MS Connection, Summer 2015 issue by National MS Society, Upper Midwest Chapter

SUMMER 2015 UPPER MIDWEST CHAPTER

MS CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

THE LATEST RESEARCH ON PROGRESSIVE MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

INSIDE 04 THIS ISSUE

SOCIETY INVESTS $28 MILLION IN RESEARCH

ACTIVISTS URGE CHANGE IN D.C.

UNDERSTANDING PROGRESSIVE MS

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

2 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. The National MS Society’s medical advisors recommend that people with MS talk with their health care professionals about using these medications and about effective strategies and treatments to manage symptoms. If you or someone you know has MS, please visit nationalMSsociety.org or call 800-582-5296 to learn more.

MS CONNECTION: SUMMER 2015

CAN YOU HELP US? If you’re able to make an in-kind donation to the Upper Midwest Chapter, contact Mark at 612-335-7970, 800-582-5296 (option 2) or mark.turbak@nmss.org. To see the full in-kind list, visit MSsociety.org and click “Donate,” then select “Other ways to give.” Needed items: n Pitney Bowes D380 Inserter n

Power pallet jack

Bike rack

Digital photo printer

Gift cards (restaurants, convenience stores, etc.)

NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY Upper Midwest Chapter 200 12th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55415 800-582-5296 Board chair: Larry Schmid Chapter president: Holly Anderson Editor: Maggie Flanagan Design: Sue Schweitzer © 2015 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Upper Midwest Chapter

Concert and event tickets

Jump drives (portable storage devices)

Gift basket items for silent auctions

Paper cutter

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 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 or any product or service mentioned.

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LETTER FROM THE BOARD CHAIR CONNECT WITH US ONLINE If you wish to receive MS Connection via email, please let us know at editor@MSsociety.org. Upper Midwest Chapter MSsociety.org editor@MSsociety.org Like us: facebook.com/ UpperMidwestMS Follow us: twitter.com/ UpperMidwestMS Watch us: tinyurl.com/ UpperMidwestVideos Find us: @UpperMidwest MS

We’re only midyear, and already we’ve made tremendous progress toward reaching our 2015 goals! Most importantly, we continue to make valuable connections that fuel progress toward the ultimate goal: a world free of MS. If you’ve participated in a fundraising event, donated your time and talent by volunteering, attended a program, met with a local legislator, connected with your community MS group or generously supported the National MS Society with a financial gift — THANK YOU! Writing the Society’s 2016 Strategic Plan is underway. Strategic plans, which help guide Society work and ensure people with MS can live their best lives, are greatly influenced by your feedback and how you wish to make a mark on the movement to end MS. Plus, I’ve been a part of this movement for long enough to know that these plans happen thanks to passionate staff and people like you. Exciting times are ahead! The National MS Society is considered the number one resource for people with MS — a responsibility we take very seriously. Additionally, the Society funds more MS research and more programs and services than any other MS organization in the world. We remain committed to this work, and to creating opportunity for everyone who wants to do something about MS. There’s a lot of information within this issue for ways you can get involved, including a handful of education programs being hosted across our chapter area. Together, we are the MS movement. Let’s finish the year strong! n

MS CONNECTION: SUMMER 2015

NEWS

MS RESEARCH IN THE UPPER MIDWEST

Alexander Boyden, Ph.D., was granted more than $160,000 to study immunology in mice with an MS-like disease at the University of Iowa. Also at the University of Iowa, Stanley Perlman, M.D., Ph.D., will receive more than $500,000 in research funding to study the biological mechanism of demyelination (the damage to the fatty covering around nerves).

The Society has committed $28 million to support an expected 84 new research projects aimed at stopping MS, restoring function and ending the disease forever. Diet, gut bacteria, myelin repair and patient-centered wellness are among the many being explored, including three new projects in the upper Midwest.

Nearly $610,000 was awarded to Isobel Scarisbrick, Ph.D., at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., who will lead a study in promoting myelin repair.

NEWS

option. Runners who participated on the Finish MS team helped raise awareness and funds to support people living with multiple sclerosis.

FINISH MS PARTNERS WITH GRANDMA’S MARATHON The Upper Midwest Chapter is excited to announce a new partnership with Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, Minn. This year’s marathon took place Saturday, June 20, and featured a half-marathon

Learn more about all 84 new research projects at nationalmssociety.org/Research/ Research-We-Fund. n

In addition to Grandma’s, Finish MS also has a Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon team. The Medtronic Twin Cities marathon weekend begins Oct. 3. Both Finish MS teams hope to raise nearly $40,000 this year. Registration for both events includes a Finish MS running singlet, running hat, personal fundraising Web page, pre-event pasta dinner, festive finish line experience and more! For more information, visit FinishMS.org or call Cindy at 612-335-7924. n

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NEWS

MS RECHARGE AND RECONNECT Starting in 2015, Majestic Shores Resort (formerly known as MS Camp) will be offered in a new format with a new name. MS Recharge and Reconnect (MS R&R) — a three-night retreat held at Camp Courage in Maple Lake, Minn. — will be held Sept. 14–17. Camp guests can connect with other people with MS at a beautiful, lake-side setting, and “take a break” from the daily challenges of living with a chronic illness. MS R&R will be held in partnership with True Friends at Camp Courage. While we require people to be independent and/or bring their own caregiver or personal care attendant (PCA), we will offer some scholarships for both people with MS and their caregivers. Limited funds for transportation will be available as well. More details about the application process and financial assistance options, as well as information on how to fundraise to cover your participation fee, are available at nationalMSsociety.org/RandR. Or, you can call Jeannie at 612-335-7939. If you aren’t able to attend MS R&R, please visit truefriends.org for other connection opportunities available through True Friends. n

MS CONNECTION: SUMMER 2015

VOLUNTEER

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT MAUREEN PATCH (RIGHT) PICTURED WITH HER DAUGHTER TAYLOR Last winter, Maureen Patch reached out to the Upper Midwest Chapter in search of ways she could help raise MS awareness in the Sioux Falls community. Maureen, who was diagnosed with MS in 2008, said “I started volunteering because I want to set an example for my children and show them that they will feel better about themselves when they do things for others.”

Maureen has completed a tremendous amount of volunteer projects in Sioux Falls — so many that Society staff refer to her as the “Sioux Falls Volunteer Super Star.” In addition to reaching out to local businesses during MS Awareness Week, coordinating an MS Awareness night with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, hosting an MS Zumba class and now facilitating quarterly MS programs, Maureen captains a Walk MS team and will cheer on cyclists at the Bike MS: Sanford Health Sioux Falls Ride this fall. And that’s not at all! With every project, she goes above and beyond what is asked of her. “Whether it’s your sister, your mom, your best friend or yourself getting involved, the only way we can end this disease is by working together,” said Maureen. “If we sit back and do nothing, that is what we’ll get.” Thank you, Maureen, for all you do to support people living with MS! n

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES The Upper Midwest Chapter is almost halfway through its fundraising event season, and we would love your help ending the year strong! Please visit MSsociety.org for remaining volunteer opportunities, including Walk MS and Bike MS events, Challenge Walk MS, MuckFest® MS and more. Administrative volunteers are needed year-round, and we’ll be posting fall/winter internships shortly. Check out the volunteer pages for up-to-date positions at MSsociety.org.

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EVENTS

ON THE MOVE LUNCHEON TO BE HOSTED AUG. 13

Keynote speaker and Emmy award-winningjournalist Mary Lahammer has been a program host and political reporter for Twin Cities Public Television since 1998. Mary was named one of the best Capitol reporters in America by The Washington Post, best TV Reporter by Minnesota Monthly and best newscaster by City Pages Magazine. In 2013, for the first time publicly, Mary shared her MS diagnosis. She recently won several regional Emmys, including one for the piece in which she shared her MS story. The MS Scholarship Program awarded more than $100,000 to 79 students for the 2015-2016 school year. Join us at the this year’s On the Move Luncheon and help stop MS from standing in the way of an education. Special thanks to our presenting sponsor

KEYNOTE SPEAKER AND AWARD-WINNINGJOURNALIST MARY LAHAMMER The 16th annual On the Move Luncheon will be hosted Thursday, Aug. 13, at The Depot in Minneapolis to support the MS Scholarship Program and recognize the importance of secondary education. Gifts made at the event help students realize their dreams of going to college despite the financial burden multiple sclerosis might impose on their families. The luncheon includes delicious food, exciting live and silent auctions — including items such as gift baskets, spa packages, Minnesota Twins suite tickets, vacation destinations and more — and inspirational speakers.

PURCHASE YOUR SEAT To learn more about the On the Move Luncheon and purchase your seat, visit MSsociety.org and select “Fundraising Events” or contact Megan at 612-335-7925. Turn to page 13 for a list of other upcoming summer and fall fundraising events.

8 LIVING WELL WITH MS

STORIES OF A FATHER BY THERESA MOORE

CRAIG AND MICHELLE WITH THEIR PARENTS, FRASER AND MARIAN Fraser Robinson III never let multiple sclerosis get in the way of living a full and meaningful life. That attitude is part of the legacy he left to his two children, ESPN broadcaster Craig Robinson and First Lady Michelle Obama. “People ask me all the time, ‘What did your parents do?’ and they look at my sister Michelle, and they look at me. I tell them our parents never held us back. They never let MS hold us back.” Robinson told this story to 700 guests at a fundraising luncheon for the National MS Society that raised $350,000 for research, programs and services for people affected by MS.

MS CONNECTION: SUMMER 2015

The elder Robinson was diagnosed with MS when Craig and Michelle were very young. Although their father walked with a pronounced limp that progressed over the years, they never thought of him as being anything less than fully able to work, play and enjoy life. Regaling the crowd with anecdotes of growing up with Michelle — “a health nut, even back then” — Robinson recalled that his dad never missed more than a few days working the swing shift at the Chicago Water Department and was always there as a steady presence in his family’s lives. “I do not know where I would be if I hadn’t seen my dad battle this disease with such courage and with such grace. I don’t know who I would be,” he said. “In a funny way, MS has had a profoundly positive effect on my life.” n Theresa Moore is a regular volunteer for the Society. Originally published in Greater Northwest’s MS Connection newsletter. The National MS Society’s Family Matters group at MSconnection.org is an online community for everyone — children, brothers, sisters, parents or other relatives of people with MS — who are affected by the disease. Visit nationalMSsociety.org and search for “Family Matters,” or call 800-344-4867, to access videos, care partners guides and a range of materials for children and teenagers affected by MS.

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ADVOCACY

LOCAL ACTIVISTS URGE CHANGE IN D.C. FROM LEFT, MS ADVOCATES: EMILY BLOSBERG, BILL MACNALLY AND ANDREA BLOSBERG Every year in March, the National MS Society holds its Public Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. to bring together MS Advocates from around the country to discuss policy issues with members of Congress. This year, more than 320 volunteer advocates attended the conference including 10 volunteers who represented the Upper Midwest Chapter. Thank you, advocates! Emily and Andrea Blosberg (Shoreview, MN) n Jenny Grise (Coon Rapids, MN) n Kathy Ford (North Liberty, IA) n Karen and Phil Johnson (Sioux Falls, SD) n Amy Kuzmack (Sioux Falls, SD) n Bill MacNally (Blaine, MN) n Lorisa Newman (Beulah, ND) n Dawn Tuveson (Woodbury, MN) n

Volunteers shared their experiences of living with MS and met with members of Congress and their staffs on several important policy issues.

Chapter advocates attended meetings with the offices of all 22 members of Congress from Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, including meetings with Senators Joni Ernst (IA), Heidi Heitkamp (ND), Mike Rounds (SD) and John Thune (SD). n

PUBLIC POLICY CONFERENCE ISSUES NEURODATA BILL This bill (H.R. 292/ S.849) creates a system to track and collect data on the prevalence of neurological diseases, including MS. Having this information could help find the cause and a cure for MS.

COMPLEX REHAB TECHNOLOGY This bill (H.R. 1516) streamlines access to specialized wheelchairs and other equipment under Medicare, while also exempting these products from Medicare’s “in-the-home” restriction. The bill also enhances quality standards by requiring suppliers to be accredited and have qualified staff to service and repair products.

RESEARCH FUNDING Advocates supported a request for $10 million in Federal funding from the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program and a $32 billion general research appropriation to the National Institutes of Health.

10 RESEARCH

UNDERSTANDING PROGRESSIVE MS

In a recent issue of Lancet Neurology, top researchers and patient advocates reviewed the latest research on progressive multiple sclerosis, outlining recent advances and urging the MS research community to focus on finding solutions for people who are affected by this form of the disease. The authors review the state of knowledge and recent advances, and make specific recommendations for studying disease mechanisms, developing innovative new ways to conduct clinical trials, and finding better ways to manage symptoms. They also highlight the efforts of the International Progressive MS Alliance, a growing global initiative to end progressive MS, as a major step forward in achieving these goals. The National MS Society is a founding member of the Progressive MS Alliance. Following are highlights from these papers:

MS CONNECTION: SUMMER 2015

WHAT CAUSES PROGRESSION? Drs. Don Mahad (University of Edinburgh), Bruce Trapp (Cleveland Clinic) and Hans Lassmann (Medical University of Vienna) review an ever-increasing understanding of the kind of nervous system damage that leads to progressive disability in people with MS. These include oxidative injury (a process wherein â&#x20AC;&#x153;free radicals,â&#x20AC;? normal byproducts of bodily processes, cause nerve tissue injury) and injury to the mitochondria (energy-producing bodies within nerve cells). These injuries, generally thought to be launched by MS attacks, are then amplified by age-related changes in brain activation. Much progress has been made, however, there is a need for laboratory models that truly represent the chronic stages of injury in MS to move this research forward.

HOW TO TREAT MS SYMPTOMS? Drs. Anthony Feinstein (University of Toronto), Jenny Freeman (Plymouth University) and Albert Lo (Brown University) review clinical trials of treatments or rehabilitation focusing on MS symptoms. Their main finding is that too few studies involve people with progressive MS only, and that more studies are sorely needed to determine effectiveness in this population. Research on treatments for symptoms also takes on greater significance in the absence of disease-modifying therapies for progressive stages of MS. The authors suggest that testing several interventions at once may launch research in this area forward.

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LESSONS LEARNED Drs. Daniel Ontaneda (Cleveland Clinic), Robert Fox (Cleveland Clinic) and Jeremy Chataway (Queen Square, University College London) review the frustrating history of negative results from phase III treatment trials in people with progressive MS. Their comprehensive review offers lessons learned and concrete strategies for turning these lessons to positive outcomes. These include the need for better clinical measures of effectiveness, including cognitive testing and patient-reported outcomes; recommendations for better trial designs and conducting trials for at least 36 months; and using advanced imaging tools and spinal fluid biomarkers to track treatment benefits.

OVERCOMING BARRIERS Dr. Timothy Coetzee (National MS Society), Dr. Paola Zaratin (Italian MS Foundation) and MS blogger Trevis Gleason comment that increased focus is necessary in three areas: research collaboration; regulatory innovations; and sustained and increased research funding. The launch of the international Progressive MS Alliance, which just released its second request for research proposals to foster international collaboration, bodes well for better progress toward these goals.

A MUCH-NEEDED FOCUS Dr. Alan Thompson (University College London) states, “Every time a new treatment for

11 relapsing-remitting MS comes on the market, it serves to remind people with progressive MS that they are still waiting.” Dr. Thompson says the most fundamental issue in developing new treatments is the need to understand the events that lead to the development of progressive MS. A close second is the need for innovative trial design. He also encourages new approaches to rehabilitation. He notes that the Progressive MS Alliance, for which he serves as Chair of the Scientific Steering Committee, is focusing on this daunting challenge with a mission to develop effective treatments and symptom management.

“EVERY TIME A NEW TREATMENT FOR RELAPSING-REMITTING MS COMES ON THE MARKET, IT SERVES TO REMIND PEOPLE WITH PROGRESSIVE MS THAT THEY ARE STILL WAITING.” The series of articles published in the Lancet point to some significant progress made in addressing the challenges of progressive MS. However, it also points to the urgent need to solve these challenges. The Progressive MS Alliance is putting the framework and funding in place to help drive this research forward, with the sole objective of improving the lives of people with progressive MS. To learn more about the Progressive MS Alliance, visit progressivemsalliance.org. n

12 CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT

IHEARTMEDIA, INC. MAKES WAVES The National MS Society, Upper Midwest Chapter has a long-standing partnership with iHeartMedia, Inc. — a media company with the largest reach of any other television or radio outlet in America — to promote Society fundraising events happening in the Twin Cities area.

GIVING

IOWA MS AUCTION REACHES MILESTONE The annual MS Auction at Atlantic Iowa’s Fireside Lounge, held Friday, March 6, raised nearly $15,000 to support the National MS Society, Upper Midwest Chapter — bringing the event’s 19-year fundraising total to more than $225,000. “We’re immensely grateful to Mark Foegen for his passion and leadership these past 19 years, not to mention the outstanding generosity of the Atlantic community,” said Upper Midwest

MS CONNECTION: SUMMER 2015

In addition to six months of donated PSAs across all iHeartMedia stations (Alt 93.3, Cities 97, KFAN, KDWB, K102, KOOL 108, Laser 101.7 and 102.5 The Fox), iHeartMedia has provided lengthy air time for Society interviews, plus radio personalities from KDWB morning show created a Bike MS team for the Sam’s Club Twin Cities Ride! Thank you, iHeartMedia, for your help in changing the world for people affected by MS! Learn more about iHeartMedia, Inc. and their philanthropic work at iheartmedia.com. n

Chapter President Holly Anderson. “Events like these are truly helping to change the world for people with MS and end the disease forever.” Event organizer and owner of Fireside Lounge Mark Foegen has expressed his appreciation to the Atlantic community for supporting the event, of which 100 percent of the proceeds are directed to the Upper Midwest Chapter. In addition to all those who attend and donate each year, many local businesses and individuals have played a critical role in the auction’s continued success — from donating advertising and auction items to helping with event planning and execution. The Society continues to see success in Do It Yourself (DIY) fundraising events. If you’re interested in starting your own DIY event or would like to support an existing one, visit nationalMSsociety.org/DIY. n

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EVENTS

SOCIETY WINE AUCTION RAISES $85,000 This year’s A Taste of Generosity, held in West Des Moines, Iowa, raised a remarkable $85,000. This marks an impressive 10 percent increase over last year’s event! The event drew more than 200 attendees who opened their hearts and their pocketbooks to move us closer to a world free of MS. From fine wines to dinner with the Governor and First Lady — this year’s slate of silent and live auction items was impressive to say the least.

Save the date for the 2016 wine auction, to be hosted Friday, Jan. 15. Information will be posted soon at MSsociety.org. n

REMAINING 2015 EVENTS There’s still plenty of time to register for summer and fall fundraising events. To learn more and sign up, visit MSsociety.org and click “Fundraising Events.”

BIKE MS: THE RIDE ACROSS MINNESOTA (TRAM) July 23–28

BIKE MS: SANFORD HEALTH SIOUX FALLS RIDE Aug. 1

ON THE MOVE LUNCHEON, MINNEAPOLIS Aug. 13

BIKE MS: SANFORD HEALTH FARGO RIDE Aug. 15

A huge thank-you goes out to some of the very special people who went above and beyond to make A Taste of Generosity an incredible success: the 2015 Chairman Dr. Cass Franklin, auctioneer Simon Lambert, MS Ambassador Annie O’Dell and the hardworking members of the planning committee, plus Dr. Bruce Hughes, local physician Kelly Reed and James Stick of Des Moines Area Community College.

WALK MS: AVERA BRAIN AND SPINE INSTITUTE SOUTH DAKOTA WALK

Over the last two decades, A Taste of Generosity has raised more than $1 million to drive cutting-edge research all around the world and connect people with MS to the information and support they need to live their best lives.

Sept. 26

Sept. 19

MUCKFEST MS™ TWIN CITIES Sept. 19

WALK MS: SANFORD HEALTH NORTH DAKOTA WALK CHALLENGE WALK MS: TWIN CITIES Sept. 26–27

MS CONNECTION: SUMMER 2015

CHAPTER PROGRAMS

UPCOMING PROGRAMS Programs are free unless otherwise noted. For more information or to register for a listed program, visit MSsociety.org or call 800-582-5296 (option 1).

PROGRAM FEATURE MS OPEN HOUSES HOSTED THIS SUMMER Join Society staff and other people living with MS to learn what’s new in MS research, what’s going on at the National MS Society and how you can get involved in upcoming programs and events. MS Open Houses are free and open to anyone who wants to do something about MS now. Stay for the entire time or just pop in for a few minutes. You’ll have a chance to visit exhibit tables to learn about and register for upcoming programs, special events and volunteer opportunities. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP is encouraged but not required. Please join us at one of the following locations from 4 to 7 p.m. Sioux Falls, SD n Thursday, July 16 Moorhead, MN n Tuesday, Aug. 4 Bismarck, ND n Wednesday, Aug. 5

IOWA RESEARCH UPDATE Cedar Rapids n Sunday, Aug. 16, 2:30 p.m. Mercy Medical Center, Hallagan Education Center, 701 10th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 The Society is a driving force of MS research and treatment to stop disease progression, restore function and end MS forever. Join the Cedar Rapids MS Group to discuss research possibilities, participation and additional research resources. For more information, contact Carrie at 319-360-3563.

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WHEN I WALK Movie and Discussion Clive n Sunday, Sept. 20, 2 p.m. Walnut Ridge at Clive Senior Community, 1701 Campus Drive, Clive, IA 50325 Jason DaSilva was 25 years old and a rising independent filmmaker when a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis changed everything — and inspired him to make another film. When I Walk is a candid and brave chronicle of one young man’s struggle to adapt to the harsh realities of MS while holding on to his personal and creative life. Join the Clive MS Group to view When I Walk and take time afterward to discuss and ask questions. For more information, contact David at 515-556-5338.

MINNESOTA MOOD AND COGNITION IN MS St. Cloud n Wednesday, Sept. 9, 5 p.m. St. Cloud Public Library, 1300 W. St. Germain, St. Cloud, MN 56301 For more information, contact Betsy at 320-253-5421 or betsymahowald@gmail.com; Paulette at 320-253-6779; or Debbie at debbiewitte@q.com. Fergus Falls n Wednesday, Sept. 9, 11:30 a.m. St. James Episcopal Church, 321 W. South Lakeside Drive, Fergus Falls, MN 56537 For more information, contact Connie at 218-736-7285. Faribault n Tuesday, Sept. 15, 6 p.m. Shattuck-St. Mary’s Sports Complex, 1000 Shumway Ave., Faribault, MN 55021 For more information, contact Kurt at 507-210-1853 or kurt.klett@gmail.com. Mood, cognition and physical functioning are intricately entwined, and treating one area often brings profound improvement to other aspects of a person’s life. This informational program aims to increase your understanding of these symptoms and how to address them so that you feel empowered to live a fuller, more productive and satisfying life.

MS CONNECTION: SUMMER 2015

20S/30S WHIRLYBALL Maple Grove n Saturday, July 18, 3 p.m. WhirlyBall Twin Cities, 13644 80th Circle N., Maple Grove, MN 55369 Join us for an afternoon of WhirlyBall, a “sport” that combines basketball, hockey, lacrosse and bumper cars! Plus, meet other people in their 20s and 30s who live with MS or have a close connection the disease. Friends and family are welcome! Limited appetizers will be provided, but attendees must purchase their own beverages. Registration is not required.

RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM Minneapolis n Thursday, Sept. 10, 5:30 p.m. Ramada Plaza Minneapolis, 1330 Industrial Blvd. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413 Learn about the latest in multiple sclerosis treatments and research with MS expert Dr. Jan-Mendelt Tillema from the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Tillema will discuss what’s happening in MS research — including recent discoveries and novel therapies — as well as new treatments and what’s in the pipeline. Plus, you can visit exhibitor tables to learn more about drug therapy options available to people with MS. The deadline to register is Sept. 7.

YOUR IMPACT ON MS RESEARCH: LEARN VARIOUS WAYS YOU CAN PARTICIPATE IN MS RESEARCH Minneapolis n Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m. Sumner Library, 611 Van White Memorial Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55411 Researchers are committed to finding solutions for everyone affected by MS, but without participants in research studies, MS research would come to a standstill. People with MS, and sometimes family members, can make a difference by volunteering for clinical treatment trials and other research studies, or by donating their DNA from blood samples. There are other ways to participate in future studies through arrangements for tissue donation. This meeting is designed to generate conversation about research studies and how you might get involved. For more information, contact Linda at 612-290-9515 or MITnLIN@comcast.net; or Pam at 612-664-0182.

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FATIGUE: TAKE CONTROL Moorhead n Monday, Sept. 28, 11:30 a.m. Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1900 14th St. S., Moorhead, MN 56560 Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS and can significantly interfere with a person's ability to function at home and at work. This DVD program provides an overview for understanding fatigue and why it’s so common in MS; factors that can complicate and compound MS fatigue; and treatment considerations and options including fatigue management and overall wellness strategies. For information or to RSVP, contact DeeAnne at 701-361-6915 or lakepeople@midco.net.

NORTH DAKOTA FATIGUE: TAKE CONTROL Grand Forks n Tuesday, Sept. 8, 7 p.m. North Dakota Association for the Disabled, 2660 S. Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58201 Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS and can significantly interfere with a person’s ability to function at home and at work. This DVD program provides an overview for understanding fatigue and why it’s so common in MS; factors that can complicate and compound MS fatigue; and treatment considerations and options including fatigue management and overall wellness strategies. For information, contact Lee at 701-787-5164 or ljncpajd@gmail.com.

RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM Bismarck n Thursday, July 23, 5 p.m. Radisson Hotel Bismarck, 605 E. Broadway Ave., Bismarck, ND 58501 Wellness is a high priority for people living with MS. People want to know what they can do today to feel their best, and whether lifestyle interventions related to diet, exercise and emotional health can impact the course of the disease. Hear about steps being taken to address the unique wellness needs of people with MS; learn about exciting research exploring the role of exercise and strength training in MS; and identify wellness resources and tools to live your best life with MS.

MS CONNECTION: SUMMER 2015

SOUTH DAKOTA MOOD AND COGNITION IN MS Sioux Falls n Wednesday, Aug. 26, 6:30 p.m. Non-profit Center, 1000 North West Ave., Boardroom, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 For more information, contact Maureen at 605-376-7784. Spearfish n Friday, Sept. 11, 10:30 a.m. Spearfish Recreation Center, 122 Recreation Lane, Spearfish, SD 57783 For more information, contact Liz at 605-644-8921. Mood, cognition and physical functioning are intricately entwined, and treating one area often brings profound improvement to other aspects of a person’s life. This informational program aims to increase your understanding of these symptoms and how to address them so that you feel empowered to live a fuller, more productive and satisfying life.

STURGIS MS GROUP’S FIRST MEETING Sturgis n Monday, Sept. 14, 7 p.m. Sturgis Community Center, 1401 Lazelle St., Sturgis, SD 57785 Connect with other people who live in the Sturgis community and understand MS. Enjoy lively discussions, learn valuable information and ways to cope with challenges, have fun and be inspired. This group will meet monthly following the initial gathering in September. For more information, contact Jon at 605-651-7276.

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ANYWHERE UPCOMING TELELEARNING PROGRAMS The National MS Society telelearning program for people with multiple sclerosis and their families aims to provide information and guidance on current matters essential to living one’s best life with MS. Each free telelearning program features a topic-area expert by phone with online presentations and a Q&A session. Gender Differences in MS July 21, 6 p.m. CT/5 p.m. MT and July 23, 9 p.m. CT/8 p.m. MT Preparing for Doctors Visits Sept. 15, 6 p.m. CT/5 p.m. MT and Sept. 17, 9 p.m. CT/8 p.m. MT Learn more and reserve your spot at nationalMSsociety.org/telelearning or call 800-344-4867.

KEEP S’MYELIN: A FUN RESOURCE FOR KIDS ABOUT MS Keep S’myelin is a colorful, engaging, informative and reassuring newsletter to help children and their parents talk and learn about MS together. Each issue is filled with stories, interviews, games and activities that highlight a specific topic related to MS, as well as a special section just for parents. To receive your FREE subscription to Keep S’myelin, contact an MS Navigator at contactusnmss@nmss.org or call 800-344-4867. You and your family may also be interested in Digesting Science (youngms.org.uk/Home), an interactive website about MS designed specifically for children and teens.

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200 12th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55415-1255

CALL FOR BOARD NOMINATIONS The governance committee is considering candidates to serve on the Upper Midwest Chapter Board of Trustees. To propose a candidate, please mail your nomination to 200 12th Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415, by Aug. 3, 2015. The committee will select the best-qualified candidates and present a slate of nominees at the next annual meeting. Nominees will not be taken at the meeting.

MuckFest® MS is the fun mud & obstacle 5K that requires no special training, just a sense of humor. We’re also on a mission to end multiple sclerosis: 100% of your fundraising dollars benefit the National MS Society. Have a blast and make a difference!

FREE MATTER FOR THE BLIND OR HANDICAPPED

200 12th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55415-1255