M OV I N G TOWAR D A WO R LD FR E E O F M S Volume 4 • Issue 1
Northern California Chapter
Federal Election Results Fuel Hope for Healthcare Reform
A
ccording to nationwide exit polls conducted by Edison Media Research and Mitofsky International, two-thirds of voters in the November 4th election said they had concerns about their ability to afford healthcare. Given this public outcry, President-Elect Obama likely will give priority to his healthcare proposal.
The National MS Society’s Obama Connection
Currently a myriad of plans are being drafted in both the House of Representatives and the Senate; and it is unclear whether employer-based plans, guaranteed universal coverage, insurance pooling arrangements or the creation of individual mandates will be a part of the final product. Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) plans to lead a unified Democratic effort to develop and pass legislation based on President-elect Barack Obama’s
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
The National MS Society is uniquely positioned to shape healthcare reform. First Lady Michelle Obama’s late father, Frasier Robinson, had multiple sclerosis and Obama’s Senior Health Policy Advisor, Dora Hayes, is living with MS. While addressing over 600 attendees at the Society’s National Leadership Conference in Chicago, Dr. Hayes
told the audience, “You will have a good friend in the White House,” and publicly complimented the Society’s newly crafted Healthcare Reform Principles (see page 15). These detailed reform principles will be the basis for what we seek in policy discussions with both the Obama staff and congressional leaders.
President’s Update Page 3
Fundraising Page 4
Living with MS Page 8
Advocacy Page 15
Federal Election Results Fuel Hope for Healthcare Reform (cont.)
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Northern California Chapter 1700 Owens Street, Suite 190 San Francisco, CA 94158 415-230-6677 800-344-4867 Chairman Thomas Galizia President David Hartman Newsletter Editor Kristin Hesse The National MS Society is proud to be a source of information about MS. Information provided is based upon professional advice, published expertise and expert opinion, but does not constitute therapeutic recommendation or prescription. 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. Sponsorship of Society programs or events does not connote that the National MS Society recognizes superiority in products or services provided by the sponsoring entity over other entities providing like or similar products or services. The Society assumes no liability for the use or contents of any products or services mentioned.
© 2008 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Northern California Chapter
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health- care proposal to expand health coverage to more U.S. residents. National MS Society public policy staff and MS activists will participate in roundtable discussions with key legislative leaders including Sen. Kennedy and Northern California Congressman Pete Stark (D-Hayward), among several others. The question is no longer whether the newly elected President or Congress will pursue health reform, but when and exactly in what form.
Impediments and Opportunities Healthcare reform efforts could be limited by declining tax revenue and an increasing federal deficit related to the recent economic downturn. Despite the financial realities we are facing, there are some policy areas in which change is likely to occur: ∫ Legislation to fund embryonic stem cell research ∫ Some increases in research funding through the National Institutes of Health ∫ Adjustments to Medicare Part “D” such as lessening coverage gaps ∫ Expansion of state children’s health insurance program ∫ Reduction of out of pocket costs Make your voice heard by joining the Action Alert Network at www.msconnection.org/ advocacy.
If Not You, Then Who?
M
ahatma Ghandi said that the best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others—to volunteer is to embrace a wider community.
Leadership Join us by serving on one of our Board committees, such as Development, Finance, Marketing or Programs and Services. Or take on a role in providing direction to our volunteers or oversight of the volunteer program. Office Activities Come work with us in one of our offices, where we are often in need of assistance with data entry, research, phone calling and mail preparation.
At the Northern California Chapter, we embrace the spirit of volunteerism with a philosophy Chapter Programs of inclusiveness Consider joining and partnership. the Chapter Volunteers are Programs team as integral to our work an Information & and are a catalyst Referral Specialist, for our success Peer Support because they are Counselor, the most passionate Community Support advocates, Investigator (CSI), spokespersons, Self-Help Group fundraisers and David Hartman, President and Tom Galizia, Board Chair Leader or join our service providers. Action Alert Network. Our volunteers come from all over the Development Chapter area and contribute their resources Join the Development team in our of time, knowledge, skills and leadership. fundraising activities, event planning They infuse this organization with energy for our signature events Walk MS, Bike and passion that help us address the MS and Dinner of Champions or engage challenges of everyone affected by MS. your employer and network with other A primary goal in our strategic plan is to companies. mobilize the talents and resources of people Marketing and Communications who want to do something about MS. To that Join the movement by inviting others. end, we recruit and engage volunteers who Spread the word through media contact and can lend specific expertise to addressing the placement, writing and editing publications, many complex issues of multiple sclerosis. web design, or public speaking. We are committed to engaging more people If you want to do something about MS now, this year and to fostering a culture that We invite you to join the movement by welcomes new faces and ideas. getting involved with the Chapter. Check Interested in Joining the Movement? out our website, call one of the offices, or Below is a list of some of the areas in which just stop by and inquire about opportunities volunteers can get involved: to join with us. TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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PRESIDENT’S UPDATE
Message From The President
FUNDRAISING
Walk MS 2009 Mark Your Calendars Now! Each spring thousands of individuals join the National MS Society as we walk to create a world free of MS. Together we raised more than $1.6 million in 2008 to support local programs and services for people living with MS in Northern California. We encourage you to Join the Movement and make a contribution to Walk MS by: ∫ Registering to Walk ∫ Registering to Volunteer ∫ Making a donation of
any amount ∫ Forming a Team ∫ Becoming a Sponsor Walk MS brings together people who want to do something about MS now! You have the ability to make a difference in this movement no matter where you are located, no matter what your financial situation, no matter how many people you know. We are in search of Champions Against MS to share
their stories about living with multiple sclerosis, volunteers to manage a rest stop, and of course walkers and donors! Visit our website today to learn more about walk at www.msconnection.org Or contact us at walk@ msconnection.org or 800344-4867, option 2, with questions on how you can be a part of the Walk MS movement.
Register Today at a walk site near you Saturday, April 18 San Jose Sunday, April 19 Monterey Bay Saturday, April 25 Alameda, Eureka, Modesto, RocklinRoseville, Yuba City Sunday, April 26 Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Walnut Creek
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diagnosis of MS brings with it a mountain of information, many decisions to make—and many questions to ask. Do you struggle to sort through it all? A new Society program called My Life, My MS, My Decisions takes you step-by-step through the process of making decisions about your medical care. The program features a DVD and four online courses that cover the following topics:
∫ Teaming Up with Your Health-care
Providers ∫ Navigating the Medication Maze ∫ Considering Clinical Trials ∫ Achieving Optimal Wellness
The courses can be accessed online wherever there is Internet access, whether at home, a community center, public library, or chapter. The DVD is also available separately if Internet access is unavailable.
∫ Joann is in her 40s and uses a wheelchair
to get around. She feels her MS is getting worse and would like to change doctors. The DVD follows Annie, James and Joann through the decisions they make and how they arrive at them, including researching medications, communicating with their doctors, and exploring clinical trials. For more information, visit nationalMSsociety.org/mydecisions. To register, call 1-800-344-4867, or e-mail programsonline@nmss.org. My Life, My MS, My Decisions is partially funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Biogen Idec, Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Genentech, EMD Serono/ Pfizer Inc., and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
Registering for better health Three of the courses are now available and the fourth (“Achieving Optimal Wellness”) will be available in winter 2008. The DVD includes three separate segments, each featuring a different person journeying through medical decision-making: ∫ Annie is a recently diagnosed 20-
something who is a bit reluctant to begin taking disease-modifying medication. ∫ Diagnosed 10 years ago, James, who is in
his 30s, finds that his MS is affecting his walking and his physical relationship with his partner.
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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LIVING WITH MS
Learn How to Make Medical Decisions
D
epression strikes an estimated 47% to 54% of people with MS—but a new study suggests that you can lift your mood by taking positive actions. The study was an outgrowth of a longitudinal MS quality of life study conducted at the University of Texas at Austin, funded by the National Institutes of Health and conducted by Dr. Lorraine J. Phillips, PhD, APRN, BC, FNP, and Dr. Alexa Stuifbergen, PhD, RN, FAAN.
Bill Stanton
LIVING WITH MS
Chasing the Blues Away
Stuifbergen started the study by surveying 443 people with MS on a yearly basis, asking how often they felt depressed, and to describe the symptoms they experienced. But one of the participants, Doris Varnell, a 57-year-old retiree, told Stuifbergen she found the questions “depressing.” “I wanted to know what people were doing to make themselves feel better,” said Varnell. Varnell wrote up a list of positive actions she engaged in to lighten her mood. She sent her list to Stuifbergen who, to Varnell’s surprise, began to ask study participants if they tried similar things. The results were dramatic. People who checked off the most items on Varnell’s list for a given week were the least depressed. Actions included: ∫ Saying “thank you” and meaning it
∫ Phoning a friend ∫ Visiting a friend ∫ Saying something pleasant to someone
else who didn’t expect it ∫ Crossing off something on your to-do list
because you finished it ∫ Learning something new ∫ Volunteering or agreeing to become a
volunteer ∫ Going to the library and checking out a
book to read ∫ Going shopping and buying something
for yourself ∫ Taking a nap ∫ Pampering yourself with a manicure,
massage or relaxing bath Although the study does not prove that
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“People who suffer from ongoing depression should always consult their doctor,” Stuifbergen added. “The Influence of Positive Experiences on Depression and Quality of Life in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis” is in The Journal of Holistic Nursing, V. 26, #1, March 2008, pp. 41-48.
Bold Moves by Our Hispanic/Latino Advisory Council Under the leadership of noted neurologist Victor Rivera, MD, the Society’s National Hispanic/Latino Advisory Council has established bold goals for the next three years. They include: ∫ Promoting more participation by
Hispanics and Latinos in clinical trials ∫ Promoting studies on the experiences of
Latinos and Hispanics with MS ∫ Developing more resources to educate
health-care professionals about this community ∫ Increasing the number of Hispanic/
Latino volunteers on chapter boards or as participants in Society fundraising, programs and events.
Treatment update— Betaseron only Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals will launch a very thin (30-gauge) needle and a new autoinjector (BETAJECT LITE) at the end of October. The new autoinjector will replace all previous autoinjectors for Betaseron. The use of any autoinjector other than this latest version may result in people not receiving their full dose of medication. Go to betaseron.com/thinner or call 800-788-1467 for more information and to request the new autoinjector.
∫ Including Hispanic/Latino outreach
dimensions in the proposed federal study of MS prevalence by the CDC. The Council has already created the Spanishlanguage glossary of MS terms on our Web site and been instrumental in developing the national telephone support group, Café con Leche. Currently, Dr. Ron Duran, a council member and a professor at the Alliant International University, is doing field work in collaboration with the Society to identify the unique challenges faced by Hispanic/ Latino families living with MS. And Dr. Debbie Victor, an occupational therapist and recent graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, has developed a set of action steps for outreach to Hispanics and Latinos to be distributed to all chapters in the new year.
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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LIVING WITH MS
the actions alone were responsible for boosting the participants’ mental health— people who were happiest could have just been born that way—it does suggest that incorporating more positive actions into the day may improve quality of life even for a person with severe limitations.
LIVING WITH MS
My Life with MS by Lori Freeman
I
believe it became “real” the day I met with my Neurologist, in January 2007. He had the results of my spinal tap. He looked down at my file folder and I could see his face. I simply said, “...so, we’re not guessing anymore?” He said, “...no, we’re not guessing, we know now...”
have been overweight all of my life. I always said I was going to get my body in shape someday...but I had never pursued the matter with much determination.
Well, now I had the motivation needed to make it happen. I actually joined a gym in January 2008, and am now going to it faithfully and cheerfully, 5 days a week. To date, I have lost 87 lbs. Although I still have several My heart sank. symptoms related to MS, so many things have gotten In 1998, I lost the sight in better. I can walk without my left eye, overnight. That pain, I can move easily, and was the first time I heard every aspect of my being the words, “it could be MS.” is improved. At the gym I I had no idea of what that do aerobics, yoga, work out meant, but I did know that Lori Freeman reaches her goal weight machines and swimming. I didn’t have time for any medical concerns...I had too many people in The choices I have made to lose weight and my family that needed me to help them with get my body moving again have paid off their lives. Happily, after injection therapy, (2 in ways I never dreamed possible. I know weeks later) most of my sight returned. that I am doing what I need to do to be as healthy as possible, and this gives me great As the years went on, strange things would confidence. Much will happen in our lives, happen that would make me wonder... but I do believe that a positive attitude and could it be that something serious really carrying out your goals as best you can, can was wrong with me? I tried to ignore the make the difference we need to live the best odd physical sensations, pains and other unsettling experiences that would come and life possible. Although I have MS, I’m going to take each day, and make it as good as I go and tried to dismiss them as a nuisance can, and be thankful that I am capable of of being overweight and living a less than making choices that will benefit me for years healthy lifestyle. to come. After being diagnosed, I asked myself, “what To share your story about living well with can I do to make my life better...what do I MS, email us at info@msconnection.org. have control over?” My answer was...”get as healthy as you can, anyway you can.” In August of 2007, I established a weight loss plan with my doctor. I’m 51 years old and 8
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S
tudies show that people who have hobbies and activities outside of their daily responsibilities will find that they can weather the ups and downs of life more easily. This was very true for Janice Hofmann, clay studio owner of All Fired Up! During a very intense period of her life where changes and demands were coming from many directions, she turned to her love for working with clay, something she had not done since high school. She quickly found that giving herself that time to process the changes in her life in the present improved her outlook of what could be possible for the future. Rediscovering one’s self is a life-long process and for those living with MS, that process
may take more imagination. That’s why the All Fired Up! Ceramic Art Center and the National MS Society joined together for the “Live Life Now! Connecting Through Clay” program. Janice opened her beautiful clay studio and gallery in Chico for the exclusive use of National MS Society. Members registered at no cost and were offered two options; members could paint ceramic plates and bowls Janice had already made or they could create something from a slab of clay such as a plaque, a cup, or anything else they imagined. By the end of the program everyone agreed that it was a great way to connect with other Chapter members and have something special they could share with friends and family. The Chapter gave people the option to have their project shipped back to their home, but everyone at the program said they wanted to come back to pick-up their project and spend another day at the studio; including those who had traveled from Oakland and Novato for the program! What a difference a day can make! Thanks to Janice Hoffman for making this program incredibly special. We look forward to doing it again next year.
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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LIVING WITH MS
Connecting Through Clay
NEWS
Tax-Saving Opportunities for Donors 70 ½ or Older
T
he IRA Charitable Rollover, reenacted on October 3, 2008, as part of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, is intended to encourage and reward charitable giving in today’s challenging economic climate. Lawmakers recently restored and extended legislation similar to the popular Pension Protection Act of 2006 allowing taxpayers age 70½ or older to make up to $100,000 tax-free distributions from their traditional and Roth IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) directly to qualified charitable organizations such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in 2008 and again in 2009. Taxpayers at the age of 70½ and older are required to take annual distributions from traditional retirement accounts. The distributions are included in the taxpayers’
adjusted gross income (AGI) and taxpayers pay tax on them. The IRA Charitable Rollover gives taxpayers the opportunity to make donations from their IRAs directly to charitable organizations, like the National MS Society, without counting the distribution as part of their AGI and without paying tax on the charitable rollover. Under this new legislation, you can make a lifetime gift using funds from your IRA without undesirable tax effects. These IRA gifts can be accomplished simply and with no out of pocket tax expense to you. Plus, you can make a substantial gift now – while you are living and able to witness the benefits of your generosity. This opportunity is available for both the 2008 and 2009 tax years, so you will want to act soon! (Continued on next page)
LOOKING FOR RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS We’re looking for volunteers to participate in a clinical study to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of an investigational oral drug to treat relapsing remitting MS. You are the most important member of the research team. It is because of volunteers like you that important advances in the treatment of MS become a reality. You must: ∫ be between 18 and 55 years old ∫ have had one relapse within the past 12 months or 2 in the past 24 months ∫ not have previously used any interferons or Tysabri ∫ walk without the use of an aid
Ask your doctor if the Bravo study is right for you. Visit www.Tevaclinicaltrials.com/Bravo or call 1-800-840-5601 for more information.
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∫
The gift from your IRA is $100,000 or less each year
∫
You make the gift on or before December 31, 2008 for the 2008 tax year; or you make the gift on or before December 31, 2009 for the 2009 tax year
∫
You transfer funds directly from an IRA, Rollover IRA or a Roth IRA to the National MS Society
An Example of How the New Law Works Pat, 80, has $450,000 in an IRA and has pledged to give the Society $75,000 this year as a charitable gift. If Pat transfers $75,000 from her IRA directly to the Society, she will
avoid paying income tax on that amount. She cannot, however, claim a charitable deduction – it is a pure “wash.” If she desired, Pat could give more than $100,000. The legislation allows a maximum $100,000 gift in both the 2008 and the 2009 tax years. So Pat could make a gift of $100,000 each year. Plus, if she has a spouse 70 ½ or older with an IRA, he can give a maximum of $200,000 over the same period.
How to Make a Gift Contact your IRA administrator and direct him/her to transfer your desired amount to the National MS Society. Be sure to inform the National MS Society your gift is on its way. For more information please contact David Hartman at 415.230.6678 or david.hartman@nmss.org.
Did You Know... 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 multiple sclerosis. National MS Society medical advisors recommend that people with MS talk with their health care professional about using one of these medications and about strategies and effective treatments to manage symptoms. If you or someone you know has MS, please contact the Society today at www.nationalmssociety.org or 1-800-344-4867 to learn about ways to help manage multiple sclerosis and about current research that may one day reveal a cure.
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 11
NEWS
You can benefit from this new law if: ∫ You are age 70 ½ or older
WAYS TO GIVE
Join the Movement—Without Leaving Your Office Designate the National MS Society in your employee giving campaign
E
from each paycheck. very year, over Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Donations can also 1.5 million If you work in the public sector or you be made as a oneemployees are in the military, contributions can be time contribution by support made through the CFC by selecting the writing a personal designation number 11409. If you work important nonin the private sector, look for us listed check. When you profit organizations under Community Health Charities or choose the National nationwide through ask your campaign coordinator about MS Society your employee giving designating a gift to the Society. donation comes campaigns. If you are directly to our Chapter. a federal government employee or your Your company doesn’t offer an employee private employer offers a charitable giving giving program? Talk to your benefits campaign, you can help move us closer administrator about starting one. And call to a world free of MS by designating a us. We can give you the resources you need. contribution to the National MS Society. Participating in a charitable giving program Most charitable giving programs offer is an easy way to help provide vital services, employees the opportunity to make an spark public policy advocacy, and fund annual pledge, which means a portion of cutting-edge research. their donation is automatically deducted
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O
n Saturday October 18th, my alarm went off before the sun rose. I was about to make the drive to the Monterey Bay for my first tandem skydive. “Why am I doing this?” I asked myself as I got ready in the dark, careful not to wake anyone up. Then I reminded myself that I made a commitment to people living with MS, I did months of fundraising for the National MS Society, Northern California Chapter and, because I can! When I arrived at the Marina Airport at 8:00 a.m., it was extremely foggy. I worked up my nerves on the drive down and did not know how much longer I could wait for
Chapter Staff member Sarah Hester free falls for MS.
the clouds to clear. Luckily, Cristina Rosa, another National MS Society employee, was along for the journey as well. We sat in the cold airport waiting for the clouds to clear, staring at the little plane that would take us up 15,000 feet, taking turns saying “I’m so nervous!”
and before I knew it my toes were hanging out the edge of the door. My cameraman stood on the side of the plane yelling “Smile!” And then we were off. It took me a while to catch my breath, but once I did, I was absolutely blown away. My 4 minutes in the air was an experience I wish everyone could have. Being able to float in the air, taking in the beauty that was below me, and hearing absolutely nothing but the wind was truly amazing. What was even more amazing was that I could have this wonderful experience AND raise money to support local programs and services for people living with MS in our community. Skydive 4 Free allows you to make a FREE tandem skydive by raising a minimum donation of $500. By registering at www.skydive4free.com you can collect donations from anyone in your online community and beyond by directing them to your own personal campaign page. Once you have raised the $500 minimum, you can arrange a free tandem skydive at one of several drop zones in Northern California. I can’t explain all that I was feeling, but I do know that after jumping out of a plane I feel like I can do anything! If you’re interested in learning more, contact me at sarah.hester@nmss.org.
Finally at 1:30, it was our turn. We packed into the tiny plane, each student attached tightly to an instructor. After what seemed like an eternity, we reached 15,000 feet. A little green light went on, the door opened TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 13
WAYS TO GIVE
I Jumped Out of a Plane for MS!
RESEARCH
The “Yuck” Factor
J
ohn Fleming, MD, calls it the “yuck factor.” But people with MS might happily drink parasitic worm eggs if it meant a reduction in disease activity.
In a study run by Dr. Fleming, five people with MS will ingest the eggs of the whipworm, or Trichuris suis, a virtually harmless organism, to see if they will divert the immune system from attacking myelin. If the experiment shows promise, Dr. Fleming hopes to enroll 15 more people with MS and follow them for a year. The study is based on the “hygiene hypothesis,” which theorizes the low incidence in MS in developing countries may be due to early exposure to infectious agents. “Modern O & P Designs, bugshirts.com sanitation is of course an important Investigators from the Raúl Carrea Institute advance for public health,” explained for Neurological Research in Argentina Dr. Fleming, a professor of neurology at found that worm-infected people with MS University of Wisconsin, Madison, “but showed evidence of anti-inflammatory it is possible that immune activity, autoimmune compared to Researchers need you! diseases may be uninfected people an unanticipated Scientists are testing new medicawith MS and those consequence of tions for MS in clinical trials across with a different the country. Some will result in extremely hygienic infection. The groundbreaking new treatments for environments.” investigators also A recently published study involving a small number of people with MS underscores the potential of the worm egg approach:
the disease. Clinical trials depend on volunteers—people like you--who want to participate. For information on clinical trials taking place in your area, visit nationalmssociety.org/ clinicaltrials.
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found that immune cells isolated from the worm-infected individuals produced nerve growth factors, which may translate into beneficial nerve protection.
T
his coming January a new federal administration will begin asking questions about how to address our national health-care crisis. Almost every voter in the country agrees that the status quo is unacceptable.
We at the National MS Society certainly agree with the impact of under-insurance, uninsurability, lack of coverage for maintenance or off-label therapies, disparities in quality and availability of care—especially of long-term services—and the consequences of inconsistent and expensive medical recordkeeping are all harmful to those of us in the MS world. Last May, the National Board of Directors unanimously adopted a set of health-care reform principles to guide our active participation in the national discussion. Our board leads a movement that seeks a world in which we may live as powerfully and productively as possible, despite what MS may do. Based on that, we agreed on We believe meaningful healthseven principles, listed in the box. care reform must involve these The full principles are, like MS itself, complex. You seven principles: can find the complete text at nationalMSsociety .org/healthcareprinciples or by calling us at 1. Accessible health-care coverage 1-800-344-4867. I urge you to get it, read it, talk 2. Affordable health-care services about it with family, friends and associates, and to and coverage send copies to your elected officials. 3. Standards for coverage of specific treatments Fixing our health-care system will involve federal, 4. Elimination of disparity in state and local action. We will need all your health care voices to ensure that these priorities are taken 5. Comprehensive high-quality seriously when reforms are in planning stages. health care available to all. Times are not easy, and the economy may take 6. Increased value of health care time to regain momentum. People with MS can 7. Access to high-quality longand should contribute to a renewal. But we know term supports and services that productivity of all kinds hinges on enabling people with chronic illness or disabilities to live their best lives. This in turn requires having access to high-quality medical care. To learn more about the Society’s health-care reform activities and to join in, call 1-800-3444867 or visit nationalMSsociety.org/advocacy.
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 15
ADVOCACY
An Invitation to Join a National Discussion by Weyman T. Johnson, Jr., Chair, National Board of Directors
MONEY MATTERS
What’s Your Financial I.Q.? by Natalie Karlin Can medical expenses reduce my taxes?
Does it make sense to transfer medical debt to a credit card?
∫ Specific rules must be met on what
∫ It only eliminates the debt to the
percentage of income went to medical expenses for tax deductible status. See IRS publication 502 or visit www.irs. gov/publications/p502/index.html. ∫ An air-conditioner can be a medical
expense according to the IRS! ∫ Before purchasing a wheelchair,
check with a tax adviser about your medical plan’s specific restrictions and deduction status.
medical provider. ∫ The debt still exists to the credit card
company but isn’t considered “medical.” ∫ Medical expenses can be used to
offset income in many states which could make you eligible for Medicaid or other assistance programs based on a “medically needy” status.
Answer: Yes, if you meet requirements.
Answer: The best option is to negotiate a payment plan with the medical provider.
Is it wise to take a loan from a 401k to pay off debt?
Is it possible to reduce education loan payments?
Some 401k plans do allow loans against funds already contributed to the plan. Factors to consider
∫ Contact the agency or organization
∫ How much is in the 401k? ∫ How enormous is the debt? ∫ Can it be paid off without the loan? ∫ What is the person’s cash flow?
Answer: Once that money is taken out, it is not growing for future benefits.
that provided the loan. Qualifications exist for some forms of payment relief. Take action before late fees are charged. ∫ Under the U.S. Department of
Education, a completely disabled individual can qualify for a loan to be forgiven. But strict rules apply. Visit http://www.ed.gov/index.jhtml. Answer: It’s worth trying.
Where to turn for help: The Society has enlisted 600 volunteer financial advisers nationwide to give free advice through The Financial Education Partners Program. Call us. Guidestar.com verifies a nonprofit’s legitimacy regarding credit counseling services. Bankrate.com can figure how much of a monthly credit card payment goes to pay down the original debt. Natalie Karlin is a freelance reporter who was diagnosed with MS in 2005. 16 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
As the year draws to a close, many of our donors engage in crucial tax planning. If you are in the 33% federal tax bracket and have a taxable income of $250,000 or more for 2008, you can make an unrestricted gift of $20,000 to support our mission and save $6,600 in taxes ($20,000 x 33%). Additional savings on state taxes are also possible. Whatever your income may be, the IRS allows you considerable benefits for your charitable gifts to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
2008 Federal Income Tax Rate Schedule Rate
Single Taxpayers
Married, Filing Jointly
10%
$0 – 8,205
$0 – 16,050
15%
$8,206 – 32,550
$16,501 – 65,100
25%
$32,551 – 78,850
$65,101 – 131,450
28%
$78,851 – 164,550
$131,451 – 200,300
33%
$164,551 – 357,700
$200,301 – 357,700
35%
$357,701 +
$357,701 +
When you are conducting your year-end giving, financial and tax planning, please consider making a gift to help people affected by MS. This year, more than ever, families affected by MS are facing daunting challenges that go beyond the current economic crisis. You can help meet these growing needs by making a gift to the Chapter. Help others and reduce your taxes. What a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays! For more information, please contact David Hartman at david.hartman@nmss.org or 415-230-6678
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 17
MONEY MATTERS
Reduce Your Taxable Income With a Gift to the Chapter
SELF-HELP GROUPS
Northern California Self-Help Groups Alameda County
Napa 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, Tracey 510-670-8633 Oakland: Latinos, Elsa 510-777-1414 Tri-Valley Pleasanton, Mary Beth 925-829-0832
Napa, Colin 707-944-2262 or Penelope 707-265-9680
Contra Costa County Brentwood: MS for lunch bunch, Kathy 925-286-7674 or Julie 925-513-4686 Mt. Diablo (Concord), John and Janis 925-372-0859 or Oscar 925-673-0984 (Call between 6:30-8:30pm Mon-Thurs.) El Cerrito, Sylvia 510-559-9319 Richmond, Vanda 510-559-1898
El Dorado County Placerville, Fred and Stacey 530-644-1188
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 18 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
Nevada County Grass Valley, Helen 530-268-3127 or 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 Forum, Dolores 415-467-6186 or David 415-585-9851 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
Stanislaus County
San Mateo, Eli 650-377-1970 San Mateo, George 650-593-5154
Modesto, Pati 209-524-8329 Turlock, Bill 209-664-1427 or Frances 209-667-2184
Santa Clara County Milpitas, Indu 510-656-3408 Palo Alto, Phyllis 650-321-9081 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
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
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
Looking for Research Participants
NEW – Now Forming! Yreka, Wynonna 530-842-1849
If you have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis you may consider participating in a clinical study of a new investigational oral medication.
Solano County
You must:
Siskiyu County
Vacaville, Debrah 707-447-9603 (before 7:00 pm) or Marian 707-422-7515 Vallejo, Marian 707422-7515 Solano County Group, Pam 707-745-3704
∫ Be between 18 and 55 years of age ∫ Have a diagnosis of relapsing remitting
MS
Sonoma County
∫ Have experienced at least one relapse
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
For more information visit www.msclinicalstudies.com or call the UC Davis study coordinator, Janelle Butters, RN, at 916-734-6276.
within the past 12 months
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 19
SELF-HELP GROUPS
San Mateo
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID San Francisco, CA Permit N0. 160
1700 Owens Street, Suite 190 San Francisco, CA 94158
Care Management Program Assists Society Members in Need The major winter holidays are among us, and at first glance, there are many reasons to celebrate, to be joyous, and to cultivate gratitude. For many persons with multiple sclerosis and limited funds, the holiday season can be a stressful experience. The Northern California Chapter is proud to be a part of alleviating some of this stress by providing extra support around the holidays. The Care Management Program is the newest client service for the people in Northern California living with multiple sclerosis. The program serves individuals and families whose chronic long-term care needs can no longer be solely met by family and friends. This program also assists families in navigating a fragmented and confusing healthcare and social service delivery system in order to access services and programs that support community living and avoid premature institutionalized care. The goal of our Care Management Program is to coordinate social, economic, and health care resources to meet individual needs and prevent costlier care. Care Management and Financial Assistance Programs have an immediate and direct effect on people with the highest level of need. This type of support would not be possible without the generous gifts of our donors. If you, or someone you know, would be interested in contributing to, or would like more information about our Care Management or Financial Assistance Programs, please contact Jaclyn Smoczynski at 1-800-344-4867, option 2, ext. 2002.