The National MS Society, Northern California Chapter provides a variety of programs, services and information for people living with multiple sclerosis, their friends and families, and health care professionals engaged in our shared movement toward a world free of MS. We are committed to helping the over 84,000 Northern Californians affected by MS address the challenges of living with MS.

The Northern California Chapter provides programs that focus on how people living with MS can develop effective strategies for symptom management, maintain positive and productive relationships, and live as independently as possible. We are excited to announce a new section in the MS Connection, “Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Local Programs”.

Northern California Chapter clients shared with us their desire to have a greater sense of community engagement. This customized, regional insert is a tool to foster engagement by highlighting programs and events happening in your community for the next three months, while at the same time, continuing to inform readers about Society and Chapter news, including research, advocacy, and special events. To learn more about any of these programs, and to register for programs, please visit the website, www.nationalMSsociety.org/can.

Included in this regional programs insert is also a list of self-help groups in your community and the contact information for the self-help group lead. Northern California Chapter self-help groups have different purposes and goals. Groups may focus on support, advocacy, education, or be more social in nature. Some groups also serve specific populations, such as young adults, parents with MS, care partners, or African-Americans. Please contact the self-help group leader or call 1-800-FIGHT MS to learn more about the group and when they meet.

The back page of the programs insert will highlight programs and events happening across Northern California, which everyone is invited to attend, regardless of where you live. If you are up for the travel, we’d love to have you! On this same page, you will also find a listing of programs accessible from the comfort of home.

Please visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/can to learn more about programs and services available where you live, and across Northern California. If you have questions, please feel free to contact the Northern California Chapter at can_info@nmss.org or 800.344.4867.

Look for MS Connection in your mailbox four times a year!

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER PROGRAMS & SERVICES

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR COMMUNITY...

Bring Your Family & Friends to a Social Event

at Boomers!

Friday, October 14, 20115:30 p.m.Boomers

4215 Bangs AvenueModesto, CA

Come out to Boomers and bring your family and friends to a social event and show your support for those living with MS. Complimentary food will be provided. Each individual who wears orange to the event will receive complimentary game points.

Pre-registration is required. Registration deadline is October 12, 2011. To register, please visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/can or call 800-344-4867.

Newly Diagnosed Orientation

Tuesday, November 1, 20116:30 – 8:00 p.m.

National MS Society Central Valley Office

422 McHenry AvenueModesto, CA

Are you Newly Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis? A diagnosis of MS can create many unexpected emotions that leave you with a strong need to understand the changes you may be facing.

On a quarterly basis, this informative program, conducted by trained National MS Society staff, will address the most common concerns for people who are newly diagnosed. This orientation provides an excellent opportunity to have any questions you may wish to ask answered and learn more about the resources available to persons living with multiple sclerosis.

Pre-registration is required. To register, please visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/can or call 800-344-4867. Registration deadline is Tuesday, November 1, 2011.

Cherish, diagnosed 2005

Central Valley Self-Help Groups

3rd Annual Gallo Holiday Celebration

Sunday, December 11, 20111:45 p.m.

The Gallo Center for the Arts1000 I Street Modesto, CA

The Gallo Center and the theatre department at California State University Stanislaus team up once again, this time on the riotous sequel to Greater Tuna. Hilarity ensues the day before Christmas in Texas’ third smallest town, where the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. Two gifted actors portray all 22 of Tuna’s delightfully eccentric citizens!

Be sure to be there by 1:45 and meet us in front of the Gallo Holiday Tree for our annual MS group photo.

Pre-registration is required by December 7, 2011.

To register, please visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/can or call 800-344-4867.

Please let us know if you require wheelchair seating.

MERCED COUNTYMerced: MS ChallengersSusan 209-564-4311

STANISLAUS COUNTYModesto Contact Tim Overweg at 800-344-4867, option 2, ext. 73027

Turlock Bill 209-664-1427 or Frances 209-667-2184

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTYStockton PMBrenda 209-951-0536 orMary 209-334-5670

Stockton AMLaurie 209-943-2686 or Velma 209-951-2264

TracyLinda 209-833-6882

TUOLUMNE COUNTYSonora Steven or Gloria 209-532-5646

The Northern California Chapter Facebook page has over 2,000 fans and counting. Become a fan today and get connected to other people living with MS. Stay informed about upcoming programs and events, research news, advocacy updates, volunteer opportunities and more!

www.facebook.com/msnortherncal

FACEBOOK

Greater Bay AreaCogniFitness - starts in October

Free From Falls - starts in OctoberNewly Diagnosed Orientation - November 2

SacramentoCogniFitness - starts in October

Sleep and MS - October 1 Musings of an MS Mind - October 9

Family Dynamics and MS - October 24Newly Diagnosed Orientation - November 3

South Bay AreaFree From Falls - starts in October

Newly Diagnosed Orientation - November 2CogniFitness - starts in December

North BayCan Do Multiple Sclerosis

JUMPSTART Program - October 1

What’s Happening Around the Chapter

Accessible from the Comfort of Home

Tele-Counseling Program

This exciting opportunity allows people living with MS to have 10 individualized counseling sessions by telephone with a licensed therapist, and is funded by the National MS Society.

• Have you been thinking about talking with a professional therapist who understands MS? • Have you been unsure how to find such a person, or unable to find someone in your area? • Have you been reluctant to seek counseling due to lack of finances or insurance? • Is transportation an issue for you in seeking this service?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may qualify for our Tele-Counseling Program! Many people with MS have greatly benefited from receiving counseling from someone who understands the emotional challenges related to the disease.

Improve your ability to cope with MS - with all of the comfort and ease of calling from your own home. Call Andrew Rose, Client Services Manager today at 1-800-344-4867, option 2 extension 73004, to complete an intake questionnaire.

Visit nationalMSsociety.org/can to register and for full program descriptions.