South Okanagan-Similkameen MS Chapter August 2016 1
NEWSLETTER
Would you like to get
news from the MS Society
more often? Follow the
Multiple Sclerosis Society of
Canada on Facebook, and
sign up for our Chapter’s
e-News to stay updated
on events, seminars, and
other MS news in the
southern Okanagan region.
Sign up for e-News by
sending an email to bc-
In This Issue A & W Burgers to
Beat MS
Sip Savor and Cycle
Muck MS BC
MS Benefit Concert
MS Walk Photos
Pain B.C.
And much more!
MS Society South Okanagan - Similkameen Chapter Newsletter Summer 2016
South Okanagan - Similkameen Chapter Box 21125
Penticton BC, V2A 8K8 Telephone: 250-493-6564
South Okanagan-Similkameen MS Chapter August 2016 2
Sip, Savor and Cycle in the Okanagan
Grape Escape
Enjoy wine, food, and fantastic views all for a good cause!
The Scotiabank MS Bike – Okanagan Grape Escape is a two-day cycling
fundraiser that will have you traveling over 100km and sampling some of the
area’s finest exports.
Discover why the Okanagan is celebrated worldwide for its wine and fresh fruit
first hand as you bike through scenic Kelowna and West Kelowna.
By registering and collecting donations, you’re supporting the MS Society of
Canada’s mission to improve the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis.
Registration includes: a marked and mapped route; emergency bike mechanical
support; first aid support; rest stops with water, wine, and snacks; purchase
shuttle service (so you don’t have to carry your purchases); and breakfast and
lunch for two days. Participants are asked to raise a minimum of $350 in order to
participate, and cover the difference if this is not achieved by September 17th.
Your fundraising efforts could earn you rewards like an MS Bike jersey, shorts,
and gift cards. An invitation to attend and participate in the Tour of Champions
will also be awarded to participants who meet certain fundraising objectives.
While the prizes are attractive, nothing will be as rewarding as knowing you are
actively helping to end MS.
Cyclists of all abilities are welcome to join, and any bike is suitable for this ride.
The landscape of the Okanagan Valley can prove challenging at times, so some
experience is recommended. Our awesome volunteers have organized several
training rides and a guide to help you prepare for ride weekend.
If you’d prefer to ditch the two wheels for two legs, consider becoming a
volunteer. There are lots of opportunities to help out!
For more information about how to get involved in the Scotiabank MS Bike –
Okanagan Grape Escape contact Jillian Earl at 250-762-5850, toll free 1-800-
268-7582 ext. 7582 or [email protected].
SOUTH OKANAGAN-SIMILKAMEEN MS CHAPTER August 2016 2
MS Newsletter is
published by the
Multiple Sclerosis
Society of Canada,
South Okanagan /
Similkameen
Chapter.
We welcome your
submissions.
Editor: Jo-Ann MacDonald
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.
The MS Society of
Canada is an
independent,
voluntary health
agency and does not
approve, endorse or
recommend any
specific product or
therapy but provides
information to
assist individuals in
making their own
decisions.
South Okanagan-Similkameen MS Chapter August 2016 3 SOUTH OKANAGAN-SIMILKAMEEN MS CHAPTER August 2016 3
Team Muck MS BC
Here’s your chance to Muck the West Coast…
Seriously, the WHOLE West Coast!
For the 2016 season, we are happy to provide a
fundraising platform for muckers attending Mud
Runs in all areas of BC and the Yukon.
Register for any mud run of your choosing and then
create a fundraising page through Team Muck MS BC at www.teammuckmsbc.ca.
Muckers who raise our suggested minimum of $250, online and one week prior to their chosen
event, will have a Team Muck MS BC T-shirt sent to them!
If you’re in the Lower Mainland on August 16th 2016 you can join in Rugged Maniac at the
Cloverdale Fairgrounds, Surrey BC. Suggested heats for Team Muck MS BC’ers to run together
– 10:45am, 11:15am, 11:30am, or 11:45am.
At Ruggested Maniac, MS Society Staff will be on site at the Team Muck MS BC booth. Muck-
ers will be able to get before and after shots as well as t-shirts for top fundraisers! Use promo
code RUGGEDMS to receive the Team Muck MS BC $10 discount at Rugged Maniac. When
you register using this code, Rugged Maniac will also be donating $5 back to the Multiple Scle-
rosis Society!
In the Thompson-Okanagan Area - Sun Peaks will be hosting the Spartan Race on September
24th and 25th and The Freakin’ Farmer is happening in Oliver on September 24 th.
Find a full list of Muck events online at:
www.teammuckmsbc.ca
For more information please contact our Team Muck MS BC Coordinator
[email protected] or 1-800-268-7582 ext. 7250.
South Okanagan-Similkameen MS Chapter August 2016 4
Friday October 7 - 7:30pm B&B for the MS Society at the Frank
Venables Theatre, 6100 Gala St, Oliver, BC
The Legendary Blues and Boogie Woogie piano
master Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne is hailed by
LIVING BLUES magazine as “an artist bringing the
piano back to the front ranks of contemporary
Blues.” This 2006 Juno Award winner was raised in
New Orleans and his powerful music recalls the era
when piano players like Fats Domino worked the
“strolls” in dozens of American cities. Resplendent in
one of his many multi-hued, French, custom-tailored
stage suits, he’s a throwback to the golden age of
classic rhythm and blues. Wayne is a soulful vocalist
and an electrifying performer - a cross between Fats
Domino and Professor Longhair.
This concert is sure to be a Wine Festival highlight
and all proceeds will go directly to the South Okanagan Similkameen Chapter of the MS Society.
Come early and enjoy a glass of Road 13 wine which will be available for purchase, or enjoy a glass
during intermission or after the concert when you can mingle with Kenny and his incredibly
talented band.
Opening the show is Oliver duo Corrie Adolph and Stephane Desilets, better known as Mountainview Drive. Stephane’s father died from complications of MS when he was a boy. This husband and wife group perform classic harmonies from the 1940s to the 1960’s and they will be accompanied by two other local musicians from the band Wined It Up.
All over North America and Europe, Kenny’s concerts sell out quickly, so buy your tickets early!
Tickets for Thrill on Blueberry Hill are $35 and are available at venablestheatre.ca, on the Wine Festival website, at Beyond Esthetics (6250 Main St, Oliver, BC), and by calling Corrie Adolph at 778-439-2276.”
MS Benefit Concert - Oliver BC
Thrill on Blueberry Hill A Fats Domino Musical Tribute Featuring
Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne and band.
South Okanagan-Similkameen MS Chapter August 2016 5 SOUTH OKANAGAN-SIMILKAMEEN MS CHAPTER August 2016 5
2016 Scotiabank MS Walk
Scotiabank MS Walk a Great
Success The Scotiabank MS Walk in Penticton on Sunday, May 15th was a great success. With 110 registered participants, and the sun shining, over $33,800 was raised for MS research, and programs and services to help people living with MS to improve their quality of life. A real highlight was walking along the beautiful lake shore. The incredible volunteers, and overwhelming team spirit really make the day something special. We want to send a big thank-you to everyone that supported the Scotiabank MS Walk this year: participants, donors, volunteers, and sponsors alike. If you would like to register now for the 2017 Scotiabank MS Walk you can at www.mswalks.ca. To see photos from the 2016 Penticton MS Walk please visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/mssociety_bcyukon/albums. Top Fundraiser was Gloria Vermeulen with $9,200. Top Team was Team Buy Low Foods Oliver/ Osoyoos with $9,200. Largest Team was Team MacDonald with 16 members.
South Okanagan-Similkameen MS Chapter August 2016 6
MS Wellness Session
Our next session will be on Thursday,
September 8th, 10:30 a.m. to noon in
Meeting Room 2 of the Penticton
Community Centre. Our guest speaker
will be a representative from the
Penticton & Area Access Society. The
society provides assistance with
problems with your landlord, income
assistance, disability applications,
employment insurance, abuse, food,
getting legal information, debts, family,
health and income taxes. For more
information, check out their website at:
https://accesscentre.org/
Penticton Community Center
SOUTH OKANAGAN-SIMILKAMEEN MS CHAPTER August 2016 6
Pain Related Distress: Recognition
and Appropriate Intervention Co-
Hosted by Pain BC & Canadian
Institute for Relief of Pain &
Disability
September 20, 2016 - 8:30am
PDT
Tamar Pincus, PhD-Professor in
Health Psychology, Royal Holloway,
University of London
Dr. Tamar Pincus will discuss new
research about the differences
between depression and pain-
related distress in people with
chronic pain. Register Now
Pain BC Website
For those with chronic pain, the
Pain BC is a great resource. https://
www.painbc.ca/ The Pain BC
toolbox has resources on many
topics such as getting help,
improving sleep, and pain
management. To access the tool kit,
click here.
South Okanagan-Similkameen MS Chapter August 2016 7
Upcoming webinars
SOUTH OKANAGAN-SIMILKAMEEN MS CHAPTER August 2016 7
Coping as a Caregiver: It takes
Brains, Heart and Courage
Wednesday August 24th 3:30 -4:30
pm PST
Coping as a caregiver for a
chronically ill family member can
be challenging physically and
mentally. The circumstances may
leave you as the family caregiver
feeling frustrated, overwhelmed,
buried deep, perhaps seeing no
way out. You may feel like
Dorothy did in the movie The
Wizard of Oz. She got swept away
from her home in a tornado,
having to cope with many
challenges on her quest to see the
Wizard so he could help her
return home. Throughout her
quest, Dorothy was losing hope she
would ever get home. As a family
caregiver you may feel hopeless
since your "home" is not as it once
was and will not be the same
again.
At the end of the movie, Dorothy
was told that she had the power all
along to get herself home. Dorothy
ended up using her own resources,
her ruby slippers and they got her
home. In this presentation, you
will be introduced to a means for
you, as a family caregiver to utilize
your own resources so you may
cope better and feel more at
"home".
To help improve coping ability,
you will gain insight into
Different styles of coping
Three elements of a strength-
enhancing coping regimen
1. The pivotal role that loss plays
in the care giving experience
2. A self-monitoring coping tool
for addressing loss and adversity
to apply in following the coping
regimen
3. For more information, or to
register, please click here
Anxiety in Others: Helping People Cope September 21, 2016 @ 400-5:30 pm (PST)
Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life.
However, people with anxiety disorders frequently have
intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about
everyday situations. Often, anxiety disorders involve re-
peated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and
fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic at-
tacks).
These feelings of anxiety and panic interfere with daily
activities, are difficult to control, are out of proportion to
the actual danger and can last a long time.
In this webinar, hosted by VHA Home HealthCare you
will discover:
How to recognize the signs of anxiety
The nature and causes of anxiety
Useful tools to help others manage their anxiety
Community resources you can tap into.
Link for more information or to register
October 11, 2016, 8 – 9:15 p.m. Eastern Time
Together in MS: Supporting Family and Friends of People
with MS
Presented by Rosalind Kalb, Ph.D &
Juliann Hanson-Zlatev, OTR
Multiple sclerosis not only affects the person with MS, but it also
impacts all those who care about and provide support for the
person living with the disease. Anyone in this important role
experiences a variety of emotions and concerns when adapting
to the challenges MS brings to their lives. This webinar will
provide a unique opportunity for support partners and the per-
son living with MS to adopt skills, strategies, and tools needed
to live together fully with this chronic, unpredictable dis-
ease. Read more and register.
South Okanagan-Similkameen MS Chapter August 2016 8
Disclosing Disability The Disability Alliance just released this excellent publication on
Disclosing Disability, for those thinking of disclosing their
disability to their employer.
http://www.disabilityalliancebc.org/docs/disclosureguide.pdf?
LanguageID=EN-US
SOUTH OKANAGAN-SIMILKAMEEN MS CHAPTER August 2016 8
Volunteer with the Friendly Visitor Program
The South Okanagan-
Similkameen Chapter will
be offering a Friendly
Visitor program, and we
are recruiting volunteers.
The program is designed
to help reduce social
isolation that people with
MS living in community
care facilities may be
experiencing.
Visits will take place at
various community care
facilities throughout the
S o u t h O k a n a g a n -
Simi lkameen region.
Following the completion
of a volunteer application,
and proper screening, the
volunteer will receive a
thorough Friendly Visiting
orientation. Once the
orientation is complete,
the volunteer will be
trained and matched with
a person with MS.
For more information,
please contact Sherry
Wezner, Programs and
Services Coordinator at
250-493-6564 or e-mail
sherry.wezner@mssociety.
ca
More webinars... November 8, 2016, 8 – 9:15 p.m. Eastern Time
Diet and Multiple Sclerosis: A Neurologist’s Perspective
The Paleolithic Diet. The Mediterranean Diet. The McDougall
Diet. The Swank Diet. With so many diets being promoted, it is
hard to fully understand each of their nutritional benefits, possi-
ble deficiencies, and effects on multiple sclerosis. In addition to
explaining the impacts that our diet has on MS and offering evi-
dence around some popular dietary strategies, Dr. Bhargava will
answer your questions and guide you to make healthy eating
choices that will benefit you and your MS!
Did you miss a previous webinar?
You can still watch it in our webinar archive!.
Pavan Bhargava, MD
South Okanagan-Similkameen MS Chapter August 2016 9
TENS Seen as Low Cost and Accessible Way to Ease
Spasticity in MS Patients by Özge Özkaya, PhD
SOUTH OKANAGAN-SIMILKAMEEN MS CHAPTER August 2016 9
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) might be an option to treat spasticity, one of the more common symptoms of
multiple sclerosis (MS), according to a literature review conducted by researchers from Universidad de Castilla la Mancha, Toledo,
and Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos de Toledo, both in Spain.
The study “Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for spasticity: A systematic review” was published in the Spanish scientific journal Neurologia.
Although it is difficult to assess and compare results obtained in different studies because of the great variability in the types of stimulation used, along with differences in parame-
ters and variables, TENS may still be a valid option to reduce spasticity and pain in multiple sclerosis thanks to its low cost, ease of use, and absence of adverse side effects, according to various reviews.
Direct experimental studies with appropriate controls may be required to objectively deter-mine the effectiveness of TENS in multiple sclerosis. In addition, it will be necessary to op-
timize the parameters to be used in order to obtain the best results.
Two independent researchers from the team led by Dr. Gómez-Soriano, director of the Physiotherapy Investigation Group, searched three well-known databases (PubMed,
Cochrane, and PEDro) for randomized clinical trials, published before May 2015, that addressed the effects of TENS on spasticity.
Although 96 studies were found, researchers were only able to analyze 10 of them because
the other 85 did not meet the inclusion criteria set by the team. The 10 articles selected in-cluded data from 207 patients who had a cerebrovascular accident — 84 of whom had mul-
tiple sclerosis, and 39 with spinal cord lesions.
The studies showed that TENS might be effective in reducing spasticity in all these cases.
“In light of our results, we recommend TENS as a treatment for spasticity,” the authors, Jordi Serrano-Muñoz, Juan Avendaño Coy, Julio Gómez-Soriano, and E. Fernández-Tenorio,
wrote.
TENS is a therapy that aims to relieve pain by delivering low-voltage electrical current to the body. It may be used to treat sudden (acute) pain, such as women going through la-
bor, or long-lasting chronic pain that can be caused by neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis.
The electrical signals delivered by TENS travel along nerve pathways and result in some people experiencing less pain. Previous research has shown that TENS might also help with spasticity in multiple sclerosis.
https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/2016/08/03
South Okanagan-Similkameen MS Chapter August 2016 10
1421 - First documented case of MS: Lidwina of
Schiedam
1860- 1930’s - First studies of myelin and glial cells in
brain tissue, Discovery that myelin is produced by
oligodendrocyteglial cells.
- First correlation of MS clinical symptoms with central
nervous system pathology & attempts to treat MS.
1940 - 1980’s - National MS Society launched (US)
- Van Island MS Society launched
- Society funds first major survey of MS in the U.S. and
Canada
- Society-convened panel of experts develops precise
criteria for diagnosing MS
1981 - MRI first used to examine a person living with
MS
1990’s - Betaseron® Copaxone® Rebif® and Avonex®
approved by Health Canada
- Canadian researchers find gene linkage to MS
susceptibility
- Multiple Sclerosis Scientific Research Foundation
(MSSRF) funds Canadian Collaborative
Project on Genetic Susceptibility in MS
2004 - Link between vitamin D and the reduced risk of
MS identified
2008 - Dr. Paolo Zamboni identifies a possible
association between chronic cerebrospinal venous
insufficiency (CCSVI) and MS
2010 - MS Society and the National MS Society (USA)
commit over $2.4 million to support seven new research
projects focusing on CCSVI and its relationship to MS
- Nuedexta and Botox approved to treat specific
symptoms that interfere with quality of life in people
with MS
2011 - MSSRF funds a $3.8 million study on
progressive forms of MS
- MS Society funded study at the University of Alberta
discovers new MRI method that measures iron levels in
brain tissue to track disease progression
2012 - 2015
-Results from MS Society of Canada funded study
exploring CCSVI and MS in children
-MS Society supported study investigates relationship
between cannabis use and cognitive dysfunction in MS
-Health Canada approves Lemtrada™ for the
management of relapsing-remitting MS
-Researchers link continued smoking to accelerated
MS progression
For a complete detail time line go to http://
www.nationalmssociety.org/NationalMSSociety/
media/MSNationalFiles/Brochures/Timeline-of-
Research.pdf
Timeline on Research
South Okanagan-Similkameen MS Chapter August 2016 11 SOUTH OKANAGAN-SIMILKAMEEN MS CHAPTER August 2016 11
A Hello From Our New Development Coordinator!
By Jillian Earl
Hi! I’m Jill, and I’ve just taken on the role of development coordinator
for the Okanagan/South Okanagan.
One thing to know about me is that I’m terrible at introducing myself,
but I’ll try to cover the basics.
I’m originally from Brampton, ON and moved out west to follow my dream of being an
intrepid journalist. I worked in Dawson Creek, BC as a reporter for three years before be-
coming the development coordinator for the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation. What can
I say? My dream changed.
Like most people who I’ve met working in the non-profit world, fundraising was some-
thing that just happened to me. It’s incredibly infectious working with passionate people
devoted to making a difference, and have found that I really enjoy it.
The funny thing about fundraising is that it is maybe one of the only professions where
you are actively trying to work yourself out of job. The goal is to end MS, and once we
accomplish that I’ll be looking in the Classifieds, but until then, my work continues.
Fun Facts About Me:
I’m a big fan of a morning routine. I just recently started drinking coffee, and can’t be-
lieve what I’ve been missing out on! I’m a ‘list person’, and have been since I was a kid.
Back then, I’d even schedule myself to have fun every once in a while. I moved to Ke-
lowna in May. Sunscreen is my best friend, and I think it should be yours too. I love trav-
elling, but haven’t been to nearly enough places. My father’s name is Earl Earl. I’m not
kidding. I’m training to be a roller derby referee. I’m really excited to work for the MS
Society of Canada.
South Okanagan-Similkameen MS Chapter August 2016 12
Contact Us
South Okanagan
Similkameen Chapter
Box 21125 Penticton BC
V2A 8K8
(250) 493-6564
Sherry Wezner
Programs & Services Coordina-
tor
Jill Earl
Development Coordinator
SOUTH OKANAGAN-SIMILKAMEEN MS CHAPTER August 2016 12
UPCOMING EVENTS
August 25th - A & W Burgers to Beat
MS
Sept. 17th-18th-The Scotiabank MS
Bike Okanagan Grape Escape
Sept. 24th-25th Team Muck BC
October 7th-MS Benefit Concert Oliver,
B.C.
Remember to renew your membership for 2016
MS Society members can now
manage their membership through
an easy-to-use, secure account on
our website. You can check your
membership status, renew a
membership and update your contact
information.
A one-year membership is $10 and a
two-year membership is $18. Please
visit mssociety.ca/membership to
set up your membership account and
renew. If you do not have internet
access or require assistance setting
up your account, please call 1-866-
922-6065 x3100 or send an e-mail to
South Okanagan - Similkameen Chapter Board of Directors
The Board of Directors takes on leadership roles to help in the planning and execution of committee work on behalf of the chapter.
To speak to the Board of Directors, please contact our office.
Chapter Chair
Roy Windeler
Treasurer
Franz Wagner
Secretary
Jo-Ann MacDonald
Directors
Lisa Schmuland
Corrie Adolph
Cindy Orr
Charlaine Samson