Save the Date: MS Day at the Capitol PAGE 9 Walk MS: Corporate Spotlight – Dillingham Insurance By Cristy Racy Walk MS features eight Walks throughout Oklahoma: Ardmore, Lawton, Oklahoma City and Tulsa Walks are in the spring, and Edmond, Enid, Muskogee and Stillwater Walks are held in the fall. In 2010, more than 4,100 participants, sponsors and volunteers Joined the Movement to help create a world free of MS. Walk MS events, especially in smaller cities, thrive on support from the local community. Dillingham Insurance in Enid, Okla. has been a major corporate sponsor for Walk MS Enid since it began in 1998, and stepped up to be the title sponsor since 2003. With a total of $21,250 contributed in sponsorship, Dillingham Insurance is a valued corporate partner of the National MS Society. Dillingham Insurance became involved with Walk MS because Kay and Dan Dillingham’s MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS FALL 2011 OKLAHOMA MS Style Movement PAGE 4 Celebrate Your Caregiver! PAGE 8 Uncorking the Cure for MS PAGE 5 Team Dillingham with Lori Dillingham Evans at Walk MS Enid 2010. CONTINUED PAGE 3
Transcript
Save the Date: MS Day at the Capitol PAGE 9
Walk MS: Corporate Spotlight – Dillingham Insurance By Cristy Racy
Walk MS features eight Walks throughout Oklahoma: Ardmore, Lawton, Oklahoma City and Tulsa Walks are in the spring, and Edmond, Enid, Muskogee and Stillwater Walks are held in the fall. In 2010, more than 4,100 participants, sponsors and volunteers Joined the Movement to help create a world free of MS.
Walk MS events, especially in smaller cities, thrive on support from the local community. Dillingham Insurance in Enid, Okla. has been a major corporate sponsor for Walk MS Enid since it began in 1998, and stepped up to be the title sponsor since 2003. With a total of $21,250 contributed in
sponsorship, Dillingham Insurance is a valued corporate partner of the National MS Society.
Dillingham Insurance became involved with Walk MS because Kay and Dan Dillingham’s
M OV I N G TOWA R D A W O R L D F R E E O F M S FA L L 2 0 1 1
O K L A H O M A
MS Style Movement PAGE 4
Celebrate Your Caregiver! PAGE 8
Uncorking the Cure for MS PAGE 5
Team Dillingham with Lori Dillingham Evans at Walk MS Enid 2010.
CONTINuED pAGE 3
Vice president’s ImpressionsDear Members,
Fall is our busiest business time of year. What’s our business? Trying to get out of business. Yes, we officially want to work our way out of business, but how can we do this? There is a new campaign aimed at doing just that, it’s called: NOW: An MS Research Revolution!
NOW (No Opportunity Wasted) is a 3 throng approach to ending MS forever.• Stop – we have to stop the disease activity and
prevent progression in people who already have MS.
• Restore – We must restore all function that has been lost due to myelin damage in the Central Nervous System
• End – We must eliminate MS forever and prevent it from ever occurring again in the future.
Our research fundraising goal is to raise $250 million for research by the end of 2015 and you can be part of this exciting campaign and become an MS Research Champion. All you have to do is:• Go to our website & click on the MS NOW page• Watch a New NOW research Video• Participate in a New online training - it’s short
and packed with knowledge• Become a Champion - you will receive an
electronic Champion certificate and a handy reference card.
Thank you for joining us in the revolution and in our vision to create a world free of multiple sclerosis. Together we can get this done and get on to other business.
Warm Regards,
Paula H. CortnerP.S. MS NOW. No Opportunity Wasted. Used with permission from NOW, Inc. and in partnership with Phil Keoghan, tireless advocate and MS Research Champion.
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MSCONNECTION is published by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Oklahoma, Building 7, Suite 103, 4606 E. 67th St., Tulsa, OK 74136-4950.
Tulsa Office 918-488-0882Outside Tulsa 800-344-4867Oklahoma City Office 405-488-1300Tulsa Fax 918-488-0913Oklahoma E-mailstaff’s first name.last [email protected] www.nationalmssociety.org/ok
Vice president • Paula H. CortnerCommunications Manager • Brandi DavidsonDirector of Development • Lucy FraserDevelopment Manager • Cristy RacyDevelopment Coordinator • Rachel KlendaDir. of programs & Services • Sharleen Dupeeprograms & Services Managers • Lisa Rutledge, Jennifer PhilpHealth Resource Advocate • Candace RichersonHealth Resource Assistant • Clayton Millerprograms & Services Coordinator • Donna BolainYouth programs Coordinator • B.J. McBrideFinance Manager • Denise AllenData Mgmt Coordinator • Lisa GrayNewsletter Editor • Brandi DavidsonNewsletter proofreader • Lisa Gray
Information provided by the Society is based upon professional advice, published experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic 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.
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NEWS
Scorching Summer Training prepares Cyclists for The Mother Road Ride Oklahoma’s best supported bicycle ride and largest fundraising event for the National MS Society pedaled out on a bright note on September 17 on the road to a cure.
The 26th Annual Bike MS Oklahoma: The Mother Road Ride, presented by Sam’s Club took place September 17-18. More than 600 participants and 120 volunteers took the slogan “Move it” to heart on this two-day, 140-mile test of endurance. The route followed historic Route 66 from Tulsa to Oklahoma City ending with a celebration at the State Capitol. Since its
inception in 1986 with an original roster of
daughter, Lori Dillingham Evans was diagnosed with MS while in college. Lori’s husband, Packy, also is an employee of Dillingham Insurance in Oklahoma City where he and Lori are active volunteers with the Society.
In 1999, Lori’s nephew Lucas, who was 4 years old at the time, began fundraising for Walk MS. In his first year he raised more than $1,000. To date, Lucas has raised nearly $39,000 for Walk MS Enid! Dillingham Insurance also supports the Women Against MS luncheon and Smarty Pants MS Trivia Night events in Oklahoma City.
We are proud to recognize the amazing contributions and support from Dillingham Insurance and the Dillingham family!
Fall Walk MS Events in Oklahoma:
Walk MS Enid: Saturday, Sept. 10Walk MS Stillwater: Saturday, Oct. 1Walk MS Muskogee: Saturday, Oct. 8Walk MS Edmond: Anytime, anywhere
Walk MS: Edmond is going VIRTUAL to create a world free of MS!
With a virtual event, YOU get to choose when and where to walk or simply choose not to walk. With both options, you STILL receive all the great benefits, tools and incentives of a typical Walk MS event.
Remember, you earn a commemorative t-shirt when you raise $100 for MS. If you don’t want to monkey around with Edmond’s virtual walk, take a walk on the wild side with your family and friends in spring 2012 and strut your stuff with an anticipated 2,500 walkers at Walk MS Oklahoma City at the Oklahoma City Zoo.
FROM pAGE 1
Bike MS volunteers along with Tulsa’s Channel 8 Charles Ely along the route.
CONTINuED pAGE 4
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NEWS
MS Style Movement at the Glass Slipper The 5th Annual MS Style Movement was held this past spring to benefit Bike MS. The fashion show was held at Glass Slipper’s new location in utica Square in Tulsa. The evening included food, drinks, shopping and featured a shoe fashion show emceed by KJRH Channel 2’s Sara Goldenberg. Shoe models who have a connection to MS wore the latest styles from Flirt, jewelry from J.Spencer Jewelry, and hair and makeup by Ihloff Salon and Day Spa. Special thanks to all who participated!
130 participants, this annual ride developed a reputation of spoiling its cyclists; helping it continuously grow. Final fundraising ends October 21, and we are well on our way to reaching the 2011 target of $500,000.
Riders departed downtown Tulsa covering 71 miles over rolling hills, countryside and encountering historic sites along Route 66. Day one ended in Chandler where great food and drink along with cheering family and volunteers greeted our cyclists. The party continued into the evening with a short program recognizing top fundraisers and dedicated volunteers.
After a hearty pancake breakfast, cyclists worked out the stiffness and began the 69-mile trek to Oklahoma City finishing in the shadow of the
Capitol Dome. Volunteers greeted each cyclist by with a commemorative medal around their neck as hundreds of family, friends and MS clients cheered their accomplishment.
The ride proved, once again, to be a taxing test of endurance, but pales in comparison to the daily challenges faced by those with MS. Deep appreciation goes out to everyone who helped make Bike MS Oklahoma: The Mother Road Ride a huge success in the quest for a world free from MS.
Information regarding Bike MS Oklahoma: The Mother Road Ride may be found online at bikeMSok.org. You may also call the National MS Society at 1-800-344-4867 (press 2) for information on local Bike MS rides.
FROM pAGE 3
The 5th Annual Smarty Pants Trivia Night was held on Thursday, Aug. 11 at the Oklahoma Heritage Center. Around 250 attendees enjoyed an evening of brain-numbing trivia questions, emceed by Brent Skarky with OklaVision TV.
Participants enjoyed a buffet provided by Johnny Carino’s, Yukon. Sponsors of the evening included Chesapeake Energy, Cox Communications, Skyline Media and UniFirst. Thanks to chairman Packy Evans and his committee including Taylor Brecher, Nichole Glover, Jamie Lathrop, Shelly Lindsay, Dan Mann and Laura Steen.
Congratulations go out to the 2011 Smarty Pants Trivia Champions, Sara and Jay Kyte and team.
Mark your calendar now for the next Smarty Pants Trivia Night scheduled for August 16, 2012. Contact [email protected] if you have an interest in joining the planning committee.
NEWS
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10th Annual uncorking the Cure for MS, a Fundraising SuccessThe 10th Annual Uncorking the Cure for MS was held Friday, Aug. 26 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Tulsa Historical Society. It was a decadent evening full of Calistoga Wine and a lavish display by Lambrusco’z! The Wall O’ Wine Pull and new Restaurant Gift Card Pull were huge successes bringing in over $3,000! With a wildly successful live and silent auction and through ticket and poster sales, the event in total has raised over $104,000 for the National MS Society! Thank you to our patrons and all who contributed to making this event a record-breaking success!
Special Thanks to the fabulous event committee members and Uncorking Chairs: Debbie and David Carder, Patron Chairs: John and Lori Cowen and Winemasters: Tom and Melanie Tate and David & Suzan Wadley! If you would like to purchase a limited 10th Annual Uncorking the Cure for MS poster ($25), please contact Rachel Klenda at 918-488-0882 ext. 35124 or [email protected].
5th Annual Smarty pants Trivia Night
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NEWS
By James Black
Even in uncertain economic times, volunteerism is thriving in the South Central United States.According to a comprehensive Volunteering in America report released in August from the Corporation for National and Community Service, Oklahoma is the top state in the region, with an average volunteer rate of nearly 30%. It is followed by New Mexico (26.2%), Texas (23.8%), Louisiana (21.9%) and Arkansas (21.4%). Utah is the top state in the union with a volunteerism rate of 44.5%.
National ResultsMore than 62 million Americans on average volunteered 8.1 billion hours in 2010. The median number of hours served per volunteer rose from 50 in 2009 to 52 in 2010. According to the report, the total estimated value of volunteer service in 2010 was $173 billion, based on the average value of a volunteer hour, which was estimated at $21.36 last year.
It was noted that members of Generation X – those born between 1965 and 1981 – have more than doubled their volunteer rate since 1989. In 1989, 12.3% of this group volunteered with an organization; by 2010, the rate had increased to nearly 30%.
Across the United States, volunteers are helping organizations – particularly nonprofit agencies such as the National MS Society – serve the country’s most vulnerable citizens. As nonprofit organizations continue facing budget challenges and fewer resources, the contributions made by volunteers become more vital than ever.
Most volunteers nationally devoted their time to fundraising efforts (26.5%), followed by collecting or distributing food (23.5%) and general labor (20.3%).
On a national level, people volunteered most often with religious organizations (35%), followed by educational facilities (26.7%) and social service groups (14%).
Geographically, most U.S. volunteers in 2010 lived in rural areas (27.9%), narrowly outdoing those in the suburbs (27.5%) and outpacing residents in urban centers (22.9%).
South Central States ResultsWhen examining volunteerism for residents in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, the Lone Star State was the only one in which fundraising was not the top volunteer activity. Collecting and distributing food (25.7%) was the top job for Texas volunteers, followed closely by fundraising at 24.9%.
Mirroring the national trend, state volunteers chose to help religious organizations (a range of 38-43% across the five states), followed by educational and social service groups.
Geographically, those in Texas’ suburban and rural markets were nearly neck-and-neck. More than 25% of Lone Star volunteers lived in the suburbs, with 24.9% in rural communities and 22.3% in urban markets.
Across all five South Central states, however, rural volunteers contributed the most hours, ranging from 52 hours in Arkansas to 72 hours in Oklahoma. In Texas, rural volunteers worked an average of 64 hours, compared with 56 suburban hours and 48 city hours.
City ComparisonsIn the five South Central States, Oklahoma had the top two volunteer rates per city: Oklahoma City (32.1%) and Tulsa (31%). The remaining top 10 South Central cities based on volunteer rates were Dallas (27.7%); Albuquerque, N.M. (26.7%);
Volunteers Answer the Call to Help Their Communities
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Baton Rouge, La. (25.6%); Little Rock, Ark. (25.3%); New Orleans, La. (24.4%); Austin (24%); San Antonio (22.5%); and Houston (22.5%).
Fundraising was the top volunteer activity in Austin; El Paso; Lafayette, La; Little Rock; New Orleans; Oklahoma City; and Tulsa. The collection, distribution and serving of food was the top job for volunteers in Baton Rouge, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, while tutoring was the top activity for Albuquerque, N.M. and Fayetteville, Ark. volunteers.
Wherever they call home, South Central volunteers are making powerful differences in their communities.
Visit www.VolunteeringinAmerica.gov to read the complete volunteering report.
Learn more about volunteering locally with the National MS Society and helping persons living with MS in your community. Visit www.volunteerMS.org or call 1-800-344-4867 (press 2).
James Black is the editor of MSConnection and a Strategic Communications Specialist in the Society’s Houston office. He can be reached at [email protected]
NEWS
Balanced Care In The Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
The VA Center of Excellence and Oklahoma City VA Medical Center are offering a professional education and patient education program in October!
Mark your calendar and
spread the word!
Friday, October 28, 2011 • 8:30am - 4:30pm
Sheraton Downtown, Oklahoma City1 North Broadway Ave.Oklahoma City, OK
FREE Registration and Parking
CME: 6 Hours (Awaiting Approval)
For additional information on this program please contact Jaimie Henry at 800-949-1004 EXT. 53296 or [email protected]
*Target Audience: Residents, Fellows, Nurses, Social Workers, Therapists, Psychologists, and Allied Health Trainees
Saturday, October 29, 2011 • 9am - 2:30pm
Sheraton Downtown, Oklahoma City1 North Broadway Ave.Oklahoma City, OK
FREE Registration and ParkingWorkshop Topics include: Complimentary & Alternative Therapies for MS, Treating Fatigue and Enhancing Mobility, Wellness & MS, Bowel & Bladder Management, Veteran Benefits and Community Resources.Registration for this program is required. Please call 800-949-1004 EXT. 53296 or email [email protected]; and leave a detailed message including your name, number attending, guest names, address, phone and email.
Who should attend? If you have multiple sclerosis or are a family member or caregiver of someone with MS, you should attend this FREE workshop!!!
pATIENT EDuCATION pROGRAMpROFESSIONAL EDuCATION pROGRAM
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pROGRAMS
By Sharleen Dupee
The National MS Society supports the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) in their efforts to recognize family caregivers through our endorsement and recognition of November as National Family Caregivers (NFC) Month. This is a nationally recognized time set aside every year to thank, support, educate and celebrate more than 50 million family caregivers across the country!
Many families and individuals are caregivers to a loved one. These caregivers can be sons, daughters, parents, spouse, siblings, other relatives or even a friend of the person needing assistance. According to the NFCA, the service provided by Family Caregivers represents 80% of all home care services, which is conservatively valued at $375 billion a year.
The National MS Society knows that being a Caregiver is a huge responsibility that comes with joy, frustration as well as sacrifices and we want to give something back to Caregivers who have given so much, and given up so much to
support others. To help us do this, please submit the name of your Caregiver that you would like us to recognize by registering for the program at 1-800-344-4867, option 1, by October 26, 2011.
Celebrate Your Caregiver! November is National Family Caregiver Month
Couple’s Retreat in August a Huge Success
Couples from Oklahoma and North Texas enjoyed the 8 Hours to a Lifetime of Relationship Satisfaction Couple’s Retreat at the Winstar World Casino in Thackerville, OK, August 5 & 6.
Have you heard about the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Scholarship Program? If not, here is what you need to know.
Highly qualified high school seniors who have been diagnosed with MS or who have a parent with MS are eligible for the National MS Society’s scholarship program. Additional criteria include financial need, academic record, participation in school or community activities, and an essay (written by the applicant) on the impact of MS on his or her life. Awards range from $1,000–$3,000 and a small number of four-year awards are offered. Applications for 2012 scholarships will be accepted (online only) between October 1, 2011, and January 13, 2012. For more info, visit nationalmssociety.org/scholarship or call us at 800-344-4867.
The deadline to submit applications is January 13, 2012. We encourage students to apply early. It takes time to complete the application, obtain recommendations and mail in the requested backup documentation. The online system closes on January 13 at 11:59 p.m., central time, however, ACT customer support will not be available after 5:00 p.m., and late applications will not be accepted.
In 2011, the National MS Society, Oklahoma awarded 11 students with scholarships totaling $11,000.
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pROGRAMS2012 Scholarship program Will Soon Be underway
Save the Date! MS Day at the Capitol – Feb. 28, 20122nd floor Rotunda10 a.m. – Orientation11 a.m. – Legislator VisitsNoon – Lunch with Legislators1-3 p.m. – House & Senate Chamber Visits
MS Advocate George Black at the Capitol in 2011
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LIVING WITH MS
WALK THIS WAY: USING WALKING POLES
Potential toolsin the walkingarsenal thatpeople withMS might wantto considerare walkingpoles. These areadjustable-lengthski pole–likeshafts made ofvery light metal(such as titanium,carbon fiber oraluminum) withhandles (calledgrips). Manyhave adjustable
wrist straps and tips designed for walking onflat, steep or rugged terrain. Because they areused in pairs, poles—which lie between a caneand a walker on the continuum of assistivedevices—offer increased balance, steadinessand support, according to Sue Kushner, PT,MS, associate professor of Physical Therapy,Slippery Rock University, Penn., who has spentmuch of her career working with people whohave MS. “You can move a little faster, becausebilateral support gives more stability andspeed,” she said.
Studies suggest that poles reduce the force onjoints and help distribute the body’s weightbetter, meaning less work for the legs, knees,
feet, hip and back. Less stress on the lowerbody translates into less fatigue, a frequentsymptom of MS.
“If you use poles instead of a cane, you mayconserve energy,” Kushner said.
Jayah Faye Paley grew up in Florida, andwhen she moved to northern California in her30s, took up mountain hiking. She found she“didn’t have the natural footing of people whogrew up with it.” She does not have MS.
(Continued on next page.)
Pole primer
“Talk to your physical therapist before you try them,” physical therapist Sue Kushner cautioned. Then choose poles based on your height, weight, hand size, issues (balance, for example) and your fitness or mobility goals.
“Make sure they’re the proper height—about waist level, a little higher than a cane—and a comfortable weight. If you’re using them all day, you do care about their weight, especially if you have any weakness in your wrist muscles,” Kushner added.
One drawback is that you can’t carry much with poles in both hands. However,a backpack is one possible solution.
Good poles cost about $90 to $140 and should last a lifetime.
Courtesy of Jayah Faye Paley,www.PolesForMobility.com
One day she met a fellow using poles, whowas, she said, “poetry in motion on the trail.”She was so taken with both him (they marriedin 2003) and the poles that she made a careerof teaching people to use them optimally.An ACE-certified personal trainer, Paley hascreated two training DVDs, including onefor people with mobility challenges. “Withminimal training—usually less than an hour—you can walk more fluidly and with a naturalpattern because you recruit and strengthen themuscles that support and elongate the spine,”she said.
Other benefits, Paley added, are confidenceand focus. “You are walking for exercise,not just strolling—the poles are consistentreminders to move better.”
WALKERS: WHAT’S YOURBAD WEATHER PLAN?
If walking is your favorite exercise, now is the time to plan ahead so winter doesn’t disrupt your regimen. Sue Kushner, PT,MS, recommends the following:
• In snowy or icy weather, avoid walking outdoors—even to take Fido out. Asudden tug on a slick sidewalk can send you flying. “Even a little fall can really set you back,” Kushner said. “If you twist an ankle or tear a ligament, it can lay you up for a couple of months, plus you’ll have to do rehab. If you’re already weak, it might even put you into a wheelchair.”
• Consider instead the great indoors! Mall-walking. Nearby gyms or YMCAs. Someoffer monthly memberships that you can use during winter weather. Publicschools or colleges. Call to find out if they are open to walkers in the evening.
• Consider using a walking device for extra assistance when it’s cold.
• Always choose supportive footwear with a good tread.
• Take advantage of clear days to get out; look for parks where walking paths have been cleared.
• Depending on your balance and skill level, cross-country skiing or ice skating can be fun and challenging ways to take advantage of winter weather.
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 visitwww.nationalMSsociety.org/knowledge.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT®
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LIVING WITH MS
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NATIONAL NEWS
PEDIATRIC MS STUDIESRECEIVE FEDERALSUPPORT
The Society’snetwork ofPediatric MSCenters has beenawarded a five-year grant fromthe NationalInstitutes ofHealth to studygenetic andenvironmentalrisk factors forMS in childrenwith the disease.The study willenroll childrenand teens withMS and matchedcontrols withoutMS for a singlevisit to one of 10centers aroundthe country—
in California, New York, Massachusetts,Alabama, Minnesota, Texas, Pennsylvania andWashington. Four new centers are part of thisproject in addition to the six created withsupport from the Society’s Promise: 2010campaign. To learn more about the studyincluding referral information, please [email protected] or call 415-514-2476. For more information about pediatricMS, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/pediatricMS.
CCSVI STUDIES—ONE-YEAR UPDATEThe first-year progress reports from sevenSociety-funded studies of CCSVI, or chroniccerebrospinal venous insufficiency, werereleased July 14, 2011. The research teamsreport being on track in collecting objectiveand comprehensive data. The studies werelaunched with a more than $2.4 millioncommitment from the MS Society of Canadaand the National MS Society.
The research teams have recruited a broadspectrum of people with and without MS.Already more than 486 people have beenscanned using various imaging technologies.Only by refining imaging methods caninvestigators more reliably validate if a personactually has CCSVI and better understand itsrelationship to the MS disease process.
The full results, to be released aftercompletion, will help guide future steps,including the development of clinical trialsto test whether treating CCSVI is safe andeffective for people with MS.
In the meantime, several of the teams willpresent preliminary results at medicalmeetings later this year. To read more aboutthe studies and to get the news of results, visitwww.nationalMSsociety.org/ccsvi.
NE S
Children with MS attendChamp Camp, held at Camp ForAll in Burton, Tex. Photo: ChaseShull Artisan Portrait Studios,courtesy of the South CentralRegion.
Get the latest!
Visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/signup to sign up for monthly MS eNEWS.
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NATIONAL NEWSRESEA
RCH
SOCIETY PRESIDENTAND CEO JOYCE NELSONTO RETIRE
After 28 years with the National MS Society, and seven as its president and CEO, Joyce Nelson is retiring as of October 1, 2011. “Although the time has come for me to formally pass the
torch of leadership to another, my love for this work and for the people with whom I’ve served will never fade,” she said. “People living with MS have touched my life every day for the past 28 years, providing inspiration for the importantwork to be done. When the final answers are found and the race is won, I can assure you that I will be there with you to celebrate a world free of MS.”
Nelson began her Society career in 1983 as a READaTHON coordinator in the NorthernCalifornia Chapter and rose through chapter and national leadership positions to become the Society’s president and CEO in 2004.
Among her many accomplishments, Nelson:
• Founded Fast Forward, a research subsidiary ofthe National MS Society that supports clinicalresearch and fast-tracks clinical trials of MStherapies and treatments;
• Established six pediatric MS Centers ofExcellence;
• Created the MS Navigator™ program to providepersonal assistance to people with MS;
• Expanded the Society’s fellowship program to
find and support young scientists doing essentialMS research;
• Increased the Society’s advocacy efforts throughthe establishment of the MS Caucus in Congress;
• Inaugurated financial assistance programs in allSociety chapters; and
• Expanded the nationwide scholarship program.
“I know you will join me in wishing Joyce Nelsonand her family all the best as they enter this newphase of their lives,” said Thomas Kuhn, chair ofthe National Board of Directors of the NationalMS Society.
LIVE FULLY, LIVE WELL – THE HOLISTIC APPROACHTO MSA new multimedia wellness program, acollaboration between the Society and Can DoMS, launched this June. Called Live Fully, LiveWell, it is designed for people with MS and theirsupport partners, and deals with a wide range oftopics covering health, relationships and qualityof life. Through December 2011, Live Fully,Live Well is offering in-person workshops,videos, and monthly webinars presented byphysical and occupational therapists, MS nurseeducators, dietitians and other MS experts. TheJune and July webinars are already archivedon the National MS Society website and canbe accessed at any time. All the subsequentwebinars will be available on the Society’swebsite shortly after the program’s air date. Fordetails and schedules from August on, log onto www.nationalMSsociety.org and searchfor “live fully live well.” To register for in-personworkshops, call Can Do MS at 1-800-367-3101,or email [email protected].
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ADVOCACY
UP-TO-DATE FAQSON THE AFFORDABLECARE ACTTo help people with MS understand the PatientProtection and Affordable Care Act, or ACA,signed into law March 2010, the Society regularlyupdates Frequently Asked Questions on itswebsite at www.nationalMSsociety.org/ACAFAQ.
On this page, people can find answers toquestions like: What if I am about to lose myCOBRA coverage? Can children with pre-existingconditions get coverage? Does the law limitlifetime or annual caps on individual coverage?What are “Health Insurance Exchanges”? Canprivate insurance companies cancel my policy?What about long-term care? When will the“donut hole” in Medicare Part D phase out?
The FAQs also explore the regulations pertainingto the ACA provisions, as well as legal challengesthe ACA faces. In addition, there are many links tofact sheets and useful websites that provide morein-depth information on specific issues.
As various provisions of the ACA kick in overthe next few years, the Society will continueproviding up-to-date information and links.
NEW ADA RULESMore than 20 years after the enactment ofthe Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),noteworthy changes went into effect March2011. These demonstrate a continuedcommitment to realizing the full potential of theADA and to properly enforcing civil rights ofpeople living with disabilities.
The definition of“disability” hadbeen selectivelynarrowed over theyears. Now, theEqual EmploymentOpportunityCommission’snew regulation isclear. Disabilityis defined as aphysical or mentalimpairment thatsubstantially limitsone or more majorlife activities,regardless if thedisability is inremission.
Multiple sclerosis will almost always meet the“disability” criteria because MS limits a major lifeactivity (namely, neurological function).
The revised regulations also adopt the 2010Standards for Accessible Design, settingminimum requirements for new construction oralterations of facilities of some 80,000 state andlocal governments and of more than seven millionpublic places, including stores, restaurants, hotels,malls, libraries, museums, sports arenas, theaters,medical offices, polling places and emergencypreparedness centers.
Learn more at www.ada.gov. Also visit theADA National Network at www.adata.orgor call 1-800-949-4232 for information andtraining on how to implement the ADA in ourarea.
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Self-Help Groups include persons with MS, spouses, adult family members and friends. Please call the group leader or community contact for information.
Please call the noted group leader or community contact for further details or information.
National Conference is Nov. 2 – 4Persons with MS and volunteers from across the United States will take part in the National MS Society’s 2011 National Conference in Dallas on Nov. 2 – 4. The conference offers opportunities to hear about research and personal stories from those committed to a world free of MS. Details on conference location, registration, applicable fees and more are available online at www.nationalMSsociety.org or by calling 1-800-344-4867 (press 1).
Individuals interested in being considered for nomination to the South Central Board of Trustees should submit a letter of interest and a biography, along with name, mailing address, email address and phone number.
Nominees will be notified of board member expectations, responsibilities, fiduciary and time commitments. Final candidates will be interviewed by a member of the Governance Committee.
Nominations for the Board of Trustees must be submitted by Nov. 15, 2011 to:
Mark NeagliNational MS Society8111 N. Stadium Drive, Ste. 100Houston, TX 77054
Nominees for Board of Trustees Now Being Accepted
NON-PROFITORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGEPAID
Tulsa, OKPermit # 157
Oklahoma ChapterNational Multiple Sclerosis Society4606 East 67th Street, Suite 103Tulsa, OK 74136
CHANGE SERVICEREQUESTED
POSTAL CARRIER – DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DO NOT DELAY
October1 Walk MS: Stillwater8 Walk MS: Muskogee Walk MS Edmond - Anytime
November National Caregiver Month 2-4 National Conference
December1 pACE Holiday party4 ATOMS Holiday party
Save the Date
October 21, 2011Gaillardia Golf & Country Club6 – 10 p.m. Proceeds Will Benefit Multiple
