spring 2015 south bay: Programs & services in your community 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).
finding support 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 and is putting her professional experience to use with the 20 Hour Challenge, a commitment to try to do 20 hours of physical activity within a fourweek 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.” n
connect with others!
Turn to page 10 for a list of self-help groups in your area.
upcoming programs Stretching, Strength and Aquatics Tues. & Thurs., March 31st - April 16th 2:00pm - 3:30pm Penninsula Wellness Center 2920 2nd Avenue, Marina Join us for a class exclusively for those living with multiple sclerosis that focuses on stretching, strength and aquatics. To register for this program, contaact Sarah Balbi at 831883-5656.
San Jose Sabercats Saturday, April 4th | 7:30pm SAP Center San Jose (Shark Tank) 525 W Santa Clara St, San Jose The San Jose Sabercats and the National MS are teaming up to help you kick a fundraising field goal. Walk MS participants, bring your A game! Walk MS Team Captains or Individuals who bring the most people to the game in support of Walk MS and MS Awareness Month will win the portion of proceeds the National MS Society gets back from tickets sales towards their Walk MS fundraising goal! Wear any MS, Walk MS or orange shirt and get a free orange MS bracelet. Please register online.
08 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 and family and friends who want to learn more.
in-person Tuesday, May 5th 7:00pm - 9:00pm National MS Society Office 2589 Scott Blvd., Santa Clara
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.
south bay: Programs & Services: winter 2014/2015
Partners of MS Support & Social: Managing Summer Heat & Fatigue Saturday, May 16th | 12:30pm - 2:30pm National MS Society Office 2589 Scott Blvd, Santa Clara Share strategies to manage the summer hear and fatigue with others who also love someone with MS.
Wine Down Wednesday Wednesday, May 13th | 5:00pm - 8:00pm Cin-Cin Wine Bar-Lounge-Restaurant 368 Village Lane, Los Gatos Are you looking to meet others living with MS? If so, we will be gathering at happy hour at one of the Bay Area’s most critically acclaimed Wine Bar and Restaurants. Cin-Cin offers a new contemporary cuisine with an international wine list and innovative cocktails. This wine down time is for you to relax, eat some good food and connect with other National MS Society members. Come solo, bring your family or your friends. We hope to see you there! Light appetizers will be provided by the National MS Society.
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
register at nationalmssociety.org/can | 1-800-344-4867
for folks of all mobility levels, but only those ages 12 and older, please. Previous experience is not necessary. Space is limited, 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.
Horse Power: Living Strong with MS 6 week series, Thursdays | 10:00 - 11:00am DreamPower Barn at WoodMyst Farm 7460 Crews Road, Gilroy This unique equine empowerment group is open to adults who are living with multiple sclerosis. You will have the chance to connect and share with others living with MS in a supportive, flexible, and fun outdoor environment. This is an unmounted group but you will have the opportunity to participate in grooming, leading, ground work exercises, and various other horsemanship activities. In this group you will: • Improve your balance and movement • Maintain and increase your physical ability • Practice self-care • Increase your sense of personal power and well-being • Experience the power of Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy
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• Increase self-understanding and selfacceptance • Have fun outdoors with well-trained horses • Participate at your own functioning level To register for this program contact Cherié E. Page, Ph.D. at cherie_e_page@yahoo.com or call (925) 864-7907.
Gentle Yoga for People with MS Thursdays | 10:30am - 12:00pm Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Wellness Center, Room 5 and 6 12270 Saratoga Avenue, Saratoga This class is designed for people with multiple sclerosis. Your practice will include stretching, breathing and relaxation while sitting or lying down (standing poses are optional). All exercises will emphasize transferring weight into the bones, lengthening and straightening the spine and working without tension. The objective is to improve your balance and ease of movement in all activities of daily life. Call Thea Sawyer at 408-489-9436 for availability.
save the date: free from falls Free From Falls is coming to Monterey this summer! This new fall prevention program is designed for people living with MS who are ambulatory but who may be at risk for falling. The 6-week series will begin on Thursdays, starting July 16th through August 20th from 4:00pm - 5:30pm. Call 800-344-4867 for more information.
10 what’s happening in northern california
south bay: Programs & Services winter 2014/2015 Sacramento • A Night at the Ballpark with Fireworks, •
Bay Area • Coffee Connections, April 14 in San • • •
• •
Mateo Newly Diagnosed Orientation, May 7 in San Francisco Coffee Connections, May 12 in Oakland North American Educational Program: Mood & Cognition in MS: What You Can Do, May 16 in Oakland Sausalito Kayaking Adventure, June 6 in Sausalito Coffee Connections, June 22 in Hayward
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
• • •
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
SELF-HELP GROUPS Monterey COUNTY
• Monterey - Veronica: 831-869-1684
SAN BENITO COUNTY
• Hollister Group - Joann and Andrew: 831-630-0266
SANTA CLARA COUNTY • • • •
Milpitas - Phyllis: 408-509-8137 Palo Alto - Kathy: 408-921-9888 San Jose - Marie: 510-520-7276 Santa Clara - Susan: 408-253-4489, Bruce: 408-978-9648
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
• Capitola - Estefana: 831-406-9127, Jon: 831-332-5265
ONLINE
• “Second Life” - John: 916-708-9708