help us help you - national multiple sclerosis society · 2006-12-21 · visit our website: ms...

The National MS Society... One thing people with MS can count on.

MSConnectionNorthern California Chapter 2003 #1

In this issue...Help Us Help You................ 3Create a Program ............... 4Assist MS Research............ 6Take the Challenge ............. 8Become a Volunteer ......... 10Contact Your Legislators .. 12Share Your Doctor ............ 16

Help UsHelp You

MS Connection is the quarterly newsletter ofthe Northern California Chapter of the NationalMultiple Sclerosis Society. It is mailed free ofcharge to Chapter members.The National MS Society is proud to be a sourceof information about MS. Our comments are basedon professional advice, published experience, andexpert opinion but do not represent therapeuticrecommendation or prescription. For specific in-formation and advice, consult your physician.The National MS Society does not endorseproducts, services, or manufacturers. Such namesappear here solely because they are consideredvaluable as information. The Society assumes noliability whatsoever for the use or contents of anyproduct or service mentioned.

Chapter LeadershipCo-Chairs: David Korn & John Schafer, MDTreasurer: Maureen Lucey MihelichSecretary: Marc StolmanPrograms Committee Chair: Paul LauricellaChapter President: Julie E. ThomasDirector of Communications: Terence Keane

© 2003National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Northern California Chapter

Three offices to serve you:Chapter Headquarters150 Grand Ave.Oakland, CA 94612Phone: (510) 268-0572Fax: (510) 268-0575

Sacramento Office4225 Northgate Blvd. #4Sacramento, CA 95834Phone: (916) 927-8000Fax: (916) 927-9190

1-800-FIGHT [email protected]

Toll-Free Number: 1-800-FIGHT MS2003 #1 2

Central Valley Office1320 E. Shaw Ave. #103Fresno, CA 93710Phone: (559) 224-5350Fax: (559) 224-5340

A Slippery Slope

On March 22, more than 100people discovered that char-ity is a slippery slope: theybrought their skis and snow-boards to Sierra SummitResort to participate inSki Awareness for MS.

While swishing downthe slopes, they engaged ina mountainside scavengerhunt and a Sierra-style pokerrun. They also enjoyed do-nated meals, raffle prizes,and an apres-ski wine party.

We’re still digging outfrom under that blizzard ofdonations, but the event hasalready accumulated over$15,000 for local programsand MS research. We extendour thanks to all our powder-loving participants!

F U N D R A I S I N G

MS ConnectionVisit Our Website: www.msconnection.org 3

F R O M Y O U R C H A P T E R

Our mission:

to end the

devastating

effects

of

multiple

sclerosis.

Help Us Help You

Dear Friends,All of us experience situations which we cannot control,but there are some things in life we can affect. When weinvest our time and energy in things we can influence,our actions are likely to result in positive outcomes.

We know that MS impacts your life in many ways.Although we cannot provide for all your needs, we striveto partner with you in your quest for wellness. We wantto help you help yourself by providing up-to-date infor-mation, education about managing MS, sensitive emo-tional support, material assistance for crisis situations,and physical and social activities.

We ultimately hope that this support assists you toreach beyond your apparent limitations, to discoveryour inherent strengths, and to utilize all the resourcesavailable to you. As for your half of the partnership, wehope that you will help us help you:• Review our monthly calendar, and use it to register

for programs in your area. This publication helps usreduce costs, as we don’t have to print and mail flyersfor every program.

• Share your favorite referral resources so others withMS can take advantage of them (page 16).

• Create a new program for your community (page 4).• Contact your legislators about MS issues (page 12).• Participate in one of our events (page 8).• Volunteer with the National MS Society (page 10).

Finally, you can tell us how we’re doing or let usknow what programs you want. Please feel free to con-tact me at 1-800-FIGHT MS or [email protected].

Best regards,

Robin RoseVice President of Programs


To apply, there were three ques-tions Elaine had to answer:• Is there a need? To start a program

in her community, Elaine had to findat least four other people with MSwho were interested in participating.She decided to place an ad in a localnewspaper, and quickly found fiveothers who wanted to try Felden-krais for their MS.

• Is there a qualified leader? Thenext step was to find a professionalto lead the group. Elaine was lucky,as she was already connected to aFeldenkrais practitioner in her town— but don’t be discouraged if youdon’t know an expert in the topic ofyour choice. Our staff can providetips on finding the right professionalfor your program.

• Is there an accessible site? Thethird requirement was to identify ameeting space in the community.The space has to be wheelchair-accessible, so that anyone with MScan participate. “Finding a place tohold the class was easy,” Elaine re-marks. “My church has a room that’saccessible. They let us use it freebecause I’m a church member. Insome communities, you might haveto work a little to find a place that’swheelchair-accessible — especiallyif you want to get the room for free.But this allows you to put moremoney toward the professional fees,so your class can be held over alonger period of time.”

L O C A L P R O G R A M S

You Can Bridge the GAP!

Bring a new activityto your communitywith our Grants for

Area Programs!

Living in a less populated area hasmany benefits: fresh air, cleanwater, beautiful scenery, safety,

and tranquility. Sometimes, however, itmay seem that the Chapter’s servicesand offices are less accessible. To meetthe needs of our outlying communities,we’ve created Grants for Area Programs(GAP). Youknow whatactivities areneeded in yourtown: help usfill that need!

Fort Bragg Falls into the GAPA great example of the GAP comesfrom Elaine Ball in Fort Bragg, aquaint coastal town in MendocinoCounty. Elaine discovered Felden-krais, a gentle exercise that helpspeople move with minimum effort andmaximum efficiency. Finding it benefi-cial for her multiple sclerosis, she andher instructor thought it would begreat to start a group class so morepeople with MS could benefit.

Elaine decided to contact the Chap-ter, and spoke with Linda Zukowski.Linda manages our wellness programs,as well as the GAP application process.

“The process was easy,” Elainerecalls. “Linda mailed me applicationmaterials, and told me what I neededto do to get the program started. Theplan was executed quite quickly, be-cause of her good directions.”

Visit Our Website: www.msconnection.org 5MS Connection

After Elaine answered the keyquestions, she completed the applica-tion and returned it to Linda. It was re-viewed and approved by the volunteerson our Chapter Programs Committee,and so began Fort Bragg’s first MSFeldenkrais class.

“We had a wonderful six weeks ofclasses,” Elaine remembers. “Exercisingalongside others with MS was very ben-eficial, and I made some good friends.The teacher was so understanding. Weall loved the experience.”

Create for Your CommunityMany other programs have been suc-cessfully funded through the GAP, in-cluding activities in Arcata, Clear Lake,and McKinleyville. In fact, a yoga classin McKinleyville proved so popular, wenow fund it regularly! And, since ourchapter has expanded, many more com-munities are eligible for these grants.

An individual with MS or a self-help group may apply for GAP funding.Up to $500 is awarded for the planningand implementation of a program inone of the Chapter’s outlying commu-nities. It doesn’t have to be an exercise

Successful GAPapplicationshave come fromElaine Ball inFort Bragg andyoga enthusiastsin McKinleyville.

To learn more about the GAP, call Linda at 1-800-FIGHT MS.

McKinleyville

FortBragg

class, but to qualify the program mustaddress quality of life in one or more ofthe following areas: physical or emo-tional health; family or social support;accessibility; employment; independentliving; long-term services; or knowledgeof MS for people with MS, their familymembers, health professionals, or thegeneral public.

Would you like to start a programin your community? Apply for the GAP!It may seem daunting to locate a site,to find a professional to lead the pro-gram, or even to fill out the application— but our staff will assist you in thisprocess. We can act as a sounding boardfor your ideas, offer tips on how to findwhat you need in your community, andanswer questions regarding the appli-cation process. Help us bridge the GAP;help us bring programs for people withMS to your community! ■


M S R E S E A R C H

“Hundreds of MS research pro-jects are underway all overthe globe,” says Terri Law-

son, a chapter member in Modesto. “Iwas thrilled to find quite a few at myback door.”

The National MS Society is theworld’s largest private funder of MSresearch, and the University of Califor-nia at San Francisco receives more ofour support than any other institutionworldwide. Important research takesplace every day at the university’s MSCenter, and people with MS aroundthe globe watch Northern California,hoping for a breakthrough. Wouldyou, like Terri, consider volunteeringfor a study?

Stay Home & Help!Three studies, currently open to peoplewith MS throughout our chapter area,require only a few phone calls or a tripto a nearby doctor:• Depression: Do you experience

depression? This study examines theeffectiveness of two telephone coun-seling methods for people with MS.

• Genetics: Which genes make peoplemore susceptible to MS? Every daywe draw closer to answering thisquestion, merely by collecting bloodsamples from people with MS andtheir relatives. Blood from AfricanAmericans and Asian Americans isparticularly valuable to help deter-mine why different populations de-velop MS at different rates.

You are the Key to MS Research

• Injection Anxiety: How can youovercome a fear of needles? Peopletaking Avonex who experience injec-tion anxiety are needed to study twopotential treatments for this phobia.

Can You Travel to Take Part?Seven other studies that are recruitingvolunteers require at least one visitto the MS Center in San Francisco.“Travelling from Modesto was definitelyworth it,” Terri recalls.“I felt lucky to have theattention of this teamof fabulous people.”

Two such studieswelcome anyonein our areawho has MS:• Cognitive

Function:Can a quick, 15-item questionnaireidentify cognitiveimpairment asso-ciated with MS?People who haveexperienced cogni-tive changes andthose who have notcan help with twobrief visits.

• Diagnosis &Prognosis: Canblood tests, magneticresonance imaging(MRI), or measuresof cerebrospinal fluid


definitively diagnose MS or predictits course? People with MS and theirrelatives are invited to donate bloodsamples to help find out.

Three additional studies are seek-ing people with relapsing-remitting MS.Each requires travel to the MS Center,and eligibility criteria vary.• Avonex & Drug Response: Does

an individual’s biochemistry influ-ence drug efficacy in a way that canbe measured?

• High-Dose Betaseron: Is thismedication more effective at twicethe standard dose?

• Oral Interferon: Will a new type ofinterferon work if taken orally?

Finally, two studies are open topeople who have symptoms of MS buthave not receiveda definitive diag-nosis. One tracksvolunteers withregular MRIs toimprove our understanding of how thedisease develops. The other evaluateswhether drugs called statins can fore-stall development of MS.

You Hold the Key“Volunteering for a research project letme use my disease for something posi-tive,” Terri asserts. “It enabled me tohelp myself, and I hope the informationwill help others too.” Consider followingin Terri’s footsteps. For more informa-tion, visit the website for the MS Cen-ter at www.ucsf.edu/msc and click on“Current Research” — or call CarolynWoo at (415) 514-2467. ■

MS Advances

Research let meuse my disease forsomething positive!

Here’s the latest news from MS labsaround the world. For a free copy

of one of these bulletins, note the “RP”number below and call 1-800-FIGHT MS.To receive new research bulletinsregularly, send an e-mail which reads“Subscribe e-news” to [email protected].• Interferons Questioned: Review-

ing the data on interferons and MS,Italian scientists verified efficacy ofthese drugs over one year, but ques-tioned their long-term benefit. They— and the National MS Society —recommend further study. (RP 12-03)

• Breast-Feeding with MS: Avonex,Betaseron, Copaxone, and Rebif arenot approved for use by nursingmothers. A new mother who took oneof these therapies before pregnancy,should consult with her physician todecide when to resume treatment.(RP 11-03)

• Advisory on Enbrel: The NationalMS Society advises people with MSto avoid this medication used to treatrheumatioid arthritis. (RP 10-03)

• News on Novantrone: Scientistshave published the data that led toapproval of this treatment for sec-ondary progressive MS and worsen-ing cases of relapsing-remitting MS.(RP 9-03)

• Antegren Shows Promise: In asmall study, this antibody demon-strated promise against secondaryprogressive and relapsing-remittingMS. (RP 8-03) ■


The onset of my MS was so rapidthat, when he diagnosed me in1985, my neurologist predicted I

would be unable to walk within months.He also warned that I could lose theability to breathe on my own, requiringresidential nursing care.

He was wrong — but, for almost17 years, I lived in fear. I worriedthat, if I pushed myself too hard ordidn’t get enough sleep, my next re-lapse wouldn’t remit. Then, last year,my life changed.

A Challenge to HealIn 2002, the National MS Society de-cided to debut the MS Challenge Walkin Northern California. In this ambi-tious event, participants are challengedto walk 50 miles in only three days,from the East Bay all the way to SanFrancisco. I decided that if I could walkthe 50 miles, MS would never againstop me from doing anything.

For me, part of accepting this chal-lenge was facing my fear of relapsefrom overexertion. Another challengewas announcing, in my fundraisingletter to colleagues and acquaintances,that I have MS.

I diligently trained for sevenmonths, gradually increasing my mile-age. During the training, I becamehealthier and stronger and many of mysymptoms diminished. For the firsttime in my life, I actually felt like anathlete. Additionally, the response to

my letter was so supportive that I eas-ily raised $4,000!

That June, along with 300 of themost loving and courageous people Ihave ever met, I walked every step ofevery mile of the 50-mile course — andI did so after sleeping much less thanmy usual nine hours each night. I hadan amazing time, felt great, and contin-ued to feel great for weeks afterward.Along with 300 others, I faced my fears,and I was healed at a very deep level.

Three Days TogetherOn Day One, I spent the hours walkingand talking with different groups ofpeople. Everyone was very friendly, andour volunteer crew — along with chap-ter staff — was always there to guideus, feed us, and cheer us on.

My Three-Day Journey to Healing

M S A M B A S S A D O R S

Pearl (at left) tearfully completesthe last mile in her

50-mile journey to healing.

by Pearl Werfel, PhD


On Day Two, I was engulfed in abubble of love and support. I shared thesame two goals with hundreds of com-panions — to have a great time and tohelp everyone reach the finish line inas little pain as possible.

I formed strong bonds with threewomen who walked because theirmothers have MS. We shared storiesabout how the disease had touched ourlives. We sang, laughed, and cried to-gether. Their love made the walk amore magical experience. That day, onmy shirt, I wore an answer to the neu-rologist that diagnosed me: “Still Walk-ing After 16 Years!”

On Day Three, we boarded a ferrythat carried us from Alameda to PacificBell Park. On the way across the Bay, agroup of us gathered on the top deck,singing and savoring our last day.

Together, we walked the last mile.Walkers with MS were given red shirts,while the others wore blue. Along withMary on her scooter and Bob in hiswheelchair, those of us with MS led thewalkers into Crissy Field.

The way was lined with throngs ofcheering family and friends. I hadworked so hard for so many years tohide my MS, and there I was wearingmy red shirt. I had a huge smile on myface, tears in my eyes, and pride in myheart. At the finish line, my new-foundfriends joined me. We held each othertight, not quite ready to separate.

To walk or volunteer,register by May 1.1-800-FIGHT MS

June 20-22

Hundreds of StoriesFor me, the MS Challenge Walk em-bodied living with MS:• It was about a woman with the dis-

ease whose sisters never left herside, walking together for three days.

• It was about a man striding besidehis girlfriend, because her motherhas MS and he wanted to honor her.

• It was about nearly giving up, likethe woman terrified to cross a foot-bridge who decided if her mom couldlive with MS, she could face her fear.

• It was about those just starting tolearn about the disease, like the manwho cut sprigs of lavender for us aswe passed his front yard.

• It was about the wellness messagesfrom others with MS that I wore likeprayer flags on my shirt.

• It was about all of us who think wecan’t go further, but do so anyway.

It was only three days, but I wastransformed. I still don’t know what myfuture will bring, but now I face it with-out fear. The MS Challenge Walk re-turns in June, and this year I’m goingto repay the support I received by vol-unteering. I encourage you to partici-pate. Whether you choose to walk or tojoin me as a volunteer, it will be a life-changing experience. ■

Dr. Pearl Werfel of San Francisco isfacilitating upcoming wellness work-shops for the Chapter.


V O L U N T E E R S

Volunteers Provide Our Vitality

You can help others andstrengthen your own support

system at the same time.

A sense of community and a connection with others are critical to our well-being. We feel better

when we have people in our lives toshare our experiences — and that helpsus face life’s daily challenges. By be-coming part of the Chapter’s commu-nity of volunteers, you can help othersand strengthen your own support sys-tem at the same time.

Our goal is to match your interests,experience, and skills with the rightvolunteer position for you. Whether youwant to volunteer fromthe comfort of yourhome or get out inthe community, weneed you. Whetheryou want to help forone day or on an on-going basis, we need you. Whether youwant to share your brainpower or getphysical, we need you.

There are countless volunteer op-portunities. If the ones here don’t catchyour eye, contact us at 1-800-FIGHTMS or [email protected].

Volunteers Deliver ProgramsMany people call the Chapter andshare feelings of loneliness and isola-tion. We’ve responded to this need bycreating emotional support programsthat help people connect with theirpeers and with the local community.The success and effectiveness of theseprograms is due to the work of ourdedicated volunteers. We are now

recruiting new volunteers for two suchprograms:• Nursing-Home Visitors: Do you

have good listening and communica-tion skills? Do you like to socializewith others? Do you have an houreach week to connect with someonein the community? Our Nursing-Home Visitors bring smiles and con-versation to people with MS in carefacilities, because they are oftenyounger and more alert than theirfellow residents and yearn for visits

from people otherthan their relatives.• Phone Buddies:Do you have goodlistening and com-munication skills?Do you like helping

others explore new ways of coping?Would you like to help without leav-ing home, by offering only two hourseach week? Our Phone Buddy pro-gram matches a volunteer to a per-son with MS for a weekly talk. Thepurpose of the call is to provide sup-port and to explore alternate ways ofdealing with MS. The goal is to helppeople access resources and continueto build their support systems.

Our Programs Department is alsoseeking a graphic designer, or any-one familiar with PageMaker, to helpexpand our exercise and wellness direc-tories. If you’re feeling creative, pleaseconsider donating your time and tal-ents to this project.


Volunteers Raise FundsTo keep our costs low and ensure thatdonations are used for their intendedpurpose, our fundraising events alsorely on volunteers. From start to fin-ish — from marking the route aheadof time to cleaning up afterward —volunteers make the difference. Theyserve meals and run rest stops, ensuresafety and offer entertainment. Weinvite you to lend a hand at one of ourupcoming events:

• MS Challenge Walk: ThisJune, hundreds of our neighborswill walk 50 miles from the EastBay to San Francisco, a three-dayjourney bringing us closer to acure. But they can’t do it alone!The Chapter needs dozens ofvolunteers to help smooth theirpath. We especially need volun-teers who want to flex theirmuscles by lifting and carryingsupplies. (For more on this event,see page 8.)• Top Hat Classic: Every April,thousands of people sit on theirbutts in Pleasanton — but they’redoing it for a good cause. At theTop Hat Classic, your neighborsget out their bicycles, sit on their

butts, and pedal to fight MS. Butthey need your help. The Chapterstill needs volunteers for this excit-ing event on Saturday, April 26.

We extend our thanks to all thevolunteers who do an extraordinary jobhelping us serve the MS community. Tolearn more about volunteering, contactMegan Kavanagh at 1-800-FIGHT MSor [email protected]. ■

Whyvolunteer?• Satisfaction of

helping others• Opportunity to

make friends• Valuable new

experience• Free training


M S & T H E L A W

State Budget Crisis Impacts MS

Each January, California’s gover-nor releases a budget proposalfor the fiscal year that begins in

July. Due to an unprecedented budgetgap of approximately $34 billion, thestate eagerly awaited Governor Davis’budget for fiscal year 2003-2004.

The Governor’s solutions tothis crisis are wide-ranging.They include deep reduc-tions in spending for moststate programs, differentways of administeringmany health and socialservices, and tax increases.This article summarizes fourways that this budget wouldaffect the MS community.

SSI & SSPSupplemental Security Income (SSI),a federal program, provides a monthlycash benefit to certain people due to ageor disability. In California, the SSI pay-ment is increased with a State Supple-mentary Payment (SSP). Many peoplewith MS are unable to work and rely onthese cash grants to pay for basic needssuch as food, clothing, and shelter.• Budget Proposal: The Governor

proposes reducing monthly SSI/SSPgrants, beginning on July 1, from$757 to $708 for individuals andfrom $1,344 to $1,225 for couples.

• Impact on People with MS: If ap-proved, this would significantlyreduce the income of many peoplewith MS or other disabilities.

Medi-Cal BenefitsFederal law requires Medi-Cal toprovide basic health services, such asdoctor visits, hospital care, laboratorytests, X-rays, and skilled nursing care.There are 34 other services, optionalunder federal law, that California hasprovided in the past.

• Budget Proposal:The Governor pro-

poses eliminating18 optional Medi-

Cal benefits:acupuncture,adult dentalcare, chiro-practic, du-rable medicalequipment,hearing aids,hospice, in-dependentrehabilita-

tion centers, medical supplies, non-emergency medical transportation,occupational therapy, opticians, op-tometry, orthotics, physical therapy,podiatry, prosthetics, psychology,and speech therapy/audiology.

• Impact on People with MS: For low-income individuals with MS, qualitycare means access to the full scope ofservices through Medi-Cal. Eliminat-ing optional benefits — specificallydurable medical equipment, occu-pational and physical therapy, andspeech therapy — would limit accessto treatments and equipment thatare critical for people with MS.


Provider Rate ReductionMedi-Cal rates for many essential officeservices are currently 54% of Medicarereimbursements. Studies show thatextremely low rates affect a doctor’sability to accept Medi-Cal patients.• Budget Proposal: The Governor pro-

poses a 15% reduction in providerrates. Only hospital services, fed-erally qualified clinics, and ruralclinics would be exempt.

• Impact on People with MS: If ap-proved, this rate reduction wouldresult in fewer physicians servingpeople with MS who rely on Medi-Cal. Patients may have greater dif-ficulty accessing specialists, needto travel long distances for care, orwait months for appointments.

In-Home Supportive ServicesThe state’s In-Home Supportive Ser-vices program (IHSS) helps people whocannot remain safely in their homeswithout assistance. IHHS pays for helpwith daily activities such as personalhygiene and house cleaning, eating andtaking medication, and transportation.Qualified people with MS can also re-ceive reimbursement if relatives act ascaregivers, and many depend on IHSSto avoid institutional care.• Budget Proposal: As part of his plan

to shift responsibility for many pro-grams from the state to the counties,the Governor proposes that countiestake over administration of IHSS.Funding would come from tax in-creases that have yet to be approvedby the legislature.

• Impact on People with MS: Ifthis occurs, it’s unclear if countieswould change eligibility rulesor other IHSS requirements. Ifthey were to do so, it could sig-nificantly affect people with MS.

What’s Next?As the legislature considers theGovernor’s proposal, debate willmost likely focus on service reduc-tions and tax increases. In longand controversial negotiations,Democrats are expected to try tolimit program cuts, while Republi-cans hold firm against increasedtaxes. Either way, to address thelarge budget gap, many programswill face reduced funding, includ-ing programs that impact theMS community. ■

1. Understand the Process: The StateSenate has prepared a booklet entitledThe Budget Process: A Citizen’s Guideto Participation. For a free copy, call(916) 327-2155.

2. Understand the Issues: For moreinformation on budget issues that af-fect people with MS, contact our MSCalifornia Action Network at (916)442-3520 or [email protected].

3. Voice Your Concerns: Inform yourelected officials how budget reductionswill impact our community. Write, call,or visit your local officials, such as citycouncil members and supervisors, andstate legislators. To find your legisla-tors, go to www.leginfo.ca.gov and clickon “Your Legislature.”

How Can I Help?


The Northern California Chapter sponsors the following self-help groupsfor people with MS and their loved ones. The groups meet regularly foremotional support and educational purposes. For information on a specific

group, call the contact person listed here. To learn about the many other emotionalsupport options available through the National MS Society, call the Chapter at 1-800-FIGHT MS.

L O C A L P R O G R A M S

209 Area CodeAngels Camp: third Tuesday, 1:00 PM;

call Pat 736-4777Jackson: quarterly, 7:30 PM; call Gary

274-2305 or Jackie 223-5106Merced—MS Challengers: first

Saturday, 10:00 AM; call Susan 384-6533

Modesto: third Saturday, 10:00 AM;call Dr. Ezane Crumb 463-1317 orPati 524-8329

Stockton: second Tuesday, 6:30 PM; callJan 478-7340 or Brenda 957-9444

Stockton: second Saturday, 10:00 AM;call Dr. Ezane Crumb 463-1317 orFran 477-4067

Tracy: first Monday, 6:30 PM; callElaine 833-7169

Turlock: fourth Saturday, 10:00 AM;call Bill 664-1427 or Frances 667-2184

415 Area CodeBayview-Hunters Point: fourth Sat-

urday, 10:30 AM; call Gayle 642-1961Corte Madera: third Tuesday, 7:00 PM;

call Verita 927-9053Point Reyes: second and fourth Thurs-

days, 2:00 PM; call Carole 663-8231San Francisco: second Thursday,

7:00 PM; call Shirley 346-2404 orDolores 467-6186

San Francisco—Potluck Luncheon:periodically; call Karen 584-6115

San Francisco—Sunset District:second Saturday, 12:00 PM; callTania 665-1178

510 Area CodeEast Bay Lesbians: third Saturday,

10:00 AM; call Theresa 741-8126Fremont: second Saturday, 12:00 PM;

call Kim 793-0765North Oakland: second Tuesday,

6:30 PM; call Barbara 482-0266Oakland—African-Americans: third

Saturday, 12:00 PM; call RoseMarie268-0572 x125 or (415) 336-4200

Oakland—Family, Friends & LovedOnes: second Saturday, 10:30 AM;call Suzanne 581-3239

Oakland—For Those Who’ve HadMS Several Years: first Thursday,4:30 PM; call Gaby 436-0265

Oakland—Latinos: fourth Thursday,6:30 PM; call Lorraine 268-0572 x114

Oakland—Multiple Strengths: thirdMonday, 6:30 PM; call Rick 521-2436

Oakland—Teen Group: second Sun-day, 3:00 PM; call Katie 268-0572 x121

Self-Help Groups for Our Community

Classified ads are now online atwww.msconnection.org/ads.htm


530 Area CodeAuburn: second Thursday, 6:30 PM;

call Ruth 888-8388Butte County: first and third Mon-

days; call Pat 891-4369 or Nikki533-5666

Davis: third Saturday, 12:00 PM; callKathi 297-1514

Grass Valley: third Tuesday, 12:00 PM;call Phyllis 292-9310 or Helen 272-3120

Marysville: second Thursday, 7:00 PM;call George 742-7254 or Ray 673-6554

Placerville: second Saturday, 1:00 PM;call Pat 676-1828

Redding: fourth Wednesday,4:00 PM; call Lisa 246-2840

559 Area CodeFresno: first Monday, 7:00 PM; call

Karen 431-4570 or Carole 435-3480Fresno: third Thursday, 9:30 AM; call

Doris 299-2072 or Frank 291-7088Visalia: second and fourth Saturdays,

10:00 AM; call Mark 636-1099 orDennis 635-2609

650 Area CodeSan Mateo: second and fourth Tues-

days, 7:00 PM; call Robin 355-8878

707 Area CodeCrescent City: periodically on Sat-

urdays, 10:00 AM; call Kay 464-2640Eureka: last Saturday, 10:00 AM;

call Ann Louise 839-0177McKinleyville: second Monday,

6:30 PM; call Diane 822-4710Napa: first Sunday every other month,

1:00 PM; call Neil 255-8235

Rohnert Park: second Saturday,1:00 PM; call Dara 664-1586

Santa Rosa: fourth Saturday, 1:00 PM;call Carol 837-8046

Sonoma—Women’s Group: periodi-cally on Saturdays, 1:30 PM; call Susan939-8132

Ukiah: second Tuesday, 7:00 PM; callWarren 462-1834

Vacaville: second Saturday, 10:00 AM;call Dacia 678-6131 or Deborah 447-9603 (before 7:00 PM)

Vallejo: second Tuesday, 6:30 PM; callMarian 745-9333 or Pam 745-3704

Willits: periodically; call Ken 456-9608

916 Area CodeElk Grove: second Friday,10:00 AM; call Dorothy 684-6849or Willie 684-1677Roseville: last Tuesday, 7:00 PM;

call Stacey 727-1278Sacramento: second Monday, 7:00 PM;

call Merle or Donne 381-4721Sacramento—Moving on With MS:

second Saturday, 10:00 AM; call Irene536-9116 or Barbara 332-8557

Sacramento—Newly Diagnosed:second Tuesday, 7:00 PM; call Denise927-8000

South Sacramento: second Tuesday,2:00 PM; call Edie 688-2674

925 Area CodeBrentwood: second Wednesday,

1:00 PM; call Tom 516-9647Concord: second Saturday, 1:00 PM; call

John 372-0859 or Shirley 685-0961Danville: fourth Saturday, 10:00 AM;

call Bea 556-9947Pleasanton: second Saturday, 10:00

AM; call Mary Beth 829-0832 ■

Toll-Free Number: 1-800-FIGHT MS2003 #1

FREE MATTER FORTHE BLIND ORPHYSICALLY

HANDICAPPED

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Northern California Chapter150 Grand AvenueOakland, CA 94612

May I recommend...Your name: _________________________

Your phone: ( _____ ) ________________

I would recommend the followinghealthcare professional or service

provider to others with MS:

Name: _____________________________

City: _______________________________

Phone: ( _______ ) ___________________

Services provided: __________________

____________________________________

Comments: _________________________

____________________________________

______________________________________________

Know a Good Doctor?

Have you had a great experiencewith a local health professional or

a community service provider? Pleasepass that information on to us, so wecan pass it on to others with MS!

People with MS call us to requestreferrals for everything from neurolo-gists to therapists to yoga instructors.We’re always expanding our resourcesto better serve our members, and youcan help. There are three ways toshare this information with us:• Fill out the form at right and return

it in the postage-paid envelope atthe center of this newsletter.

• Call 1-800-FIGHT MS and shareyour referral with Meche.

• Send referrals to [email protected]. ■

Y O U R C H A P T E R

help us help you - national multiple sclerosis society · 2006-12-21 · visit our website: ms...

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