Activities Calendar
National MS Society—Northern California Chapter
SUMMER 2009
Keeping Cool with Aquatics The natural properties of water, including buoyancy or weightlessness combined with the 3-dimensional resistance of the water environment, can let people living with MS move in ways their disability might not otherwise allow. Participants in aquatics classes learn to “work the water” to best meet their intensity and fitness needs. This can better prepare the body for demands required for daily living activities. Movement in the water is a great way to address common symptoms of MS including weakness, spasticity, lack of coordination, balance difficulties and gait difficulties. When looking for an aquatics class it is good to keep a few things in mind: • What is the water temperature? (80 – 84 degrees is usually ideal for someone with MS) • Does the pool have a wheelchair lift? • Is the pool indoor or outdoor? • Does the facility offer financial assistance if necessary?
Keeping Cool with Aquatics page 1
• Does the class allow you to use equipment such as water weights? • Do you have to register for the class ahead of time? There are many gentle aquatics classes listed on our website (www.msconnection.org/ wellness) however please remember that there may be several other opportunities in your community. If you are taking a class that is not listed on our website, please let us know by contacting Sarah at sarah.hester@nmss.org or 415-2306678 x2019.
AT A GLANCE
June 13 Couples Workshop page 3
August TBA Pain & Spasticity page 4 Other Programs ...
June 20 Making Laughter, Loving Life page 4 Orientation for Newly Diagnosed page 3 June 20 Los Gatos Counseling Group page 2
Pharmaceutical Company Programs page 5
July 13 Phone Support Group Begins page 8
Self-Help Group Schedule page 6
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. © 2009 National MS Society, Northern California Chapter
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8-week Los Gatos Counseling Group Beginning in June 2009! In-Person Counseling Group
Join this supportive forum for people with MS that will focus on various topics such as self identity, working with change, re-defining a sense of self after MS and envisioning new goals and dreams. This group will be facilitated by Alison Turner, a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern. If you are interested in participating in this group or would like more information, please contact Lisa Matejczuk, MSW, Emotional Support Manager at lisa.matejczuk@nmss.org or call 1-800-344-4867, option 2. Space is limited so please register by June 10th. Los Gatos June 20th–August 8th 2009 1:30pm to 3:00pm $40 for 8-week series
Volunteer Looking to make a difference? Change a corner of the world? We have a job for you. VOLUNTEER today and join the movement. Bike MS: Waves to Wine especially needs volunteers—groups welcome. Call Shannon at 415-230-6678 ext. 2020 to discuss many opportunities. BIKE. DONATE. VOLUNTEER. TO CREATE A WORLD FREE OF MS.
Pre-registration is required for all programs. Call 1-800-344-4867.
SUMMER 2009
Couples Relationship Workshop
Enhancing Communication & Mutual Empathy Join us for a new day-long retreat for couples who want to address changes in their relationship that stem from having a partner with MS. This small group retreat will provide a safe and supportive forum to interact with other couples and have some reflective time to enjoy the beautiful Iron Horse walking trail. Lafayette Saturday, June 13th 9:30am to 3:30pm Lafayette Founders Grove 584 Glenside Dr.
Randall Lippins, MFT, will discuss how couples can integrate mutual empathy to enhance closeness and understanding. This program will also include an interactive session on improving communication skills for couples, facilitated by a member of the non-profit organization, Bay Area Non Violent Communication. For more information or to register for this program please contact Lisa Matejczuk, MSW, Emotional Support Manager at lisa.matejczuk@nmss.org or call 1-800-344-4867, option 2.
Orientation for Newly Diagnosed
Statewide Housing Taskforce
Every month, 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. People diagnosed within the past two years and their family and friends are welcome.
Do you have an interest supporting the affordable, accessible housing needs of people with MS, as well as professional expertise in this arena? To best meet the needs of our clients with MS, we are embarking on a statewide committee to increase our knowledge and understanding, as well as expand our ideas and resources in this area.
Santa Clara Office First Tuesday of each month 6:30–8:30pm 2589 Scott Blvd. San Francisco Office First Wednesday of each month 6:30–8:30pm 1700 Owens St., Suite 190 Sacramento Office First Thursday of each month 6:30–8:30pm 4225 Northgate Blvd., Suite 4
Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register please call 1-800-344-4867.
1-800-344-4867
www.MSconnection.org
We are seeking individuals who are not only passionate in this area but have backgrounds in the areas of building/construction, real estate and development, non-profit housing, accessible housing and home modification, and related industries. Meetings will be held via teleconference, beginning this summer. If you are interested, we would love to hear from you as soon as possible. Please contact Jaclyn Smoczynski at 1-800-344-4867, option 2..
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Activities Calendar National MS Society—Northern California Chapter
tickled the funny bones of millions. The world understands more about the healing power of humor because of Patty’s lifelong work with leading humor researchers and practitioners. She has received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her work in the field of therapeutic humor. Patty’s mission for the past 30 years has been helping people jest for the health of it.
Making Laughter, Loving Life An Afternoon with the Queen of Jest
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Take a Stand Against MS
This summer, give yourself a gift you can share with others for free: laughter. Going through life with MS is no laughing matter; however learn at this seminar how you can make active changes that bring joy into your life and help you share that joy with your loved ones. Patty Wooten, nurse, nurse humorist, nurse retention specialist and compassionate clown, will not only talk about the healing benefit of humor, but will also show you how to create humor and bring more into your life. Breakfast will be provided.
Who: National MS Society, key volunteers, group leaders, schools, churches and kids in the community
Santa Cruz Saturday, June 20th 9:00am to 11:30am Cocoanut Grove–Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 400 Beach Street
Where: Across 40 counties in Northern California
For more information or to register for this program, please call 1-800-344-4867.
How: Visit www.msconnection.org/stand to download your planning toolkit or call 1-800-344-4867
Patty Wooten, RN, BSN, PHN, a charter member of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, and a long-time member of the International Society for Humor Studies, is often called the “Queen of Jest,” because she’s
What: Families and groups hosting lemonade stands with The Stand Against MS messaging to raise awareness and funds for the National MS Society Northern California Chapter When: Summer 2009
Why: Raise awareness and fundraise to create a world free of MS
Pre-registration is required for all programs. Call 1-800-344-4867.
SUMMER 2009
Pharmaceutical Company Events NOTE: Pharmaceutical Sponsored programs are not offered or endorsed by the National MS Society. This information is offered as a courtesy to our clients. Taking Control: Managing MS Symptoms Sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. This educational session will provide you with helpful tips on how to “listen” to your body and take control of your MS. Wednesday, June 24, 2009 Sacramento Courtyard Marriott 4422 Y Street, Sacramento, CA 95817 Registration: 6:15 PM Speakers: Eric Hassid, M.D. and Ambassador Carlie Neal To register for this free dinner program, at 1-877-329-8327 or www.mslifelines.com Living well with MS: Your quality of life counts. Sponsored by Biogen Idec Please attend a compelling discussion on how MS patients can improve quality of life and the latest treatment options for MS. Two dates: Friday, June 26, 2009 Hilton Santa Clara 4949 Great American Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054 Registration: 6:00 pm
of Texas Southwestern Medical Cente and Tysabri patient, and former pro tennis player John Austin Register by calling 1-866-955-9999 or go to www.msactivesource.com. Exploring Multiple Sclerosis Sponsored by Bayer HealthCare / BetaPlus Saturday, June 27, 2009 San Rafael Embassy Suites 101 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael, CA 94903 Registration: 10:00 am Speaker: Elizabeth Crabtree, MD, Assistant Professor and Director of Patient Programming at UCSF MS Center. RSVP by calling 1-800-788-1467. Meeting code is BDF181. Living Well—How to Live a Healthy Lifestyle with MS Sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc. It takes some effort to stay fit and live a healthy lifestyle. Attend this interactive session and you will receive tips on ways you can improve your health on a day-to-day basis.
Saturday, June 27, 2009 Modesto Clarion Inn 1612 Sisk Road, Modesto, CA 95350 Registration: 11:00 am
Wednesday, July 22, 2009 Sacramento Courtyard Marriott 4422 Y Street, Sacramento, CA 95817 Speakers: Eric Hassid, M.D. and Ambassador Heidi Swenson Registration: 6:15 PM
Speakers: Ted Phillips, M.D. Medical Director at the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Texas Neurology and Clinical Professor at University
To register for this free dinner program, at 1-877-329-8327 or www.mslifelines.com
1-800-344-4867
www.MSconnection.org
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ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE an unforgettable ride. an unbeatable destination. a world free of MS. September 12 & 13 1 or 2 day options from 40 to 175 miles Register at: www.wavestowine.org 800-344-4867 An unforgettable two-day journey from San Francisco via Highway 1 into Healdsburg. Enjoy six full meals, generous amenities, stocked rest stops every 12 to 15 miles, SAG vehicles, spirited festivities, a wine & beer garden, massage tent, and more.
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.
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ALAMEDA COUNTY Alameda, Ray 510-522-5210 or Sharon 510-521-6260 Berkeley, Toni 510-735-7890 East Bay Lesbians, Jane 510-444-5257 Fremont, Kim 510-793-0765 (on summer hiatus) Oakland, Katrina 510-568-2301 Oakland: African Americans, Tracey 510-670-8633 Oakland: Latinos, Elsa 510-777-1414 Oakland: Teens, Kimberly 925-470-8495 or 925-470-8495
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY Brentwood MS for lunch bunch, Kathy 925-286-7674 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 EL DORADO COUNTY Placerville, Lisa 415-230-6678 ext. 2004 (on summer hiatus) 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
Pre-registration is required for all programs. Call 1-800-344-4867.
SUMMER 2009
Activities Calendar
National MS Society—Northern California Chapter
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 SAN BENITO COUNTY Hollister Group, Gina 831-636-3241, Robin 831-636-0930 or Helen 831-637-6267 SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY San Francisco 20’s–30’s Group, Stephanie 415-722-1682 San Francisco Forum, Hose 415-587-7491 SF Potluck Luncheon, Karen 415-584-6115 (Meets periodically) SF Sunset District, 1-800-344-4867
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 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-
www.MSconnection.org
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
NEW GROUP New Telephone Support Group for Caregivers Call Nancy at 530-898-6637
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1700 Owens Street, Suite 190 San Francisco, CA 94158
New Phone Therapy Group Chapter-Wide Group for Individuals with MS This 8-week phone counseling group will be a supportive forum to discuss the personal experience and challenges of living with MS. This group is designed for individuals who are determined not to allow the challenges of MS to keep them from reaching their goals and dreams. This phone support group will be led by Randall Lippins, a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who has multiple sclerosis. For more information contact Lisa Matejczuk, Emotional Support Manager at lisa.matejczuk@nmss.org or 1-800-344-4867, option 2. Teleconference Mondays, July 13th to August 31st 6:00pm to 7:30pm
FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND OR HANDICAPPED
Busting Barriers Do you have a barrier in you home you need to bust? The Northern California Chapter is looking for homeowners living with MS who are in need of a major home remodel that we can nominate for Extreme Makeover Home Edition so they know we are committed to Busting the Barriers in MS. Share your story via email to Ann.Johnson@nmss.org or by calling 1-800-344-4867, option 2.