SPRING 2015 Pacific South Coast Chapter - HAWAII
MS Connection Newsletter
GET INVOLVED WITH THE SOCIETY TODAY! DETAILS ON EVERY PAGE.
INSIDE 03 THIS ISSUE
BIKE MS: GO BIG OR GO HOME!
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GET INVOLVED AS A VOLUNTEER
Find emotional support
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR UPCOMING EVENTS
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MS connection: spring 2015
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
HOW WILL YOU SPREAD MS AWARENESS? The month of March focuses on spreading awareness about MS and sharing success stories with the community. We are dedicated to educating our members and the public, providing a wealth of resources for those affected by MS, and will continue fueling progress to change lives.
Connect with us online: MShawaii.org Like us:
facebook.com/ NationalMSSociety HawaiiDivision
MS Awareness Week is our opportunity to increase awareness about MS and about the programs and services of the National MS Society. During MS Awareness Week, March 2-8, our Hawaii team of MS advocates met with public officials and legislators across the Hawaiian Islands. During these meetings they shared personal MS stories, discussed community growth, and participated in the signing of the proclamation. Sharing our personal stories about MS and discussing community growth allows the legislators and our advocates to create connections stronger than the ones that MS destroys. Visit our chapter website at MShawaii.org for more resources and information about MS. Learn how you can join the movement to help ensure people affected by MS live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever!
Watch us:
youtube.com/MSpacific
On the Cover: There are so many ways to connect with your friends and family! Keep reading this quarter’s edition to learn more about how to get involved with our chapter.
Candice Schwalbach Director, Hawaii
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nationalmssociety.org | 1-800-344-4867
FUNDING THE MISSION
BIKE MS: GO BIG OR GO HOME! The 2015 Bike MS: Go! Big or Go Home ride, in Waikoloa, will take place August 1st and 2nd. The ride covers 115 miles of the scenic West Hawaii coastline from Kona to North Kohala. On August 1st, riders head North to the charming town of Hawi and back for a total of 60 miles; on August 2nd riders complete the 115 miles by going South to the Vitamin Shoppe at Kona Commons Shops and head back to Waikoloa for a celebration party on the beach, sponsored by Lava Lava Club. All levels of riders are welcome! There are rest stops every 7-10 miles and SAG vehicles ready to pick you up at any point of the ride. Our Presenting sponsor the Hilton Waikoloa, offers special rates for those participating in Bike MS—a special code will be given in the rider packets. If you are traveling from a different island or are from out of state, Bikeworks or Cycle Station are amazing sponsors who are ready to meet your cycling needs.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Pacific South Coast Chapter - Hawaii 950 Kamehameha Hwy., Box 822291 Pearl City, HI 96782 Chapter President: Richard V. Israel Editor & Design: Rosie Chuong Associate Editor: Leslie Roach Associate Designer: Sheri Yee Director, Hawaii: Candice Schwalbach Š 2015 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Pacific South Coast Chapter, Hawaii Division
Bike MS participants
REGISTER TO RIDE OR VOLUNTEER TODAY! AUGUST 1 & 2 bikeMShawaii.org 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. The 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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MS connection: spring 2015
SUPPORTING THE MISSION
ROCK THE WALK! Want to know what it’s like being a team captain? We interviewed Rick Saunders, team captain of TEAM SAUNDERS, to get an inside scoop of what it means to lead a large and vibrant Walk MS team! What is your team name and how long has your team been in existence? TEAM SAUNDERS. We started our team back in 2008 with our first Walk MS at Ala Moana Beach. The #35 on our team shirts represent the number I wore playing football for the University of Hawaii, Rainbow Warriors football team (1983-1987). What is the most rewarding thing about being a team captain? The most rewarding part about being a team captain is bringing family and friends together to participate in an amazing fundraising event to find a cure for MS. To get the support from family and friends has been a rewarding and a humbling experience. Share one of your favorite team moments at Walk MS. Back in 2013, when our entire team participated in the water balloon toss and football toss! It was a blast. Watching all my family and friends participating and having a ton of fun. What is your favorite Walk MS moment? Every Walk MS that I participated in has been
Team Saunders
a unique experience and filled with incredible memories and moments. I just enjoy sitting back and watching the smiles on everyone’s faces. This year, we are looking at making TEAM SAUNDERS bigger than ever. Why do you participate in Walk MS? After being diagnosed with MS in 2007, I participate in Walk MS so that I can keep connected with an incredible support group as well as do my part in raising the necessary funds needed for research and development.
SIGN UP TO WALK OR VOLUNTEER TODAY! Visit walkMShawaii.org or call (808) 562-0806. April 4 - Kauai • April 18 - Maui April 25 - Honolulu • May 2 - Hilo
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nationalmssociety.org | 1-800-344-4867
Volunteers make it happen
UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Sam’s Club pearl city Fishnet Fundraisers & Celebrations
Walk MS & Bike MS All Islands
Join us: April 11 & 12, April 18 & 19, 10am - 2pm. Please help us recruit some volunteers! Let Thomas Rackleff know if you belong to any organizations seeking volunteer hours including student clubs, military personnel, volunteer clubs, religious organizations, or any other groups that would like to volunteer.
From set up crew to ticket takers, we need your help! Let Thomas Rackleff know if you belong to any organizations seeking volunteer hours including student clubs, military personnel, volunteer clubs, religious organizations, or any other groups that would like to volunteer. All major events require attending a pre-event volunteer meeting and will take place within a few weeks of each event.
Storefront Fish Netting includes asking for donations near the entrance and exit of the store, as well as handing out free balloons, cupcakes, MS awareness ribbons, and more. Children are welcome to volunteer with a parent or guardian.
Walk MS Kauai: April 4 Maui: April 18 Oahu: April 25 Big Island (Hilo): May 2
Summer College Student Internships Available
Bike MS Hawaii Island (Waikoloa): August 1-2
Gain some real-world experience with an internship! You’ll get to work side-by-side with chapter staff to learn what makes a non-profit organization tick! It’s a great resume builder! • Marketing and Public Relations • Health and Wellness • Fundraising and Development
VOLUNTEER TODAY! Call us a (808) 532-0805 to get started!
Please contact Thomas Rackleff for more information on volunteering at athomas.rackleff@nmss.org or 808-532-0805.
06 EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
TALK STORY GROUPS The National MS Society’s self-help, otherwise known as Talk Story Meetings, are groups for individuals with MS, their families, friends, and other care partners. Members gather regularly for the purpose of sharing common experiences and concerns, providing and receiving emotional support, and obtaining information on living and coping with MS. Oahu Windward Talk Story Meeting 3rd Wednesday, 6:00pm - 7:30pm St. John Vianney Parish Community, 920 Keolu Drive, Kailua (Oahu) Parish Office Building Milton McAngus, Group Facilitator 808-728-0200 Kauai Talk Story Meeting 1st Wednesday, 5:30 - 7:00pm This group travels to different areas of the island each month. Please call Joy for more information at 808 - 635-8065. Joy Ortiz-Zimmer and Laurie Weber, Group Co-Facilitators Kauai Caregivers The group meets based on participant availability and communicates regularly through an email thread. Please contact Candice Schwalbach at 808-532-0808 for more information.
MS connection: spring 2015
Maui Self-Help Group Meeting 3rd Thursday of the month Kaunoa Senior Citizens Center 401 Alakapa Pl, Paia, HI 96779 Please contact Ellen for more information at 808-250-4630. Ellen Lundquist and Joyce Macdougall, Co-Facilitators Maui Caregivers Meeting time and location will be finalized March 2014. Please contact Julie Bridle at 808-205-5132 for more information. STAY AT HOME SELF-HELP GROUP Can’t make one of the on-site meetings? This free teleconference allows you to participate in a Self-Help Group Meeting by phone with people from the West Coast of the United States. 3rd Wednesday, 10:00 am Dail 1-888-279-3775, Code: 4001# Mary, Group Facilitator from the Greater Northwest Chapter Talk Story Groups Starting Soon Interested in starting a Talk Story Group? Call: 808-532-0805. • Oahu Leeward • Hilo Professionally-Led • Honolulu Young Adults • Honolulu Retirees Volunteer & Talk Story Go Online! Please visit MSConnection.org to connect with other people living with MS online!
nationalmssociety.org | 1-800-344-4867
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Friday, April 24, 2015 6:00 PM Pacific Pineapple Room at Macy's 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard Honolulu, HI 96813 Leo Maher, MD, MHA Honolulu, HI
TR282260 (1208318)
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950 Kamehameha Hwy. Box 822291 Honolulu, HI 96827
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID San Diego, CA Permit # 451
mark your
calendars August
April 4: Kauai Walk MS at Kapa’a Beach Park and Bike Path 18: Maui Walk MS at Maui Tropical Plantation 25: Honolulu Walk MS at Aloha Stadium
May 2:
Hilo Walk MS at Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium
1-2: Bike MS: Go Big or Go Home!