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Board of Directors

Roy Windeler—President/Chair

Franz Wagner—Treasurer

Jo-Ann Macdonald—Secretary

Lisa Schmuland—General

Lori Harries—General

Barbara McMath—General

Our Mission

In This Issue:

Updates 2

Activities & Membership 3

Giant’s Head Story 4-5

Art Exhibit & Volunteering 6

Resources 7

MS Q&A 8

Guest Speakers & Annual

Meeting

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Scotiabank MS Walk 10-11

Cutting for Karma 12

South Okanagan/Similkameen MS Chapter

Summer 2015 Newsletter June 2015

To be a leader in finding a cure for multiple

sclerosis and enabling people affected by MS to

enhance their quality of life.

Check out our

photos from

the Scotiabank

MS Walk!

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Update

As we move toward summer I thought an update from the board would be in order. I would like to thank Sarah,

Sherry and all of the volunteers and participants for their work on our recently completed Walk. We do not yet

have a final figure but it appears likely that we missed our fund raising goal. As a board we will do our best to en-

sure that the programs in place to support our members continue unaffected.

In the coming months your board will be reviewing our Chapter’s activities in the context of the MS Society’s new

Strategic Plan. The Action to End MS Strategic Plan 2014 – 2018 is meant to serve as a guide to help us achieve

the Society’s main objectives by 2018, the 70th anniversary. Further information on the plan can be found on the

MS Society’s website: https://beta.mssociety.ca/about-us/strategic-plan

I hope to see many of you at our upcoming Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, June 23.

Respectfully,

Roy Windeler

Board Chair

From the South Okanagan/Similkameen Chapter Board

Community Service Coordinator’s Notes

Our year has been going well. We have had many great guest speakers at our support group meetings - some of our guest speakers have included a naturopath, reflexology practitioner, and a Feldenkrais practi-tioner. We have managed to squeeze a lot of people in to our small office! If you have any ideas of topics and/or guest speakers for our meetings, please let me know!

I’m always excited to receive submissions from others for the newsletter. Thanks to those who have contrib-uted their personal experiences.

I would like to welcome a new volunteer - many thanks to Cara Desjardins who is now doing our newsletter!

Have a great summer!

Sherry Wezner

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Join us every Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the warm and inviting exercise pool of the Coast Hotel in Osoyoos.

A yoga group, specifically for

those with MS, meets every

Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the

Osoyoos Health Unit. For more

information, please contact Ron

at (250) 498-4372.

In Penticton, support group

meetings are held on the

first Thursday of the month

from 10:30 a.m. to noon at

the office on 3373 Skaha

Lake Rd.

In Oliver, the meeting is

held on the second Thurs-

day of each month from 10

a.m. until noon at the

Search & Rescue building.

For more information, call

Ron at (250) 498-4372.

Membership Made Easy

Have you renewed your membership yet in 2015? Or are you not

yet a member and would like to join? Membership is open to all

interested individuals, regardless of whether or not they have

been affected by MS. Membership fees are $10 for a one-year

membership and $18 for a two-year membership.

As a member, you’ll receive MS Canada, (the national news-

letter), a division newsletter, and chapter newsletter. You will

stay informed on a wide range of MS topics and news, and be

able to participate in shaping the future of the MS Society.

Become part of our collective voice to advocate for Canadians

living with MS.

Visit https://member.mssociety.ca. If you don’t have internet

access or have any questions, please call Sherry at the Penticton

office at 250-493-6564.

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Giant’s Head By Fenella Sobchuk

“Gramma Gramma, you did it!” shouted my 7 year old grandson as I maneuvered the final cou-

ple of steps to reach the top of Giants Head Mountain. Admittedly, we had parked in the small

parking area just below the path that led to this summit and had no intention of walking up the

whole trail from the base anyway, but I still found the rocky, uneven trail to be pretty steep. I

followed the zig zag path that wasn’t as direct but easier on my body, and watched my grandson

leap from one rocky outcrop to the next with ease and precision. How fun it was to see him en-

joying the outdoors like this! My muscles were responding well and my breathing wasn’t too

strained either.

I hugged Oliver and thanked him for his encouragement and belief that I could do this. Three

years had passed since I had made the commitment to hike up Giants Head Mountain one day. I

had lain on the sofa in the living room, gazing out the window at the ancient volcano which tow-

ers over the little town of Summerland. I remember wondering if I would ever be able to walk

to town again, let alone get up to the top and see the amazing view spread out before me now.

I had fallen off of my bicycle three weeks previously. The wheels jammed in a pot-hole and I

went crashing down! The X-rays showed a fractured sacrum which required immediate and dra-

matic surgery in Vancouver. Seven weeks of lying flat and using no muscles to stand or walk,

caused amazing deterioration. As the saying goes ,“Use it or Lose it”. Well, I lost muscle

strength. Not that I had much to begin with, as Multiple Sclerosis had weakened my leg

muscles over the years, but I had maintained my resolve to hike, to walk, bicycle, and golf

regardless of the MS!

I’ve had had the good fortune of having a very mild remittent form of this horrible disease and

in the thirty years since my initial diagnosis, I had been pretty active. Two daughters, a hobby

farm with sheep, horses, chickens and the like, had enabled me to maintain a healthy positive

outlook on life.

When we retired and relocated from Chilliwack in the Fraser Valley to a piece of heaven here in

Summerland, I became more conscious of exercise. The local Chapter of the MS society was fos-

tering an Exercise Subsidy Program which encouraged those with MS to give regular exercise a

go. I enrolled in Yoga, local gym classes through the Recreation Centre, and pole walking. Hav-

ing financial support from the Society meant there was no excuse for a newly retired pensioner

not to remain active and think positively. Life was good in the Okanagan.

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Then the accident happened. Always a firm believer in learning something good from something

bad, I battled on, healing my mind, body and spirit. Yes, it took time. I had been warned that old-

er bodies do take longer to heal, but patience was not in my vocabulary so there was plenty to

learn along the way. I remember my then 4 year old grandson, patiently showing me how well he

could do hopscotch and how it would be just fine for me to, “Sit over there, Grandma and watch

me from your wheelchair!” Oh, how I love the uncomplicated workings of a child’s mind.

As I gaze below me now at the sparkling blue waters of Lake Okanagan and watch the puffs of

white steam billowing from the Kettle Valley Railway as it chugs through the town way below me,

I feel a sense of accomplishment. Time heals and I honestly believe our mind-set can go a long

way to how we achieve the end result that we desire. Oliver’s hand closes on mine and reminds

me that we need to head back down the trail now.

The trail proved to be a careful exercise in muscle control but my knees and hamstrings held up.

Yes, the exercises that had gone into preparing me for this little adventure with my grandson had

worked. A strong feeling of gratitude swept over me and I yelled out my thanks to the pine trees

around me and anything else that could pick up on my energy of success.

As I bring myself back to the moment, wipe the sudden rush of mistiness from my eyes, and climb

wearily into the car which would take us back down the mountain, an emotional lump wells up at

the back of my throat. I had actually done what I promised myself I would do three years previ-

ously. A sense of calm and relief seeped through my body. I believed I could do this climb one

day. I trusted that my body would heal itself given time. And, most importantly, I am alive! And,

I can climb mountains!

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Coping Effectively with Anger in

Your Relationships

Presented by Peggy Crawford, PhD & Susan Cushner, MS, PT

July 14, 2015

A discussion of some of the more common triggers for

anger, the impact of conflict on relationships and strate-

gies for improving communication and coping construc-

tively with anger.

https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/registrations/new?

cid=2tryt1ilew5z

Becoming a Volunteer with the

Friendly Visiting Program

This program is designed to help reduce social isola-tion that people with MS may be experiencing living in community care facilities. Some of the benefits of becoming a friendly visitor are personal satisfaction in knowing you are providing support for another individual, improved interpersonal skills and discov-ery of personal strengths. Visits will take place at various community care facilities throughout the South Okanagan/Similkameen Chapter.

Following the completion of a volunteer application, and proper screening, the volunteer will receive a thorough Friendly Visiting orientation. Once orienta-tion is complete, the volunteer will be trained and matched with a person with MS.

For more information, please contact Sherry Wezner, Community Services Coordinator, at (250) 493-6564.

MS Art Expressions Art Exhibit

by Jahnel Wartenbe I would like to thank the MS Society for the privilege of being included as part of the MS Art Expressions Art Exhibition in Burnaby on April 23rd. It was quite exciting to have my art displayed in a real show. The opportunity to showcase 3 of my pieces will be cherished. A friend and I took a little getaway to attend both the exhibition and reception. We drove from Penticton to Burnaby and stayed the night. I was happy to share this little adventure with a friend. We enjoyed ourselves very much, and the venue and reception were lovely. I felt honoured to represent those living in the Okanagan with MS who enjoy expression through visual arts. This event has inspired me to do more with my artistic side, to help oth-ers ,and to possibly have similar events showcasing our art locally. Thank you again to all those involved in putting this event to-gether. I appreciate all the hard work, effort and time spent in making the Art Exhibition a great success!

Left: “Okanagan Abstract”

Right: “Okanagan Fruit” “Before the Storm”

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People in Pain Network

People in Pain Network (PIPN) is a non-profit organization whose vision is to connect people and their

families for education, support and solutions, to help them manage their persistent pain. Heather Di-

vine is the founder and CEO (PIPN) and has worked to help establish pain management peer support

groups throughout BC. You can also sign up for the People in Pain Network weekly Newspaper, for up-

coming events, and more. For more information about these support groups and education please visit

their website: http://www.pipain.com/

Ceridian Cares

Ceridian Cares has a funding program to support individuals and families in need. Their mission is to

improve quality of life by providing financial assistance to individuals and families that need it most, for

things like medical equipment, special therapies, home adaptations , as well as food, clothing, etc for

families in need.

For more information check out their website at:

http://www.ceridiancares.ca

National Client Services Database

Recently, the MS Society of Canada started utilizing the first phase of a new national client services database in our daily work, nationwide. The database is being used for information and support tracking, for events and creating distribution lists. This accomplishment is a first in our client ser-vices’ history.

The benefits a nationwide client services database brings are significant: the system enables us to organize our work and track follow-up activities for clients, as well as the capacity to identify the number of client service interactions we engage in, the main purpose of their interaction with the MS Society, as well as the solutions and support we have provided.

The reporting capacity of the system will help to measure and assess the impact and reach of the client services programs, as well as provide information to support strategic directions identified in our strategic plan, Action to End MS. An additional benefit of the new system is that it increases work efficiencies and streamlines operations.

If you have any question about the data base, please feel free to call the Community Services Coor-dinator, Sherry Wezner, at 250-493-6564 or e-mail sherry.wezner@mssociety.ca

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Q : I heard about 'mindfulness' and its benefits for MS. Can you please explain what mindfulness is?

A : Mindfulness is the practice of maintaining moment-to-moment awareness of our experiences,

thoughts and feelings. Through meditation, we may train ourselves to be mindful by focusing on

our breathing and noting our thoughts without judgment.

Anecdotal evidence and a recent study suggest tangible benefits from mindfulness meditation, such

as anxiety, pain and fatigue management; however, more research is needed to explore the bene-

fits of the practice for people with MS. The most recent comprehensive review of complementary

and alternative medicine in multiple sclerosis has determined there is currently insufficient evi-

dence to support mindfulness-based training as a therapy for MS one way or another. Researchers

agree, however, that meditation is a relatively safe form of complementary therapy for people liv-

ing with MS.

For more MS Answers, please go to http://www.msanswers.ca/QuestionListByExpert.aspx?

EID=4&L=2

Many of you probably

recognize Jahnel Wartenbe's

side-kick, Baby. Baby attends

most of our support

meetings and other activities

with Jahnel. Baby has re-

cently been certified as a

therapy dog through St. John

Ambulance and will be soon

be visiting those in care fa-

cilities.

“Baby” Gets Certified!

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GUEST SPEAKERS

Dr. Bryn Bentham (right) spoke at our March support group. Dr. Bentham is a Naturopathic Physician, and he discussed management of MS symptoms from a complementary perspective.

Betty Kuijpers, a Certified Reflexology Practioner, was a guest speaker at our June support group meeting. Betty spoke of the benefits of reflexology in helping with relax-ation and possibly alleviating some MS symptoms. We had 17 people "crammed" into our little office to learn about this!

Annual General Meeting of the MS Society of Canada

South Okanagan/Similkameen Chapter

Please join us Tuesday, June 23rd at 10:00 a.m. at the Shatford Centre at 760 Main Street, Penticton.

To enter into the Shatford Centre parking lot, take Eckardt Street, and turn right when you pass the convenience store, before you get to the entrance for Penticton High. The building is wheelchair accessible. Please enter through the main doors facing Main Street rather than the gymnasium door that is behind the building. (There will be no access through the gym as there will be students writing exams).

For more information about this event or to register, please contact the South Okana-gan/Similkameen Chapter at 250-493-6564.

Agenda

9:45 -10:00 a.m. Registration 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Annual General Meeting 11:00 -11:30 a.m. Refreshments and snacks

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On May 29th, 2015 at 8:45 a.m. our volunteers, staff & community were ready for our participants to arrive at beautiful Skaha Lake Park & Trails for our annual Scotiabank MS Walk. With clouds over

in the distance, all we wanted was a beautiful day and we got it in so many ways. Our fantastic check-in volunteers from Valley First with highlighters and pens in hand checked in all of our enthusiastic participants. Thankfully for all of us caffeine lovers, Starbucks came, bringing

with them amazing Starbucks coffee & wonderful smiling volunteers that welcomed us like family to their tent. They ensured that everyone had something in their bellies before we began our day of walking. SunRype gave us our vitamins with their fruit drinks and bars and Nester's Market, as al-ways, graciously donated decadent danishes and muffins; yum! Randy Farmer from Sun FM came to be our awesome M.C, who I must say, played a perfect mix of music for the day. He introduced our first speaker from the Scotiabank Main Branch, Val Plourde, representing our National Sponsor, Scotiabank. We were lucky enough to have Michelle Hewitt, Board of Directors Chair from the Okanagan Chapter, as well as a passionate advocate & ambassa-dor for the MS Society. She reminded all of us why we were there and what brought us all together by leading a chant "END MS, END MS." She really does know how to get a crowd going. Don from City Centre Health & Fitness, lead us in a fabulous warm up to get our bodies moving and ready for the 2.5 km/5 km journey. We think he did an amazing job. When I looked out into the crowd of our supporters, everyone was locked in and participating, which was so great to see. Leading our Scotiabank MS Walk out onto the route was our Top Online Fundraising Team, Team MacDonald, who never cease to amaze us by their fundraising and support for the Chapter. Also

amongst our Fundraising Champions are: The Oliver/Osoyoos Buy Low Foods Team who every year raise major funds for the Chapter as well as their local support group by throwing their suc-cessful barbecues. The Movers & Shakers held their Scrapbook-a-thon to help raise funds, and the Westview Place MoonWalkers won our Most Spirited Team Award for their fabulous sparkles and

jazzy outfits. Our day of event total was $30,592 and is still growing. Thank you to your friends, family, co-workers, and each other for another successful Scotiabank MS Walk Penticton. We loved seeing everyone and getting to share in such a beautiful day together.

See you next year at the 2016 Scotiabank MS Walk Penticton!!!

Sarah Taylor, Development Coordinator

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Cutting for Karma

By Courtney Mollins-Bidlake

Five or six years ago I wanted to shave my head and donate my hair to Angel Hair for Kids, an organiza-

tion that makes wigs for sick children. I ended up just cutting it really short, as I was job hunting in Calgary

and thought a bald head would deter me from getting hired. I knew from then that it was something I

would eventually do, regardless of what people or potential employers thought. Then I got engaged and

since I had always dreamed of having long hair for my wedding, I grew it nearly to my bum. In the last

year or so, I began teaching yoga for the South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society, (SOSBIS), and

I became very fond of my group. Last fall, I began to mentor under Dale McLean of Shioki Yoga Therapy,

learning his style of yoga therapy. In the process I befriended Judy, the other MS ladies and a woman

named Sylvia who has Muscular Dystrophy. As I knew I would be donating my hair, I wanted to make it

something bigger than just quietly buzzing my head and sending off my hair. I wanted to bring awareness

to the organizations which these amazing individuals were a part of. The more I got to know everyone,

the more it affirmed it was the right decision. Karma yoga is the act of selfless giving, an act in which you

give without expecting anything in return. As yoga is my life, it only seemed right that I put Karma Yoga

into action, raising funds and awareness as well as donating my hair, and having a good time in the pro-

cess. On the day of the head shaving I held a Karma Class (a yoga class by donation) right before and then

made an event of the head shaving, so that those who donated or wanted to show support could be in-

volved. One of my regulars, who made a generous donation, asked to do the buzz and Jen Collins the

owner of Main Street Fitness and Yoga in Summerland , offered the studio space, bringing this all togeth-

er in a really fun time! To be honest, I feel like I received more than I was able to give, as this entire pro-

cess has not only filled my heart but it has also been extremely liberating! I feel so blessed to be involved

with the MS Society, Muscular Dystrophy Society and SOSBIS, and I am excited to continue to grow our

relationships together and make yoga accessible to all who desire to participate.

Left: Courtney Mollins-Bidlake

Middle: Judy Petschulat

Right: Helen Robinson

The South Okanagan/Similkameen

Chapter acknowledges the financial

assistance of the Province of BC in

producing our

newsletter.