FALL 2012 SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER

MS CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

08MS WALK 2012

10MS BIKE RIDE 2012

14MS GALA LUNCHEON 2013

15MS WOMEN’S RETREAT 2012

MS HEALTH FAIR & ANNUAL MEETING PAGE 2

02 MS CONNECTION: FALL 2012

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE:South Florida Chapter www.nationalMSsociety.org/fls Email: office@fls.nmss.org

Like us: facebook.com/MS.southflorida

Follow us: @nmsssfla

Watch us: youtube.com/ MSsouthflorida

2012 HEALTH FAIR & ANNUAL MEETINGThe National MS Society’s Health Fair and Annual Meeting will be held on October 13, 2012 at the Grille Event and Ban-quet Center in Downtown Fort Lauderdale 416 NE 1st Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The Health Fair will focus on MS research, education, interactive exhibits including free health screenings and community resources.

THE MS CONNECTION HAS CHANGED! NEW LOOK, SAME GREAT NEWSLETTER!

12:00 – 2:00 PM Registration, Information and Exhibitors:

1:00-1:45 PM Benefits of Tai Chi and MS Tony Garcia, instructor of Alliance Qi Gong Taiji, Inc.

Gynecology Dr. Edouard Coupet, M.D. F.A.C.O.G., M.P.H.

1:45-2:30 PM Understanding The Maze of Social Security and Disability Lyle D. Lieberman, Lieberman and Zagoria, P.A.

Resilience in MS Jennifer Smrtka, RN, MSN, ANP-C, MSCN

2:45-3:30 PM Modifying Therapy and New Treatments for Symptom Management Rebecca Radzivill, MS, LMHC, CCRC Infinity Clinical Research, LLC

Fort Lauderdale MS Center Disease

3:30-4:30 PM Ask The Doctor: Featured panel of leading doctors specializing in MS:

MS Neurology: Brian Steingo, MD, Bertha Fonseca, MD and Leticia Tornes, MD Urology: Dawn Scarzella, MD Psychology: Irina Kerzhnerman, Ph.D.

4:30 – 5:30 PM Annual Meeting, Election of 2013 Board of Trustees, Award Presentation, and hors d’oeuvres

Free Admission Entertainment Complimentary hors d’oeuvres Ages 16 & Older

RSVP is required: Call 1 800 FIGHT MS (800-344-4867) or visit www.nmssfls.org by October 5, 2012.

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NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETYTel: (954) 731-4224 Fax: (954) 739-1398

South Florida Chapter 3201 West Commercial Blvd. Suite127 Ft Lauderdale, FL 33309

Chairman: Fred Zuckerman Vice Chairmen: Joey Epstein Ed Pozzuoli Secretary: Dianna Geronemus Treasurer: Richard Cascio Chapter President: Karen Dresbach Editor: Jennifer Carroll

Information provided by the Society is based upon professional advice, published experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute thera-peutic recommendations or prescriptions. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician.

The Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The Society assumes no liability for the use or contents of any product or service mentioned.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedi-cated to ending the devastating effects of MS.

© 2012 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, South Florida Chapter

NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY AFILLIATED MS CENTERSFort Lauderdale MS Center Director: Brian Steingo, MD Tuesdays 9:00 am to 5:00 pm 572 East McNab Road Pompano Beach, FL 33060 (954) 738-1700

Neuroscience Consultants Comprehensive MS Center Founding Medical Director, Emeritus: Dr. Howard Zwibel, MD Director Clinical Affairs: Carlos Ramirez Calderon, MD Associate Medical Director: Bertha C. Fonseca, MD Mondays 8:30 am to 1:00 pm Thursdays 8:00 am to 3:30 pm 4601 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Ste. 100 Coral Gables, FL 33146 (786) 219-3145

South Broward MS Clinic Director: Islon Seliger, MD Thursdays 9:00 am to 5:00 pm 12596 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33027 (954) 437-4000

University of Miami MS Center of Excellence Department of Neurology Miller School of Medicine Director of Clinical Neurology: Kottil W. Rammohan, MD 8:00 am to 5:00 pm 1150 NW 14 St, Miami, FL 33136 (305) 243-6732

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ADVOCACY

DISABLED PARKING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS CHANGEIf you have a blue permanent disabled parking permit, you need to be aware of the new requirements advocated by the South Florida Chapter of the National MS Society and put in place by Florida lawmakers. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will implement the new law.

Effective Oct. 1, any person issued a blue permanent disabled parking permit must renew the permit every four years and, when doing so, provide a certificate of disability completed and signed by a certifying authority within the last 12 months. That means every blue disabled parking permit holder will, at least every four

years and within 12 months of the date of their renewal, fill out Form HSMV 83039. Permit holders will not have to pay a renewal fee.

In addition, effective July 1, if your blue permanent disabled parking permit is lost or stolen, a replacement will only be issued if you submit the same documentation required for renewals. The new law does not affect red temporary disabled parking permits, nor people who have disabled (or wheelchair) license plates.

The legislation also directs DHSMV to collect calls reporting abuse of the permits. Calls should be placed to the DHSMV Customer Service Center at (850) 617-3803.

The blue disabled parking permit with a current sticker must be visible from the front and rear of a motor vehicle. One side of the permit must display the applicant’s driver license number or state identification card number along with a warning the applicant must have such identification at all times while using the parking permit.

Illegally obtaining or using a permit can result in the loss of the parking permit and carries the potential for criminal penalties as outlined in Florida Statute 320.0848.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. The Department is leading the way to a safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its

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ALIE’S FUND FOR CHILDREN WITH MSAlie was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 14. She receives the utmost care and medications from her doctors to help slow the progression of her disease. Alie is living her life to the fullest while in college!

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society serves as a tremendous source of information and support to Alie and her family. Alie is inspired by the efforts of the many people who raise funds for a cure and the stories of children affected by the lack of money available for their future.

Alie formed Alie’s Fund for Children with MS in order to provide funds to children ages 2-22 who live throughout the country with MS. The funds help defer medical and educational costs, counseling and other services to ensure a brighter future for those impacted with MS.

If you are interested in applying for assistance from Alie’s Fund for Children with MS, please contact the Programs Department at 1 800 FIGHT MS; 954-731-4224. Documentation of your MS diagnosis and verification of age will be required.

core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about DHSMV and the services offered, visit www.flhsmv.gov or like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @FDHSMV.

“HELPING TO ENSURE A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR KIDS WITH MS.”

Knowledge Is Power is a six-week, free, at-home educational program for people who are newly diagnosed. Mail or email formats. To register, call 1-800-344-4867, or visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/knowledge.

Join the Society’s new MS Connection online community and make meaningful connec-tions when, where and how you want. Check out the new connected community at MSconnection.org today!

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ADVOCACY

MS ACTIVISTS SUCCEED IN 2012BY RENEE VANDLIK

Together on the frontline, the National MS Society and MS activists nationwide connect with decision makers, work with like-minded partners and create change to impact the greatest number of people possible. As a united MS Movement, we want to do something about MS now. Here are our 2012 federal and state successes that show what can be achieved by MS activists.

FEDERAL SUCCESSES MS activists…

• AddedanaggressiveformofMStoqualifyforthe “Compassionate Allowances Initiative” at the Social Security Administration. This will allow people with MS who qualify to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) quicker than the average applicant.

• Established new federal funding avenuesthat have yielded over $20 million for MS research.

• Introduced legislation that would allowMedicare Part D to cover off-label drugs for people living with MS.

• Promoted awareness and importance of awide range of caregiving initiatives for the

people who care for people with MS. This included advocating for increased funding for and reauthorization of the Lifespan Respite Care Program, which improves access to quality respite for family caregivers, and supporting the introduction of legislation to support Adult Day Achievement Centers.

• Promoted increased awareness of MS onCapitol Hill by hosting legislative briefings and national recognition of MS Awareness Week.

• Formed and continued to grow the firstCongressional MS Caucus in the Senate and the House of Representatives. More than 25 percent of representatives in both chambers has shown their commitment to developing policy solutions for people with MS by joining the Caucus.

STATE AND COMMUNITY SUCCESSES • Several states across the United States

addressed the cost of MS disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) through legislative action.

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Louisiana and Texas contained the cost of

DMTs during a contract period and require transparency in pricing. A Maine state law prohibits prescription drug pricing that exceeds the dollar amount for non-preferred brand drugs, while Delaware made recommendations to limit increasing prescription drug costs. A Vermont state law will limit out-of-pocket prescription drug expenses, while Virginia is examining the issue. These actions build upon a 2010 New York law to prohibit co-insurance pricing for prescription drugs. Co-insurance pricing is a rapidly growing insurance practice that requires the consumer to pay a percentage of a medication’s cost, rather than a fixed co-payment.

• Rhode Island secured 13 new accessibletaxis to serve 17 communities.

• New Hampshire, Illinois and Missouristrengthened accessible parking laws in various ways, including imposing fines for blocking access aisles and requiring more accessible parking spaces for vans.

• Colorado, Connecticut and Virginia

provided utility coverage for people with medical conditions who would be adversely impacted by discontinuation of services.

• Kansas,Missouri,OhioandVirginiaaimtocreate or preserve state income tax credits for accessible home modifications that maintain independence.

• New Jersey created an MS Task Force,charged with developing strategies to identify and address the unmet needs of people with MS in the state.

• Missouri, New York, North Carolina,Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and South Carolina offer state license plates with the MS logo to raise awareness of the disease.

• State tax forms in Delaware, Louisiana,Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin now offer a voluntary designation to benefit MS. To date, more than $1 million has been raised.

• Illinois passed legislation to amend theIllinois Lottery Law and offer instant scratch-off tickets, so far raising more than $3.9 million for MS research.

As MS activists, we want everyone on the frontline with us. To effect change in our area, join the MS Activist network at www.nationalMSsociety.org/advocacy or call us. Share your personal stories with us and policy makers to create understanding, engagement and action.

Renee Vandlik is the Society’s director of State Government and Local Government Relations.

08 MS CONNECTION: FALL 2012

EVENTS

OVER $800,000 RAISED AT 2012 MS WALK Join the movement became more than a state-ment for the thousands of walkers that partici-patedinthe2012UAICMSWalkPresentedby Pollo Campero in Aventura, Boca Raton, Coral Gables, Fort Lauderdale, Lee County, Naples and the Palm Beaches. Families, friends and co-workers came together in their commu-nities to show that they wanted to do some-thing about MS now!

This united effort raised over $800,000 to continue the search for a cure and to provide programs and services for over 6,000 South Floridians living with MS. Thank you to our participants, volunteers and sponsors!

We hope to continue this momentum by hav-ing you and your family and friends sign up for the 2013 MS Walk today! For more infor-mation about your local MS Walk, please visit

mswalksouthflorida.org. The MS Walk team is also available to assist with fundraising efforts or questions at mswalk@fls.nmss.org or 954-731-4224. We look forward to seeing all of our participants in 2013!

2012 MS WALK COMMITTEESAventura Hilda Alveraz Barbara Mena Doug Bonds Luis Yepez Estrella Mitrani Yari Burke Myrna Goldman Barbara Liebman Jane Matthews Marlene Ruber Joe Maya Andrea Aghlaghanian Diana Bustillo

Boca Raton Mitchell Cohen Jodi Rothman Billie Cohen Sandy Segal Gerry Cohen Andrew Tharpe Barbara Glasser Al Witko

Coral Gables Vanessa Bedoya Paul Kluck Sophie Elortegui Melissa Lorenzo Maria Enriquez Jose Rivas Felix Jose Garcia-Tunon Jessica Silverman Bettina Gensollen Oliana Torres Ed Gross Adam Vega Fort Lauderdale Rick Andreassen Noreen Nejaz Mike Blatt Jennifer Rice Deb Giblin-Davis

Lee County Sue Baxter-Arend Laura Crabtree Clint Baxter Cathy Kennedy

Walk 2012presented by

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Denise Baxter Barbara Walthier Tonya Emerson Melissa Lorentson Fred Hixson Marc Davis Jackie Neff

Naples Sue Haberkorn Ian Russell

Palm Beach Herbert Hartman Alexis Villwock Anna Carter Heather Paiva Molly Connell Iveth Vasquez-Thompson

MS WALK SPECIAL AWARDSBest Corporate Teams Team Miramar Aventura NCCI Boca Raton Neuroscience Coral Gables Florida Linen Fort Lauderdale MARC MS Angels Lee County McDonald & Osborne Naples The Legend Group The Palm Beaches

Best Friends and Family Team Team William’s Island Aventura Team Alie Boca Raton Jodi’s Team Coral Gables Seanathon! Fort Lauderdale Team Elaine Davis Lee County Team B & P Naples After 6 For A Cure The Palm Beaches Team Anna Banana Virtual Walk

Most Improved Team MS Crusaders Aventura Team Addison Boca Raton Jodi’s Team Coral Gables

Don’s Angels Fort Lauderdale We Can Lee County McDonalds & Osburne Naples After 6 for a Cure The Palm Beaches

Best Rookie Team Team William’s Island Aventura Team Clare Boca Raton Kookie’s Dream Team Coral Gables Team Schick Fort Lauderdale Team Elaine Davis Lee County Team Campbell Naples Troop 22005 Betty’s “miniature” builders The Palm Beaches

Best School Team Team Aces Aventura BarryUniversitySSWA CoralGables FGCUCares LeeCounty Suncoast Community The Palm Beaches High School Computer Club

2013 MS WALK DATESSaturday, February 23 Lee County Naples Sunday, February 24 Fort Lauderdale The Palm Beaches Sunday, March 10 Boca Raton Sunday, March 17 Aventura Sunday, April 7 Coral Gables

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EVENTS

ZIMMERMAN MS BIKE RIDE PRESENTED BY MACK CYCLE AND FITNESSThe 2012 Zimmerman MS Bike Ride present-ed by Mack Cycle and Fitness was one of resil-iency and tremendous dedication. Due to in-clement weather, we were forced to cancel the first day of the ride. In probably our most chal-lenging year, our riders, volunteers, fundraisers and sponsors showed their overwhelming dedi-cation towards finding a cure for MS by raising nearly $1.3 million. The ride continued on day two, starting and ending at the Maroone Start/Finish Village at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

With a collective effort of improvisation and excellent planning, cyclists were able to enjoy a short yet challenging route through the South Miami Dade area.

On behalf of the MS Bike team and staff we would like to thank all the participants who made the most of and joined together in rais-ing awareness and funds to create a world free of MS!

2012 MS BIKE COMMITTEE

Jason Swift Committee Chair

Ron Abrams Rest Stop Coordinator

Mike Blatt Start / Finish Coordinator

Bob Bodner JP Facilitator

Corey Bryan Monroe County Police

Merritt Burrus Route Logistics Assistant

David Carey Monroe County Police

Michael Connor Truck Logistics Coordinator

Ernesto Diaz Committee at Large

EttaDixon-Antonio Nurse Coordinator

David Fariss Miami-Dade Police

Diann Geronemus Scene Coordinator

Matt Ginn HAM Coordinator

Martel Givens Nurse Coordinator

Gary Hicks SAG 1

Larry House SAG 2

Silvia Inman Start / Finish Coordinator

Christy King JP Coordinator

Julia Mayan Start / Finish Coordinator

Ride 2012presented by

NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867 11Javier Salinas Trucking Logistics Assistant

Kevin Scanlon Net Control

Alan Steel Bike Repair / Route Marking

Claretha Timmons Rest Stop Assistant

BrandyUrbine JP Coordinator

Dante Watson Trucking Logistics Assistant

Dale Word JP Coordinator

Brenda Zelman JP Assistant

TOP 25 TEAMSBacardi $133,949 Mack Cycle and Fitness $113,394 Team Storm Riders $57,695 Team MS $55,675 zMotion $53,469 DHL Pedal For a Cure $50,381 G4S $30,740 Microsoft $27,140 Tar Peddlers/Solar Sprockets $24,662 Whole Foods Market $17,516 Cargill Cares $17,123 Enterprise Rent A Car $16,447 Bike America $14,576 Team Roux $14,234 General Mills $12,500 Team Holman $12,403 Mission Remission $12,242 CBRE Cares $11,624 Manny’s Fannies $11,239 Subway/IPC Bike Team $11,220 Hermanos $10,655 Team Tyco $10,830 Mako $10,963 Holy Rollers $10,320

For more information on the 2013 MS Bike Ride and to view our 2012 Club 151 mem-bers visit the MS Bike website at www.ms-bikeflorida.org or “Like” our facebook page at facebook.com/MS.southflorida

MS CONNECTION: FALL 2012

EVENTS

MS 5K RUN & KIDS FUN RUNIf you love to run, join the Run to Stop MS movement by participating in our 3rd Annual MS 5K Run & ¼ Mile Kids Fun Run at Merrick Park in Coral Gables on Sunday, April 7, 2013. There will be entertainment and fun for the kids at our MS Kids Fun Zone; so get your whole family involved. Registration for the 5K is $25 prior to race day and $35 day of the event. The ¼ Mile Kids Fun Run is $10 prior to race day and $15 day of. Don’t miss out and register now at www.runtostopmsflorida.org or call 1 800 Fight MS; 954-731-4224 for more information.

TOP 5 5K CORAL GABLES RUN TEAM Team Paradise Team Daly Running and Smylein Team Kluck Team Sharon

TOP 5 5K CORAL GABLES RUN INDIVIDUAL Robert Daly Meghan Kelly Santiago Escobar Joshua Searles Daniel Goodman

TOP 9 PARTICIPANTS FOR THE 2012 ING MIAMI MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON:1. David Schulman $12,571 2. Stacey Schulman $10,473 3. Carrie Schulman $10,250 4. Dale Kotler $3,301 5. Gregg Saffell $1,960 6. Terry Duddy $1,600 7. Karrie Griffiths $1,305 8. Heather Geronemus $1,125 9. Perla Bursztein $1,116

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EVENTS

CBM OF AMERICA, INC. MS GOLF TOURNAMENTIt’s no surprise that the 32nd annual CBM of America, Inc. MS Golf Tournament was once again a huge success! More than $80,000 was raised to support much needed local programs and services by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, South Florida Chapter.

The pairing party and auction hosted by Smoke On the Water Cigar Bar in Weston got the golfers excited and set the tone for the next day.

144 golfers and 30 local celebrities gathered at the beautiful Boca Lago Country Club in their bold and bright Loudmouth shorts ready to tee off and enjoy a little friendly competition while on the course. Participants also indulged in several appetizers and beverages

throughout the tournament provided by Hooters, Jersey Mikes, Exquisite Catering, Celsius, Boar’s Head, and Slainte Irish Pub. As always, the day came to an end with a delicious buffet lunch, awards ceremony and a much anticipated silent auction and raffle.

Surrounded by fellow players and local sports celebrities, this year’s first place MS Golf Tournament trophy was proudly presented to Bruce Simonson, Joe Greco, Brannon Martina and Dean Baker. The National MS Society would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the tournament’s title sponsor, CBM of America, Inc. and the outstanding committee members lead by event chair, Stuart Kosh.

For more info on the 2013 MS Golf Tourna-ment contact Monica Whiting at (954)731-4224 or email monica.whiting@fls.nmss.org

2012 FIRST PLACE TEAM

The 30th Annual MS Gala Luncheon present-ed by DBS Financial Group will take flight on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at Sheltair Han-gar #1170 in Fort Lauderdale. The sky is the limit as we celebrate 30 years of progression, fashion and commitment led by MS Gala Lun-cheon Chair, Deborah DelPrete.

This year’s honorees will be The Rothman Fam-ily (Fred, Jodi, Alie and Lecia) for their con-

tinuous commitment and contribution to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis.

Guests will receive a first class experience throughout the day that concludes with an un-forgettable runway inspired fashion show.

For more information on the event, please visit www.nmssfls.org or contact 954-731-4224.

MARCH 1-3, 2013

THE WALK WILL CHALLENGE YOU, THE EXPERIENCE WILL CHANGE YOU

Every once in a while, a challenge calls that you simply must answer. The Challenge Walk MS: Charleston Challenge 2013 offers a new experience for members of the MS community living in the southeast. This incredible physical and philanthropic challenge gives you the chance to reinvigorate your spirit and change your life. As a participant, you will raise $1,500 or more for the National MS Society and walk 50 miles in three days

through historic Charleston and along the beautiful South Carolina coastline.

We have tools to help you reach your pre-event training and fundraising goals, and all of your needs will be taken care of during the life-changing event weekend. The route is fully supported with catered meals, rest stops every few miles, support vehicles to provide transportation assistance and festivities to keep your spirits high. You will stay two nights at the Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms, SC, featuring relaxing beachside accommodations to unwind after each day’s incredible journey.

For more information or to register, contact Denise Dixon at (954) 731 - 4224 or visit www.ChallengeMS.org.

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CharlestonChallenge 20122013

TEEN DAY 2012 This year we added a new splash to our Teen Day Program as we ventured to Sea World in Orlando, FL. The program consisted of South Florida Chapter Teens and Mid Florida Chap-ter Teens ages 13-17 years. They joined to-gether to share and explore new ways to cope with daily pressures of living with a parent or grandparent with MS.

Our day of discovery included scavenger hunts, games, workshops and more. This program allowed teens to live a real world experience where they developed their Teen Day Program including electing committee members and developing their strategic plan for Teen Day 2013. The National MS Society South Florida and Mid Florida Chapter will oversee the teens on their journey. The teens will learn how to build their own budget, network and execute this program.

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MS WOMEN’S RETREAT 2012 The Disco Diva Women’s retreat took place on July 20-22, 2012 at the Renaissance Plantation Hotel. They boogied the weekend away with pampering, entertainment, MS education and physical health. The weekend gave the ladies an opportunity to share stories and experiences, make long-lasting friendships and create mem-ories to last a lifetime!

Activities included aquatics, yoga, and tai-chi. Entertainment fulfilled the evenings with kara-oke, bingo, games and they shook their groove thing at The Saturday Night Fever Disco Party where the best 70’s outfit won fabulous prizes!

Experts presented on a variety of topics includ-ing First-Timers Meeting, Ancient Medicine in aModernWorld,KeepingUp-Beat, Inner/ Outer Diva, Know Your Rights – SSDI & ADA, MS and Your Emotions, and an MS Girl TalkPanelwithanMSNeurologist,Urologist,Psychologist, and Internal Medicine Specialist.

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The weekend was complete with pampering Diva Massages, Diva Day Spa, Diva Makeovers and exciting prizes throughout the weekend!

Stay tuned for registration information for the 2013 Women’s Retreat.

Women’s Retreat funded in part by a grant from

Wellness Sponsor HealthSouth Sunrise Rehabilitation Hospital

RELATIONSHIP MATTERSRelationship Matters is a program for cou-ples living with MS and it can help you strengthen your partnership and minimize the impact of MS on your life. By choosing from our in-person, teleconference and on-line options, you can learn techniques and information to keep your most important relationships moving forward. Visit the link for more information

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple sclerosis/relationships/rela-tionship-matters/index.aspx

KIDS CAMP The Busch Gardens Adventure camp was a “different species of a camp” as we ventured out to Busch Gardens Adventure Camp in Tampa for an amazing fun-filled weekend! Kids ages 7-12 joined together to share and explore new ways to cope with daily pressures of living with a parent or grandparent with MS.

Throughout the weekend they participated in many activities which included: Tiger and Rhino Encounters, Coaster Physics, Activity Zoo Hospital Experience, Australia, Morocco, Myombe and Jungala Explorations, Camp Fire Story Telling, MS Experience Activities, Twi-light Safari and much more.

For more information on Kid’s Camp contact our programs department at (954) 731-4224 or email msprograms@fls.nmss.org.

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ADVOCACY

MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNTBY RENEE VANDLIK

Election Day 2012 is on the horizon, so get ready to cast your vote for who best repre-sents the issues you care about. Here’s what you need to know to vote in the elections on November 6.

THE BIG PICTUREThis fall, Americans will cast votes for the pres-idency, every member of the U.S. House ofRepresentativesandone-thirdoftheU.S.Sen-ate. What’s different? Since the 2010 census, 15 million Americans became eligible to vote and an anticipated 50 million more will vote this November due to stronger engagement in national campaigns. However, people with dis-abilities register to vote at a 16 percent lower rate than other Americans. And with 1 in 10 eligible voters having a disability, that’s a lot of

people whose voices aren’t being heard. Make sure yours is. National Voter Registration Day is September 25, 2012. Register yourself and learn how you can register others at www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Voting/Register.shtml.

PREPARE TO VOTEThis year, citizens in 30 states will have to com-ply with voter identification laws. Contact your local polling precinct ahead of time to find out what you’ll need.

Also ask about accessibility: you don’t want to show up, only to find out you can’t get in the door. Since 2005, The Help America Vote Act requires every precinct in the country to have at least one voting machine or system ac-cessible to persons with disabilities, including those with vision impairments. Learn more at www.aapd.com/what-we-do/voting/.

If it’s difficult to vote in-person, plan to vote absentee. Learn more at www. longdistancevoter.org.

THE INFORMED VOTERGo to www.nationalMSsociety.org/advo-cacy to learn more about issues important to people with MS, such as health care, acces-sibility and medical research. Then find out where the candidates stand on those issues— www.yourcandidatesyourhealth.org is one place to start.

Renee Vandlik is the Society’s director of State Government and Local Government Relations.

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2012 SCHOLAR-SHIP AWARDEES The National Multiple Sclerosis Society schol-arship program helps students affected by mul-tiple sclerosis pursue a college education. It is open to high school seniors who live with MS or have a parent living with MS. The 2011 re-cipients shared their personal stories describing the impact MS has had on their life and achiev-ing their dreams by going to college.

The South Florida Chapter awarded scholar-ships to the following seniors: Jennifer Cor-dovi, Christian Hernandez, Mahraina Moodie, Haylay Ann Stricker, Lydia Tortorici, Jenah Tracey, Toni Tripp, Jessica Wolff

MS SERVICE DAY Our First Annual MS Service Day was held on March 16, 2012. This is a volunteer driven ini-tiative day of service organized by the National MS Society South Florida Chapter. Teams of volunteers completed projects for families liv-ing with multiple sclerosis which included:

• Interior chores - general cleaning• Outdoor jobs - yard work• Painting - indoor and outdoor• Light repairs• De-cluttering & organizing

Two teams and were able to service a home in Broward and Palm Beach.

Stay tuned for 2013 MS Service Day in your area!

For more information on MS Service Day contact our programs department at (954)731-4224 or email msprograms@fls.nmss.org.

JENNIFER CORDOVI MIAMI, FLMiami Beach Senior High Miami-Dade College Mathematics

CHRISTIAN HERNANDEZ HIALEAH, FLHialeah High Miami-Dade College Clinical Lab SCI

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MAHRAINA MOODIE FORT MYERS, FLPenn Foster Lee County High Tech Pharmacy Technician

HAYLAY STRICKER FORT LAUDERDALE, FLCardinal Gibbons FloridaAtlanticUniversity Communications and Marketing

LYDIA TORTORICI LAKE WORTH, FLLake Worth High UniversityofFlorida Health Care Professional

JENAH TRACY NAPLES, FLNaples High Lees-McRae College Athletic Training

TONI TRIPP DELRAY BEACH, FLBoca Raton Community High UniversityofFlorida Health Care Professional

JESSICA WOLFF BOCA RATON, FLWeunbaum Yeshiva UniversityofCentralFlorida Psychology

Scholarship applications for 2013 awards will be available October 1, 2012. For detailed guidelines and application information contact Suhaill Ruano at (954) 731-4224 or suhaill.ruano@fls.nmss.org

HOLIDAY CARDSShare the spirit of giving during this Holi-day Season. Join the movement towards creating a world free of multiple sclerosis by purchasing National MS Society holiday greeting cards. Now you and your employ-er can share your commitment to finding a cure through special cards featuring artwork by artists with MS. Order your cards online at https://www.cardsdirect.com/mssf.aspx. 20% of your purchase price benefits the South Florida Chapter.

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EDUCATIONAL TELECONFERENCE SERIES 2012-2013Join us from the comfort of your own phone for informative conference calls on a diverse range of topics for people living with MS. This educational series is free and made avail-able through the collaboration of the follow-ing chapters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Connecticut, Greater New England, Long Island, New Jersey Metro, New York City -SouthernNewYork,RhodeIslandandUp-state New York.

Register today! Registration is free.

For more information or to register please call 1-800-344-4867, option 1

THE SPECTRUM OF MS: FALL 2012 SERIESWednesday, October 24, 2012 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Top 10 List of MS Questions

This call will address the most common questions and concerns facing individuals newly diagnosed with MS.

Speaker: Angela Applebee, M.D. Director of the MS Center of Northern New England at Fletcher Allen Health Care Registration Deadline: October 17, 2012

Wednesday, November 28, 2012 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Invisible Symptoms

People who have “invisible” MS symptoms have a unique set of difficulties. This call will address the “invisible” symptoms of MS such as pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues and how to manage these symptoms effectively.

Speaker: Pam Mills, RN, BSN, MSCN Certified MS Nurse, National MS Society Rhode Island Chapter Registration Deadline: November 21, 2012

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. MS: A Family Affair

MS comes with many challenges for both the individual and family living with MS. Chang-es occur in family roles and everyday functions. Learning about MS and communicating are effective strategies for coping with these chal-

21NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867

lenges and developing a healthier lifestyle.

Speaker: Peggy Crawford, Ph.D., PSYD, Clinical Psychologist, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital; contributing author to Multiple Sclerosis: A Guide for Families

Speaker: Bonnie Danowski, family member of a person with MS and ac-tive volunteer for NMSS Arizona Chapter Registration Deadline: December 5, 2012

Stay tuned for spring session teleconferences taking place in April, May, and June 2013. Upcomingtopics:Bowel&Bladder,Sex,andProgressive MS.

WITHOUT VOLUNTEERS, THE NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY WOULD NOT EXIST TODAY. YOUR DO-NATION OF TIME IS GREATLY APPRECI-ATED AND CRITICAL TO CREATING A SUCCESSFUL EVENT.The Chapter would like to recognize and thank all of the outstanding volunteers who have come together in 2012 to help change the lives of individuals living with MS in our community. Through your compassion and unselfish caring you have demonstrated the fortitude needed to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals. We cannot thank you enough for your strength, tireless energy and talent, and look forward to working with you again in 2013.

If you or someone you know may be interested in volunteering, please contact Jaime Valdivia at jaime.valdivia@fls.nmss.org or call (954) 731-4224.

MS LEARN ONLINEThe National MS Society has an exciting menu of MS Learn Online webcasts cur-rently available on its website www.nation-almssociety.org/mslearnonline. Each web-cast features experts presenting on topics relevant to those affected by multiple scle-rosis. MS Learn Online webcasts are typi-cally 10 minutes in length, and have been a successful way to educate people about multiple sclerosis from the convenience of their own computer. Program topics cover: the basics facts of MS, symptom manage-ment, progressive MS, research, healthy liv-ing and family life, life planning and inde-pendence. In addition to the existing menu of programs, a new webcast debuts the first and third Thursday of each month through-out the year.

22 MS CONNECTION: FALL 2012

THE DANS: ACCELERATING RESEARCH PROGRESS Residents Dolly and Merwyn Dan insist they are like anyone else in the MS movement. However, they have found their own unique way of harnessing their commitment to end multiple sclerosis, initiated when their young-est daughter was diagnosed with the disease in 1998. That diagnosis changed the Dan family’s life forever, spurring them to inspire, engage and challenge fellow volunteers to increase the research funds needed to speed new and better therapies to people living with MS.

Dolly and Merwyn are specifically interested in myelin repair, which they believe one day will stop their daughter’s disease progression

and restore the function she has lost to MS. “This is the key opportunity for our daughter,” Merwyn says, a member of the South Florida Chapter board.

Since the beginning of their involvement with the Society, the Dans have supported research grants related to myelin repair. Most recently, their support of the Society included a $1 mil-lion long-term pledge to Fast Forward, which focuses on accelerated commercial develop-ments of new treatments for MS. The Dans’ gift helped develop a targeted program in ner-vous system repair. “We would like to see a fast-er route to the solution, and Fast Forward is an important step toward that,” explains Merwyn.

As longtime active volunteers for the Society, the Dans are passionate about getting other families to give to research, and see an oppor-tunity in the NOW campaign. “The more that others contribute to this effort, the more part-nerships Fast Forward will be able to make—and the more grants the Society will be able to award,” Merwyn says. He and Dolly see NOW’s $250 million commitment to research as critical, and with their pledge they challenge others to make the most meaningful gift they can.

Because of their extraordinary commitment to the MS movement, the Society is honored to have Merwyn as a member of the Volunteer Hall of Fame, and both Dolly and Merwyn as members of the Circle of Distinction.

Join Dolly and Merwyn Dan and help propel MS research through The Golden Circle today.

23NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUNDMany people with multiple sclerosis live on lim-ited resources and an exacerbation or progression of the disease can make it difficult to maintain employment or make ends meet. A temporary misfortune may be averted through financial as-sistance with outstanding rent, utility bill, gro-ceries, drug co-pay, durable medical equipment, or the cost of an examination by a neurologist.

Please help someone in need overcome a crisis this Holiday Season. A gift of $500 or more will enable an individual with MS and their family move their lives forward. Make a special year end gift to the National MS Society today.

Make your 2012 Year-End gift today and help 6,000 South Floridians living with multiple sclerosis.

Yes! I want to help people living with MS with my Year-End Gift!

p$50 p$100 p$250 p$500 p$1,000 p Other: $ __________

I would like to direct my gift to (optional):

Crisis Financial Assistance (assisting those with MS in crisis)

Chapter Programs and Services (assisting those with MS and their families)

MS Research

p Other: __________

Please make your check payable to the National MS Society and mail with this form to: National MS Society, 3201 W Commercial Boulevard, Suite 127, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 or call 1 800 FIGHT MS (in South Florida) or 954-731-4224 or log on to nationalmssociety.org/fls and click “Donate.”

Thank you for making a difference in someone’s life today.

Financial Assitance in Broward County is funded in part by

My Contribution to Making a Difference!

For more information on NOW, Golden Circle or Fast Forward contact Mark Kotler at (954) 731-4224 or email mark.kotler@fls.nmss.org. Visit our website at http://www.nationalmsso-ciety.org/fls

SUPPORT GROUPS

BROWARD COUNTYCoral Springs Afternoon Group 3rd Tuesday of month at 1:30 pm Coral Springs Medical Center Community Education Center, Class B 3100 Coral Hills Drive Coral Springs, 33065

Contact: Cindee Horowitz AntCyd@aol.com Mindy Morrison mindywoo123@gmail.com Michael Myette (954) 255-0679 pmmyette@aol.com *Occasional speakers will appear. Members will be notified by evite or phone.

*New Broward Group* NMSS Sunrise Evening Group 3rd Wednesday of month at 7:00 pm Health South 4399 Nob Hill Road, Sunrise, 33351 (Main Entrance to Conference Room 2) Alisa Loucado (954) 560-4931 ajtiny@bellsouth.net Cherlyn Warner (954) 292-8819 cherlynwarner@yahoo.com

Sunrise Educational Meeting 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm Sunrise Medical Group 12596 Pines Blvd. Pembroke Pines, FL 33027 RSVP to Monique or Cynthia (954) 437-4000

COLLIERNaples Day Social Group 1st Monday of month at 3:30 pm NCH Briggs Wellness Center 399 Ninth Street North Naples, FL 34102 Second Floor Lobby, Next to Subway Tanya Dannibale (239) 793-7009 tanya.dannibale@fls.nmss.org

LEE COUNTYCape Coral Day Group First Sunday of month at 3:00 pm Cape Coral Hospital 636 Del Prado Blvd. S., Room A Cape Coral, FL Dave Lane (239) 652-3602 lanenikken@comcast.net Maria Hawley (239) 728-8183 mariakhawley1964@gmail.com

Ft. Myers Evening Group 3rd Thursday of month at 5:00 pm St. Hilary’s Episcopal Church 5011 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33901 Dave Lane (239) 652-3602 Email: lanenikken@comcast.net Karen Hart (239) 209-7549 or (239) 400-0529 kare4@comcast.net Social luncheon held 1st Thursday of month at 1:30 pm. Contact Karen Hart for details.

MS CONNECTION

MIAMI DADE COUNTYSouth Miami-Dade Evening Group 2nd Thursday of month at 7:00 pm Doctors Hospital- Cafeteria 5000UniversityDrive Coral Gables, FL 33146 Maria Zaldivar (305) 710-2210 mariazaldivar@comcast.net Kirstie Bray (305) 984-7501 kbray624@gmail.com

Miami-Dade Spiritual Group 2nd Thursday of month at 6:00 pm Doctors Hospital- Chapel 5000UniversityDrive Coral Gables, FL 33146 (2nd Floor, near elevator A) Ch. Ronald Gaudio (786) 308-3800 RonaldGa@baptisthealth.net

Miami Beach Group 1st Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm Mt. Sinai Medical Center Founders Conference Ctr. 1st Floor, Warner Bldg, next to ER 4300 Alton Rd. Miami Beach, FL 33140 Gladys Fernandez (305) 534-8848 abbayayi@yahoo.com Ellie Klein Cardonne (305) 322-2299 ecardonne@bellsouth.net

PALM BEACH COUNTYCentral Palm Beach Group 2nd Wednesday of month at 7:00 p Wellington Library 1951 Royal Fern Drive Wellington, FL 33414 RSVP Mara Stegmaier (561) 792-2400 or (561) 632-2403 marastegs@yahoo.com Joy Mercado (561) 234-0938 m.s.joy7@gmail.com

Boynton Beach Group 2nd Tuesday of month at 7:00 pm Hagen Ranch Road Public Library 14350 Hagen Ranch Rd Delray Beach, FL 33446 Jim Montgomery (561) 740-7867 cjjm@bellsouth.net Eliot Reinstein (561) 302-6913 eliotr7@comcast.net

North Palm Beach Group 2nd Monday of month at 6:30 pm Borland Center 4885 PGA Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 For Individuals with MS and Friends Nancy Decker (561) 622-4606

Palm West Group 3rd Monday of month at 6:30 pm September meeting at Olive Garden 5801 Lake Worth Rd. Greenacres, FL 33463 Howard Chiet (561) 795-5233 jjhakks@gmail.com

WELLNESS PROGRAMS

The National MS Society provides well-ness programs to the MS community. You are invited to enjoy these classes free of charge.

For more information contact:

Suhaill Ruano 1 800 FIGHT MS (800-344-4867) Email: suhaill.ruano@fls.nmss.org

BROWARD WELLNESS PROGRAMSCoral Springs Medical Center Tai Chi: Sat. at 2:00 pm Kathy Byrne (954) 344-3344

Tamarac Community Center Tai Chi: Mon. at 1:00 pm Chair Yoga Tues. at 11:30 am Meditation: Mon. at 12:30 pm Rose (954) 597-3643

Yoga Rosa Special Needs: Tues. & Thurs. at 12:00 pm Yoga: Mon. & Wed. 8:30 am, 12:00 pm, 5:30 pm Rosa Santana (954) 456-6077

Weston Yoga Registration is required please call Fabienne Grossman (954) 871-5222 for an appointment.

COLLIER COUNTYNCH Briggs Wellness Center Aquatics: Tues., at 9:30 am

Yoga&Balance:OnHoldUntilFurther Notice

MS CONNECTION

LEE COUNTYCape Coral Wellness Facility Gentle Yoga: Mon. at 12:00 pm Aquatics: Tues. & Thurs. at 11:30 am

Fort Myers Wellness Facility Gentle Yoga: Tues. & Thurs. at 11:30 am

MIAMI-DADETai Chi with Tony* Neuroscience Consultants 9090 SW 87 Ct. Suite 201 Miami, FL 33176

Please call Suhaill Ruano to RSVP. 1 800 FIGHT MS Email: suhaill.ruano@fls.nmss.org

*Classes are free to individuals with MS who are registered with the South FL Chapter

Body, Mind, & Spirit YOGA Instructor: Jannee Alt Class is on hold, however Jannee teaches a free yoga class at Bayfront Park on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:00pm

PALM BEACHTai Chi in Palm Beach Mae Volen Center 1515 W. Palmetto Park Road Boca Raton (561) 395-8920 Tai Chi: Friday 12:00 - 1:00 pm Yoga: Friday 1:00 - 2:00 pm

NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S.POSTAGE

PAIDFTLAUDFLPermit # 4435

National Multiple Sclerosis Society South Florida Chapter 3201 W. Commercial Blvd. Suite 127 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309

UPCOMING EVENTSOctober 13, 2012 MS Health Fair & Annual Meeting

January 23, 2013 MS Gala Luncheon

February 23, 2013 MS Walk Lee County MS Walk Naples

February 24, 2013 MS Walk Fort Lauderdale MS Walk The Palm Beaches

March 10, 2013 MS Walk Boca Raton

March 17, 2013 MS Walk Aventura

April 7, 2013 MS Walk Coral Gables

HELP US GO GREENRECEIVE THE MS CONNECTION ONLINE.

CALL 1-800-344-4867 OR 954-731-4224 TO SIGN UP TODAY