Get Connected.

EvEry ConnECtion CountsNational MS Society, Greater Northwest Chapter

Chances are you know someone living with multiple sclerosis.

We are here to help everyone affected by MS.

MS stops people from moving.We exist to make sure it doesn’t.

We’re Here to HelpAt the National MS Society, Greater Northwest Chapter, we know that multiple sclerosis doesn’t wait for a convenient moment, so we don’t want you to wait for assistance. We understand how much you appreciate personalized help that comes at the right time. This guide will help you get support when you need it.

What will I find?In these pages, you’ll find information about the programs, resources, opportunities and services available to anyone affected by MS. We offer in-person support, or resources you can access from the comfort of your home. Find ways to connect with others, and make a difference in your community.

Who is this for?Whether you were recently diagnosed, have been living with the disease for years, or are the friend or family member of someone living with MS, we invite you to explore this guide to find out how to get the answers you need.

Moving ForwardOnce you’ve read through this guide, store it somewhere for safekeeping, and refer back to it as your needs change over time. If you don’t see a topic covered, contact us about it. There is no question too large or small.

Get started

Ms navigator

Empowered Living

Education

Connections

Advocacy

research

volunteer

Participate & Donate

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Take the first step – it’s as easy as a phone callGEt stArtEDThere is a sea of information out there, and it can be overwhelming to sort through it all to find the right resources for your situation.

That’s why you can count on the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Northwest Chapter to be your partner in facing MS.

Whether you are living with MS, a family member lives with MS, or you are concerned about someone with MS, get started.

1-800-344-4867 MSnorthwest.org

MS Navigators are available for personalized assistance through our Information Resource Center Monday–Friday 6 a.m.–4 p.m. (PT)

Information. Education. Support.Any stage. Any need. Any time.

1-800-344-4867

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Available at any stage, for any need, at any time

ConnECtinG you to rEsourCEs:

Ms nAviGAtor®

Our MS Navigators are highly skilled professionals in multiple sclerosis. They can help guide you toward answers, solutions, resources and referrals for people living with MS, their family members, friends, employers, caregivers and health care professionals.

We are here for everyone affected by MS, whatever your situation, no matter how small your question or where you are in life. We are here to support you. Our MS Navigators are available to assist you at any stage, with any MS-related need, at any time.

• Neurologists and other physicians• Professional counselors and support groups for individuals or family members• Expert guidance on Social Security Disability Insurance, health insurance or other benefits • MS trained fitness and exercise specialists• Massage therapists and other natural health services• In-home services to support independence• Respite and emotional support services for caregivers• Financial planners and legal experts to plan for your future• Employment specialists to meet workplace challenges• Ramps, scooters and other mobility equipment

Answers, solutions, resources and referrals for people living with MS.

Are you a healthcare professional? Visit the Professional Resource Center

MSnorthwest.org

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Access to help – every step of the wayEMPoWErED LivinG

A partner in solving challenges: We will work with you to understand where you are now, where you want to be in the future, and how to get there.

Become your own best advocate: Get the knowledge, tools and confidence to help make decisions concerning your needs, opportunities and rights on topics such as:

• Treatment options and symptom management strategies• Understanding benefits such as health insurance• Handling financial challenges and planning for the future• Accessing optimal health care• Meeting workplace challenges• Facing challenges with a caregiver• Finding help in the home

When I was overwhelmed by paperwork for disability, Medicaid and many other social service agencies, the National MS Society was there. They gave me my own social worker to guide me through the bureaucratic process and were there every step of the way.

- Joe tancredi Care Management recipient and Bike Ms team Mojoe’s Flo’

Financial Assistance: Let us connect you to short-term financial resources to stay independent, safe and healthy while we work with you to find long-term solutions.

• Temporary Home Care• Durable Medical Equipment• Physical or Occupational Therapy Evaluations• Cooling devices and equipment

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I had tears in my eyes when I crossed the finish line at Walk MS this year! The walking poles you gave me allowed me to do the WHOLE three miles! I am going to suggest the walking poles class to my support group and plan to be there myself because I can’t wait to see what else they can teach me about my new walking poles!

Empowering the MS community through educationEDuCAtion

Community Programs, Workshops and Seminars: Meet experts in the field of multiple sclerosis, ask questions, make connections with your peers and empower yourself with knowledge.

Telelearning: Access new research, treatment options and resources without ever leaving home.

Online Classes and Webinars: Classes and webinars when it’s convenient for you—live or recorded.

Health and Wellness: Online resources help inform healthy habits and empower you to take greater control of your well-being.

We offer a variety of programs to inform, educate and empower you.

- r.r. Care Management recipient and Walk Ms Participant

We‘re committed to empowering you to live a healthy productive life. Our programs inform, support and offer the education you need to live well with MS.

Find local programs and support services to fit your needs: MSnorthwest.org

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Connecting you to the MS communityConnECtions

Self-Help Groups: Come together to share stories, ideas and inspiration. However you choose to participate—in person, over the phone or online—there’s a group for you.

MSconnection.org: An online social network where thousands of people support one another and explore the issues that shape your world. Get connected today at MSconnection.org

MS Friends: Call and speak directly with a peer. Whether you’re living with MS, or have a family member with MS, there’s someone who knows what you’re going through and is there with support.

Online Peer Support: Enjoy confidential, online conversations with someone sharing similar interests and life experiences as you.

stAy ConnECtEDfacebook.com/MSnorthwest.org

youtube.com/greaternorthwest

MSconnection.org

Supporting one another and exploring the issues that shape your world.

GEt stArtED1-800-344-4867Join or start a group, or connect with a peer today.

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Raising our collective voice to drive changeADvoCACy

Real people have a real impact on reforming legislation and the policies that affect our lives. Advocacy successes happen when people with MS speak out on issues important to them and progress in public policy is made when citizens and legislators work together to identify needs in their communities and to address them in a positive way.

Become an MS Activist and raise awareness about MS. Share your stories with our public officials and legislators, educating them about how legislation and funding impacts the MS community.

advocacy.MSnorthwest.orgWeMoveMS.blogspot.comtwitter.com/WeMoveMS#MSactivist

BE An Ms ACtivist1-800-344-4867

Creating legislative and regulatory changes that benefit people affected by MS.

The National MS Society is leading the movement in protecting the rights of people living with MS. Join us and raise your voice. Together we can make a difference. - Jonna Patton Ms Activist

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Pursuing promising researchrEsEArCh

The National MS Society mobilizes people and resources to move research forward by relentlessly pursuing prevention, treatment and a cure. Our goal for research is simple: stop disease progression, restore lost function and end MS forever.

Participate in the process: • Clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of new MS treatments• Surveys for the development of products for people with MS• Research studies related to scientific or health policy questions

Partnering with professionals: While we search for answers through research, the Society also partners with and educates healthcare professionals to improve access and quality of MS care right now through the Professional Resource Center.

No Opportunity Wasted.The National MS Society supports and funds research activities spanning ALL research stages. Our unique approach drives the pursuit of all promising avenues that can impact those living with multiple sclerosis. We must all be leaders in achieving our $250 million fundraising goal to move MS research further and faster than ever before.

Now is the time to make things happen. Join us.

nationalMSsociety.org/research

Accelerating progress to:

NOW. No Opportunity Wasted. Used with permission from NOW, Inc. and in partnership with Phil Keoghan, tireless advocate and MS Champion.

• Earlier treatment through faster more accurate means to diagnose MS

• The development of new approved disease-modifying therapies• Breakthroughs in identifying which genes are involved in MS

Generous funding, extensive collaboration and our commitment to research have resulted in immense progress:

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Passionate people moving toward a world free of MSvoLuntEEr

• Event support for Walk MS and Bike MS• MS Ambassadors• Self-Help Group leaders• Peer support online or by phone• Do It Yourself (DIY) event organizers• Administrative assistance • Internships • Professional opportunities• MS Activists and more!

Volunteers are the key to our accomplishments. Each volunteer plays an important role in the success of our events, programs and services.

Opportunities that meet your schedule, skills and interests.

We offer a wide range of opportunities:

17,8OO hOuRS

=TO THE GREATER NORTHWEST CHAPTER

Every year 1,98O volunteers contribute

9.7 Full-TIME EMPlOyEES

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Raising critical funds to move lives forwardPArtiCiPAtE & DonAtE

Thank you for my stairlift. I can go up and down stairs as much as I want! It used to take me 35 minutes to climb the stairs but now I can do it in less than a minute. Thank you for my newfound sense of freedom and independence and allowing me to enjoy my home again.

Mobilizing people who want to do something about MS now.

Sign up for one of our signature events or make a contribution at MSnorthwest.org.

- Belinda Bellis, Financial Assistance recipient

Your contributions help fund cutting-edge research, drive change through advocacy, facilitate professional education, and provide programs and services to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. Direct your giving to support your passion:

• Make a one-time or recurring gift • Leave a legacy through a bequest, annuity or other

planned gift• Participate in an event• Form a team or captain a table for one of our events• Ask your employer to become a corporate sponsor• Give to the Chapter through your workplace• Participate in corporate matching gift programs• Organize a DIY fundraiser with friends and family• Donate in-kind products and services• Give the gift of time – volunteer

Run MSSeattle 5K

Chapter Headquarters192 Nickerson St., Ste. 100Seattle, WA 98109206-284-4236

Inland Northwest Office25 W. Nora Ave., Ste. 100Spokane, WA 99205509-482-2022

Alaska Office3831 Piper St., Ste. S410Anchorage, AK 99508907-562-7347

Montana Office2047 Broadwater, Ste. 2Billings, MT 59102406-252-5927

MSnorthwest.org

1-800-344-4867

We have offices in Alaska, Montanaand Washington with professional staff who know your community. Get connected today.

S TAy C O N N E C T E d

We are a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS now—to move together toward a world free of multiple sclerosis.

Every year we help over 15,000 people living with MS and more than 90,000 others whose lives are directly impacted by the disease in Alaska, Northern Idaho, Montana and Washington move their lives forward. We raise funds locally to support the Society’s cutting-edge research and to provide comprehensive programs and support services for people living with MS, their family members, friends, employers, caregivers and healthcare professionals.