msconnection 2000 #1 - national multiple sclerosis society · ter of the national multiple...

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

MSConnectionNorthern California Chapter 2000 #1

Y O U R

MS Yoga......page 4 California Courts & You....17 GAP Program....8

C H A P T E R

MS Connection is the quarterly news-letter of the Northern California Chap-ter of the National Multiple SclerosisSociety. It is mailed free of charge tochapter members.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Societyis proud to be a source of informationabout MS. Our comments are based onprofessional advice, published experi-ence, and expert opinion but do notrepresent therapeutic recommendationor prescription. For specific informationand advice, consult your personal phy-sician.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Societydoes not endorse products, services ormanufacturers. Such names appearhere solely because they are consideredvaluable as information. The Societyassumes no liability whatsoever for theuse or contents of any product or ser-vice mentioned.

© 2000National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Northern California Chapter150 Grand Avenue, Oakland, CA 94612

Phone: (510) 268-0572Fax: (510) 268-0575

E-mail: [email protected]: www.msconnection.org

Chair SecretaryJill Wright, MD Marc Stolman

Vice Chair TreasurerKathleen Maureen LuceyO. McEligot Mihelich

Chapter Programs ChairJoan Hall-Feinberg

Chapter PresidentJulie E. Thomas

Newsletter EditorVeronica Navarrette

Toll-Free Number: 1-800-FIGHT MS2000 #1 2

I N T H I S I S S U ELetter from the EditorYour Chapter ..................................... 3

FeaturesMS Yoga............................................. 4Nursing Home Visitors ..................... 6GAP Program .................................... 8Family Programs .............................10Public Awareness............................ 12Financial Assistance ....................... 18Sound-Alike Organizations .............19Direct Mail Program ....................... 23

Health FocusChapter Funds Research .................13

In Every IssueTips from Toni ..................................16Online with Bill Lind ....................... 22

MS & The LawCalifornia Courts and You................17

Speak OutMS Poem ..........................................15

VolunteersVolunteer Opportunities................... 9Community Resource Volunteer.... 21

FundraisingDinner of Champions ..................... 241999 Bike Tour Results .................... 25Women Against MS Tea ................. 26MS WALK 2000 Registration.......... 27

ListingsSelf-Help Groups ............................ 28Classifieds ....................................... 30Calendar .......................................... 31

and...

Kids Konnections pull-out section!

MS ConnectionVisit Our Website: www.msconnection.org 3

Our mission:

to end the

devastating

effects

of

multiple

sclerosis.

L E T T E R F R O M T H E E D I T O RYour ChapterDear Friends,

Welcome to the first issue of MS Connection for the year 2000! Iam honored to introduce myself to you as the new editor ofMS Connection for the Northern California Chapter. FormerCommunications Manager Terence Keane left behind a deservingreputation as a dedicated editor with a commitment to excellence. Ihope to pick up where Terence left off, not only continuing thetradition for excellence but maintaining the tradition forproviding informative and entertaining pieces for our readers.

On that note, let me pass on the good news thatMS Connection was honored with two Outstanding NewsletterArticle awards at the National Multiple Sclerosis SocietyLeadership Conference held in Anaheim last November. Wereceived honors for our coverage on topics that highlightedemployment and independence issues for people with MS.Although awards are always nice, we will continue to providecoverage of these and other related topics for its own reward ofmaking a difference for the thousands of readers living with MS.

Now that we are on the cusp of a new century, we thought itwould be an appropriate time to recommit ourselves to our mission:to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis. Although manyare familiar with our mission, many more may not have a fullunderstanding of what we do at the Chapter to one day accomplishour goal. This first issue therefore, highlights the research,programing, and fundraising efforts that your chapter sponsors.We hope you enjoy learning more about the Chapter and areinspired to participate in the various opportunities that areavailable to you.

In sum, remember that your chapter newsletter is a forumthat allows our readers an opportunity to participate. If there aretopics or issues that you would like to see addressed, then let usknow! You can E-mail me at [email protected] orcall me at 1-800-FIGHT MS. May this century of multiple sclerosisbe its last!

Sincerely,

Veronica NavarretteCommunications Coordinator


MS YOGA S-T-R-E-T-C-H-E-S OnY O G A P R O G R A M

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On October 23 and 24, theChapter held its secondannual Yoga for MS

Instructor-Training weekend inBelvedere (Marin). The hands-onworkshop introduced adaptiveyoga for MS to Bay Area yogainstructors and to our clients.

Led by the NationalMultiple Sclerosis Society’sfavorite yogi Eric Small, a25-year Iyengar yogateacher who has livedwith MS for more than 40 years, thelively workshop schooled 23experienced instructors on tailoringtraditional yoga poses for a variety ofmobility levels. Nearly 50 clientslearned stretching and breathing tech-niques useful for fatigue, digestion,balance and spasticity. At the sametime, clients acted as “models,” con-tributing to the professional develop-ment of yoga instructors interested inMS and disabilities.

The mood was euphoric asclients, many using wheelchairs,learned how to bend, twist and reach

further than they’d ever imagined.Many indicated that they plan to

“take the plunge” and beginyoga classes.

Yoga is uniquelysuited for managing MS.

The practice of yogastarts “where you are,”

both physically andemotionally. According to

Naomi Hiller-Reynolds, a yogainstructor and longtime student of EricSmall, “Yoga increases breathingcapacity, addresses tension, moves theorgans and exercises the limbs. Itstimulates the various systems of thebody. That’s good for anyone, nomatter your level of ability or mobility.If you go from no movement to somemovement, you’ve done somethinggood!”

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Exercise at a lower temperature: Yoga moves the body withoutintense heat

Alleviate Anxiety: Yoga soothes the nervous system.

Increase concentration: Yoga teaches focus.

Move the limbs, organs and major body systems, no matter thelevel of mobility: Yoga can be tailored to address any state ofbody.

Q u a l i t y o f L i f e : W h y Y o g a ?


For the past year, your Chapterhas been offering yoga classesthroughout the Bay Area. This

program has proven to be incrediblysuccessful, as many have discoveredthe benefits of regular participation.Our instructors, who received trainingthrough our Yoga for MS InstructorTraining, have been working hard tooffer classes that are appropriate for alllevels of ability. As one participantsaid, “The instructors were veryunderstanding of our limitations.”

One of the many benefits oftaking a yoga class offered by theNational MS Society is the opportunityfor support from other people who areexperiencing similar challenges. Whenasked how yoga helped her, anotherparticipant stated, “I truly believe thishas helped me mentally, physically, andemotionally.”

Through a generous grant fromthe John Muir/Mt. Diablo CommunityHealth Benefit Corporation, we offeredtwo, ten-week series in Danville,Antioch, Martinez, Concord andWalnut Creek. This was an excellentintroduction to the potential benefits ofyoga to the people of Contra CostaCounty. We will continue to offerclasses in Concord, and some of ourteachers will continue to offer affiliatedclasses throughout Contra CostaCounty.

Yoga classes were also introducedto people in Alameda County with thehelp of a grant from MacroMedia.

Classes were held in Hayward andOakland. This year, evening classeswill be offered in Oakland, as well as anaffiliated class in Berkeley.

Classes were also held in SanFrancisco and San Rafael. The SanFrancisco class proved so popular, thatthe instructor created a second,affiliated class for those who wish tocontinue on a regular basis. This isgood news for all participants, as morepeople are now able to benefit from thisprogram. Classes will continue to beoffered in both of these cities.

Our yoga program is now begin-ning to spread north. Starting thisyear, we will offer classes in both SantaRosa and Arcata. People in these areasare very excited for this opportunity,and we hope to continue to spread theprogram elsewhere. In fact, individualsliving in outlying areas can help makethis happen. Our Grants for AreaPrograms (GAP), currently has fundsavailable to assist in bringing activitiesto outlying areas. For more informa-tion on how you can participate in GAP,please see the article on page eight.

So if you’re looking for a way toreduce stress, increase or maintainflexibility and strength, improve yourability to focus and meet new people ina supportive and fun environment, thengive MS Yoga a try! Watch for the MSCalendar for details regarding classesin your area.

YOGA Classes Prove Popular

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Nursing Home VisitorsV O L U N T E E R O P P O R T U N I T I E S

Most people would rather notvisit a nursing home. Peoplewith frail health and who are

dependent live in nursing homes.Since our culture is one obsessed withvitality and independence, paying a visitto a nursing home resident wouldprobably not be among the first choicefor many people.

Yet, manypeople do visit nurs-ing home residents.

During the past18 months, theNational MultipleSclerosis Society’sNorthern CaliforniaChapter has trained28 volunteers to dojust that, visit nurs-ing home residentswho have multiplesclerosis (MS).

Visitors commit to nursing homeresidents with MS. They show up forpeople who live in nursing homes. SaysVisitor Karen Gillette of Alameda, “Myresident so enjoys my completeattention. I’m a good listener, so it’s agood fit for me.”

Visits can involve reading outloud together, sharing family photo-

graphs, discuss-ing distant trav-els, or watchinga San Francisco49ers footballgame. Visitsmight occur in aresident’s room,or in the frontlobby with fam-ily and friends.

The Gift ofPresence and Friendship

Many nursing home residentsyearn most for one thing — humancontact. That is what Nursing HomeVisitors provide. Gentle, human con-tact. Visitors give residents the gift ofpresence. In the nursing home context,the power of presence cannot beunderestimated.

At the same time, visitsneed not last long. Thirty minutes ofpurposeful presence can make a worldof difference. Five minutes of meaning-ful eye contact or gentle touch cantruly heal.

Inevitably, presence leads tofriendship. Says Bob Valkevich ofPleasant Hill, a Nursing Home Visitorfor the past nine months, “I no longer

Nursing Home Visitor trainees,Fred and Fran Ducey, enjoy lunchduring a recent training session.

By Christopher Cherney


The Program

look at my visits as a commitment tosomeone else, but a sharing betweentwo friends, which benefits me as muchas my so-called ‘client.’” Visitor KarenGilletter agrees. “It’s been such a win-win thing. I’ve gotten as much out of itas the resident has.”

Nursing Home Visitors come fromall over the Bay Area. Although theprogram currently is focused ontraining volunteers in Alameda, ContraCosta, Marin and San Franciscocounties, Visitors come from as faraway as Yountville.

Training sessions are held two orthree times per year. They include anoverview of nursing homes, a discussionof multiple sclerosis itself, and featurethe practice of one-on-one, activelistening. A training binder andsupporting documentation are providedto all volunteers.

Afterward, visitors are matchedwith nursing home residents in theirlocal communities. Visitors areprovided the name of a contact personat the facility and are encouraged tobring questions or concerns to Societypersonnel.

To maintain their enthusiasm,volunteers gather each month, todiscuss their experiences as visitors.Stories of compassion and connectionabound, vulnerabilities are bared,laughter shared.

At its root, the Nursing HomeVisitor program is powerfully simple.

If you feel that you would like toprovide the gift of your presence to anursing home resident with MS, pleasecall 1-800- FIGHT MS and ask for KarrieKatzenberg, Emotional Support Manager.

Founded on the gift of human presence,the program embodies compassion andis a credit to the Society.

Christopher Cherney is theAdministrator at Courtyard CareCenter in Hayward where seven peoplewith MS live. He helped launch theNursing Home Visitor program in 1998and remains actively involved intraining and supporting volunteers.

Additional EmotionalSupport Programs

You are not aloneWould you like to have ongoing phonesupport and companionship fromsomeone else who knows what it is liketo live with MS? Call Karrie at1-800- FIGHT MS and ask to bematched with a phone buddy volunteerwho will call you once a week for afriendly and supportive chat.

Loving with MSA Couples Counseling Group can helpyou and your partner build a stronger,closer relationship by improving com-munication and support skills. Groupmeets weekly Wednesdays,March 1 – April 5, 6:30-8:00 p.m. in SanRafael. Space is limited. Call Carol at1-800-FIGHT MS to register now!

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G A P P R O G R A M S

Chapter Helps Bridge the GAP to Outlying Areas

Horseback riding in LakeCounty? Aquatics classes inArcata?

Our chapter area covers a widegeographic territory and many diversecommunities. Although living in lesspopulated areas has benefits includingcleaner air, less traffic and moreopportunities to enjoy nature, for manywho reside in these areas, it can be achallenge to access the various servicessponsored by the National MultipleSclerosis Society.

As a leading provider of servicesto people with MS, The MS Scociety iscommitted to serving all the communi-

The GAP Program has helped tofund Aquatics classes in Arcata.

ties in our 13 county territory, from SanMateo County all the way up to theOregon border. Grants for Area Pro-grams (GAP), was established in 1998to assist in bringing programs to theoutlying areas of the NorthernCalifornia Chapter territory. Thisprogram provides the means forself-help groups or individuals to applyfor grants in order to bring new andexciting programs to their area. GAP

Grants for Area Programs (GAP) offers assistance inbringing programs to the more outlying areas of the

Northern California Chapter Territory.

provides an ideal way to benefit frombeing a volunteer. Not only can indi-viduals feel good about getting involvedin a project, they can also participate inthe programs they help design.

In the past, the Chapter hasfunded aquatics classes in Montereyand Arcata, as well as therapeutic

horseback riding in Lake County.These programs would have been muchmore difficult to organize without theassistance of local communitymembers. After all, who knows theresources and needs of a local commu-nity better than those who live there?Applicants are responsible for findinginstructors and sites for the programs,as well as scheduling meeting times.Working with staff members from thechapter, these people have become


instrumental in bringing programs totheir areas.

GAP funding covers the followingcounties: Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake,Mendocino, Napa, Solano, Sonoma,Trinity, as well as the eastern portionsof Contra Costa. There is amplefunding available. All we need areenthusiastic volunteers to locate theresources and apply for funding. If youare interested in bringing a program toyour area through the use of GAP,contact Linda at 1-800-FIGHT MS(1-800-344-4867).

Lend A Hand

The GAP Program has madehorseback riding for people withMS possible in Lake County.�

Seeking volunteers. If you have time to help improve the lives ofpeople with MS, call Kim at 1-800-FIGHT MS.

Event Volunteers: Join the fun at the Top Hat Classic in San Ramon (April 29) orat an MS WALK site near you (April 8 & 9). Help with registration, rest stops, routemarking, food preparation and more. Volunteers at both events receive free meals,and at the Top Hat we’ll throw in a free T-shirt too!

Nursing Home Visitors: Make a difference in the lives of nursing home residentswith multiple sclerosis by becoming a Nursing Home Visitor. Training will takeplace this spring in Santa Rosa. Call Karrie at 1-800 FIGHT MS to ask for anapplication.

Program Intern: An organized, detail-oriented person is needed to assist ourInformation and Referral coordinator with researching and updating community andprofessional services information for use by our clients. Great opportunity forindividual interested in community-related work.

Employment Subcommittee: Help people with MS find and retain jobs.

Office Help: We need people during this busy event season to help in our Oaklandoffice. Projects mailings, filing and phone work. Students welcome!


F A M I L Y P R O G R A M S

Joining the Chapter Family

Multiple Sclerosis affects notonly the person with the dis-ease, but loved ones, too.

Because partners,spouses, children, par-ents, siblings, andfriends can also experi-ence stress, confusion,loss, and isolation dueto this disease, theNational MS Societystrives to provide pro-grams for the entirefamily. We offer manyopportunities for peopleto develop strategies forcoping with theunpredictability of thedisease and the addedstressors it brings totheir everyday lives.

Continuing tocultivate socialcontacts whiledealing with theaffects of a poten-tially disablingdisease is very important. After a diag-nosis is made in the family, some peoplemay experience a gradual loss offriends. Some of the programs spon-sored by the Northern California Chap-ter offer opportunities for families togather in social situations. The AnnualHoliday Party and the Family Fun Dayare both events where people can meetothers who are affected by MS, while

enjoying fun and festivities. This givespeople the chance to connect withothers who may be experiencing simi-

lar issues and,perhaps, makenew friends.

Otherfamily-relatedprograms includeMom, Dad, MS,and Me, a pro-gram for parentsand childrenages 6-12. Thisworkshop offersparents tools forcoping with theadded challengesthat MS bringsto parenting.Meanwhile, acounselor leads

children in acreativeactivity thatenablesthem to

explore their feelings about MS. Thisprogram helps build a better founda-tion of communication within the fam-ily. For those with older children, ournew Parent/Teen Adventure Programmay offer an opportunity for parentsand teens to grow together and open upnew avenues for communication. Thisfall, we will be inviting parents andteens on a one-day sea-kayaking

The Northern California Chapter offersmany programs for the entire family.


adventure on Tomales Bay in MarinCounty. Participation in this fun andexciting program can lead to new, sup-portive connections for teens and par-ents, both with each other and withothers who are experiencing the joys ofadolescence!

For those of us with a loved onewith MS, our Emotional SupportPrograms provide many opportunitiesto discover effective coping skills. Weoffer a Support Group for SignificantOthers in Oakland, where people can goto receive peer support. This group isopen to all individuals who have aloved one with MS. We have alsorecently added a significant other toour peer counselors list. She has first-hand knowledge about what it is like tolive with someone with MS, has beentrained in active listening, and is avail-able to answer questions and providesupport. We also offer professionally-led short-term counseling groups.These groups, usually five weeks induration, focus on topics, such ascouples issues or the problems onefaces while parenting with MS.

Our educational programs are anexcellent source for support andinformation for family members. Forexample, the Caregivers Retreat isgeared specifically to those that providecare for a loved one with MS. This dayof self-care and relaxation for spouses,family members and othernonprofessional caregivers offers skillsfor managing stress and theresponsibilities of the care-giving role.The program also includes an overview

of coping strategies, including fulfillingemotional needs and building supportnetworks.

OurMoving Forward program isan excellent resource for those whohave been diagnosed with MS and fortheir loved ones. At this workshop,people who are confronting thediagnosis can learn about effectivecoping, the latest research andtreatment options, and employmentissues.

Relationships and MS is also anexcellent educational program forpeople with MS and their loved ones.This workshop discusses how MS canaffect relationships and teaches skillsfor increasing satisfaction and supportwithin the relationship. Participantsare given the opportunity to exploreways to enhance their relationship.

Family members are alwayswelcome at all our educationalprograms. In fact, they are highlyencouraged to attend.

We are looking to the future todevelop other ways to support families.Eventually, we hope to expand thePhone Buddies program to includesignificant others, as well as to create asupport group for children. Our family,recreational and social activities willcontinue to expand. So if you are look-ing to increase your circle of support,look to your local chapter for manyopportunities!�


P U B L I C A W A R E N E S S

Campaign Increases MS Awareness

For the second year in a row, the letters “MS” were emblazoned across hun-dreds of buses, billboards, BART posters and bus shelters throughout theBay Area. The international advertising agency McCann-Erickson, famous

for the slogan “It’s the Cheese,” engineered another ambitious public awarenesscampaign. Still, no one could have predicted the incredible success of this pro bonoeffort!

In 1997, research showed most people did not know what the initials “MS”stood for. As a result, McCann-Erickson set out to make MS memorable, creating aseries of advertisements thatplayed on people’s commonassociations with the letters.

Running from Marchuntil May, the 1998 cam-paign (equivalent to$350,000) yielded a modestincrease in public awarenesswithin a five-county area.Ads on buses, billboards,BART posters, bus sheltersand radio spots resulted infewer people confusing MSwith other diseases.

In 1999, McCann-Erickson streamlined theads, ensuring that allthree would receive equalexposure within an eight-county area. The first read“MS: It’s not a software company”; the second, “MS: It’s not a magazine for femi-nists”; the last, “Multiple Sclerosis.” All contained small print reading “It’s a neuro-logical nightmare” and included the MS logo and the 1-800 telephone number. Thecampaign’s total value was roughly $500,000.

In just the past year, there has been a 150% increase in those proven aware ofMS. That’s a 175% increase in two years! The number of people unaware of the dis-ease has decreased and there has been a significant increase in those likely to sup-port our cause. Special thanks to Tamara Birdsall and Lynne Scott of McCann-Erickson for their help in the success of the MS public awareness campaign.

Former Communications Manager, TerenceKeane, poses with one of the many MS PublicAwareness ads that were posted throughout theBay Area with the help ofMcCann-Erickson.


H E A L T H F O C U S

A lthough many people in the MScommunitycan recognize the disease’s

physical toll, it can be more difficult toassess, and to address its emotionalimpacts.

The desire to find ways to helplessen these negative psychologicalinfluences has led the Chapter to sup-port the research of Dr. ArneBoudewyn. Nearing the end of its sec-ond year, the doctor’s study,“Development of the MS PsychosocialAssessment Scale,” aims to develop andtest an interview tool that measurestreatment therapies and identifiespeople who might benefitfrom enhanced social or psychologicalsupport.

“The inter-est really cameout of work withclinical patients.There were a lotof issues thatweren’t beingaddressed.Patients didn’tfeel like they had enough time to dealwith these secondary issues when theyhad only short periods of time to sharewith their neurologists,” Dr. Boudewynsaid.

“I think it’s only in recent yearsthat the National Multiple Sclerosis

Doctor Uses Chapter Grant to StudyPsychological Toll in MS Patients

Society has realized they need to dosomething in the interim, before a cureis found, that deals with patients’emotional and psychological needs andnot just the physical ones,” added the

University ofCalifornia, SanFrancisco MountZion MS Centerresearcher.

Therealization is not anew one.

At a recentsymposium in Basel, Switzerland, amajority of nurses articulated an acuteawareness of the emotional difficultiesfaced by persons with MS. According tothe nurses, psychological symptoms

Continued on the following page . . .

Dr. Boudewyn, Ph.D., pictured withclinic nurse, Tracy Stewart, R.N.

“I think it’s only in recent years that theNational Multiple Sclerosis Society hasrealized that they need to do something inthe interim, before a cure is found, thatdeals with patients’ emotional andpsychological needs and not just thephysical ones.” Dr. Boudewyn, Ph.D.


H E A L T H F O C U S

utilizing an $87,604 Diamond HonorRoll Gift from the Chapter (separatefrom another $489,000 the Chaptercontributed to other research projects)to compile a series of interview ques-tions designed to assess psychologicalfunction in MS. The so-called MSPsychological Assessment Scale(MS-PAS) focuses on eight key themesincluding perceived interference withdaily work and social activities, socialsupport and severity of MS. Other

questions target fi-nance and insuranceconcerns.

and sensitivities include denial of dis-ease, unrealistic expectations, weightloss (or gain), sleep disorders, sexualdysfunction and suicide creation. Notsurprisingly, the nurses considered itpart of their duty to act as the first lineof defense against patient depressionand treatment failures. They also felt itwas important to function as a sourcefor referrals to counselors andtherapists for psychological assistance.

Meanwhile, another UCSFresearcher, DavidMohr, Ph.D, iscurrently examiningtreatment alternativesfor MS patientsbattling depression.Essentially, the doctoris trying to determine the efficacy ofthree therapeutic approaches. In anearly written description of hisresearch project, Dr. Mohr stated:

“In short, we have found thetreatments we offer are highly effectivefor about 40%-50% of the patients wetreat, with the remaining having a veryresilient, refractory depression . . .Weare proposing a study that comparestreatment programs: a psychosocialtreatment that uses both individualand group psychotherapy, a medicationarm that will treat depression aggres-sively, and a combination, which usesboth the psychosocial and the medicaltreatment arms.”

For his part, Dr. Boudewyn is

Continued from the previous page . . .

Although incom-plete, the list of queriesincludes:

How has your mood been lately?

Have you found yourself tearful?

yourself pleasure?

How many days have youspent alone?

Who do you talk to?

Have you found that MS limits orcauses problems in yourrelationships?

�

�

�

�

�

�

�

For his part, Dr. Boudewyn is

utilizing an $87,604

Diamond Honor

Roll Gift from the Chapter.

Have their been problemsbetween you and yourspouse?

What do you do that gives


�

At the same time, interviewerswill rate patients’ coping “skills.” Dr.Boudewyn hopes to complete hisresearch in June, using the third yearfor write-up and dissemination. “WhatI would like to do is “norm” it on amuch larger sample and have peopleuse it at other centers,” he said. “Wereally need to see if it can beimplemented on a broader scale.”

“There seems to be a correlationbetween resources, and the ability tobring those resources to bear in solvingproblems related to MS and anxiety,”Dr. Boudewyn explained. “Ultimately,we are hoping that the interviewsthemselves will help us get theinformation we need to develop needsassessments and effective referrals.”

In 1999, the Society spent arecord $22.5 million to supportresearch programs. Since its founding53 years ago, it has invested more than$260 million to find the cause,treatments and a cure for MS. Duringthe past year, the Society’s volunteerscientific advisors reviewed 300 re-search proposals and approved 129.The Society has more than $40 millionin current and future commitments tomore than 300 projects for whichmoney must be raised.

MS Poemby Kimberly Childers

Lately my dreams

When something is

And the thoughts

Before Slumber

Are full of color

And incredible imagination

My mind comfortablyRegurgitates

The Phantomlike

Luminous fairies

Moving bodies

Cloaked in opaque white

To me it seems

This disease

Another part

Of my dormant brain

Taken away

It is replaced

Maybe this is an odd law oftimeless evolution

The bizarre

Has awakened

Maybe a precious gift

from the angels

S P E A K O U T

MS POEM

To learn more about Dr. Boudewyn’sresearch you can contact him at:415-353-7461 or write him at,

Dr. Arne Boudewyn, Ph.D.UCSF/Mount Zion Medical Center1701 Divisadero Street, Suite 480San Francisco CA 94115-1642E-mail: [email protected]


HOT SITES

Go to:www.nmss–nocal.orginfo@nmss–nocal.org

T I P S F R O M T O N I

Cooling Exercise

Thanks for your letter. Somestudies show that nearly 40% ofall people with MS have

sensitivity to heat. As temperaturesrise in heat-sensitive bodies, the effectscan range from mild discomfort todifficulty with mobility. The challengefor heat-sensitive people, therefore, iskeeping body temperatures low whileengaging in exercise. Wearing coolingvests, using a misting device orexercising in cool environments withair conditioning, can be helpful butoften aren’t enough to keep bodies cool.Swimming, however, is an excellentway to get aerobic exercise whilemaintaining a low body temperature.

When exercising in water, thebody cools off four times faster than itdoes while on land. The lowtemperature water serves as amechanism that whisks away heat thatthe body generates. The cool wateralso helps in decreasing pain, stiffnessin joints and swelling, and improvesoverall circulation and respiration.

Water also allows people at all levels offunction greater mobility and theopportunity to build on the aerobicintensity needed to burn the desiredamount of calories. An hour of aerobicexercise in water can burn more than300 calories.

Many recreational pool facilitiesthroughout the Bay Area are availableto the public for exercise. Watertemperatures usually range between84-94 degrees; this is dependent on thetype of individuals and recreationalorganizations that use the respectivepool. Pools utilized by swim teamsoften means that the temperature willbe lower than pools used by olderadults. In general, lap pools andoutdoor pools have low overall ambienttemperature. Your yellow pages can bea good source for seeking outrecreational pool facilities. TheNorthern California Chapter also spon-sors Aquatics classes for people withMS led by trained professionals. Classregistration information can be foundin your monthly MS Calendar.

Dear Toni,

My doctor ha

s recommended

that I get

more exercise

, but I am

very sens

itive to he

at.

I can’t jog

like I us

ed to and

I’m tryin

g an

aerobics cl

ass, but I

’m not convin

ced that I

will burn en

ough calo

ries and p

revent the

heat

sensitivity

problem I ha

ve. Do you

have any

insight int

o this prob

lem? S.D.

by Toni Wigle, OTR

Ask the Expert about Tips for Daily Living.

Write to “Tips from Toni”

National MS Society

150 Grand Avenue Oakland, CA 94612

or E-mail [email protected]

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RESOURCES

R E S O U R C E S

The Jogger

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M S & T H E L A W

California Courts and You

Have you been involved in a California Court Proceeding in the last two years? Perry Hall,

wants to hear from you if you or someone whoyou care about is affected by multiple sclerosis and wasdenied equal access to the courts based on the lack ofappropriate accommodation to your disability. A juror,plaintiff, defendant, attorney, or judge, anyone with adisability can be adversely affected by the Californiacourts’ lack of compliance with the ADA.

Please contact Perry Hall on staff at the EpilepsySociety of San Diego County at (800) 408-4322 and/[email protected], if you have been in state courtand the outcome of your involvement has been affectedby your having a disability. With your help, this advo-cacy project will bring our court system up to date.Thanks!

T h r e e B i g W i n s f o r P e o p l e w i t h M S

The California Legislative session ended on a mostly positive note for the MS Society.Governor Gray Davis has signed three bills supported by California Chapters into law.

� Second Opinion: Health plans and some insurers are required to provide orauthorize a second opinion from “an appropriately qualified healthprofessional.”

�

� Medi-Cal Buy-In: Individuals who meet the federal definition of “disabled”and earn up to 250% of the federal poverty level can buy Medi-Cal coverageon a sliding scale (ranging from $20 to $250 a month.)

� Universal Coverage: The Secretary of the California Health and HumanServices Agency is required to submit a report to the Legislature by Decem-ber 1, 2001 which establishes options for providing universal health coverage.


Chapter Can Lend a Hand During Time of Need

D I R E C T S E R V I C E S P R O G R A M S

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The National Multiple SclerosisSociety can assist people with aconfirmed diagnosis of multiple

sclerosis who reside in the NorthernCalifornia Chapter and who have a

-The National Multiple Sclerosis Society

related to participation in a clinicaltrial. medical bills, or any otherexpenses not deemed “emergencyassistance.”

Last year, 31 individuals with MSwere awarded subsidies to assist themthrough crisis situations. A womanfrom Alameda County wrote thesewords of thanks, “I know you workedhard to save my home and you saved it.Words can’t describe my gratitude that

the MS Society is here.” Moreletters came

from SanFrancisco,“I canbreath alittleeasiernow,” and

fromOakland, “Before

talking to you, I hadno where to turn.”

If you need helpgetting back on your feet and

assistance moving towardself-sufficiency and independence, con-tact RoseMarie Johnson at

1-800-FIGHT MS. This fiscal year theChapter allocated $20,000 for theEmergency Assistance Program.

critical need that cannot be metthrough their own or communityresources.

With a phone call to the MSSociety we will take your applicationand help you examine potentialcommunity resources tofill your need. To receivefinancial assistancefrom the Chapter wewill request verificationof diagnosis anddocumentation of need.The Multiple SclerosisSociety will attempt tomake a decision onyour request within48 hours.

Covered ex-penses include basicneeds such as food,shelter, utilities andunder certainconditions, prescriptions/medications. Limited transportation tomedical appointments or chapterprograms are also covered. Excludedare ongoing personal care, travel


A t the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, we encourage the public to learn about non-profit organizations before giving. Youwork hard for your money and are un-derstandably concerned that your con-tribution be used wisely. Before mak-ing a contribution to any group, checkits reputation with the Better BusinessBureau and the state Attorney General.You will find their numbers on the fol-lowing page, which also lists questions

to ask whenever you’ve approached fora donation.

“Sound-alike” organizations suchas The Multiple Sclerosis Associationand the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation,are not affiliated with the NationalMultiple Sclerosis Society. Ifapproached by either of theseorganizations, we suggest askingquestions about the services they offerand the research they are doing. Ask tosee a copy of their most recent newslet-

Be Aware of Sound-alike Organizations

T H E N A T I O N A L M S S O C I E T Y

For questions to ask sound-alike organiza-tions, please see the following page . . .

ter and a services brochure. Once youreceive this information, you then areready to make an informed choice aboutsending a donation to the organizationthat approached you through a directmail appeal or a telemarketing appeal.

While we can’t speak about whatother agencies do, we can tell you aboutour organization. The National MultipleSclerosis Society was founded in 1946.Over 80% of funds raised in northern

California go to directly support ourmission: to end the devastating effects ofmultiple sclerosis. The Society spendsmore money on MS research than anynational voluntary health agency in theworld; and is the only MS organizationthat meets the standards of all majoragencies that rate nonprofit groups. Youcan learn more about us by calling1-800-FIGHT MS and requesting a copyof our annual report. �


Continued from the previous page . . .

Ask These Questions Whenever You’re Asked For a Donation . . .We’ve filled in the answers for the Northern California Chapter of the NMSS.

1. Is your group an approved 501(c)3?✔ YES –Request a copy of our IRS

certificate by calling 1-800-FIGHT MS.

2. What percent of the funds you raiseare used to provide programs andservices?✔ OVER 80%—Call 1-800-FIGHT

MS and ask for a copy of ourannual report.

3. Are any of these programs or servicesavailable locally?✔ YES—In addition to our national

programs and our internationalresearch effort, we provide manyfree services for people with MSthroughout northern California.Call 1-800-FIGHT MS and askfor our free Programs Guide.

4. What percent of the funds you raisegot to fundraising and administra-tive costs?

✔ UNDER 20%—See our annual report for more details.

5. Is your group recognized by and doesit report to, the National CharitiesInformation Bureau?✔ YES—To confirm this call them

at (212) 929-6300.

6. Is it a member of the NationalHealth Council or any other nation-ally recognized organization?

✔ YES—To confirm this call theNational Health Council at (202)785-3910.

7. Is your financial report audited andcan I receive a copy free?✔ YES—Simply call 1-800-FIGHT

MS.

8. What is your reputation with theBetter Business Bureau?✔ EXCELLENT—To confirm this

call the Better Business Bureau’sPhilanthropic Advisory Service at(703) 276-0100. Your local BetterBusiness Bureau can be reachedat (510) 238-1000, (650) 696-1240, or (408) 278-7400.

9. If not a totally volunteer organiza-tion, do you have a federal employerID number?✔ YES—the number is 94-1294935

10. Do you have a board of directorsand are these people prominent localcitizens?✔ YES—See our annual report for

more details.

11. Are you registered with the stateAttorney General to raise funds inCalifornia?✔ YES—To confirm this call the

California Attorney General’sRegistry of Charitable Trusts at(916) 445-2021.


I am a volunteer. Helping others givesme a sense of pride and a

feeling of accomplishment. In ad-dition to being a resource person forthe MS Read-a-Thon Pro-gram, I'm a facilitator fora self-help group, and amember of the Society'sGovernment RelationsCommittee and the ActionAlert team. I also handleregistrations at MS Walksand Bike Tours, whichgives me a chance tothank the people who arehelping in the fight.

The Read-a-Thonprogram encourages stu-dents to obtain pledges and read as manybooks as possible. The Society providesa speaker who explains what MS is andthen I explain what it's like to have MS.When the children ask questions, it's al-ways surprising how insightful they are!I usually use a walker at these programsand as I walk back to my car, many ofthe children hold doors open and ask meif I need any help. It's great to see howaware the children are of the limitations

timers." When a newly diagnosed personor one who is seeking understanding of adisease they've had for years attends forthe first time, it is gratifying when thegroup is told, "You've helped me so much

�

C H A P T E R V O L U N T E E R S

Volunteering Benefits Everyoneby Bea Downs

of the disabled.As a facilitator for the Danville MS

Self-Help Group, I'm often amazed at theMS information the members bring toshare at our meetings. We discuss ev-erything from the A-B-C drugs to alter-native methods. The members are agreat source of comfort and empathy forall that attend, especially for the "first -

listening."The Society's Gov-ernment RelationsCommittee investi-gates issues com-ing before the leg-islators of bothstate and nationalgovernment. The

disability-relatedissues needing a

Action Alert pro-gram notifies mem-bers of upcoming

Society has supported passed.On a personal advocacy level, I've

by

letter-writing cam-paign. It is reward-ing to see a bill the

notified businesses about disability ac-cess issues. When I write, I attempt toidentify the concern and offer reasonablesuggestions for a solution. Using this ap-proach for handicapped parking, I wasable to get a local medical center to addmore spaces, a local shopping mall to cre-ate better access to crosswalks and curbcuts, and a city library to relocate spacesand even add more. It's encouraging howcooperative people can be when accessi-

Bea with Information and Referral

bility shortcomings are brought to theirattention. One voice can be heard.

Coordinator, Katie Russell.


A whole world of information, entertainment, communicationand business is available to you

on the Internet. If you haven’t alreadyconnected to the Internet, then make aNew Year’s resolution to do so soon.Give yourself access to the world oftomorrow that is available at yourfingertips today.

If you have a computer, buthaven’t yet connected it to the phonesystem, then do so with an InternetService Provider (ISP). Many providerslike America Online, Prodigy, Earthlinkand more, charge between $10 to $25 amonth for unlimited usage and access toall of their services which facilitate fullaccess to the Internet. Most ISP’s alsoprovide a free month’s trial use before afinancial commitment is made.

If you don’t have a computer, youcan access the Internet at your locallibrary. The Federal Government hascommitted to financing the connection ofall libraries and schools to the Internetby the end of 2000. The librarian atyour local branch can demonstrate howto access the Internet.

Once connected, be sure to visitthe Northern California Chapter’sInternet website at www.msconnection.org.On the first screen you will find a list ofchoices you can make to explore pathsthat will provide you with a wealth ofuseful information. You will findinformation on Chapter programs,

events, news,staff volunteeropportunities,donations,connections tochat rooms, amessageboard and easy connection to over 130other locations on the Internet whichcontain information that could be ofinterest to people with MS, their familyand friends.

One relatively underutilizedfeature of our web page is the MessageBoard. The Message Board is a bulletinboard on which you can post questions,items or services you have for sale,encouraging remarks for others, or use-ful comments you would like to share.This is not a facility that is managed bythe chapter staff, but one that is avail-able to clients and serviced by clients. Ifyou have not yet visited the MessageBoard, click on “connections” of the firstscreen, and then click on “MessageBoard” of the next screen to get there.You can ask a question or express aconcern and get an answer or receiveencouragement from someone with thesame challenges and who observed yourposting. Let us help each other andmake regular visits to the MessageBoard. We can help and get of help fromeach other.

Get the Message and Get Online

O N L I N E W I T H B I L L L I N D

�

E-mail Bill Lind [email protected]


Mail that is Vital to Our MissionF U N D R A I S I N G

�

Dear MS Society,We received several requests in the mail for money from theMS Society this past year. My husband and I send an annual gift andwalk in the MS Walk. We want to support the organization, but wecan’t afford to respond to every appeal. . .

Many years ago, the Northern California Chapter decided to expand itscircle of friends and better educate the public about multiple sclerosis bybecoming involved in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Direct

Mail Program.

Through this program, fund appeals are sent to members of the Chapter aswell as the general public. During last year’s Direct Mail Program, people acrossNorthern California learned about multiple sclerosis as a significant healthproblem and were given the opportunity to be part of the cure by making a gift.

The Chapter knows that our friends will not be able to respond to everyappeal. We also know that if we demonstrate the urgency of our mission, and offerour members and the general public the chance to support our work as often as itis convenient for them, they will give and give generously.

The response to this program has been overwhelming. In 1999, Direct MailProgram donors contributed almost $470,000 to support the work of the Chapter.More important, however, is that these gifts came from 3,384 new friends and10,121 old friends. On a national level, the program raised $18,300,000 in 1999.The Direct Mail Program has provided the Society with unparalleled opportunityto generate gifts from individuals, which will be this Chapter’s lifeblood in years tocome.

We can never thank all of these friends enough for their generosity. Becausethey believe in the urgency of our work and have demonstrated their commitmentto ending this disease, we can all look forward to a day when multiple sclerosis isno longer a part of our lives.


Dinner of Champions

F U N D R A I S I N G

�

On September 1, the Northern California Chapter’s 15th annualDinner of Champions raised $238,000 to help fight MS. Beforehundreds of admirers at the Saint Francis Hotel in San Francisco,

San Francisco Giants pitcher, Shawn Estes gave a moving addressdescribing his grandfather’s battle with multiple sclerosis. Howard W.Robin, a chapter board member and Vice President of Berlex Laboratories,served as Chairman of the Dinner. As part of the evening’s revelries, DickBright’s SRO entertained the guests.


‘‘‘‘‘99 Bike Tour ResultsF U N D R A I S I N G

A record Breaking Year for the MS Bike Tour Series!

What’s in store for 2000? Our goal at the Northern CaliforniaChapter is to raise more than 1 million dollars from the MillenniumBike Tour Series! If you are interested in helping us make thishappen by making calls to our top fundraisers, stuffing registrationpackets or serving as a Personal Power Source, please contact Kimat 1-800-FIGHT MS.

A ll together, our bike tour events in1999 raised more than $840,000 forthe Northern California Chapter of the National MS

Society. The fundraising department is especially pleased to an-nounce that 1999 was the most successful year for the Chaptersince we began producing bike events back in 1984. The Chaptergives their most sincere thanks to all of the dedicated riders andvolunteers for working so hard to raise these funds.

Top Hat Classic:$120,000

Tour du Jour:$70,000

Sonoma Waves to Wine:$650,000

�


F U N D R A I S I N G

Tea Time!

To find out about next year’s

Women Against MSevent call

1-800-FIGHT MS.

On October 19, 1999, actress LeilaKenzle, best known for her role as Fran on“Mad About You” addressed a crowd of 200at the Chapter’s second Women Against MSFashion Show and Tea. Leila spokemovingly about how her sister copes withMS, sharing stories that brought laughterand tears to the audience.

With choreography and direction byWAMS committee members, Kim Scheuer,Jane Kellam and Candace Miyahira, NMSSstaff and volunteers joined Leila Kenzle onthe catwalk, modeling the latest in casualwear. Wells Fargo Private Client Servicesserved as Title Sponsor of the event, whichincluded an English tea and a fashion showfeaturing clothing from The Gap. Present-ing Sponsor, Berlex Laboratories and Sup-porting Sponsors, Chiron Corporation andSee’s Candies, also contributed to the suc-cess of the event, which raised over $45,000.

Above: Actress Leila Kenzle (center), withChapter President, Julie Thomas (right) andchoreographer, Jane Kellam (left).

Left and below: WAMSmodels show off the latestin GAP wear.


�

egister now for MS Walk 2000!Spring is comingand with it the weekendwhen communities across

America unite to fight MS. For our 12thanniversary, we’re offering 10 MS Walksites throughout northern California.On April 8 and 9, join walkers in yourarea to make a difference.

Name: __________________________Address: ________________________City: ___________________________State: _____ Zip: _______________Home Phone: ( ____ ) _____________Work Phone: ( ____ ) _____________Date of Birth: ____ /____ /_________Walk Site:

❒ Alameda ❒ San Francisco❒ Burlingame ❒ Santa Rosa❒ Fairfield ❒ Ukiah❒ Fremont ❒ Walnut Creek❒ Tiburon ❒ Weaverville

❒ I am walking with a team. Teamname: _________________ Teamcaptain: ________________

❒ Please send me ____ brochures and____ posters to distribute.

❒ I’d like to volunteer.

Fill out this form and mail it toNorthern California Chapter NMSS150 Grand Ave., Oakland, CA 94612

Fax (510) 268-0575, or call1-800-FIGHT MS ! �

RWarm up for the Walk!

Above top: Senior DevelopmentManager, Nichol Simpson-Montfortintroduces actress, Leila Kenzle.

Above: Director of Development,Mary Lou Torre struts her stuff in apair of GAP jeans.

Below: Development Manager,Maggie Hansing.

✁


OaklandSignificant OthersSuzanne 510-794-2121x4140Second Saturday 10:30AM.

OaklandWeekend GroupJeannette 510-865-8355First Saturday 12 noon.

PleasantonMary Beth 925-829-0832Second Saturday, 10 AM.

AlamedaAlameda:Newly-DiagnosedGroupJeannette 510-865-8355First Wednesday, 7 PM.

BerkeleyBarbara 510-482-0266First Tuesday, 6:30 PM.

BerkeleyToni 510-653-4534Meets periodically.

FremontGerry 510-744-0763Mary 510-537-8026Second Saturday, 12 PM.

HaywardPamela 1-888-946-3876 x3Last Tuesday, 7 PM.

OaklandGaby 510-597-02651st & 3rd Thurs., 3:30 PM.

Theresa 510-741-8126Third Saturday, 10 AM.

The Northern CaliforniaChapter sponsors thefollowing self-helpgroups for people withMS and their loved ones.The groups meetregularly for emotionalsupport and educationalpurposes. Forinformation on a specificgroup, call the contactperson listed here. Self-help groups are listed bycounty. We also have aPhone Buddy programfor those who prefer one-on one contact. To learnabout other groups inyour community, or forinformation on the manyemotional supportoptions availablethrough the National MSSociety, call Carol at 1-800-FIGHT MS.

S E L F - H E L P G R O U P S

Oakland:East Bay Inject-ABLESKathy 925-672-4828Call for information.

Oakland Lesbian Group

OaklandMinimal SymptomsRick (510) 521-2436Third Monday, 6:30 PM.


Contra CostaAntiochLee 925-706-9422Third Monday, 7 PM.

BrentwoodJacqueline925-516-0115Second Monday, 10 AM.

ConcordJohn 925-372-0859Shirley 925-685-0961Second Saturday, 1 PM.

DanvilleBea 925-556-9947Fourth Saturday, 10 AM.

RossmoorAl 925-935-9531Second Wednesday, 10AM.

Del Norte

Crescent CityKay 707-464-2640Call for information.

LakeClearlakeGlen & Nancy707-994-4271Third Wednesday, 3 PM.

Marin

KentfieldJudy 415-897-6895Third Tuesday, 7:30 PM.

MendocinoUkiahWarren 707-462-1834Second Tuesday, 7 PM.

WillitsKen 707-456-1259Meets periodically.

NapaNapaNeil 707-255-8235Meets quarterly.

San FranciscoSan FranciscoLynn 415-282-2160Dolores 415-467-6186Second Thursday, 7 PM.

Potluck LuncheonKaren 415-584-6115Call for information.

San MateoSan CarlosMike 650-368-7619Third Tuesday, 10 AM.

San MateoBob & Eleanor650-588-07592nd & 4th Tuesday, 7 PM.

SolanoVacavilleDacia 707-678-6131Second Saturday, 10AM.

VallejoMarian 707-745-9333Pam 707-745-3704Second Tuesday, 6:30PM.

SonomaRohnert ParkDara 707-664-1586Second Saturday, 1 PM.

Santa RosaCarol 707-575-4757Third Tuesday, 7 PM.

HumboldtEurekaPatty 707-826-1220Fourth Saturday, 11AM.


85 Ford F150 Econoline Van: Withnewly rebuilt engine and wheelchair lift.Includes new tires and windshield, CDAM/FM stereo, and wheel chair tie-downs. Needs some work. 145K miles.Offer also includes power wheelchairwith new batteries. Asking price, $2,800.Call Elena at 650-755-4824.90 Ford F150 Econoline Van: Withside door Rincon lift. Excellent conditionmechanically, like new inside and out.51K miles. Was $42,000, but asking$13,000. Call Sandie 510-537-8810.91 Geo Prism: With hand controls. GoodCondition. 33K miles. $5000. Jeff: 925-803-4993.Guardian Hydraulic Tub Lift: 4 yearsold. Works great. $200. John: 925-798-9844.

C L A S S I F I E D S

For Sale and ServiceInvacare Power Wheelchair: Withreclining system, microcomputer con-trols, J-cushion. Orig. $14,000. Asking$2,500 or best offer. Judy: 707-763-8052(home) or 415-899-3725 (work).Laminated ID Cards: Ensure you’resafe with a tag identifying your medicalcondition. Wear anywhere. $10. Karen:707-545-9974.

Service: Breath Therapist-diagnosedwith MS-is studying effects of breathingtechnique for others with MS. Speciallow-cost private and group sessions avail-able in San Francisco. Call MorgauseAbheeti at 415-775-6145, ext. 7.

Need Equipment? Try the Chapter’sloan closet and financial assistance pro-grams. Contact Rosemarie: 1-800-FIGHTMS, or [email protected].

Ads are free to chapter members. Call 1-800-FIGHT MS.

Local Clinical TrialsWhile the medical and physical manifestations of MS are well understood, less isknown about how MS inpacts people in terms of emotions, relationships, work andmany other areas. Researchers at the UCSF/Mt. Zion Multiple SclerosisCenter are conducting a study, funded by the NMSS, to learn more aboutthe experiences of people living with MS. Participation in the study involvesa brief interview, a brief assessment of cognitive functioning, and completion ofseveral study questionaires (see pages 13-15 for more details). For convenience,interviews can be conducted at the MS Center or in your own home. For additionalinformation about the study, contact Dr. Arne Boudewyn at the UCSF/Mt. ZionMultiple Sclerosis Center at 415-353-7461.

The UCSF/Mt. Zion Multiple Sclerosis Center is conducting a 18 month clinicaltrial of mitoxantrone (Novantrone) in primary progressive MS patients. This studybegan in June 1999 and will run through December of 2000. Mitoxantrone is apotentially appealing treatment for primary progressive MS because it is proven tobe well-tolerated and effective in secondary progressive MS. If you are interested inbeing a participant in this trial, please contact Jerome Stone at 415-885-3645.


Occupational & Physical Therapy WorkshopAt this program in Fairfield, learn about how to maintainfunction even if various weaknesses develop. Devices that aidmobility are among topics that will be discussed.

Relationships & MSThis half-day workshop in San Rafael will give people withMS and their partners an opportunity to explore ways toenhance their relationship.

Cultivating WellnessThis series in Petaluma is designed to introduce people todifferent wellness concepts, which can help improve the livesof those affected by MS.

Your Keys to City HallCome hear successful grassroots advocates explain simplesteps to making businesses and public agencies adhere to yourneeds promptly at this program in Oakland.

FINanciAL FOURTeams from corporations in the financial industry will vie forthe championship in this all-day tournament in SanFrancisco.

Managing FatigueThis seminar in Santa Rosa will examine the cause of MS-related fatigue and possible treatment.

Aquatics SeriesAquatics classes for people with MS begin. See your monthlyMS Calendar for registration information and locations.

C A L E N D A R

February 19

February 26

Feb-March

March 11

March 18

March-April

March 11

April 8 & 9

March-April Couples’ GroupA professionally-led counseling group for couples begins inMarin County. See your Ms Calendar for registrationinformation.

MS WalkPeople from throughout the Bay Area will walk to help fightMS during this two-day event at ten different Bay Area sites.Help volunteer or sign up to walk by filling out the form onpage 27.

March

Toll-Free Number: 1-800-FIGHT MS1999 #1

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPermit # 19

Inglewood, CA

32

Northern California Chapter150 Grand AvenueOakland, CA 94612

Change Service Requested

M A K E A D I F F E R E N C E

M S WA L K 2 0 0 0 !April 8 & 9

Vo lun tee ro r wa lk to

he lpF IGHT MS!

S e e r e g i s t r a t i o n f o r m o n p a g e 2 7 .

msconnection 2000 #1 - national multiple sclerosis society · ter of the national multiple...

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