summer 2015 central valley: 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).
UPCOMING PROGRAMS 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, August 4th 6:30pm - 8:00pm National MS Society Office 422 McHenry Ave, Modesto
Online Thursday, July 9th and September 10th 6:00pm - 7:00pm 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.
self-advocacy skills training: overcoming barriers to getting what you need Saturday, September 19th | 9:30am - 1:00pm Tracy Transit Station, Room 104 50 E. Sixth Street, Tracy Whether you want to obtain approval for services or accommodations from your health plan, doctor, employer or favorite grocery store, many of the same principles apply. 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. 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 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.
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central valley: Programs & Services summer 2015
American River South Fork Rafting
Yoga Class for People Living with MS
Saturday, September 12 |10:00am - 6:00pm Environmental Travel Companions River Camp
Tuesdays | 10:30am - 11:30am Accident and Injury Center 1419 Standiford Ave #1, Modesto
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Grab a paddle and climb aboard! Environmental Travel Companions is leading a rafting trip exclusively for people living with MS. Anyone 12 years and older is encouraged to join, regardless of mobility level. Previous experience is not necessary, but space is limited so reserve your spot early. A picnic lunch will take place on the beach, so please bring your own meal as well as snacks to eat on the raft (i.e. granola or energy bars). Equipment, safety gear, and instructions are provided. Cost is $35 per person. To register, please contact Riely White at Environmental Traveling Companions at 415474-7662 ext. 15 or riverprogram@etctrips.org.
coffee connections Modesto, Merced, Stockton & Sonora Contact Andrea Covolo at 209-214-6022, option 2, ext. 73027 or andrea.covolo@nmss.org Looking to connect socially with others in your area living with MS? Or do you have a loved one living with MS and would like to become more involved in the local MS community? What could be more fun than grabbing a cup of coffee together? Interested in getting resources in the area from an MS Navigator in person? Contact Andrea Covolo at 209-214-6022 or andrea.covolo@nmss.org for information about the next scheduled opportunity in your area to grab some coffee, get questions answered and make connections.
Yoga combines breathing with movements that can alternately stimulate or calm the body. Many people with muscle tightness or decreased range of motion find that yoga practice brings noticeable improvement. Because yoga is relaxing and noncompetitive, it is especially recommended for people with MS. For more information, please contact instructor Richard Parenti, Spiritual Director for the Yoga Health Institute, at 209-380-5955. Learn more about Richard and the Yoga Health Institute at www.yoga-ehealth.com
patient-led initiatives in MS care Would you like to have a more active voice in shaping your MS care? Dr. Elizabeth CrabtreeHartman from UCSF is conducting a pilot project entitled, “Patient-Led Initiatives in MS Care� and my be visiting a self-help group near you. Please contact Amy Clark at amy.clark@nmss.org for more information.
register at nationalmssociety.org/can | 1-800-344-4867
what’s happening in northern california bay area
• Love Lessons, July 14 in Berkeley • Coffee Connections, August 3 in Oakland • Mix & Mingle Networking Hour, August 3
in Walnut Creek • Newly Diagnosed Orientation, August 6 in San Francisco • Everyday Matters: Living Your Best Life, August 8 in Berkeley • Free From Falls: Levels 1 & 2, October 1 November 19 in Oakland
North State
• Ask the MS Specialist with Dr. John Schafer,
July 10 in Eureka and July 11 in Ft. Bragg • MS Connect Crafting Social, August 26 in Chico • Telemedicine and Other New Developments in MS, September 19 in Redding • Love Lessons, September 24 in Santa Rosa
Sacramento
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• ReUseIt Clothing Drive, August 31
- September 13 in Citrus Heights & Sacramento • Exercise Your Options: How to Move Forward with Physical Activity, September 15 in Carmichael
South bay
• Free From Falls: Levels 1 & 2, July 16 •
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August 20 in Monterey Partners of MS Support & Social: Communication and Intimacy, August 1 in Santa Clara Newly Diagnosed Orientation, August 4 in Santa Clara Love Lessons, August 18 in Santa Clara Wine Down Wednesday, August 19 in Los Gatos Everyday Matters: Living Your Best Life with MS, August 25 - September 22 in Santa Clara Self-Advocacy Skills Training: Overcoming Barriers to Getting What You Need, September 20 in Santa Clara Gentle Yoga for People with MS, Thursdays in Saratoga Horse Power: Living Strong with MS, Thursdays in Gilroy
• Getting Your Head Around Cognitive
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self-help groups
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Issues, July 15 in Sacramento Free From Falls: Level 2, July 21 - September 8 in Citrus Heights Newly Diagnosed Orientation, August 6 in Carmichael Mix & Mingle Networking Hour, August 11 in Sacramento Love Lessons, August 12 in Citrus Heights Supporting Our Loved Ones Teen Group, August 15 in Citrus Heights
MERCED COUNTY
• Merced: MS Challengers - Susan: 209-
631-7279
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY • Manteca - Rebecca: 209-505-6438 • Stockton AM - Laurie: 209-915-1730,
Velma: 209-951-2264
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central valley: Programs & Services summer 2015
• Stockton PM - Brenda: 209-951-0536,
Mary: 209-334-5670 • Tracy - Linda: 209-833-6882
msfriends is just a telephone call away ready to help you
• Modesto - Marti or Jane: 209-521-8956 • Modesto: Women’s Coffee Talk -
MS knows no timetable – this is why we offer support when you want and need it. The MSFriends program connects you with volunteers living with MS. The common bond of living with MS creates a unique connection. MSFriends volunteers complete a rigorous screening and training program and are focused on the needs of those who call for support.
STANISLAUS COUNTY
Clarissa: 559-871-3180 • Turlock - Bill: 209-664-1427, Frances: 209-883-3526
ONLINE
“Second Life” - John: 916-708-9708
walk ms: central valley 2015
Connect today by calling the MSFriends helpline at 1-866-673-7436. All of your conversations are confidential.
Special thanks to our fabulous Walk MS: Central Valley participants and volunteers. You helped make this community event memorable and impactful, raising more than $77,000 with over 580 participants!
sign up and stay connected! Stay up-to-date with the latest in MS research, advocacy efforts, Society news, and more! Sign up to receive Society emails at www.nationalMSsociety.org/signup.