Activities Calendar
National MS Society—Northern California Chapter
APRIL–MAY 2009
Statewide Teleconference To Work or Not To Work: What Are My Rights? Tuesday, April 21st 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Are you currently employed and having increased difficulty working due to MS symptoms? Have you ever wondered what “Reasonable Accommodations” through the ADA really means, and if it applies to your situation? Or have you quit working, and are now worried that you don’t have a good understanding of whether to apply for social security disability, if you would qualify and the best way to ensure your claim will be approved? Call in for this informative evening that will be packed with pertinent and timely information from the experts! To register call 1-800-344-4867. Teleconference call-in number will be mailed with registration confirmation.
Jennifer Harlan is the Deputy Director of Employment with the State of California Department of Fair Employment and Housing. In her nearly 28 years with the Department, Jennifer has held a variety of positions including Consultant, Supervisor, Compliance Officer for the Department’s Compliance Programs Unit, Training Unit Manager, Special Assistant to the Deputy Director, District Administrator, and Regional Administrator. Jennifer holds a BA in Sociology from UCLA. Judith Leland, JD, APLC was appointed as a Supplemental Security Income Judge with the Social Security Administration in 1974. In that capacity, she presided over numerous Social Security Disability and SSI hearings in California. She has been an active member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR), having served as district representative and having been a speaker at NOSSCR conventions. Ms. Leland has handled over 2,000 Social Security Disability cases at all adjudicatory levels, including the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. She currently heads a law practice with offices in Downey, Santa Ana and Ontario.
Table of Contents
1 To Work or Not To Work 2 What’s New Doc? with Dr. Schafer 3 Eating Well with MS 4 Sacramento River Cats: Strike Out MS
5 MS Walk 2009—Walk Info 6 Orientation for Newly Diagnosed 7 Northern California Self-Help Groups 8 Self-Help Group Spotlight!
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Activities Calendar National MS Society—Northern California Chapter
Chapter Headquarters 415-230-6677 1700 Owens St. Suite 190 San Francisco, CA 94158 Sacramento Office 916-927-8000 4225 Northgate Blvd., Suite 4 Sacramento, CA 95834 Silicon Valley Office 408-988-7557 2589 Scott Blvd. Santa Clara, CA 95050 1-800-344-4867 www.MSconnection.org If you or someone you know has MS: Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with mulitple sclerosis. Talk to your health professional or contact the National MS Society at 1.800.344.4867 or www.nationalmssociety.org to learn about ways to help manage multiple sclerosis and about current research that may one day reveal a cure. Information provided by the National MS 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 Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician. The National MS Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The Society assumes no liability for the use or contents of any product or service mentioned.
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© 2009 National MS Society, Northern California Chapter
What’s New Doc?—Update on MS with Dr. John Schafer Attend this program to find out about current MS treatment and research findings that could make a difference in MS symptoms. Do you have questions about MS symptoms or treatments that you want more explanation about? Dr. Schafer was voted one of the top neurologists in Sacramento Magazine. Be sure to submit your questions when registering for this informative program. Dr. John Schafer is a neurologist at Mercy San Juan Hospital, and soon to open, Mercy MS Center in Carmichael. Dr. Schafer has been a volunteer with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for nearly 20 years and member of the Northern California Chapter Board of Trustees since 1987. Modesto Saturday, April 11th 10:30am to Noon Holiday Inn Express 4300 Bangs Ave.
Wellness Programs Update A listing of ongoing physical activity classes is available online under Programs & Services. The chapter is currently creating a Wellness Directory that will include all of the physical activity classes to which we refer National MS Society members; this will be available in Spring 2009. If you have any questions about current classes or would like to suggest a class please contact Sarah Hester at 415-230-6678 x2019 or sarah.hester@nmss. org .
Pre-Registration is Required. Please call 1-800-344-4867.
APRIL–MAY 2009
Eating Well with MS
Taking Control of Life Decisions
Is there a link between nutrition and MS symptoms? Does Vitamin D really make a difference? How can you eat nutritionally and stay within a budget? Are specific vitamin supplements more important for people with MS or not? Come bring your nutrition and natural healing questions to this program and find out more about making nutrition decisions that count.
For someone with MS, healthcare and longterm care planning has many unknown factors. However, for effective long-term planning it is important to consider available options that impact a family member with MS.
Dr. Marco Vespignani, Naturopathic Doctor (ND), is the Medical Director of Restorative Health and Women’s Complementary Health Services at the Institute for Restorative Health in Davis; which has a special interest in working with people with MS. Dr. Vespignani will discuss the role of nutrition for people with MS along with recommended changes to enhance wellness. Chico Saturday, May 9th 10:30am to Noon University of Phoenix 500 Orient St.
Save the Date!! Men’s Only Group
Open discussion about jobs, health, sexuality, and social roles in a male-only setting. Barry Hayes, Ph.D., who has been practicing traditional and health psychology in the Santa Clara Valley for over 30 years, brings an individual-focused approach to the issue of how to live powerfully and positively with MS. Dr. Hayes will welcome questions at this audience-driven, intimate session. Come and discuss the issues that matter most to you. Breakfast will be provided. South Bay Saturday, April 11th Exact Location and Time TBD 1-800-344-4867
www.MSconnection.org
This program will feature Stephen W. Dale of the Dale Law firm and Daniel Fortuno of the Benefits Education Center. Both have extensive experience helping families proactively plan for long-term care needs. Topics that will be discussed asset preservation, public benefits for long term-care and what you need to consider when making effective estate planning choices. Vallejo Thursday, May 14th 6:00pm to 8:00pm Solano Community College Vallejo Center 545 Columbus Parkway
Update on MS with Dr. Harmeet Sachdev
Hosted by the Milpitas MS Self-Help Group This will be an interactive discussion with Dr. Harmeet Sachdev. Dr. Sachdev is a renowned neurologist practicing in San Jose. RSVP REQUIRED For more information and to RSVP: Please contact self-help group leader, Indu Garga, at 510-656-3408 (home), or 510-449-2658 (cell) or by email at Igarga@aol.com. Milpitas Tuesday, April 7th 7:00pm India Community Center 525 Los Coaches Dr.
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Activities Calendar National MS Society—Northern California Chapter
Strike Out MS Night
@ Raley Field Sacramento Rivers Cats vs. Albuquerque Isotopes Join the Movement and buy your $5 tickets today! • All orders must be received by May 5th • No $5 tickets available on the day of the event West Sacramento Friday, May 15th 6:30pm Raley Field 400 Ballpark Dr. On Friday, May 15th, the National MS Society will once again take over Raley Field in West Sacramento! Join hundreds of others for an evening of family fun and help spread awareness about MS to others in the community. The evening will include the first pitch thrown by a special guest of the National MS Society, recognition of the Society during the game, and more! Join the movement and the Sacramento River Cats, our 2008 Triple-A and Pacific Coast League champions as we once again Strike Out MS... *Tickets are picked up at the National MS Society table at the event They are not mailed in advance.
Emotional Wellness Tele-Series
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The Northern California Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has launched a new emotional wellness tele-series with Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Life Coach, Catherine Freemire. Catherine was a featured presenter at the Society’s 2009 Annual SelfHelp Leader Training Conference and leads dynamic and energizing workshops on personal empowerment.
Catherine will facilitate calls on the following topics: 1. Leading with Your Strengths Tuesday, April 7th from 2:00pm to 3:00pm 2. Rituals for Inner Peace & Life Balance Tuesday, April 28th from 2:00 pm to 3:00pm Clients are encouraged to participate in the whole series but are welcome to join on a call by call basis depending on interest and ability. Catherine Freemire brings over 25 years of experience as a Family Therapist, Workshop Trainer and Adjunct Professor and has ten years experience as a Life Coach. Catherine’s work aims to help her clients live a more balanced and meaningful life. Teleconference call-in number will be mailed with registration confirmation.
New 8-Week Therapy Group In-Person Counseling Group begins in May! Monterey Mondays, May 4th–June 22nd 1:30pm to 3:00pm MS Quality of Life Project Office 519-B Hartnell St. The Northern California Chapter of the National MS Society and the MS Quality of Life Project have just launched a new collaborative counseling group. This 8-week counseling series will be a supportive forum for people with MS. This group is process-oriented and therapeutic in nature. This counseling group will be facilitated by co-leaders, Marilyn Howell, LCSW and Andrea Dowdell, MSW. If you are interested in participating in this group or would like more information please contact the MS Quality of Life Project at 831-333-9091.
Pre-Registration is Required. Please call 1-800-344-4867.
APRIL–MAY 2009
{two feet (tu fet) n. the distance between you and a cure for MS.} Join a community of people who want to create a world free of MS—make a move that can make a difference.
“Since I’ve had MS, I’ve had many days in which I’ve cursed my feet, convinced they are conspiring to limit my activities and diminish my spirit. At least one day a year, I’m certain my feet are my friends—the closest connection I have to a cure for MS.” — Mark W., Diagnosed with MS in 1994 Saturday, April 18th San Jose: Arena Green
Register today @ walk.msconnection.org for Walk MS 2009! If you have any questions email us at walk@msconnection.org or call us at 1-800-344-4867.
Sunday, April 19th Monterey Bay: Lover’s Point Park
Rocklin/Roseville: Adventure Christian Church Yuba City: Kingswood Park
Sunday, April 26th Walnut Creek: Heather Farms Park Sacramento: West Steps State Saturday, April 25th Alameda: Crown Memorial Park Capitol Eureka: Downtown Eureka San Francisco: Crissy Field Modesto: Downey Community Santa Rosa: Druid Hall Park
PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY SPONSORED PROGRAMS NOTE: Pharmaceutical Sponsored programs are not offered or endorsed by the National MS Society. This information is offered as a courtesy to our clients. Living Well with MS, Sponsored by Biogen IDEC The patient programs are designed to provide patients and their caregivers with new and updated information on MS, have an opportunity to ask a physician questions, as well as meet with other patients and hear from a patient advocate. Friday, April 24, 2009 Location: San Francisco, CA Venue: TBD Speaker: Vincent Macaluso, MD Registration: 6:00pm Seminar: 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Saturday, April 25, 2009 Location: Fairfield, CA Venue: The Clubhouse at Rancho Solano 3250 Rancho Solano Parkway Fairfield, CA 94534 Speaker: Vincent Macaluso, MD Registration: 9:00am Seminar: 9:30am to 11:30am
Saturday, May 2, 2009 Location: Eureka, CA Venue: Red Lion Hotel Eureka 1929 Fourth Street Eureka, CA 95501 Speakers: Daniel Pelletier, MD and Scott Zamvil, MD Registration: 9:30am
To Register for these free programs patients can call 1-866-955-9999 or go to www.msactivesource.com
1-800-344-4867
www.MSconnection.org
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Orientation for Newly Diagnosed Are you newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis? A diagnosis of MS can create many unexpected emotions that leave you with a strong need to understand the changes you may be facing. On a monthly basis, this informative program, conducted by trained National MS Society staff and a registered nurse specializing in MS, will address the most common concerns for people who are newly diagnosed. This orientation provides an excellent opportunity to have any questions you may wish to have asked and learn more about the resources available to persons with MS. Persons diagnosed within the past two years and their family and friends are welcome.
Santa Clara Office First Tuesday of each month 6:30 to 8:30pm 2589 Scott Blvd.
San Francisco Office First Wednesday of each month 6:30 to 8:30pm 1700 Owens St., Suite 190
Sacramento Office First Thursday of each month 6:30 to 8:30pm 4225 Northgate Blvd., Suite 4
Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register please call 1-800-344-4867.
Northern California Self-Help Groups The Northern California Chapter sponsors a network of self-help groups for people with MS and their loved ones. The groups are peer-facilitated and meet regularly for educational and social purposes, allowing members to express feelings and provide support to one another. ALAMEDA COUNTY Alameda, Sharon 510-521-6260 or Ray 510-522-5210 Berkeley, Toni 510-735-7890 East Bay Lesbians, Jane 510-444-5257 Fremont, Kim 510-793-0765 Oakland, Katrina 510-568-2301 Oakland: African Americans,
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Tracey 510-670-8633 Oakland: Latinos, Elsa 510-777-1414 Oakland: Teens, Kimberly 925-470-8495 or 925-470-8495 Tri-Valley Pleasanton, Mary Beth 925-829-0832
or Julie 925-513-4686 Mt. Diablo (Concord), John and Janis at 925-372-0859 El Cerrito, Robert 510-526-8196 Richmond, Vanda 510-559-1898
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Brentwood MS for lunch bunch, Kathy 925-286-7674
EL DORADO COUNTY Placerville, Fred and Stacey 530-644-1188
Pre-Registration is Required. Please call 1-800-344-4867.
APRIL–MAY 2009
Activities Calendar
National MS Society—Northern California Chapter
HUMBOLDT COUNTY Eureka, Ann Louise 707-839-0177 or Kim 707-445-9803 MARIN COUNTY Corte Madera, Verita 415-927-7068 or Anita 415-892-5548 MENDOCINO Mendocino, Joanne 707-937-4929 MERCED COUNTY Merced: MS Challengers, Susan 209-384-6533 MONTEREY COUNTY Monterey, Susan 831-659-1354 or MaryLee 831-373-2450 NAPA COUNTY Napa, Colin 707-944-2262 or Penelope 707-265-9680 NEVADA COUNTY Grass Valley, Dan 530-272-7636 PLACER COUNTY Auburn, Ruth 530-888-8388 Roseville: Minimal Symptoms Group, Brett or Kelly 916-773-6799 or brettsmith51@comcast.net Lincoln, Marcia or Jerry 916-408-7899 SACRAMENTO COUNTY Elk Grove, Willie 916-684-1677 or Dorothy 916-684-6849 Sacramento: Moving on with MS, Sylvia 916-349-1324 1-800-344-4867
SAN BENITO COUNTY Hollister Group, Gina 831-636-3241, Robin 831-636-0930 or Helen 831-637-6267 SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY San Francisco Forum, Hose 415-587-7491 SF Potluck Luncheon, Karen 415-584-6115 (Meets periodically) SF Sunset District, Tatiana 415-665-1178 SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY Stockton PM, Brenda 209-951-0536 or Mary 209-334-5670 Stockton AM, Betty 209-368-6026 Tracy, Linda 209-833-6882 SAN MATEO Foster City, Eli 650-377-1970 San Mateo, George 650-593-5154 SANTA CLARA COUNTY Milpitas, Indu 510-656-3408 Palo Alto, Luanne 650-328-0179 or George 650-593-5154 San Jose, Cor 408-270-8922 or David 408-578-3752 San Jose, Janine 408-794-0777 Santa Clara, Brian 408-739-9445 or Susan 408-253-4489
www.MSconnection.org
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY Capitola, Tom 831-684-2252 or Ada 831-440-1211 SHASTA COUNTY Hope 4 MS, Beth 530-246-8404 or Patricia 530-222-7277 or Robin 530-246-2980 SOLANO COUNTY Vacaville, Marian 707-422-7515 or Debrah 707-447-9603 (before 7:00 pm) Vallejo, Marian 707-745-9333 or Cheryl 707-751-3732 SONOMA COUNTY Petaluma, Sheila 707-765-6721 Santa Rosa, Debbie 707-569-9976 Rohnert Park/Petaluma, Debbie 707-569-9976 Healdsburg, Kate 707-433-9194 Sonoma Women’s Group, Noreen 707-933-9500 STANISLAUS COUNTY Modesto, Pati 209-524-8329 Turlock, Bill 209-664-1427 or Frances 209-667-2184 SUTTER COUNTY Yuba City, Evon 530-701-2189 TEHAMA COUNTY Red Bluff, Teresa 530-529-4412 or Jodine 530-528-8767 TUOLUMNE COUNTY Sonora, Steven or Gloria, 209-532-5646
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1700 Owens Street, Suite 190 San Francisco, CA 94158
FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND OR HANDICAPPED
Forwarding Address Requested
Activities Calendar National MS Society—Northern California Chapter
Self-Help Group Spotlight! The Northern California Chapter of the National MS Society is excited to announce the launch of a new San Francisco 20’s-30’s Self-Help Group! This group is currently forming and will be lead by a new volunteer self-help group leader. The launch date for this group is set for Saturday, April 11th at 4pm. This self-help group will cater to individuals in their 20’s and 30’s and will provide a fun, supportive and social forum for gathering. For more information about this group and the venue location please refer to our Self-Help Group page in the Programs & Services section of the Chapter’s website at www.msconnection.org or call Emotional Support Manager, Lisa Matejczuk at 415-230-6678 x 2004.
VOLUNTEER Looking to make a difference? Change a corner of the world? We have a job for you. VOLUNTEER today and join the movement. Walk MS needs volunteers— groups welcome. Call Shannon at 415.230.6678 ext. 2020 to discuss many opportunities. WALK. DONATE. VOLUNTEER TO CREATE A WORLD FREE OF MS.