SPRING 2014
SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
4 PROGRAMS IN YOUR COMMUNITY
9 FUNDRAISING EVENTS
14 LATEST RESEARCH FINDINGS & STUDIES
19 SELF-HELP GROUPS & WELLNESS PROGRAMS
CONNECT WITH US:
3201 West Commercial Blvd. Suite127 Ft Lauderdale, FL 33309 Tel: (954) 731- 4224 Fax: (954) 739-1398 Email: FLS_Office@nmss.org Chairman: Fred Zuckerman Vice Chairmen: Joey Epstein Ed Pozzuoli Secretary: Diann Geronemus Treasurer: Richard Cascio Chapter President: Karen Dresbach Editor: Jennifer Carroll Information provided by the Society is based upon professional advice, published experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician. The Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The Society assumes no liability for the use or contents of any product or service mentioned. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to ending the devastating effects of MS. Š 2014 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, South Florida Chapter
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MS CONNECTION: SPRING 2014
COMPREHENSIVE MS CENTERS University of Miami MS Center of Excellence Department of Neurology Miller School of Medicine Kottil W. Rammohan, MD 1150 NW 14 St, Miami, FL 33136 (305) 243-6732
PARTNERS IN MS CARE Sunrise Medical Group Brian Steingo, MD 572 East McNab Road Pompano Beach, FL 33060 (954) 738-1700 901 Village Blvd, Suite 702 West Palm Beach, FL 33409 (954) 738-1700 Neuroscience Consultants Howard Zwibel, MD Bertha C. Fonseca, MD Carlos Ramirez Calderon, MD 4601 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Ste. 100 Coral Gables, FL 33146 (786) 219-3145 Cleveland Clinic Megan Rahmlow, MD Effrain D. Salgado, MD Virgilio D. Salanga, MD, MS 2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd. Weston, FL 33331 (954) 659-5000 South Broward MS Clinic Islon Seliger, MD 12596 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33027 (954) 437- 4000 NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
Knowledge Is Power is a six-week, free, athome educational program for people who are newly diagnosed. Mail or email formats. To register, call 1-800-344-4867, or visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/knowledge. 3
PROGRAMS IN YOUR COMMUNITY
FESTIVAL HISPANO: MAY 3, 2014 Take advantage of your chance to get FREE access to health care providers, community resources and more at the 2014 Festival Hispano. The event is open to people with MS who speak Spanish or are bilingual. You may register up to 4 people per family. We will also have activities for children 8-16 years old. If you want to stay in the hotel we will have rooms available at a reduced price. Festival Hispano will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2014 from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm at the Miami Airport Marriott, 1201 NW LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126. Space is limited so call 1-800-FIGHT-MS (dial 3 for Spanish) to register today. Aproveche la oportunidad de obtener libre acceso a los proveedores de atención de salud, recursos de la comunidad y mucho más en el Festival Hispano 2014. El evento está abierto a las personas con EM que hablan español o son
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bilingües. Usted puede registrar un máximo de 4 personas por familia. ¡También tendremos actividades para niños de 8 a 16 años! Si desea quedarse en el hotel tenemos habitaciones disponibles a un precio reducido. Festival Hispano se llevará a cabo el Sábado, 3 de mayo 2014, de 9:00 am - 2:30 pm en el hotel Marriott Miami Airport, 1201 NW LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126. El cupo es limitado, llamar al 1-800-FIGHT-MS (línea 3 para español) registrese hoy.
MS CONNECTION: SPRING 2014
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI: LOOKING FOR PARTICIPANTS FOR A STUDY ON GENETICS IN HISPANICS The National MS Society has committed nearly $1 million to fund a genetics study on Hispanics and multiple sclerosis at the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics at University of Miami. The research grant study will explore genes that make people of Hispanic/ Latino descent susceptible to developing MS. Both environmental and genetic factors combine to make people susceptible to MS. Most genetic studies in MS have examined genes in Caucasians of Northern European ancestry. Although the prevalence rate of
NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
MS in people of Hispanic / Latino descent is relatively high, the MS related genetics of this population has not been extensively studied. Using DNA from Hispanic individuals with and without MS, Dr. Jacob McCauley and his colleagues at University of Miami are examining known genes that influence MS and searching for new genes that may be involved in MS specifically in the Hispanic/ Latino population. The results from these studies will help pinpoint additional genetic risk factors for MS, and may help inform efforts to develop new therapies, as well as finding ways to prevent the disease. To participate in the study please contact Patricia Manrique at 305-243-4028 or cmanrique@med.miami.edu; for more information about this study, contact Ileana Martinez at 954-731-4224 or Ileana. Martinez@nmss.org.
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TEEN EXPRESSION JUNE 19, 2014
DATE: Thursday, June 19, 2014
Calling all teens! We hope you will join us for our 2014 Teen Expression event: Teen Expression members meet regularly throughout the year, both in-person and via conference call, to plan and execute programs for other teens in our chapter area. The purpose of Teen Expression is to have fun, plan activities and raise awareness one teen at a time. Teens currently involved in this program are from all walks of life with a wide range of interests and talents.
TIME: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
The members identified the following goals for the program:
LOCATION: SeaWorld 7007 Sea World Dr Orlando, FL 32821
∫∫ Build leadership skills
AGENDA: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Icebreaker “MS Experience” 12:00 PM Lunch
∫∫ Increase volunteer involvement with local chapter ∫∫ Learn about how MS affects families and how to cope
∫∫ Establish lifelong friendships and a healthy support network ∫∫ Be inspired and help inspire others to get active in their communities to create a world free of MS ∫∫ Act as consultants to chapter staff planning teen programs ∫∫ Receive education about MS and wellness ∫∫ Learn how to apply for college and scholarships Teen Expression is for teens, ages 13-17 years old, whose parent, grandparent or guardian has MS and teens with MS. There is no charge for this program. For more information about this program, please contact Suhaill Ruano at Suhaill.Ruano@nmss.org.
∫∫ Form supportive relationships with other teens in similar circumstances ∫∫ Learn to summon strength and courage in difficult times
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM Group session 12:50 PM - 2:00 PM MS Circle 2:15 PM - 7:00PM Free time
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MS CONNECTION: SPRING 2014
MS MIXER – EDUCATION AND FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY MS symptoms and daily challenges – especially “hidden” disabilities including pain, fatigue, cognitive issues, etc. – can be complicated and difficult to understand. Many symptoms and challenges are often misunderstood. In order for people with MS to get the best care possible and for families to be able to thrive under such difficult circumstances, it is critical for all people affected by MS to have a better understanding of the disease and the tools to help them navigate the uncertain future. That is why we have created the MS Mixer event. The MS Mixer is a fun, holistic, comprehensive
educational program for people with MS, their families and their caregivers. ms mixer.indd The2014event will1 include special presentations by local neurologists / clinicians as well as workshops on symptom management, mental health, nutrition and wellness. Participants Date: will learn skills, meet with Time: health care providers,
network with other guests and gather materials to help them achieve and maintain meaningful and productive lives.
TELECONFERENCE SERIES 2014 Join us for a free series of informative conference calls on a variety of topics for people living with MS and their families. Overcoming Cognitive Challenges May 13, 2014 | 7:30 - 8:30 PM Memory problems, difficulty concentrating and slowness in processing information are all cognitive challenges associated with MS. In this teleconference participants will learn about the role of cognition in MS as well as NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
People with MS are welcome to bring up to 3 guests. Lunch is complementary. Activities will be available for children ages 8 – 17. Space is limited so call 1-800-FIGHT-MS to register today.
Location:
August 8, 2014 10 AM – 3 PM Creekside Restaurant 21180 Country Creek Drive Estero, FL 33928
information on cognitive rehabilitation, and tips to help manage cognitive symptoms. Speaker: Kristine Herfkens, PhD Alternative Therapies in MS August 12, 2014 | 7:30 - 8:30 PM Alternative therapies are difficult to define and can include anything from drugs and diet to food supplements, mental exercises and life-style changes. This teleconference will help identify and discuss alternative options. Speaker: Sibyl E. Wray, MD To register for the teleconferences, call 1-800-FIGHT-MS.
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SOUTH FLORIDIANS FIND WELLNESS WITH MINDFUL MEDITATION A small group of South Floridians looking to find relief from their MS symptoms via a natural, holistic method enjoyed the first series of Mindful Meditation sessions, a unique collaborative effort between the MS Center of SW Florida, Integrative Mindfulness and the National MS Society, South Florida Chapter.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an evidence-based educational program shown to: ∫∫ reduce stress ∫∫ lower anxiety ∫∫ diminish fatigue ∫∫ ease chronic pain ∫∫ lessen depression
of life for individuals with MS If you are interested in learning more about the Mindful Meditation program, please contact Suhaill Ruano at Suhaill.Ruano@nmss.org. A special thank you to the Naples Botanical Garden for hosting the Mindful Meditation retreat.
∫∫ improve health-related quality
Alie’s Fund
Alie was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 14. She receives the utmost care and medications from her doctors to help slow the progression of her disease. Alie is living her life to the fullest, graduating college and now attending law school.
for Children With MS
Alie formed Alie’s Fund for Children with MS in order to provide funds to children ages 2-22 who live throughout the country with MS. The funds help defer medical and educational costs, counseling and other services to ensure a brighter future for those impacted with MS. If you are interested in applying for assistance from Alie’s Fund for Children with MS, please contact the Programs Department at 1 800 FIGHT MS; 954731-4224. Documentation of your MS diagnosis and verification of age will be required.
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MS CONNECTION: SPRING 2014
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
34th Annual MS Golf Tournament May 9, 2014 at Boca Lago Country Club The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, South Florida Chapter will host the 34th Annual MS Golf Tournament on Friday, May 9, 2014 at Boca Lago Country Club. Proceeds from the event will be used to fund important research initiatives and local programs for people affected by MS. Corporate groups and foursomes are invited join the event which kicks off at 7:30 am with a shotgun start scramble and includes putting, closest to the pin, longest drive and hole-in-one contests. During the day golfers are treated to snacks, beverages and fantastic prizes. The tournament concludes with cocktails, auctions and an awards banquet. Last year, the golf tournament raised more than $85,000 to help fund research and provide direct financial assistance and educational programs to 7,500 South Floridians living with the effects of multiple sclerosis. “What could be easier or more fun than raising money for your neighbors living with MS by spending the day on the golf course? So grab your clubs, a few buddies and your friendly competitive spirit and help us create a world free of MS,� said event chair and committee member since 1984, Stuart Kosh. The 2014 MS Golf Tournament sponsors include title sponsor, CBM of America, Inc., presenting sponsor, Biogen Idec, and silver sponsors, Brown & Brown, Evans Worldwide, Inc., GL Homes, Mercedes-Benz of Coconut Creek, Telecom Resources of America, Unity Performance Optics and VSPOne Optical Technology Centers. To register your foursome or to learn more about sponsorships or volunteer opportunities, please contact Monica Whiting at Monica.Whiting@nmss.org or at 954731-4224. NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
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31st Annual MS Gala Luncheon Raises Nearly $450,000 to Accelerate Research
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s 31st annual MS Gala celebration was held on January 22, 2014 at the Broward County Convention Center. The event raised nearly $450,000, which will be used to advance research and treatments and accelerate the progress toward a world free of MS. More than 800 guests from the tri-county area attended the prestigious philanthropic event, presented by The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, South Florida Chapter. The MS Gala Luncheon has raised more than $5.4 million to help the National MS Society, South Florida Chapter fund cutting-edge research, drive change through advocacy, facilitate professional education and provide programs and services designed for the 7,500 people with MS and their families.
determination it takes to make a difference. The fight against MS is personal for Alan and we are privileged to have him as a partner,” said Karen Schneier Dresbach, chapter president of the National MS Society, South Florida Chapter. The signature luncheon delighted guests with a new artistic flare and featured Broadway's Cirque Dreams, an internationally acclaimed global entertainment
This year’s MS Hope Award honoree was Alan S. Becker, founding shareholder of the Law Firm of Becker & Poliakoff, who has supported the work of the National MS Society for more than 19 years. “Alan Becker is a champion in the truest sense of the word. He understands the commitment and
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MS CONNECTION: SPRING 2014
brand, who performed with award-winning costume designs and entertaining characters. Carrie and David Schulman, involved with the gala since its inception in 1983, served as title sponsors for the event. Event chair Ila Feld Davidoff was joined by honorary chairs Deborah DelPrete, Monica Goldstein and Carrie Schulman. The MS Gala Luncheon’s generous sponsors included title sponsor, DBS Financial Group/MassMutual, the official jewelry sponsor, J.R. Dunn Jewelers, official automobile sponsor, AutoNation, platinum patron sponsors, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation and Ultimate Software, official travel sponsor, Royal Caribbean International, and philanthropic partner, Bienenfeld, Lasek & Starr, LLC/Carol Lasek, Howard Bienenfeld & Mitchell Starr. n
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South Floridians with Multiple Sclerosis Embrace Challenges and “Ride with MS” A group of determined South Floridians with multiple sclerosis proved they are tougher than MS by participating in the “I Ride with MS” program and wearing customized jerseys during this year’s annual Bike MS: Breakaway to Key Largo event. “I Ride with MS” is a National Multiple Sclerosis Society program that celebrates Bike MS cyclists who are also living with multiple sclerosis. Despite experiencing an array of challenges associated with MS including fatigue, numbness and limited mobility, these riders beamed with pride training for months to be physically and mentally prepared for
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the taxing ride from Miami to Key Largo. Team member Lanny Carrero passionately said, “After twenty-six years of fighting MS, I’ve realized that it’s not about what I can’t do, it’s about what I can do. And I feel empowered by riding and doing my part to help others who have MS.”
Primal Wear are proud supporters of the I Ride with MS program, available through all Bike MS events nationwide in 2014.
Karen Schneier Dresbach, chapter president of the National MS Society, South Florida Chapter was impressed by the spirit the team brought to the event. “Our ‘I Ride with MS’ team members were extraordinary. They inspire us to do everything possible to create a world free of MS.” Genzyme, MS One to OneTM and
MS CONNECTION: SPRING 2014
THE MANY FORMS OF SUPPORT
ADVOCACY
large chunks of time on the phone and
BY RALPH MONTEFUSCO
When my wife Michele was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in October 2006, we faced a steep learning curve about the disease. Once we realized that the diagnosis wasn’t a death sentence, we established a structure around treating her MS and accommodating her symptoms. Michele and I have been married for 30 years. Not being a medical person or an especially warm and fuzzy type, I tried to find a way to provide support. I settled on using my experience as an activist to advocate on behalf of people with MS in Vermont as the co-chair of Burlington’s Committee on Accessibility and the chair of the Society’s government relations committee. I changed my life in other ways, as well. For the past 10 years, I worked as a consultant for a series of projects. Since I am a few years older than Michelle, our long-term plan was for me to retire first, while she continued working for several more years. However, it became apparent that support, just like MS, takes many forms. As time passed, I handled more tasks of our day-to-day life, and we decided that I would retire earlier than we had planned in order to take over our household and financial responsibilities.
RALPH MONTEFUSCO AND MICHELE PATENAUDE
computer. Although I have a lot to do right here at home, it doesn’t have to be squeezed in around any clients’ needs. Meanwhile, Michele doesn’t have to struggle to find the energy and time to devote to the daily, essential tasks of our life. We would both prefer that MS wasn’t with us, but at least for now our quality of life has improved. The future will certainly hold more changes, but our partnership will remain the most significant means for us to adjust to whatever happens. n Ralph Montefusco and Michele Patenaude live in Burlington, VT. Provided by the Greater New England Chapter.
While this admittedly resulted in a hit to our income, it also freed both of us. I am no longer on the road a lot, working late and spending NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
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RESEARCH
the amount smoked. The researchers also found that quitting smoking brought that risk back to normal within a decade. The same team reported that smoking could increase a person’s risk of developing the kind of antibodies in their blood – called neutralizing antibodies – that can block the ability of interferon beta to reduce MS disease activity. Another excellent reason to quit.
WHAT’S IN THE GENES
MS RISKS AND TRIGGERS BY NICHOLAS LAROCCA, P H D
If we knew exactly what causes multiple sclerosis, we might be able to prevent anyone from ever getting the disease again. But even more relevant to people who already live with MS is new evidence for risk factors that may make their disease worse – or better. A lot of progress in this area was reported last October at ECTRIMS, the world’s largest gathering of MS researchers, on MS risk factors and triggers. For example, in a large population study by Dr. A.K. Hedström and team from Stockholm, Sweden, it was confirmed that cigarette smoking increased the risk for developing MS at any age, and climbed with
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We know genes contribute to MS risk, but that’s not the end of the story. Dr. H. Westerlind reported on a study by a team from Solna, Sweden, that took advantage of MS patient registries in Sweden, one of which dates back to the 1800s. They took a fresh look at how much having a family member with MS, particularly an identical or fraternal twin, increases chances of getting the disease. The researchers found that the risk of an identical getting MS if the other twin has the disease was lower than in prior reports, but still much higher than in fraternal twins. This study suggests that that the role of genes may be more complicated than previously suspected. (To read more about genetic risks, go to www.nationalMSsociety.org/genetics.) The mystery of genetics and MS is driving more studies that look at how genes interact with a person’s environment and lifestyle. Danish researchers Dr. A.B. Oturai and colleagues from Copenhagen looked at a group of potential risk factors, including known MS susceptibility genes, obesity in early adulthood, previous mononucleosis and high teenage alcohol consumption. They found that each of
MS CONNECTION: SPRING 2014
these factors contributed to lowering the age at which an individual was diagnosed with MS. A related study suggested that preventing teen obesity in people with MS susceptibility genes may reduce their risk of developing MS.
Copenhagen made it clear to me that this is a very promising field of study. If we could decipher the influence of the gut microbiome, we have the potential of altering it to treat or even prevent MS.
WATCH THE SALT
Taken together, maybe there’s some truth to the old adage, “You are what you eat.”
Recent studies have pointed to salt intake as a possible risk factor for developing MS or for making mice with an MS-like disease worse. (Read more at www.nationalMSsociety.org/ salt.) But new evidence presented this week by Dr. M.F. Farez and colleagues in Buenos Aires and Boston suggest that high salt intake may also increase MS exacerbation rates and MRI-detected disease activity in people who have the disease. It will be important to do further research in this area to confirm these results in larger numbers of people and to figure out what levels of salt in the diet might be considered OK for people with MS.
WHAT YOU EAT
Follow MS research by signing up for MS eNews at www.nationalMSsociety.org/signup. n
Dr. Nicholas LaRocca is a clinical psychologist who has worked in the field of MS for over 30 years and is the Society’s vice president of Health Care Delivery and Policy Research Originally published at www.MSconnection. org/blog.
Clinical trials are also getting underway to test whether increasing an individual’s vitamin D levels can delay the development of MS. The National MS Society is supporting a trial to see whether vitamin D supplements can reduce MS activity in people already diagnosed. Visit www. nationalMSsociety.org/vitaminD to learn more. Another emerging area of research is the gut microbiome – colonies of trillions of bacteria that inhabit our intestinal tracts, most of which are beneficial. The immune activity that occurs in the gut, and which is related to the immune system, may help dictate other aspects of health, including the activity of an individual’s MS. A lecture by Dr. O. Borbye Pedersen of
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RESEARCH
THE PROMISE OF MYELIN REPAIR
lack of cells capable of making new myelin in old lesions, but their inability to produce new myelin. Work is now underway to figure out what the impediment is and how to jump-start the repair process. What makes this work on MS lesions intriguing is that it straddles two different parts of the
BY BRUCE BEBO, P H D
When I started as a laboratory immunologist more than 20 years ago, the major focus in MS research was searching for ways to turn off destructive immune attacks, which resulted in immune-based therapies that can help control relapsing forms of the disease for many people. While researchers continue to look for ways to improve the treatment of relapsing MS, the focus in MS research is shifting to finding strategies that stop MS progression and repair the damage that causes disability. This is relevant to people with all types of MS, but especially to people with progressive forms of the disease.
DREAM TO REALITY People are excited by the possibility, once only a dream, that we will find a way to repair damaged myelin. This would be important for restoring function, and many believe that reestablishing the protective myelin coating on axons may even shield them from further harm. Bruce Trapp, PhD, and his team at Cleveland Clinic have been working hard to advance the field of nervous system repair. They have shown that new MS lesions undergo natural repair much better than older (“chronic”) ones. They also reported that the problem is not a
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brain – the so-called white matter and gray matter. The team found that chronic lesions in the white matter don’t remyelinate. But chronic lesions in the gray matter show robust remyelination – even in people living with MS into their 70s. This opens up opportunities to compare differences in the two regions and figure out how to make white matter repair itself like gray matter. In related research, Larry Sherman, PhD, and colleagues at the Oregon Health & Science University found that fragments of a molecule called hyaluronic acid (HA for short) MS CONNECTION: SPRING 2014
accumulate in chronic white matter lesions and could be at least partially responsible for the stalled remyelination. They have identified an enzyme that chews the HA into fragments and have shown that inhibitors of this enzyme promote remyelination. They are now trying to figure out exactly how this works, in hopes of developing treatments that promote remyelination.
neurons and myelin-producing oligodendrocytes, and blockading this protein with anti-LINGO has been shown to promote remyelination in animal models. An investigative team from Biogen Idec reported that anti-LINGO was well tolerated in people and that no negative effects were seen. This means the company will likely keep pursuing clinical development of this promising repair candidate.
MORE POSSIBILITIES
In other news, investigators from the Mayo Clinic are developing an agent called rHIgM22 that has been shown to promote extensive remyelination in several different animal models of MS. This agent is now in early clinical trial testing in MS.
Increasing evidence suggests that female sex hormones might be neuroprotective and/ or promote repair of myelin. I saw two very interesting presentations last October at ECTRIMS, the world’s largest gathering of researchers, which reported that different estrogen-like molecules could stimulate production of new myelin. Both of these projects are supported by the Society. Another strategy to repair myelin in MS is to introduce new repair cells into the system via transplantation. Of note was a presentation by investigators from Milan, Italy, who used mouse skin stem cells and forced them to become myelin-making cells. After these cells were infused into the spinal cord, they promoted recovery in mice with the MS-like disease EAE. The team found that these cells didn’t actually make myelin themselves, and are starting to identify the growth factors they release that stimulate natural repair and also reduce inflammation. More work is needed, but this type of research gives hope that this strategy may eventually help restore lost function.
We’re not there yet, but recent and ongoing research holds the promise of uncovering new targets for stopping progression and stimulating repair. n Bruce Bebo, PhD, is the associate vice president of Discovery Research at the National MS Society.
Originally published at www.MSconnection. org/blog.
Updates on two repair therapies already being tested in human clinical trials were also presented. The first is called anti-LINGO. LINGO is seen in NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
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VOLUNTEER CORNER
THANK YOU! Thank you to all of the South Florida Chapter volunteers throughout the 2014 event season. We want to acknowledge you for contributing your time and efforts toward the mission. Volunteers play a vital role in the work of the Society, bringing new ideas and energy. Learn more about upcoming opportunities by visiting our volunteer page at nmssfls.org and click on “volunteer�. Does your company or school want to volunteer together as a group for the National MS Society? You can help at many of our events and programs such as Walk MS or Bike MS. Contact FLS_Volunteer@ nmss.org or 954-731-4224 for more details.
Learn more about volunteering at the National MS Society
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MS CONNECTION: SPRING 2014
SELF-HELP GROUPS BROWARD COUNTY NMSS Coral Springs Afternoon Group 3rd Tuesday of month, 1:00 pm Bring a bag Lunch & Socialize, 1:45 pm meeting Coral Springs Medical Center Community Education Center 3100 Coral Hills Drive Coral Springs, FL 33065 Michael Myette: (954) 643-9714 pmmyette@aol.com
COLLIER/ LEE COUNTY NMSS Naples Group (Social Group) 1st Monday of Month, 3:30 pm Briggs Wellness Center-Briggs Conference Room, 2nd floor by Subway 399 Ninth Street North Naples, FL 34102 *Group location may vary depending on month. Please contact the Local Contact for confirmation on location. Local Contact: Janice Bronstein at (239) 774-7619 National MS Society Contact : Tanya Dannibale: (239) 793-7009 Tanya.dannibale@nmss.org
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 Kare4FL@gmail.com Social luncheon held 1st Thursday of month Contact Karen Hart for details
NMSS Cape Coral Day Group 1st Sunday of month, 3:00 pm 636 Del Prado Blvd. South Room A Cape Coral, FL 33990 Dave Lane: (239) 652-3602 lanenikken@comcast.net Martha Hannigan: (239) 310-6866 capecoralmsgroup@gmail.com
NMSS Martin County Afternoon Group *Bring your own brown bag lunch 2nd Monday of month, 12:30 pm Ocean Palms Retirement Center 3rd Floor Activity Room 2750 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart, FL 34996 Kim Gilbert (772) 600-8884 Kimgilbert1955@yahoo.com
NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
MARTIN COUNTY
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MIAMI DADE COUNTY
PALM BEACH COUNTY
NMSS Miami-Dade Spiritual Self-Help Group 2nd Thursday of month, 6:00 pm Doctors Hospital 5000 University Drive Coral Gables, FL 33146 Go to the Chapel on the second floor near Elevator A Chaplain Ronald Gaudio: (786) 308-3800 ronaldga@baptisthealth.net
NMSS West Boca Evening Group *Must call or e-mail SHG leader to RSVP and receive confirmation on meeting *Speakers/Specialists will be announced by Self-Help Group Leader(s) 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) 483-4257 bocaclaudia@aol.com
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 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@comcast.net Café con Leche Conversation and Support for People with Multiple Sclerosis National Multiple Sclerosis Society offers once a month a telephone Self-Help Group in Spanish 2nd Tuesday of the Month, 2:00-3:30 pm For more information or to subscribe call 1-800-344-4867, option 3
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NMSS North Palm Beach Group 2nd Monday of month, 6:30 pm Borland Center 3885 PGA Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 Nancy Decker: (561) 622-4606 NMSS Boynton Beach Group 2nd Tuesday of month, 7:00 pm Hagen Ranch Road Public Library 14350 Hagen Ranch Rd. Delray Beach, FL 33446 Jim Montgomery: (561) 740-7867 jmcm032914@gmail.com Eliot Reinstein: (561) 302-6913 Eliotr7@comcast.net Palm West MS Self-Help Group 3rd Monday of Month at 6:30 pm 960 South State Road 7 Wellington, FL 33414 Meeting room in Total Wine Howard Chiet: (561) 795-5233 JJHAKKS@gmail.com
MS CONNECTION: SPRING 2014
The National MS Society provides wellness programs to the MS community. You are invited to enjoy these classes free of charge. For more information contact: Suhaill Ruano 1 800 FIGHT MS (800-344-4867) Email: suhaill.ruano@nmss.org
WELLNESS PROGRAMS ∫∫ chair yoga ∫∫ meditation ∫∫ tai chi
BROWARD WELLNESS PROGRAMS Coral Springs Medical Center Tai Chi: Saturday at 2:00 pm Chair Yoga: Tuesday and Thursday at 12:45 pm Kathy Byrne: (954) 344-3344 Tamarac Community Center Tai Chi: Monday at 1:00 pm Chair Yoga: Tuesday at 11:30 am Meditation: Monday at 12:30 pm Rose: (954) 597-3643
WELLNESS Have you been wanting to try a wellness program but haven’t quite gotten around to it? It’s a new year and a new chance to treat yourself by joining a local wellness program. It’s simple: just call 954-731-4224 or e-mail our Programs team at FLS_ProgramStaff@nmss.org and they will be happy to get you started. Wellness of body, mind and spirit is the key to leading a healthy and active lifestyle while living with MS. The South Florida Chapter offers a variety of activities free of charge – for a range of abilities -- that help to maintain that quality lifestyle, including: ∫∫ aquatics ∫∫ yoga NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
Yoga Rosa Special Needs: Tuesday & Thursday at 12:00 pm Yoga: Monday and Wednesday at 8:30 am, 12:00 pm, 5:30 pm Rosa Santana: (954) 456-6077 Weston Yoga Call Fabienne Grossman for an appointment (954) 871-5222
COLLIER/LEE COUNTY NCH Briggs Wellness Center Aquatics: Tuesday at 9:30 am Yoga and Balance: Monday at 2:15 pm Cape Coral Wellness Facility Gentle Yoga: Monday at 12:00 pm Aquatics: Tuesday and Thursday at 11:30 am Fort Myers Wellness Facility Gentle Yoga: Tuesday and Thursday at 11:30 am
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WELLNESS CONTINUED MIAMI-DADE Tai Chi with Tony **ON HOLD**
PALM BEACH Mae Volen Center 1515 W. Palmetto Park Road Boca Raton (561) 395-8920 Tai Chi: Friday 12:00 - 1:00 pm Yoga: Friday 1:00 - 2:00 pm
HELP US GO GREEN RECEIVE THE MS CONNECTION ONLINE. CALL 1-800-344-4867 OR 954-731-4224 TO SIGN UP TODAY
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MS CONNECTION: SPRING 2014
National Multiple Sclerosis Society South Florida Chapter 3201 W. Commercial Blvd. Suite 127 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
Upcoming Events May 3, 2014 Festival Hispano
June 2014 Bike MS Award Ceremony
May 8, 2014 MS Golf Pairing Party
June 19, 2014 Teen Expression
May 9, 2014 MS Golf Tournament
August 8, 2014 MS Mixer
STAY CONNECTED
nmssfls.org 1-800-FIGHT-MS (344-4867)