patient assistance

program your drug company oers. Make sure skin is cleansed with soap and

water and then disinected with alcohol

beore injecting. Let medication warm to room temperature

to reduce burning or stinging. Ask your health-care provider about an

autoinjector, which allows people to

choose injection depths. Rotate injection sites!

Decreased sensationor numbnessThere is no medical treatmentor numbness. Because numb-ness is essentially a decreasein sensation, its possible toburn or injure skin more eas-ily. Keep an eye on anythinghotthe stove, candles, radi-ators. With cofee or other hotbeverages, use a mug with alid to prevent spills, and waita while or your drink to cooldown beore taking a sip. Geta set o unbreakable dishes.



13/24

Topical agents such as lidocaine can beapplied to the site to help decrease pain or

irritation. Talk with your health-care provider

about applying a warm or cold compress

beorehand. Some people do better with

one or the other. For itchiness, try an over-the-counter

antihistamine such as topical Benadryl.

Ask your health-care provider or other

recommendations.

Get Active in the WaterIn water, people can move in ways that

they cant on land, Sue Kushner, MS, PT, toldMS Connection. Kushner is an associate

proessor o Physical Therapy at Slippery

Rock University in Pennsylvania, and a long-

time MS Society volunteer. In the water,people have an opportunity to improve

their exibility, balance and coordination,

strength, and cardiovascular endurance

and take all that back to land, she said.

Some may even nd some relie rom painor a decrease in spasticity.

Something for everyoneYou dont have to be a swimmer: Aqua

exercise can be anything rom gentle

moving in the water to a ull program o

vigorous exercises. Routines should suit yourmobility and tness level; your health-care

provider can give you a prescription or a

physical therapist.

Tips or success:

Check the temperature: Experts suggest a

water temperature o 82 to 84 degrees, but

try anything below body temperature to

ind whats right or you.

Improve balance:Walk along the

pool wall orward,

backward and

sideways. Hold

on to the wall,Kushner said. And

make sure you

are moving in all

directions. Also try

braiding, where

you put one oot inront o or behind

the other to urther

challenge yourbalance.

Get lexible: Stand acing the pool wall.

Stretch one leg straight behind you and

bend the other knee as you lean orward.Then reverse legs (a typical runners

stretch). Or, stand at a corner o the pool

where the water is waist or chest deep,

place your hands lat against each wall, andbend your arms as you lean into the cornerThis stretches the chest muscles.

Stay aloat: Strap on a lotation vest

to help you remain upright, kick oneleg in a circle clockwise and the other

counterclockwise (an egg-beater kick).

Youll increase lexibility in legs and hips.

Get help: Call us at 1-800-344-4867 or a

list o physical therapists or aqua exercise

programs. Your parks department will also

know about accessible pools. And visit theAmerican Physical Therapy Associations

Web site at apta.org.



14/24

Thinking, addresses the importance o

viewing the cup as hal ull rather than hal

empty.

Do you need to make some changes in your

lie, lower the pervasive ow o negative

energy and toxic thoughts? Wish you could

eel happier? Does your lie just need

tweaking or is a complete overhaul due! Ive

tried all that, not trying again, you say. Well,time or another TV commercial: Dont quit

quitting or in your case, Dont quit trying!

Do something that makes you eel good,

ease o the criticisms, compliment someone

call that riend who makes you laugh. Watcha unny movie. Take the ocus o o you, stop

talking about your ailments and ask about

someone else. Hold someones hand or say,

love you. Add all these little things together

and you just may see your lie cup llingup. We all need a reminder, occasionally,

about the value o our lives, our amilies

and our riends. Remember the NMSS,Michigan Chapter is always available to help

with support groups, Friendly Listening,counselor reerrals and programs designed

to help you learn about and cope with MS.

1-800-344-4867.

Go For the Gusto!by Sue Chapman, MA, MSW

D

id you happen to see the TV

commercial showing a babylaughing (+ 10), another person

singing or dancing (+8), gardening(+7)? I orget what they were selling but the

message was very clear; all those olks were

having a good time, doing something theyloved or sharing good times with another.

These activities were shown to statistically

lengthen ones lie or as many years as

indicated by the number in the parentheses.

I suggest this; how long lie is extended by

these activities is not the point, the amountthese activities enhance ones lie is what

counts.

How much o your lie is spent in pursuit o

the positive? Getting the most rom lie canbe a challenge. Happiness is not a given but

a process, a quest. We all know olks who are

uppers and those who bring us down, as

well. Which are you? Inventory the activities

you like, riends you enjoy, even how otenyou laugh out loud? Do you work to get

positives in your lie or are you too caught

up in just getting by to even try or the

good stu! Is the best part o your day right

beore you get out o bed? Norman VincentPeale in his book, The Power o Positive



15/24

Researchers Need YouIs a Clinical Trial Right For You?

S

cientists are testing new medicationsor MS in clinical trials across the

country and around the world. These

trials depend on people who arewilling to participate. Volunteering means

you could help nd a groundbreaking newtreatment or you and other people with MS.

But there are issues to consider.

What arethe risks?I the treat-

ment works,you have rst

access. But

there can be

side eects o

the test drug,and adverse

events, either

mild or serious.

Talk with your

health-care provider about the risks andbenets o any clinical trial.

What are the costs?An inormed consent orm shows whichcosts will be billed to you. Contact your

insurer to nd out what they will cover.

Travel and hotels may or may not be

reimbursed. You may lose work time or

appointments. Ask, Can I aord it?

How is the study controlled?In many trials, some participants receivethe drug being tested; others receive a

placebo, or inactive dummy look-a-like o

the medicine. You wont know what youre

getting, but you can ask what the odds

are that youll be on active therapy. Thats

important because you may be giving up

the saety net o your normal medication.

Are you eligible?Scientists study how medications work with

people at dierent stages o the disease, at

dierent ages, and sometimes o a specic

gender, ethnicity, or physical makeup. Mostcalls or clinical trial volunteers include

eligibility requirements.

Without volunteers, we could not look

orward to new and better therapies. For

more inormation on volunteering and ordetails on clinical trials taking place in your

area, visit nationalMSsociety.org/Need.

Intriguing Leads Can robots help train the brain to restore

unctions that are necessary or walking?

Will there be more accurate ways to predict

how an individuals MS will change overtime?

Can an adults own store o stem cells be

tapped to repair MS damage?

Could the $28 billion that MS costs the U.S.

economy every year be trimmed? Would

reducing employment discrimination pay

o? Or better health-care delivery? Or

reorms in health insurance systems?

Will there be disease-modiying drugs in

pill orm any time soon?

Read all about current research on

these questions in Intriguing Leads

on the Horizon. Just click Research

in the top bar on the Societys Web site(nationalMSsociety.org). And keep abreast

o breaking news on MS research by logging

on regularly.



16/24

Society offers freenancial planning

S

taying up late at night

worrying about the

bills, covering the

mortgage, changingyour job? We can help.

Weve enlisted over 600

nancial advisors across thecountry to give ree advice to

Society members, said Michael

Elder, director o the Societys

Financial Education Partners

Program (FEP), a collaborationbetween the National MS

Society and the Society o

Financial Service Proessionals.

We oer nancial education, literacy

training and one-on-one consultations,much o it oered on the phone. People

with MS are oten presented with situations

that seem overwhelmingnancial

matters may be one o them.

The nancial advisors working with the

Society cover over 15 specialtiesrom

retirement planning to health insurance to

legal services. These experts can help withemployment issues, budgeting, and even

health care, Elder said. Oten more than

one will work together to help a client.

A common concern among people withMS is career transition. Our clients want to

know, Can I leave my job? And can I aord

to be retrained? You can nd an advisor to

help with the nancial planning involved inthat decision, Elder said.

The program also addresses nancial areas

specic to women. There is a high rate o

divorce among people with MS, he said.

Men are still more oten the breadwinners.

We wanted to address the money issues tha

arise or women out o that situation. TheFEP set up a ree Women with MS nancia

workshop in Society chapters with thehighest demand.

Elder stressed that the program always look

at the whole picture. Sometimes people

need the services o more than one expert,

he said. Recently, to address the problems

o a amily acing oreclosure, the FEP puttogether a team including a planner, a real

estate proessional and a lawyer.

In 2007, the National MS Society awardedthe Society o Financial Service Proessional

with the National Organization o the Year

Award or their many hours o ree service.

Call us to speak with a nancial consultant

and visit nationalMSsociety.org/Insuranceor more inormation.



17/24

Ideas to fundraiseWhether its a lovingly hand-knitted scar oran outgrown pair o jeans, now theres a way

you can sell your wares and help und the

movement at the same time.

When you oer items through theCommunity Marketplace on the Societys

Web site, you can designate the percentage

o proceeds that youd like to donate to the

Society and you can speciy what chapter

you would like the proceeds to benet. TheCommunity Marketplace is powered by

missionfsh.org, the administrator o eBays

Giving Works program. It allows sellers togive proceeds rom their sales to a nonprot

organization o their choice.

From bracelets to binocularsA sampling o the items recently on sale at

the Marketplace includes multiple sclerosis

hope necklaces and awareness bracelets, aChicago Bulls Ultimate card collection, Roy

Orbisons all-time greatest hits (on vinyl!),spaghetti paintings, original photographs,

purses, sandals, vintage comic books,

knitting patterns, binocularsand loadsmore.

Become a sellerand a supporterI youre already an eBay seller, click theSell tab at the top o the listings. I yourenot a seller, but would like to become one,the site will lead you step by step on howto register ater youve chosen where youdlike your donation to go. Anything that can

be sold on eBay can be sold on CommunityMarketplace, whether its a rst editionoTo Kill a Mockingbird, or a dog-earedpaperback o John Grishams latest. Whileall sellers pay ees, which usually rangebetween 37% o the nal sale price, eBaygives a ee credit to sellers who donatethrough eBay Giving Works. The credit willbe reected in their account approximately

six weeks later.

Getting thereClick Get Involved at the top o theSocietys homepage at nationalMSsociety.org. This will lead you to a link to theCommunity Marketplaceas well asto the Society Store and the MovementMarketplace.

The Society Store oers top-qualitywearables and collectibles with ourlogo and in our brand colors at a airprice, providing an opportunity to showsupport and increase awareness o the MSmovement. The Movement Marketplaceeatures special oers rom the Societyscorporate supporters.


JOIN uS ON FACEbOOK!The Michigan Chapter is happy to announce that we are now onFacebook. Become a an today and show your support or the MichiganMS community while getting up-to-date program inormation, researchupdates and much more!

http://apps.acebook.com/webaddress/companies/nmssmi


18/24

Now through Saturday, November 8Aquatics in Traverse CityPlease note a time change or the Saturdayswims. It is now rom 9:50-10:40, and

instructors have asked that we be mindulo start times. The dressing room will beavailable with helpers at 9:30. It is so easyto move in the water and the exercise eelswonderul. You do not need to know how toswim and there is always help available.For more information, please call Roz at

231-946-8606.

Tuesday, November 18

Reducing Caregiver Stress in WarrenThis program or caregivers/carepartners opeople with MS, will be held rom 6:00 9:00p.m. at the Warren Community Center. Thenights events will eature Julie Weckel, LMSW,speaking on how caregivers can managestress in a healthy manner. To add to thetheme, chair massages will be oered duringthe presentation. Enjoy the rest o the evening

socializing with other caregivers, samplingdesserts and participating in un activities. Alight dinner will also be served.The cost will be$5 per person. For more information, or toregister, please call 800-344-4867,

option 1.

Sunday, December 72008 MS Holiday Party Luncheon

in Freeland - 11:30 a.m.You are invited to join us or un and manyactivities that include a childrens crat corner,luncheon buet, a magic show, a visit romSanta, and rafed prizes. We hope you will bea part o this exciting day at Apple Mountain!More inormation to come, please watch yourmail and check the website. Registration isrequired or this event. Sorry no walk-ins.

For more information, please call 800-344-

4867

Wednesday, December 10

Holiday Pot Luck in Traverse CityJoin us or un, ood and ellowship! 6:30p.m. Munson Community Health Center 550Munson Avenue, Traverse City, MI. For moreinformation call Karen at 231-947-0244.

Sunday, December 14

2008 MS Annual Holiday Celebration

in Warren - 1:00 p.m.will be held at the Ukrainian Cultural Center

rom 1:00 4:00 pm. Mark your calendarsso you wont miss this party lled with un,ood, riends, entertainment, and prizes. Thecost will be $16 per person. If you dontreceive an invitation in the mail by early

November, call 800-344-4867, option 1.Pre-registration is required. Space is limited soregister early!

Many Self Help Groups across the statehave estive December meetings to markthe holidays. Unsure o how to locate yournearest group? Call 800-344-4867.

Looking ahead:Save the date and be on the lookout or moreinormation about these programs.

January 2009

Pain Management- Teleconference

In collaboration with the Ohio BuckeyeChapter, we are pleased to present ateleconerence on Pain Management withDr. Gladstone McDowell rom Grant MedicalCenter in Columbus, OH. Watch your mailand check the website or more inormation.

For more information, please call 800-344-4867.

Michigan Chapter Program Calendar



19/24

February 2009Depression Teleconference

Join us rom your home as we learn moreabout MS and Depression. Be sure to checkthe next issue of MS Connection for more

details.

Opportunities:Self-Help Group Co-Leader is needed orBay County to start a group. This volunteerposition requires a minimum o a one-yearcommitment to help organize, plan, andacilitate a monthly sel-help group or peoplewith MS in the Bay County area. The timecommitment is approximately 3-4 hours per

month and training will be provided. Pleasecall Christy Bomba at 989-249-1184 if you

are interested.

New books & Video in theMS Societ LirarA Family Caregiver: Speaks Up, RevisedEdition o Love, Honor & Value, written by

Suzanne Geen Mintz, President and Co-Founder; NFCA, Capital Books, 234 pages,2007.

Living Well: 21 Days to Transform YourLife, Supercharge Your Health and FeelSpectacular, written by Montel Williamswith William Doyle, New American Library,304 pages, 2007.

MS and Your Feelings- by Allison Shadday,LCSW, Hunter House Publishing, 238 pages,2008 (2 copies).

Mental Sharpening Stones-by Jerey N.Gingold, Demos Publishing, 259 pages, 2008(2 copies).

MS Societ Lirar (cont)VideoMusic Within- by Ron Livingston, MelissaGeorge and Michael Sheen, MGM Studios,2008 (2 copies).


EquipmentClassieds1 Imago Scooter. 2 Harmar 350

Scooters. 3 Chair Lits (power up/

manual in). Free to those that need

them. Call Gary at (269) 760-9159

1997 Rascal 255, 4-Wheeled

Convertible Scooter. Very goodcondition, with updated Comort Seat

and Fold-Away Tiller. Almost new

batteries. Asking $600. Very little use.

Cost $4878 when originally bought.

Brighton area. Call Bernice at (810) 229-

6922

Victory Scooter. New. Candy apple

red. 3 Wheels. Includes ramps. Basket.

Lights. Horn. Mirror. Excellent condition.Holds up to 300 lb.s. Paid $2,400. Asking

$1,995. Call Maryann at (248) 722-0848

3 wheel and 2 wheel scooters.For

price on scooters call Rocco at (313) 838-9042

See page 24 or more classifed ads


20/2420 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

The unsng Hero:

The FamilCaregiver

They are signicant others, parents,

siblings, and sometimes children.

They are challenged oten, rewardednot enough, and nd their role everchanging.

November has been set aside as a time

to recognize a requently unsung hero:

the Family Caregiver. The National

Multiple Sclerosis Society extends a

deep respect and appreciation to people

who have supported and assisted thosewith MS. We also applaud those who

live with MS, and care or the needs

o a amily member with other health

concerns.

As a caregiver, you join the over 50

million Americans whose work is scallyestimated to be worth over $300 billion

every year. We know that your eorts,

love, and experiences are priceless.

For NMSS resources related to amily

caregiving, call 1-800-344-4867 or

search or caregivers on our website:

www.nationalmssociety.org/mig Foradditional support and inormation, visit

www.theamilycaregiver.org/

A Thank yo To Or Eiment Volnteers!The Michigan Chapter would like to thank Dorothy Webster o Saginaw and LindaVanderVlugt o Saranac or their combined service o over 40 years. Both women helped

coordinate our medical equipment program in a very dedicated, well-inormed, and

compassionate manner. Dorothy and Linda, the MS community and the Chapter thanks you!

RESEARCHOppORTuNITy

Researchers in the Department oKinesiology and Community, Healthat the University o Illinois Urbana

Champaign are currently recruiting

individuals with relapsing-remitting MSor a voluntary study that examines therelationship between physical activityand symptoms. Participants will completequestionnaires and wear an accelerometeror 7 days to measure physical activity. Allmaterials will be delivered and returnedpre-paid through the US postal service.Participants in this study will be paid or

completion o the baseline and ve ollow-upassessments every six months across a three-

year period.

bENEFITS OF pARTICIpATION: Contribute to ongoing research in multiple

sclerosis.

Learn about your physical activity habits. Receive up to $120 compensation.

ELIGIbILITy: Diagnosis o relapsing-remitting MS

Ambulatory with or without assistance

Age between 18-64 years

For more inormation, contact Elise McAuley

by phone (888) 796-7966 or e-mail

[email protected]


21/2421TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867

CELEBRATING

60 YEARSON THE MOVE

2008 Annal Meeting andRecognition CelerationA Celebration of Volunteers and Top Fundraisers

Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008 VisTaTech Center at Schoolcraft College Livonia MI

Special Thanks to

ANNUAL CHAPTER EVENT SAVE THE DATE

Offered by Travel Network Go to: www.ytbTravel.com/Travelmsmichigan

TRAVELING FOR A CuRE

60% of the vendorscommission willgo directl to theNational MltileSclerosis Societ,Michigan Chater.

Shop for: airline tickets,car rentals, hotels,owers, insurance,cars, tickets to sportingevents, concerts, bridalregistry and more.

bOOK TO TRAVEL OR JOIN OuR TRAVEL NETWORK

When o join, o will receive a FREE 3da 2 night hotel sta for o and orfamil at a remier vacation destination(A $400.00 vale!)We need your support

barara Armstrong - MS client & mother of B. J. Armstrong,

retired Chicago Bulls Basketball Player

Travel First Class at Wholesale Prices Access Perks Only Available to Travel Professionals Turn Vacations into Paycations Receive Huge Tax DeductionsAnd much more!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL bARbARA ARMSTRONG: 248.520.6487

Look for upcoming information on ourWeb site: www.nationalMSsociet.org/mig


22/2422 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

T

he National MS Society, MichiganChapter would like to thank all o theteam captains who became leaders

and recruited team members to join in thepowerul movement toward a world ree oMS.

Over 740 teams participated in the WalkMS and Bike MS events this year and 170oursomes o golers participated in the MSLongest Day o Gol event. Collectively, morethan 7,250 people were recruited as memberso these Walk, Bike, and Gol teams, and raisedover $2.5 million or the National MS Society.

Any team captain whose team has raised$3,000 or more and any individual whohas raised $2,000 or more, will be invitedto attend the 2008 Annual Meeting and

Team Recognition Reception to be held onNovember 22nd.

Thank you teams! It is because o yourdedicated support that we can serve over18,000 people living with MS in Michigan and

their amilies. We look orward to seeing youin 2009!

20th Anniversar of Walk MS -A year of Exciting Changes

The 2008 Walk MS season is nowcomplete, and it was an excitingyear o changes with newcities, new locations, and a newnameall in the spirit o movingus closer to a world ree o MS.

The Michigan Chapter applaudsthe more than 8,000 walkers and volunteersacross the state who helped make this yearsWalk a success. With everyones continuedhard work, we have raised nearly $1.4 millionto date. These eorts will allow us to continueto provide programs and services to ourclients and their amilies and to und theresearch that is bringing us closer to a worldree o MS.

Teams Make A Difference In

The Movement To End MS

Team Dow at Dow Diamond dring Walk MS 2008 - Midland


23/2423TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867

A special congratulations to our topundraiser, Kathryn Davis, who raised over$15,000! At 11 years old, Kathryn nds herinspiration in her mom and many riends wholive with MS. Great job Kathryn!

The Michigan Chapter would also like toextend a special thank you to Christopher &

Banks, presenting sponsor o Walk MS.

Walk with s in 2009!Plans are already underway or Walk MS

Great Lakes Walk 2009! There are a variety oways to get involved: serving on the planningcommittee, volunteering, orming a team owalkers, or becoming a sponsor. I you areinterested in any o these opportunities, orknow someone who might be, please contact

us at 248-351-2190.

bike MS Closes in on Record -breaking Fndraising year

Thanks to all o the 2008 Bike MSparticipants and volunteers ormaking the rides this year such asuccess! Over 1,600 cyclists cameout to Join the Movement andto do something about MS NOW!Many o them braved rain, high

winds, and hills in order to help the 18,000people in Michigan diagnosed with MS.

This year marks the second consecutiveyear that the Bike MS event will break the$1 million undraising mark. Although thepledge deadline to receive a prize has passed,its never too late to send in any remaining

money youve collected. This will help toensure that we reach our goal o $1.4 millionand make this our most successul year ever.

The Michigan Chapter would like to extenda special thank you to the Dow ChemicalCompany, presenting sponsor o the 2008Rides. Dow not only generously helped withunderwriting o the event as a corporatesponsor, they also hosted a team o ridersin all three rides and are well on the way to

surpassing the $1 million mark as a teamduring the course o their involvement withthe National MS Society, Michigan Chapter!

Ride with s in 2009!Plans are already underway or Bike MS GreatLakes Breakaway Ride 2009! There are a

variety o ways to get involved: serving on theplanning committee, volunteering, orming ateam o riders, or becoming a sponsor. I youare interested in any o these opportunities, orknow someone who might be, please contactus at 248-351-2190 or 517-646-0807.

MS Longest Da of Golf -A Swinging Sccess

More than 620 golers hit thelinks on over 46 host coursesacross Michigan this year or theMS Longest Day o Gol event.Presented by Ford, this uniquegolng experience generatedover $173,000 in support o the

National MS Society, Michigan Chapter.The Michigan Chapter would like to extenda special thank you to Ford Motor Company,presenting sponsor o the 2008 MS LongestDay o Gol.

Congratulations to our top undraiser, BillPikarski, who raised over $8,000. Bill is notonly an avid goler but a dedicated membero the LDG Taskorce and National MS Society,Michigan Chapter. Thanks Bill!

Golf with s in 2009!Plans are already underway or the 2009

MS Longest Day o Gol event! There are avariety o ways to get involved: serving on theplanning committee, volunteering, orming ateam o golers, or becoming a sponsor. I youare interested in any o these opportunities, orknow someone who might be, please contactus at 248-351-2190.


24/24

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

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

Theracycle (Stationary Exercise Bike). For

ull description go to www.theracycle.com.O-white color. Asking $800. Call Tom at

(586) 615-6843.

Invacare 9000 XT. Black with silver wheelsUsed or six months. Like new. Fiteeninches wide. Paid $1,200 new. Asking $500.

Call Lillian at (231) 861-4463.

Bruno ASL 325 Scooter Lit. Paid $1,600

new. Asking $450. Call Jef at (734) 612-

2274.

Dalton Scooter. 2007 model. Used ourtimes. Cherry red color. Grip area basket.

Computerized dash area. Headlights and

taillights. Comes with charger. Asking

$1,400 or best oer. Call Valerie at (248)

416-8660.

Merits Power Wheel - Super Deluxe.

Brand new. Sot upholstery 24 wide seat.Blue rame. Has battery. Head rest. Sidetable. Has charger and extra battery. Paid

$6,000 new. Asking $1,500 or best oer.

Call Jan or Doug at (989) 631-7016.

Stairglide Chair 2000 Bruno. Very goodcondition. Tan color. New batteries. Asking

$1,000 or best oer. Hooveround. 2002

model. Good condition. Asking $1,000 orbest oer. Call Cheryl at (248) 651-7408.

msc mi vol 5 iss 4

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