winter 2015/2016
northern California Chapter
MS Connection Newsletter
INSIDE 03 THIS ISSUE
tiny habits, big results
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programs connection
community groups
walk ms 2016
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MS connection: winter 2015/2016
letter from the President
a year to celebrate As the year comes to a close, I’d like to take some time to reflect on the remarkable accomplishments we made together: • Thousands connected and raised funds at special events throughout the year. Together, we walked, cycled, and trudged through an obstacle course of muck with a common goal...to change the world for people affected by MS.
save the date: ms awareness week March 7 - 11, 2016 Every connection counts when it comes to increasing awareness and support of our cause. Get involved this March and help us change the world for people affected by MS.
Connect with us online: www.nationalMSsociety.org/CAN Like us: facebook.com/MSnortherncal Follow us: twitter.com/MSnortherncal Watch us: youtube.com/norcalnmss
• MS Navigators continued to connect more than 200,000 people across the country with answers and critical resources needed to ensure each person with MS can live their best life. • Your support of the NOW MS Research Campaign accelerated vital progress unlike any other time in history towards stopping MS, restoring lost function and ending MS. This progress is essential to changing the world for everyone living with MS and will continue in 2016 with a bigger, bolder funding platform that will drive our entire mission. • More than 75,000 activists across the country united and shared their collective voice to make impactful policy changes, secure crucial government research funding, and drive change wherever it is needed. Congratulations and thank you for your countless contributions. Together, we will ensure that people are surrounded with the resources and support they need to move forward and be more powerful than the challenges of MS. Together, we are stronger. Warm wishes this holiday season, Janelle Del Carlo, Chapter President
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nationalmssociety.org/caN | 1-800-344-4867
new year’s resolutions
tiny habits, big results The holiday season is upon us and for many that means traveling, family get-togethers, and busy schedules. Because of this, the end of the year can be a tough time to maintain your usual healthy habits. If you have MS, this can be particularly troublesome as recent research supports the link between MS and nutrition and wellness. The good news is that the approaching New Year gives everyone a chance to wipe the slate clean and get back into the swing of things. New Year’s resolutions have been a tradition for decades, however it is also tradition for many people to start strong with their goals and eventually peter out. Avoid this trend in 2016 by making sure that your resolutions are realistic and attainable. One way to do this is to create
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Northern California Chapter 1700 Owens Street, Suite 190 San Francisco, CA 94158 1-800-344-4867 Chair: Jay Thayer Chapter President: Janelle Del Carlo Editor: Emily Hazlett Designer: Nare Ovsepian Copywriter: Jenna Tucker © 2015 National MS Society, Northern California Chapter; Published Quarterly—Winter 2015/2016
habits instead of goals, as suggested by Dr. BJ Fogg’s program, Tiny Habits®. Many of us tend to think big, which can hinder success when it comes to resolutions. Goals that are too grandiose can be intimidating, causing you to throw in the towel. The main point of Dr. Fogg’s program is to start small. If your goal is to increase your daily steps, a great way to achieve this is by walking a few minutes every day. Similarly, if you want to eat healthier, start by switching out one snack a day for fruits or veggies. Continued on page 4 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.
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MS connection: winter 2015/2016
new year’s resolutions Continued from page 3 Once you have identified how to begin attacking your goals, step two is to add that behavior into your regular routine. Plan your walking time right after lunch every day; eat your healthy snack two hours before dinner. Of course, you aren’t limited to physical wellness when it comes to this system. For example, if reading more is a priority for you, read a chapter of a book or a newspaper article while you drink your morning coffee. Overtime these habits will become second nature and start to grow. Another way to conquer your resolutions is to surround yourself with like-minded people. Staying active is important for people living with MS and exercise programs such as yoga can help you stay in shape and reduce stress. If there is someone in your circle of friends who is also looking to incorporate exercise into their weekly routine, invite them to join you. If no one comes to mind and you are able to travel on your own, make it an adventure. Attending a class on your own is a great way to meet new people! The first step to successful resolutions is taking the time to figure out what is important to you. Once you do this, figure out ways that you can “If you can’t fly, then run, if you can’t run, then walk, if you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.
start small with room to grow. Don’t forget to acknowledge your successes along the way, even if they don’t seem like much. Every small step you take in one closer to your goals! Learn more about programs and services that can help you stay on track by visiting nationalmssociety.org/CAN, and read more about the Tiny Habits® program at tinyhabits.com.
find inspiration and support Fightback: My Battle Against Multiple Sclerosis by Eli Morowitz Paperback (2015) Eli Morowitz shares how through some good luck and a stubborn unwillingness to accept the conventional medical wisdom, he started finding ways to push back against this disease. Chef Interrupted by Trevis L. Gleason Paperback (2015) After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, former Seattle Chef and popular MS Blogger, Trevis L. Gleason follows his dreams to Ireland, where he rents an ancient cottage for a winter, gets a puppy, and discovers that there is life after the fall. Momentum Magazine Online www.MomentumMagazineOnline.com Momentum, the award-winning quarterly magazine of the National MS Society, is the largest MS-related publication in the world.
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nationalmssociety.org/caN | 1-800-344-4867
programs connection winter 2015/2016
newly diagnosed orientations available in-person or online Hearing the words “you have multiple sclerosis” can set off a flood of emotions, fears, and questions. But the information and support you need most can be found through our Newly Diagnosed Orientations. These free programs are designed for people diagnosed with MS within the past two years. Join National MS Society staff and MS health professionals in an open conversation about the disease, and discover how wellness practices can help you live your best life with MS.
Online
Thursday, January 14 & March 10 6:00pm – 7:00pm Online and over the phone Presented by Dr. Elizabeth Crabtree-Hartman, Associate Clinical Professor of Neurology at UCSF and Director of Patient Program Development at UCSF’s MS Center.
In-Person
Sacramento Thursday, February 4 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm Mercy San Juan Medical Center 6555 Coyle Ave, Room 145, Carmichael San Francisco Thursday, February 4 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm National MS Society 1700 Owens Street, Suite 190, San Francisco Santa Clara Tuesday, February 2 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm National MS Society 2589 Scott Blvd, Santa Clara To schedule a one-on-one Newly Diagnosed Orientation, please contact: Napa, North Bay, North State, and Sonoma: Amy Clark at 530-863-7818 Central Valley: Andrea Covolo at 209-2146022
To register for a program, visit nationalMSsociety.org/CAN and select the Calendar, or call (800) 344-4867.
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MS connection: winter 2015/2016
programs
managing bladder & bowel issues
People with MS may find that bladder and bowel symptoms prevent them from fully interacting with their community, friends and family. They may feel embarrassment about such symptoms, or erroneously assume that bladder and bowel changes are related to normal aging—or even that nothing can be done. It needn’t be that way. Once diagnosed, these common MS symptoms are in fact quite manageable and treatable, with the potential to profoundly improve quality of life and, ultimately, overall health. Chapter staff will show a DVD and lead an interactive discussion. Please join us at any of the following Self-Help Groups for this program: Moving on with MS (Carmichael) Jan. 9 | 10:00am Mercy San Juan Medical Office 6555 Coyle Ave, Carmichael Albany/El Cerrito Jan. 13 | 12:30pm Albany Public Library 1247 Marin Ave, Albany Modesto Jan. 16 | 10:00am National MS Society 422 McHenry Ave, Modesto Putting our Prints on MS (Manteca) Jan. 18 | 11:30am Roundtable Pizza 253 Spreckels Ave, Manteca Windsor Self-Help Group Jan. 21 | 1:00pm Mary’s Pizza Shack 9010 Brooks Road South, Windsor
Woodland Support Group Jan. 27 | 6:00pm Woodland Memorial Hospital Cafeteria Conference Room 1325 Cottonwood St, Woodland Chico Self-Help Group Feb. 1 | 5:30pm Enloe Rehab Center 340 W. East Ave, Chico Novato Feb. 9 | 10:00am Hamilton Community Center, West Wing 503-B South Palm Dr, Novato Sonoma County MS Group Feb. 8 | 12:00pm Roundtable Pizza 2065 Occidental Rd, Santa Rosa HOPE 4 MS Feb. 13 | 10:00am Redding Christian Fellowship 2157 Victor Ave, Redding
Vacaville-Fairfield Feb. 13 | 10:00am Location TBD Vacaville Yuba City Self-Help Group Feb. 17 | 6:00pm Sutter North Medical Foundation (2nd floor) 460 Plumas Rd, Yuba City Monterey Feb. 19 | 11:00am Marina Public Library 190 Seaside Ave, Marina Hollister Feb. 24 | 6:30pm Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital 911 Sunset Dr, Hollister Eureka Self-Help Group Mar. 5 | 10:00am The Meadow’s Senior Village 2520 Hubbard Ln, Eureka
San Jose Mar. 10 | 11:30am Santa Teresa Public Library 290 International Cir, San Jose Fremont Mar. 12 | 12:30pm Kaiser 39400 Paseo Padre Pkwy, Niles Building, Rm G, Fremont MS Adapters (Sacramento) Mar. 12 | 2:00pm Martin Luther King Jr Library 7340 24th St Byp, Sacramento Stockton AM Mar. 12 | 10:00am St Joseph’s Hospital 1800 N. California St, Stockton
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nationalmssociety.org/caN | 1-800-344-4867
programs
Living Your Best Life with MS The idea of your “best life” can change due to the challenges of having a chronic and unpredictable condition. To address this challenge, the MS Society developed this free program for people living with MS, their support partners and family members. This interactive program strives to increase participants’ knowledge about the fundamental teachings of positive psychology to address the everyday challenges of living with MS. Chico Saturday, March 26 10:00am – 4:00pm Enloe Conference Center 1528 Esplanade, Chico
Monterey Saturdays, Jan. 9 – Feb. 13 12:00pm – 2:00pm Sally Griffin Center 700 Jewell Avenue, Pacific Grove
Santa Rosa Friday, Jan. 22 10:00am – 4:00pm Finley Community Center 2060 W. College Ave, Santa Rosa
Modesto Saturdays, Feb. 20 & 27 10:00am - 2:00pm National MS Society- Modesto Office 422 McHenry Ave, Modesto
Sacramento Wednesdays, Jan. 20 – Feb. 17 5:30pm – 7:30pm MS Achievement Center 7777 Greenback Ln, Ste 108, Citrus Heights
Walnut Creek Mondays, Jan. 11 – Feb. 29 11:00am – 1:00pm Kaiser Permanente 1425 S Main Street, Walnut Creek
Updates in MS and Patient Led Initiatives Meeting Dr. Elizabeth Crabtree-Hartman is hosting a Patient Led Initiatives meeting in an effort to improve care, discover what MS patients are experiencing in their communities, and find out what is keeping them from living their best lives with MS. She will also provide cuttingedge research updates in MS.
If you live with MS or care for someone who does, Dr. Crabtree-Hartman wants your feedback. Don’t miss this important opportunity to make sure your voice is heard! Novato Saturday, March 19 12:00pm – 2:00pm Hamilton Community Center 503 Palm Drive, Novato
To register for a program, visit nationalMSsociety.org/CAN and select the Calendar, or call (800) 344-4867.
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MS connection: winter 2015/2016
community groups
connect with others Please contact the group’s facilitator(s) to learn more about a specific self-help group listed below or contact the Chapter at 800.344.4867.
bay area
At-home telephone group
• Alameda - Sharon: 510-521-6260, Ray: 510-522-5210
• Oakland: Latinos Bilingual Group (Se habla español) - Elsa: 510-777-1414
• Antioch - Sue: 925-813-9069
• San Francisco: Young at Heart Group - George: 415-724-0064, Ann: 415-5738949
• Berkeley: Lunch Group (meets periodically) - Toni: 510-653-4534 • Brentwood: MS Lunch Bunch - Kathy: 925-286-7674, Julie: 925-513-4686 • Central Berkeley - Audrey: 510-287-6543 • Corte Madera - Vicki: 415-987-5507, Anita: 415-892-5548 • Dublin - Natalie: 707-344-7518 • East Bay Community Group: MS Fight Club - Stacey: 510-332-7393 • East Bay: Lesbians - eastbaymsgroup@ gmail.com • El Cerrito - Thad: 510-528-8540 • Foster City - Eli: 650-377-1970 • Fremont - Marie: 510-520-7276 • Mt. Diablo (Concord) - Cindy: 925-6770737, Jan: 925-372-0859 • Oakland - Katrina: 510-523-1891 • Oakland: African Americans - Karen: 510-757-3290 (pictured right)
• San Mateo - George: 650-281-7646
central valley • Manteca - Rebecca: 209-505-6438, Lorna: 209-815-8820 • Merced: MS Challengers - Susan: 209631-7279 • Modesto - Marti or Jane: 209-521-8956 • Modesto: Women’s Coffee Talk - Clarissa: 559-871-3180
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nationalmssociety.org/caN | 1-800-344-4867
• Stockton (AM) - Laurie: 209-915-1730, Velma: 209-951-2264
north state
• Stockton (PM) - Brenda: 209-951-0536, Mary: 209-334-5670
• Chico - Amy: 530-863-7818, Tracy: 530343-3623
• Tracy - Linda: 209-833-6882
• Eureka - Ann Louise: 707-839-0177, Kim: 707-445-9803
• Turlock - Frances: 209-883-3526
greater sacramento • Auburn - Loreen: 530-320-1711, Ruth: 530-888-8388 • Carmichael: Moving on with MS Michelle: 916-600-1958, Kara: 916-3909480 • Elk Grove - Letitia: 916-896-7764, Dorothy: 916-684-6849, Willie: 916-6841677, Pamela: 916-685-6662 • Grass Valley - Erica: 530-559-4517 • Jackson - Joanne: 209-304-1480 • Lincoln - Marilyn: 916-434-6898 • Placerville - Doris: 530-622-5673
• Fort Bragg - Joanne: 707-937-4929 • Redding: HOPE 4 MS - Beth: 530-2468404, Patricia: 530-222-7277, Robyn: 530-246-2980 • Santa Rosa - Susan: 707-544-9654, Debbie: 707-548-8437 • Windsor - Kristina: 707-217-0289 • Yuba City - Evon: 530-701-2189
south bay • Capitola - Estefana: 831-406-9127, Jon: 831-332-5265 • Hollister Group - Joann and Andrew: 831-630-0266
• Sacramento: MS Adapters - Kim: 916821-6133, Stephanie: 916-215-5356, Debbie: 916-837-2019
• Monterey - Veronica: 831-869-1684
• Sacramento: MS Musings of the Mind Writing Group - Irene: 916-993-6778
• Santa Clara - Susan: 408-253-4489, Bruce: 408-978-9648
• Sacramento: Yoga and Tai Chi Support Group - Cynthia: 916-682-9030, Evelyn: 916-391-1365 • Vacaville - Marian: 707-580-0112 • Woodland - Shannon: 916-821-3576
• Palo Alto - Kathy: 408-921-9888 • San Jose - Marie: 510-520-7276
• Santa Clara Living Well Group - Elise: 408-314-1261
online • Online: Second Life - John: 916-7089708
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MS connection: winter 2015/2016
connection opportunities
coffee connections Looking to connect to others in the area living with MS in a relaxed setting? Come to one of our upcoming Coffee Connections to grab some coffee, get questions answered, and make connections. Davis Monday, Feb. 8 10:00am – 12:00pm Panera Bread 609 3rd Street Davis
Sonora 1st Thursday of the month 11:00 am – 12:30pm Schnoog’s Cafe 1005 Mono Way Sonora
Modesto 1st Wednesday of the month 10:00am – 11:30am Village Baking Company 1700 McHenry Ave Modesto
Oakland Thursday, Feb. 11 10:00am – 12:00pm Peet’s Coffee & Tea 5095 Telegraph Ave, Ste 1 Oakland
Merced 3rd Thursday of the month 10:00am – 11:30am Wired Coffee Bar 450 W 18th St Merced
Stockton 2nd Wednesday of the month 10:00am – 11:30am House of Shaw Espresso Cafe 227 Dorris Pl Stockton
crafting connections Find your creative side with crafting events in your community. No experience is required and all ability levels are encouraged to attend. Modesto 1 Wednesday of every month 10:00am – 12:00pm National MS Society 422 McHenry Ave, Modesto st
Get Involved! Did you know? Joining the MS Activist Network is another way to connect with people in your community who care about the future of MS. Use your voice and advocate for important policy changes. Join the MS Activst Network today! Visit nationalMSsociety.org/advocacy. You can also email Public Policy Director Stewart Ferry at stewart.ferry@nmss.org and follow him on Twitter at @CA_MSactivists.
To register for a program, visit nationalMSsociety.org/CAN and select the Calendar, or call (800) 344-4867.
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nationalmssociety.org/caN | 1-800-344-4867
wellness resources gentle yoga Stay active and add a weekly gentle yoga class to your routine:
Modesto Tuesdays from 10:30am – 11:30am Accident and Injury Center 1419 Standiford Ave #1, Modesto Contact: Richard at 209-380-5955
Manteca Thursdays from 11:00am – 12:00pm Brain & Body Yoga & Tai Chi Studio 1236 N. Main St, Suite B Contact: Kamal at 209-824-9642
Turlock Thursdays from 11:00am – 12:30pm I Am Yoga Wellness Studio 2031 Geer Rd, Turlock, CA 95382 Contact: 209-667-8100 (Studio)
ms management: integrating wellness Join us to receive updated information regarding multiple sclerosis, learn the benefits of physical activity, nutrition and the options available to you. Also learn updated information on MS and managing the disease. Saturday, March 5 9:00am – 12:00pm Finley Community Center Auditorium 2060 College Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95401 With support from: Genzyme, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Biogen
Featured Multiple Sclerosis Specialists John A. Schafer, MD Neurologist, Mercy Medical Group Brian Hutchinson, PT, MSCS Executive Director, MS Achievement Center Continental breakfast will be provided. There is no charge to attend, however space is limited and registration is required. To register, please email Brian Hutchinson at Brian.Hutchinson@dignityhealth.org or call 916-453-7966.
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research
Unlocking the mystery of memory Memory challenges occur in more than half of people with multiple sclerosis, but the details on how and why have been mysterious. Microscopic connectors, or synapses, are the point of communication between individual nerve cells, and they are critically important for all functions of the nervous system, including memory. Some research has shown that synapses may be lost in some parts of the brain during the course of MS. Now, a study published in May in Annals of Neurology by Drs. Iliana Michailidou, Valeria Ramaglia and colleagues in the Netherlands and Germany has uncovered evidence that a group of immune system proteins, called “complements,� may play a role in the loss of synapses in the hippocampus, a part of the brain linked to memory. The researchers examined samples of the hippocampus from brain tissue donated by people who had primary-progressive MS or secondary-progressive MS in their lifetimes. Compared to brain tissue donated by people without neurological disease, the investigators observed a decrease in the density of synapses in the hippocampus. Two specific types of
complement proteins were increased in MS tissue at the site of synapses, compared to the other tissue samples from people of the same age. Brains of those with MS were also positive for proteins that indicate biological stress, but showed no signs of the type of complement implicated in some other diseases. The results of the study suggest a role for specific components of complement activity in synaptic loss in the hippocampus in people with MS. In light of the important role the hippocampus plays in memory, this study also suggests that complement activity may contribute to cognitive problems experienced by people with MS. If these results are confirmed and refined through additional research, it is possible that in the future, therapies that target the complement system may be useful for preventing or treating memory problems in people with MS. Visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/cognition to learn more about MS-related memory issues or cognitive challenges. n
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nationalmssociety.org/caN | 1-800-344-4867
living with ms
beat the winter blues Between the short days and long nights of winter, the dropping temperatures and gloomy skies, and the stress that many people feel during the holidays, winter can brew up a “perfect storm” for the blues. For people with MS, the demands of the season may feel even more intense when compounded by disease-related symptoms such as fatigue and depression. Rosalind Kalb, PhD, a clinical psychologist and the National MS Society’s vice president of Clinical Care, has some tips for warming up to winter. Exercise: “Exercise is always good for general health and managing mood,” says Dr. Kalb. While in some places winter’s colder temperatures may keep you inside, you could explore adaptive winter sports or indoor options such as yoga. For more ideas, visit nationalMSsociety.org/ exercise. Balance: Dr. Kalb recommends finding a balance between “me” time and staying in touch with others. “Avoid isolation during stressful months, but don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by too much activity,” she says. Don’t be afraid to go small: You may want to choose an intimate dinner with a few family members and friends over a big holiday party.
Sunshine: Recent research has indicated potential benefits of vitamin D for people with MS. One source of vitamin D is the same sun that is setting earlier each day. Make some time each day to go outside, whether you’re just sitting on a park bench in the sun for a few minutes or taking a walk around the block (but limit your exposure so you don’t burn). Visit nationalMSsociety.org/vitaminD. Attention: Dr. Kalb stresses paying attention to your moods and knowing there’s a difference between regular winter “blahs” and depression. “For most people, the winter season and holidays bring a mixture of pleasure and stress,” she says. “If the season brings only distress, sadness and emptiness, depression may very well be the source of the problem.”
You Can Overcome Depression People with MS can get depressed. A lot of feelings come up when adjusting to life with a chronic disease. But if your “blue” mood goes on for weeks or more, it may be a sign that you are clinically depressed. Depression tends to worsen if it is not treated. Take action if you think you are depressed. Learn more: http://ntl.ms/MSdepression
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MS connection: winter 2015/2016
open enrollment: what you need to know It’s winter, which means that, in addition to unpacking your sweaters and staying cozy, it’s also open enrollment time. This means evaluating your current health insurance plan for whether it still meets your medical needs and considering different coverage if it doesn’t. The three month Open Enrollment period for the Health Insurance Marketplace, the online health insurance shopping ‘portal’ through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), ends February 15, 2016.
health insurance marketplace The Health Insurance Marketplace is an online health insurance shopping ‘portal.’ It allows individuals and families to compare available health plan options, submit an application for health insurance and cost help, and enroll in their chosen health plan. Details about price, benefits, quality and other features are presented to help you select the plan that best meets your needs.
What you should know about open enrollment Open Enrollment is the only time of year that people who are not already insured can apply for coverage and tax credits unless they qualify for a special enrollment due to certain circumstances (i.e. a job change, out-of-state move, having a baby, etc.). It is also the only
time current enrollees in a Marketplace plan can compare their current coverage to other options and enroll in another plan better suited to their needs and budget. Current enrollees in Marketplace plans are strongly urged to contact the Marketplace to verify or update their income, household size and other information to assure they receive the maximum tax credit and cost help for them and their family. Before enrolling in a new plan, people with MS should check to see if their prescription drugs and health care providers are covered. A good source of help comparing plan details for people with chronic illnesses is www.PuttingPatientsFirst.net. Visit www.healthcare.gov to register or switch plans. If you have questions about MS and the Health Insurance Marketplace, call our MS Navigators at 800-344-4867 for assistance. n
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nationalmssociety.org/caN | 1-800-344-4867
northern california heroes & events
volunteers
Join us in celebrating our latest volunteer heroes: Mario Barron has been a lifelong volunteer, participating in numerous special events and collecting t-shirts along the way. “To me, an event shirt is a badge of honor,” said Mario. “I recently wore my MuckFest MS shirt out and met a fellow Mucker. We were instantly connected and shared our stories about how amazing the event was. I encourage everyone to volunteer and collect and wear the shirts.” Yvette Brisco who lives with MS, has volunteered for nearly two years. Yvette created the Fight for a Cure fundraiser, partnering with the mixed martial arts (MMA) community. “We all need to give back in some way and small efforts can make a big difference!” she said. “I’m fighting for a cure and getting as many others as possible to do the same.” Ellen Valkevich volunteers in the San Francisco office in honor of her dad, who lives with MS. “I want to do whatever I can to make lives a little brighter for those affected by MS,” said Ellen. “No matter how big or small the contribution, I enjoy being part of a community of passionate and caring people. As a scientist, I also hope to contribute to MS research in understanding the causes and finding treatments.”
Get dirty, sf! The obligatory San Francisco fog in the morning only seemed to invigorate our muckers, who did not need any prompting to get down and dirty in the Muckin’ Corral at MuckFest MS San Francisco on October 10 at the Solano County Fairgrounds. Before we knew it, the skies were blue and the muddy fun ensued. The second annual event was spectacularly silly, full of mucky obstacles and energy that soared throughout the day. Most importantly, MuckFest MS San Francisco 2015 raised more than $150,000! We’re ready to do it again next year! Speaking of which, save the date for the 2016 MuckFest MS San Francisco: Saturday, October 1. Register today at MuckfestMS.com. n
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bike ms
making waves The air buzzed with anticipation as thousands of cyclists crowded near the start line at the annual Bike MS: Waves to Wine Ride on September 26. Chapter President Janelle Del Carlo welcomed and thanked cyclists, volunteers, and donors for their incredible efforts to fundraise over $2.42 million.
Riders embarked on a beautiful one or twoday journey from San Francisco to Sonoma County, covering over 175 miles of sweeping ocean vistas and rolling vineyards. Volunteers, family, and friends cheered on the 2,200 cyclists as they crossed the finish line. After the ride participants enjoyed a celebratory wine festival with live music, great food, and fabulous company. n
Photography by Mike Samson
thank you to our sponsors
Special thanks to: Accorda Therapeutics, Fresh Point, Genzyme, MS One to One, Primal, Kara’s Cupcakes, Sonoma Mountain Village, Schwab, and Red Hat.
congratulations to our 2015 top funraisers!
Registration is open for Bike MS: Waves to Wine 2016 on September 24 & 25. Register today at www.wavestowine.org!
top fundraising individuals 1. Amanda Link 2. Jay Thayer 3. Kate Aks 4. Tom Galizia 5. Artie DelNegro 6. Sheri Smith 7. Jim Forni 8. Nicole Schiereck 9. Debra Grassgreen 10. Kevin Silacci
top fundraising teams
1. Salesforce & Friends 2. Team Menstrual Cycles 3. Kara’s Cupcakes 4. Cruisin’ with Susan 5. Mitzvah Milers 6. Team Google & Friends 7. EY/Parthenon Cycling Team 8. Wells Fargo Wheels 9. Team Cisco 10. Dignity Health Neurological Institute
nationalmssociety.org/caN | 1-800-344-4867
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bike ms
why i ride By Ryan DesJardin
I have always wanted to start a family, and my wife and I had been trying for about a year. Then, I was hit with something unexpected- a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. I am an intense person, so when the news came, my brain went wild. But, I am also a fighter and made a commitment to not let MS define me. It might be a part of my story, but it will not be what sums up my life. My diagnosis did, however, shake my confidence about having children, and I decided that it might be best to stop trying. But, when I met my neurologist, things changed. He asked me if I wanted to have kids, and I had no reason not to be transparent, so I told him my fears about starting a family. He listened supportively and introduced me to my nurse, Sophie. Sophie worked fulltime, had two daughters, and has been living with MS since 2006. As I got emotional, my doctor told me how hopeful he was and that he thought I was going to do very well. Three months later, my wife was pregnant with our son, Micah.
Pictured: Ryan, Micah, and Angela My original way of fighting MS was to pretend it wasn’t a struggle. As things progressed, I realized this was not the best route. I have since found a great team of supporters in my family and friends and have been proactive in living a healthy lifestyle. I believe that the best fight is not done in isolation, and the National MS Society has given people with MS, like me, a family and support system. I am grateful to not be fighting MS alone, but to be surrounded by people in this battle. With friends beside me, my God above me, and my little Micah waiting for me at the finish, I ride so that others can be open to the fact that hope happens if you are open to it.
Why do you Bike MS? Share your story...we’d love to hear from you! Email jenna.tucker@nmss.org.
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walk ms
walk to create a world free of ms
Ending MS for good will take all of us. It’s why Walk MS matters so much. And it’s why you matter so much. Walk MS allows us to team up with friends, loved ones and co-workers to change the world for everyone affected by MS. Together, we become a powerful force. And with every step we take, every dollar we raise… we’re that much closer. Together, we will end MS forever. Last year in Northern California, we had over 8,700 participants raised more than $1.7 million for education, advocacy, research, and local programs that enhance the quality of life for people with MS and their families.
across the country WALK MS RAISED NEARLY
$50 MILLION IN 2015 TO SUPPORT MS
AND HAS RAISED MORE THAN
$920 MILLION SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1988
. S M K L A W . ER H TOGET
W e ’r e st r o
nger
4.16.16
4.17.16
4.23.16
Santa Rosa Maria Carrillo High School
Folsom Sutter St. Plaza
Central Valley (modesto) Beyer Park
north state (chico) Bidwell Park
Solano County Old Town Plaza Suisun City
Monterey Lover’s Point Park
East bay Lake Merritt, Oakland
sacramento North Steps State Capitol
walnut creek Heather Farm Park
Silicon Valley Vasona Lake County Park Los Gatos
Register today! Participate, start a team, or volunteer! Visit WalkMS.org to register today, or call 855-372-1331.
4.24.16
SAN FRANCISCO Justin Herman Plaza TRI-VALLEY (PLEASANTON) Ken Mercer Sports Park
5.1.16
Eureka Eureka High School
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nationalmssociety.org/caN | 1-800-344-4867
mix & mingle walk MS kick-off events
Join us and meet others in your local communities who are living with MS or who love someone living with MS! It’ll be the perfect opportunity to get ready for Walk MS, or to simply make some new friends. We’ll have light appetizers and drinks will be available for purchase. To register, please call 800-344-4867 or visit nationalMSsociety.org/CAN. East Bay Monday, January 25 5:00pm - 7:00pm Sports Basement 2727 Milvia St, Berkeley
Sacramento Thursday, February 25 5:00pm - 7:00pm Hock Farm Craft & Provisions 1415 L St, Sacramento
Walnut Creek Thursday, February 11 5:00pm - 7:00pm Pyramid Alehouse, Brewery & Restaurant 1410 Locust St, Walnut Creek
Rally in the Valley Saturday, March 19 6:00pm Oakdale Golf & Country Club 243 N Stearns Rd, Oakdale Dinner and drinks available for purchase!
Tri-Valley (Pleasanton) Thursday, February 18 5:00pm - 7:00pm BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse (Fallon Gateway) 3620 Fallon Rd, Dublin
Lagunitas Brews & Blues Against MS Monday, March 21 5:30pm - 8:30pm Lagunitas Brewing Company 1280 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma Join us for a delicious buffet dinner!
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It was heartwarming to see the kind of support we received from our friends and well wishers at Walk MS this year. It is equally satisfying to see the kinds of initiatives the Society supports, particularly for research. We sincerely hope the cure isn’t far away. -Shanthi D.
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In the past I have walked and raised money for both of my parents who have MS. Just this year in March I was diagnosed as well. This picture of my family and I with our signs holds so much emotion for me. I truly hope and pray there is a cure one day. -Sarah W.
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National Multiple Sclerosis Society Northern California Chapter 1700 Owens Street, Suite 190 San Francisco, CA 94158
Host your own fundraising event!
Use your talents and interests to raise funds for the National MS Society. Visit www.nationalMSsociety.org to get started!