GEORGIA CHAPTER
MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS | VOLUME 6 • EDITION 3
Walk MS
March 29 - April 26, 2014
In this Issue: Meet Our New Staff Page 2
Living With MS Fay’s Story Page 6
Research Updates Progress on MS Therapies Page 14
1-800-344-4867 Publication of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Georgia Chapter • 1117 Perimeter Center West, Ste. E101 • Atlanta, GA 30338 Chairman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William J. Holley II Vice Chairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annette Mengert
Cindy Nofi
Are you looking for a Self-Help Group or Peer Supporter in your community? Whether you just received a diagnosis or have been living with MS for a long time, the National MS Society, Georgia Chapter has impactful programs available to you where you can find support and experienced-based guidance on how to live your best life with MS.
Secretary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cherise Mlott Treasurer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keith Keller Chapter President . . . . . . . Roy A. Rangel
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society assumes no liability for the use of contents of any product or service mentioned. 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 National Multiple Sclerosis Society‘s mission is to mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. © 2013 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Georgia Chapter
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Self-Help Groups meet regularly for educational and social purposes, allowing members to express feelings and provide support to one another. Members share a belief that positive personal change can happen through individual effort with the support of others. Peer Supporters are trained individuals living with MS, or have a family member living with MS. Via telephone, our Peer Supporters offer information, companionship, emotional support and encouragement to peers living with MS. There is no cost to participate in a Self-Help Group or Peer Support Program. To request services or if you are interested in starting a Self-Help Group, call the Georgia Chapter Office at 1-800-344-4867 or e-mail Stephanie at Stephanie.Shapiro@nmss.org. See complete listing of Self-Help Groups in Georgia on Page 16.
MEET OUR NEW STAFF
Welcoming Russell (Rusty) Benton Rusty operates as the Event Specialist for the Georgia Chapter. Specifically, he works with the development team to put together all of the logistical pieces for Walk MS, Bike MS and other chapter related events. Rusty also serves as the Volunteer Manager, and is the primary contact person for volunteer or internship inquiries. Rusty was born in Chicago but raised just outside of Atlanta. Growing up he moved around quite a bit, but has always considered Atlanta home. He graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio with a degree in Business Management from the Williams College of Business. During his time at Xavier, he served as the Video Coordinator and Head Student Manager for the Top 25 Women’s Basketball Team. From Xavier, Rusty interned at World Sport Chicago and at the Fiesta Bowl. Rusty’s professional event related experience includes working at the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Family Sports Festival of Chicago, College Football’s Biggest Party and the Western & Southern Open.
Trina Samuels Join us in welcoming Trina Samuels as the new Marketing Specialist at the National MS Society, Georgia Chapter. Trina joined the Society on September 30, 2014. She is responsible for the development of comprehensive marketing and communication strategies and collateral materials that ensure consistency of brand and appropriate messaging. Trina came to us from Families First, Inc., a local nonprofit in Atlanta, where she served as the Executive Programs & Communications Assistant. Prior to that she was the Assistant Media Relations Director for Savannah State University’s Athletic Department and served in the AmeriCorps Vista program as a Marketing Representative at the Camden County Extension Office. Ms. Samuels is a 2008 graduate of Savannah State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications: Concentration in Public Relations, Advertising, and a minor in Sociology. Trina is a native of Orlando, Florida, and has lived in Atlanta going on two years. TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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MEET OUR NEW INTERNS
Quintana Lim-Tom
Sean Stankovich
My name is Quintana Lim-Tom. I am super excited that I’ve been granted the opportunity to intern at the National MS Society, Georgia Chapter. I was born in the Bronx, New York and then moved to Virginia where I lived for 9 years until moving to Georgia. I currently reside in Lawrenceville. I am in my last year at Georgia State University pursuing my Bachelors of Social Work degree. After graduation, I plan to pursue a master’s degree to become a clinical social worker.
My name is Sean Stankovich, and I will be serving as an intern at the National MS Society for the 20132014 school year. I am originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and have worked in the past as a program development assistant for a food bank and a domestic violence counselor. I completed my undergraduate degree in English and Psychology at Williams College in 2005. I will be completing the Masters of Social Work program at Georgia State University at the end of this year. I am interested in pursuing a career in medical social work and am thrilled at the opportunities available to me at the Society. I would love to get to know our members better and to be as much assistance to you as I can be over the next year. Feel free to contact me at the Society office any time!
While in school, my interest for social work developed. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be in a profession that helped people. The opportunity to intern at the National MS Society will give me the experience I need to be an effective social worker. I know that my experience here will be a great one!
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Tara Self Hi! My name is Tara Self, and I have recently joined the National MS Society, Georgia Chapter for the 20132014 school year as one of the Chapter Programs Interns. I am currently working towards obtaining my Master’s Degree in Social Work from Georgia State University with a concentration in community partnerships. I am excited to accumulate as much knowledge and experience as I can during my time with the National MS Society. I am motivated to apply the skills that I have already obtained as an MSW student to my work with the Society. I look forward to this upcoming year as I know I will be meeting many wonderful people, learning lifelong skills, and making memories that will last a life time. I am truly grateful for this opportunity that the National MS Society has given me and hope to contribute as much as I can to the vision for a world free of MS.
Know of anyone looking for a spring or summer internship? We are currently looking for interns in our Programs and Development Departments. Our internship program is designed for current or recently graduated college students to get firsthand experience in the nonprofit field and to help grow each individual’s resume/portfolio in a way that will benefit them most their career. We invite those interested in interning at the chapter to apply for one of our exciting internship opportunities. To apply please go to: Special Events/Marketing and. Chapter Programs/Services: www.internships.com
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LIVING WITH MS
My MS, My Story By Fay Gibson In April 2008, my neurologist ordered a spinal tap to confirm his diagnosis…I HAD MS! I heard the words but I am not sure I even knew what they meant. I honestly didn’t know a lot about the disease. I explained to my neurologist that MS had been ruled out by another neurologist just two months prior. A week later my spinal tap confirmed it and my MRI now showed four lesions on my brain and one on my spine. I don’t remember crying, I don’t remember being scared, I just remember being ANGRY. Then came the depression. On the outside I was “functioning” but inside I was falling apart. I stayed in that state for the better part of the year. I didn’t want to be a victim. I didn’t want anyone feeling sorry for me. I didn’t want anyone to think I was weak. I’m not sure if it was obvious to friends and family but I checked out. A few months after starting on a diseasemodifying therapy to treat my MS, while surfing the web, I noticed an ad for Walk MS - Atlanta in Piedmont Park. Unfortunately it was the same date I was to be a bridesmaid in a friend’s wedding so I could not participate. I was relieved; I had a great excuse to stay checked out. In April 2010 I called the National MS Society, Georgia Chapter to donate to Walk MS. I decided that I did not want to walk because I 6
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wasn’t ready for everyone in my life to know I had this disease. The staff person simply asked me “who are you donating for?” and I remember saying, almost in a whisper, “ME.” I realized at that moment that except for a few people, I was keeping this disease a secret and I had just admitted it to myself...I HAVE MS. The staff person suggested that I send emails to close family and friends asking for donations to support Walk MS. Within hours, not only did people donate, some actually joined a team. I now had a team...Caribbean Sistahs Against MS. I had no idea what I was doing, but I managed to raise $1,500 and my team raised another $1,500. However, most people still didn’t know that I had MS. It wasn’t until the following year while on vacation in L.A., my friend sent an email that
“I’ve found my voice and more importantly I have found peace. My life is forever changed, but MS no longer controls me.”
continued
she had started a team for Walk MS in New York and then email after email after email, more friends signed up to walk. I finally cried and then I could not stop crying. I felt a weight lifted from me immediately. I posted on Facebook that same day and thanked my friends for their support. I also thanked them for being the voice I couldn’t find in myself. I had finally “checked back in” and I was no longer ashamed of having this disease. I now have two Walk MS teams – one in Atlanta and one in New York – named BFF’s Against MS, because I walk with all my Best Friends Forever (BFF) and they walk with me. We are no longer just ‘Caribbean Sistahs.’ Together, we have raised over $50,000 and now we also walk in memory of one of my friend’s moms who passed away in 2011 after fighting MS for years. The only way I can honor her memory is to walk alongside her son, my BFF. MS has tried to take a lot from me over the years, but in the process, I’ve found my voice and more importantly, I have found peace. My life is forever changed but MS no longer controls me. I walk because I CAN and for others who can’t. I am the face of MS.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for all that you have done for the MS Society and all that you continue to do. It cannot be said enough: the events that raise funds for our mission would not be possible without the great support of people like you. Please mark your calendars for the upcoming 2014 event season. For more information on how to become an events volunteer please contact Rusty Benton at Rusty.Benton@nmss.org.
MS Service Day March 1, 2014
Walk MS March 29, 2014 (Albany, Augusta, Savannah) April 5, 2014 (Columbus, Athens, Rome) April 12, 2014 (Macon & Marietta) April 26, 2014 (Atlanta)
Bike MS September 20-21, 2014 (Callaway Gardens)
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BIKE MS
The 2013 Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride may be over, but our fight against Multiple Sclerosis continues. None of us can end MS alone, but together, we can go further, raise more money, and do more to help everyone living with MS, in our community and across the nation. Thanks to everyone who participated in Bike MS, we were able to raise more than $800,000 to better the lives of those living with MS in Georgia! We have made great progress in the programs, services, and care available for those living with MS, but there is still more to be done. Join us on September 20 & 21 for the 2014 Bike MS: Cox Atlanta Ride. We can’t wait to see what the next year will bring! For more information, visit BikeMS.Org or call Alix Moore at 678534-3651 WALK MS
The National MS Society – Georgia Chapter invites you to register for our 2014 Walk MS: Georgia events in nine cities across the state. Registration is open for Walk MS in Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Marietta, Rome and Savannah at walkms.org. Participating in Walk MS allows you to join the MS community to fight for a cure and to help those living with MS today. Funds from the event support research, financial assistance, wellness scholarships, educational programs, and more. Help us to create a world free of MS by joining us at your local Walk MS in 2014! For more information, contact Laurie Palmer at Laurie.Palmer@nmss.org or 678-672-1000. TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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A Symphony of Service
A celebration of life and hope
T he N ational MS S ociety , G eorgia C hapter invites to attend the A nnual M eeting and V olunteer R ecognition C elebration
you
InterContinental Hotel Buckhead 3315 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 Thursday, January 23, 2014 • 6pm To make a reservation, please call 1-800-344-4867or register online at www.MSGeorgia.org Registration deadline: Thursday, January 16, 2014 TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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LIVING WITH MS
A carepartner’s perspective Elizabeth’s husband Dick took early retirement from his job in 2005 to be his wife’s fulltime carepartner. Elizabeth, who was diagnosed with MS in 1995, leads a self-help group for the Society in the couple’s hometown of Summerville, S.C. Here, Dick gives the Society his perspective. How do you provide care? Elizabeth’s disability is a right-side paralysis. She can stand and, with the help of a brace and specially equipped walker, can walk the length of our hallway, which is about 20 feet, before sitting in her wheelchair again. I do for her everything she can’t do for herself. This includes bathing, dressing, injecting her MS medications, meal preparation, housecleaning and whatever else has to be done. What were some initial challenges you faced as a carepartner? Elizabeth’s onset of MS was gradual. I think this gave me a chance to adapt, or to put it better, work out our system of doing things. I help her, but she helps me help her to the extent that she is able. Another transition is more subtle. Elizabeth doesn’t give up easily and her determination to accomplish what she sets out to do now becomes my doing driven by her determination. I take 12
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her where she “needs” to go, bring her what she needs to have within reach—all things she would normally do for herself. These are not the necessities of living with MS, but the activities and pursuits of an active woman whose MS is an obstacle that I help her overcome. I tell myself that the alternative—if I were not there making it happen for her—would be worse. She would lose interest in life and slouch toward irrelevance. How do you balance your personal needs? My needs are still needs. Left unmet, they could affect the level of care I give Elizabeth, and sometimes the line between needs and wants gets blurred. Regardless, anything that involves my being away from Elizabeth requires working out the logistics of her care while I’m gone. We’re fortunate to have a daughter and her family living nearby. We have close friends we know from church. And we have kind neighbors we view as backup. These are all resources we can call on to fill in when I’m away. I have to resist the idea that I’m the only one who can give her what she needs. And just because MS is there doesn’t mean everything has to go. I ride a motorcycle, serve on my church’s care committee, which gives appropriate care to others in crisis, and work on the vacation mountain home Elizabeth and I began as a dream before MS entered our lives. Do you have any advice for other carepartners? When MS arrived, I decided that her disease was my disease and I could no more avoid living with MS than she could. I hate MS. MS is my enemy; Elizabeth is not my enemy. If I allow
LIVING WITH MS
emotion to distort my love for my wife, I could easily shift that hate toward her. No man likes to be directed in the what, where, when and how of his life. But that’s exactly what being a carepartner is about. I’m continually trying to strike a reasonable balance between maintaining my autonomy as a man and doing what needs to be done for my wife’s care. This means not just caring for her physically, but emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. I accept that I cannot do it all perfectly or completely. There are times when she’s just going to have to sit this one out, or not take on this other project, or tell that person she can’t be
there for them. And we laugh. When Elizabeth is bossing me around, I have to know it’s the stuff she would be doing if she could, but it can get out of hand. If she’s taking too long ending a conversation and we need to leave, I will push the “on” button of her wheelchair and direct the joy stick to come along. When she needs me to stand by her in a crowd—she feels vulnerable in her wheelchair— I’ll sing “Stand by Me.” Or I’ll sing the opening line to “Bridge over Troubled Water” when she’s feeling depressed or frustrated over her inability to do something. My singing is always good for a laugh. TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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RESEARCH
research
Progress on ms theraPies by Megan Weigel, CnP, aRnP-C, MSCn
in 1993, betaseron was released to market as the first disease-modifying therapy for multiple sclerosis. With the approval of oral dimethyl fumarate (brand name Tecfidera™) by the U.S. Food and Drug administration (FDa) in March, 2013, we now have 10 diseasemodifying therapies to treat relapsing forms of MS—and more on the horizon. Tecfidera is the third oral therapy approved to treat MS. a related compound, called Fumaderm (dimethyl fumarate and fumeric acid esters), has been used for decades in europe to treat psoriasis. Tecfidera is a new and different formulation of dimethyl fumarate developed by biogen idec specifically to treat MS. although its exact mechanism of action is not known, it is thought to inhibit immune cells active in MS and may even protect against damage to the brain and spinal cord. Two large phase iii studies (the DeFine and COnFiRM trials) found that Tecfidera significantly reduced relapses and disease activity as detected by MRi. The most common side effects were flushing of the skin and gastrointestinal upset. before starting treatment, the FDa recommends a recent (within six months) blood cell count, repeated annually thereafter.
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The MS Emerging Therapies Collaborative, which includes the Society, provides downloadable information sheets at www.mscoalition.org/emergingtherapies to facilitate communication between doctors and people with MS about newly approved treatments such as Tecfidera. Here are potential therapies to keep an eye on as we move forward into 2013 and beyond. Alemtuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that depletes circulating immune (T and b) cells thought to be responsible for MS attacks, would be administered by iV infusion for five days and then for three days one year later. genzyme applied to the FDa for approval of alemtuzumab to treat relapsing MS, based on positive results from several clinical trials, including one that showed a 55% decrease in relapses compared to interferon beta-1a (Rebif ); however, the FDa asked the company to resubmit its application, so a timeline has not yet been established. While this therapy is powerful against MS, there is concern regarding adverse events, such as immune thrombocytopenic purpura (iTP, a bleeding disorder), and autoimmune thyroid disorders.
RESEARCH
Laquinimod is a once-daily oral immune modulator that showed in phase iii studies to decrease relapse rates, though not as robustly as investigators had hoped. This drug is about to be tested in another phase iii study in 1,800 people with relapsing-remitting MS. Daclizumab and ocrelizumab are two other monoclonal antibodies currently under study, with favorable results thus far. a highly concentrated liquid formulation of daclizumab is under study in relapsing-remitting MS. experimental ocrelizumab, given intravenously, significantly reduced disease activity on MRi scans in a study of 218 people with relapsingremitting MS. One person died due to brain edema; however, the relation of this death to the medication is unclear. additional research, now going on in primary-progressive MS and relapsing-remitting MS, is needed to further determine ocrelizumab’s safety and benefits. Research is also underway on potential treatments for progressive forms of MS and the International Progressive MS Collaborative, of which the Society is a member, plans to do all it can to speed the development of those treatments. Current clinical trials include natalizumab (Tysabri), fingolimod (Gilenya) and ocrelizumab.
making choices When we consider treatment now, in particular the possibility of switching therapies, we weigh the safety and efficacy of our older, injectable disease-modifying agents against the seeming convenience and perhaps superior efficacy of newer agents. The sequencing of therapies is
a new consideration, as well, as the effects of medications like natalizumab and fingolimod on the immune system may be prolonged. Questions about new therapies may mean longer or more frequent appointments with neurologists to discuss their risk-benefit ratios. additionally, people with MS may choose to see an MS specialist, or be referred to one by a general neurologist, for treatment recommendations. However, the most encouraging part, in addition to the fact that treatments for MS may be getting more effective, of course, is that the research pipeline is full. Thanks to those who are committed to research funding, science is able to continue searching for the cure, and on that search, discover medications that will keep this disease as quiet as possible. To follow progress on potential MS therapies, sign up for MS eneWS at nationalMSsociety. org/signup, or visit nationalMSsociety.org/ research. Megan Weigel is a Doctor of nursing Practice and MS Certified nurse who has been caring for people with MS for 12 years. This article was originally published in the north Florida Chapter’s MSConnection newsletter.
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WALK MS 1. Michael Combs $20,981 2. Don Logana $19,751 3. Kelly Freeman $17,567 4. Chuck Paul $15,575 5. Therese Stepowany $11,005 6. Amy Nash $8,135 7. Brent Wilkes $5,975 8. Sarah Bagle $4,745 9. Gayle Palmer $4,712 10. Abby Karsch $4,704 11. Linda Hilscher $4,280 12. Elizabeth Barfield $4,270 13. Nancy Jo McDaniel $4,200 14. Martina Flanagan $4,078 15. David Hicks $4,045 16. Katherine Davis $3,895 17. Linda Agnello $3,804 18. Fay Gibson $3,603 19. Jessica LeClaire $3,387 20. Jane Branham $3,360 21. Destiny Strider $3,355 22. Sheri Polk $3,245 23. Mario Muth $3,210 24. Cherryl Harris $3,150 25. Mary Beth Ritthaler $3,135 26. Jonathan Reiss $3,020 27. Lee Kordel $2,965 28. Kathryn Youmans $2,885 29. Joseph Goscha $2,790 30. Catherine Farlow $2,675 31. Robert Stepowany $2,565 32. Todd Hardy $2,415 33. Debbie Hamilton $2,355 34. Martha Matthews - $2,310 16
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2014
2014 Walk MS Top 100 Club Based on 2013 Walk MS Totals as of Pledge Deadline July 11, 2013
35. Allison Smith $2,310 36. Carson Matthews $2,230 37. Millie Brune $2,170 38. Robert Udwin $2,125 39. Charlotte Wilson $2,110 40. Lisa Hecht $2,105 41. Larissa Henson $2,105 42. John Young $2,100 43. Adam Sillins $2,088 44. Sarah Neighbors $2,085 45. Natalie Ward $2,045 46. Izzy LeClaire $2,044 47. Donna Martin $2,030 48. Katie Kulinski $1,995 49. Yosafa Deutsch $1,927 50. Jo-Anne Liakakos $1,905 51. Ellen Davis $1,895 52. Sunday Pate $1,890 53. Kellie Fielding $1,845 54. Christine Silver $1,780 55. Addy Bauermeister $1,750 56. Graham Kuhn $1,735 57. Russ Johnson $1,705 58. Diane Wright $1,680 59. Michele Northenor $1,656 60. Theresa McDaniel $1,650 61. Kelly Merideth $1,590 62. Kelli Zaremba $1,586 63. Cindy Wilson $1,571 64. Ashley Van Lede $1,565 65. Seniqua Williams $1,560 66. Cris Davis $1,525 67. Veronica Simmons $1,505
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68. Shannon Garrett $1,500 69. Tracy Maroney $1,490 70. Staci Wilson $1,490 71. Rachael Stepowany $1,475 72. Jeanine Wilson $1,462 73. Kimberly Hoellrich $1,450 74. Stacey Street $1,450 75. Georgia Sexton $1,445 76. Nikki King $1,425 77. Katie Morris $1,415 78. Stacey Samuel- O’ Brien $1,412 79. Amy Stiso $1,375 80. LaTonya O’Neal $1,370 81. Jill Martin $1,350 82. Tom Nofi $1,320 83. Jodi Giles $1,310 84. Rick Stone $1,290 85. Elisa Dorton $1,281 86. Dawn Stone $1,250 87. Katie Biddle $1,230 88. Sonya Pepper $1,230 89. Lynn Kaden $1,228 90. Carol Fuller $1,220 91. Bethany Gripp $1,210 92. Shelley Evans $1,208 93. Sabrina Kulinski $1,200 94. Melody O’Hare $1,200 95. Brianne Roth $1,195 96. Lori Roland $1,180 97. Cherrie Carney $1,150 98. Ann Ethridge $1,135 99. Kate Dugan $1,120 100. Elaine Raines $1,100
challenge walk ms: charleston challenge february 28 to march 2, 2014
3 days. 50 miles. connect to end 4
multiple sclerosis register now: challengeMS.org or 1.800.344.4867
historic charleston to isle of palms, sc: february 28 to march 2, 2014 Once in a while, a challenge calls that you simply must answer. The Challenge Walk MS: Charleston Challenge, presented by Merrill Lynch, is the perfect way to embrace a personal challenge of spirit and strength, while making an important difference in the lives of people living with MS. Register and start fundraising today.
Town of sullivan’s island Town of mounT pleasanT ciTy of isle of palms ciTy of charlesTon
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Based on 2013 Bike MS Totals as of Pledge Deadline November 30, 2013.
BIKE MS 1. Cherise Mlott $22,200 2. Bill Barney $21,640 3. Scott Stafford $15,085 4. Dan Yuhaschek $10,650 5. Bill Holley $7,950 6. David Cohen $7,501 7. Peter Bade $7,235 8. Daniel Shim $5,970 9. Dave Small $5,726 10. Tom Hanks $5,508 11. Barton Mitchell $5,345 12. Jeffrey Lund $5,035 13. Steven Riviere $5,028 14. Frank Bell $5,000 15. Alex Holloway $4,893 16. Harald Walter $4,846 17. Catherine LeMay $4,790 18. Ryan Rodriguez $4,620 19. Kevin Kuntz $4,151 20. John Rodzik $4,146 21. Guy Tucker $4,113 22. Bentley Bohanan $4,000 23. Jerry Burns $3,895 24. Terry Bowser $3,890 25. Barry Nash $3,890 26. Glenn Mason $3,825 27. Kevin Fitzpatrick $3,820 28. Terri Latimer $3,556 29. Tristen Anderson $3,325 30. Charles Barbour $3,315 31. Douglas Burnett $3,105 32. Jack Basham $3,100 33. Kevin Treanor $3,085 34. Mark Davidson $3,030 18
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35. Vernon O’Neal $3,005 36. Steve Howard $2,995 37. Brent Mlott $2,960 38. Jeanne Slagel $2,960 39. Tony Harrington $2,760 40. John Strickland $2,731 41. Kevin Drummond $2,716 42. David Wilderman $2,707 43. Diane Heller $2,585 44. Michael Dresdner $2,575 45. Renee Spivy $2,525 46. Eric Williams $2,511 47. Jim Moulton $2,500 48. Jack Hawkins $2,425 49. Steve Morrow $2,400 50. Cassi Woods $2,318 51. Eve Kofsky $2,205 52. Julie Hempel $2,200 53. Christiana Muntzel $2,200 54. John Stamey $2,175 55. Steve Webb $2,130 56. Casey Callahan $2,100 57. Dan Coats $2,100 58. Shane Bethea $2,075 59. Scott Steiding $2,070 60. Allan Wendt $2,035 61. Bob Kendall $2,020 62. Dan White $2,005 63. Randy Kieffer $2,000 64. Thien Truong $2,000 65. Don Chapman $1,980 66. Sandra McNamee $1,970
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67. Richard Griffiths $1,955 68. Wight Mixon $1,940 69. Joe O’Rourke $1,910 70. Ashley Thomas $1,905 71. Philip Boedecker $1,885 72. Ian Dyer $1,830 73. Debra Hanson $1,821 74. Bobbi Noland $1,814 75. Michael Jahl $1,797 76. Chris Williams $1,793 77. Tanya Lambert $1,790 78. Ralph Gallagher $1,750 79. Kenneth Linning $1,705 80. Alex Wiseman $1,685 81. Carl Bennett $1,681 82. Christina Story $1,667 83. Janice Story $1,667 84. Thomas Story $1,666 85. Jerry Lipsky $1,650 86. Terri Wilson $1,640 87. Vern Herr $1,628 88. Sally O’Rourke $1,625 89. Marilea Welhouse $1,617 90. Erin Hawkins $1,610 91. Alan Voss $1,600 92. Jeffrey Tidrick $1,595 93. Angela Black $1,575 94. Kelly Straub $1,554 95. Jeremy Echuck $1,535 96. Lori Lynne Thornton $1,530 97. Julie White $1,520 98. Chris Boyle $1,500 99. David Barrett $1,495 100. Susan Castillo $1,467
Self-Help Groups georgia Metro Atlanta Based Self-Help Groups African Americans with MS Self-Help Group Contact Info: JoAnn: (404) 932-2662 Email: joanndicksonsm@bellsouth.net Location: Berean Seventh Day Adventist Church 291 Hamilton E. Holmes Drive Atlanta, GA 30318 When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 3:00pm - 5:00 pm Atlanta Women’s Self-Help Group Contact Info: Kristin (404) 351-0205 {ext. 110} Location: MS Center of Atlanta 3200 Downwood Circle in the 4th floor MSCA break room, Atlanta, GA When do we meet? Meets the 4th Tuesday of every month from 6:30pm - 8:00pm (No meetings in November and December) Decatur Self-Help Group Contact Info: O.J. (770)-256-2516 Email: ojf2@yahoo.com Location: Green Forest Community Baptist Church 3250 Rainbow Road Decatur, GA 30334 When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 10:00am - 12:00pm Lawrenceville Women’s Self-Help Group Contact Info: Karen (678) 975-7167 Location: McKendree Methodist Church 1570 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd Lawrenceville, GA 30043 When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 10:30am - 12:00pm This group will not be meeting until September MS Institute at Shepherd Self-Help Group: “S.H.E.P.S” Contact Info: Rachael (404) 457-4582 Email: rtakei@mac.com Co-Facilitator: Kate Brunson (404) 402-0368 MS Institute at Shepherd 2020 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30309 When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 10:00am - 12:00pm
Perimeter – Atlanta Area: “Dine and Discuss: For Partners and Spouses” (This is a “Care Partner Group” not meant for individuals living with MS) Contact Info: Jan (404) 579-6782 Location: La Madeleine Restaurant at The Perimeter 1165 Perimeter Center West Atlanta, GA 30346 When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Thursday of every month from 7:00pm - 8:30pm Snellville Self-Help Group Contact Info: Vicki (770) 978-1517 Email: Thepomeroys@Gmail.com Co-Facilitator: Lois: (770) 339-6520 Location: Eastside Medical Center 1700 Medical Way SW Snellville, GA 30078 When do we meet? Meets the 4th Saturday of every month from 10:00am - 12:00pm Outside “Metro” Atlanta Based Self-Help Groups Albany Self-Help Group Contact Info: Janet (229) 435-2517 Email: jkhancock45@yahoo.com Location: Phoebe Putney NW Conference Center 2336 Dawson Road Albany, GA 31701 When do we meet? Meets the 1st Monday of every month from 6:00pm - 8:00pm This group does not meet in September Albany -African American Self-Help Group Contact Info: Colette (229) 395-4150 Location: Chosen to Conquer, Inc. , 1120 W. Broad Ave., Suite C-1, Albany, GA 31707 When do we meet? Meets the 1st Saturday of every month from 11:00am - 1:00pm Athens MS Family Contact Info: Siri Baker (706) 353-0606 Email: sbaker@athensneuro.com Co-Facilitator: Danielle (706) 983-9802 Email: depps@athensneuro.com Location: Athens Neurological Associates 1086A Baxter Street Athens, GA 30606 TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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Self-Help Groups georgia When do we meet? Meets the 3rd Thursday of every other month from 6:00pm - 8:00pm in the months of Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept and Nov Augusta MS Self-Help Group Contact Info: Erin (706) 721-1411 Location: Georgia Health Sciences - MS Center 6th Floor 1120 15th Street Augusta, GA When do we meet? Meets the last Monday of every month from 6:00pm - 7:30pm Cartersville “Bartow County Self-Help Group” Contact Info: Towanda (770) 344-8887 Email: tobme3@gmail.com Location: IHOP, 640 E. Main Street, Cartersville, GA 30121 When do we meet? Meets the 4th Thursday of every month from 6:30pm - 8:30pm Camilla Self-Help Group “Mitchell County MS Self-Help Group” Contact Info: Lucas (229) 224-5979 Location: Mitchell County Hospital-Community Room, 90 E. Stephens Street Camilla, GA When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6:00pm – 7:00pm Columbus, Georgia “Chattahoochee Valley Self-Help Group” Contact Info: Lori (706) 575-6925 Email: lorikiker@yahoo.com Location: Columbus Public Library When do we meet: This group’s schedule changes monthly; please call Lori for updated times and days. Cumming Self-Help Group Contact Info: Anthony (Tony) (678) 455-4139 Email: ravengreen@comcast.net Location: Northside Forsyth Hospital 1400 Doctors Bldg., Cumming, GA When do we meet? Meets the 1st Saturday of every month from 10:00am - 12:00pm
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Douglasville Self-Help Group Contact Info: Stephanie (770) 577-0408 Location: First Presbyterian Church Parlor Room Douglasville, GA When do we meet? Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month from 7:00pm - 8:30pm Macon - Hope Floats Self-Help Group Contact: Marty (478) 742-9011 Location: Pine Gate 300 Charter Blvd Macon, GA When do we meet? Meets the last Monday of every month from 6:00pm - 8:00pm Peachtree City/ Fayetteville: “Let’s Lunch: MS Group for Working Professionals” Contact Info: Bill Clements (770) 631-4194 Email: bclements59@att.net Lynn (612)-655-9901 Email: lynn.meloche@gmail.com Location: Piedmont Fayette Hospital 1279 Hwy 54 West, Fayetteville, Ga. 30214 Conference Room D 3rd Flr. ( West side entrance) When do we meet? Meets the last Saturday of the month from 11:00am - 1:00pm Thomaston “T.A.M.S. Self-Help Group” Contact Info: Sherry (706) 472-3273 or (706) 975-9762 Location: American Pie Pizzeria of Thomaston 710 N. Church Street Thomaston, GA When do we meet? Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month from 12:30pm – 2:00pm Thomasville MS Self-Help Group Contact Info: Mike (229) 346-9746 Location: Plaza Restaurant - Thomasville, GA When do we meet? Meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 6:00pm - 8:00pm Valdosta MS Self Help Group Contact Info: Barbara (229) 247-7792 Smith Northview Hospital 4280 Location: North Valdosta Road Valdosta, GA 31602 Located in the cafeteria of the hospital When do we meet? Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month at 6:30pm
Self-Help Groups georgia Vidalia Self-Help Group “Looking Good Self-Help Group” Contact Info: Paula (912) 538-0142 Email: nonerves@bellsouth.net Location: Tree House, 723 North Street West Highway 292 Vidalia, GA When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every other month from 7:00pm - 9:00pm Waleska Self Help Group Contact Info: Jennifer Email: jjaress1@gmail.com Location: Cherokee Outdoor Family YMCA G. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA 151 Waleska St. Canton, GA 30114 When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6:00pm - 7:30pm Warner Robins “Middle GA Self-Help Group” Contact Info: Michelle (478) 335-4675 Email: msmidga@yahoo.com Location: Houston Medical Center, LL, North Tower 1601 Watson Blvd. Warner Robins, GA When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6:30pm - 8:30pm Woodstock MS Self-Help Group Contact Info: Zaida (770)-485-4226 Location: St. Michael the Archangel Church inside the main church building 490 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock, GA 30188 When do we meet? Meets the 3rd Saturday of every month from 11:00am-1:00pm (No meetings in July and August) This group starts its meetings with a short opening prayer
Savannah Based Self-Help Groups Pooler Self-Help Group “Pooler’s Positive Movers and Shakers: MS Share & Support Group” Contact Info: Andraya: (912) 658-9629 or PoolersPositiveMS@gmail.com Savannah Self-Help Group –“PRYME2” Contact Info: Virginia (912) 355-5832 Email: vmorriso@bellsouth.net One of the rooms in St. Joseph Hospital For more information, contact Virginia When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm Please call Virginia to confirm location and meeting dates. Telephone Based Self-Help Group Statesboro Supports Contact Info: Carolyn: (912) 531-0416 This is a telephone support group. Please contact Carolyn for additional information. The National MS Society is a secular organization, welcoming those of every faith, and those that espouse none. Please contact the Self-Help Group leaders prior to attending a group meeting to assure that the meeting time, date, and location are accurate. Groups occasionally change their meeting schedules to participate in other National MS Society events. Please note, our Self Help Group leaders are volunteers who have been trained by the National MS Society. They are not necessarily licensed mental health providers. Please respect their role as a volunteer and contact them during reasonable hours of 8am-8pm. If you are facing an immediate crisis please dial 911. For more information on attending Self-Help Groups or starting Self-Help Groups in your community please call 678-6721000 OR 1-800-FIGHTMS
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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