MARCH 1

Climb to the Top

BostonShare Your Promise

Annual Meeting of Members

read more on page 3

Inside MS Connection:

2014 Events pages 18-19

A Community Pulls Together page 7

Pregnancy and MS Therapies page 11

Community Fundraising page 17

CHECk ouT THE 2014 wAlk MS InSERT!

MoVInG TowARD A woRlD FREE oF MS wInTER 2013

MS Awareness weekMarch 3-9, 2014

Greater NeW eNGLaND CHaPter

Moving Toward a World Free of MS

3toll free number 1 800 344 48672 JoIn tHe moVement: MSnewengland.org

for more than 27 years, it has been my joy and my privilege to lead the Greater new england Chapter of the national multiple Sclerosis Society. After these many years, I have made the decision to retire at the end December 2013. As I embark upon this next phase of my life, I will miss being part of the movement to create a world free of mS. those who live every day with mS have truly inspired me to make our mission my life’s work. It is amazing to look back and see the multitude of changes that have occurred throughout our chapter, and the progress we have made

for those living with mS. In 1985, at what was then the massachusetts Chapter, we were serving 10,000 families living with mS. our campaign income was $1.3 million, a fraction of what it is today. At that time, we were one of the first chapters to offer programs and services to people with mS. today, we offer comprehensive support and direct services to nearly 19,000 individuals and their families coping with the challenges of living with mS.

I am proud in the knowledge that my work has helped to improve the quality of life for those living with mS. I am thrilled that during the time I worked for the Society, there were so many advancements in understanding the disease and in the development of treatments. In 1985 there were no treatments, and today there are 10 fDA-approved disease modifying therapies, three of which are oral. these treatments are slowing the progression of the disease while exciting research projects underway today promise to restore function and ultimately end the disease forever. I am proud that the Greater new england Chapter has been a major contributor of funds towards this progress. our annual funds raised have increased to more than $12.6 million dollars in fY13. the achievements of our Chapter reflect the commitment of thousands of individuals, who contribute their time, energy, and personal funds to our mission.

today, we are a strong, four-state chapter that is part of a unified national mS Society, which has evolved dramatically since 1985. the Society has reduced redundancies across the organization, consolidating 90 chapters in 1993 to 41 in 2013 with common goals and strategies to ensure that we leverage every connection possible to achieve a world free of mS. being unified means that we clarified our promise, so that Society staff in chapters and the home office, work as a team to find solutions for each person affected by mS, no matter where they live.

I am confident that I leave the Chapter in a strong position to move forward. I am sad to leave the many, many friends that I’ve made along this journey. I am grateful for the support and leadership that has always been provided to me by an exceptional board of trustees. I am very proud of the achievements of my team of staff and volunteers. And, I am grateful for their commitment to be the best. I take satisfaction in the strong belief that people affected by multiple sclerosis have reason for great hope for a future when the world is free of multiple sclerosis.

thank you for sharing this wonderful journey.

Arlyn White President & Ceo

Publication of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Greater New England Chapter

101A first Avenue Waltham, mA 02451-1115 800-344-4867 www.MSnewengland.org facebook.com/MSnewengland tweet @ MS_newengland youtube.com/MSnewengland

Chairman • Douglas e. bryant President & CEO • Arlyn A. White MSConnection Editor • Steven r. Sookikian Publications Manager • Wendy Golden

the national multiple Sclerosis Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. the nmSS assumes no liability for the use of contents of any product or service mentioned. Information provided by the Society is based upon professional advice, published experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. the nmSS recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician. the nmSS is dedicated to mobilizing people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by mS.

Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between brain and body and can stop people from moving forward in their lives. with the help of people like you, the national MS Society addresses the challenges of each person whose life is affected by MS and helps them stay connected to the great big moving world.

© 2013 national multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater new england Chapter

From the President top Stories

more than 460 people attended the Chapter’s 2013 Annual meeting of members held simultaneously in burlington, Vermont, marlborough, mass., meredith, new Hampshire, and South Portland, maine. to highlight the meeting theme, attendees were encouraged to share their promise for creating a world free of mS on a banner that was prominently displayed. Chapter trustees promised “to fully leverage our relationships to bring the greatest resources possible to support the mission of the national mS Society.” You may share your promise on Facebook.com/MSnewengland.

treasurer David Gladstone reported $12 million in revenue for fiscal year 2013, with 16 percent fundraising and administration costs. Chairman Doug Bryant welcomed three new trustees to the board for three-year terms expiring in 2016: Charles Bean of Heritage financial Services in massachusetts, Travis D’Amato of Jones lang laSalle in massachusetts, and Larry Rubin of bernie & Phyl’s furniture in mass., n.H. and rhode Island.

Among the highlights of 2013, three Chapter volunteers were inducted into the national mS Society’s Volunteer Hall

of fame: John Pierce from Vermont for Advocacy, Liam Kennedy from massachusetts for funding the mission, and Christine St. Laurent of n. H. in the Health Professional category.

MS Research Series following the business meeting, attendees in each state welcomed a guest research lecturer. In massachusetts, the 2013 Stanley f. Waterman research lecturer was Dr. Rohit Bakshi of Harvard medical School and Partners mS Center, brigham and Women’s Hospital, whose topic was Giving MS a New Image. In Vermont, Dr. Flavia Nelson of university of texas medical School discussed her research on Advances in Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis. In new Hampshire, Dr. Andrew Pachner of Geisel School of medicine at Dartmouth College and the multiple Sclerosis Center at Dartmouth Hitchcock medical Center discussed Advances in MS Research: Disability Progression in MS—Confronting the Elephant in the Room. And, in maine, Dr. Alexandra Degenhardt of the maineHealth network and Pen bay medical Center also discussed Advances in MS Research.

Corporate sponsors for the Annual meeting included Platinum sponsors biogen Idec and Questcor Pharmaceuticals; Gold sponsors bayer Healthcare, Genzyme Corporation, novartis Corporation, and teva Pharmaceuticals; plus bronze sponsors Acorda therapeutics, braintree rehabilitation Hospital, and Pfizer, Inc

twenty-two volunteers were recognized for outstanding service. read more on page 15.

A Shared Promise 63rd Annual Meeting of Members and Research Update

Saturday, October 26, 2013South Portland, ME; Marlborough, MA; Meredith, NH; and Burlington, VT

From left: Bob Picone, Alexandra Degenhardt, MD and Michael J. Patterson in Maine

From left: Jane Waterman, Lynne Waterman Stewart, Rohit Bakshi, MD, Ellen Lahti, MD, Linda Buchwald, MD Doug Bryant, and Arlyn White in Mass.

From left: Andrew Pachner, MD and Ken Jones in New Hampshire

New trustees: (from left) Charles Bean, Larry Rubin, and Travis D’Amato.

From left: Flavia Nelseon, MD and David Gladstone in Vermont.

4 JoIn tHe moVement: MSnewengland.org 5toll free number 1 800 344 4867

Moving Toward a World Free of MS Living with MSNews

PLAN GREAT ACTiviTiES FOR MS AwARENESS

wEEKMarch 3-9, 2014

what are you doing?

For more information and to learn about activities,

visit MSnewengland.org. Have an idea? Write us at

NationalMSSocietyGNE@nmss.org

� Create a video to share your Promise to create a world free of mS. Post on Youtube!

� update your facebook Status about mS.

� Post on twitter about mS.

� Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.

� raise mS aWeArness by wearing orange. need something new? Visit the Society Store on line.

� Sign up to volunteer at an upcoming chapter event.

� form a team: bike mS, Walk mS, or Challenge Walk.

� Donate: Support the Society — every donation moves us closer to a world free of mS.

� Spread the Word: tell five people it’s mS Awareness Week and ask them to tell five more people.

� Host a community program or set up an information table in your town..

� Distribute mS Awareness Week buckslips.

there was a lot of progress reported in october at this year’s ECTRiMS meeting (european Committee of treatment and research in multiple Sclerosis) on the topic of mS risk factors and triggers. this is important because if we knew exactly what causes mS, we might be able to prevent anyone from ever getting the disease again. but even more relevant to people who already live with mS is new evidence for risk factors that are within a person’s control and which may make their disease worse – or better.

for example, in a large population study by Dr. A.K. Hedström and team from Stockholm, Sweden, it was confirmed that cigarette smoking increased the risk for developing mS at any age, and climbed with the amount smoked. they also found that quitting smoking completely flattened out that risk back to normal within a decade. the same team reported that smoking could increase a person’s risk of developing the kind of neutralizing antibodies in their blood that can block the ability of interferon beta to reduce mS disease activity. All good reasons to quit.

We know genes contribute to mS risk, but that’s not the end of the story. Dr. H. Westerlind reported on a study by a team from Solna, Sweden, taking advantage of mS patient registries in Sweden, one of which dates back to the 1800’s. they took a fresh look at how much having a family member with mS increases a person’s chances of getting the disease, and they focused on identical and fraternal twins. Comparing the risk of these two groups is important because identical twins are thought to share the same genes whereas fraternal twins do not. using sophisticated analyses, they found that

the risk of an identical twin getting mS if the other twin has the disease was lower than in prior reports, but still much higher than in fraternal twins. this study suggests that that the role of genes may be more complicated than previously suspected. this mystery is driving more studies looking at the interaction of genes with a person’s environment and lifestyle.

for example, Danish researchers Dr. A.b. oturai and colleagues from Copenhagen looked at a group of potential risk factors, including known mS susceptibility genes, obesity in early adulthood, previous mononucleosis and high teenage alcohol consumption. they found that each of these factors contributed to lowering the age at which an individual was diagnosed with mS. A related study suggested that preventing teen obesity in people with mS susceptibility genes may reduce their risk of developing mS.

recent studies have pointed to salt intake as a possible risk factor for developing mS or for making mice with mS-like disease worse. but new evidence presented this week by Drs. m.f. farez and colleagues in buenos Aires and boston suggest that high salt intake may also increase mS exacerbation rates and mrI-detected disease activity in people who have the disease. It will be important to do further research in this area to confirm these results in larger numbers of people and to figure out what levels of salt in the diet might be considered okay for people with mS.

Also discussed this week were clinical trials getting underway to test whether increasing an individual’s vitamin D levels can delay the development of mS. And the national mS Society

Cont. on page 11

ECTRIMS: RISkS & TRIGGERS FoR MSby nicholas larocca

Seeking Self-Help Group LeadersSelf-Help Groups include people with multiple sclerosis, their families, friends, and other care partners who gather regularly to share common experiences and concerns, give and receive emotional support, and obtain information on living and coping with MS. These groups are led by people with MS and/or their family members.

3 Are you interested in meeting and networking with others with mS who live near you?

3 Are you seeking support and looking to learn from others also living with mS?

3 Join the movement and help create a vibrant mS network in your community!

the Chapter is seeking new Self-Help Group leaders to start and lead affiliated MS self-help groups throughout the Chapter area. Self-Help Group leaders are very valuable volunteers for the national mS Society!

If you have any questions about self-help groups, or if you are interested in starting a group in your community, please contact Heidi at heidi.eastman@nmss.org or 800-344-4867, option 2.

Also, visit www.mSnewengland.org to see the emotional Support web page for more information about Professionally led Support Groups, Peer Support, and the new Greater new england Chat room.

MS SYMPToMS AnD wInTER wEATHERbY JulIe StACHoWIAK, PhD

most of us with multiple sclerosis are heat intolerant to the point of being unable to function outside during peak summer temperatures. but when I asked people with mS on my blog at www.ms.about.com what their mS temperature “limits” were, I was surprised when several people said that the cold wasn’t so great for them, either.

many people complained of increased spasticity in cold weather. readers mentioned that their limbs “felt like wood” or that their joints ached during lower temperatures. A couple of people also men-tioned that the mS “hug” could be intolerable in the cold. (the mS hug is the gripping feeling around the torso that is caused by a lesion in the spinal cord that results in spasms in the tiny muscles between the ribs.)

I also know that some people with mS tend to feel more fatigued in winter months. this could be an indirect result of coping with some of the symptoms mentioned above. It could also be that the shorter days and limited sunlight exacerbate depression, which can be a symptom of mS. new data is emerging all the time on the role of vitamin D in mS.

Perhaps we feel our symptoms more acutely when our vitamin D reserves are at their winter lows, although this hasn’t been confirmed yet by scientific studies.

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the colder months if you are bothered by frigid temperatures.

n Soak up sunshine during the warmest part of a sunny winter day to help your body produce vitamin D.

n Don’t overdo the heat. When I get cold, I tend to take really hot showers. recently, I got dangerously dizzy during one. remember, extreme heat is not our friend, either.

n Warm yourself from the inside. Drink a hot beverage to take the chill off.

like many other situations that we must navigate through with mS, a little stra-tegic planning of winter activities can help you have some control over symptoms. Put some thought into what you enjoy doing in the winter, take a couple more precautions and get the most out of the cold months. n

Diagnosed with mS in 2003, Julie Stachowiak, PhD, is the author of the multiple Sclerosis manifesto. originally published on www.blog.national mSsociety.org.

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Moving Toward a World Free of MS

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Living with MSLiving with MS

Knowledge Is Power is a six-week, free, at-home educational program for

people who are newly diagnosed. available as mail or email. to register, call 800-344-4867 or visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/knowledge.

CoMMunITY PullS ToGETHER To BuIlD A wHEElCHAIR RAMP

the chapter’s Home lInKS care management program provides free, short-term care management to people with mS in maine, massachusetts, new Hampshire, and Vermont. Home lInKS care managers work with clients to increase independence and keep clients living safely in their communities for as long as possible. they are community resource experts, and our work with participant Walter Jodrey highlights how, through Home lInKS, the chapter makes a difference in the lives of people with mS.

Walter has mS and uses a power wheelchair. because his wheelchair ramp had fallen into disrepair, Walter was unable to leave his house independently. He was referred to Home lInKS care manager Judy Gorman. Judy reached out to Walter’s community for a collaborative solution. She contacted blackstone Valley technical High School, and under the supervision of four instructors, seven students built Walter a ramp with donated lumber which Judy secured from Koopman lumber, which jumped at the opportunity to help. the students got a chance to use their construction and design skills to make a difference in someone’s life. Walter states how the students, and the ramp they built, are “just wonderful!” Jodrey and his family are thankful for the collaborative effort.

through community collaboration and flexible, creative thinking, the chapter helped Walter obtain a new wheelchair ramp so that he can remain at home with increased independence. for more information on Home lInKS, please contact the chapter at 800-344-4867, opt. 2. n

DAY oF SERVICE: What a Difference a Day Makes! Volunteering is alive and well!

the rainbow Girls of Waterville Assembly #21 joined us again on Saturday, october 19 in Sidney, maine for our 2nd Annual Day of Service. An amazing amount was accomplished at the home of a woman who has mS, including: making a new walkway of crushed stone, professionally power-washing her mobile home, interior painting, winterizing the base of the home, and putting the garden to bed for the winter.

Similar events happened all over the Greater new england Chapter in october and november.

mS Days of Service take place in the Autumn and Spring and are organized through the Chapter. on these days, teams of volunteers complete projects for people living with mS in maine, massachusetts, new Hampshire, and Vermont.

Do you have simple, odd jobs that you need completed, but due to fatigue or other symptoms of mS cannot seem to get them done? Do you want to volunteer? Volunteers work in teams and receive training, orientation and lunch. Call the chapter or visit us online to complete an application. n

Walter Jodrey with BVT students Dylan Rainey, Brian Healey, and Construction Technology Department Head Mark Fitzpatrick.

Dr. Allen C. Bowling is the medical director of the Multiple Sclerosis Service and director of the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Service at the Colorado Neurological Institute. He is also clinical professor of Neurology at the University of Colorado. After the webcast, Living Well with MS: Lifestyle, Diet and Complementary Therapies (www.nationalMSsociety.org/webcasts), the Society sat down with Dr. Bowling to get answers to your questions about diet and MS.

I hear about all these different diets for people with MS. How do I know which one I should follow?

there’s a quotation that I love by nutrition writer michael Pollan – I think about it every day and share it with my patients as well:

Eat food. not too much. Mostly plants.

Diets that promote cutting back on saturated fat and enhancing polyunsaturated fat, especially omega-3 fatty acids, have undergone extensive study, with mixed results. results of the most recent study were pretty negative, but there have been past studies with positive results. there’s some scientific rationale to support these diets’ anti-inflammatory effects, which is what we want with mS. Vegetarian and vegan diets fit quite well with a low saturated-fat diet, but it can be challenging to get omega-3 fatty acids. So, you may want to consider fish oil or other omega-3 supplements if you follow a vegetarian diet.

even if a person doesn’t have celiac disease, there is a possibility that he or she can still have sensitivity to gluten. Known as “non-celiac gluten sensitivity,” this condition is talked about a lot, but has not been extensively studied in mS. In non-celiac gluten sensitivity, when people ingest gluten, they can have abdominal symptoms, bloating and discomfort or other symptoms anywhere in the body. Some of my patients with mS have reported feeling better with a gluten-free diet. It used to be a very expensive and laborious diet, but now there are many more options, making it a lot easier to do. If you find that you feel better with a gluten-free diet, you’ll want to make sure you don’t have celiac disease – as that’s a condition that will need to be evaluated and treated by a physician. other potentially serious conditions can go along with celiac disease, such as iron deficiency, vitamin D deficiency and osteoporosis.

Can you talk about diet and fatigue? there isn’t a lot of scientific information about diet and fatigue. However, there’s anecdotal information that people

with mS have less fatigue if they eat smaller meals more frequently. every time we eat a meal, our blood sugar levels go up, and then start to drop – often to below baseline levels. that can be fatiguing for anyone, and for people with mS who are already prone to fatigue, that dip in blood sugar can be even worse. If you have smaller meals more frequently, the elevation of blood sugar is less severe and the bottoming out can be less severe as well.

How does salt consumption affect MS?

recent studies indicate that high intake of salt may activate very specific components of the immune system in a way that could activate the disease process. these early animal studies will likely lead to studies in people with mS. In the meantime, the American diet is generally excessively high in salt, which may have various adverse health effects. It certainly wouldn’t be a bad idea for everyone to cut back on salt.

this new area of research highlights how, with mS and other disease processes, we can get so focused on medications a person is taking and how they impact mrIs and blood tests that we sometimes forget to think about how someone is living their life and what impact lifestyle decisions may have on their mS.

How can I distinguish between fact and opinion when it comes to diet and nutrition?

Get a read on the people who are providing the information to you. Do they have facts to back up the claims that they’re making? Have there been studies on the diet or supplement specific to people with mS? I would be cautious if any of the following are true:

n the person promoting a particular diet seems to have a strong rebellion against science or conventional medicine;

n there’s a strong dependence on testimonials or anec-dotes;

n the ingredients of a particular supplement or remedy are secret;

n one diet claims to help a hundred different diseases.I also wouldn’t recommend using diet to the exclusion of definitively effective medications. n

Additional resources on page 8.

FAQS on DIET AnD MS

Family MattersNewly Diagnosed

JoIn tHe moVement: MSnewengland.org8 9toll free number 1 800 344 4867

by elena Pascale

my 26 year old daughter, Jessica, was diagnosed with relapsing remitting mS nearly 5 years ago. Along with myself, my husband and her sister and brother we are her caregivers. I’m the primary person who helps Jess, since we’re together 24/7.

I remember the day we received her diagnosis. I felt weak in my knees and cried like a baby. this diagnosis was so shocking to hear. I, of course blamed myself asking, “what did I do to cause this?”, “what did I miss that would have changed this outcome?” Just a month before this Jess was diagnosed on the spectrum of Autism. Again, the guilt of what I did wrong and how did this happen to my child? We were faced with a double “whammy” with no idea what to do next. How do I explain to my daughter what she is facing in her future?

We were in the hospital and rehab for two months. I never left Jess’ side and the guilt of leaving the rest of my family was overwhelming for me, but I had to build my own strength during this time so I could take care of Jess and remind her how strong she was and that everything would be okay.

Pushing her around in her wheelchair and helping her with almost everything was my duty now. I prayed every night that this this would not be her future. I had no idea what to expect or how I was going to stay strong for her. my life changed! I was scared, anxious, and worried all the time.

December 28 will be five years since that horrible day, but our lives have continued and we have all become stronger; especially Jess. She is determined never to let this disease get her down. I know I am stronger because of her, but I still battle

with myself every day and pray that she will fight even after I am gone.

because of this disease our family has become advocates for mS, and Jess is our leader! A month after she was home from rehab we participated in our first Walk mS event in new Hampshire. five years later “team Jess” has raised nearly $80,000 to go towards research to help find a cure. our friends and family are so

supportive and are always there for us and Jess. We are also volunteers for the Greater new england Chapter and getting involved helping others has helped us too!

this is my story of fear of the unknown, but also of hope for the future with understanding and love. It still weighs on my mind about how Jess’ life will continue when I’m no longer around. I feel that you have to go through the process of disbelief, guilt, and helplessness to get to the point of life that I am at now.

my focus will always be Jess, and she has grown and understands her own responsibility towards her mS. She also understands that I need some time to myself.

multiple sclerosis does change your life, but it should never take over and become your life. We are so proud of Jess and her strength through all this, because it has made our family stronger even when we are at our weakest! We will always have the challenges of mS, but because of Jess, our lives have a different meaning and we are all in this together.

If I could end with one thing, “it is so easy to sit back and cry, but is so much easier to smile and look ahead with hope and love.” take each day and be grateful for the time you have with your family and never give up looking for a cure. n

FACInG A FuTuRE wITH MS

MS Scholarships High school seniors who have been diagnosed with mS or who have a parent with mS are eligible for the Society’s scholarship program. Applications for 2014 scholarships will be accepted (online only) until January 15, 2014. for more info, visit nationalMSsociety.org/scholarship or call us at 800-344-4867.

Would you like to contribute?

to find out how you can help, visit nationalMSsociety.org/scholarship and click Support the Program.

JOB SEEKERS SUPPORT GROUPlooking for a job and frustrated? finding it hard to stay motivated? Join us for a monthly tele-job club where you can share with others living with mS your job search efforts, what has worked for you, as well as resources and general support. the group will run from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. on the following dates February 27, March 27, April 17, May 15, June 26, and July 31.

Space is limited so register early. to register e-mail employmentQuestions@nmss.org or call 212-453-3218.

Making treatment and lifestyle decisionsPeople living with multiple sclerosis and their families now have more tools available to them than ever before, including 10 disease-modifying treatments, many symptom-management strategies and a spectrum of lifestyle-related options that can improve quality of life. However, making choices about which tools to pursue can be a complicated and emotional process, and it’s not the same for any two people.

learn about the factors you should consider when making your own treatment and lifestyle decisions. Call us to request the DVD and companion book, making treatment and Lifestyle Decisions: Thinking Clearly About Benefits and risks, now available in Spanish and english through the Society’s north American education Program.

Diet and MS - more information at:www.nationalmSsociety.org > living with multiple sclerosis > healthy living > nutrition and diet

these can also be accessed online:

Clear Thinking About Alternative Therapies: Facts and common misconceptions, plus practical ways to evaluate benefits and risks. by Virginia foster

Food for Thought: MS and Nutrition: A guide to healthy eating—includes managing symptoms, changing eating habits, and the effects of diet on MS. by Denise m. nowack, rD

Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs in MS: An Introduction: Practical guide to diet supplements for people with MS. outlines what is and is not known, with references for further study. by Allen bowling, mD, PhD, and thomas Stewart, PA-C, mS, JD

THE FIRST THREE MonTHSby Katie JenningsIncredibly, it’s been three months since I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Time flies when you’re busy and confused. these months have been a whirlwind of appointments and reading and exploration. I would not presume to give advice to people who have years of mS under their belts. but I would like to share my perspective about the bad and the good of being newly diagnosed, beyond just the physical symptoms.

The bad: I have no idea what’s going on.I’m a person who prefers specifics. I like plans. I like goals. I once ran a marathon largely because I printed out a schedule and refused to deviate from it for five months. Since my diagnosis, I’ve spent a lot of time coming to terms with the fact that not everything is black and white. In January and february, I visited three different mS specialists, and each gave me a different diagnosis (relapsing-remitting, primary-progressive, and finally progressive-relapsing). each doctor – well-meaning and concerned – gave me a completely different sense of what the coming years may have in store. maybe I’m standing on the edge of a cliff. or maybe I’m just looking out at some rolling hills. If anything has become clear to me, it’s that nothing is clear. to be told, “You have mS,” doesn’t actually tell you very much. each of us will have a unique experience, and our experiences will evolve and unfold at a pace largely outside of our control. for a planner like me, that’s very, very frustrating.

The good: I know exactly what I need to know.I have a six-year-old child, a full-time job, friends whom I never have time to see, and a family that lives too far away. like many of you, I consider it a good day if I can return even half of the messages on my list. life doesn’t leave a lot of time for considering the big picture. but learning that I have mS has crystalized one thing for me. As hokey as it sounds, the things that matter are the people I love. If everything else is stripped away (and it might be), those relationships will still be the things that matter. that’s not to say that I’ve given up on more trivial matters. I still care about whether my skinny jeans fit and where I’ll go on vacation this summer. but there’s a clarity about my priorities now that I may never have gained without a big kick in the pants. mS is nothing if not a big kick in the pants.

I’ve chosen to be very public about my diagnosis. In the past three months, I’ve heard from many, many friends – and

some strangers – with messages of love and support. And however difficult the reason for them, I won’t overlook what a gift those messages have been for me. I’m lucky despite it all, and I’m grateful. I hope you all have days that remind you of that as well. n

Katie Jennings was diagnosed with progressive relapsing mS in December 2012. She blogs about all of it at steadyshegoes.com.

Connect with other people newly diagnosed with MS and share your experiences at www.MSconnection.org/groups/newlydiagnosed.

Moving Toward a World Free of MS

Moving Toward a World Free of MS research

11toll free number 1 800 344 4867

Programs

JoIn tHe moVement: MSnewengland.org10

No matter where you live, you can access programs and services by telephone and the internet.

Pregnancy and the MS therapiesnone of the disease-modifying therapies (Dmts) for treating multiple sclerosis have been approved for use during pregnancy. but because mS primarily affects women of childbearing age, women may accidentally become pregnant while still taking medication.

In 2002, the u.S. food and Drug Administration issued guidelines requiring the manufacturers of Dmts to develop pregnancy registries to monitor women who have taken one of the medications within a week of becoming pregnant and/or while they are pregnant.

Data on the older Dmts to date suggest no effects on pregnancy outcomes, but reviews are not all complete. See the chart below for results and information on signing up for currently running registries.

MEDICATIon STATuSAvonex review of data from 75% of outcomes suggested no effect of Avonex on pregnancy outcomes.

reported in Neurology, April 26, 2012)

betaseron no patterns emerged to suggest increased negative outcomes with betaseron. but because the sample size was relatively small, definitive conclusions could not be drawn and continued monitoring is recommended. reported at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers Annual Meeting, may 29–June 1, 2013.

rebif the rates of spontaneous abortion and major congenital anomalies in live births among the women exposed to rebif during pregnancy were in line with those seen in the general population. reported in Multiple Sclerosis Journal, April 2011.

tysabri Present data do not suggest any effect of tysabri exposure on pregnancy outcomes. Additional data are required before definite conclusions can be made. Reported in Neurology, feb. 12, 2013.

Aubagio ongoing studies. Call 800-745-4447, option 2, or ask your healthcare provider about enrollment.Gilenya ongoing studies. Call 877-598-7237 r visit www.gilenyapregnancyregistry.com.Tecfidera ongoing studies. Call 800-456-2255 or ask your healthcare provider about enrollment.

Help is a Call Away * 800-344-4867no matter where you live, if you have questions about multiple sclerosis, an MS Navigator can help you. Submit a request to generalmailbox@nmss.org. Please include your name, mailing address, and phone number. or call us toll-free, monday-friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. find resources for all of the following, and much more!

n REFERRAlS to neurologists, mS Clinical Centers, legal Services, mental Health Providers, Allied Health Professionals, Housing needs, Self-Help and Support Groups

n RESouRCES for medical equipment, Home modifications, transportation, Independent living, financial Assistance

n PRoGRAMS in Home Care and Day Care, recreation and Wellness

n CounSElInG for employment, Insurance, and Public benefits

Keep S’myelinKeep S’myelin is published quarterly by the national mS Society for children 5 - 10 years old and their relatives who have mS. Games, fun, and information. to sign up, call the chapter or email: keepsmyelin@nmss.org.

MSConnection.orgWhat if everyone who cares about mS could join together in one place?

Share what you know at www.mSConnection.org. When you join the national mS Society’s newest online community you’ll be able to make meaningful connections when, where and how you want, with easy access to the best content and resources the mS community can bring you. You can share information about the topics that are most important to you, connect with people, and have expert mS information and opinions right at your fingertips. Join today!

No computer? ≈ mSfriends is a telephone support program. Call toll

free: 866-673-7436

≈ the online Peer Connections Program has a telephone component for individuals with limited computer access: 303-698-6100 ext. 15169.

MS Learn OnlineWebcasts and podcasts are pre-recorded and may be played at any time

mS learn online is an educational webcast series featuring three channels of programming —

n feature Presentation: experts present on topics such as research, treatments, relationships, employment, Insurance, Staying Well, and living with mS.

n Daily minute: A short informational clip about mS.

n Q&A: every week, mS learn online experts answer a new viewer question.

transcripts (.pdf format) and podcasts (.mp3 audio format) are available for most programs. Visit: nationalMSsociety.org > Multimedia Library > webcasts & Podcasts

A series of online classes that will help you boost your decision-making power.

It’s your mS and it’s your medical care, but sometimes it can feel like other people are making your decisions for you. these classes keep you in the driver’s seat.

n be an active member of your healthcare team n understand your doctor’s medication recommendations n Improve your health and well-being n Articulate the reasoning behind your decisions n Improve communication with your healthcare providers n use sound reasoning to make decisions about your

health n Decide whether participation in clinical trials is right

for you this course is offered as an online program so you can access the class when and where it is most convenient for you. 800-344-4867 or www.nationalmSsociety.org.

Home LiNKSoffers case management services to help stabilize client and family during times of difficulty or crisis. to learn more, call 800-344-4867 or email gnehomelinks@nmss.org.

Ask the ExpertsHave a question about mS? Get expert advice and opinions on common mS questions online at MSnewengland.org > Programs and Services > Ask the Expert

Multiple Sclerosis The Questions You Have The Answers You Need, 3rd edition by rosalind C. Kalb, Ph.D. (Available at the Dora licon lending library)

find out more about pregnancy and mS at nationalMSsociety.org > living with multiple

sclerosis > healthy living > pregnancy for more information and printable materials on:

n Pregnancy and reproductive including Hormones

n Pregnancy registries for mS medications

n Kara’s Story Video

n mS remissions During Pregnancy

n transmitting mS to Children: Possible Differences In men And Women

is supporting a trial to see whether vitamin D supplements can reduce mS activity in people already diagnosed.

Another emerging area of research is the gut microbiome – colonies of trillions of bacteria that inhabit our intestinal tracts, most of which are beneficial. the immune activity that occurs in the gut and which is related to the immune system may help dictate other aspects of health, including the activity of an individual’s mS. A lecture by Dr. o. borbye Pedersen of Copenhagen made it clear to me that this is a very promising field of study. If we could decipher the influence of the gut microbiome, we have the potential of altering it to treat or even prevent mS.

taken together, maybe there’s some truth to the old adage, “You are what you eat.” n

Read more online at: nationalMSsociety.org/research

Dr. Nicholas LaRocca is a clinical psychologist who has worked in the field of MS for over 30 years. He serves as Vice President of Health Care Delivery and Policy Research in the Research Programs Department of the National MS Society.

Risks and Triggers for MS cont. from page 4

research

12 JoIn tHe moVement: MSnewengland.org

the Society’s brochure, Affordable Accessible Housing: A Guide for People with MS, can help families living with mS evaluate their housing needs and better understand the range of housing options that are available to them. Go to www.nationalmSsociety.org/housing.

MS Activist BlogCheck out the latest federal news and share your views! msactivist.blogspot.com

Take Action!A Little Time Makes a Big Impact! become an mS activist and make your mark against mS.

1. Visit nationalMS society.org/get-involved/take-action/index.aspx

2. Take Action and sign up to receive federal and state alerts

3. recruit a friend!

Government Relations CommitteeVolunteers Wanted!Are you a person with mS or do you have a connection to the disease? Do you have professional expertise in the area of law, medicine, disability, fundraising, policy, or community organizing? Do you have a commitment to working towards achieving short and long-term goals? Are you willing to speak before government officials, at public hearings, or with the media? Are you committed to working as a team and working on projects? If any of these describe you, contact Michelle.Dickson@nmss.org.

Health Care Reform Implementationnew health insurance programs are still offering coverage to uninsured individuals with a pre-existing health condition, including mS. need assistance understanding this new program or advice about health insurance? Call 800-344-4867.

ADVoCACY

toll free number 1 800 344 4867 13

To find out about trials in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, go to page 14 or visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/clinicaltrialsGNE

Studying accessible housingAffordable, accessible housing is a crucial need for many people who have advanced multiple sclerosis. for malachy bishop, PhD, CrC (university of Kentucky), who was funded by the Society’s Health Care Delivery and Policy research Program to study housing needs, the issue became personal when his father’s mobility was affected by a neurological condition similar to mS.

How did you become interested researching housing and people with MS?

I have always been very interested in the ways that people learn to live and thrive with chronic neurological conditions. I had been researching aspects of living with mS for several years, but after seeing the effect that my father’s increasingly limited mobility had on both my parents, understanding and addressing the specialized housing needs of people with mS became very important to me personally. Although housing was a new research area for me, I was fortunate to work with my co-investigator, Dr. Kathy Sheppard-Jones, who is a leading researcher in this area.

How did you capture the variety of people’s experiences of MS?

We actively involved people with mS in the design of the survey. then, with the help of housing consultants and mS experts, we traveled around the country to meet with diverse people with mS and health care professionals. We would discuss their perspectives, review the survey together, and make sure we were addressing all the issues that were important to them. We revised the survey many times based on their feedback.

We also made sure people could complete the survey in different ways, including web-based surveys, mail-in surveys, and by telephone interview. this helped us get information from people in different age groups. finally, we surveyed people in every state, so we could explore different regional experiences.

what were some of your more striking findings?

first, there is a large number of Americans with mS whose independence is affected by limited mobility. Approximately 7 out of 10 people reported some degree of mobility limitation that affected their ability to function in their homes and participate in their communities. Also striking was the number of people who live in inaccessible

homes. About 1 in 5 Americans with mS said they are limited in their home because it is not accessible.

Although there are many programs and resources available to help people afford making their homes safer and more accessible, most people were unaware of them. this is critical, because more than a quarter of participants said that their financial situation has prevented them from making needed modifications. of particular note was the high number of people who said that they need, but do not have, safety features such as grab bars in the bathroom (15.2%), or such basic necessities as an accessible bathroom, an accessible kitchen, or an accessible entrance to their home (about 10% each).

finally, we found that regardless of the severity of the mS, people whose residence was fully accessible reported a higher quality of life and were more confident that they would be able to live independently in their home in the future.

when should people with MS start thinking about housing?

We recommend that housing accessibility be a consideration in any long-term housing decision at any age, but this is especially true for people with mS over the age of 50. People over 50 were significantly more likely to report having a mobility limitation, to be limited in their residence, and to say they are not confident that they will be able to continue to live independently in their residence in the near future. Accessible housing for people in or approaching this age group is particularly important as their safety, mobility and independence in and around the home are at greater risk.

Do healthcare providers have a role in bringing up the topic?

Healthcare providers should absolutely have a more active role in evaluating residential accessibility and safety, and in providing specialized housing resources and information. this is one of the areas we hope to focus on in future research. n

IMPRoVInG ACCESS To CARE: STATE MARkETPlACES lAunCHED!

on october 1, the State Insurance marketplaces opened for enrollment for January 1, 2014. one stop shopping for comparison information on plans is available for

individuals, families and businesses. Despite the current technical difficulties with the national portal, www.healthcare.gov, consumers can receive assistance by phone, in person, and by state web portals. If you do not have health insurance, you may have to pay a tax penalty in 2014. enrollment deadlines are being extended. tax credits and subsidies are available to a large number of people who qualify. the ACA offers many financial and care benefits for people with mS. be a wise consumer and learn your options to improve access and reduce costs!

Maine: www.healthcare.gov or www.covermainenow.com or 800-965-7476

Massachusetts: Health Connector www.mahealthconnector.org (for plan updates in 2014 and to renew current enrollment in plans.)

new Hampshire: www.healthcare.gov or 800-318-2596, ttY: 855-889-4325

Vermont: Health Connect 855-499-9800 m-f 8-8, Sat 8-1 or healthconnect.vermont.gov

BIDDEFoRD MAInE SPoTlIGHT on HEAlTH

tune in to the biddeford Community Access tV show, Issues that Matter, hosted by mS chapter board of trustee member and government relations committee chair, bob Picone. the weekly show focuses on health related matters.

for more information or to see the show in your community contact www.biddefordmaine.org

IMPRoVInG MASSACHuSETTS TRAnSPoRTATIon FoR InDIVIDuAlS wITH DISABIlITIES

the massachusetts Statewide Coordinating Council on Community transportation (SCCCt) is going to be

relying heavily on new regional Coordinating Councils (rCCs) to implement the Governor’s executive order 530 report’s recommendations. these recommendations seek to improve accessible transportation options throughout the state. they are actively seeking members to join the rCCs. to learn more: www.massdot.state.ma.us/transit/Statewidemobilitymanagement/SCCCt

nEw HAMPSHIRE STATE MEDICAID ExPAnSIon PRoGRESS

the medicaid expansion Study Commission reviewing expansion eligibility up to 138% fPl under the Affordable Care Act voted unanimously to report to the legislature

supporting expansion. the report includes a minority recommendation for more private insurance options. the Commission vote was followed by a press release from Governor Hassan, calling for a special session november 7-21.

Cont. on next page

Moving Toward a World Free of MS

15toll free number 1 800 344 4867

Volunteers

JoIn tHe moVement: MSnewengland.org14

ADVoCACYvolunteers Recognized for their Dedication and Support

Resources to find Clinical Trials n Clinicaltrials.gov n CenterWatch - www.centerwatch.com n nArComS - www.narcoms.org n mS International federation - www.msif.org n CISCrP - www.ciscrp.org n research match - www.researchmatch.org n mS Discovery forum - www.msdiscovery.org n national Institutes of Health - www.nih.gov/health/

clinicaltrials n Patients like me - www.patientslikeme.com/clinical_

trials

In fiscal year 2013, we filled 5,500 volunteer positions for fundraising, programs, and office support. At our Annual meeting on the 26th of october, 22 volunteers received special recognition for their outstanding service. Congratulations to all. not attending: mass. Self Help Group leader Awardee, lori race and multicultural outreach Awardees, Sharon froston and ricky Jones.

Office Volunteer Awardees: maryann luongo, Dorrie riley, and linda Austin

multicultural outreach Awardees: melanie morris, Dorothy Wideman, Kellee lee, Glory Wideman-Hughes, and bernadette Johnson.

mS Vacation Week Volunteer Awardees: Stephanie Annichiarico, Pauline ellis, and t.J. Kelly

Direct Services Volunteer Awardee: Wanda Getchell

Vermont Self Help Group leader Awardee: laura Palasciano

Vermont Advocacy Volunteer Awardee: Sarah Jacoby

maine Self Help Group leader Awardee: Grace Clement; Alida Camp Awardee: max michaud; maine Advocacy Volunteer Awardee: robin Steinwand

n.H. Community Programs Volunteer Awardee: bob ottavi; n.H. Self Help Group leader Awardee: Sandy Scruton

nH PARkInG ACCESS AISlE SIGnS FoR SAlE!Are the handicap parking spaces with striped access aisles in your new Hampshire community frequently blocked by drivers or debris? urge private or municipal officials to purchase and install these signs to deter blockage. Signs are (12” x 18”): $23.40 or $15.82 when you buy more than 6. Posts: 10ft - $28.40 or 12ft - $34.08. to order call the DoC sign shop at 603- 271-1874.

VERMonT: IMPRoVInG CoMMunITY ACCESSIBIlITY

A recently aired show about burlington municipal efforts to improve public accessibility for

all citizens and a new web site Accessible Adventures for peer to peer reviews of public establishments was aired locally in burlington and can be viewed here-check it out!

www.cctv.org/watch-tv/programs/accessibility-burlington

for more information: www.accessibleadventuresvt.org/accessible-adventures

BE A DIGITAl MS ACTIVISTDigital mS activists—like all mS activists—want to drive change and do so by amplifying their voice and connecting with elected officials over social media.

At www.nationalMSsociety.org/digiMSactivist, learn how to share your story, connect with other mS activists and build relationships through social media and email. the webpage includes ways to:

n Get informed. receive e-newsletters and Action Alerts about important pieces of legislation. Send emails with a few clicks of your mouse.

n Rise up. learn where your elected officials stand. Speak out on issues important to you as a person affected by mS.

n Take Action. build relationships with elected officials via facebook or twitter.

n Recruit. encourage others to join directing them to ntl.ms/YouCanbeAnmSActivist, or the website above.

We are busy during the winter months in

our Waltham office and need volunteers

to help with walk and bike packets and

call past walk and bike participants. Please

contact brenda barbour AVP of Volunteer

Development at brenda.barbour@nmss.org

or 781-693-5135 if you would like to help.

We also need volunteers to help: november 28 (thanksgiving morning) - boston Volvo Village 5K road race in brighton, mass.

Saturday march 1, 2014 - Climb to the top at the John Hancock tower in boston.

register as a volunteer at mSnewengland.org and select an event.

Congratulations and thank you for all your hard work!

Cont. from page 13

Classified Ads SAlE: Invacare tDX Spree Pediatric Wheelchair with eZ lock. elevates and reclines. Seldom used. located south of boston.$2000. Contact: pittsy119@gmail.com or 781-710-2661 after 3p.m.

SAlE: Pronto m41 Power Wheelchair. foot rest and charger. blue. never been used. With manual. $1,000. mollybrennan@verizon.net.

SAlE: 2000 toyota Celica GtS w/hand controls. 120k miles. remote start, alarm w/lojack. looks & runs great! $4400. Alex 781-670-9709 after noon.

to post your free ad, contact wendy.golden@nmss.org. to see the latest ads, visit the classified ad section at www.mSnewengland.org.

ConGRATulATIonS To THESE AwARD wInnInG MS ACTIVISTS!

John Pierce, pictured to the right, is the first Vermonter to be inducted into the national mS Society Volunteer Hall of fame in the Advocacy category at the mS national leadership Conference. Sarah Jacoby and robin Steinwand, pictured on the next page, both received the Advocacy Volunteer of the Year Award for their prospective states at our chapter’s Annual meeting of members in october.

Moving Toward a World Free of MS

16 17JoIn tHe moVement: MSnewengland.org toll free number 1 800 344 4867

FundraisingFundraising

Recent Event Re-capsDinner of Champions, Vermont - Sept. 17

over 325 friends, colleagues, and family members attended to honor Jeff Davis with the mS Hope Award and the employees of blue Cross blue Shield of Vermont with the Community Champion Award. former Governor Jim Douglas of Vermont presented the award to mr. Davis, noting the many years Jeff had given back to his community and been a leader among his peers. Don George, Ceo of bCbSVt, stated that his employees gave over 1,000 hours of their free time to support community projects, charities, and schools this past year. funds raised from this special event will support local programs in Vermont and cutting-edge research. Harborfest - August 16-18

mS Harborfest took place in the heart of Portland and on Casco bay, featuring multiple waterfront events. the weekend kicked-off with a live and silent auction, where guests perused over 340 items donated from

local businesses and supporters. Saturday saw hundreds of spectators lining fort Allen Park to watch the 32nd annual mS regatta, northern new england’s longest running and largest sailing fundraiser. on Sunday, spectators watched lobster boat races and a tugboat muster while others participated in the Shoreside 5K. this waterfront celebration raised over $115,000.

new Hampshire Seacoast Escape - Aug. 24 this year’s ride sent cyclists over the newly finished memorial bridge in Portsmouth, nH and through parts or maine. over 150 riders turned out on a beautiful day and raised just over $76,000.

link up for MS - August 19 the link up for mS Golf tournament was packed with great golf, fun activities, and a chance to network. one participant hit a hole-in-one and won a trip to las Vegas. lou Caputo hosted the evening festivities and award presentations, with raffles and a silent auction, that raised over $75,000.

MS Challenge walk - Sept. 7-8 the 12th annual mS Challenge Walk was a success with close to 560 walkers, over 200 crew, and 150 enthusiastic one-day volunteers! Pirates was the theme for the weekend, which included a treasure map,

a hand-built pirate ship, and fun pirate activities. Walkers enjoyed great weather, and together they raised over $1 million.

Bike and Hike the Berkshires - Sept. 21 bike and Hike the berkshires was a great ending to a successful 2013 bike mS season. the day was filled with hikers climbing mt. Greylock and cyclists riding throughout berkshire County. together their efforts raised close to $100,000.

Fall walks - September 7-29 the 2013 Walk mS season wrapped up with our fall walk season. the Chapter hosted 12 walks in maine, massachusetts, new Hampshire, and Vermont in September. more than 860 walkers came together to support their friends and family members with mS and raised more than $130,000. Walk mS is the rallying point of the mS movement, a community coming together to raise funds and celebrate hope for the future.

(L-R) Jeff Davis, Don George, and Lauren Maloney, Master of Ceremonies, News Anchor for ABC 22 and FOX 44.

Be a Hero

Beverly, diagnosed in 2001

Name the National MS Society in your estate plans and move future generations closer to a world free of MS.

www.beaMShero.org

Jen with sons, Jason and Alex, and husband, David. In celebration of their 90th year in business, r.H. White Companies, Inc., of Auburn, mass., rallied employees, customers, and vendors to play golf, attend an open house, and enjoy a family day while raising money to create a world free of multiple sclerosis. the family-owned company raised over $52,000 for the Greater new england Chapter. the White family and key employees gathered to present a check for the proceeds to Chapter trustee bob Shapiro. Pictured in the photo are lisa russo (business Development Admin & 90th committee Chairperson), Phil Cyr (VP of business Development), David White (President and Ceo), Chris Aguiar (utility Project manager), and Katelyn Aguiar (Asst. training manager) holding son Josh.

Jen realizes she is generous in her definition of symbiotic, but that’s how she describes the relationship between the national mS Society and herself: emotionally, physically, and monetarily. the give, back and forth, has been what has kept Jen going since being diagnosed in 1997. Since that time, Jen has built a walk team for Walk mS Plymouth from seven people and $1,100 raised to nearly 150 members (her 2014 goal) and a grand total of over $218,800 brought in. (check out the picture of her team on the Walk Insert) She has been the recipient of grants, with help from Home LINKS, which funded modifications needed to safely remain independent at home, and also received a referral that bought her the bioness ness l 300 foot Drop System, that keeps her mobile in her active life.

Jen was aware of changes in her body for years, from tingling in her left arm to vision problems, but when a perfect storm hit with many malfunctions simultaneously, she knew it was time to see a doctor. that doctor was suspicious she had mS and referred her to the national mS Society before she even got an mrI. two months after being diagnosed, she was at the Greater new england Chapter’s offices in Waltham attending a newly diagnosed workshop. She said to herself, “I have a debilitating chronic disease. It’s not going to kill me, so I’ll just deal with it. ”

Jen had an active life when diagnosed at age 35: married with a toddler and a career that included travel. She eventually had to quit her job, but now enjoys taking care of her family and finding ways to help the Society. recently, she became a bike Champion for the emD Serono team. She signed everyone’s bandana and is happy to be their “face” of someone with mS.

Jen maintains her hope, courage, and positive ways by working hard to make a difference and connect with people at the Society. that’s what she calls her symbiotic relationship with the national mS Society.

Dennison lubricants mS Golf Classic records $29,000 in fundraising during September 16 tournament at Poquoy brook Golf Club in lakeville, mass. the sixth annual tournament is held in honor of Karen Dennison’s sister, brenda Cobb, who lived with mS for 20 years. After her passing in 2007, it was a natural choice for the family-run business to dedicate the company golf outing to fundraise on behalf of the national multiple Sclerosis Society. under the leadership of tim’s son, the tournament hosted 118 golfers. Presenting the check to Arlyn White (left) is tim Dennison (center), founder and president, and brian Dennison (right), senior vice president, sales & marketing.

Moving Toward a World Free of MS

18 JoIn tHe moVement: MSnewengland.org

Fundraising Fundraising

19toll free number 1 800 344 4867

Thank you Boston Volvo Village for sponsoring the 16th Annual

Thanksgiving Day 5K Road Race.

Boston Volvo Village 5K Road Race

RIDE wITH uS In 2014

RIDE THE VInEYARD Saturday, may 3 - martha’s Vineyard High School Vineyard Haven, mA•15, 30 & 60 mile scenic routes featuring quaint charm and

beautiful ocean views

RIDE BAR HARBoR Saturday, may 17 - bar Harbor, me•25 & 60 mile routes in maine’s scenic vacation spot

CAPE CoD GETAwAY Saturday-Sunday, June 28-29 umASS boston to Provincetown, mA•75 & 100 mile route options on Saturday,

75 miles on Sunday•largest mS ride in new england with more than 2,000

riders

MInuTEMAn RIDE Saturday, July 19 - Concord District Court, Concord, mA•25 & 60 mile route options through metro-West towns

GREEn MounTAIn GETAwAY Saturday-Sunday, August 2-3university of Vermont, burlington, Vt•Saturday routes include 20, 50, 80 & 100 mile options•Sunday choose between 45, 75 & 100 mile routes

GREAT MAInE GETAwAY Saturday-Sunday, August 9-10 university of new england, biddeford, maine•Saturday routes include 25, 50, 75 & 100 mile options•Sunday choose between 25, 50 & 75 mile routes

nH SEACoAST ESCAPE Saturday, August 23 - Stratham Hill Park, Stratham, nH•route options include 25 & 60 mile options

BIkE & HIkE THE BERkSHIRES Saturday, September 20 - Jiminy Peak, Hancock, mA•ride 25, 50 or the 100-mile mt. Greylock challenge •Hike one of two trails to the summit of

mt. Greylock

To Register: bikeMSgne.org or 800-344-4867

bike to create a world free of MS

once in a while, a challenge calls that you simply must answer. Challenge Walk mS is the perfect way to embrace a personal challenge of spirit and strength, while making an important difference in the lives of people living with mS.

REGISTER ToDAY & BEGIn FunDRAISInGAs soon as you register, you’ll have access to our online fundraising tools, making fundraising easier and more convenient than ever! A minimum fundraising goal of $1,500 is required, but we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Saturday, March 1Register at

ClimbMSgne.org or800-344-4867

@MS_newEngland #RiseAndClimb

Rise and Climb!61 stories

to the top of New england’s tallest building

March 7 Burlington, Vermont

for more information: mSnewengland.org

802-871-5231

take advantage of this unique opportunity to

meet best-selling authors:

Chris Bohjalian

Madeleine kunin

Jacquelyn Mitchard

Climb to the TopJohn Hancock Tower - Boston

Presented by:

cape cod, mass.: september 5-7, 2014

3 days. 50 miles.connect to end multiple sclerosisregister now: MSchallengewalkcapecod.org or 800.344.4867

NationalMultiple SclerosisSocietyGreaterNew EnglandChapter

Subscribe to mSConnection online!

www.nationalMSsociety.org/ newsletterGnE

Same Stories...No Postage

Summer & winter on line only. Spring & Fall delivered by U.S. mail. Donate your used car!

to participate in current studies, clinical trials, and mS surveys visit the chapter online at www.MSnewengland.org

Calendar

January 15 - Scholarship Applications deadline

February 20 - employment teleconference Series - maintaining Cognitive and emotional Health while unemployed

March 1 - Climb to the top: boston

March 3-9 - mS Awareness Week

March 6 - employment teleconference Series - federal Hiring Initiatives for People with Disabilities

March 20 - employment

teleconference Series - Home based employment: What You need to Know

April 3 - employment teleconference Series - Disability Application Secrets

April 5 - Walk mS: easton & Worcester, mA

April 6 - Walk mS: boston, Concord, fairhaven & Plymouth, mA

April 12 - Walk mS: bangor/brewer, brunswick, Camden, Kennebunkport & lewiston me; berkshires, marblehead & newburyport, mA; Portsmouth, nH; burlington, Vt

April 13 - Walk mS: Augusta, me

April 21 - marathon Strides Against mS

April 26 - Walk mS: Portland, mA

April 26 - muckfest mS

May 3 - Walk mS: nashua, nH

May 3 - bike mS: ride the Vineyard

May 4 - Walk mS: manchester & north Conway, nH

May 10 - Walk mS: laconia, nH

May 14 - mileStones Gala, mA

May 17 - bike mS: ride bar Harbor

May 17 - Walk mS: montpelier, rutland & upper Valley, Vt

Non-Profit OrgU.S. Postage

PaidDenver, CO

Permit 5377

IMPRoVE HEAlTH AnD wEllnESS WHIle You rAISe moneY to enD mS!Purchase discounted lifeextension® vitamins and nutritional supplements, and a portion of the proceeds are donated to the national mS Society.

order online only: https://www.levitamins.com/27261/Home