SPRING 2016 PACIFIC SOUTH COAST CHAPTER HAWAIIAN ISLANDS
MS CONNECTION NEWSLETTER ! S M K L A W T A S U N I JO
INSIDE 03 THIS ISSUE
JOIN US AT BIKE MS 2016!
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GET INSPIRED TO WALK WITH US!
UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
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MS CONNECTION: SPRING 2016
OUR PROMISE IS DAUNTING AND SO POWERFUL. PEOPLE AFFECTED BY MS CAN LIVE THEIR BEST LIVES AS WE STOP MS IN ITS TRACKS, RESTORE WHAT HAS BEEN LOST AND END MS FOREVER. CONNECT WITH US ONLINE: MShawaii.org Like us: facebook.com/ NationalMSSociety HawaiiDivision Watch us: youtube.com/MSpacific
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
TOGETHER, WE ARE STRONGER Aloha! 2016 is in full swing, and we are excited to share all that is being done across the islands at the National MS Society! Excitement is growing as we approach Walk MS season. This spring, we will offer four different Walk MS events throughout the Hawaiian Islands. To find the Walk location on your island, please visit WalkMS.org. Register today and join over 550,000 participants across the country who walk to raise funds to fight MS. April 10-16, we celebrate National Volunteer Week! Join me in thanking the thousands of volunteers who selflessly give their time and energy to support millions of people affected by MS worldwide. Each person makes a difference, and together we are stronger. Each step you take and every dollar you raise brings us all closer to a world free of MS. Invite your friends, ohana, and colleagues to join you and start a Walk MS team today! A hui hou,
Candice Schwalbach Director
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NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
FUNDING THE MISSION
BIKE MS: GO BIG OR GO HOME! SPONSORED BY:
The 2016 Bike MS: Go Big or Go Home ride in Waikoloa will take place October 29 & 30, 2016. The journey covers 115 miles and includes beautiful views of the scenic West Hawaii coastline, from Kona to North Kohala. On October 29, cyclists will head north to take on 60 miles, riding to the charming town of Hawi and back. The following day, October
30, riders will finish the remaining 55 miles, heading south to the Vitamin Shoppe at Kona Commons Shops and then back to Waikoloa for the celebration party on the beach, sponsored by Lava Lava Club. Cyclists of all levels are encouraged to join this fully supported ride which features rest stops every 7-10 miles and SAG vehicles ready to pick you up at any point. Our Presenting Sponsor, Marriott Waikoloa, will be off ering special rates for Bike MS participants, which will be included in your rider packet. If you are traveling from a different island or out of state, our amazing sponsors, Bikeworks and Cycle Station, are ready to take care of your cycling needs!
REGISTER TO RIDE OR VOLUNTEER TODAY! October 29 - 30, 2016 bikemshawaii.org
NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY Pacific South Coast Chapter, Hawaii 950 Kamehameha Hwy, Box 822291 Pearl City, HI 96782 1-808-532-0806 Chapter President: Richard V. Israel Hawaii Director: Candice Schwalbach Editor & Design: Christine Wiley Associate Editor: Jenna Tucker Associate Designer: Nare Ovsepian Š 2016 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Pacific South Coast Chapter
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 2016
SUPPORTING THE MISSION
ROCK THE WALK WITH THESE STEPS!
RECRUIT!
CELEBRATE!
“I was diagnosed with MS in 2007 and participate in Walk MS year after year. Let’s fight MS together, one step at a time!” - Rick
“The best thing about Walk MS isn’t just that it is done in paradise, it’s that people of all ages come to together to find a cure and support those with MS. There’s no better way to spend a Saturday than supporting Walk MS in Hawaii. Friends and family get to have a blast on the field and create awareness for the cause!” -Carli
WE’RE STRON
GER
TOGETHER
FUNDRAISE! Team Captain Cindy has led her team to success with their famous and clever fundraising idea—they raffle off an awesome beach cruiser the day of the Walk! Since 2003, Cindy’s team has raised an incredible $181,695 for Walk MS!
April 2 - Oahu Aloha Stadium April 9 - Maui Maui Ocean Center May 7 - Hilo (Hawai’i) Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium
WALKMS.ORG
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NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
VOLUNTEERS MAKE IT HAPPEN
UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WALK MS & BIKE MS ALL ISLANDS From set up crew to ticket takers, we need your help! Let Melissa Michaels know if you belong to any organizations seeking volunteer hours including student clubs, military personnel, volunteer clubs, religious organizations, or any other groups. All major events require attending a pre-event volunteer meeting and will take place within a few weeks of each event. HAVE YOU BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH MS? The Living with MS program is new in 2016 and honors those who are diagnosed with MS and participate in Walk MS. Receive a Living with MS shirt and other special recognition during the event. Connect with others. Inspire others. And let those who are newly diagnosed know that they aren’t alone. Simply designate on your registration form that you have MS. WE’RE STRONGER TOGETHER.
REGISTER TODAY! WALKMS.ORG | 1-855-372-1331
SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Walk MS Kauai: March 26 Oahu: April 2 Maui: April 9 Big Island (Hilo): May 7 Bike MS Hawaii Island (Waikoloa): October 29-30 Please contact Melissa Michaels for more information on volunteering at melissa.michaels@nmss.org or 808-532-0806.
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 AT 808-532-0806 TO GET STARTED.
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MS CONNECTION: SPRING 2016
TALK STORY GROUPS
Maui Self-Help Group Meeting 3rd Thursdays (currently on break) Kaunoa Senior Citizens Center 401 Alakapa Pl, Paia, HI 96779 Ellen Lundquist and Joyce Macdougall Co-Facilitators
The National MS Society’s self-help groups, 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. For more information, call 808-532-0811 or 800-344-4867, or visit MSConnection.org.
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, 10:00am Dial 1-888-279-3775, Code: 4001# Mary, Group Facilitator from the Greater Northwest Chapter
Oahu Windward Talk Story Meeting 3rd Wednesdays, 6:00pm - 7:30pm St. John Vianney Parish Community 920 Keolu Drive, Kailua (Oahu) Parish Office Building David Burton, Group Facilitator
Kona Self-Help Group 2nd Sundays, 3:00pm - 4:30pm Club Rehab (within Th e Club Kona) 75-5699 Kopiko Street, Kailua-Kona John Moore, Facilitator
Kauai Talk Story Meeting 1st Wednesday, 5:30pm - 7:00pm This group travels to diff erent areas of the island each month. Mary Kay Hertog 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.
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 • Maui Young Adults
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own Pare A I D not A D V actual E R T I S E Msize) ENT
SUPPORT FOR YOUR MS IS LOOKING UP The Above MS™ program from Biogen™ is here for you with tips, tools, and inspiration for your MS—and so much more. There are many benefits to joining the Above MS program. As a member, you’ll get extra help from those who understand MS, including: • One-on-one MS support over the phone • A community of peers • Tips and education designed to help with different aspects of your life • Information about Biogen relapsing MS treatment options • Financial and insurance support (if you’re eligible) • 24/7 support from Nurse Educators Please keep in mind that your doctor is always your primary resource when it comes to your MS and your treatment.
Get extra support from the Above MS program. Sign up now at AboveMS.com or call 1-800-456-2255.
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MARK YOUR
CALENDARS APRIL 2:
Walk MS: Oahu at Aloha Stadium
9:
Walk MS: Maui at Maui Ocean Center
MAY 7:
Walk MS: Hilo at Edith Kanakaole
Tennis Stadium
SEPTEMBER 24:
MS Dinner Auction at Hawai’i
State Art Museum
OCTOBER 29-30: Bike MS: Go Big or Go Home! Sponsored by Marriott