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Regina Chapter Newsletter

Spring 2010 Edition

THIS ISSUE

Programs & Services 2 Upcoming Events 4 Community Programs & Services 6 MS Clinic Information 7

Planned Giving 8

Please share this Regina Chapter Newsletter with a friend!

If there is enough interest, we hope to offer a Spring session of the MS Pilates at the YMCA.

The 10 sessions would be instructed by Kelly Ozem and the proposed time is Wednesdays starting at

11:00 am.

To register contact Laurie Murphy by March 5, 2010.

Classes will likely begin early April.

Regina MS Peer Support Group Living with MS is different for everyone, but we all have one thing in common: multiple sclerosis has affected our lives. The MS Support Group can help you learn more about MS, plus help you feel a kinship with those who know what it’s like to live with this unpredictable disease. This monthly, free group often has a theme and a presenter to help direct conver-

sation and questions, and to create a positive approach to learning. You’ll also have time to share stories and sway coping strategies with people with MS and their spouses, caregivers, and close friends. A facilitator is also on hand to steer conversation and help answer any questions you may have about the disease, current treatments, and the role of the MS Society. Do you feel like you live well with MS? Drop in and tell us how you do it. Finding it difficult to cope some days? We understand.

The group will meet from 7:00—8:30 pm at the United Way (1440 Scarth Street—use side entrance) Upcoming 2010 sessions: March 2 April 6 May 4

For more information, please call the

Support Group Facilitator, Denise Rosca, at 569-4647.

FREE MS Pilates Class

Programs & Services

MS Aquatic Fitness The YMCA offers an aquatic exercise program for people with MS and an attendant, if needed. The

program runs from September through to June.

Classes are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00—9:45 am at the downtown YMCA.

To arrange for a free pass, please call Maureen at 522-5943.

Recreation Subsidies

The MS Recreation Subsidy Programs enable persons with MS, or their children, to enhance their quality of life by participating in social, educational, and/or recreational activities. The programs allow the individuals to identify which programs they would like to participate in, while the MS Society assists with the participation costs. Through the Recreation Subsidy persons with MS may apply for up to $300. Children, who have a parent with MS, up to 18 years of age, can quality for the Children’s Recreation Subsidy and apply for up to $200 per child. Funding period September 2009—December 2010.

For more information, or to obtain your application, contact Laurie Murphy.

If you have a personal story about your journey with MS, or a testimonial about your experience with an MS program/service and would like to share, please contact Laurie Murphy.

Free Passes

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MS Special Assistance Programs provide funds to assist people with MS and their primary caregivers. For more information, or to request and application package, please call Laurie Murphy at 522-5600.

Laurie Murphy (ext 227) Senior Community Resources Coordinator laurie.murphy@mssociety.ca Paula Moon-Wozney (ext 226) Director of Client Services paula.moonwozney@mssociety.ca

150 Albert Street Regina, SK S4R 2N2 Phone: (306) 522-5600 Toll-free: 1-800-268-7582 www.mssociety.ca

Saskatchewan Division—Client Services Staff Regina Office

Bursaries & Scholarships

Several bursaries and scholarships are offered by the MS Society of Canada to support post-secondary education for people with MS or those who have an immediate family member with the disease. For more information contact Laurie Murphy.

MS Answers This online forum allows people with MS, caregivers and others affected by MS to discuss issues of importance and obtain accurate answers to MS specific questions, from subject experts including neurologists, nurses, psychiatrists and other health care professionals.

To ask questions and see the answers visit: www.msanswers.ca

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Special Assistance Programs

Upcoming Events

MS WALK April 25 MS Research Luncheon June 4 Family Conference October 22 & 23

MS Read-A-Thon We are turning the page and beginning another exciting year with MS Read-A-Thon! This 3 week program stimulates students to read and enjoy books, while collecting pledges to become eligible for a variety of great rewards! Register your school today! For more information call Bill at 522.5600

MS Carnation Campaign During May and Mother’s Day weekend across the country, local chapters of the MS Society will be in the community to raise awareness about MS. Give hope to individuals and their families living with MS in Saskatchewan, by volunteering to be a Sales Coordinator at your business. For more information contact Dawn at 522.5600.

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(for the period of February 2010 to February 2011)

President & Treasurer: Jeannette Caldwell Past-President: Dennis Patterson Government Relations Representative: Jonathan Willows Research Advocate: Ashley Ryan

Client Services Portfolio

Chair: Lucian Rosca Fitness Programs: Wanda Bouchard-Barry

Public Education Portfolio

Chair: Cathy Bulych U of R Liaison: Alexis Losie Saskatchewan Blue Cross Liaison: Jonathan Willows Print Editor: Colter Wood Website Editor: Lucian Rosca

Fundraising Portfolio

MS WALK Liaison: Wanda Bouchard-Barry

Members-at-Large

Bill Hastie Jennifer Ross Stephen Walker Harold Knight Marilyne Préjet—Adam

2010 Board of Directors

If you or someone you know is interested in pursuing a role on the Regina Chapter Board

of Directors, please call Laurie Murphy.

The Chapter strives to spend one dollar on research for every dollar spent on client services and has proudly accomplished this for the past five years.

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Community Programs & Services

Tai Chi

• Classes are offered Thursdays from 6:00-7:00 pm in the lower hall (Room 104) at Knox Metropolitan Church (2340 Victoria Ave).

• Class fees are $30/month. To register call 530-4868.

Laughter Yoga • Classes are offered Tuesdays from 7:30-8:30 pm at the Regina Senior Citizen

Centre (2134 Winnipeg Street - use the back door).

• Involvement is free, but donations are appreciated. Facilitated by Jayne Clendening. For more information call

Jayne at 585-2222.

Disease-Modifying Therapies: Patient Support & Information Help Lines

MS Pathways 1.800.977.2770 BayerHealth (makers of Betaseron) MS Alliance 1.888.456.2263 Biogen Idec (makers of Avonex & Tysabri) Multiple Support Program 1.888.677.3243 EMD Serono Canada (makers of Rebif) Shared Solutions 1.800.283.0034 Teva Neuroscience (makers of Copaxone)

HealthLine is a toll-free telephone service providing access to health

advice and information 24/7 regardless of where you live.

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Volunteer Income Tax Program

If you need help to complete your basic tax return, your income is low and your tax situation simple, volunteers are available to help you. For more information about this free program, or if you would like to become a volunteer call 1-800-959-8281.

Regina Clinic Dr. M. Shawush, Neurologist—Medical Director Wascana Rehabilitation Centre (main floor)

2180-23rd Avenue, Regina Phone: (306) 766-5514

Saskatoon Clinic Jan Britz, RN—Clinic Coordinator

Saskatoon City Hospital, Saskatoon 701 Queen Street, Room 7717 (7th Floor)

Phone: (306) 655-8447 Toll-free: 1-866-655-7966

Website: www.mymsclinic.ca/saskatoon

Through the MS Clinics you will have access to health care professionals who can answer your medical questions. Appointments are by referral from your family physician.

MS Clinics

Lifeline is an easy-to-use personal response service that lets you summon help any time of the day or night. Lifeline provides peace of mind and safety for thousands of Canadians. A variety of subsidy programs are available to help reduce the cost of the Lifeline service. For more information, call:

1-800-LIFELINE (1-800-543-3546)

We are now on Facebook! Facebook is one of the most popular social networking websites in the world. It is a great place to stay informed about MS Society initiatives, meet other people who have MS or family members with MS, and show your support. Become a fan of the MS Society of Canada—Saskatchewan Division today!

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40050227

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Return undeliverables to: MS Society of Canada, SK Division 150 Albert Street Regina, SKS4R 2N2

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Yes, □ I am sending a donation today of $ ___________ (enclosed) □ I am interested in making a provision for the MS Society - please contact me: Name: ___________________________________________________________________________

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Clip this completed form and fax it to (306) 565-0477, or mail it to:

Jack Aldcorn, President MS Society, Saskatchewan Division 150 Albert Street; Regina, SK S4R 2N2

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A future free from MS . . . is yours to give

Our Mission:

To be a leader in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis and enabling people affected by MS to enhance their quality of life.