Moving Closer To A World Free Of Multiple Sclerosis

2007 Issue 3
Chapter Calendar p.2
Nerve Pain p.4
Research Study p.8
Cool Tips p.9
Ways to Give p.10
2007 Issue 3
Self-Help Groups p.12
National Conference p.16
Summer Utility Assistance p.19
Development p.22
Resources p.23
Lone Star Chapter
Moving Closer To A World Free Of Multiple Sclerosis
The National MS Society has a new voice
and with it, a new “attitude” that wants to
do something about MS, now. We are
committed to building a movement by
and for people with MS that will move us
closer to a world free of this disease. This
means doing business a little differently
than before, and it also means a refocused energy and commitment to ending MS.
After significant discussion and thought,
we have made the decision to combine
our chapter operations with the North
Central Texas Chapter. Moving forward,
the North Central Texas and Lone Star
Chapters will operate as one, unified
voice and chapter. We will be known as
the Lone Star Chapter and will be responsible for delivering on our mission over
much of the State.
The decision to combine our chapters is
good news for people with MS and the
greater MS community. By consolidating
the two chapters, we are able to leverage
our combined resources and expand programs and services for people living with
MS and their families. We can create an
even stronger combined team to move us
even closer to a world free of multiple
sclerosis. We welcome the opportunity
to work with our new colleagues, volunteers and clients and recognize that we are
all one family focused on the same goal.
Both organizations have much to be
proud of and we will do more together.
FaceofMS.org
Some highlights of the com- Tell your story and
bined organizations accom- put a face on MS.
plishments include:
Continuation of our pledge of $3 million to the Promise 2010 Campaign,
focusing on four targeted areas of MS
research;
Increasing the revenue by 22% in FY ’06
to $17.1 million raised which allows us to
make unprecedented additional contributions to research;
Enhanced client service through interaction with people with MS, especially wellness programs which have been a long
term strength of the North Central
Chapter; and
A larger focus on rural markets.
As we continue to search for the right balance between care and cure, we will continue to offer information, education and
services through a variety of channels to
address the wide range of challenges facing those living with MS. At the same
time, we will continue to provide the necessary funds for research.
Mark Neagli, the current Lone Star
Chapter President, will serve as the president of the combined chapters. He is
supported by a combined cast of dedicated staff and volunteers that are changing
the way we look at this disease; and
together all of us are moving towards ending MS and not fighting against it.
continued on pg.2
2007 Issue 3
Publication of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Lone Star Chapter
8111 N. Stadium Dr., Suite 100
Houston, TX 77054
Houston (Headquarters):
713-526-8967 or 800-323-4873
Austin 512-495-9901
Corpus Christi: 361-225-2342
Dallas: 214-373-1400
San Antonio: 210-494-5531 or 800-683-1627
Chairman - Henry Noey
First Vice Chairman - Jim Tidwell
Secretary - Gerald Merfish
Treasurer - Nick Lomonte
Chair Emeritus - John R. Pearson
Clinical Advisory Committee Chair Elliot M. Frohman, MD, PhD
Chapter Programs Committee Chair George J. Hutton, MD
Chapter President - Mark Neagli
The National MS Society does not endorse specific
products, services or manufacturers. Such names
appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The National MS Society assumes
no liability for the use of contents of any product or
service mentioned.
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 MS Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician.
Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with
an FDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease
activity and improve quality of life for many people
with multiple sclerosis. National MS Society medical
advisors recommend that people with MS talk with
their health care professional about using one of
these medications and about strategies and effective
treatments to manage symptoms. If you or someone
you know has MS, please contact the Society today at
www.nationalmssociety.org or call 1-800-FIGHT-MS
to learn about ways to help manage multiple sclerosis and about current research that may one day
reveal a cure.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated
to ending the devastating effects of MS.
L O N E S TA R C H A P T E R
Calendar
MS Walk Katy
Sept. 8
MS Walk Kemah
Sept. 8
MS Walk & Fun Run The Woodlands
Sept. 8
MS Walk Downtown Houston
Sept. 9
NexBank MS Walk Presented By Subway
Waco
Sept. 22
Family Discovery Camp
Burton
Oct. 5-7
MS Walk Austin Area
Oct. 14
Valero MS 150 Presented By H-E-B
San Antonio – Corpus Christi
Oct. 20-21
National Conference
Dallas
Oct. 24-26
Annual Meeting &
Research Symposium
Early Nov.
Chapter Merger- continued from pg.1
Over the next several months you
will continue to hear about exciting
updates as a result of our chapters
joining together. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact
Talley Gregg at 713.526.8967 and press
2. Also, please visit our website:
www.nationalmssociety.org/txh for the
latest chapter news.
Best regards,
Henry Noey
Chair, Board of Trustees
Lone Star Chapter
© 2006 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Lone Star Chapter
2
Toll-Free Number: 1 800 FIGHT MS
LIVING WITH MS
THE MS TECHNOLOGY
COLLABORATIVE: MAKING
TECHNOLOGY WORK FOR YOU
The new MS Technology Collaborative
wants to raise awareness of how technology can help people with MS live well. It
wants to break down barriers for those
who aren’t comfortable using technology
and educate people on how to choose,
use, and maximize the impact of technology on their lives no matter how MS
affects them. The collaborative plans to
Explore how people with MS currently use technology, including computers, cell phones, PDAs, and Web
communities;
Identify techniques and applications
that can solve individual problems;
Increase everyone’s awareness of
available solutions; and
Develop new solutions to fill in the
gaps.
Visit mymsmyway.com to learn more.
Access for all
The MS Technology Collaborative is a
unique initiative by the National MS
Society, Microsoft, and Bayer Healthcare
Pharmaceuticals, a division of Bayer
Schering Pharma AG (formerly Berlex).
The three partners are creating a future
where technology can be used by anyone
living with MS. That includes people who
have blurred vision, uncooperative fingers,
iffy memories. It includes those who are
newly diagnosed or have progressing MSrelated symptoms. The MS Technology
Collaborative is founded on the belief that
improved technology can help people
with MS move their lives forward. From
telephones to global positioning systems,
technology provides access to the world—
offering entertainment, education,
employment, and personal connections.
Technology has even more potential
for those living with MS. Health-care
systems will increasingly use computer
communication for partnerships in selfcare and health education. So computer
use may soon be a link to healthy living
with MS.
Preparing the way
Before mymsmyway.com went live, the
collaborative first formed a steering committee of diverse people living with MS
across the country. That committee is providing ongoing input. Next, the collaborative fielded a nationwide survey to get the
big picture into focus: What is the role of
technology in the lives of people with MS?
The survey asks pointed questions
about how people currently use technology, what limitations they experience, and
whether technology helps them to live
better. Survey results will be posted on
both mymsmyway.com and the Society’s
Web site as soon as analysis is final.
The MS Technology Collaborative
hopes to develop a personalized, interactive Web experience that can deliver information tailored to the needs of a specific
individual. Just how that will work is very
much a work in progress.
Be part of the future. Visit
mymsmyway.com today, and join in.
COOL TIPS FOR HOT DAYS
Avoid the hot seat
Keep your car cooler with reflective
shades for the windshield and fabric car
seat covers. Available at auto supply
stores.
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3
SUMMER2007
LIVING WITH MS
Nerve pain is different
A
ll pain is transmitted by nerves, but
nerve pain is different. “Phantom
limb pain” is a vivid example of “neuropathic” or
nerve pain. This type of pain
originates in the central
nervous system in injured
nerve pathways, not in the
bones or muscles. A person
with phantom limb pain
feels pain in a body part
that was amputated in the
past.
MS lesions can injure
nerve pathways and produce neuropathic
pain—or unpleasant sensations called
dysesthesias (or “di-es-THESE-ee-ahs”).
The burning, aching, stabbing, prickling,
COOL TIPS FOR HOT DAYS
Water and ….
Keep a plastic water bottle half filled
in the freezer. Top it off and you’ll
have a drink that stays cool all day.
Herbals teas—fruity blends, peppermint, and ginger—are good chilled and
have little or no calories if you make
your own.
Avoid sugary drinks. They leave you
thirstier—and heavier too, because of
all the calories.
Drink fruit juice the light way by
extending with ice, water, or a fruity
herbal tea.
or itching may start and
stop or drag on. MS lesions
may also cause “allodynia”
(“Al-oh-DIN-ee-ah”)—
which is pain from something that shouldn’t be
painful. A soft touch, the
weight of bed covers, even
a cool breeze can be the
trigger.
Neuropathic pain is
not soothed by the overthe-counter medications
that work on muscle pain.
Even powerful prescription
medications such as
Percocet, Lortab, Oxycontin, or Darvocet
are not effective for this kind of pain.
Instead, physicians need to prescribe
medications that work on nerves. They
may be anti-convulsants (such as Tegretol,
Dilantin, or Neurontin), antidepressants
(such as Elavil), or new drugs approved
for diabetic pain (such as Lyrica or
Muscle and bone pain
happen too
People who have difficulty walking
may develop pain from the stresses
placed on muscles, bones, and joints.
Sitting also stresses
body parts. Muscle and
bone pain responds to
physical therapy—and to
standard pain medications. A person with MS
might have more than one
kind of pain. The first step to pain control is a professional diagnosis.
*Funded by the Neuropathic Pain Network and Pfizer, Inc.
4
Toll-FreeNumber:
Number:11-800-344-4867
Toll-Free
800 FIGHT MS
(continued opposite)
LIVING WITH MS
Nerve pain is different (continued)
Cymbalta). It’s not uncommon to try out
drugs to find what works best.
Global survey shows
communication critical
to pain relief
A seven-country survey by Harris
Interactive* shows that doctor-patient
communication is essential for diagnosis
and treatment of nerve—or neuropathic—
pain.
The survey found that many general
practitioners (family doctors) did not find
it easy to recognize this type of pain. The
survey also found that people with nerve
pain waited from 5.7 to 19.5 months
Try nondrug approaches
right away
While you and your physician investigate meds, pain specialists say it’s smart
to add complementary therapies right
away. Nerves can become habituated
to pain, making the pain harder to
control.
Consider relaxation techniques,
meditation, guided imagery, selfhypnosis, prayer, or music therapy.
Joining a support group, pursuing a
hobby, or having a good laugh watching comedy videos are also known to
minimize pain.
Experiment with applications of
heat, cold, or pressure. Try massage,
acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, or physical
therapy.
Oddly enough, neuropathic pain
does not mean the MS is getting worse.
But it could make life worse.
before talking to a physician about it.
Many believed the pain would go away by
itself.
Language matters
Success involved two-way communication. People who were able to describe
intensity, duration, location, and how a
pain feels—and physicians who asked for
these descriptions—were far more likely
to have successful outcomes. They used
descriptive words like dull, throbbing,
stabbing, numb, achy, prickly, burning,
pins and needles, and shock-like.
The survey contacted approximately
700 people diagnosed with nerve pain
because of MS, diabetes, herpes, cancer,
stroke, or other conditions and 700 physicians in Finland, Germany, Great Britain,
Korea, Italy, Mexico, and Spain.
Tell your doctor
The National MS Society’s Professional
Resource Center Clinical Bulletin, “Pain
in Multiple Sclerosis” by Heidi Malone,
PhD, RN, can be downloaded at
nationalmssociety.org/PRC. It includes
charts on pharmacological management
and an extensive bibliography.
COOL TIPS FOR HOT DAYS
Snackin’ cool
Smoothies and slushies pack a
cool nutritional punch. In a blender,
combine banana, melon, strawberries,
or peaches with low-fat milk or fruit
juice. Then pile in the ice. Add a few
drops of vanilla for an exotic touch.
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5
SUMMER2007
M O N E Y M AT T E R S
Filing for SSDI Benefits
I
If you have MS and are unable to
work due to an MS-related disability
and/or other conditions, you may be
entitled to Social Security Disability
Insurance (SSDI) benefits. To receive
these benefits, you must have worked at
least five of the 10 years immediately
before the disability and paid FICA taxes.
The disability or impairments must be
expected to last for at least 12 months.
Visit your doctor and let her/him
know you plan to apply for SSDI benefits.
Offer your doctor the Society’s template letters to make the documentation
of your symptoms easier. (Go to
nationalmssociety.org/SSDI and scroll
down to “Worksheets and Sample
Letters.”)
Step Three: Strengthen your
chances
Don’t hesitate to ask for
Step One: Get familhelp from an SSA repreiar with the process Contacting the Social
sentative, a family memSee “Loosening the SSDI
Security Administration
ber, staff in your doctor’s
Knots” in the April-May
office, or a knowledge2007 InsideMS. Go to
Toll-free: 800-772-1213,
able person at the
nationalmssociety.org,
7 AM to 7 PM, M–F
Society.
click on Library in the
Toll-free TTY: 800-325-0778,
Don’t delay if you
gray menu bar in the
7 AM to 7 PM, M–F
can’t
complete certain
upper right hand corner,
On the Web: www.ssa.gov
general information on
and then on InsideMS in Mailing address: Social Security
the application.
the box on the left-hand
Administration, Office of
Sufficient medical inforside—or call us for a
Public Inquiries, Windsor
mation is the most
copy.
Park Building, 6401 Security
important.
For a more detailed
Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21235
The best source of
review, check out the
your medical informaSociety’s new SSDI
tion is your doctor. Be sure your doctor is
Guidebook for People with MS at
aware of all of your symptoms.
nationalmssociety.org/SSDI. If you do
not have Web access, call us.
Step four: The waiting game
The exact requirements for SSDI are
Recent data indicates that nationwide
detailed in the Social Security
roughly 62% of initial claims for SSDI
Administration’s Blue Book (SSA No.
were denied, and that most applicants
64-039, or www.ssa.gov/disability/
who went on to file a written appeal
professionals/bluebook).
called the "reconsideration" were also
turned down. Only 16% of these secondStep Two: Get prepared
level claims were approved.
Keep a detailed journal of your MS sympThe third level provides a face-to-face
toms and how they limit your ability to
hearing before an administrative law
work.
(continued next page, bottom)
6
Toll-Free Number:
Number: 11-800-344-4867
Toll-Free
800 FIGHT MS
ADVOCACY
MS ACTIVISTS’ INFLUENCE
GROWS
More members, more calls
Our nationwide network of MS activists
has increased by more than 80% this year.
That means members of Congress have
heard from more MS activists on more
MS issues than ever before. MS activists
made more than 64,000 calls and e-mails
to their legislators so far this year. That is
almost double the number of contacts
made in all of 2006.
Does it work?
With the help of these calls and e-mails,
the Lifespan Respite Care Act passed the
U.S. House and Senate last year. Signed
into law in December 2006, the act provides almost $300 million over five years
for competitive grants for states to increase
the availability of respite care services for
family caregivers of individuals with special needs regardless of age.
On our agenda
Support for funding MS research
through the Department of Defense is
growing impressively.
Legislators who are on one of the
Appropriations Defense Subcommittees
are currently being contacted.
Activists will be on hand at the Iowa,
New Hampshire, and other presidential
primary stops to question candidates
about health care, prescription drug coverage, and more.
Get updates online
It’s easy to get involved. Sign up at
nationalmssociety.org/advocacy. We’ll
send updates on news from Washington,
hot issues, and ways to take action. As an
MS activist, you’ll help ensure that our
volunteer work, research investment, and
programs are supported by laws and regulations that make sense.
Become an MS activist. Join the
movement.
Filing for SSDI Benefits (continued)
judge called the ALJ hearing. Nearly 60%
of recent hearing decisions were in favor
of the person seeking benefits.
A final level is also available: the
Appeals Council of the Social Security
Administration. This rarely results in an
award of benefits. Beyond this point, a
person may file a complaint in the U.S.
District Court.
Optional: Retain a representative
The law permits SSDI applicants to retain
a representative on a contingency basis,
meaning that the fee is based on the outcome of the claim.
The representative, who may or may
not be a lawyer, is a professional with
expertise in Social Security rules and regulations. Applicants may pay a representative out of the Social Security benefit
check when the claim is approved. The fee
will be 25% of the retroactive benefit, but
cannot exceed $5,300.
COOL TIPS FOR HOT DAYS
Tax deduction
With a doctor’s prescription, you can
claim a new air-conditioner as a taxdeductible medical expense.
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77
SUMMER2007
RESEARCH
NATIONAL RESEARCH STUDY
NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
The Sonya Slifka Longitudinal MS Study,
sponsored by the National MS Society, has
collected information from some 1,600
people with MS since 1999. Because the
Slifka Study provides such valuable information to the MS community, it has just
been expanded and extended for another
five years. Now it needs 2,500 more people with MS.
are asking for volunteers. If you are a
member of one or more of these groups,
please consider joining this important
study. Call 1-800-305-8013.
Participation involves telephone
interviews every six months, plus keeping
a log of your health status, the medical
services and therapies you use, the money
you spend on MS-related needs, and the
impact MS has on your life. The calls are
made in English, so volunteers need to be
comfortable talking on the phone in
English.
All the information collected is confidential. Those who use data from the
study will not be able to identify individual participants.
MS researchers are already using data
from the first phase of the study to identify ways to improve quality of life and
manage MS symptoms more effectively.
The study data also helps the Society advocate for public policies that address the
issues most important to people with MS.
The second phase of the study will
lead to more important information
about how people live with MS over time.
Beverly, diagnosed in 2001
Sonya Slifka and her son Richard
The Sonya Slifka Longitudinal MS Study
is supported in part by a generous gift
from the Society’s past National Chair,
Richard Slifka, and in part by the
Society’s Promise: 2010 campaign. The
study is named for Richard’s mother,
who developed MS when he was still a
boy. The grown-up Richard Slifka has
been a leadership volunteer for the
Central New England Chapter for more
than 25 years as well as serving on the
National Board since 1988. He has generated more than $3 million in personal
donations and solicitations.
Specific populations with MS will be
“oversampled” in this phase of the study
to ensure that their experiences are adequately represented. The target populations are African-American, Hispanic, and
people diagnosed with MS after
September 2006.
Most participants will be selected at
random from the National MS Society’s
database. However, to ensure that the
study adequately covers people with MS
who are African-American, Hispanic,
and/or are very recently diagnosed, we
8
Toll-Free Number:
Number: 11-800-344-4867
Toll-Free
800 FIGHT MS
NEWLY DIAGNOSED
GET GOING WITH TWO NEW
RESOURCES
Begin with MS Learn Online
Fearful, depressed, confused? A person can
feel all of this after an MS diagnosis. But
perspective—and hope—are available in
the MS Learn Online webcast Where do I
begin? Newly Diagnosed with MS.
Three people, with more than 30
years of living with MS between them, talk
about their lives and recall their feelings at
the time of their diagnosis. They discuss
relationships and support, becoming
one’s own health-care advocate, and the
possibility of reinventing oneself while
managing life with a chronic illness.
To view the 23-minute webcast and
explore the full roster of MS Learn Online
offerings, go to nationalmssociety.org/
mslearnonline.
COOL TIPS FOR HOT DAYS
Dress light and loose
Loose cotton blends and microfiber
fabrics allow perspiration to evaporate. Try a wide-brim hat. Canvas or
mesh sneakers are cooler than leather.
Cool clothing
Commercial cooling garments, such as
vests, bra inserts, and headbands, can
help you stay cool for hours. Search
ABLEDATA (www.abledata.com or call
800-227-0216) or call us for referrals.
Spray instead
Sweat evaporating on skin is how your
body stays cool. Carry water in a spray
bottle and wet your shirt and hat for the
same effect. Stand in front of a fan for
instant A/C.
New! KIP Teleconference Series
The Knowledge Is Power home study
program (KIP) for people newly diagnosed and their family members answers
many questions. But you may still have
more. KIP is beefing up by offering a series
of free telephone conference calls hosted
by MS experts.
Neurologists and other MS professionals will answer questions on topics
such as symptom management, relationships, employment, and more. These calls
not only provide information, they offer a
chance to interact with others who are
also facing a new MS diagnosis—all from
the privacy of home.
Register for KIP and receive a teleconference schedule as part of this free, sixweek course. See ad this page for details.
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9
SUMMER2007
WAY S T O G I V E
SAFE AND EASY: GIVE ONLINE
“The Internet is a tremendous tool to help
people join the MS movement,” said Joyce
Nelson, president and CEO of the Society.
”We hope to cut administrative costs,
make giving easier, and better tailor information to suit our constituents’ interests.”
“Tremendous” is no exaggeration:
According to a USA Today report, online
donations to the nation’s biggest nonprofit organizations increased 63% from 2003
to 2005. The Society has led the way on
the Web since 2001 when we first made it
possible to sponsor Bike and Walk participants online.
To pledge online,
go to nationalms
society.org and click
on the heart-shaped
button (“Pledge/
Sponsor a
Participant”). Then
use the search engine
to find the person or
the team you’d like to
sponsor.
New online
opportunities
The Society recently expanded its Web site
to make it easy to give in other ways. At
nationalmssociety.org, click on the giftbox shaped button (“Donate to the
Society”) to access the Donate page.
Visitors may choose:
Donate Now, to safely and securely
give a one-time gift to the Society. You can
also search to see if your employer is one
of the many companies that will match an
online gift with a contribution of their
own.
Tributes and Memorials, to create a
personal page to honor a loved one, to
give a one-time contribution, or to set up
10
an automatic annual or monthly tribute
or memorial gift.
Workplace Giving, where you may
sign up to have a regular payroll deduction dedicated to the MS movement. The
payment is sent to us automatically.
Planned Giving, to learn about other
ways to support the Society through a
will, gift annuities, charitable trusts, and
more.
A SPARKLING WAY TO GIVE
Check out the new line of jewelry at
Christopher & Banks and CJ Banks stores.
There are nearly 750 stores nationwide—
and this May and
June they are offering
the sparkling new
“MS Collection.” The
moderately priced
earrings, necklace,
and bracelet are created with genuine
Swarovski crystals-and the National MS
Society will receive
50% of the proceeds.
Just in time for graduations, weddings, Challenge Walks, and
other special summer events. For store
locations, go to www.christopher
andbanks.com.
COOL TIPS FOR HOT DAYS
Pre-cool
“Pre-cooling” may lessen the heating
effects of strenuous activity. Submerge
in a tub of cool water for optimal
benefit. Use mint soap for a cool skin
sensation.
For information on heat sensitivity,
go to nationalmssociety.org/
sourcebook. Click on heat/temperature.
Toll-FreeNumber:
Number:11-800-344-4867
Toll-Free
800 FIGHT MS
WELLNESS & EXERCISE PROGRAMS
AUSTIN – Beginner to intermediate
Yoga Class* for pain management
and prevention. Noon – 1 p.m. each
Friday and 2nd & 4th Wednesday.
$25/month. Instructor: Rikki Dunn
at
512-261-0125
or
[email protected]. Bring a mat,
towel or blanket. St. David’s at
Hancock Center - 1000 E. 41st Street Bldg O, Suite 925 - Therapy Gym Austin, TX 78751.
AUSTIN (Round Rock) –Yoga Class*
for all fitness levels. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
each Thursday. $10/class. Instructor:
Pam Breithaupt at 512-335-8588 or
512-468-6788. Bring a mat, towel or
blanket. Grace Lutheran Church - 708
Bluff Drive - Round Rock, TX 78681.
CORPUS CHRISTI – Free Yoga Class
for all fitness levels. 2 – 3 p.m. each
Thursday. Instructor: Mary Carpenter
at 361-225-2430. Bring a mat, towel
or blanket. YWCA of Corpus Christi 4601 Corona, Suite 2303 - Corpus
Christi, TX 78411.
each Wednesday. Both at Art League
Houston - 1953 Montrose Blvd. Call
713-523-9530 for information.
SAN ANTONIO (Live Oak) – Free MS
Yoga Journey for all levels of fitness
and ages and focuses on stretching,
relaxation and mild strengthening. 7
p.m. each Monday. Instructor: Jan
Mayulianos at 210-658-8803. Bring a
mat (preferably yoga/pilates) or
towel.
Northeast Methodist
Hospital CHC – 3rd Floor Classroom
- 12412 Judson Rd Live Oak, TX
78233.
SAN ANTONIO – Free Yo Tai for all
levels of fitness including wheelchair.
1 p.m. each Tuesday. Instructor: Liz
Clark, PTA, CSYI at 210-860-8806.
Warm Springs Rehabilitation Hospital
- Health Resource Center - 5101
Medical Drive - San Antonio, TX
78229.
HOUSTON – Free Yoga Class for all
fitness levels. 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. each
Monday. Instructor: Maria Theresia
Mazzarella. Contact Lissa at 713-5268967-Press 2 for class location. Bring
a mat, towel or blanket.
*The content of this program was not
developed by the Society, but we do
wish to inform you of the class.
HOUSTON – Healing Art: discover
the healing power of art in this awardwinning program. 10 a.m. – 12:30
p.m. each Wednesday. Physically
Challenged Healing Art: offers one of
the only creative outlets in Houston
outside a clinical setting for physically challenged individuals. 1 – 4 p.m.
Visit our Website at: www.nationalmssociety.org/txh
11
SELF-HELP GROUPS
SELF HELP GROUPS
2007 Issue 3
The Lone Star Chapter has self-help groups throughout Northeast, Southeast, Central
and South Texas. We encourage you to call the self-help group of your choice before
you attend to ensure that the topic meets your individual needs and to reserve a space
for yourself. These groups provide an opportunity to share common experiences and
concerns, receive and provide emotional support, and obtain MS-related information
from your peers and professional speakers.
The groups are listed in alphabetical order by city.
Austin (Central)
Mildly Affected
2nd Tuesday, 6:00 p.m.
Lower Colorado
River Authority
3700 Lake Austin Blvd.
Austin, TX 78703
Jeff: 512-589-3409
Piper: 512-473-3200
Austin (Central)
Wellness Group
4th Thursday, 7:00 p.m.
Health South
1215 Red River
Austin, TX 78701
Audrey:1-800-FIGHT-MS
(1-800-344-4867)- Press 2
Austin (South)
2nd Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
Carestone Assisted
Living Center
7017 Manchaca Rd.
Austin, TX 78745
John or Betty:
512-447-1140
12
Bay Area/ Clear Lake/
Nassau Bay
2nd Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
18220 Upper Bay Rd.
Nassau Bay, TX 77586
Mike: 281-334-3686
Brenham
3rd Thursday, 7:00 p.m.
Trinity Medical Center
Board Room
700 Medical Pkwy.
Brenham, TX 77833
Dory: 979-836-9211
Bear Creek
3rd Saturday, 1:00 p.m.
The Church Without Walls
5725 Queenston Blvd.
Houston, TX 77084
Paula : 281-530-3857
Bryan/College Station
2nd Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
St. Joseph’s Health
Education Annex
3030 E. 29th St., Suite 100
Bryan, TX 77802
Sharon: 979-693-6733
Beaumont
2nd Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
HealthSouth Center
3340 Plaza 10 Blvd.
Beaumont, TX 77707
Virginia: 409-892-4901
Columbus
3rd Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.
Columbus Community
Hospital - meeting room
110 Shult Drive
Columbus, TX 78934
Carol: 979-732-5945
Corpus Christi - Coastal
Bend Connection
4th Saturday, 11:30 a.m.
YWCA
4601 Corona St., Suite 230
Corpus Christi, TX 78411
RSVP: 1-800-344-4867
Press 1 and verify summer
schedule
Toll-Free Number: 1 800 FIGHT MS
SELF HELP GROUPS
Dallas (Carrollton)
Care Partners
2nd Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
National MS Society
2105 Luna Rd., Suite 390
Carrollton, TX 75006
Paula: 972-345-5659
Dallas (Carrollton)
Moving Forward
2nd Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
National MS Society
2105 Luna Rd., Suite 390
Carrollton, TX 75006
Cecelia: 972-672-2519
Angela: 214-941-2261
Dallas - Veterans & their
Care Partners
3rd Monday, 3 p.m.
Dallas VA Medical Center
4500 S. Lancaster Rd., SCI/D
Unit
Dallas, TX 75216
Bill: 972-412-3637
Denton
4th Saturday, 10 a.m.
2809 S. Mayhill Rd.
Denton, TX 76208
Mark: 214-394-9207
Diane: 940-595-0923
Flower Mound
3rd Monday, 7:00 p.m. p.m.
Crossroads Bible Church
8101 Justin Rd. (Hwy 407)
Lewisville, TX 75077
Melissa: 972-539-2144
Ft. Bend County
(Sugar Land)
3rd Thursday, 7:00 p.m.
First United Methodist
Church - Room 602
431 Eldridge Road
Sugar Land, TX 77478
Lori: 281-240-8828
Houston - Care Partners
2nd Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
National MS Society, Ste.100
8111 N. Stadium Dr.
Houston, TX 77054
713-526-8967 and press 2
Houston But You Look So Good
1st Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
Cy-Fair College – Fairbanks
14955 Northwest Fwy.,
Room 221
Houston, TX 77040
Andrea: 832-969-5845
Houston - MS & Cancer
Telephone Support Group
Margaret: 713-278-7548
rgaret: 13-28-548
Houston -The New
Beginning
2nd Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
National MS Society
8111 N. Stadium Dr., Ste. 100
Houston, TX 77054
Steve : 281-557-5535
Fran : 713-663-5070
Houston
(Medical Center) V.A.
everyone welcome
2nd Wednesday, 2:00 p.m.
Veterans Affairs Medical
Center
2nd Floor Nursing Unit,
Dining Room
2002 Holcombe Blvd.
Houston, TX 77030
Lisa, MSW: 713-794-7951
Fe, MSN, RN, CNRN:
713-791-1414, ext. 4559
Houston - Still Standing
African - American
Working Women
3rd Thursday (odd months),
6:30 p.m. alternating with
3rd Saturday (even months),
11:00 a.m.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott
1400 Old Spanish Trail
Houston, TX 77054
Tracey 713-798-4470
Houston (Northeast)
2nd Sunday, 3:00 p.m.
Lamb of God Lutheran
Church
1400 E. FM 1960
Houston, TX 77073
Jack 281-361-4595
Houston (Northwest)
3rd Saturday, 1:30 p.m.
Memorial Springs Shadows
Hospital-1st Floor Conf. Rm.
3033 Gessner Dr.
Houston, TX 77080
Bill: 281-496-4506
Irving
FACES of Multiple Sclerosis
3rd Saturday, 10 a.m.
Jaycee Center for the Arts
2000 West Airport Freeway
Irving, TX 75061
Renee 972-253-1010
Huntsville
2nd Tuesday 6 p.m.
Huntsville Memorial Hospital
cafeteria area
110 Memorial Hospital Drive
Huntsville, TX 77320
Jeannie: 936-291-0386
Killeen - Heart of Texas
3rd Tuesday, 6:00 p.m.
Robertson Avenue Baptist
Church
305 E. Robertson Ave.
Copperas Cove, TX 76522
Peggy: 254-542-5465
Longview
3rd Thursday, 10 a.m.
Longview Regional Hospital
2901 N. 4th Street
Longview, TX 75604
Visit our Website at: www.nationalmssociety.org/txh
13
2007 Issue 3
SELF HELP GROUPS
McKinney
1st Monday, 7:00 p.m.
Medical Center of
McKinney
Wysong Campus
1st Floor Education Room
Main Entrance
130 South Central Expressway
McKinney, TX 75070
Elaine: 972-886-0442
Nacogdoches
3rd Wednesday, Noon
Austin Heights Baptist
Church
2806 Appleby Sand Road
Nacogdoches, TX
Marilyn: 936-564-3814
New Braunfels
Alternating times:
4th Thursday, Noon
4th Thursday, 6:30 p.m.
Fire Mountain Restaurant
485 Hwy 81 East
New Braunfels, TX 78130
RSVP 1-800-344-4867 and
press 1
Palestine
4th Saturday, 10 a.m.
First Christian Church
113 East Crawford Street
Palestine, TX 75801
Margaret: 903-478-3960
Plano But You Look So Good
1st Saturday, 10 a.m.
Renner Frankford Library
6400 Frankford Rd.
Dallas, TX 75257
Deb: 972-633-9203
Brenda: 469-467-2208
Maureen: 214-924-0914
14
Plano/Richardson
1st Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
West Plano Presbyterian
Church
2709 Custer Rd
Plano, TX 75075
Bill: 972-612-0194
Texarkana
1st Tuesday, 4:00 p.m.
St Michael’s
Rehabilitation Hospital
2223 Morris Ln.
Texarkana, TX 75503
Becky: 903-832-2617
San Antonio - Life After MS
1st Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
HealthSouth RIOSA
9119 Cinnamon Hill
San Antonio, TX 78240
RSVP 1-800-344-4867 and
press 1
Waco
1st & 3rd Tuesday, 6:30
p.m.
Lakeshore United
Methodist Church
3311 Park Lake Drive
Waco, TX 76708
Mary/Jeff: 254-863-0388
San Antonio Living Well with MS
2nd Wednesday, Noon.
Warm Springs Resource Center
5101 Medical Drive
San Antonio, TX 78229
RSVP 1-800-344-4867 and
press 1
San Antonio - Newly
Diagnosed & Beyond
3rd Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
Northeast Methodist
Hospital Health Resource
Center in Learning Center
12412 Judson Road
Live Oak, TX 78233
RSVP 1-800-344-4867 and
press 1
Texoma Area
1st Monday, 6 p.m.
Sherman Medical Building
321 N. Highland, Suite 200
Sherman, TX 75092
Jennifer: 903-227-4576
Weslaco
2nd Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
KNAPP Medical Center
1401 E. 8th St.
Weslaco, TX 78596
RSVP 1-800-344-4867 and
press 1
Waxahachie - MS Warriors
3rd Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
Waxahachie Bible Church
621 N. Grand St.
Waxahachie, TX 75165
Sherri: 972-617-7436
The Woodlands/
Spring/Conroe
2nd Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
*Luby’s Restaurant
922 Lake Front Cr. 77380
Janis: 281-364-8737*
*Call to verify locatione
TX
Toll-Free Number: 1 800 FIGHT MS
T
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers make a difference!
he Lone Star Chapter has many
volunteer
opportunities.
Whether you're a person with
MS, a friend or family member,
we have a volunteer opportunity for you.
The following are just a few examples:
Bike Tours - Enthusiastic, committed volunteers are key components to the annual
MS 150 Bike Tours. Volunteers are needed
to help hand out water, man information
booths, hand out CHAMPS bandanas,
cheer on cyclists and more.
MS Empowerment Day - If you have MS,
join us from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. each month
for fun, accessible volunteer projects. Meet
other people affected by MS and catch up
with friends. Free lunch is served. MS
Empowerment takes place in Houston and
San Antonio every 3rd Tuesday. In Dallas,
it is every 3rd Wednesday and stay afterwards for great, informational Webinars.
MS Walks - Like the Bike Tours, our MS
Walks would not be successful without our
volunteers. Nine MS Walks take place each
year across the Lone Star Chapter.
Volunteers are needed to help hand out
water, assist with registration, greet walkers,
hand out Finish Line medals and more.
Champions Against MS Program - If you
have MS, this program is one of the most
important links between MS event participants and people living with multiple sclerosis. Sign up today and be that special
inspiration for a cyclist or walker participating in an MS 150 Bike Tour or MS Walk.
Create your own personal message that
will be displayed on a red bandana which
is worn by your assigned champion during
the event.
For more information on these and other
volunteer opportunities throughout the Lone
Star Chapter, please contact the following:
Houston and Austin: Kelly Engle at [email protected] or 713-526-8967 and
press 2.
Dallas: 214-373-1400 and press 2.
San Antonio and Corpus Christi - Tammy
Travis-Treff at [email protected]
or 210-494-5531 and press 2.
Public Policy and Advocacy - The National
MS Society advocates for public policy that
ensures fair treatment of people with
chronic illness or disability. The Society
also promotes awareness of issues that
affect people living with MS. People with
MS, their family members and friends can
be extremely persuasive in communicating
their views because they speak with firsthand knowledge of effects of particular
policies on people living with the disease.
Join our advocacy effort and make a difference!
Visit our Website at: www.nationalmssociety.org/txh
15
2007 Issue 3
ASK THE PHARMACIST
By I.D. Freed, R. Ph.
“Is there a special diet that would
help my MS? Would vitamin supplements help?”
There have been many “MS diets”
touted, including those avoiding
wheat and rye; one which eliminates
unripe fruits, fruit juices, and certain
other fruits and vegetables; and one
which eliminates tobacco and table
sugar. There is also the Kousamine
Diet (low fat, low sugar high fiber diet
with extra vitamins), the Evers Diet
(where only natural unprocessed
foods are eaten), the McDougal Diet
(combining low fat with high gluten,
extra vitamins and minerals) and a
host of others.
The Therapeutic Claims Committee of
the International Federation of
Multiple Sclerosis Societies is responsible for studying all claims of efficacy in the treatment of MS. All of the
above diets (as well as countless others) have been studied by the
Committee; none of them have been
found to be useful in the treatment of
MS. Most of these diets have never
been tested in a properly-controlled
trial.
Many of the dietary regimens are not
harmful, but they may require rigorous and often stressful attention to
detail without improvement in MS
symptoms. Some can be risky, especially those that advocate mega nutrients; large quantities can have serious
side effects. Plus, regimented drugs
and eating plans can be VERY expensive!
16
So, to answer your question in two
words: NOT YET! The best diet for
MS patients is still a “well-rounded”
one (not one that makes YOU
“round”) that provides all of the
essentials in the proper amounts
(and NO, the four major food groups
are NOT “fast, freezer-burned, frozen
and spoiled!”). A good reference
source is one that shows the nutritional pyramid developed by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Current dietary recommendations
emphasize a large and varied intake of
fruits, vegetables and grains, and lesser amounts of low-fat meals and dairy
products. Maintain your ideal body
weight (and remember that the less
extra weight you drag around, the easier it is to GET around!). Dietary and
medical professionals recommend
that that you drink at least eight 8ounce glasses of water daily (and
remember to keep restroom facilities
in sight!).
A well-balanced diet can give you
energy, help you control your weight,
help your body fight off infections,
heal normally and stay regular. It
could even make you feel better.
As nutritional supplements go, none
have been proven to be effective in the
treatment of MS. Many dietary supplements are not regulated by the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
and might contain questionable
ingredients. A daily multivitamin
won’t hurt you, but stay away from
high doses of vitamins or other supplements.
No diet has been proven to stop or
treat MS, but keeping yourself nutritionally fit will go a long way toward
helping you cope with it.
If there’s a topic you’d like to see discussed here, please send it to me at
[email protected].
Have a cool summer!
Toll-Free Number: 1 800 FIGHT MS
L O N E S TA R C H A P T E R
Nominees for Lone Star Chapter’s
Board of Trustees Now Being
Accepted
During the Annual Meeting and
Research
Symposium
this
November
the
Governance
Committee of the Lone Star Chapter
will present a slate of candidates
from which chapter members will
elect the Board of Trustees. Board
members serve one-year terms.
Individuals interested in being considered for nomination should submit a letter of interest including a
biography, along with your name,
mailing address and phone number.
Nominees will be notified of board
member expectations, responsibilities, fiduciary and time commitments, and asked to complete a
Candidate for Board of Trustees
form.
Final candidates will be
interviewed by a member of the
Governance Committee. All candidates will be notified of their status
prior to the Annual Meeting.
Nominations for the Board of
Trustees should be submitted by
Aug. 15, 2007 to:
Mark Neagli
National MS Society
8111 N. Stadium Drive, Ste. 100
Houston, TX 77054
Society’s National
Heads to Big D
Conference
The eyes of Texas – and the United
States – will turn to Dallas this fall.
Join the movement with hundreds
of volunteers from across the
United States at the National
Multiple Sclerosis Society's 2007
National Conference in Dallas on
Oct. 24 – 26.
More details about this year's conference and how you can be
involved will be published in
upcoming editions of the chapter’s
MS E-Connection, which is distributed monthly by e-mail. If you’d
like to begin receiving the MS EConnection, please contact James
Black at [email protected]
today.
Chapter
Offices
Upcoming Holidays
Close
for
The National MS Society, Lone Star
Chapter offices in Austin, Corpus
Christi, Dallas and Houston will be
closed July 4 – 5 in observance of
Independence Day. This fall, the
offices will be closed Aug. 31 – Sept.
3 for Labor Day.
Everyone at the Lone Star Chapter
wishes you safe, enjoyable and
memorable holidays this summer
and fall.
Visit our Website at: www.nationalmssociety.org/txh
17
2007 Issue 3
L O N E S TA R C H A P T E R
Rivera Chairs Hispanic Advisory
Council
Victor M. Rivera, M.D., F.A.A.N. has
accepted an invitation to chair the
Hispanic Advisory Council for the
National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Dr. Rivera will also continue his
executive committee role on the
Society’s National Clinical Advisory
Board, formerly known as the
Medical Advisory Board, or MAB.
Dr. Rivera serves as full Professor of
Neurology at Baylor College of
Medicine, and is Attending and
Deputy Chief of Neurology at The
Methodist Hospital, and Medical
Director of the Neurology and
Surgical ENT/EYE Unit of the
Neurosensory Center in Houston.
He
founded
the
Baylor
International MS Center in 1996,
now know as the Maxine Mesinger
MS Clinic, Baylor Multiple Sclerosis
Center at Methodist Hospital, and
has served as its Medical Director
since that time.
Chapter is proud to recognize Gina
Remington as recipient of the prestigious John Dystel National
Multiple Sclerosis Society Nursing
Fellowship. Gina is a Senior MS
Research Nurse at The University of
Texas Southwestern Medical Center
at Dallas MS Clinic. The fellowship
is an important initiative that
encourages, dignifies and promotes
nursing development.
Campers
Treatment
Get
Carpet
The Lone Star Chapter went
Hollywood at Camp Can-Do in
May. The annual camp for people
with MS and their families featured
an all-star Hollywood theme, with
chapter staff, volunteers and clients
getting into the act as their favorite
celebrities with movie-themed cabins. Throughout the weekend, MS
clients enjoyed fun, accessible activities such as canoeing, horseback
riding, fishing, arts and crafts, and
much more.
He is president of the LatinAmerican Committee for Treatment
and Research in MS, and a delegate
for the Neurology Course in
Spanish of the American Academy
of Neurology. Dr. Rivera has been a
continuous member of the medical,
professional and clinical advisory
committees and volunteer of the
National MS Society, Lone Star
Chapter since 1976.
Remington Awarded MS Nursing
Fellowship
The National MS Society, Lone Star
18
Red
Toll-Free Number: 1 800 FIGHT MS
ADVOCACY & PUBLIC POLICY
Visit our Website at: www.nationalmssociety.org/txh
19
2007 Issue 3
DEVELOPMENT
13,000 Riders Join Nation’s Largest MS
Fund-Raiser
In April, the largest cycling event of its kind
and the largest single fund-raising event for
the National MS Society headed for the
hills. Across 180 miles from Houston to
Austin, the 2007 BP MS 150 attracted riders
from throughout the world, united in their
passion to fight multiple sclerosis. The
2007 event is on track to set a fund-raising
record of $12 million for MS research and
client programs.
Margaret and Nancy met with the Lone
Star Chapter to discuss Nancy’s idea of providing special Finish Line accommodations for people with MS. From that meeting, the first Bubble Bistro was born.Nancy
developed the theme because she wanted a
festive, fun name for this special tent.
“I want everyone with MS to know about
the Bubble Bistro so they need not worry
about shade or relief from the heat,” Nancy
said. In creating the Bubble Bistro, Nancy
and Margaret enlisted the help of Anne, a
neighbor and friend recently diagnosed
with MS.
With room for 30, the brightly-colored
Bubble Bistro featured a cool, shaded tent
area with refreshments beside the Finish
Line. True to its name, it also featured plenty of bubbles wafting across the Finish, welcoming 13,000 riders to Austin on their
trek to fight MS.
BP MS 150 CHAMPS Bistro Bubbles with
Excitement
Nancy Gerner, Margaret Pichon and Anne
Roland teamed up to really make the 2007
BP MS 150 Austin Finish Line bubble over
with excitement.
Since her MS diagnosis seven years ago,
Nancy has been a mover and shaker in supporting her family and friends who ride in
the BP MS 150. Each year, she’s at the
Finish Line, cheering on and cheering up
riders with her handy bubble machine.
However, Nancy realized something missing was an area for CHAMPS, those with
MS who come out to support those riding
in their honor. She also knew that April’s
heat can be miserable, especially for those
with MS.
20
“Hopefully, it’ll grow in size, more people
will learn about it and they’ll join the fun,”
said Nancy of the Bubble Bistro. “I’m so
excited to be part of this.”
Have a Ball with the Astros July 26
The annual BP MS 150 Night with the
Houston Astros is Thursday, July 26. Cheer
for Top Fund-Raisers and BP MS 150 sponsors at Minute Maid Park before the Astros
take on the San Diego Padres.
Field box tickets are $20 each. Deadline to
buy is July 10. Tickets will be mailed to you.
Visit www.ms150.org to order tickets
online.
If you need accessible seating, e-mail
[email protected].
Toll-Free Number: 1 800 FIGHT MS
DEVELOPMENT
Visit www.mswalklonestar.org for
online registration and more information.
SAM’S CLUB MS 150 Rolls Across
North Texas
Nothing could dampen the spirits of
riders on the road to a cure for MS! The
2007 SAM’S CLUB MS 150 rolled from
Frisco to Fort Worth in early May. A
record-setting 3,000 cyclists signed up
for the two-day, 150-mile trek across
North Texas to raise funds to help people living with multiple sclerosis and to
fund MS research. This year’s SAM’S
CLUB MS 150 expects to raise a record
$2.4 million.
Corpus Christi Tells MS to Take a
Hike
This April, more than 500 participants joined the MS Walk Corpus
Christi, presented by H-E-B and AT&T.
Held in conjunction with Buc Days,
the city’s premier spring fun-filled festival, this year’s MS Walk by the bay
featured a 5K stroll through Corpus
Christi’s Heritage Park.
Bayou City Area Laces Up for Sept. 8
– 9 Events
A trio of MS Walks is on track for
Saturday, Sept. 8, at Katy Mills Mall,
the Kemah Boardwalk and Panther
Creek Shopping Center in The
Woodlands.
In addition, The
Woodlands will feature a Fun Run.
In the Bayou City, walkers will step off
Sunday, Sept. 9, at historic Sam
Houston Park in downtown Houston.
The Houston event features one-mile
and 5K routes.
Waco Walks on the Wild Side Sept.
22
The NexBank MS Walk Waco, presented by Subway, struts its stuff on Sept.
22. Waco walkers will take a stroll on
the wild side at the Cameron Park and
Zoo. Participants will enjoy incredible
zoo exhibits, plus the beauty of the
famous Washington Street Bridge.
Entertainment, food, and more will
round out the morning for this 5K
event.
New November Date Set for MS Walk
Austin
It's a whole new ballgame for the MS
Walk in Austin on Sunday, Nov. 11.
This autumn's Austin-area MS Walk is
set for a great new location: The Dell
Diamond ballpark. Home of the
Round Rock Express, The Dell
Diamond was named "Best Double-A
Ballpark in the Country" by Baseball
America magazine in 2003.
Step Up for Fall 2007 MS Walks
Fall into step this year with the MS
With feedback from MS
Walks.
clients, participants and MS Walk
Committees, the Fall 2007 MS Walk
roster features events earlier in the
season and a new event site in Austin.
Visit our Website at: www.nationalmssociety.org/txh
21
2007 Issue 3
DEVELOPMENT
Have a Cool Ride with the 2007 Valero MS 150
Registration has opened for this fall’s 2007 Valero MS 150.
This year's Valero MS 150 from San Antonio to Corpus Christi has a cool
new date. Thanks to feedback from cyclists, volunteers and MS clients, the
Lone Star Chapter moved the date of the event from the traditional – and
sultry – first weekend of October. The 2007 fund-raiser is now scheduled for
Oct. 20 – 21.
Save the date to be a cool rider as we head to the beach to wave goodbye to
multiple sclerosis. Visit ms150.org for secure online registration and additional Valero MS 150 information.
22
Toll-Free Number: 1 800 FIGHT MS
RESOURCES
MS Learn Online Participate Online Today!
Stay Connected with the
MS E-Connection
The National MS Society has an exciting
menu of MS Learn Online webcasts currently available on its Web site. Each
webcast features experts speaking on pertinent topics for those affected by multiple sclerosis. Programs and their written
transcripts can be accessed at
www.nationalmssociety.org/mslearnonline.
Stay connected to the Lone Star Chapter by
signing up to receive the MS E-Connection,
our monthly e-newsletter.
You will get updated Lone Star Chapter
information on educational, wellness and
social programs; special events; advocacy
and recent advances in MS research.
Would you like to be notified via e-mail
of upcoming MS Learn Online programs?
Please send your e-mail address to:
[email protected].
Online Resources
There are also a vast amount of online
resources at: www.nationalmssociety.org.
Professional Resource Center
The Society’s Professional Resource Center
(PRC), which houses the most comprehensive library of MS information in the world,
provides a variety of information and consultation services. Our goal is to partner
with healthcare professionals to enhance
quality of care and increase access to care for
people with MS.
To receive MS E-Connection, visit
www.nationalmssociety.org/txh.
Enter
your e-mail address in the box under the
“Stay Connected” headline.
If you have any questions, please feel
free to contact the Lone Star Chapter at
713-526-8967 or 1-800-323-4873
and press 2.
PRC Services & Publications
• Clinical Bulletins
• Clinical Updates
• Research Bulletins
• Request a free Literature Search
• Read about Fellowships and Training
Opportunities
• Learn the latest on Pediatric MS
• See our Professional Education
Offerings
• Access Resources for MS Clinicians
• Access Resources for MS Researchers
• Find National MS Society Affiliated
Clinical Facilities
For more information, log
www.nationalmssociety.org/prc.
onto
www.nationalmssociety.org
Get the facts on multiple sclerosis research, disease management,
advocacy, professional education and more.
Visit our Website at: www.nationalmssociety.org/txh
23
CHAMPS PROGRAMS
2007 Issue 3
Champions Against MS - Connecting for a Cure
The Champions Against MS, CHAMPS, program is one of the most important links
between MS 150 and MS Walk participants
and people living with multiple sclerosis.
If you would like to become a Champion for
this free program, contact your local Society
office.
1-800-FIGHT- MS
www.nationalmssociety.org/txh
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Houston, TX
Permit # 7017
Lone Star Chapter
8111 N. Stadium Drive, Suite 100
Houston, Texas 77054
Toll-Free Number: 1 800 FIGHT MS