Every Connection Counts

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1 Every Connection Counts National MS Society Southern California & Nevada Chapter Get Connected. Southern California & Nevada Chapter

National Multiple Sclerosis Society Southern California & Nevada Chapter Chances are you know someone living with multiple sclerosis. We are here to help everyone affected by MS.

2 National MS Society Southern California & Nevada Chapter Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the central nervous system by disrupting the flow of information from the brain to the

MS generally strikes in the prime of life ages 20-50 and women are diagnosed with MS two to three times more often than men.

2 National Multiple Sclerosis Society Southern California & Nevada Chapter Chances are you know someone living with multiple sclerosis. We are here to help everyone affected by MS Education Our Experts Resources Connect Research Advocacy Volunteer Donate Events What is multiple sclerosis? 2 National MS Society Southern California & Nevada Chapter Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the central nervous system by disrupting the flow of information from the brain to the body. It has no known cause and no known cure. Symptoms vary from person to person, making it hard to diagnose. MS generally strikes in the prime of life ages and women are diagnosed with MS two to three times more often than men. About the Southern California & Nevada Chapter We are a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS now to move together toward a world free of multiple sclerosis. Every year we help more than 19,000 people affected by MS in Southern and Central California and Nevada move their lives forward. We raise funds locally to support the Society s cutting-edge research and to provide comprehensive programs and support services for people living with MS, their family members, friends, employers, caregivers and health care professionals. MS stops people from moving. We exist to make sure it doesn t.

We offer a variety of programs to inform, educate and empower you. Education Empowering the MS community through education We re committed to empowering you to live a healthy productive life.

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

3 We offer a variety of programs to inform, educate and empower you. Education Empowering the MS community through education We re committed to empowering you to live a healthy productive life. Our programs inform, support and offer the education you need to live well with MS. Community Programs, Workshops and Seminars: Meet experts in the field of multiple sclerosis, ask questions, make connections with your peers and empower yourself with knowledge. Teleconferences: Access new research, treatment options and resources without ever leaving home. Online Classes and Webinars: Classes and webinars when it s convenient for you live or recorded. Health and Wellness: Wellness and fitness classes to help you develop healthy habits and take greater control of your well-being. I had tears in my eyes when I crossed the finish line at Walk MS this year! The walking poles you gave me allowed me to do the WHOLE three miles! I am going to suggest the walking poles class to my support group and plan to be there myself because I can t wait to see what else they can teach me about my new walking poles! - R.R. Care Management Client and Walk MS Participant Find local programs and support services to fit your needs: nationalmssociety.org/calservices 3

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

They have answers, solutions, resources and referrals for people living with MS, their family members, friends,

We are here for everyone affected by MS, whatever your situation, no matter how small your question or where you

Our MS Navigators are available to assist you at any stage with any need at any time.

Current MS research Health care referrals Financial assistance Local social services Learning opportunities

4 Answers, solutions, resources and referrals for people living with MS. Our experts Available at any stage for any need at any time Our MS Navigators are experts in multiple sclerosis. They have answers, solutions, resources and referrals for people living with MS, their family members, friends, employers, caregivers and health care professionals. We are here for everyone affected by MS, whatever your situation, no matter how small your question or where you are in life. We are here to support you. Our MS Navigators are available to assist you at any stage with any need at any time. Connecting you to resources: Newly diagnosed Community resources Secondary and Progressive MS Treatment options Current MS research Health care referrals Financial assistance Local social services Learning opportunities Emotional support Crisis counseling Advocacy and more! MS Navigators are available for personalized assistance through our Information Resource Center Monday Friday 7AM - 5PM (MST) 4 National MS Society Southern California & Nevada Chapter FIGHT-MS ( ) Information. Education. Support. Any stage. Any need. Any time.

Resources Access to professional staff to help you along the way Care Management: We will work with you to understand where you are now, where you want to be in the future, and how to get there.

5 Resources Access to professional staff to help you along the way Care Management: We will work with you to understand where you are now, where you want to be in the future, and how to get there. Insurance questions Social Security Disability applications Affordable adaptive equipment Home accessibility Planning for the future Employment support Caregiver respite I called the National MS Society and spoke with an MS Navigator to get some information about going back to work. They gave me great information about a vocational rehab program. It felt good that I could talk to somebody that could give me the information that I always needed. It guided me in the right direction. Healthcare Professionals: Resources and tools you can use. Discipline-specific information with hyperlinks to journal citations Updates on the latest treatment options Fellowship and training opportunities with a calendar of continuing education events Consultations Quick access to information and research for patients Financial Assistance: Let us connect you to the resources you need to stay independent, safe and healthy. Temporary Home Care Durable Medical Equipment Physical or Occupational Therapy Evaluations Cooling devices and equipment - Carlos National MS Society member and Volunteer Are you a healthcare professional? Visit the MS Clinical Care Network nationalmssociety.org/msclinicalcare 5

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

hang out. Support Groups: Bringing people together to share stories, ideas and inspiration.

world. Get connected today at MSconnection.org Visit nationalmssociety.

6 Supporting one another and exploring the issues that shape your world. Connect Connecting you to the MS community Social Programs: Get connected with your peers, share your connections or just hang out. Support Groups: Bringing people together to share stories, ideas and inspiration. MS Connection: An online social network where thousands of people support one another and explore the issues that shape your world. Get connected today at MSconnection.org Visit nationalmssociety.org/cal for more information and to find a social program or support group that s right for you. Stay connected facebook.com/mssoutherncal follow youtube.com/mssocalchapter MSconnection.org 6 National MS Society Southern California & Nevada Chapter

Accelerating progress to: Research Pursuing promising research The National MS Society mobilizes people and resources to move research forward by relentlessly pursuing prevention, treatment and a

7 Accelerating progress to: Research Pursuing promising research The National MS Society mobilizes people and resources to move research forward by relentlessly pursuing prevention, treatment and a cure. Our goal is simple: stop disease progression, restore function and end MS forever. Research sponsored by the Society has led to major advances in our understanding and treatment of MS. Since its founding in 1946, the Society has invested more than $761 million to advance MS research and has been at the core of virtually every major breakthrough in treating and understanding the disease. Generous funding, extensive collaboration and our commitment to research have resulted in immense progress: Earlier treatment through faster more accurate means to diagnose MS The FDA approval of ten disease-modifying therapies Breakthroughs in identifying which genes are involved in MS There are more potential therapies in development now than at any other time in history. No Opportunity Wasted. The National MS Society supports and funds research activities spanning ALL research stages. Our unique approach drives the pursuit of all promising avenues that can impact those living with multiple sclerosis. We must all be leaders in achieving our $250 million fundraising goal to move MS research further and faster than ever before. Now is the time to make things happen. Join us. NOW. No Opportunity Wasted. Used with permission from NOW, Inc. and in partnership with Phil Keoghan, tireless advocate and MS Champion. 7

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

citizens and legislators work together to identify needs in their communities and to address them in a positive way.

Share your stories with our public officials and legislators, educating them about how legislation and funding impacts the MS

8 Creating legislative and regulatory changes that benefit people affected by MS. Advocacy Raising our collective voice to drive change Real people have a real impact on reforming legislation and the policies that affect our lives. Advocacy successes happen when people with MS speak out on issues important to them and progress in public policy is made when citizens and legislators work together to identify needs in their communities and to address them in a positive way. Become an MS Activist and raise awareness about MS. Share your stories with our public officials and legislators, educating them about how legislation and funding impacts the MS community. My work in advocacy is a gift. I feel so empowered to be able to lobby for important issues like better healthcare and more research funding on behalf of all of us living with MS. - Mary Ann Southern California & Nevada Chapter MS Activist Be An Advocate FIGHT-MS nationalmssociety.org/cal 8 National MS Society Southern California & Nevada Chapter

Opportunities that meet your schedule, skills and interests.

We offer a wide range of opportunities: Event support: Bike MS, Walk MS, Challenge Walk MS

chores Peer support online or by phone Administrative assistance Internships Professional

9 Opportunities that meet your schedule, skills and interests. Volunteer Passionate people moving toward a world free of MS Volunteers are the key to our accomplishments. Each volunteer plays an important role in the success of our events, programs and services. We offer a wide range of opportunities: Event support: Bike MS, Walk MS, Challenge Walk MS and MuckFest MS Self-Help Group Leaders Practical support such as household repairs or chores Peer support online or by phone Administrative assistance Internships Professional opportunities MS Activists and more! Every year 2,OOO volunteers contribute 29,OOO hours =to the SoCal & Nevada Chapter 16 full-time employees National MS Society Southern California & Nevada Chapter 9

Leveraging your giving to make the greatest impact.

provide programs and services to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward.

our signature events Become a corporate sponsor Give at your workplace Organize a DIY fundraiser with friends, colleagues, family Offset expenses with in-kind products and services Thank

10 Leveraging your giving to make the greatest impact. Donate Raising critical funds to move lives forward Your financial contributions help fund cutting-edge research, drive change through advocacy, facilitate professional education, and provide programs and services to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. Direct your giving to support your passion: Make a one-time or recurring gift Leave a legacy (bequest, annuity, insurance, planned gift) Participate in our events Form a team for one of our signature events Become a corporate sponsor Give at your workplace Organize a DIY fundraiser with friends, colleagues, family Offset expenses with in-kind products and services Thank you for all of the help you have provided me over the years. I continue to use the Reho cushion for my scooter and hands-free telephone that you provided last year. Someone still comes once a week to help me around the house. I am extremely grateful. - Nancy G. Sign up for one of our signature events or make a contribution at nationalmssociety.org/cal 10 National MS Society Southern California & Nevada Chapter

Southern California 2013 Events Mobilizing people who want to do something about MS now Walk MS: a remarkable achievement with more than 250,000 walkers in more than 600 cities across the U.S. that raises essential funds for MS research and services.

MuckFest MS: a mucky romp through mud and obstacles in support of a world free of multiple sclerosis.

11 Southern California 2013 Events Mobilizing people who want to do something about MS now Walk MS: a remarkable achievement with more than 250,000 walkers in more than 600 cities across the U.S. that raises essential funds for MS research and services. Bike MS: a two-day inspirational ride covering 160 miles through rolling hills and captivating scenery. Imagine the sense of accomplishment you feel as you cross the finish line. MuckFest MS: a mucky romp through mud and obstacles in support of a world free of multiple sclerosis. This course features a gauntlet of muck-filled mazes, pits and craters with over twenty gigantic steel obstacles. Challenge Walk MS: a three-day, 50 mile excursion down the Southern California Coast. Enjoy an all-inclusive weekend filled with fun, laughter, hope and inspiration. I participate in Walk MS for several reasons. I walk to say thank you to the National MS Society for all its support through my journey. I walk so future generations won t have to know what Walk MS is because there will be a cure. MS will be a thing of the past. Lastly, I walk because I can. And if the day should ever come that I can t, then I ll roll. Michelle Vondran, Team Steel Strong 11

12 We have offices across Southern and Central California and Nevada with professional staff who know your community. Get connected today. Los Angeles Chapter Headquarters 5150 W. Goldleaf Circle, Suite 400 Los Angeles, CA Channel Islands Office 1921 State Street, Suite A Santa Barbara, CA Inland Empire Office 3110 East Guasti Road, Suite 320 Ontario, CA San Joaquin Valley Office 7472 N. Fresno Street Fresno, CA Northern Nevada Office 4600 Kietzke Lane, Suite K-225 Reno, NV Southern Nevada Office 2110 E. Flamingo, Suite 214 Las Vegas, NV Kern County Office th Street, Suite 105 Bakersfield, CA Southern California & Nevada Chapter nationalmssociety.org/cal FIGHT MS ( ) Stay connected

Corporate Partnerships

National Multiple Sclerosis Society Colorado-Wyoming Chapter Corporate Partnerships Connecting you to your community Corporate Partnerships Connecting you to your community through partnership opportunities.