Programs. Care Partner Getaway CONNECTION. Men s Getaway. Plus JOIN THE MOVEMENT. Women s Getaway Snow tubing for teens and much, much more

Transcription

1 Programs December 2007 January 2008 Vol. 7 No. 1 CONNECTION Care Partner Getaway You deserve a healthy perspective on life. Men s Getaway Meet other men who are going with what they got in spite of MS. Plus Women s Getaway Snow tubing for teens and much, much more JOIN THE MOVEMENT

2 MOVING IS WHO WE ARE Timothy Holtz Programs Manager Multiple sclerosis not only affects the person with the disease, but their loved ones as well. To address the challenges of each person whose life is affected by MS and help them stay connected to the great big moving world, we offer customized programs and services to support people with MS and friends, partners, spouses, parents and children of people with the disease. In this issue of the Programs Connection, you will find programs designed for teens with MS or who have a parent or close relative with MS, programs for care partners who love and care for a person with MS and gender-specific programming for men and women to help deal with the unique challenges of the disease. These programs are customized to provide the information, tools and strategies to help you live with MS until we live in a world free of MS. Even though each program is uniquely designed, one very important element is present at all programs you. You are the driving force that makes these programs successful. By sharing your personal story with others, you provide an important educational and empowering element to these programs. The chapter strives to provide the most accurate and useful information, but many people also learn by networking and talking with others who share similar experiences. Sometimes the information you learn from one another is more important than anything you d learn from a speaker, book or Web site. Many of the programs featured in this issue of the Programs Connection provide an opportunity for you to network with others, hear other people s personal stories and share your own. Sponsorship of Society programs or events does not connote that the National Multiple Sclerosis Society recognizes superiority in products or services provided by the sponsoring entity over other entities providing like or similar products or services. Programs Connection Programs Connection is a free publication of the National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN FIGHT-MS proconnect@mssociety.org Editors Timothy Holtz Emily Wilson MS Experts Sarah Danen Jaclyn Groneberg Claire Loesch Heather Svenson Vice President of Programs Linda Munson Chapter President Maureen Reeder To obtain an audio tape of Programs Connection, call Timothy Holtz at the Minnesota Chapter. Promising treatments for MS Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with multiple sclerosis. National MS Society medical advisors recommend that people with MS talk with their health care professional about using one of these medications and about strategies and effective treatments to manage symptoms. If you or someone you know has MS, please contact the Society today at or FIGHT-MS to learn about ways to help manage multiple sclerosis and about current research that may one day reveal a cure.

3 Table of Contents Programs by topic Advocacy Capitol Conference 21 Care Partners Care Partner Getaway 15 Healthy living with MS Exercise 28 Fitness and MS 9 Men s Getaway 17 Wellness Conference 13 Women s Conference 19 Managing MS symptoms Face Time with Your Local Neurologist 25 Newly diagnosed Clubs and groups 30 Moving Forward 7 Newly Diagnosed Counseling Group 11 Personal connections Care Partner Getaway 15 Clubs and groups 30 Men s Getaway 17 Moving Forward 7 MS Camp 23 Women s Conference 19 Technology What s online? 27 Teens Snow tubing for teens 5 Programs by location Alexandria Men s Getaway 17 Maple Lake MS Camp 23 Otsego Moving Forward 7 Rochester Fitness and MS 9 Moving Forward 7 Twin Cities Metro programs Capitol Conference 21 Care Partner Getaway 15 Newly Diagnosed Counseling Group 11 Snow tubing for teens 5 Wellness Conference 13 Women s Conference 19 JOIN THE MOVEMENT

4 Networking with others changed my life By hearing other people s stories I have learned that MS is not a road block to things you might want to achieve in life. Verna Hennebry When Verna Hennebry was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1986, she was busy with her family and career. It was not until her cognitive function began to decline that she contacted the Minnesota Chapter. I was no longer able to work because of my cognitive impairments and I felt isolated, Verna said. Verna learned about education programs and volunteer opportunities available to help her connect with others living with MS. I tell people that I had no social life and no way to connect with people before I started attending these programs and volunteering, she said. Now Verna feels connected. She attends education programs to learn from presenters and other participants about ways to cope positively with MS. I have learned the importance of adding humor in my everyday life and I gain inspiration and hope by hearing other people s stories, Verna said. Verna encourages women with MS to attend this year s Women s Conference to learn strategies to live more successfully with MS and hear other people s stories. Because of the diversity of speakers, topics and attendees, there is a way for every woman with MS to connect, Verna said. Additional resources MS World Maplewood Peer Emotional Support Women s Group Meets 6:30 p.m. the third Thursday of the month at Gustavus Adolpus Lutheran Church 4 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

5 Snow tubing for teens Join other teenagers affected by MS for fun and friendship. Dec. 27 n Maple Grove The Minnesota Chapter invites teens ages 13 to 18 to bring a friend and join the fun for an evening on the lighted snow tubing hill at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove, Minn. n Snow tubes and snacks are included. n Enjoy the beautiful chalet and fireplace. n In the event the weather is too warm or cold, teenagers will participate in indoor ice skating. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Join the Teen E-connection list. Nancy Dawn Van Beest at ndvanbeest@mssociety.org. Talkin Teens Chat Room A chat room on MSWorld for teens with MS ages 13 to 18. Visit phone or (v/tdd) fax

6 Snow tubing for teens Space is limited. Registration form must be received by Dec. 20. Please print ID# (from mailing panel) Name and ages of teens attending Address City State ZIP Home phone - - Work phone - - # of people $5 per person $ enclosed Thursday, Dec. 27 Location Elm Creek Park Reserve Winter Recreation Area Elm Creek Park Drive, Maple Grove, MN p.m. Attention parents The park has a beautiful new chalet with a fireplace where you may relax and enjoy some hot chocolate, compliments of the MS Society, while you wait for your teenagers participating in the program. Program fee $5 per person. Fee adjustments available upon request. Make checks payable to MS Society. Do not send cash. Register Online or by phone Visit or call By mail Mail registration form to the National MS Society. National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN Questions For more information, contact Nancy Dawn Van Beest at or ndvanbeest@mssociety.org. 6 MNM0CKTW MPG

7 Moving Forward Ask questions, meet others affected by multiple sclerosis and learn everything you need to know after receiving an MS diagnosis. Jan. 12 n Otsego Feb. 2 n Rochester If you or someone close to you has MS, you probably have a lot of questions and concerns. You may also feel overwhelmed and unsure of what questions to ask. The Moving Forward program gives you the information and support you need to live comfortably and confidently with this change in your life. n Learn about MS from an expert neurologist. n Understand how to talk about MS with your friends and family. n Learn how to manage MS on the job. n Understand what resources are available to you. n Learn how to cope with the anxiety MS may bring to your life. n Connect with other people whose lives are affected by MS. Attending the Moving Forward program is the perfect opportunity to is like to live with MS. learn from others firsthand what it John Linn, diagnosed in 2003 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Information for people newly diagnosed with MS (click on Living with MS) New Hope Newly Diagnosed Self Help Group Meets the third Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. at Parish Community Center of St. Joseph ( th Ave. N., New Hope). For more information, contact Paul at phone or (v/tdd) fax

8 Moving Forward Space is limited. Registration form must be received five days before the program date. Please print ID# (from mailing panel) Name of person with MS Age Address City State ZIP Home phone - - Work phone - - Complete names of support people attending: Name Age Name Age Name Age Please select location: q Otsego MNM0CNDW OTS q Rochester MNM0CNDW ROC Special accommodations: If you need any special accommodations such as an ASL interpreter, vegetarian meal, or transportation please call to make arrangements. Requests must be received by the registration deadline date. Various dates and locations 9 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 8:30 a.m. Check-in begins with continental breakfast 9 11 a.m. Learning About MS 11:15 a.m. 12:15 p.m. Understanding MS in Your Life 12:15 1:15 p.m. Networking lunch 1:15 1:45 p.m. Learning to cope through others John Linn 1:45 3:15 p.m. Connecting with others discussion groups 3:30 4:30 p.m. Moving Forward and resources Jan. 12 Feb. 2 Otsego Rochester Riverwood Inn and Ramada Inn and Conference Center Conference Center th St. N.E th St. S.W. Otsego, MN Rochester, MN Program fee There is no fee for this program. Register Online or by phone Visit or call By mail Mail registration form to the National MS Society. National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN DVD or video A DVD or video of the program is available in the chapter s lending library. Visit and click on Library & Literature or call Questions For more information, contact Timothy Holtz at or tholtz@mssociety.org. Made possible with a restricted educational grant from 8

9 Fitness and MS Become a conqueror of your MS by learning the importance of emotional and physical fitness. Jan. 10 n Rochester Living positively with multiple sclerosis commands effort. Both emotional and physical fitness is a key element in maintaining overall health and preparedness for a world free of MS. Join Tom Holtackers, physical therapist, author and person living with MS and explore: n How wellness concepts may alter your life with MS n Ways to turn negative consequences into positive outcomes n How to motivate positive change As I learned to react positively to life in spite of my illness, I eventually became a survivor. However, when I began living my life proactively because of my illness, I became a conqueror. Tom Holtackers n Ways to transition from survivor to conqueror Program participants will receive a free copy of Holtackers book, It Takes Courage: Coping with a Chronic Illness. phone or (v/tdd) fax

10 Fitness and MS Space is limited. Registration form must be received by Jan. 3. Please print ID# (from mailing panel) Name of person with MS Address City State ZIP Home phone - - Work phone - - Complete names of support people attending: Special accommodations: If you need any special accommodations such as an ASL interpreter, vegetarian meal, or transportation please call to make arrangements. Requests must be received by the registration deadline date. Thursday, Jan. 10 6:30 p.m. Check-in and refreshments 7 9 p.m. Fitness and MS Tom Holtackers Location Ramada Inn and Conference Center th St. S.W., Rochester, MN Program fee There is no fee for this program. Register Online or by phone Visit or call By mail Mail registration form to the National MS Society. National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN p.m. DVD or video A DVD or video of the program is available in the chapter s lending library. Visit and click on Library & Literature or call Questions For more information, contact Timothy Holtz at or tholtz@mssociety.org. 10 MNM0CEDW ROC

11 Newly Diagnosed Counseling Group Navigate the new, sometimes frightening, surroundings after an MS diagnosis. Jan. 16 March 5 n Burnsville Newly Diagnosed Counseling Groups provide an opportunity to learn accurate information about MS, thoughtfully consider ways to more effectively manage living with a chronic disease and receive and lend support to others. The group meets weekly for eight weeks, allowing time and multiple opportunities to raise your questions and discuss concerns while interacting with others facing similar challenges. Group facilitators are licensed professionals knowledgeable about MS and related issues. A neurologist specializing in MS will attend one session to field questions. Family and friends are encouraged to attend this session. The group will meet on Wednesdays. Registration is required for this program. Walk-ins are allowed. If you are interested in the Newly Diagnosed Counseling Group, contact Jeff Fisher at or jfisher@mssociety.org by Wednesday, Jan. 9. Discussion topics throughout the group course include: n Balancing MS and relationships with family and friends n Basic MS education n Disclosure and employment issues n Emotional health n Looking to the future n MS Society programs and services n Strategies for living with chronic illness ADDITIONAL RESOURCES For other counseling needs, contact an MS expert at the Minnesota Chapter. phone or (v/tdd) fax

12 Care Partner Relief Grant Support and relief for those who care for a person with MS A care partner of a person with multiple sclerosis sometimes needs to take time off for rest and relaxation or to attend to personal or business matters. The Care Partner Relief Grant is an important family preservation and support service defined as temporary respite for partners and family care partners of people with MS. The following guidelines apply when requesting reimbursement from the Minnesota Chapter for the purchase of respite care services: 1. The person with MS must not be eligible for Medical Assistance, CADI or county programs that provide funding for respite care. 2. The reimbursed relief care may be provided in either an out-of-home or in-home setting: n Out-of-home respite care must be provided in a facility or appropriate location approved by the local county social service agency such as a hospital, nursing facility, foster home or community residential facility. When a non-ma certified facility or setting provides care, that facility or setting must meet state licensure standards. n In-home respite care providers must be individuals who meet the state qualifications of registered or licensed practical nurses, home health aides, or specifically trained personal care attendants to provide care. Respite care workers must have current first-aid training and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training. A respite care worker who is a home health aid or personal care assistant must be under the supervision of a registered nurse. 3. The Care Partner Relief Grant offers up to $1,500 in reimbursement per chapter member, per year for purchase of respite care services. If you have questions, contact Scott Ahlgren at or sahlgren@mssociety.org. 12 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

13 Wellness Conference Learn ways to better your overall health, build a stronger support network and attend to your inner self. Jan. 19 n Bloomington Wellness is a dynamic state of physical, emotional, spiritual and social well-being that you may achieve even in the presence of a chronic illness or disability. For a person living with multiple sclerosis, wellness involves more than treatment of the disease. Breakout sessions n FUN ctional Exercise Physical therapy, exercise and sports faculty and students n Holistic Approaches to Self Care Holistic health faculty and students n Communication for Creating Lifestyle Balance Occupational therapy staff and students n Energize yourself Nursing staff and students n Fuel Up for Peak Energy Family consumer nutrition sciences faculty and students The Minnesota Chapter is proud to collaborate with the College of St. Catherine s faculty and students to provide information and techniques in achieving wellness. Additional resources Healthy Living with MS (click on Living with MS) phone or (v/tdd) fax

14 Wellness Conference Space is limited. Registration form must be received by Jan. 11. Please print ID# (from mailing panel) Name of person with MS Address City State ZIP Home phone - - Work phone - - Complete names of support people attending: Choose three breakouts you would like to attend: q Communication for Creating Lifestyle Balance q Energizing Yourself q FUN ctional Exercise q Fuel Up for Peak Energy Special accommodations: If you need any special accommodations such as an ASL interpreter, vegetarian meal, or transportation please call to make arrangements. Requests must be received by the registration deadline date. Saturday, Jan. 19 8:30 a.m. 4 p.m. 8 a.m. Check-in begins with continental breakfast 8:30 9:30 a.m. Living Healthy Dr. Calkwood 9:45 10:45 a.m. Breakout sessions :15 noon Breakout sessions 2 12:15 1:15 p.m. Lunch Eating and Food Environments: Why We Eat So Much Dr. Mark Blegen 1:30 2:30 p.m. Breakout sessions 3 2:45 4 p.m. Group closing Amy Hilden Location Holiday Inn Select 3 Appletree Square, Bloomington, MN Program fee There is no fee for this program. Register Online or by phone Visit or call By mail Mail registration form to the National MS Society. National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN DVD or video A DVD or video of the program is available in the chapter s lending library. Visit and click on Library & Literature or call Questions For more information, contact Timothy Holtz at or tholtz@mssociety.org. Made possible with a restricted educational grant from 14 MNM0CEDW BLO

15 Care Partner Getaway How are you? Jan n Plymouth Many people who love and support a person with multiple sclerosis feel invisible. Care partners often feel that people focus their attention primarily on the person with MS and don t understand what the care partner is going through. Many care partners say no one even asks. At the Care Partner Getaway you will be asked, How are you? If you are a person who cares for or about someone with MS, the Care Partner Getaway is designed for you. The weekend will focus on you and ways to enhance your emotional, mental and physical health. Because the person you care for needs a healthy care partner and you deserve a healthy perspective on life. The getaway includes: n Two nights lodging n Meals and activities n Self-care workshops n Information about how to be an effective care partner n Discussion groups n Therapeutic massages n Evening at Triple Espresso Care partner relief: If your loved one needs care while you attend the getaway, the MS Society can fund care support. The Care Partner Getaway features keynote speaker and facilitator Thomas M. Ellis a licensed marriage and family therapist, author and executive director of the Center for Grief Loss and Transition. phone or (v/tdd) fax

16 Care Partner Getaway Space is limited. Interest form must be received by Jan. 4. Please print ID# (from mailing panel) Name Address City State ZIP Home phone - - Work phone - - Jan Plymouth Friday, Jan. 25 Register and make new friends while enjoying dinner. Gain a new understanding of the loss that MS may bring to your life. Saturday, Jan. 26 Learn ways to take care of yourself as a care partner. Participate in relaxation activities and network with other care partners. Then enjoy an evening of entertainment at a performance of Triple Espresso. Sunday, Jan. 27 After breakfast, you will learn how to get refreshed as a care partner or learn skills to be a more effective care partner. Enjoy a finale lunch and journey home with renewed energy and an expanded support network. Location Radisson Hotel and Conference Center 3131 Campus Drive, Plymouth, MN Program fee $150 per person. Fee adjustments available upon request. Register If you are interested in participating, complete the interest form. Do not mail a check with this interest form. After sending the form, you will receive a detailed packet of program information and a billing invoice. By phone Call By mail Mail interest form to the National MS Society. National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN Questions For more information, contact Timothy Holtz at or tholtz@mssociety.org. 16 INTEREST FORM

17 Men s Getaway Go with what you got Feb n Alexandria If you are a man living with multiple sclerosis, take advantage of a unique weekend just for you. The Men s Getaway offers you a chance to meet other men living with MS and learn ways to cope with the disease. The weekend will feature workshops and activities focused on maximizing your abilities and strengths. You will learn the importance of physical and mental health and how others with MS are going with what they got. Other activities include ice fishing, a Texas Hold Em tournament and discussion groups. Getaway includes: n Two nights lodging n Meals and activities n Workshops about physical and mental health n Ice fishing n Texas Hold Em tournament n Discussion groups phone or (v/tdd) fax

18 Men s Getaway Space is limited. Interest form must be received by Jan. 25. Please print ID# (from mailing panel) Name Address City State ZIP Home phone - - Work phone - - Feb Alexandria Friday, Feb. 8 Register, meet other participants and relax during dinner at the resort. Learn how other men positively cope with MS. Saturday, Feb. 9 Enjoy outdoor adventures including ice fishing. Learn how to be physically and emotionally fit while living with MS. Participate in a Texas Hold Em tournament. Sunday, Feb. 10 Learn at-home exercise techniques. Enjoy a farewell lunch. Location Arrowwood Resort 2100 Arrowwood Lane N.W., Alexandria, MN Program fee $150 per person. Fee adjustments available upon request. Register If you are interested in participating, complete the interest form. Do not mail a check with this interest form. After sending the form, you will receive a detailed packet of program information and a billing invoice. By phone Call By mail Mail registration form to the National MS Society. National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN Questions For more information, contact Timothy Holtz at or tholtz@mssociety.org. 18 INTEREST FORM

19 Women s Conference Power-up II. Women will not want to miss this unique opportunity to network and get inspired. Feb. 23 n Plymouth Take the day off from family, work and everyday life and join other women living with multiple sclerosis for the second annual Women s Conference. Learn from other women about the art of balancing work and family and ways to cope positively with MS. Dr. Lisa Davidson, neurologist at the Mankato MS Center, will present strategies to stay healthy while living with MS. Shelley Peterman Schwartz, person with MS and author of seven books including MS: 300 Tips to Make Your Life Easier and Memory Tips for Making Life Easier, will discuss ways to adapt to the challenges of MS. Gaye Lindfors, nationally renowned speaker, will discuss turning the corner to a significant life. Conference participants will receive a free copy of MS: 300 Tips to Make Your Life Easier. Additional resources Books about gender specific issues and MS. Visit (click Living with MS and then Healthy Living with MS). phone or (v/tdd) fax

20 Women s Conference Space is limited. Registration form must be received by Feb. 15. Please print ID# (from mailing panel) Name of person with MS Address City State ZIP Home phone - - Work phone - - Complete names of support people attending: Special accommodations: If you need any special accommodations such as an ASL interpreter, vegetarian meal, or transportation please call to make arrangements. Requests must be received by the registration deadline date. Saturday, Feb a.m. 2:45 p.m. 8:30 a.m. Check-in begins with continental breakfast 9 10 a.m. How to stay healthy with MS Dr. Davidson 10:15 11:15 a.m. Women s Guide to Living with MS Shelley Peterman Schwartz 11:30 a.m. 1 p.m. Power lunch 1 2 p.m. Tips for Making Life Easier Shelly Peterman Schwartz 2:15 2:45 p.m. Turning the Corner Toward a Significant Life Gaye Lindfors Location Radisson Hotel and Conference Center 3131 Campus Drive, Plymouth, MN Program fee There is no fee for this program. Register Online or by phone Visit or call By mail Mail registration form to the National MS Society. National MS Society, Minnesota Chapter th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN DVD or video A DVD or video of the program is available in the chapter s lending library. Visit and click on Library & Literature or call Questions For more information, contact Timothy Holtz at or tholtz@mssociety.org. Made possible with a restricted educational grant from 20 MNM0CEDW PLY

21 Capital Conference Speak up, be heard Transportation will be a big issue addressed in the 2008 legislative session. Health care will be a hot topic, too. What do you have to say about it? Remember, we are activists In order to see solutions this year, we will need every MS activist to speak up for what is important to people affected by MS. One easy way to do this is by representing your district and attending the 2008 Capitol Conference, March 10 and 11 in St. Paul. n Have the opportunity to hear from experts on topics such as transportation, care partner legislation and health insurance co-pays. n Visit with your legislators and ensure they hear your voice by speaking up and sharing your story. n Learn how to be an activist about issues that are important to you. n Make a difference and improve your quality of life. n Network with others affected by MS. n Join the movement as an MS activist. If you are interested in kicking off MS Awareness Week at this year s Capitol Conference, please contact Kari Harju at or kharju@mssociety.org. Additional resources Download the PDF registration form at (click on advocacy on the left-hand side of the homepage, then Capitol Conference in the blue sidebar). phone or (v/tdd) fax

22 Capitol Conference Monday, March :30 p.m. To register by phone or , call Kari Harju at or kharju@mssociety.org To register by mail, download the PDF registration form at and mail the form to Kari Harju at the National MS Society. National MS Society Minnesota Chapter th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN p.m. Check-in begins 2 2:30 p.m. Welcome to the 2008 Capitol Conference 2:30 3 p.m. Caregiver tax credit training Expert speaker 3:15 4:10 p.m. Transportation training Expert speaker 5 p.m. Dinner 5:15 p.m. Dinner Program Insurance co-pays 6:20 p.m. Awards 6:30 7:30 p.m. Keynote speaker Tuesday, March 11 7 a.m. 2 p.m. 7 9 a.m. Buffet breakfast served 9 9:45 a.m. Shuttle from Radisson in Roseville to Capitol 9:45 10 a.m. Check-in a.m. Legislative appointments 11 a.m. noon. Box lunch served Noon 12:15 p.m. Rally in the Rotunda 12:30 2 p.m. Legislative appointments 2:15 p.m. Possible committee hearing Location Radisson Hotel 2540 Cleveland Ave. N., Roseville, MN Program fee There is no fee for this program. Questions For more information, contact Kari Harju at or kharju@mssociety.org 22

23 MS Camp Connect with others living with MS, relax and rejuvenate at MS Camp. May 4 9 n Maple Lake Aug n Maple Lake Join us at one of this year s MS Camps, a six-day leisure program for people with multiple sclerosis. MS camp provides an opportunity to take a vacation from the daily challenges of living with the disease and connect with others while participating in daily activities. The Minnesota Chapter hosts the program at Camp Courage. The site is complete with an indoor pool, farm, health center, gymnasium and recreation area. The facility is fully accessible and cabins feature a comfortable lounge and sleeping area. Days at MS Camp are busy, social and fun. Participants may choose from a number of organized outdoor and indoor activities, including horseback riding, crafts, pontoon boat rides, education sessions and much more. Campers may also spend time relaxing and socializing. Professional entertainment and theme parties are just a couple of the exciting nighttime events. Additional resources View photos from MS Camp 2007 and sign up to receive daily camp update s at (click on Client Programs). phone or (v/tdd) fax

24 MS Camp For your convenience, camper applications were mailed in December to previous campers and people who expressed an interest in participating in MS Camp If you did not get an application, return this interest form to receive an application in the mail. Applications for the May and August camp sessions must be received by March 14. Please print ID# (from mailing panel) Name of person with MS Age Address City State ZIP Home phone - - Work phone - - I want to participant in camp: May 4-9 q Yes q No Aug q Yes q No May 4 9 and Aug Location Camp Courage, Maple Lake, Minn. Maple Lake Assistance Trained volunteers will be available to assist campers with personal care needs and recreational activities. Nurses are available to provide onsite medical care and a camp doctor will be on call. Home health aids are available in the morning and evening to provide personal care in cabins. Program fee $200 per person. Fee adjustments are available upon request. Upon acceptance you will receive a billing invoice. Do not send a check with your interest form. Applications Professional staff and volunteers review the applications to determine if the Minnesota Chapter can meet the medical and safety needs of participants. In some cases, individual medical needs may be greater than we can provide at MS Camp. Questions For more information, contact Jeannie Zank at or jzank@mssociety.org. Please note we will make every effort to accommodate the camp of your choice, but we can t guarantee that space will be available and in some cases, personal care needs are beyond what we can safely provide. For example, if you prefer to attend camp in May, but it is full, you can be added to the May camp waiting list or possibly attend the August camp. 24 INTEREST FORM

25 MS Treatment and Research Center at the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology Join Dr. Gary Birnbaum and Jane Iverson, R.N. Dr. Gary Birnbaum Monthly at 6 p.m. Perpich Center for Arts Education, Glass Box Conference Room 6105 Hwy. 55, Golden Valley, MN 55422, Topics: Jan. 16 Multiple Faces of MS - What do RRMS, SPMS and PPMS mean? Feb. 13 Face Time with Your Symptom Management: Answering some of your questions about movement-related symptoms Please R.S.V.P. at , ext Local Neurologist Get answers straight from the source. Neurologists from local MS clinics host these informal, question-and-answer style sessions about living with MS and research. University of Minnesota MS Center Join Dr. Gareth Parry and Denice Wax, MS-certified nurse Dr. Gareth Parry Monthly at 6 p.m. The Fairview MS Achievement Center, 2200 University Ave., Suite 140, St. Paul, MN 55114, Topics: Jan. 14 MS Basics and Research Update For more information, contact the University of Minnesota MS Center at phone or (v/tdd) fax

26 Face Time with Your Local Neurologist The Schapiro Center for MS at the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology Join Dr. Randy Schapiro and Dr. Jonathan Calkwood Dr. Randy Schapiro Dr. Jonathan Calkwood Every Wednesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Regency Hospital, 4101 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, MN 55422, Topics: Dec. 19 Pregnancy and Childbirth in MS Jan. 9 Jan. 16 Jan. 23 Jan. 30 Feb. 6 Feb. 13 The Decision to Travel with MS The Role of Genetics and Heredity Aspects in MS What is Multiple Sclerosis Social Security Issues and MS Needles and Injection Techniques Care Partners For more information, contact the Schapiro Center for MS at National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

27 What s online? Listen up! The National MS Society s Web site features a number of sound files, including podcasts and archived webcasts, offering easy listening at your convenience. And beginning December 2007, an audio version of the national magazine, Momentum (formerly InsideMS), will also be available. I ve never used a sound file before! Actually, you probably have. A sound file is simply any electronic file that contains digital information to reproduce sound. CDs use very large sound files, using something called PCM coding. Because of their large size they aren t used much on the Internet. Instead, files on the Web are usually in the MP3 format What does that mean to me? The MP3 is compressed, eliminating portions of the audio file that are essentially unnecessary. That means you can download them relatively quickly. The Society s podcasts, archived webcasts, and the new audio version of Momentum are saved as MP3 files. How do I listen to an MP3 file? Let s try one of the Society s podcasts as an example. First, go to nationalmssociety.org/ podcasts and find a podcast that interests you. To listen to it immediately, just click on the link as you normally would and the file will play automatically in your browser. Most browsers (e.g., Internet Explorer, Safari, etc.) will have the appropriate player already installed. If yours does not, you will be prompted to download it at no cost. You can also download the audio file to your computer by placing your cursor on the link and clicking the righthand side of your mouse (right click). (Mac users, hold down the Apple key, then click.) Choose Save Target As and then choose where on your computer you want to save the file. You should be able to choose Desktop, for example. Depending on whether you have a modem (telephone line) or broadband Internet connection, this will take a few seconds or a minute or so. Once the file is downloaded, you can select open and the file will begin to play right on your computer. If you would like to listen on your portable MP3 player, such as an ipod, simply move the file to the subdirectory where you keep your song files, then import the file into your MP3 management software, such as itunes or Zune. Additional resources Apple Computers Yahoo Podcasts podcasts.yahoo.com Zune About.com mp3.about.com phone or (v/tdd) fax

28 Exercise Studies show exercise not only improves your overall health and well-being, but can also help to manage many MS symptoms. Read about people with MS who are moving forward through exercise and find an exercise program in your community. Featured group New Hope water exercise Mary Weinand Mary Weinand participates in the New Hope YMCA water exercise program. The program is a great opportunity to get exercise, maintain range of motion and socialize. Participating in the program has led to strong friendships among the class members, Mary said. On land, individuals use wheelchairs, walkers, canes or walk without assistance. Class members do not have to be skilled swimmers. With the help of swim aids we are all equal in the water, Mary said. I find the days I swim I take less medication for spasms and have less pain. What is your exercise group doing to move forward with MS? If you want to be the next featured group, your stories and photos to Emily at ewilson@mssociety.org. WATER EXERCISE Albert Lea Family YMCA Bill Villarreal, T/R, 1 2 p.m. Alexandria Lakes Area Recreation held at Arrowwood Resort Pool Kelly Wencl, M/W 4:30 5:30 p.m. T/R 9 10 a.m. Andover YMCA Delores Smith, R, 11 a.m. noon Bemidji Peak Performance Carson Stensland, T/R, 6 Burnsville Minnesota Valley, YMCA Nanette Denk, T/R, 9 9:45 a.m. Coon Rapids Emma B. Howe Northtown YMCA Katey Schneider, T/R, 11 a.m. noon 28 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

29 Detroit Lakes Detroit Lakes Community & Cultural Center Kim Bettcher, Call for details. Duluth Duluth Clinic, Fitness & Therapy Center Erica Strage Fruehling, Low impact M/W, a.m., Water exercise F, a.m. Eagan Southwest Area YMCA Trenne Fields, T, 9 10 a.m. Eden Prairie Community Center Beth Degree, M/W, 11 11:45 a.m. Golden Valley Courage Center Kaari Hilgert, T/R, 1 2 p.m. Grand Rapids Itasca County Family YMCA Sue Beer, T, 9:30 10:30 a.m. Inver Grove Heights The Grove Amy Crary, M/W, 9 9:50 a.m. Mankato Mankato East High School Pam Schreiner, M, 6:30 7:30 p.m. Mankato Family YMCA Joy Leafblad, W, 5 6 p.m. Marshall YMCA Doug Goodman, M, Sept. 10 Nov. 12 4:30 6:30 p.m. New Hope Northwest YMCA Laura Kueny, T/R, 11 a.m. noon New Richmond, Wis. Family YMCA Pam Vrwink, M, 11:30 a.m. 12:15 p.m. Perham Community Center Marie Hanson, T/R, 8:30 9:30 a.m., W, 11 11: 45 a.m. St. Cloud Family YMCA Will Hurst, M/W/F, 9:30 10:30 a.m. Stillwater Courage St. Croix Joanie Kiminski, M, a.m. Virginia Mesabi Family YMCA Becky Zubich, T/R, 1 2 p.m. Waconia Safari Island Chad Shorley, M-F, 8:30 a.m. Staples Staples Community Center Kevin Grondahl, W/F, 11 a.m. noon St. Paul Humboldt Senior High School Christine Grauman, M/R, 5:30 6:20 p.m. S, 8:30 9:20 a.m. YOGA Bemidji Voyageurs High School Dionne Daly, M, 4 5 p.m. North Country Hospital Education Center Dionne Daly, S, 9 10 a.m. Minneapolis Uptown YWCA Stacy Popp, F, Noon New Hope Northwest YMCA Amy Bakken, W, 11:25 a.m. 12:25 p.m. GROUP EXERCISE Shoreview Harbor Suites Megan Frost, M/W, 10:30 11:30 a.m. M= Monday R = Thursday T = Tuesday F = Friday W= Wednesday S = Saturday phone or (v/tdd) fax

30 Featured group Metro Area It s Just Breakfast (with the guys) The group has been a fun way for guys to spend a Saturday morning, meet new friends, discover new restaurants and share some laughs. While we might talk about MS, we also venture into topics du jour : sports, politics and current events. Rick Leaf, self-help group leader It s Just Breakfast is a monthly breakfast and social get together for men living with MS. Clubs and Groups Join an MS club or group to connect with other people affected by MS, enjoy lively discussions, learn valuable information and ways to cope with challenges, have fun and be inspired. Read about groups and clubs that are moving forward together and find a club or group in your community that s right for you. BOOK CLUBS Apple Valley First Friday of the month 10 a.m. Barnes & Noble Duluth Fourth Tuesday of the month 11 a.m. Barnes & Noble Eden Prairie Last Monday of the month 9:45 a.m. Barnes & Noble Maple Grove Fourth Monday of the month 10 a.m. Barnes & Noble Maplewood Fourth Wednesday of the month 6:30 p.m. Bakers Square Rochester Fourth Tuesday of the month 5:30 p.m. Barnes & Noble Apache Mall Roseville First Tuesday of the month 10 a.m. Barnes & Noble Har Mar Staples First Tuesday of the month 5:30 p.m. The Spot Cafe 30 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

31 SELF-HELP GROUPS For care partners Bemidji Care Partners Third Saturday of the month 10 a.m. North Country Regional Hospital Elk River Care Partners First Wednesday of the month 6:30 p.m. Various locations Perham Care Partners Last Tuesday of the month 1 p.m. Calvary Lutheran Church St. Louis Park Care Partners Third Tuesday of the month 6:30 p.m. St. Louis Park City Hall St. Paul Care Partners at MSAC Second Tuesday of every other month MS Achievement Center For couples Stillwater Couples Second Saturday of the month Noon Courage Center For GLBT St. Paul GLBT: Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Living with Chronic Illnesses and Disability First Tuesday of the month 6 p.m. Metropolitan Center for Independent Living For men Metro Area It s Just Breakfast (with the guys) Various Saturdays of the month 10 a.m. Different restaurant each month For newly diagnosed New Hope Newly Diagnosed Third Saturday of the month 10 a.m. Parish Community of St. Joseph For people of color Metro Area MS Group for People of Color Second Saturday of the month 10 a.m. Wayman AME Church in Minneapolis For people mildly affected by MS Southwest Metro MS group for mildly affected Forth Saturday of the month 10 a.m. United Methodist Church in Eden Prairie For professionals Let s Lunch: professionals living with MS Third Saturday of the month 11 a.m. Chatterbox Pub in St. Paul For singles St. Paul Maximize Being Single Second Saturday of the month 10 a.m. Fairview MS Achievement Center For women Maplewood Peer Emotional Support Women s Group Third Thursday of the month 6:30 p.m. Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church General self-help groups Aitkin Third Monday of the month 1 p.m. Access North Continued on page 32 phone or (v/tdd) fax

32 Continued from page 31 Albert Lea Second Monday of the month Grace Lutheran Church Alexandria Second Monday of the month 5 p.m. St. Mary s Office Building Apple Valley First Thursday of the month 9:30 a.m. Christ Church Babbitt Second Friday of the month 1 p.m. Municipal Building Belview Third Thursday of the month 7:30 p.m. Parkview Home Bemidji Third Saturday of the month 10 a.m. North Country Regional Hospital Benson Fourth Tuesday of the month Westwood Manor Apartments Bloomington First Wednesday of the month Nativity of Mary Church Blue Earth Fourth Monday of the month 7:30 p.m. Senior Citizen s Center Brainerd/Tri-County Second Tuesday of the month 9:30 a.m. Sawmill Inn Burnsville/Apple Valley First Tuesday of the month Fairview Education Center in Burnsville Canby Second Thursday of the month 4 p.m. Sioux Valley Canby Campus Chaska Third Tuesday of the month 12:30 p.m. Chaska Library Coon Rapids North Suburban Second Wednesday of the month Coon Rapids City Center Detroit Lakes Second Monday of the month 6 p.m. Lincoln Park Assisted Living Duluth First Tuesday of the month 11:30 a.m. Bethany Baptist Church Eden Prairie Third Tuesday of the month Wooddale Church Elk River First Wednesday of the month 6:30 p.m. Guardian Angels Fergus Falls Second Wednesday of the month 11:30 a.m. United Church of Christ Forest Lake Area Second Tuesday of the month 6:30 p.m. The Meadows for Assisted Living Gaylord First Sunday of the month Lakeview Home Gibbon Third Saturday of the month 9:30 a.m. Gibbon Community Center Golden Valley Second Monday of the month Golden Valley Lutheran Church Grand Rapids Second Thursday of the month 12:30 p.m. Grand Rapids Public Library 32 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

33 Hibbing Last Thursday of the month 1 p.m. Center for Independent Living Hutchinson Second Monday of the month 6:45 p.m. Christ the King Lutheran Church Lake Elmo Third Wednesday of the month 11:30 a.m. Christ Lutheran Church Litchfield Fourth Tuesday of the month Meeker County Memorial Hospital Luverne Third Thursday of the month 7:30 p.m. Rock County Family Services Maple Grove Second Saturday of the month 10 a.m. St. Joseph the Worker Church Maple Lake/Annandale Third Monday of the month Noon Maple Manor East in Maple Lake Minneapolis Last Saturday of the month 10 a.m. Kingsley Commons Montevideo First Tuesday of the month St. Paul Lutheran Church Mora Second Tuesday of the month 7:30 p.m. Mora Public Library New Ulm Third Tuesday of the month Oak Hills Living Center Oakdale First Saturday of the month 10:30 a.m. Oakdale Library Paynesville Second Thursday of the month 6 p.m. Rose Community Center Perham Last Tuesday of the month 1 p.m. Calvary Lutheran Church Pierz/Little Falls Third Wednesday of the month 3 p.m. Various locations Princeton Third Saturday of the month 10 a.m. Fairview Northland Regional Hospital Rochester Second Wednesday of the month Meadow Lake Senior Living Roseville Second Wednesday of the month 6:45 p.m. Roseville City Hall St. Anthony/New Brighton Fourth Tuesday of the month 6 p.m. Christ the King Lutheran Church in New Brighton Staples Second Wednesday of the month 4 p.m. Lakewood Pines St. Cloud Second Wednesday of the month Easter Seals Office St. Cloud-Granite City First Tuesday of the month 4 p.m. Whitney Center St. Croix Falls Third Saturday of the month 2 p.m. Good Samaritan Nursing Home Continued on page 34 phone or (v/tdd) fax

34 Continued from page 33 St. Paul Care to Share Second Wednesday of the month Macalester Plymouth Church Stillwater Third Wednesday of the month 6 p.m. Courage Center Superior Second Tuesday of the month 6 to 8 p.m. Superior Public Library Thief River Falls For information, contact Leslie at Waseca Third Monday of the month Waseca Medical Center Wayzata-Suburban West Hennepin First Thursday of the month 1 p.m. Wayzata Community Church West St. Paul First Monday of the month 7:30 p.m. Augustana Lutheran Church Willmar First Tuesday of the month Bethesda Pleasant View Nursing Home Windom/Cottonwood County Fourth Thursday of the month ALC Lutheran Church Woodbury A.M. Second Thursday of the month 9:30 a.m. King of Kings Lutheran Church Woodbury P.M. Fourth Tuesday of the month St. Ambrose of Woodbury Additional resources Book clubs For more information about book clubs, visit Click on Client Programs and then Book Clubs. If you would like to start a book club in your area, contact Jeannie Zank at or jzank@mssociety.org. Self-help groups For more information about self-help groups, visit Click on Client Programs and then Self-help Groups. If you would like more information about a group or would like to start one in your area, contact Jeff Fisher at or jfisher@mssociety.org. 34 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Minnesota Chapter

35 Didn t find what you re looking for? Use this all-in-one directory to find the programs, services and resources that are right for you. Advocacy Joel, Jessica, Camps and getaways Getaways for care partners, couples, families, men and women Timothy, MS Camp Jeannie, Youth Camp Nancy Dawn, Champions Against MS Rachel Ring, Clubs and groups Book clubs Jeannie, Self-help groups Jeff, Education programs Timothy, Emergency assistance Scott, Equipment programs Equipment Loan Equipment Exchange Scott, Exercise programs Jeannie, Family, youth and care partner programs Nancy Dawn, Giving to the MS Society Shannon, Rachel Hughes, Housing Steve, Independent Living Grants Grants are available for chore services, care partner relief, aids for daily living, adaptive equipment and home modification. Scott, Information and Referral Center MS experts can answer questions about living with MS and connect you to resources. Claire, Heather, Jaclyn and Sarah, Lending Library Heather, Mentor Program Cathy, Professional education programs Megan, Volunteer opportunities Rachel Ring (Programs), Will (Events), Walk MS, Bike MS and motorsport events Erin, Calling from Greater Minnesota? Call phone or (v/tdd) fax

36 Need a hand? Are you thinking about how you ll shovel your driveway this winter? Do you need some extra help around the house? The MS Society is here to help. n The Chore Services Grant provides financial assistance to people with MS for daily chores, property maintenance and more. n To be eligible for assistance, you must not be eligible for PCA or other chore services and you must be a registered member of the Minnesota Chapter. To learn more, call or Take bold action to wipe out MS that will last a lifetime. MS is a lifelong disease. Make a commitment to the National MS Society that will live on until there is no more MS. Pillars of Society recognizes individuals and families who have remembered the society through a bequest, gift annuity or other deferred gift. There is no minimum gift level and membership is permanent. JOIN THE MOVEMENT Make a planned gift today. If you have already named the society in your estate plans, let us know so we can recognize you. Your example can inspire others. For more information, contact Shannon at or swolkerstorfer@mssociety.org.