Winter 2012 Edition
South Florida Chapter
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he National MS Society’s, South Florida Chapter is proud to introduce its newest program, MS Service Day! The first MS Service Day will take place on Friday, March 16th from 7:00 am - 4:00 pm. MS Service Day is an excellent way to provide home improvements for people living with MS. Volunteers will divide into teams and complete projects around the house for people with MS that cannot tackle the tasks on a daily basis and need a helping hand. Some of the projects include yard work, cleaning gutters,
painting, moving furniture, heavy cleaning, handyman chores, household repairs, cleaning out and organizing closets and packing and storing items in the garage or attic. MS Service Day is made possible through a great amount of community service.
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RESULTS IN FOR POTENTIAL MS THERAPIES • In a two-year Phase III trial, the oral MS therapy BG-12 significantly reduced—by up to 51%—the average number of annual MS relapses. More than 1,400 people with relapsing-remitting MS participated in the study. BG-12 is thought to inhibit the immune cells and molecules that are involved in MS attacks on the brain and spinal cord. This study should help to define further the safety and promise of BG-12 as a potential therapy for relapsing MS. • The experimental intravenous MS therapy alemtuzumab significantly reduced relapse rates and the worsening of disability in a two-year Phase III study that compared alemtuzumab to Rebif. The study, called CARE-MS II, involved 840 people with relapsing-remitting MS. The FDA has fast-tracked alemtuzumab, which should speed up future review. • A study of 324 patients comparing the MS oral therapy teriflunomide with Rebif found no significant difference in the numbers of participants in each group who experienced events defined as treatment failure. Teriflunomide is thought to prevent damage to the nervous system by immune cells. A previous phase III trial was more successful and three others are ongoing. The FDA is reviewing an application for marketing approval of teriflunomide.
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R E S E A R C H To stay current on MS therapies in the pipeline for FDA approval, sign up for MS eNEWS at www. nationalMSsociety.org/signup. SURVEY SAYS WALKING ISSUES IMPORTANT TO ADDRESS Seventy percent of people with MS who have difficulty walking see that as the most challenging aspect of managing their disease, according to a recent survey sponsored by the National MS Society and Acorda Therapeutics, maker of Ampyra, a drug intended to improve walking. Respondents to the survey reported that problems with mobility restrict their daily activities and affect their emotional and financial well-being. Some 60% of adults with MS who experience difficulty walking have fallen; for a third of them, a fall resulted in an injury. While 65% of those surveyed reported walking difficulties or trouble with balance, 40% “rarely or never” discussed the issues with their doctor. “Clearly we need to encourage and empower people with MS to discuss walking impairment with their doctor, including newly diagnosed patients who may be experiencing only mild problems with walking or balance difficulties,” said Nicholas LaRocca, PhD, vice president for Health Care Delivery and Policy Research at the Society.
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Tel: 954-731-4224 Fax: 954-739-1398 Publication of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society South Florida Chapter 3201 West Commercial Blvd. Suite 127 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 Chairman Fred Zuckerman Vice Chairmen Joey Epstein Ed Pozzuoli Secretary Diann Geronemus Treasurer Richard Cascio
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DINNER WITH THE DOCTOR SERIES
ou are invited to dine with local leading neurologists in an intimate setting as they discuss the topic of multiple sclerosis. The doctors will provide upto-date educational information about MS and address personal concerns and questions. Dinner is complimentary. Limit 2 invitations per family. Space is limited to 50 people per dinner event. Dinner with Kottil W. Rammohan, MD University of Miami MS Center of Excellence Wednesday, March 21, 2012 6:00-8:00pm Bellasera Hotel 221 Ninth Street South, Naples, FL 34102 RSVP to the National MS Society by Wednesday, March 14, 2012 Dinner with Brian Steingo, MD Fort Lauderdale MS Center Wednesday, May 16, 2012 6:00-7:30 pm Doubletree Hotel Palm Beach Gardens 4431 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 RSVP to the National MS Society by Wednesday, May 9, 2012 Please RSVP for each of the events by calling 1 800 FIGHT MS, 954-731-4224 or online at www.nmssfls.org.
Chapter President Karen Dresbach Newsletter Editor Jolene Caprio 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 is dedicated to ending the devastating effects of MS. © 2011 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, South Florida Chapter
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TELECONFERENCES
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he South Florida Chapter offers free monthly educational teleconferences. These calls focus on different topics and feature expert keynote speakers. Learn more about managing MS from the convenience of your home.
IT’S EASY TO REGISTER! Online: www.nmssfls.org go to the calendar section. Email: msprograms@fls. nmss.org Provide name, address, phone number, and indicate which program(s) for which you are registering. Call 1 800 FIGHT MS 3444867. Provide name, address, phone number, and indicate which program(s) for which you are registering. March 13, 2012 at 7:30 pm Mindfulness Meditation Rev. Mary Virginia Brooks United Church of Christ Louisville, KY April 10, 2012 at 7:30 pm Women’s Issues & MS Ruth Fredericks, MD University Clinic Associates Flowood, MS May 8, 2012 at 7:30 pm Holistic Medicine Umaru Jutte, RN Saint Thomas Hospital Nashville, Tennessee
June 12, 2012 at 7:30 pm Health Insurance Reform: What’s in it for you Kim Calder, MPS National MS Society Professional Resource Center, New York July 10, 2012 at 7:30 pm Parenting with Young Children Jessica Thomas, MSW National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Central North Carolina Chapter August 14, 2012 at 7:30 pm Vitamin D and MS Emily Riser, MD Alabama Neurological Institute September 11, 2011 at 7:30 pm University of Central Florida Myelin Repair Study Stephen Lambert, MD Associate Professor in the College of Medicine, Myelin Biologist James Hickman, MD UCF Nanoscience Center, Bioengineer
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Conversation and Support for People Living with Multiple Sclerosis in Spanish The National MS Society offers a monthly telephone group in Spanish for participants with MS. The monthly calls are free. Grab your coffee cup, sit back, and listen to the experiences of other people with MS. Tuesdays for 2012: March 13 April 10 May 8 June 12 Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)
Take this opportunity to talk about your concerns and meet others who understand your situation. Topics will focus on areas of interest to people living with MS. Additionally, experts from different areas of specialization in MS will join us to speak about important topics in MS care. For more information or to register call 1-800-344-4867, option 3 The group is open to new members at any time.
Neuroscience Consultants Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis Center Founding Medical Director, Emeritus: Howard Zwibel, MD Director Clinical Affairs: Carlos Ramirez Calderon, MD Mondays - 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and Thursdays - 8:00 am to 3:30 pm 4601 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Ste. 100, Coral Gables, FL 33146 (786) 219-3145 South Broward MS Clinic Director: Islon Seliger, MD, Thursdays - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm 12596 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines, FL 33027 (954) 437-4000 University of Miami MS Center of Excellence Department of Neurology Miller School of Medicine Director of Clinical Neurology: Kottil W. Rammohan, MD Emeritus Professor of Neurology: William A. Sheremata, MD 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, 1150 NW 14 Street, Miami, FL 33136 (305) 243-6732
ANY GIVEN SUNDAY MEN’S DAY
In December the Any Given Sunday Men’s DECEM B E R 4 ,Day 2 0 1 1took • 1 2 place - 4 P Mat Bokampers Sports Bar & Grill in B O K A M P E R S S P O R T S B A R & R I L L while enjoying the Dolphins vs. Plantation. The men enjoyed a delicious Sunday footballGlunch P L A N TAT I O N , F L Raiders game on large projection screen. 10 HDTV’s showed other sporting events and during half time, special guest Don McNeal joined the men to talk sports. The day wrapped up with prizes, including Dolphin Cheerleader calendars and footballs autographed by Dolphin player Kim Bokamper. For more information regarding upcoming Men’s Day Programs, contact the Programs Department at 1 800 FIGHT MS or 954-731-4224.
This program is made possible by generous grant from the Medtronic Foundation.
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Fort Lauderdale MS Center Director: Brian Steingo, MD, Tuesdays - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm 572 East McNab Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33060 (954) 738-1700
Break- July and August Subsequent dates to be announced
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National MS Society Affiliated MS Centers PROGRAMS
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CAFÉ CON LECHE
HISPANIC OUTREACH PROGRAM Please join us at the next Hispanic Outreach Program “Carnivale 2012” on Saturday April 14, 2012 at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel 2051 Le Jeune Road Coral Gables, FL 33134 from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm. People with MS who speak Spanish or are bilingual are encouraged to come and learn from special guest Bertha C. Fonseca, MD from the Neuroscience Consultants Comprehensive MS Center and enjoy in exciting entertainment. For more information, please contact Ileana Martinez at 1 800 FIGHT MS or 954-731-4224.
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Relationship Matters Relationship Matters is a program for couples living with MS and it can help you strengthen your partnership and minimize the impact of MS on your life. By choosing from our in-person, teleconference and online options, you can learn techniques and information to keep your most important relationships moving forward. Visit the link for more information http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiplesclerosis/relationships/relationship-matters/index.aspx
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Do It Yourself Fundraising Do It Youself Fundraising is an opportunity for people with a deep commitment to the MS cause to raise awareness and critical funds for the MS movement in new and creative ways. A DIY Fundraising event is any fundraising activity organized by a non-affiliated group or individual to benefit the South Florida Chapter. Events can include, but are not limited to dress down days, bake sales, car washes, silent auctions and benefit nights at restaurants.
For more information regarding DIY Fundraising contact Jolene Caprio at 954-731-4224 or email jolene.caprio@fls.nmss.org.
SAVE THE DATE! MS Awareness Week, from March 12 to 18, offers the opportunity for anyone affected by MS to connect with others and act to increase awareness about the disease. Host a Dress Down Day for your business or school by wearing orange to promote MS Awareness. Share your photos with Jolene Caprio at jolene.caprio@fls.nmss.org.
Golden Circle Celebrates Unrivaled MS Care and Research at University of Miami
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n December 1, 2011 the South Florida Chapter’s Golden Circle giving club celebrated the official launch of the partnership between the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Golden Circle members and guests mingled with scientists and neurologists of the medical school, heard presentations by the leaders of the research and clinical care teams and toured the facilities. Guests were awed by The John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics (HIHG) facilities and staff. Often called the HIHG, the institute’s researchers are dedicated to using the very latest in cutting-edge technologies to identify genes involved in human diseases for the diagnosis, intervention and prevention of illness. The institute’s director, Margaret A. Pericak-Vance Ph.D. explained that as a participant in the International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium of almost 250 scientists, the HIHG contributed to the identification of genetic variants linked to multiple sclerosis. Attendees were amazed by the brilliance and passion of the researchers, size of the facility and sophistication of the multi-million dollar lab equipment. Following the tour, Golden Circle committee member, David Schulman said, “I’m so impressed with the promising work
being done by the UM team. It really gives me hope.” The evening concluded with an address and tour by Kottil Rammohan, MD, Director of the MS Center of Excellence, flanked by leaders of the center’s 22 staff. The comprehensive care center includes, fully bilingual Board Certified Neurologists, 24 hour care through Jackson Memorial Hospital, powerful 3 Tesla MRI, infusion center, clinical research, social workers, case management, educational programs, and more. Doug Burris, a patient with MS, spoke of the highest level and respect and care he received at the MS Center of Excellence and from the National MS Society. Golden Circle is a National Multiple Sclerosis Society membership club for donors who annually give a gift of $1,000 or more. Golden Circle Committee members are: Merwyn Dan, Chair, Marcy Hahn-Saperstein, Fred Rothman and David Schulman. For more information about Golden Circle, please contact: Mark Kotler, Vice President of Development, 954731-4224 or mark.kotler@fls.nmss.org.
Upcoming Events March 11, 2012 MS Walk Boca Raton – Boca Corporate Center & Campus March 12-18, 2012 MS Awareness Week March 16, 2012 MS Service Day
March 25, 2012 MS Walk Aventura – Founders Park MS Walk Coral Gables – Merrick Park Run to Stop MS 5K & ¼ Mile Kids Fun Run – Merrick Park April 14, 2012 Hispanic Outreach Program – Courtyard Marriott Hotel, Coral Gables
March 21, 2012 Dinner with the Doctor, Kottil W. Rammohan, April 21-22, 2012 MS Bike Ride, Homestead- Miami Speedway to MD – Bellasera Hotel, Naples JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org John Pennekamp State Park, Key Largo
May 11, 2012 MS Golf Tournament – Boca Lago Country Club May 16, 2012 Dinner with the Doctor, Brian Steingo, MD – Doubletree Hotel, Palm Beach Gardens
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
2012 MS Walk Dates
Walk 2012 presented by
SUNDAY, MARCH 25 AVENTURA: Founders Park CORAL GABLES: Merrick Park 5K Run to Stop MS SUNDAY, MARCH 25 CORAL GABLES: Merrick Park
Register for the UAIC MS Walk Presented by Pollo Campero. For every $100 you fundraise, you will be entered into a drawing to win an Apple iPad 2. The MS Walk prize deadline is April 13, 2012. For more information call 1 800 FIGHT MS, visit mswalksouthflorida.org or email mswalk@fls. nmss.org.
FUNDRAISING RESEARCH
SUNDAY, MARCH 11 BOCA RATON: Boca Corporate Center & Campus
Zimmerman MS Bike Ride Presented by Mack Cycle and Fitness April 21 - 22, 2012 Maroone Start/Finish Village at Homestead-Miami Speedway to The Village at John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo Join over 2,000 cyclists for a 150-mile journey from the Maroone State/Finish Village and Homstead-Miami Speedway to The Village at John Pennekamp Start Park in Key Largo and back. Kids and families are also invited to participate in the Kids and Family Ride on April 21st at 8:00 am. To register for the MS Bike Ride visit msbikeflorida.org or call 1 800 FIGHT MS.
Enter to win a GIANT Road Bike courtesy of Cycle World Miami.
This year, Emmy Award-nominated host, Phil Keoghan, will be riding with the Mack Cycle and Fitness team. Register now and ride with Phil!
2012 CBM of America, Inc. MS Golf Tournament
Purchase a raffle ticket at msbikeflorida.org. Enter the drawing by April 5, 2012 for a Giant men’s Defy 5 or women’s Avail 5 road bike donated by Cycle World. Only one prize will be awarded. Drawing is conducted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society South Florida Chapter, 3201 W. Commercial Blvd, Ste 127, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. Winner will be selected at random on April 9th 10AM at Cycle World, 8476 SW 40th St, Miami, FL 33155. No purchase or contribution is necessary.
Friday, May 11, 2012 at Boca Lago Country Club 8:30 am Shotgun Start (Scramble Format) Opportunity to Golf with Celebrities Great Food & Prizes Silent Auction
For more information, contact Monica Whiting at 954-731-4224 or email monica.whiting@fls.nmss.org
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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Support Groups
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he South Florida Chapter has multiple self-help groups throughout the ten counties which provide services to individuals with MS. Self-help groups bring people together who share a common life experience for support, education and mutual aid. Benefits of participating in a self-help group include: learning new information and strategies for confronting problems; finding support from others; the opportunity to help others; and feeling empowered and more self-confident in coping with challenges.
954-292-8819 cherlynwarner@yahoo.com March 20th, April 18th, May 16th
The Chapter would like to add support groups for young adults, parents with MS and care partners in both English and Spanish. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers that would like to lead self-help groups once a month in Broward, Miami-Dade, Martin and Collier County. Training will be provided. If you are interested in becoming a self-help group leader, please contact Tanya Dannibale at 1 800 FIGHT MS or email msprograms@fls.nmss.org. Please contact the Support Group Leader of the group to ensure meeting date.
NMSS Naples Group (Social Group) 1st Monday of month, 3:30 pm Briggs Wellness Center-Briggs Conference Room, 2nd floor 399 Ninth Street North Naples, FL 34102 Tanya Dannibale 239-793-7009 Tanya.dannibale@fls.nmss.org April 2nd, May 7th
BROWARD COUNTY NMSS Coral Springs Afternoon Group For individuals with MS only 3rd Tuesday of month, 1:00 pm Lunch & Socializing, 1:30 pm meeting Coral Springs Medical Center Community Education Center 3100 Coral Hills Drive Coral Springs, FL 33065 Conference rooms A or B Michael Myette 954-255-0679 pmmyette@aol.com Mindy Morrison Mindywoo123@aol.com Cindee Horowitz 954-345-2332 antcyd@aol.com Social luncheon held 1st Monday of month (Individuals with MS and Caregivers) Contact Michael Myette for details March 20th, April 17th, May 15th NMSS BROWARD GROUP NMSS Sunrise Evening Group For individuals with MS and Caregivers 3rd Wednesday of month, 7:30 pm Health South 4399 Nob Hill Rd Sunrise, FL 33351 (Main entrance, conference room 2) Cherlyn Warner 6 JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
NMSS Sunrise Educational Meeting For individuals with MS and Caregivers Every other month on the 3rd Tuesday of month, 6:00 pm RSVP to Yliana or Melissa at the South Broward MS Clinic 954-437-4000 Sunrise Medical Group 12596 Pines Blvd Pembroke Pines, FL 33027 March 20th, May 30th
COLLIER COUNTY
LEE COUNTY NMSS Cape Coral Day Group 1st Sunday of month, 3:00 pm 636 Del Prado Blvd. South Room A Cape Coral, FL 33990 Maria Hawley 239-464-0646 mariahambry64@gmail.com Dave Lane 239-652-3602 lanenikken@comcast.net April 1st, May 6th NMSS Ft. Myers Evening Group 3rd Thursday of month, 5:00 pm St. Hilary Episcopal Church 5011 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33901 Dave Lane 239-652-3602 lanenikken@comcast.net Karen Hart 239-209-7549 or 239-400-0529 Kare4@comcast.com Social luncheon held 1st Thursday of month Contact Karen Hart for details March 15th, April 19th, May 17th
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY NMSS Miami-Dade Spiritual Support Group Persons of all faiths welcome 2nd Thursday of month, 6:00 pm Doctors Hospital - Chapel 5000 University Drive Coral Gables, FL 33146 Go to the Chapel on the 2nd floor near Elevator A Chaplain Ronald Gaudio 786-308-3800
ronaldga@baptisthealth.net Sister Maria Acosta 786-308-3800 mariaTA@baptisthealth.net April 12th, May 24th NMSS South Miami-Dade Evening Group 2nd Thursday of month, 7:00 pm Doctors’ Hospital - Cafeteria 5000 University Drive Coral Gables, FL 33146 Maria Zaldivar 305-710-2210 mariazaldivar@comcast.net Kirstie Bray 305-984-7501 kbray624@gmail.com April 12th, May 24th NMSS Miami Beach Group 1st Tuesday of month, 7:00 pm Mt. Sinai Medical Center Founders Conference Center 1st Floor, Warner Bldg, 4300 Alton Road Miami Beach, FL 33140 Gladys Fernandez 305-534-8848 abbayayi@yahoo.com Ellie Klein Cardonne 305-322-2299 ecardonne@bellsouth.net April 3rd, May 1st
PALM BEACH COUNTY NMSS Boyton Beach Group 2rd Tuesday of month, 7:00 pm Hagen Ranch Road Public Library 14350 Hagen Ranch Rd. Delray Beach, FL 33446 Jim Montgomery 561-740-7867 cjjm@bellsouth.net Eliot Reinstein eliotr7@comcast.net March 13th, April 10th, May 8th NMSS West Boca Evening Group 1st Wednesday of month, 6:45 pm West Boca Medical Center 21664 State Road 7 Boca Raton, FL 33428 Doctors’ Dining Room Claudia Erdman 561-414-3872 bocaclaudia@aol.com April 4th, May 2nd NMSS North Palm Beach Group For individuals with MS and Friends 2nd Monday of month, 6:30 pm Borland Center, 3885 PGA Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 Nancy Decker 561-622-4606 March 12th, April 9th, May 14th
NMSS MS Family Connection 2nd Thursday of the month, 7:00 pm All ages welcome! Kids, Parents, family members, caregivers, EVERYONE!
Joy Mercado 561-234-0938 msfamilyconnection@yahoo.com New location. Call Leader for details. April 12th, May 10th
3597 Passcode 24906202 For more details, please contact 1 800 FIGHT MS March 28th, May 30th
MS TELEPHONE SUPPORT GROUPS
“CAFÉ CON LECHE” Conversation and Support for people with Multiple Sclerosis National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers a once a month telephone support group in Spanish 2nd Tuesday of the month, 2:00-3:00 pm For more information or to subscribe call 1-800-344-4867, option 3 March 13th, April 10th, May 8th
NMSS Newly Diagnosed Telephone Support Group Last Wednesday of the month (every other month), 7:00 pm Susan Dorne susandorne@aol.com (please write “Support Group” in subject line) Teleconference number 1-800-910-
Support Groups RESEARCH
NMSS Central Palm Beach Group 2nd Wednesday of month, 7:00 pm Wellington Library 1951 Royal Fern Drive Wellington, FL 33414 Mara Stegmaier 561-632-2403 or 561-792-2400 marastegs@yahoo.com Joy Mercado 561-234-0938 m.s.joy7@gmail.com March 14th, April 11th, May 9th
Wellness Programs BROWARD Tai Chi & Chair Fitness Coral Springs Medical Center 3000 Coral Hills Drive Coral Springs, FL 33065 Kathy Byrne (954) 344-3344 Tai Chi: Sat. 9:30 am Exercise as Part of Everyday Life Tamarac Community Center 8601 W Commercial Boulevard Tamarac, FL 33321 Rose (954) 597-3643 Tai Chi: Mon. 1:00 pm Chair Yoga: Tues. 11:30 am Meditation: Mon. 12:30 pm Chair Fitness Coral Springs Medical Center 3000 Coral Hills Drive Coral Springs, FL 33065 Kathy Byrne: (954) 344-3344 Mon. & Wed.10:30 am Yoga Rosa 110 N. Federal Hwy. #304 Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 Rosa Santana (954) 456-6077 Special Needs: Tues. & Thur. 12:00 -1:00 pm Basic Yoga: Mon. & Wed. 8:30 am, 12:00 pm, 5:30 pm Chair Yoga Coral Springs Medical Center 3000 Coral Hills Drive Coral Springs, FL 33065 Tel: (954) 344-3344 Tues. & Thurs. 12:45 pm MS Restorative Yoga Weston Yoga 2600 Glades Circle, Suite 400 Weston, FL 33327
Fabienne Grossman (954) 349-6868 Tues. & Thurs. 12:00 - 1:00 pm Wed. 8:00 - 9:00 pm RSVP Required 24 hours in advance of the class
COLLIER COUNTY NCH WELLNESS PROGRAM Briggs Memorial Center The Briggs Wellness Center 399 Ninth Street North Naples, FL 34102 Aquatics: Tues. 2:30 pm Yoga & Balance: Mon. 2:15 pm
LEE COUNTY Cape Coral Wellness Facility The Wellness Center of Cape Coral 609 SE 13th Court Cape Coral, FL 33990 (239) 549-3637 Aquasize: Tues. & Thurs. 11:00 am Gentle Yoga: Mon. 12:00 pm Fort Myers Wellness Facility Lee Center for Rehab and Wellness 2070 Carrell Road Fort Myers, FL 33901 (239) 549-3637 Gentle Yoga: Tues. & Thurs. 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
MIAMI-DADE Exercise for Everyone Goulds Park 11350 SW 216 Street Miami, FL (305) 234-4948 Aquatic Exercise: Tues. & Thurs. 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Tai Chi with Tony Tony Garcia 4601 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Ste. 100 Coral Gables, FL 33146 Thurs. 7:00 - 8:00 pm 9090 SW 87th Ct. Ste 201 Miami, FL 33176 Tues. from 7:00 - 8:00 pm
PALM BEACH Tai Chi in Palm Beach Mae Volen Senior Center 1515 W Palmetto Park Rd. Boca Raton, FL 33486 John Bellatoni (561) 395-8920 Fri. 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Yoga & Feldenkrais Mae Volen Senior Center 1515 W Palmetto Park Rd. Boca Raton, FL 33486 Kary Cavanaugh (561) 504-8424 Fri. 1:00 - 2:00 pm Yoga for MS Delray Center for Wellness 120 SE 4th Ave Delray Beach, FL 33483 Chaya ~ Sharon Heller (561) 330-2929 Chair Yoga: Fri. 11:00 am Gentle Yoga: Mon. 10:00 - 11:00 am, Tues. 6:00 - 7:00 pm, Thur. 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Aquatics in Broward and Dade Coming Soon. Please See Website for Additional Information.
TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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ADVO CA TE S P O T LI G H T Federal Updates From Our Advocacy Department At the National MS Society, we like to celebrate advocacy efforts which will improve the quality of life for people living with MS. The Florida Chapters of the National MS Society chose HB 27/SB 226, Disabled Parking Permits, as one of our legislative priorities this session. The bill is a compliance and enforcement bill. Special thanks to all of the MS advocates who participated in emailing, calling and testifying before the legislature on this bill. Also a sincere thanks to the bill sponsors Representative John Patrick Julien (South Florida) and Senator Gwen Margolis (South Florida) for working with us throughout the entire process. The right to park in a disabled parking spot should be monitored and utilized by only those who need it. The Senate version has passed 40-0 after clearing all of its committees. Call your State Representative by visiting myfloridahouse.gov and urge them to support
HB 27/SB226 and let them know how this personally affects you and your family. After the House approves it, it goes to Governor Rick Scott for his approval and would be enacted July 1, 2012. Starting July 1, the bill revises laws relating to disability parking permits. The bill: • expands the type of officials who may issue citations for disability permit parking violations by including the parking enforcement specialist or agency; • revises the requirements for renewing or replacing a long-term disabled parking permit and includes prohibitions for certain violations; • provides for random audits (every six months) of disabled parking permit holders; • requires the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV or department) to develop and implement a system to allow the reporting of abuses of disabled parking permits; and • requires the department to develop and implement a public awareness campaign regarding how such abuse
MS LEARN ONLINE
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he National MS Society has an exciting menu of MS Learn Online webcasts currently available on its website www.nationalmssociety.org/mslearnonline. Each webcast features experts presenting on topics relevant to those affected by multiple sclerosis. MS Learn Online webcasts are typically 10 minutes in length, and have been a successful way to educate people about multiple sclerosis from the convenience of their own computer. Program topics cover: the basics facts of MS, symptom management, progressive MS, research, healthy living and family life, life planning and independence. In addition to the existing menu of programs, a new webcast debuts the first and third Thursday of each month throughout the year.
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JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
burdens disabled persons. This bill substantially amends ss. 318.18 and 320.0848, Florida Statutes. The renewal process can be completed by your physician in their office if you are unable to go to the DHSMV office. The DHSMV is directed to verify, at least annually, that the owner of each disabled parking permit has not died. If a permit owner is found to be deceased, the department is directed to promptly invalidate the decedent’s permit. All persons in Florida have the right to access parking spots that are lawfully theirs. If you have any questions please contact Jenna Paladino, Statewide Director of Public Policy at jenna.paladino@ nmss.org.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT!
The National MS Society would like to shine a spotlight on the following extraordinary volunteers: Robin Sabourin, Alisa Loucado, Sue Haberkorn and Ian Russell. Robin and Alisa go above and beyond to dedicate one day a week out of their busy schedule to volunteer at the National MS Society office. No matter the project, no matter the time these two ladies are committed. Sue and Ian are involved with the 2012 Naples MS Walk Committee. Both members actively promoted the MS Walk, connected to community members, invited local vendors and recruited raffle items. The Society is grateful for these amazing committee members who help create awareness about the National MS Society Walk! You too can volunteer or join a committee. For more information on volunteer opportunities and committees available at the National MS Society, contact Jaime Valdivia at (954) 731.4224 or jaime.valdivia@nmss.org.