ARIZONA CHAPTER
M O V I N G T O W A R D A W O R L D F R E E O F M S | S P R I N G 2 0 12
JOIN THE MOVEMENT ® and help Spread MS Awareness ALL SPRING!
Whether you are already a part of the movement, or looking to get involved for the first time, MS Awareness Week, March 12-18, is the time to show your commitment to ending MS. The MS movement is all about expressing what it means to you to end MS, and every person and every action makes a difference.
GETINVOLVED Don’t just ride, Bike MS PAGE 10 Women Against MS Luncheon PAGE 6 Irish Mist Golf Scramble PAGE 6 Advocacy PAGE 12
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Tai Chi For MS Page 3
Alan & David Osmond share what MS means to them during MS Awareness Week 2011.
You can get invovled throughout the week and throughout the year -- because MS Awareness should never stop! Check out the sidebar to the left to learn more about ways to get involved with
the chapter. Here are just a few ways you can be a part of the movement during MS Awareness Week, and beyond:
> Friday, March 16: ORANGE
FRIDAY! Post a picture of yourself in orange on the chapter’s facebook page and whoever has the most likes by the end of the day will win lunch with chapter president, Jim Elfline!
Society Workshops-Page 4-5
Parking Lot Safety Page 11
> Be an activist and send an action
alert asking for an increase in MS research funding. > Be a volunteer at one of the chapter’s events.
Adaptive Gardening Page 14-15
ARIZONA CHAPTER
(800) 344-4867 Publication of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Arizona Chapter Chapter Office: 5025 E Washington St, Suite 102 Phoenix, AZ 85034 Chapter President Jim Elfline Follow Jim on Twitter @AZnmsspresident Director, Development Brandee Wessel MSConnection Editor Jessica Read The National Multiple Sclerosis Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered 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 recommendations 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. © 2012 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Arizona Chapter
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAPTER PRESIDENT The National MS Society launched a new initiative to raise $250 million in research funding by 2015, an ambitious goal but most certainly achievable. The initiative will exponentially increase the level of research conducted to change lives now and in the future. First, stop the disease to prevent further progression for people who have MS. Genetics, epidemiology, neuropathology, health care delivery and policy are a few of the initiatives. Second, restoring what’s been lost. We can identify the means to repair damage through funding research on myelin repair, nerve function, central nervous system repair, rehabilitation and symptom management. Finally, our ultimate goal will be to end MS forever. Infectious triggers, epidemiology, tissue banks and pediatric MS are initiatives that will ultimately help us eliminate MS from our world and prevent it from ever occurring in the future. You can learn more about MS Research on our website – www.arizonams.org.
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LIVING WITH MS
TAI CHI FOR MS BY Patrick Martin Tai Chi Qigong Master As stress related illnesses skyrocket in the world, more and more people are turning to alternative methods of healing exercise. One such method is Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese mind/body art form of moving meditation, energy cultivation and self-defense. A few months ago I had the privilege of introducing Tai Chi to a group of people with MS in Flagstaff Arizona. I was so pleased at how well everyone and particularly those who were in wheel chairs could perform the movements. I knew Tai Chi was a powerful healing modality for those with MS because of the many testimonials from my student Maria. Maria has been a nurse at Flagstaff Medical Center for over 30 years. She has had MS for 14 years and is now committed to helping others through the practice of Tai Chi. She presented her story at the “Day of Healing” MS seminar in Flagstaff last year and said “It’s like I’m retraining my brain to retrain my body”. She ended her talk saying “I’m committed to making myself better with Tai Chi”.
Tai Chi is not mysterious. We relax our bellies and focus on our breath. This releases internal tension and allows our life force to flow unimpeded. Our body’s systems find greater balance and our movement’s express stronger purpose. If you are interested in learning more about Tai Chi visit jadedragontaichi.com. If you live in the Flagstaff area, join us for the next “T’ai Chi for MS” class, April 5 – May 17, 11am-
12pm in Flagstaff. The cost is $35 for the 6-week series. You can register by calling (800) 344-4867, option 1.
JOINUS Sign up for Tai Chi for MS today! Classes begin April 5 and run through May 17. $35 for 6-weeks
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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NEWLY DIAGNOSED
Society workshops a point of connection by helen russon
Nadja (middle), diagnosed in 2008
From the moment the doctor told me, “You have MS,” everything changed. I felt a wide range of emotions: relief (because I didn’t have a brain tumor), anger (although I wasn’t sure who to be angry at) and fear of the future. What was this disease, and how would it impact me and the people who were important to me? I had no idea what my new life would be like, or how to get started on it. Like many people, I first turned to research. This was in 1997, before the Internet was in full swing (at least at my house). So I went to the library, trying to learn about MS. I had heard about the National MS Society, but for days I was hesitant to call the number. Finally, I made the call, which led to my second-most important discovery of the year: my chapter was about to begin a series of in-person workshops for people who had just been diagnosed with MS. Each workshop featured a different guest speaker. On the first evening, a neurologist spoke in practical terms about the disease. 4
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JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
Her presentation included a slideshow illustrating how white blood cells inexplicably start attacking the protective coating of the nerves (myelin sheaths). She had actually brought a ruptured electrical cord, exposing the frayed wires underneath. That simple prop was probably the most effective tool of my MS education. It helped me realize that if I’m having a hard time lifting my leg, it’s not because I’m lazy or weak-willed. It’s because of those well-meaning (but very misguided) white blood cells. Afterward, the neurologist answered our questions about the day-to-day realities of living with MS. She also talked about some ongoing clinical trial studies and invited us to learn more about them. (I ended up participating in several such studies, all of which were very rewarding.)
Knowledge Is Power is a six-week, free, at-home educational program for people who are newly diagnosed. Mail or email formats. To register, call 1-800-344-4867, or visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/knowledge. Join the Movement®
NEWLY DIAGNOSED
Each workshop was similarly organized. A speaker would give a presentation and then answer An educational program questions. We in Phoenix were introduced to experts in medicine, mental health, yoga and nutrition. At some point each evening, we broke into small groups to discuss what we had learned. I remember that one of the most fun and empowering activities was learning how to get a good workout while sitting down. (Who knew?) Throughout these programs, chapter staff told us about their services and resources, which included numerous opportunities to volunteer. I soon started volunteering and I haven’t stopped yet! New frontiers Of course, things have changed since 1997. While many chapters continue to offer in-person workshops similar to what I experienced, they have also begun exploring additional ways to help people newly diagnosed with MS connect to the Society— and to each other. “Almost every home now has access to the Internet and that seems to be a primary source for information, especially for techsavvy people,” noted Mary Roberts, associate vice president of the South Central Region.
“So we are doing our research to find new and creative ways to reach people.” Teleconferencing, videoconferencing and webcasts are a few options. “We plan to have a program in one site and broadcast that program to other sites across our region,” said Roberts. Some chapters are also trying out new formats for workshops, such as offering quarterly workshops with a nurse, or teaming up with an area MS center or university to provide workshops led by doctors. Peer support programs are another way to connect. Anyone newly diagnosed can call 1-866-673-7436 to have a confidential telephone conversation with a peer with MS through the Society’s MSFriends program. Or they can visit www.nationalMSsociety. org/onlinepeerconnections to search through online profiles of trained peer support volunteers. Once matched, participants can connect confidentially and one-on-one via telephone or email. To discover the full spectrum of resources that the Society offers, call us or 1-800-344-4867 to be connected to an MS Navigator®. MS is not a virtual disease, and the computer isn’t a substitute for personal connection, but we are working to combine the best of both worlds, looking for ways to embrace the information age and to continue to provide the healing power of human contact. Helen Russon is a volunteer at the Oregon chapter. TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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FUNDING THE MISSION
JOIN US IN APRIL AT THE WOMEN AGAINST MS LUNCHEON We have something in common. We know someone—or we are someone—who faces the frustrations and challenges of MS every day. Connecting to people who share this common bond in an effort to raise funds for MS research and support is what the Women Against MS Luncheon is all about. Come join us for an inspiring program hosted by Tara Hitchcock. The WAMS Luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, April 19, 2012 and will be held at the Arizona Biltmore. Enjoy special time with family, friends and colleagues while being inspired by our keynote speaker, Kate Milliken
who will be sharing her own MS story. Kate is a film and television producer, documentarian and producer of the We Keep Moving video series (wekeepmoving.org). Guests will also enjoy hearing from Randall T. Shapiro, M.D., FAAN, who will talk about MS NOW – A Research Revolution for funding MS research to change lives now and forever. Tickets are $75 and sponsorships are available. For more information contact Brandee Wessel at (480) 968-2488, option 2, ext 21218 or brandee.wessel@nmss.org.
IRISH MIST GOLF SCRAMBLE SUPPORTS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ARIZONANS LIVING WITH MS The Irish Mist Golf Scramble is looking for your support. The Irish Mist Golf Scramble is a fundraising event to benefit the Financial Assistance Program at the chapter. The Financial Assistance Program was developed to improve the quality of life for people living with multiple sclerosis by providing temporary financial support to assist with several different needs. Eligible items include durable medical equipment, auto/home modifications, utility assistance, short-term respite/home nursing care, chore service, meal delivery, transportation, rent, mortgage, grocery assistance, mental health services, and other items on a case-by-case basis. We welcome you to join us on March 17, 2012 at the 5th Annual Irish Mist Golf Scramble. Register today at www.irishmist4ms.org. 6
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JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
NEWS
Online Peer Support Do you currently volunteer with us in a peer support program, or would you like to learn how to do so? Are you interested in participating in a new nationwide peer support program? If yes, read on …
BLOG OPENS DOORS FOR MS COMMUNITY
Bits —what topics you think are under discussed if not just plain ignored by the MS ‘authorities’ out there?” Join in the conversation at blog.nationalMSsociety.org.
The Society’s Online Peer Connections program is currently seeking people with MS or family members Society blogger Nicole Lemelle of people with MS who are Fatigue, isolation, doctor’s interested in becoming peer support volunteers. As a visits—and yes, sex with volunteer, your profile would MS—are just a few of be included in an online the topics covered in the database, searchable by Society’s new blog at blog. demographics such as age or nationalMSsociety.org. mobility status. Once a person Not much is off-limits with MS selects you as their to Society bloggers and peer support person, you would then arrange to speak commenters. Instead, people one-on-one either via email or with MS and MS specialists dig telephone on an agreed-upon into very personal issues—and topic. All conversations are universal ones. “In these cyber confidential. pages, we intend to open up the doors which have long The program begins been closed (by society, by our this March. Visit www. families and—quite frankly— nationalMSsociety.org/ by many of us living with MS) onlinepeerconnections, or contact Monica Aden, Online to discussion,” wrote blogger Peer Connections program Trevis Gleason on January 4. coordinator, at 1-303-698“To that end, I’d like to take this 6100, ext. 15169, Monica. opportunity to ask you—the Aden@nmss.org to learn readers of The Unspeakable more.
Café con Leche Invitamos a las personas hispanas/latinas con esclerosis múltiple a participar una vez al mes en un grupo telefónico gratis totalmente en español. Para más información o para inscribirse llame al 1-800344-4867, opción 3. (Hispanic /Latino people with MS can participate by phone in a free monthly Spanish-language support group. For more information, call 1-800-344-4867 and press 3.)
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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MARKYOURCALENDARS
MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS | PROGRAM HAPPENINGS
UPCOMING PROGRAMS: Please note that the programs listed below are only those that have been confirmed by date of publishing. The chapter is currently planning programs statewide. To find programs in your area, visit http://calendar.ArizonaMS.org and look out for the next “Programs Connection” newsletter. Chair Yoga for MS (Chandler) Tuesdays March 20 – April 17 1:30 pm InnerVision Yoga Studio 1949 W. Ray Rd. # 8 $35 to participate in the 5-week series. To register call (480) 632-7899 or visit innervisionyoga.com.
Gentle Yoga for MS (Chandler) Thursdays March 22 - April 19 1:30 pm InnerVision Yoga Studio 1949 W. Ray Rd. # 8 $35 to participate in the 5-week series. To register call 480-632-7899 or visit innervisionyoga.com. Participants must be able to get on the floor, but then it is slow, gentle and for everyone. T’ai Chi for MS (Flagstaff) Thursdays April 5 – May 17 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Church of the Epiphany 423 N. Beaver St. Flagstaff. $35 covers the entire 6-week series.
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REGISTERTODAY To register for any of the programs listed, as well as learn about additional programs available, visit calendar.arizonaMS.org or call us at 1-800 3444867 (1-800-FIGHT-MS) and press “1.”
Managing MS as a Family (Teleconference) Thursday, April 5 6:30 – 7:30 pm PST Learn about strategies to support the whole family including communication within the family, talking to kids about MS and navigating parenting challenges while living with MS. An In-Depth Look at Progressive MS (Teleconference) Thursday, May 3 6:30 – 7:30 pm PST Learn about progressive MS from a variety of perspectives, including the disease course itself, what we are finding out about progressive MS through research, and ways to optimally manage the disease.
SELFHELPGROUPS AHWATUKEE FOOTHILLS/ TEMPE/CHANDLER 3rd Monday of the month September-June 10:00am Ahwatukee CHW Urgent Care Conference Room 4545 East Chandler Blvd. Phoenix, AZ 85048 Lynn (480) 414-7172 Renee (480) 940-0521 BULLHEAD CITY 2nd Wednesday of the month 12:30pm 1855 Arizona 95 Nancy (928) 768-2668
GILBERT - ACTIVE WITH MS 4th Thursday of the month 5:00pm Banner Neuro Wellness 207 N. Gilbert Rd., Suite 205 Mark (480) 518-5971 KINGMAN 3rd Saturday of the month 3:00 pm Kingman Regional Medical Center - Choila Room 3269 Stockton Hill Road Ralph (928) 897-3801
CENTRAL PHOENIX 2nd Monday of the month 10:00am First United Methodist Church 5510 N. Central Ave, Phoenix Chuck(602) 956-8129
MARICOPA COUNTY WOMEN’S GROUP Last Saturday of the month 10:00 am St. Joseph’s Hospital Conference Room 1 350 W. Thomas Rd. Susan (480) 829-6563
EAST VALLEY 3rd Thursday of the month 10:00am Grace United Methodist Church 2024 E. University Dr., #502 Deb (480) 890-1488
NORTH SCOTTSDALE 2nd Tuesday of the month 4:30 pm Scottsdale Senior Center 10440 East Via Linda, Room 8 Lisa - (480) 860-2367
FLAGSTAFF Location, date, and time vary. Kathy - (928) 774-2375
PRESCOTT VALLEY 2nd Thursday of the month 10:00 am Stepping Stones Conference Room 3343 North Windsong Drive Lanny - (928) 708-9352
GLENDALE 1st Tuesday of the month 12:00 pm First Southern Baptist Church 10250 N. 59th Ave. Deborah (623) 974-6944 Debey (623) 940-9825
SIGNIFICANT OTHERS Please call for meeting time and location Lois (602) 672-9234 SUN CITY 1st Thursday of the month 10:30 am First Presbyterian Church 12225 North 103rd Ave Judy (623) 972-3941 Karen (623) 584-8575 TUCSON NORTHWEST 2nd Wednesday of the month 10:00 am Casas Adobes Congregational Church 6801 North Oracle Road Cindy (520) 887-8905 Carol (520) 797-0405 TUCSON CENTRAL 2nd Wednesday of the month 6:00 pm Center for Neurosciences 2450 W River Rd. Crystal (520) 271-3807
STATEWIDEGROUP 1st Tuesday of the month 3:00 pm Eldene (480) 860-9359 This group uses the free internet program Skype to connect from anywhere in Arizona. Call for more details on how to participate from the comfort of your home.
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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BIKE MS
DISCOUNT TIRE, A CONSTANT AT BIKE MS Another year, another ride, right? Well, not exactly. This year’s Bike MS Arizona ride will be unlike any of the rides that preceded it. Hosted at the Verde Valley Fairgrounds in Cottonwood, AZ, Bike MS: Ride the Vortex – Sedona Verde Valley promises to have a different feel this year. But despite changes being made (you can learn more about these changes at bikeMSarizona.org), there’s still one constant to the Bike MS ride year after year – the Discount Tire team. This team has members who have participated in Bike MS for over 15 years in the ride’s 26year history. And it shows in their fundraising. In 2011, the team raised $47,033 making them the Top Fundraising
REGISTERTODAY Join Bike MS: Ride the Vortex in Sedona Verde Valley by registering today at bikeMSarizona.org. For more information contact Blaine at blaine.king@nmss.org or (480) 968-2488, option 2, ext. 21209. 10
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Team, a title they’ve head for a number of years.
for Bike MS.
Now in her eighth year with When we talked with team Bike MS, Colleen says she not captain, Colleen Bruce, she only enjoys the challenge, noted that the mission is a but that it has also brought major reason for the team’s the employees of Discount Tire together. “I like the commitment. “There are challenge and I just love being a lot of people on the outside. It’s fun. For me it’s the team who have personal challenge that I enjoy most; connections. We have to meet a goal whether it’s people in our office who have MS; we have friends fundraising or cycling. I’m all about challenges. And it really and family that have MS does bring people together. and the bottom line is that There are a lot of people in our it’s all for a good cause.” office that I would never have And their commitment to the met had we not participated cause is apparent if you take a in this event. And, I think a lot of our team members feel that look at the size of their team. way. It might not be the cause Just come to any Bike MS initially for some, but because Arizona ride, and it’s hard to they were committed to this miss their team compound at it has built a lot of friendships the overnight or that classic within the group. I think it has red, white and black jersey also helped some of us grow as riding in packs along the individuals both within cycling route. A company with more and personally.” Thanks to than 400 employees at their Discount Tire, Bike MS is corporate office, Discount Tire consistently recruits over growing too. 70 members each year to ride For more information on in Bike MS along with others Discount Tire Company who volunteer; 77 specifically visit their website at in 2011. Not bad, huh? Well, www.discounttire.com or stop consider this: the average in at any of their stores around Discount Tire team member the valley. raised more than $600 in 2011
JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
SAFETY & AWARENESS
PARKING LOT SAFETY By Melanie Foley Executive Vice President, Liberty Mutual as a car could be coming from any direction at any time. • Look out for children: They could suddenly run in front of you from behind a row of parked vehicles.
Parking lots—they can be as open as the plains of the Midwest or as bumper-tobumper as a city street during rush hour. Although they may not be the most hazardous places to drive, parking lots can be more unpredictable than anywhere else you travel. Drivers seem to suspend their good judgment when looking for a parking space. Some consider the Stop and Yield signs as optional because parking lots are on private property and not subject to traffic laws; others ignore the traffic lanes to cut diagonally across the lot. So it’s not surprising that parking lots are home to frequent accidents. Although most mishaps cause fender benders or minor dings, if collisions occur at higher speeds or involve small
children, more serious consequences could ensue. To help keep you and others safe while driving in parking lots, we’ve got some tips for you and, especially, any teen drivers in your family: • Be aware: Don’t distract yourself as you exit the parking space. Make sure that all bags and packages are secure, children are in car seats, seat belts are on, and that lights or windshield wipers are operating before you shift into gear. • Back out gradually: Give oncoming drivers enough time to see you. If possible, pull into a space so that you can exit moving forward or park in areas with fewer cars. • Drive slowly: Give yourself plenty of time to react to any possible hazard. Check your rearview mirrors constantly,
• Give pedestrians in crosswalks the right of way: It’s not just a courtesy, it’s the law. If you are in a car accident, Liberty Mutual offers quality auto coverage and 24-Hour Claims Assistance to help you get your life back on track as quickly as possible. As a member of the Arizona Chapter, you are also eligible to receive exclusive group savings. For more information and to get a free, no-obligation quote, call Greg Evans at (480) 483-8467 x58147, or visit libertymutual.com/ gregoryevans. Discounts and savings available where state laws and regulations allow, and may vary by state. To the extent permitted by law, applicants are individually underwritten; not all applicants may qualify. Coverage underwritten and provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116. ©2012 Liberty Mutual Group. All rights reserved.
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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SUPPORTING THE MISSION
Activists Spark Change 2012: 4th Annual Arizona MS Legislative Conference Join Arizonans impacted by MS to learn about the legislative process, how to share your story, and how to effectively advocate for issues impacting our state. Meet with your legislators and influence public policy issues that will help move us toward a world free of MS. Spark Change for MS in 2012. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Day 1: Issue Prep Workshop Monday, March 19 3:00 – 7:00pm
Day 2: MS Action Day at the Capitol Tuesday, March 20 9:45am – 2:30pm 1700 W. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85007 Capitol Museum Ice Cream Parlor Room AGENDA INCLUDES: • “Welcome to the Legislature” by Guest Legislator •
Legislative Briefing with local MS Neurologist
•
Meetings with state legislators
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Group introduction in House & Senate floor proceedings
Disability Empowerment Center of Arizona (DEC) Nina Mason Pulliam Conference Center 5025 E. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85034
AGENDA INCLUDES: • Workshop on Sharing Your Story
Scholarships are available to cover partial costs of travel (at federal volunteer reimbursement rate) and one night of hotel stay in Phoenix for out-of-county constituents who commit to attending both days and visiting with their state legislators. Please contact Siobhan for more information: siobhan. mccurdy@nmss.org or (480) 968-2488, option 2, ext. 21210.
• Training on Effective Activism •
Overview of the Issues
•
Legislative Meeting Prep
•
Activist Dinner
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•
Brown bag lunch
JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
REGISTRATION is required. All participants are expected to attend both days’ events. To register for this free conference, please call (800) 344-4867 or (480) 968-2488. Registration ends March 14, 2012.
WALKMS SAVE THE DATES! Walk MS is the rallying point of the MS movement, a community coming together to raise funds and celebrate hope for the future. Come walk with us and Join the Movement to end MS! Prescott Coming October 2012 West Valley Saturday, October 13 Westgate City Center Phoenix Saturday, November 3 Phoenix Zoo & Desert Botanical Garden Questions? Please visit walkMSarizona.org or contact Lisa at lisa.cleary@nmss.org or (480) 968-2488, Option 2, X21228.
WAYS TO GIVE
Do It Yourself Fundraising gets boost
DIY event, MS Cup Race, Minnesota Chapter
A family in Florida who says they like to “eat, drink and throw a good party” hosts a casino night on behalf of the National MS Society. A fellow in Minnesota sponsors an annual four-day event for four-wheeling enthusiasts to ride on trails in the middle of the woods. Other folks have hosted golf tournaments, sailing races, dinner parties, bake sales, hoops for hope basketball and even a strongman competition, a bike ride in high heels and a tabletop decorating contest. A Wall Street– based poker tournament raised over $850,000, but a $200 bake sale is equally appreciated. Diverse as they are, these events are all Do It Yourself (DIY) Fundraising, where people committed to raising awareness and money for the MS movement are limited only by their imagination. DIY fundraising has been going on a long time, but what’s new is an online tool at www.doityourselfms.org, “which gives the same resources as we give to Bike MS and Walk MS participants,” according to Rachael Nuwash, DIY project manager for the Society.
These resources include a comprehensive toolkit that covers everything someone who is organizing a DIY event needs to know: establishing a timeline, budgeting, how to make an event memorable, where to hold it, publicity, finding sponsors and volunteers, tips for the day of the event, FAQs and much, much more. People can find out what lessons others have learned and how to create a committee—a core group that will support the effort and whose talents can be utilized. (For example, a friend who’s a graphic designer can design the invitation.) The toolkit also includes flyers, badges and email signature images to download. “The online tools are very intuitive,” said Nuwash, so organizers can easily and quickly reach out to friends, family members and co-workers.
DIY event, Kids for a Cure, New Jersey Metro Chapter
“The people who like to organize do-it-yourself events are going to do it no matter what,” Nuwash noted. “Their commitment, creativity and intense connection to the Society are like no other. In turn, we’re committed to supporting people who want to do something now.” TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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LIVING WITH MS
The dirt on adaptive gardening
patio, balcony, railing, steps, cinder blocks, window ledge or tabletop you can roll up to.” Reiser points out that people need little more than a patch of ground to get started—and that patch of ground can even be in a container. Nowadays, there are few limits to what can be grown in pots. “Breeders have come up with plants that are compact—and containers need less weeding,” Reiser points out. A garden open to all Enabling Gardens in Angleton, Texas, south of Houston, focuses on containers and raised beds, according to Cynthia Leonard, one of two dozen active volunteers. “We welcome groups and individuals, anyone who wants to learn how to do accessible gardening,” she says.
Staci, diagnosed in 1985
Gardening is one of the most popular hobbies in the United States, one that can benefit people both mentally and physically, as well as provide fresh and healthy food. “Gardening gives me control over something in a situation where I don’t always have control,” says Laurie Reiser, diagnosed with MS in 2003. “No matter where you live, or who you are, you can garden.”
Participants learn how to use rain barrels and raised beds, and to garden most suitably for their climate. The garden has 18 planter boxes of different sizes, some of which “have a horizontal board across the top where people can sit and work on the bed.”
Reiser is a Colorado Master Gardener who teaches adaptive gardening in the western part of the state through the local extension office of Colorado State University. “Adaptive gardening is simply about creating your own space,” she emphasizes. “There are lots of reasons to adapt. You can put a garden at your height—on a Lettuce at Enabling Gardens 14
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JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
LIVING WITH MS
area with a stool or folding chair on a deck, or under a tree, umbrella or arbor. Wear a hat, gloves and a cooling vest, or carry a spray bottle filled with cool water. (Call 1-800-3444867 for information about cooling resources or visit www.msassociation.org/programs/ cooling.) Set a timer to remind you when to take a break. Ergonomic gardening tools, such as add-on handles for trowels or extendable hoes, can help make gardening tasks easier. Go to www.abledata.com and search for “garden tools” to get an idea of what’s available. Laurie Reiser (left) and volunteers transfer plants to a raised bed.
It also features an A-frame trellis called a “cattle panel” that vines, squash and cucumbers grow on. “Someone in a wheelchair can roll under it and reach right up and pick fruits and vegetables,” says Leonard, who was diagnosed with MS in 1997. Leonard’s been gardening for seven or eight years, starting with flowers in pots, then moving on to tomatoes. She and her husband “picked beets and mustard greens in January, and we had fresh tomatoes for Christmas dinner,” she says. “It sure is nice to be able to step outside and get good fresh vegetables. I know how they’ve been grown and what’s been put on the soil. Gardening gives me a sense of peace and well-being.”
Reiser suggests enlisting a buddy, such as a friend or volunteer from a Scout troop or 4-H club, to help with tasks like hauling bags of potting soil. Local community gardens, botanical gardens or garden clubs may also offer communal space and resources. Search online for barrier-free, adaptive or accessible gardening or ask your public library if they have any books on the topic to get an idea of what’s possible. And then in a few months, enjoy the fruits—literally—of your labors!
Get prepared Gardening is a “hot” activity in more ways than one. To beat the sun, do outdoor work early or late in the day. Set up a shady rest TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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Arizona Chapter 5025 E Washington St, Suite 102 Phoenix, AZ 85034
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Visit the “Mark you calendars” section on page 7 & 8 for a complete listing of events MARCH 10 12-18 20 22
Walk MS: Tucson MS Awareness Week Chair Yoga For MS (Phoenix) Gentle Yoga For MS (Phoenix)
APRIL 5 14 & 15 19
Tai Chi for MS 6-week course begins (Flagstaff) Managing MS as a Family (Teleconference) Bike MS: Ride the Vortex Women Against MS Luncheon
MAY 3 In-Depth Look at Progressive MS (Teleconference)