Summer 2011

Bike MS:

Ride Virginia 2011

Presented by

June 4-5

Richmond to Williamsburg

536 Cyclists 51 Teams

$415,000 Raised

New bike racks were a hit with all our

cyclists!

Darma shares why she rides for MS

Team BRUCE rides for the 20th year!

Sunday breakfast moved

indoors due to storm

VIP Fundraisers honored Capital Ale House Team raised $55,000

From the Chapter President...

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Board of Directors

Gregory R. Bishop- Chairman James E. Sok - Treasurer Frank N. Cowan - Chairman Elect Suzanne L. Gardner - Secretary Matthew Austin John M. O’Bannon, MD Jennifer L.D. Bittmann John O’Connor Susan Bodin Unsong Oh, MD David Carminucci Ronald Powell, Jr. Sharon D. Hayes Jeffrey Ruskan Mark Householder David Saunders Tracey Jeter Alan Shulman, MD Ashley Johnson Alexander H. Slaughter Glenn Nunziata Kyle Yocom Gerald T. Zerkin

Staff Sherri Ellis Chapter President - (804) 591-3030

Robert McKoy VP of Operations - (443) 641-1206

Judy Griffin Director of Development - (804) 591-3034

Kathryn Zapach Director of Programs & Services - (804) 591-3039

Tiffany Epley Development Manager - (804) 591-3036

April Bass Community Events Manager - (804) 591-3038

Ashley Chapman VA Statewide Advocacy Manager - (804) 591-3048

Linda Pretlow Volunteer & Administrative Manager - (804) 591-3037

Matt Gregory Systems Administrator - (804) 591-3041

Diana Oakley Manager of Finance - (804) 591-3042

Melanie Hofe Finance Assistance - (804) 591-3031

Dear Friends, What a wonderful spring we have had with our successful Walk MS and Bike MS events and providing college scholarships for students who have MS or have a parent with MS. We are now preparing for our MS Kids Camp, Women on the Move Breakfast and Luncheon, and our Tappahannock Walk MS. I am excited to tell you about the Society’s 2011-2015 Strategic Response. A large piece of our goal includes launching a $250 million dollar commitment to MS research. NOW stands for No Opportunity Wasted. Our goal is to stop the disease, restore what has been lost and end MS forever. Together we are making a BOLD commit-ment to do more NOW. We will raise and invest more research dollars into primary progressive MS, expand and strengthen the number of MS scientists, and pursue new avenues to discover how nerve cells are damaged and potentially repaired. I would like to invite you to get involved NOW with our research campaign. This will be a comprehensive approach to MS research that will deliver solutions for everyone with MS. Please call my office today, (804) 591-3030 and let’s talk about how you can make a difference. The best is yet to come,

SherriSherriSherriSherri

Central Virginia Chapter 4200 Innslake Dr.

Suite 301 Glen Allen, VA 23060

(804) 353-5008 www.moveVA.org

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Be sure to register at www.iwalkforMS.org. If you have questions, please contact Tiffany Epley at (804) 591-3036 or tiffany.epley@nmss.org. We look forward to seeing you at the fall walks!

Walk MS: Richmond March 26th

Presented by

Thank you to additional SPONSORS

Martin’s ~ HealthSouth Care Advantage

Teva ~ EMD Serono ~ NTS

Preparation for the fall MS Walks are in full swing! Mark your calendars for:

Walk MS: Tappahannock Walk MS: Petersburg September 17, 2011 October 1, 2011 Tappahannock Memorial Historic Old Town United Methodist Church Sponsored by HealthSouth-Petersburg

Thank you to additional SPONSORS PermaTreat

Mary Washington Healthcare NOVEC

Walk MS: Fredericksburg April 9th

Presented by

Together, the spring walks brought out 2,009 people and

raised $263,000.

Congratulations on a job well done! Your support provides financial assistance, local pro-grams and services as well as crucial research to find a cause and cure for MS. Thank you

for everything you do!

of Fredericksburg

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Proud Presenting Sponsor of Walk MS: Fredericksburg & Petersburg 2011

MS Day at the Diamond

The Central Virginia Chapter gathered together to support the Richmond Flying Squirrels for an afternoon of baseball at the Diamond. The weather started off cloudy and rainy, but the sun came out just in time for the game to start! Attendees partook in a large buffet and had seats right on the third baseline. The Squirrels had a great win over Harrisburg with a score of 11 to 4. We would like to thank all of those who came out to support our 2nd annual MS Day at the Diamond. We look forward to more fun family days to come!

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Congratulations to our MS Scholarship Recipients

These scholarships are given to high school seniors in Central Virginia who have MS or have a parent with MS.

WILLIAM L. ROSSER, III The National MS Society Top Scholar Award: $3,000 (renewable each year)

William is a resident of Providence Forge and a graduate of New Kent High School. He plans to attend Virginia Tech to pursue a career in dentistry. William is a member of the Beta Club, Link Crew, Young De-mocrats and both the football and soccer teams. He also served as a senior class officer. William has been an active participant in Walk MS for 3 years.

.DYLAN OLSEN Chapter Scholarship

Award: $1,200

Dylan is a resident of Stafford and a graduate of Mountain View High School. He is a very active participant in Walk MS and has consistently made the honor roll at school. Dylan plans on attending Longwood Uni-versity, but has yet to decide on a course of study.

CAROLINE HEESE Chapter Scholarship Award: $1,200 Caroline is a resident of Henrico County and a graduate of Doug-las Freeman High School. She has held various leadership positions including Editor-in-Chief of her school newspaper and Captain for Freeman's Girl's Lacrosse Team. She also participated in the History Club and Young Life. Caroline is a member of the National Honors Society, the Spanish Honors Society and Beta Club. She plans on attending James Madison University to pursue a degree in Kinesiology.

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EMANUEL KEY Chapter Scholarship Award: $2,000 Emanuel is a resident of Henrico County and a graduate of Varina High School. He was an active participant in the NAACP Youth Council. At his church he served as a Junior Deacon and a Praise Dancer. He hopes to pursue his dream of being an actor, writer, and director, but will first attend a 4-year college to obtain his B.A.

MEGAN DESVIGNES Chapter Scholarship

Award: $1,200

Megan is a resident of Powhatan County and a graduate of Powhatan High School. She has actively participated in show choir and even received the Showmanship Award. Megan plans on attending a 4-year university to pursue a degree in psychology so that she can help children who have a parent with disabilities.

DEVIN STAGGERS Chapter Scholarship Award: $1,200 Devin is a resident of Richmond and a graduate of Thomas Jef-ferson High School. He plans on attending either Hampton Uni-versity or Clark Atlanta University where he will pursue a degree in Mass Communications. While at Thomas Jefferson, he partici-pated in the concert band, as well as Project Unify and the Mayor's Youth Academy. Devin has been recognized for his dedication and commitment while volunteering with the Special Olympics.

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All Self-Help Groups are different… how do you find the right one for you?

The thirteen self-help groups in Central Virginia are all unique. Each group offers members support through activities, guest speakers, informational sessions, and general conversation, while delivering the same message: You are not alone! The two groups featured below have been established for many years. Both groups enjoy getting together to discuss life’s difficulties as well as celebrate life’s successes. If you have time during the day, either one of these groups could be right for you! The Positive Thinkers, led by Gail and Claudia, meets to enjoy lunch or a cup of coffee while discussing what is new in their lives. At each meeting, the group members have the opportunity to share what has been happening in their lives, MS related or not. The group is very warm and accepting to new members and helps everyone who comes to the group to think positively! The Richmond Day Group, led by Sherry and Barbara, meets after the 8:45am MS Water Aerobics class at the Tuckahoe YMCA. Whether or not you participate in class, you are welcome to come laugh, share stories, and discuss the latest news in MS. This group is extremely relaxed and is always looking to welcome a new member. You do not need to be a member of the YMCA to join this group, but if you are interested in learning more about the MS Water Aerobic classes, contact Sherry or Barbara, or call the YMCA directly at (804) 740-9622.

In future issues of MS Connections, look for more information about other groups in our service area.

For meeting times, locations, and leader contact information, please see the Self-Help Group listing

on the next page. If you need help locating the right self-help group for you, please contact

Kathryn Zapach at (804) 591-3039.

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The Positive Thinkers 1st Wednesday - 11:30am Prairie Grain Bread Co. Village Market Place Midlothian Leaders: Gail (804)379-5493 Claudia (804)667-6445 Hanover Group 4th Thursday - 7-8:30pm Church of the Redeemer 8275 Meadowbridge Rd. Mechanicsville, VA 23116 Leader: Dana (804)550-2280 Petersburg Day Group 2nd Thursday - 10-11:30am River View - 201 Epps St. Hopewell Leader: Melanie (804)526-9129 Petersburg Evening Group 3rd Thursday - 6-8:00pm Southside Regional Hospital 3rd Floor Classroom Leader: Quennette (434) 246-6007 (484) 731-9069

Tri-Cities Care Giver Group Call for meeting times HealthSouth Petersburg (95 Pinehill Dr.) Open to all chronic illnesses Leaders: Amy (804)454-0087 Kathy (804)504-4984 Surry County Group 2nd Thursday at 11am Hope Christian Alternative (325 Banks St., Surry) Leader: Stephanie (757)267-2329 South Hill Empowerment Group 3rd Wednesday - 5:30-7:30pm for months of July-Dec 2011 Community Memorial Health Ctr (125 Buena Vista Circle) Leader: Starr (434)378-2031 Richmond Day Group 2nd Monday - 10:15-11:30am Tuckahoe YMCA (9211 Patterson Ave.) Leader: Sherry (804)562-9181 Barbara (804)747-0298 Richmond Evening Group 2nd Thursday - 7:15-8:30pm HealthSouth - Classroom 5700 Fitzhugh Ave. Leader: Lorenzo (804)921-9712

Richmond (VA Home) For people with advanced stages of MS Every Monday - 11am 1101 Hampton St. Leader: Judy (804)359-4093 Tappahannock Neuromuscular Support 2nd Monday - 10:30am Call for location Leaders: Margaret (804)472-4781 Pat (804)443-9657 The Invincibles 3rd Tuesday - 7-8:30pm HealthSouth-Fredericksburg (300 Park Hill Drive) Leader: Belinda (540)373-4377 Fred-Spotsy Group 2nd Saturday—5:30pm Mary Washington Hospital Auditoriums 2 & 3 Leader: Pam (540)854-8857

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Newly diagnosed clients learn from the experts – those living

with MS. The chapter partnered with the Bon Secours Foundation to bring a three-part series of educational programs entitled: The Next Step: Information for those Newly Diagnosed with MS. The program ran in March and covered topics such as learning the basics of MS, maintaining wellness, and life after diagnosis. For the first program, Dr. Susan Bodin, Dean of the Bon Secours School of Nursing and a chapter board member, talked to participants about MS, including treatment options and the disease progression. The second program was lead by Certified MS Yoga Instructor Diana Westbrook who demonstrated some yoga moves as well as explained the benefits of yoga for strength, balance, and stress-relief. She also emphasized the importance of a heart-healthy diet and portion control, while offering suggestions of how to eat the foods you crave

without depriving yourself. Lastly, the final program featured a panel of people who have been living with MS for a number of years. Their combined years of “MS experience” allowed them to share with newly diagnosed clients that there is indeed life after diagnosis, despite challenges or changes that may have a big impact on their lives. The chapter would like to thank Bon Secours, Richmond HealthSouth and the presenters for helping to make these programs a success! Left to right: Susan, Denise, and Sarah all share

their stories of living with MS with newly diagnosed clients.

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Chester YMCA hosts MS Family Day Between Walks in Richmond and Fredericksburg, the chapter decided to host a day of fun at the Chester YMCA. The Y supplied volunteers and plenty of space for our chapter to run around and play! Those who attended could play games for prizes, get their faces painted, shoot some hoops, swim in the pool, munch on some healthy snacks provided by Shields Market, and participate in the fun family photo shoot. The Y’s large gym and pool allowed attendees to stay active while having fun. Our chapter looks forward to hosting more events that promote a healthy and active lifestyle by partnering with community organizations. The chapter would like to send a big thank you to the Chester YMCA for making this event possible!

Have an idea for a future MS Family Day or want to help host one? Call Kathryn today: 804-591-3039.

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ADVOCACYADVOCACYADVOCACYADVOCACY

For more information about our VA State advocacy efforts in general, please

contact Ashley Chapman, our Statewide Advocacy Manager at ashley.chapman@nmss.org or (804) 591-3048

You can also follow Ashley on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/vaMScan) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/advocacyVA)!

Advocate on behalf of people with MS! Your public officials want to hear from you! Visit your legislators in their district offices this summer to share your story and advance the mission of the National MS Society. The Virginia General Assembly adjourned its regular session in April. However, our state legislators remain hard at work in their district offices – close to the constituents they serve. Now is the perfect time to meet legislators in a casual setting; outside of the busy legislative session. This summer, volunteer to talk to a legislator about your connection to multiple sclerosis and how it has impacted your life. Then, address one or two issues that are important to you such as increasing access to affordable housing or accessible transportation. Personal stories are often what compel legislators to create laws and change policy! Follow your visit with a thank-you note and continue sharing and communicating with your legislator throughout the year. If you would like to represent the Central Virginia Chapter and meet with your local legislators to talk about MS and our priority issues, please contact Kathryn Zapach at kathryn.zapach@nmss.org or (804) 591-3039. Kathryn can guide you through the process of setting up a district visit, review the National MS Society’s priority issues and give you a list of talking points to steer your conversation. Thanks for keeping our advocacy efforts moving this summer!

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4200 Innslake Dr., Suite 301 Glen Allen, VA 23060

www.moveVA.org