summer 2014 greater sacramento: Programs & services in your community
We are in your community mercy ms Achievement center
On February 20th, the Mercy MS Achievement Center (MSAC) opened its doors in the Sacramento area for the first day of programming with 12 participants on the roster. Modeled after the Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement Center at UCLA, the MSAC began providing services through a grant provided by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. The program activities take place from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and includes individualized and group exercise, cognitive activities, recreation and education. In addition to the scheduled activities, there are many opportunities to discuss and connect with National MS Society staff and other program participants.
“I look forward to this program every week. The trainers and assistance, along with the programs are top notch,” was Bill Maciej’s reaction to his experience as a member of the MSAC for the last few months. Bill has been living with primary progressive MS for almost 30 years. “It’s just nice to be around others that are living with the same disease. You can bounce stuff off of each other.” The MSAC continues to accept applications for its day wellness program. The MSAC is quickly approaching capacity on its first day of services and seeking members for a second day of wellness programs. The program is open to anyone who has been diagnosed with MS. For admittance into the program, participants must be able to attend a five-hour block of activities one day per week, and make arrangements for transportation to and from the Center. For more information, please contact Brian Hutchinson at 916-453-7966 or email Brian.Hutchinson@dignityhealth.org. You can download an application online at www.dignityhealth.org/neuro and click on the “Services” under Neurological Care and then MS Achievement Center. ◊
A member at the Mercy MS Achievement Center benefits from a machine aimed to improve strength in her arms.
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greater sacramento: Programs & Services summer 2014
Connect with the Care You Need Multiple sclerosis 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. “I went far too long before getting a diagnosis,” said Brian. His symptoms slowly progressed over the next three years, and he experienced issues with balance, endurance, strength, and heat intolerance. “During the summer of 2012, I was at a point where I could not think these symptoms were something to disregard,” said Brian. Shortly thereafter, he was diagnosed with MS. 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. The extra support at home was a relief for Brian and his girlfriend, Shelli. “Having the extra help took the burden off of me and Shelli. Sometimes MS becomes the third person in the room. It’s nice to not have to focus on it,” said Brian. Shelli added, “You always want to think you can do it all, but our lifestyle was so much calmer having the extra help at home. When I came home, Brian and I were able to enjoy our life together rather than focusing on MS.”
How to Connect to the Care You Need From navigating through the very first symptoms and continuing throughout life with the disease, the National MS Society can connect people, like Brian, 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-to-date information, referrals, and practical resources. • Learn more about research and clinical trials. • Advocate for better health care, research funding, and policy initiatives that are important to you. ◊
register at nationalmssociety.org/can | 1-800-344-4867
UPCOMINg PROGRAMS
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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.
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. The registration deadline is Thursday, August 7th.
Coping with the Physical Changes in MS
Mix & Mingle Networking Hour
Wednesday, July 16th 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Mercy Medical Center, McKinley Room 3000 Q St., Sacramento
Wednesday, September 10th 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Hock Farm Craft & Provisions 1415 L St., Sacramento
At this program we will discuss ways to cope with the physical changes of MS. The speaker, Rosalind Kalb, Ph.D., is the Associate Vice President of the Professional Resource Center at the National MS Society’s home office in New York City. She has written books on MS, and is the co-author of “Multiple Sclerosis for Dummies.” Dr. Kalb is also the author of the Society’s “Knowledge is Power” series for individuals newly diagnosed with MS, and is an editor of “Keep S’myelin,” the newsletter for children who have a parent with MS. The registration deadline is Tuesday, July 15th.
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 Hock Farm Craft & Provisions for light appetizers to wrap up your day. The registration deadline is Wednesday, September 10th.
Newly Diagnosed Orientation Thursday, August 7th 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Mercy San Juan Medical Center, Room 145 6555 Coyle Ave., Carmichael Are you newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis? A diagnosis of MS can create many
Maneuvering Through the World of Disability Insurance Wednesday, September 17th 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Mercy San Juan Medical Center, Room 145 6555 Coyle Ave., Carmichael Disability insurance can be confusing and leave you with questions. Join us as we tackle maneuvering through disability insurance, answer your questions and clear up confusion that you may have. The registration deadline is Tuesday, September 16th.
what’s happening in northern california
self-help groups EL DORADO COUNTY • Placerville - Doris: 530-622-5673
Bay Area • Newly Diagnosed Orientation, August 6
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in San Francisco • Mix & Mingle Networking Hour, August 20th in Walnut Creek • Self-Advocacy Skills Training, September 6th in Pleasanton • Free From Falls, Thursdays, September 25th - November 13th in Oakland
Central Valley • MS Night at the Modesto Nuts, July 25 in
Modesto • Newly Diagnosed Orientation, August 5th in Modesto • Live a Healthy Life, August 13th in Modesto
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 7th - August 25th in
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• Grass Valley - Erica: 530-559-4517
PLACER COUNTY • Auburn - Loreen: 530-320-1711 • Lincoln - Marilyn: 916-434-6898
SACRAMENTO COUNTY • Carmichael: Minimal Symptoms Group -
Brett and Kelly: 916-773-6799
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•
NEVADA COUNTY
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
• Carmichael: Moving on with MS -
Annette: 916-715-4973, Irene: 916-5369116, Sylvia: 916-349-1324
• Elk Grove - Letitia: 916-896-7764,
Dorothy: 916-684-6849, Willie: 916-6841677, Pamela: 916-685-6662
• Sacramento: MS Adapters - Kim: 916-
821-6133, Stephanie: 916-215-5356, Debbie: 916-837-2019
• Sacramento: MS Musings of the Mind
Writing Group - Irene: 916-536-9116
• Sacramento: Yoga and Tai Chi Support
Group - Cynthia: 916-682-9030, Evelyn: 916-391-1365
SOLANO COUNTY • Vacaville - Marian: 707-422-7515, Willie:
707-689-7814
YOLO COUNTY • Woodland - Shannon: 916-821-3576
ONLINE • “Second Life” - John: 916-708-9708