SUMMER 2014 greater bay: Programs & services in your community
Connect with the Care You Need MS is a difficult disease to diagnose, with unpredictable symptoms that often mimic those of other diseases. For Brian Thompson, the symptoms came on gradually. Between 2007 and 2009, he experienced two cases of optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve that can cause a complete or partial loss of vision. However, after treatment, he regained his vision completely. There are many “what if ’s” that can accompany an MS diagnosis. “What do I do now?” and “How will my life change?” are just a few thoughts that ran through Brian’s mind after he received the news. The National MS Society connected Brian with a care manager named Audrey, who helped him navigate through the process of getting the care he needed. “Over time Audrey has been an amazing resource. She has helped me with everything from filling out paperwork to making sure I ask my neurologist the right questions and get the answers I need,” said Brian. A few months ago, Brian broke his leg after an unexpected fall and required in-patient care. Audrey connected Brian with a local rehabilitation facility for his initial recovery, and set him up with 72 hours of support for his recovery time at home, which included light housekeeping, transportation to appointments, and other help as needed.
We are in your community
The Chapter’s San Francisco office is located in close proximity to the UCSF MS Center. The
partnership between the Chapter and the Center positively impacts our MS community. Twice each week, Andrew Rose, Emotional Support Program Manager, visits with MS patients in the clinic. He meets with clients Andrew Rose, LCSW to connect them with community Client Services Manager services and chapter programs, and to address challenges such as navigating insurance and benefits, finding housing and securing financial assistance. From navigating through the very first symptoms and continuing throughout life with the disease, the National MS Society can connect people with the care they need. • Connect with MS Specialty Care - doctors, counselors, social workers, physical therapists and more! • Ask an MS Navigator for help to navigate the challenges of MS. Find personalized answers to your unique needs, up-todate information, referrals and practical resources. • Learn about research and clinical trials. • Advocate for better health care, research funding and policy initiatives that are important to you. Connect to the care you need by calling 800344-4867 or email can_info@nmss.org. ◊
08 UpCOMINg PROGRAMS Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise stated. Register by calling 1-800-344-4867 or visiting our Calendar at www.nationalMSsociety.org/calendar/norcal.
greater bay: Programs & Services SUMMER 2014 Self-Advocacy Skills Training: Overcoming Barriers to Getting What You Need Saturday, September 6th 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. City of Pleasanton Senior Center Classroom 5353 Sunol Blvd., Pleasanton
Wednesday, August 6th 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. National MS Society Office 1700 Owens St., Ste. 190, San Francisco
This practical “hands-on” workshop will offer you an opportunity to hear from communication and advocacy professionals about the most effective methods for presenting your fact-based needs to achieve maximum results.
Are you newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis? A diagnosis of MS can create many unexpected emotions that leave you with a strong need to understand the changes you may be facing. This informative program will address the most common concerns for people who are newly diagnosed, as well as family and friends who want to learn more.
At this workshop you will learn: • Resources to help resolve disputes with your health provider, employer or local business • How to enlist your elected officials to help you short-circuit problems • How to file winning grievances • How to identify and prepare for potential problems before they arise
Mix & Mingle Networking Hour
Presenter Annan Paterson lives with MS and knows firsthand the importance of advocating for the needs and treatment of people with chronic conditions through her own involvement in local politics. Representatives from congressional and statewide offices will discuss how to expedite problems with Medicare and Medi-Cal, accessibility issues, Social Security claims and intervening with governmental issues. Community resources related to topics such as housing and discrimination will also be discussed. Lunch will be served. The registration deadline is Friday, September 5th.
Newly Diagnosed Orientation
Wednesday, August 20th 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Pyramid Alehouse, Brewery & Restaurant 1410 Locust St., Walnut Creek Looking to meet other working professionals in the area and see how they live with their MS? Or are you thinking of going back to work after a break? Want to do so in a relaxed social setting? Join us for happy hour at Pyramid Alehouse, Brewery & Restaurant for light appetizers to wrap up your day.
register at nationalmssociety.org/can | 1-800-344-4867 Free From Falls: A Comprehensive Fall Prevention Program for People with MS 8 Week Series on Thursdays: September 25th - December 4th 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Samuel Merritt University, Peralta Pavilion 450 30th St., Oakland Studies indicate that falls are quite common among people with MS and are often associated with injuries and negative impact on quality of life. The National MS Society has developed a fall prevention program with an 8-week curriculum, designed for people living with MS who are ambulatory but who may be at risk for falling. Discussion, exercise and group and individual activities are elements of this engaging format where participants will learn about: fall risks, tips and strategies to reduce risk for falling and exercises to enhance balance and safety. A supportive group atmosphere and expert instructors in the field of rehabilitation, health and wellness will help each participant develop a personal plan to maximize safety. Each week’s two-hour program will have two parts; a discussion component focused on awareness of issues related to falls and an exercise component directed to improving postural alignment, balance, endurance and mobility. You must be able to walk at least 15 steps unaided or with only one cane, crutch or walking stick. If you are using a wheelchair or walker as a mobility aid this program may not meet your needs (keep your eye out for the next Free From Falls series which may meet
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your needs). Contact your physical therapist for personalized assessment and therapy. The registration deadline is Monday, September 29th. For more information or to discuss the application and assessment process, please contact Tara Reed at 408-988-7587, ex. 74102 or e-mail tara.reed@nmss.org.
DIY Event: Crush MS on August 2nd Reid Family Vineyards and Counter Punch Wines have teamed up to create a network of wineries called Crush MS who are dedicated to raising funds and awareness toward the elimination of MS. On August 2nd, Reid Family Vineyards will host several of Napa’s finest wineries. Participating wineries include Silver Oak, ZD, Spelletich, Dry Creek Vineyards, and more! This fun event will feature great food, local musicians and, of course, great wine. Tickets may be purchased at https://crushms1. eventbrite.com. All proceeds will be donated to the Society. The winery is located at 1020 Borrette Lane in Napa. For more information, call Karen or Kirk Reid at 707-2523195.
what’s happening in self-help groups northern california ALAMEDA COUNTY
• Alameda - Sharon: 510-521-6260, Ray:
Central Valley • MS Night at the Modesto Nuts, July 25
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in Modesto • Newly Diagnosed Orientation, August 5th in Modesto • Live a Healthy Life, August 13th in Modesto
Greater Sacramento
• Coping with the Physical Changes in MS,
July 16th in Sacramento • Newly Diagnosed Orientation, August 7th in Carmichael • Mix & Mingle Networking Hour, September 10th in Sacramento • Maneuvering Through the World of Disability Insurance, September 17th in Carmichael
North State
• Self-Advocacy Skills Training: Overcoming
Barriers to Getting What You Need, August 16th in Fort Bragg • Newly Diagnosed Orientation, August 27th in Santa Rosa • Clay Day, September 16th in Chico • Newly Diagnosed Orientation, September 8th in Chico
South Bay
• Free From Falls, July 7 - August 25 in th
• • • • •
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Marina Morning Mingle, July 17th, August 21st and September 18th in Santa Clara Carepartners of MS Social, July 19th in Santa Clara Newly Diagnosed Orientation, August 5th in Santa Clara Wine Down Wednesday, August 20th in Mountain View Gentle Yoga for People with MS, Thursdays ongoing in Saratoga
• • • • • •
510-522-5210 Berkeley: Lunch Group (meets periodically) - Toni: 510-653-4534 Central Berkeley - Audrey: 510-287-6543 East Bay: Lesbians - eastbaymsgroup@ gmail.com Fremont - Marie: 510-520-7276 Oakland - Katrina 510-523-1891 Oakland: African Americans - Karen: 510-757-3290
• Oakland: Latinos - Elsa: 510-777-1414
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
• Brentwood: MS for Lunch Bunch
- Kathy: 925-286-7674, Julie: 925-5134686 • Mt. Diablo (Concord) - Cindy: 925-6770737, Jan: 925-372-0859 • El Cerrito - Thad: 510-528-8540
MARIN COUNTY
• Corte Madera (Group does not meet in
July or August) - Vicki: 415-892-7370, Anita: 415-892-5548
SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY
• San Francisco: Young at Heart Group
- George: 415-724-0064, Ann: 415-5738949
SAN MATEO COUNTY
• Foster City - Eli: 650-377-1970 • San Mateo - George: 650-281-7646
ONLINE • “Second Life” - John: 916-708-9708