spring 2015 greater bay: Programs & services in your community
support in your community By allyce morino
Monica Wood had just been diagnosed with MS when she moved to Modesto in 2012. Working as a hand surgeon at the time, Monica tried hiding her symptoms at work for as long as she could. She sought comfort and support from a local self-help group, but decided not to reveal her profession to her peers. After a severe exacerbation last year, Monica could no longer return to work. Her symptoms had gotten too severe and it was no longer feasible to continue in her profession. “I went from not telling people who I really was to saying, ‘I’m a hand surgeon and I have MS,’” said Monica. “It’s a much more open and honest expression of myself.” Over the years, Monica has gotten more involved in her self-help group. “I am doing a lot with health-related aspects of MS,” she said. “People are getting accurate information, and we’re doing everything that we can to improve our health.” One way Monica is putting her profession to use is with the 20 Hour Challenge, a commitment to try to do 20 hours of physical activity within a four-week period. A drawing for a prize for people who have completed their hours is held during every support group meeting. “The Challenge is loosely defined based on physical
abilities, and we remind people to set aside time for their own health.” Monica also participates in the MS Yoga Group, which the National MS Society supports. “Having the yoga class is a directed way that I can have an appropriate level of physical activity.” This year, Monica is also getting more involved in Walk MS: Central Valley in Modesto. She serves as a Walk Ambassador and spokesperson for the Walk. “I share experiences with MS and what the Walk can help us accomplish: raising funds for grants, patient yoga, adaptive devices, etc.” She is the Team Captain for Hand it to You, which is a first year team. Monica has participated in Walk for the last two years and hopes to register 10-15 people to her new team. Monica emphasizes the importance that this event can have for those living with MS and their families. “We have this Walk to find a cure and help people get the help they need. I want to include more communities to build a more unified Central Valley.” n
Get Connected!
Connect with others with similar life experiences in your local community! Turn to page 10 for a list of self-help groups in your area. Or, connect online at www.MSConnection.org. Join discussions, post questions, and meet others living with MS.
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greater bay: Programs & Services spring 2015
Unless otherwise indicated, to register for any events, please visit nationalMSsociety.org/calendar/norcal and select the date of the event, or call (800) 344-4867 (800-FIGHT-MS).
UpCOMINg PROGRAMS Coffee Connections Tuesday, April 14th | 11:00am - 2:00pm Peet’s Coffee & Tea 1020 Park Place, San Mateo Tuesday, May 12th | 2:00pm - 5:00pm Peet’s Coffee & Tea 5095 Telegraph Ave, Ste 1, Oakland
newly diagnosed orientations Available In-Person or Online 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 (available online or in-person) will address the most common concerns for people who are newly diagnosed as well as family and friends who want to learn more.
in-person
Monday, June 22nd | 2:00pm - 5:00pm Peet’s Coffee & Tea 878 B St, Hayward
Thursday, May 7th | 6:30pm - 8:30pm National MS Society Office 1700 Owens Street, Suite 190, SF
Looking to connect with others in the area living with MS in a relaxed setting? What could be more relaxing than grabbing a cup of coffee? Interested in getting resources in the area from an MS Navigator in person? That can be done over coffee, too! Come to one of our scheduled Coffee Connections in the Bay Area to grab some coffee, get questions answered and make connections.
Online Thursday, May 14th & Thursday, July 9th 6:00pm - 7:30pm Online and over the phone This web based program will be conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Crabtree, Assistant Clinical Professor of Neurology at UCSF and Director of Patient Program Development at UCSF’s MS Center. Dr. Crabtree will address the most common concerns for people who are newly diagnosed. A phone and computer with internet access will be necessary to join this program.
register at nationalmssociety.org/can | 1-800-344-4867
North American Educational Program: Mood & Cognition in MS: What You Can Do Saturday, May 16th | 12:00pm Oakland Public Library – Cesar Chavez Branch* 3301 East 12th Street, 2nd Floor, Oakland This program explores why and how people with MS experience changes in mood and cognitive functioning, and provides the latest information on how these symptoms can be addressed—from physical activity, medications and counseling to self-management strategies. Chapter staff will show a DVD and lead an interactive discussion.
*Please note: The Oakland Public Library does not advocate or endorse the viewpoints of meetings or meeting room users.
Sausalito Kayaking Adventure Saturday, June 6th | 9:30am - 3:30pm Sea Trek Ocean Kayaking Center (Schoonmaker Marina), Sausalito Grab a paddle and climb aboard! Environmental Travel Companions is leading a trip just for people living with MS! This activity is great for all mobility levels, but only those ages 12 and older. Previous experience is not necessary. Space is limited,
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so be sure to sign up and reserve your spot early! The cost is $25 per person. Please bring a hearty lunch for a picnic on the beach and snacks that are easy to eat on the water (i.e. granola or energy bars). Equipment, safety gear and instruction are provided. To register, please contact Oren Frey with Environmental Travel Companions at 415474-7662 ext. 13 or kayak@etctrips.org.
what’s happening in northern california Central Valley • MS Night at the Modesto Nuts with
Fireworks, May 2 in Modesto • Newly Diagnosed Orientation, May 5 in Modesto • Yoga Class for People Living with MS, Thursdays in Modesto
North State
• Wine Down Wednesday, May 13 in Santa
Rosa • Ask the MS Specialist with UCSF’s Dr. Elizabeth Crabtree-Hartman, May 16 in Novato • Kayaking at Whiskeytown Lake, May 30 in Shasta County • Adaptive Yoga for MS, Tuesdays in Santa Rosa
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greater bay: Programs & Services spring 2015
• A Night at the Ballpark with Fireworks,
self-help groups
•
ALAMEDA COUNTY
Sacramento
• • •
April 11 in West Sacramento North American Educational Program: Mood & Cognition in MS: What You Can Do, April 11 in Vacaville and May 8 in Davis Free From Falls, April 22 - June 10 in Citrus Heights Newly Diagnosed Orientation, May 7 in Carmichael Complimentary Alternative Medicine: Exploring Your Options to Feel YOUR Best with MS, May 19 in Carmichael
South bay
• Stretching, Strength and Aquatics, March • • • •
• •
31 - April 16 in Marina San Jose Sabercats, April 4 in San Jose Newly Diagnosed Orientation, May 5 in Santa Clara Wine Down Wednesday, May 13 in Los Gatos Partners of MS Support & Social: Managing Summer Heat & Fatigue, May 16 in Santa Clara Horse Power: Living Strong with MS, Thursdays for 6-week series, Gilroy Gentle Yoga for People with MS, Thursdays, Saratoga
• Alameda - Sharon: 510-521-6260, Ray: • • • • • •
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
get connected! Sign up to receive Society emails at www.nationalMSsociety.org/signup. Stay up-to-date on the latest in MS research news, upcoming programs, events, and more!
- 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