Spring 2010 - MSConnection

MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS | 2010 • SPRING • VOL 2

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

PACIFIC SOUTH COAST CHAPTER

ChALLENGE yOuRSELF AND CREATE A WORLD FREE OF MuLTIpLE SCLEROSIS

Bike MS Bay to Bay Tour: pedaling for a Cure This October, 2,500 cyclists will pedal their way toward a cure for multiple sclerosis at the Bike MS Bay to Bay Tour, voted “Best Cycling Event” by the readers of Competitor magazine for four years running. Riders enjoy fully-supported 30, 100 and 150-mile routes over two days along Southern California’s beautiful coastline. Registration is now open at biketofinishMS.com and will close at the capacity of 2,500 cyclists.

On Saturday, October 16, cyclists will begin in either Irvine or Carlsbad for 50, 100 or 30 miles down the coast. Routes finish in Carlsbad at the Westfield Plaza Camino Real, where cyclists will enjoy a celebration festival including a cycling expo, children’s fun zone, food, drink and live entertainment.

On Sunday, October 17, 100 and 150-mile riders will pedal the remaining miles to the finish in Mission Bay, where they’ll be surrounded by cheering supporters and another celebration offering food and fun! The Bike MS Bay to Bay Tour is a fun-filled event open to all levels of cyclists, from beginners to experts. Register today at biketofinishMS.com

MS Activists Make Their Mark in March PAGE 3

Equipment Loans PAGE 6

Couples Workshop PAGE 11

CCSVI Updates PAGE 14

Challenge Walk MS: A Walk with Purpose September 24-26, 2010 Challenge Walk MS is a personal journey of spirit and stamina, and makes an important difference in the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis. United for one cause, we will take over 100,000 steps in one of the most rewarding journeys of our lives, filled with friendship, unforgettable moments and most of all, hope. Accept the Challenge and journey toward a world free of MS.

3 days. 50 miles. Carlsbad to San Diego. Raising $1.2 million toward a world free of MS.

Register today at myMSchallenge.com

Learn more about the Challenge through a Walker’s own experience PAGE 15

INSIDELOOK

TWo GREAT EvEnTS. onE dESTinATion. A ChAnCE To TEST youR liMiTS WhilE CREATinG A WoRld fREE of MS.

KEY VOLUNTEERS HONORED AT CHAPTER’S ANNUAL MEETING

2 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

(800) 344-4867

PUbLICATION OF THE NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETy Pacific South Coast Chapter

Chapter Offices: 5950 la Place Court, Suite 200 Carlsbad, California 92008

3000-C Airway Avenue, Suite 125 Costa Mesa, California 92626

Vice President, Programs & Services Karen Hooper

hELp ThE ChApTER SAVE PRinting & POStAge COStS! To receive this publication via email, send an email to [email protected] with “Email me the MSConnection” in the subject line. you’ll save paper (and therefore trees) as well!

The national Multiple Sclerosis Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are consid-ered valuable information. The national Multiple Sclerosis Society 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 recom-mendations or prescriptions. The national Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician.

We mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS.

© 2010 national Multiple Sclerosis Society, Pacific South Coast Chapter


Humanitarians of the Year: Volunteers In MS (VIMS) Supporting the chapter for nearly thirty years, the

volunteers in MS (viMS) volunteer group began as a tribute to Bob Webster, husband of viMS President, Carol. over the years, viMS has funded over half a million dollars in support to the chapter, including the Bob Webster Scholarship, which assists people with MS and their children seeking higher education. This group of dedicated volunteers has supported hundreds of scholars in their pursuit of a college degree.

Chapter Star Volunteer of the Year: Arnold Spearman

Over a decade ago, Arnold Spearman looked for a way to give back to the community and get involved with an organization he could believe in. Arnold found just that at the Pacific South Coast Chapter and has spent many weekends and hours volunteering at Walk MS, Bike MS, Challenge Walk MS and the MS Dinner Auction. Arnold supports the start lines and event routes with a microphone in hand and a big booming voice, encouraging people to push a little harder, go a little further and give a little more. His enthusiasm is well-known at all of these events, as is the multi-colored hat he sports. Arnold is a much-loved cheerleader, encouraging people to move toward a world free of multiple sclerosis.

VIMS

ADVOCACy

TOLL FREE NUMbER 1 800 344 4867 | 3

MS ACTIVISTS MAkE ThEIR MARk IN MARChEvery year MS Activists travel to Washington D.C. and Sacramento, CA to meet with their legislators hoping to help shape public policy by discussing priority issues and sharing personal stories. Over 300 activists from across the United States traveled to the Capital March 1-3 to participate in the 2010 Public Policy Conference and made nearly 350 visits to congressional offices to promote full funding of:

The Lifespan Respite Care Act;•

Advancement of the national • MS and Parkinson’s disease Registries Act;

Increased support for • MS research within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs

On March 16, MS Activists continued their advocacy efforts by joining members from other organizations representing people with neurological conditions for the California neuroAlliance Conference. The alliance is dedicated to improving quality of life by promoting access to quality health care through education, public awareness and advocacy. The visit focused on:

Continuity of care for • prescription drug coverage

Opposition to proposed • cuts to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

nearly two years ago a broad-based group of volunteers, including many living with MS, developed the Society’s national health Care

Reform Principles. These bold and broad based principles have been a blueprint for the Society’s advocacy efforts on health care reform. We are pleased that the recently passed health care legislation represents an important victory and meets many of the Society’s Health Care Reform Principles.

Health care has been inadequate for too many families living with MS and this legislation will help move towards making quality, affordable care more accessible. Because MS Activists refused to give up, we have helped make something happen that has been decades in the making. This legislation will:

Prohibit discrimination against • an individual based on pre-existing health conditions;

Place limitations on • out-of-pockets costs;

Provide access to long-term • supports and services;

Expand the Medicaid program; •

Provide subsidies to those who • cannot afford coverage; and

Eliminate lifetime limits on the • amount of coverage a person may receive

The chapter needs your help to continue to move our efforts forward! you can sign up to be an MS Activist or just share your story with us. We are particularly interested if you have had an increase in your out-of-pocket prescription costs.

for more information, please contact Amanda Lasik at [email protected] or 760-448-8404.

MS Activists and chapter staff at the Public Policy Conference. From left: Barbara Maurais, Amanda Lasik, Nan Luke and Rich Israel.

SuppORTING ThE MISSION


THE 2009 bIkE MS bAy TO bAy TOUR SPONSOREd by LANd ROVER MIRAMAR WAS A RESOUNdING SUCCESS! nearly 2,500 raised 2.3 million dollars, a huge accomplishment in this economic climate! We couldn’t have done it without our amazing top fundraisers, top teams and generous sponsors.

2009 150 CLuB - The 150 Club is an elite group of cyclists made up of the top 150 fundraisers from the Bike MS Tour. They enjoy special benefits and perks before, during and after the 2010 Bike MS event. These individuals raised a combined total of over $740,000!1. Al Basso - $42,6102. franklyn Gottbetter - $31,6573. Daniel Abrams - $20,7204. John Most - $18,0935. Rona Kay - $12,3606. Jim Hillebrandt - $12,3257. Michael Plumlee - $10,5608. Paul hasenfus - $10,0009. David ee - $9,75010. Steve Malloy - $9,10011. Bryon Barnes - $8,95712. Roger Waterman - $8,93313. Paul dechary - $7,91614. Joe Cucinotti - $7,69515. Lloyd von Sprecken - $7,51416. Jay McCabe - $7,40017. Steve Starboard - $7,12718. Gary Myers - $7,09019. Annamaria ferree - $7,00020. Mark Malbon - $6,80021. Greg ferree - $6,66022. Beth Chilcott - $6,43023. Richard Boisclair - $6,35524. Debbi Kemp - $6,03525. Roland Hoffman - $5,97526. Ajay Madiah - $5,70627. Kirk Evans - $5,53928. David Wright - $5,51029. Ken McKinley - $5,50530. Dyan Decker - $5,50031. Chriss Carr - $5,463

32. dan fischer - $5,44033. Peter Bissell - $5,42034. Tim Dolan - $5,17535. Denise Hawkins - $5,15036. Shar Kanamouie - $5,12537. Wesley fleming - $5,12038. Larry Stinson - $5,00039. Bob Ott - $4,78540. Wendy Carter - $4,67041. Matthew fein - $4,65242. Ian Metrose - $4,51643. Arthur Berg - $4,51244. Jodi Most - $4,41645. Ryan Myers - $4,41546. Bob Ashe-Everest - $4,24647. Amy Blase - $4,19048. Mark Patterson - $4,17049. Peter Albini - $4,16950. Joseph Collins - $4,14551. Bill nolte - $4,11252. Jeff Weyant - $4,08553. Elsa Ayala - $4,08254. Ron Wilsie - $4,07055. victoria Roberts - $4,04056. Justin Detrich - $4,01757. vance Mcneilly - $4,00558. Jan Plessner - $3,93159. Andrew Kelly - $3,90060. David Brock - $3,88561. Michael Adam - $3,80062. Michael Jordan - $3,71963. Dave Brooks - $3,71064. Marilee Bresciani - $3,68065. Kevin Gaffney - $3,67066. Anthony Caulford - $3,60066. Christopher Paskach - $3,60067. Eric Ludwig - $3,58068. Sylvia Moreno - $3,54569. Gerry Brewster - $3,50569. Mark Steele - $3,50569. Scott Wiegand - $3,50570. Tom Amato - $3,49071. Greg Moegling - $3,47072. Mitch Rickard - $3,45373. Lisa McKinley - $3,45174. John Minervini - $3,42075. Joseph Monier - $3,40075. Robert Patterson - $3,40076. James Elie - $3,31577. John Pierce - $3,29078. hugh neuharth - $3,28579. Joel Greiner - $3,28079. Roger voet - $3,28080. Kristin Zandbergen - $3,275

81. Bill Beesley - $3,25082. Terri Gaydon - $3,23583. Paul Coartney - $3,22084. Richard Shackleton - $3,21585. Christopher vournakis - $3,18086. Thomas Obkircher - $3,16587. Bill Petersen - $3,16188. Marc Amendola - $3,14489. Michael Campbell - $3,13089. William fischbeck - $3,13090. Tamara Keane - $3,07091. David Lee - $3,06492. Mary Storm - $3,03093. Mark Johnston - $3,02094. daniel Prager - $3,00195. Robert Moore - $2,97596. Gary Maxwell - $2,96097. Brian Dalessi - $2,95097. Bill Horner - $2,95098. Roxayne Spruance - $2,91099. Chad Gunn - $2,880100. Mark Reden - $2,879101. Eric Larimore - $2,874102. Darlene Bayardo - $2,865103. Rob Winkelmann - $2,858104. Keith Sherwood - $2,853105. Ricardo Irizarry - $2,846106. Mark Wilkins - $2,825106. June Hansen - $2,825107. Timothy Boucher - $2,810108. Ian Dosland - $2,805109. Brian Driscoll - $2,797110. Anne Coleman - $2,759111. Christopher Torres - $2,755112. Thomas McDowell - $2,750113. Mark firger - $2,740114. Carolyn Elsberry - $2,737115. Bets Service - $2,705116. Jamie Horton - $2,680117. Scott Scheer - $2,665118. Ellen Smith $2,635119. Christopher Kall - $2,625120. Michelle Cheung - $2,614121. Mike flanagan - $2,607122. floyd Pool - $2,601123. Sean Callan - $2,600124. Dan LaMar - $2,580125. David Mershimer - $2,575125. Jenny Tsoulos - $2,575126. Karen Brewster - $2,571127. Kevin Delson - $2,570128. Lynn Hartline - $2,552128. David Waechter - $2,552129. Paula Carr - $2,550130. Mike fassel - $2,535131. Jana Cullen - $2,526132. Ray freiwirth - $2,525133. Bob Marmor - $2,519134. Mark Tansey - $2,515

BiKe MS RAiSeS $2.3 MilliOn!

FuNDING ThE MISSION


135. Jack Raubolt - $2,500136. David Otaguro - $2,480137. Chris Hillock - $2,470138. Heather Kane - $2,465139. Andrew Provost - $2,450139. Doug Schneble - $2,450140. Jerry Russell - $2,430141. Josephus van Engelen - $2,426142. Christina Bustillos - $2,420143. John Hoj - $2,416144. Paige Conner - $2,410145. Steven Misrack - $2,400146. Hank Jones - $2,390147. Shari Leckman - $2,386148. Jerry Giovaniello - $2,371149. Kevin Mapp - $2,344150. Stephen McClune - $2,336

top teams - Our top teams also raised a whole bunch of money for MS! Below are the teams who raised over $25,000 each! Team Disney - Dorothy Wilson - $112,111lloyd’s lagers - Georgette Sleeth - $88,812Anthem Blue Cross Rebels - Daniel Abrams - $83,24524 hour fitness - Roland hoffman - $70,722Power Peddlers - Greg ferree - $70,278Team Basso - Al Basso - $61,481outSpokin’ for A Cure - Roger Waterman - $50,353Angel City Grips - Ride the Realty - Sean Crowell - $45,469KPMG All Stars - Christopher Paskach - $39,061TEAM CoX - Bill nichols - $32,127Mitsubishi Motors nationwide Traffic - dave Brooks - $31,907Team Qualcomm - Ray freiwirth - $30,699netApp - Robert Ehlbeck - $30,560Bill’s Biker Backers - Kelly Smith - $30,348MOST Team Top of the Hill - John Most - $30,000Schoolsfirst fCu - Katherine Wiley - $28,527Howards Team - Jay McCabe - $28,360Team Wescom - David Slaton - $26,534949 Racing (Team LT) - Carolyn Elsberry - $25,122

Corporate Partners - As always, our sponsors’ support makes it possible for more money to go toward our mission of creating a world free of MS. Thank you!

SPONSORED BYPRESENTING SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Registration is open for the 2010 Bike MS Bay to Bay tour sponsored by land Rover Miramar, taking place October 16 & 17! Visit biketofinishMS.com for more information.

RACE TO STOp MSTRAIN FOR ThE MARAThON OR TRIAThLON OF YOUR DReAMS!Ever considered participating in a triathlon or marathon, but never knew how to get started? now is your chance! Race to Stop MS will provide you with professional, personalized group training and entry into the race of your choice!

for more information, visit racetostopMS.com or contact nicole at [email protected] or 760-448-8422.

kEEp MOVING: ThE EquIpMENT LOAN CLOSET


WE CAN hELp

Mobility and independence are two areas that can be dramatically affected for individuals living with MS. Whether it’s a need for a cane or a power chair, a shower seat or a hoyer lift, durable medical equipment can make life more comfortable and open doors to independence for those in need.

The chapter’s Equipment Loan Closet is stocked with all types of medical equipment available to individuals who need these critical items on a short-term basis. Equipment housed in the loan closet is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and is easy to obtain with a prescription from your

doctor. These loans are made to individuals who have a short-term need, with or without insurance.

Our dedicated equipment vendors, Abundant Home Care and A & T Wheelchair, make this program possible through their generous and never-ending support. This program

is also supported through the generosity of individuals who have donated these much needed items. If you are interested in accessing equipment from our Equipment Loan Closet or would like to make a donation please call 714-689-9609. Calls are returned every Tuesday and Thursday.

ThOuSANDS OF VOLuNTEERS MOVE IT FOR MS AWARENESS WEEkdURING THE WEEk OF MARCH 8-14, THOUSANdS OF VOLUNTEERS HELPEd TO SPREAd AWARENESS AbOUT MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS IN THE CHAPTER TERRITORy. HERE ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEk:

various cities proclaimed March 8-14 to be MS Awareness Week, • including Carlsbad, Escondido, Irvine, San Juan Capistrano, San Diego, vista and many more.

deliveries were made to long-term care facilities. forty-five people • with MS were given hand-made gift bags that were delivered by chapter staff and volunteers. Orange baskets with follow-up materials were given to administrators.

In conjunction with MS Awareness week, the following legislative • actions took place: Public Policy Conference in Washington, d.C., Cal State Research forum; and the California neuro Alliance Meeting

Street teams assembled throughout Orange and San Diego counties • at high-traffic intersections to show their support for MS Awareness Week and Walk MS. These street teams were spotted at newport Avenue & 19th Street and Rosecrans & Lytton, just to name a few.

MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS | PROGRAM HAPPENINGS


MARk yOuR CALENDARS


LET’S TALk... AT-HOME TELECONFERENCE SERIESMaking MS Work for You: MS and Employment Wednesday, May 19 6:00-7:30pm

Employment protection laws • for Americans with MS

Reasonable accommodations • in the workplace

Resources to assist in entering, • re-entering, or staying in the work force

Hiring In-Home Care Tuesday, June 15 5:00-6:30pm

Resources for hiring • in-home care

Certified nursing assistance • vs. non-medical assistance and their relative costs

Best practices in recruiting • and working with the right care service for you

Sign up today! Pre-registration one week before each program is requested. To register, please call 1-800-344-4867 (FIGHT MS) and press ‘1’.

PROFESSIONALLy-LEd SUPPORT GROUPS “First Steps: Group for Newly Diagnosed” Every Tuesday June 1 – July 20 6:30 – 8:00pm Costa Mesa & San Diego

Are you new to the world of MS? Join us in a safe environment for this 8-week group to talk about living with the disease and meet others with MS.

“When MS Progresses” Wednesdays June 2-July 14 (no meeting on 6/30) 6:30 – 8:00pm

This 6-week group is designed for individuals with MS whose symptoms are no longer minimal or invisible.

Please note that these groups are for persons with MS only.

dAy AT THE bAy Saturday May 15

Experience a day of fun in the sun at the 9th Annual Day at the Bay. Join other families

affected by MS to enjoy adaptive sailing, a fabulous luau and lunch, and other exciting entertainment.

For information, please call 1-800-344-4867

and press ‘1’.visit MSpacific.org and select “Chapter Calendar” to see other events and to register online.

REGISTERonlinE

ORANGE COuNTy

Anaheim 1st & 3rd Tuesday 12:30 - 2:30pm Rosa ferreras 714-758-0829

Anaheim: En Español familiares y amigos bienvenidos El segundo y cuarto martes de cada mes Anaheim Adventist Church 900 S. Sunkist St, 6 - 7:30pm Rosa ferreras 714-758-0829 Susana Pérez 714-235-7570

Brea: Family & Friends Welcome 2nd Monday & 4th friday, 10am - 12pm Kathy Kelby 714-525-0686 Rob Lammers 714-990-2933

Brea As of May 7 1st friday of the month, 10am - 12pm Denise Kish 909-519-4410 Jim Langdon 714-392-0002

Costa Mesa: Man to Man 2nd & 4th Wednesday 1:30 - 3pm frank Austin 714-925-4100 Mike Milne 949-215-8502

Huntington Beach:

Minimal Symptoms / Newly Diagnosed 2nd Wednesday, 10am - 12pm Jeanne Archibald 714-842-7198 Priscilla Wolz 714-846-6526

Huntington Beach: Working with MS 1st Tuesday, 6:30 - 8:30pm Karen Patterson 714-377-4006 Laurie Cable 714-969-8298

Irvine: Mature Group 2nd & 4th Wednesday 10am - 12pm Betty Brusco 949-481-0143 Jack Santos 949-786-9593

Irvine: Girl Talk 3rd Monday, 11am - 1:30pm Tabitha Evans 714-669-5618

Laguna Hills 1st Tuesday, 10am - 12pm francince Grasso 949-278-6935 Karen Harlas 949-498-9583

Lake Forest: MS with Christ 3rd Monday, 6:30 - 8:30pm Bill Bisch 949-218-5020 Cathy varela 949-496-3810

Midway City 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 10am - 12pm Pat howard 714-968-0277 Linda Logan 714-374-0430

Mission Viejo: Early-Retired with MS 1st Wednesday 11am - 1:30pm Jude Kosins 949-498-4530 Celine Miller 949-361-0878

Mission Viejo:

Minimal Symptoms / Newly Diagnosed 2nd Wednesday, 6:30 - 8pm Jerry Dowd 949-498-5955 Susan Watson 949-493-1299

Newport Beach 3rd Sunday, 2 - 4pm Reverend Sellers 949-764-8358 norma Mucia 714-641-9171

Newport Beach: Minimal Symptoms / Newly Diagnosed 2nd Tuesday, 11am - 1pm Debra Haynes 949-650-7659 Sherri Brash 714-846-2064

Orange Last Thursday 10:30am - 12:30pm Greg hertzler 714-993-5988

SELF-hELp GROupS

MOREinfoIf you would like more information about support groups in your area, call 1-800-344-4867 press ‘1’ or contact a leader listed above.


SELF-hELp GROupS

SAN DIEGO COuNTy

Cardiff by the Sea: Women’s Group future meetings put on hold for more information, please contact Jessica Goodrich 714-689-9602

Carlsbad: Christian Group 3rd friday, 1-3 pm dawn vallely 760-390-1777

Chula Vista: En Español Llame para más información. fernando Palomino 619-691-7964

Chula Vista St. Marks Lutheran Church 850 Hilltop Dr. 3rd Wednesday, 11am - 1pm Susan Lipp 619-248-0669 Bonnie Kuhn 619-749-8806

Escondido Joslyn Senior Center, Room 5 210 Park Avenue 3rd Wednesday, 1 - 3pm Beth Bradsher 760-747-9096 Michele Easterling 760-805-6390

Oceanside Oceanside Library 3861 Mission Avenue 2nd Wednesday, 12 - 2pm Juanita Hamilton 760-754-1911

Poway Weingart Center 13094 Civic Centre Drive 1st Tuesday, 6:30pm Peggy Green 858-748-4009

Ramona 2nd Tuesday, 11am - 12pm van Reeder 760-789-9129

San Diego (Clairemont/ La Jolla) Denny’s Restaurant 4280 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. 1st Thursday, 10am - 12pm Denise Kish 909-519-4410

San Diego: Mens Group Kaiser Education Center San Diego 10990 San Diego Mission Road 1st Tuesday, 6:30pm Bill Homer 858-571-1867


San Diego (Mid-City) Kaiser Education Center San Diego 10990 San Diego Mission Rd 4th Monday, 2 - 4pm Stephanie Russell 619-224-6156

Spring Valley new Seasons Church 2300 Bancroft Drive 2nd Saturday, 12:30 - 2pm Kris Hodge 619-933-2601 Debbie Centeno 619-460-4123

AquATICS

Chula Vista: Outdoor loma verde Pool 1420 Loma Lane Tuesdays & Thursdays 12 - 1pm

El Cajon: Outdoor St. Madeline Sophie’s Center 2119 East Madison Avenue Mondays, Wednesdays & fridays 11:30am - 12:30pm

Fullerton: Indoor north orange County yMCA 2000 youth Way Mondays, Wednesdays & fridays 9 - 10am $6 per session

Irvine: Indoor Arthritis Foundation Approved Class Waterworks Aquatics 25 Waterworks Way Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:30 - 11:30am

San Diego: Outdoor Peninsula family yMCA 4390 valeta Street Monday-friday, 11am - 12pm $5 per session

San Diego: Indoor Wave House Athletic Club 3115 ocean front Walk Mondays, Wednesdays & fridays 11am - 12pm

Vista: Indoor Bally’s fitness Center 1932 Hacienda Drive Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:45am - 12:45pm

yOGA

Costa Mesa yoga Works 1835 newport Blvd, #A208 Mondays, 10:45-11:45am

Dana Point dana Point Community Center 34052 Del Obispo Road Wednesdays, 8 - 9:15am

Fullerton St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church 2311 E. Chapman Avenue Wednesdays, 10:30 - 11:30am

Huntington Beach yoga Works 301 Main Street Wednesdays, 1 - 2pm

La Jolla Scripps Memorial Hospital 9888 Genesee Avenue Thursdays, 9 - 10am $10 monthly fee Cardiac Rehab 858-626-6493

Santa Ana Goodwill fitness Center 1601 E. St. Andrew Place fridays, 9:45-10:45am

San Diego Addie’s Personal Training Studio 4440 Ingraham St. Sundays, 10-11am $5 per session

San Marcos - Lebed Method Meadow Lark Community Church 1918 Redwing St. diana dean-naú 760-809-9176 $5 per class

OThER

La Jolla Ability Rehab Specialists 737 Pearl St, #108 1st, 2nd, 3rd Tuesdays, 6 - 6:45pm

Mission Viejo Balance Rehabilitation 25971 Pala, Suite 110 Tuesdays, 1 - 2pm

Costa Mesa Healthy Balance 1599 Superior Avenue, Suite B Thursdays, 10:45 - 11:45am

San Diego: MS F.I.T.T Addie’s Personal Training Studio 4440 Ingraham St. Saturdays, 11:30am - 12pm $5 per session

BALANCE

STRENGTh TRAINING


TOLL FREE NUMbER 1 800 344 4867 | 11

LIVING WITh MS

RELATIONShIp MATTERS: A pROGRAM FOR COupLES LIVING WITh MSHaving a successful relationship is hard work even in the best of times. MS can make it even more challenging. The national MS Society is proud to offer a program specifically designed to help couples negotiate and manage the uncertainty of living with multiple sclerosis—Relationship Matters: A Program for Couples Living with MS.

The Relationship Matters program exists to help you and your partner minimize the impact of MS on your lives by:

Improving communication • and problem solving skills

Learning how to manage MS • as a team

Developing skills for life, and•

Helping your partnership • to thrive!

Couples participating in the program have the opportunity to engage in creative and interactive course curricula designed to deal with challenges related to MS.

Classes offered include:

8 Hours to a Lifetime of •Relationship Satisfaction offered through in-person workshops and revolving six-week teleconference series.

Jumpstart Your Relationship: •Reclaim your Wellbeing offered in collaboration with

Can Do Multiple Sclerosis (formerly The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis) through a series of six weekly teleconferences.

Online classes: • > intimacy: Enriching your Relationship > Career Decisions: Relationship Matters > Adapting: financial Planning for a Life withMS…Together.

Through participation in the program, you will acquire the skills and access resources to more successfully manage the effects of MS on your relationship. you can choose the format that best suits your lifestyle and approach to learning, whether it be in person, online or on the phone.

GOfuRThERCOupLES WORkShOp SERIESCosta Mesa tuesdays, May 4-May 25 6:00-8:30pm

San Diego Wednesdays, May 5-May 26 6:00-8:30pm

Are you a couple affected by MS? The chapter will host “Between you & Me,” a 4-week workshop series for couples coping with the challenges of MS.

Learn effective communication skills, problem solving techniques and how to work as a team to manage MS and your relationship.

for information, please call Janell Marshall at 760-448-8407



hELp uS REACh OuR GOAL FOR WALk MS 2010Eleven thousand participants came out for Walk MS 2010 in April at the University of California in irvine, nTC Park at liberty Station in San diego, and lEGolAnd®

California in Carlsbad. Participants enjoyed scenic routes that offered a 2-3 mile fun walk. The event was a celebration

featuring a festival including live music, Papa John’s pizza, entertainment and a lEGolAnd® California fun Zone. Participants are still fundraising to help us reach our goal of $2 million. Check out MSwalk.com to learn about the great prizes you can win or to make a donation.

A huge thank you goes out to our title sponsor, San Diego County Credit Union, who has supported Walk MS for the past 13 years! Through the power of their widespread volunteerism and generosity, SDCCU has raised hope and funds for more than 45,500 people with MS that live in the communities they serve in San Diego and the surrounding counties. Tum vongsawad, interim President & CEo, underscored that when he said, “At SDCCU, we value people and community. Because we live, work and play here just like our customers, we are committed to more than just helping them manage their financial needs.”

WE ARE EXTREMELY THANKFUL FOR ALL OUR SPONSORS

Walk MS participants at the University of California, Irvine on April 10.

TiTlE SPonSoR

PRESEnTinG SPonSoRS

diAMond SPonSoR PlATinuM SPonSoRS

ProFlowers • RedEnvelope • Cherry Moon Farms • Shari’s Berries

Gold SPonSoRShd Supply • PennySaver uSA • Clear Channel outdoor

Pure Protein • GEiCo • CBS outdoor • MedMedia • Pfizer • MS lifelines

TOLL FREE NUMbER 1 800 344 4867 | 13


VOLuNTEERS MAkE IT hAppENvolunTEERS ARE ESSEnTiAl To ThE ChAPTER fRoM ThE individuAl To ThE CoRPoRATE lEvEl. WE ARE ConSTAnTly huMBlEd By ThE AMounT of SuPPoRT And GEnERoSiTy ShoWn By ThESE finE PEoPlE And ARE EXCiTEd To PuBliCly ACKnoWlEdGE SoME of ouR volunTEERS:

The 16th Annual Health Hero Awards Breakfast honored Dr. Jody Corey-Bloom (left) on March 18. for over 15 years dr. Bloom has been a volunteer and advocate for people living with MS, launching the first MS Clinic at uCSd Medical Center and expanding services at the vA Medical Center. Her annual MS Symposium reviews research and gives people living with MS hope.

the Volunteer Center Orange County and the Orange County Register presented the 34th Annual Spirit of Volunteerism Awards

luncheon on April 15. Congratulations to three of our volunteers who were honored for their dedicated service to the MS Society.

Mike Milne • (right), the jack of all trades, helps individuals with MS as a long time support group leader and member of our Government Relations Committee.

Alex Puchner from BJ’s Restaurant & • Brewhouse has supported the chapter

for many years. from donating product and raising money for the Bike Tour to hosting Explore the Challenge get-togethers for our 3-day Walk, BJ’s is with us every step of the way. Their continued commitment to support the community sets them apart and we value their continued support.

Charles Ottina and Fedex• is another long time partner, who participates the Bike Tour as both a sponsor and an employee team. fedEx donates trucks and drivers to transport the luggage of thousands of participants from the start in irvine to the finish line in San diego. in addition, Team fedEx, led by team captain John hinckley, is 180 bike members strong and has raised close to $100,000 over the years to create a world free of MS.

GOLF “FORE” MS WITh SAN DIEGO CHARgeRS’ hEAD COACh NORV TuRNERThe 16th Annual MS Golf Invitational sponsored by Sycuan Casino is just around the corner on May 3rd at La Jolla Country Club. There may be a few spots left to join Coach norv Turner and the San Diego Chargers for a wonderful day of golf benefiting the national MS Society.

for more information visit, golfMS.org or contact Angela at (760)448-8434 or [email protected].


RESEARCh

STAy INFORMED ON CCSVI

Society leaders meet with CCSVI researcher Dr. Paulo Zamboni (secondfromleft)ataNYUbriefingchairedbyDr.JosephHerbert

(second from right).

There’s been a lot in the news lately about CCSvi, a blood flow drainage abnormality in the brain and spinal cord that some studies indicate may be linked to the damage wrought by MS.

The Society is pursuing this potential MS lead by undertaking the funding of new research in CCSvi (chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency) in MS and has invited investigators worldwide to apply for grants on the topic. We’re collaborating with the MS Society of Canada to convene an international panel of experts to conduct an accelerated review of proposals and working with our

ORAL DRuGS MAkE pROGRESSOral drugs for MS are getting even closer to the doctor’s office, with one, Ampyra, now available by prescription. Here’s the scoop:

• The fdA approved Ampyra (dalfampridine, Acorda Therapeutics) in January for its ability to improve walking in people with MS. People with MS and their healthcare providers can call 888-881-1918 for information on Ampyra, including patient assistance programs and insurance coverage. (The drug is costly: wholesale price is estimated to be $1,056 for a 30-day supply.) Watch dr. Patricia Coyle talk about what Ampyra does, how it works and possible side effects at nationalMSsociety.org/ampyra.

• Gilenia (formerly called fTy720 or fingolimod) in an exciting development has been granted a priority review by the fdA. This means it could take as little as six months to determine if this will become the first oral disease-modifying drug for MS. Read the studies thus far at nationalMSsociety.org/gilenia

• With positive results in the latest studies, Cladribine, another oral disease-modifying drug, is in the process of applying for marketing approval. visit nationalMSsociety.org/news and type “cladribine” in the search field to learn more.

sister MS Societies around the world to assure that our research strategies are coordinated. new CCSvi research projects are expected to begin July 1, 2010.

TRACk ThE STORy To stay up-to-date on the latest developments on CCSvi research, visit nationalMSsociety.org/CCSVi

INAuGuRAL CALIFORNIA STATE RESEARCh FORuM

Sixty-five national MS Society funded researchers came together for the inaugural California State Research forum in newport Beach. March 5-6, 2010, kicked off this 1st time event. The goal of the event was to bring together locally funded MS scientists from various institutes throughout California to share ideas and information in the hopes of accelerating MS research toward a cure. Twenty scientists shared exciting data right from their labs and collaborations begun to occur.

The Chapter was honored to be the host of this fabulous program and to work in collaboration with the chapters throughout California to create this unique opportunity for information sharing. Representatives from University of California San Diego, University of California, Irvine, Sanford Burnham and Scripps Research institute were present. The national MS Society currently funds over $3M locally at these institutes dedicated to important MS research projects.

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SuppORTING ThE MISSIONThREE DAyS IN ThE LIFE OF A ChALLENGE WALkER

After experiencing optic neuritis in high school, seven years of numbness in her legs and multiple visits to specialists, Diane Lowe was finally diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2002. Those first few years after diagnosis proved difficult; diane began using a wheelchair and had to stop working because of cognitive issues. She and her husband

purchased an accessible house in northern California and as they prepared for their relocation, physical therapy began helping Diane’s mobility.

By the time they moved, Diane was out of her wheelchair and using a cane. With the addition of a new family member, a German shepherd, Duke, and the training needed for a new puppy, her mobility continued to improve. diane remembers “first, we would walk to the mailbox. Then, we would go to the street corner. from there, we started going around the block -- building distance & moving more.”

Last year, Diane took another huge step by joining Challenge Walk MS as a first-time walker. The national MS Society helped with her fundraising questions and connected her to a team in her area, the nor Cal Streetwalkers. Sharing her motivation, “i went into this looking for friendship and a place to fit in, which is exactly what i found. But more than that, i wanted to prove something to myself -- that i could do this. People who know you have MS sometimes tell you what you can’t do. And i told them ‘i’m going to do this.’”

Upon arriving at the host hotel the night before the Challenge, Diane joined other participants, volunteers and staff at a pool-side meet-and-greet. “i could not believe all of the people who were walking for their third, fifth or even eighth time! the dedication that everyone shows towards this cause is unbelievable. the camaraderie between everyone is something i had never experienced before.”

day one of the Challenge begins at the Carlsbad flower fields with team photos and opening ceremonies including a flag display. in 2009, over 20 states and three countries were represented. Walkers continue along the Southern California coast for 20 miles, ending in Del Mar. Recalls Diane, “Day One went well but I was exhausted. I fell asleep and almost missed dinner! But I was glad I made it. The whole thing was just so amazing to me, especially how friendly people were. It’s like a family reunion. I was on an incredible high.”

Day Two provides more scenic coastal views and the notorious

DianeLowe(front)celebratesatthefinishlineof Challenge Walk MS while Joyce Nelson,

National MS Society CEO, claps behind,

Torrey Pines hill. despite the treacherous hills, the friendly spirit of the event continues. “Along the route, i just looked around in amazement at how close everyone was and how many people knew each other. even if you didn’t know someone, you start walking next to them and you get to know them along the way. it’s like a family.”

By Day Three, Challenge Walkers can see the light at the end of the tunnel. With 40 miles already completed, Diane was sad to see it end. “We only had 10 miles left. We waited at an assigned area, then walked the last mile as a group. family and friends were waiting!” Challenge Walkers and their supporters celebrate in Downtown San Diego with a barbeque, more photos, email exchanges and their good-byes until next year. Diane sums up her experience by saying, “the Challenge is something i will always remember. i hope contributions from my friends and family to this very worthy cause will allow me to continue until i am no longer able to walk.”

to learn more about Challenge Walk MS, visit myMSchallenge.com or call 1-800-486-6762.

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SouthernCalifornia 2010

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MAyAll Month - Couple Workshop Series3 MS Golf Invitational15 9th Annual day at the bay19 Making MS Work For you (Teleconference) JUneAll Month - When MS Progresses Group15 Hiring In-Home Care (Teleconference)

non-PRofiToRGAniZATion

u.S. PoSTAGEPAid

San Diego, CAPermit # 451

Pacific South Coast Chapter

5950 la Place Court #200Carlsbad, CA 92008

CLASSIFIEDS

north County Accessible Room for Rent. Seeking female Roommate. Perfect

for student or professional! near C.S.u. San Marcos, and Palomar College. Private

bath & kitchen privileges. Good Access. $600. Utilities included. 760-510-1961

electric Wheelchair Pride Jet 3 ultra. Joystick control, turns

360 degrees in place. Excellent condition. $1500. Call Tom 858-699-4837 ext 305 or

Carolyn 858-414-8629

DOMOREThe Chapter is looking for a volunteer Receptionist for the Costa Mesa office, Monday, Wednesday & fridays from 10:00am-4:30pm. for more information, please contact Linda Ingram at 760-448-8416 or [email protected]

Spring 2010 - MSConnection

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Transcript of Spring 2010 - MSConnection