The National MS Society’s, South Florida Chapter is proud to intro-duce its newest program, MS

Service Day! The first MS Service Day will take place on Friday, March 16th

from 7:00 am - 4:00 pm. MS Service Day is an excellent way to provide home improvements for people living with MS.

Volunteers will divide into teams and complete projects around the house for people with MS that cannot tackle the tasks on a daily basis and need a helping hand. Some of the projects include yard work, cleaning gutters,

painting, moving furniture, heavy cleaning, handyman chores, house-hold repairs, cleaning out and organiz-ing closets and packing and storing items in the garage or attic.

MS Service Day is made possible through a great amount of community service.

Winter 2012 Edition South Florida Chapter

p 5MS Walk 2012

p 5MS Bike Ride 2012

p 5MS Golf Tournament 2012

p 3Men’s Day 2012

p 8Volunteer Spotlight

RESULTS IN FOR POTENTIAL MS THERAPIES• In a two-year Phase III trial, the oral MS therapy BG-12

significantly reduced—by up to 51%—the average number of annual MS relapses. More than 1,400 people with relapsing-remitting MS participated in the study. BG-12 is thought to inhibit the immune cells and molecules that are involved in MS attacks on the brain and spinal cord. This study should help to define further the safety and promise of BG-12 as a potential therapy for relapsing MS.

• The experimental intravenous MS therapy alemtuzumab significantly reduced relapse rates and the worsening of disability in a two-year Phase III study that compared alemtuzumab to Rebif. The study, called CARE-MS II, involved 840 people with relapsing-remitting MS. The FDA has fast-tracked alemtuzumab, which should speed up future review.

• A study of 324 patients comparing the MS oral therapy teriflunomide with Rebif found no significant difference in the numbers of participants in each group who experienced events defined as treatment failure. Teriflunomide is thought to prevent damage to the nervous system by immune cells. A previous phase III trial was more successful and three others are ongoing. The FDA is reviewing an application for marketing approval of teriflunomide.

To stay current on MS therapies in the pipeline for FDA approval, sign up for MS eNEWS at www.nationalMSsociety.org/signup.

SURVEY SAYS WALKING ISSUES IMPORTANT TO ADDRESSSeventy percent of people with MS who have difficulty walking see that as the most challenging aspect of managing their disease, according to a recent survey sponsored by the National MS Society and Acorda Therapeutics, maker of Ampyra, a drug intended to improve walking.

Respondents to the survey reported that problems with mobility restrict their daily activities and affect their emotional and financial well-being. Some 60% of adults with MS who experience difficulty walking have fallen; for a third of them, a fall resulted in an injury.

While 65% of those surveyed reported walking difficulties or trouble with balance, 40% “rarely or never” discussed the issues with their doctor.

“Clearly we need to encourage and empower people with MS to discuss walking impairment with their doctor, including newly diagnosed patients who may be experiencing only mild problems with walking or balance difficulties,” said Nicholas LaRocca, PhD, vice president for Health Care Delivery and Policy Research at the Society.

L A T E S T M S R E S E A R C H

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“LIKE” all of our pages.

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Tel: 954-731-4224Fax: 954-739-1398Publication of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society South Florida Chapter 3201 West Commercial Blvd. Suite 127 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309

ChairmanFred Zuckerman

Vice ChairmenJoey EpsteinEd Pozzuoli

SecretaryDiann Geronemus

TreasurerRichard Cascio

Chapter PresidentKaren Dresbach

Newsletter Editor Jolene Caprio

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable infor-mation. The National Multiple Sclerosis 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 recommen-dations or prescriptions. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to ending the devastating effects of MS.

© 2011 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, South Florida Chapter

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You are invited to dine with local leading neurologists in an intimate setting as they discuss the topic of multiple sclerosis. The doctors will provide up-to-date educational information about MS and address personal concerns

and questions.

Dinner is complimentary. Limit 2 invitations per family. Space is limited to 50 peo-ple per dinner event.

Dinner with Kottil W. Rammohan, MD University of Miami MS Center of ExcellenceWednesday, March 21, 20126:00-8:00pmBellasera Hotel221 Ninth Street South, Naples, FL 34102RSVP to the National MS Society by Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Dinner with Brian Steingo, MD Fort Lauderdale MS CenterWednesday, May 16, 20126:00-7:30 pmDoubletree Hotel Palm Beach Gardens4431 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410RSVP to the National MS Society by Wednesday, May 9, 2012

DINNER WITH THE DOCTOR SERIES

Please RSVP for each of the events by calling 1 800 FIGHT MS, 954-731-4224 or online at www.nmssfls.org.

CAFÉ CON LECHE

The South Florida Chapter offers free monthly educational

teleconferences. These calls focus on different topics and feature expert keynote speakers. Learn more about managing MS from the con-venience of your home.

IT’S EASY TO REGISTER!Online: www.nmssfls.org go to the calendar section.

Email: msprograms@fls.nmss.org Provide name, address, phone number, and indicate which program(s) for which you are registering.

Call 1 800 FIGHT MS 344-4867. Provide name, address, phone number, and indicate which program(s) for which you are registering.

March 13, 2012 at 7:30 pmMindfulness MeditationRev. Mary Virginia BrooksUnited Church of ChristLouisville, KY

April 10, 2012 at 7:30 pmWomen’s Issues & MSRuth Fredericks, MDUniversity Clinic AssociatesFlowood, MS

May 8, 2012 at 7:30 pmHolistic MedicineUmaru Jutte, RNSaint Thomas HospitalNashville, Tennessee

June 12, 2012 at 7:30 pmHealth Insurance Reform: What’s in it for youKim Calder, MPSNational MS Society Professional Resource Center, New York

July 10, 2012 at 7:30 pmParenting with Young ChildrenJessica Thomas, MSWNational Multiple Sclerosis Society, Central North Carolina Chapter

August 14, 2012 at 7:30 pmVitamin D and MSEmily Riser, MDAlabama Neurological Institute

September 11, 2011 at 7:30 pmUniversity of Central Florida Myelin Repair StudyStephen Lambert, MD Associate Professor in the College of Medicine, Myelin BiologistJames Hickman, MDUCF Nanoscience Center, Bioengineer

TELECONFERENCES

HISPANIC OUTREACH PROGRAM

Please join us at the next Hispanic Outreach Program “Carnivale 2012” on Saturday April 14, 2012 at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel 2051 Le Jeune Road Coral Gables, FL 33134 from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm. People with MS who speak Spanish or are bilingual are encouraged to come and learn from special guest Bertha C. Fonseca, MD from the Neuroscience Consultants Comprehensive MS Center and enjoy in exciting entertainment.

For more information, please contact Ileana Martinez at 1 800 FIGHT MS or 954-731-4224.

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National MS Society Affiliated MS CentersFort Lauderdale MS CenterDirector: Brian Steingo, MD, Tuesdays - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm572 East McNab Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33060(954) 738-1700

Neuroscience Consultants Comprehensive Multiple Sclerosis CenterFounding Medical Director, Emeritus: Howard Zwibel, MDDirector Clinical Affairs: Carlos Ramirez Calderon, MDMondays - 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and Thursdays - 8:00 am to 3:30 pm4601 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Ste. 100, Coral Gables, FL 33146 (786) 219-3145

South Broward MS ClinicDirector: Islon Seliger, MD, Thursdays - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm12596 Pines Boulevard, Pembroke Pines, FL 33027(954) 437-4000

University of Miami MS Center of ExcellenceDepartment of Neurology Miller School of MedicineDirector of Clinical Neurology: Kottil W. Rammohan, MDEmeritus Professor of Neurology: William A. Sheremata, MD8:00 am – 5:00 pm, 1150 NW 14 Street, Miami, FL 33136(305) 243-6732

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CAFÉ CON LECHE

Conversation and Support for People Living with

Multiple Sclerosis in Spanish

The National MS Society offers a monthly telephone group in Spanish for participants with MS. The monthly calls are free.

Grab your coffee cup, sit back, and listen to the experiences ofother people with MS.

Tuesdays for 2012:

March 13 April 10May 8

June 12

Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)

Break- July and AugustSubsequent dates to be

announced

Take this opportunity to talk about your concerns and meet others who understand your situation. Topics will focus on areas of interest topeople living with MS.

Additionally, experts from different areas of specialization in MS will join us to speak about important topicsin MS care.

For more information or to register call

1-800-344-4867, option 3The group is open to new

members at any time.

This program is made possible by generous grant from the Medtronic Foundation.

June 12, 2012 at 7:30 pmHealth Insurance Reform: What’s in it for youKim Calder, MPSNational MS Society Professional Resource Center, New York

July 10, 2012 at 7:30 pmParenting with Young ChildrenJessica Thomas, MSWNational Multiple Sclerosis Society, Central North Carolina Chapter

August 14, 2012 at 7:30 pmVitamin D and MSEmily Riser, MDAlabama Neurological Institute

September 11, 2011 at 7:30 pmUniversity of Central Florida Myelin Repair StudyStephen Lambert, MD Associate Professor in the College of Medicine, Myelin BiologistJames Hickman, MDUCF Nanoscience Center, Bioengineer

Relationship MattersRelationship Matters is a program for couples living with MS and it can help you strengthen your partnership and minimize the impact of MS on your life. By choosing from our in-person, teleconference and online options, you can learn techniques and informa-tion to keep your most important rela-tionships moving forward. Visit the link for more informationhttp://www.nationalmssociety.org/liv-ing-with-multiplesclerosis/relation-ships/relationship-matters/index.aspx

HISPANIC OUTREACH PROGRAM

Please join us at the next Hispanic Outreach Program “Carnivale 2012” on Saturday April 14, 2012 at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel 2051 Le Jeune Road Coral Gables, FL 33134 from 11:30 am - 2:30 pm. People with MS who speak Spanish or are bilingual are encouraged to come and learn from special guest Bertha C. Fonseca, MD from the Neuroscience Consultants Comprehensive MS Center and enjoy in exciting entertainment.

For more information, please contact Ileana Martinez at 1 800 FIGHT MS or 954-731-4224.

In December the Any Given Sunday Men’s Day took place at Bokampers Sports Bar & Grill in Plantation. The men enjoyed a delicious Sunday football lunch while enjoying the Dolphins vs. Raiders game on large projection screen. 10 HDTV’s showed other sporting events and during half time, special guest Don McNeal joined the men to talk sports. The day wrapped up with prizes, including Dolphin Cheerleader calendars and footballs autographed by Dolphin player Kim Bokamper.

For more information regarding upcoming Men’s Day Programs, contact the Programs Department at 1 800 FIGHT MS or 954-731-4224.

ANY GIVEN SUNDAYM E N ’ S D A Y

D E C E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 1 • 1 2 - 4 P M

B O K A M P E R S S P O R T S B A R & G R I L L

P L A N T A T I O N , F L

JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.orgTOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867

On December 1, 2011 the South Florida Chapter’s Golden Circle giving club celebrated

the official launch of the partnership between the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Golden Circle members and guests mingled with scientists and neurolo-gists of the medical school, heard presentations by the leaders of the research and clinical care teams and toured the facilities.

Guests were awed by The John P. Hussman Institute for Human Ge-nomics (HIHG) facilities and staff. Often called the HIHG, the institute’s researchers are dedicated to using the very latest in cutting-edge tech-nologies to identify genes involved in human diseases for the diagnosis, intervention and prevention of illness. The institute’s director, Margaret A. Pericak-Vance Ph.D. explained that as a participant in the International Mul-tiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium of almost 250 scientists, the HIHG contributed to the identification of genetic variants linked to multiple sclerosis. Attendees were amazed by the brilliance and passion of the researchers, size of the facility and sophistication of the multi-million dollar lab equipment. Following the tour, Golden Circle committee mem-ber, David Schulman said, “I’m so impressed with the promising work

being done by the UM team. It really gives me hope.”

The evening concluded with an ad-dress and tour by Kottil Rammohan, MD, Director of the MS Center of Excellence, flanked by leaders of the center’s 22 staff. The comprehensive care center includes, fully bilingual Board Certified Neurologists, 24 hour care through Jackson Memorial Hos-pital, powerful 3 Tesla MRI, infusion center, clinical research, social work-ers, case management, educational programs, and more. Doug Burris, a patient with MS, spoke of the highest level and respect and care he re-ceived at the MS Center of Excellence and from the National MS Society.

Golden Circle is a National Multiple Sclerosis Society membership club for donors who annually give a gift of $1,000 or more. Golden Circle Committee members are: Merwyn Dan, Chair, Marcy Hahn-Saperstein, Fred Rothman and David Schulman. For more information about Golden Circle, please contact: Mark Kotler, Vice President of Development, 954-731-4224 or mark.kotler@fls.nmss.org.

Do It Youself Fundraising is an opportunity for people with a deep commitment to the MS cause to raise awareness and criti-cal funds for the MS movement in new and creative ways.

A DIY Fundraising event is any fundraising activity organized by a non-affiliated group or individ-ual to benefit the South Florida Chapter. Events can include, but are not limited to dress down days, bake sales, car washes, silent auctions and benefit nights at restaurants.

For more information regarding DIY Fundraising contact Jolene Caprio at 954-731-4224 or email jolene.caprio@fls.nmss.org.

Do It Yourself Fundraising

Golden Circle Celebrates Unrivaled MS Care and Research at University of Miami

SAVE THE DATE! MS Awareness Week, from March 12 to 18, offers the opportunity for anyone affected by MS to connect with others and act to increase awareness about the disease.

Host a Dress Down Day for your business or school by wearing orange to promote MS Awareness. Share your photos with Jolene Caprio at jolene.caprio@fls.nmss.org.

March 11, 2012MS Walk Boca Raton – Boca Corporate Center & CampusMarch 12-18, 2012MS Awareness WeekMarch 16, 2012MS Service Day

March 21, 2012Dinner with the Doctor, Kottil W. Rammohan, MD – Bellasera Hotel, Naples

March 25, 2012MS Walk Aventura – Founders ParkMS Walk Coral Gables – Merrick ParkRun to Stop MS 5K & ¼ Mile Kids Fun Run – Merrick Park

April 14, 2012Hispanic Outreach Program – Courtyard Marriott Hotel, Coral Gables

April 21-22, 2012MS Bike Ride, Homestead- Miami Speedway to John Pennekamp State Park, Key Largo

May 11, 2012MS Golf Tournament – Boca Lago Country Club

May 16, 2012Dinner with the Doctor, Brian Steingo, MD – Doubletree Hotel, Palm Beach Gardens

Upcoming Events

RESEARCH

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 5

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2012 MS Walk Dates

SUNDAY, MARCH 11BOCA RATON: Boca Corporate Center & Campus

SUNDAY, MARCH 25AVENTURA: Founders ParkCORAL GABLES: Merrick Park

5K Run to Stop MSSUNDAY, MARCH 25CORAL GABLES: Merrick Park

Friday, May 11, 2012 at Boca Lago Country Club

2012 CBM of America, Inc. MS Golf Tournament

8:30 am Shotgun Start (Scramble Format)Opportunity to Golf with CelebritiesGreat Food & PrizesSilent Auction

For more information, contact Monica Whiting at 954-731-4224 or email monica.whiting@fls.nmss.org

Walk 2012presented by

Register for the UAIC MS Walk Presented by Pollo Campero. For every $100 you fundraise, you will be entered into a drawing to win an Apple iPad 2. The MS Walk prize deadline is April 13, 2012.

For more information call 1 800 FIGHT MS, visit mswalksouthflorida.org or email mswalk@fls.nmss.org.

April 21 - 22, 2012

Maroone Start/Finish Village at Homestead-Miami Speedway to The Village at John Pennekamp State Park in Key Largo

Zimmerman MS Bike Ride Presented by Mack Cycle and Fitness

Join over 2,000 cyclists for a 150-mile journey from the Maroone State/Finish Village and Homstead-Miami Speedway to The Village at John Pennekamp Start Park in Key Largo and back. Kids and families are also invited to participate in the Kids and Family Ride on April 21st at 8:00 am. To register for the MS Bike Ride visit msbikeflorida.org or call 1 800 FIGHT MS.

Enter to win a GIANT Road Bike courtesy of Cycle World Miami.

Purchase a raffle ticket at msbikeflorida.org.

Enter the drawing by April 5, 2012 for a Giant men’s Defy 5 or women’s Avail 5 road bike donated by Cycle World. Only one prize will be awarded. Draw-ing is conducted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society South Florida Chapter, 3201 W. Commer-cial Blvd, Ste 127, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309. Win-ner will be selected at random on April 9th 10AM at Cycle World, 8476 SW 40th St, Miami, FL 33155. No purchase or contribution is necessary.

This year, Emmy Award-nomi-nated host, Phil Keoghan, will be riding with the Mack Cycle and Fitness team. Register now and ride with Phil!

JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org6

The South Florida Chapter has multiple self-help groups through-out the ten counties which

provide services to individuals with MS. Self-help groups bring people together who share a common life experience for support, education and mutual aid. Benefits of participating in a self-help group include: learning new information and strategies for confronting problems; finding support from others; the opportunity to help others; and feeling empowered and more self-confident in coping with challenges. The Chapter would like to add support groups for young adults, parents with MS and care partners in both English and Spanish. We are looking for enthu-siastic volunteers that would like to lead self-help groups once a month in Broward, Miami-Dade, Martin and Collier County. Training will be pro-vided. If you are interested in becoming a self-help group leader, please contact Tanya Dannibale at 1 800 FIGHT MS or email msprograms@fls.nmss.org. Please contact the Support Group Leader of the group to ensure meeting date.

BROWARD COUNTYNMSS Coral Springs Afternoon Group For individuals with MS only3rd Tuesday of month, 1:00 pm Lunch & Socializing, 1:30 pm meetingCoral Springs Medical CenterCommunity Education Center3100 Coral Hills DriveCoral Springs, FL 33065Conference rooms A or BMichael Myette 954-255-0679pmmyette@aol.com Mindy MorrisonMindywoo123@aol.comCindee Horowitz 954-345-2332antcyd@aol.com Social luncheon held 1st Monday of month (Individuals with MS and Caregivers) Contact Michael Myette for detailsMarch 20th, April 17th, May 15th

NMSS BROWARD GROUPNMSS Sunrise Evening GroupFor individuals with MS and Caregivers3rd Wednesday of month, 7:30 pm Health South4399 Nob Hill RdSunrise, FL 33351(Main entrance, conference room 2)

Cherlyn Warner

954-292-8819cherlynwarner@yahoo.comMarch 20th, April 18th, May 16th

NMSS Sunrise Educational MeetingFor individuals with MS and CaregiversEvery other month on the 3rd Tuesday of month, 6:00 pmRSVP to Yliana or Melissa at the South Broward MS Clinic 954-437-4000Sunrise Medical Group12596 Pines BlvdPembroke Pines, FL 33027March 20th, May 30th

COLLIER COUNTYNMSS Naples Group (Social Group)1st Monday of month, 3:30 pmBriggs Wellness Center-Briggs Conference Room, 2nd floor399 Ninth Street NorthNaples, FL 34102Tanya Dannibale 239-793-7009Tanya.dannibale@fls.nmss.orgApril 2nd, May 7th

LEE COUNTYNMSS Cape Coral Day Group1st Sunday of month, 3:00 pm636 Del Prado Blvd. SouthRoom ACape Coral, FL 33990Maria Hawley 239-464-0646mariahambry64@gmail.comDave Lane 239-652-3602lanenikken@comcast.netApril 1st, May 6th

NMSS Ft. Myers Evening Group3rd Thursday of month, 5:00 pmSt. Hilary Episcopal Church5011 McGregor Blvd.Fort Myers, FL 33901Dave Lane 239-652-3602lanenikken@comcast.netKaren Hart 239-209-7549 or 239-400-0529 Kare4@comcast.com Social luncheon held 1st Thursday of monthContact Karen Hart for detailsMarch 15th, April 19th, May 17th

MIAMI-DADE COUNTYNMSS Miami-Dade Spiritual Support GroupPersons of all faiths welcome2nd Thursday of month, 6:00 pm Doctors Hospital - Chapel5000 University DriveCoral Gables, FL 33146Go to the Chapel on the 2nd floor near Elevator AChaplain Ronald Gaudio 786-308-3800

ronaldga@baptisthealth.net Sister Maria Acosta 786-308-3800 mariaTA@baptisthealth.netApril 12th, May 24th

NMSS South Miami-Dade Evening Group2nd Thursday of month, 7:00 pm Doctors’ Hospital - Cafeteria5000 University DriveCoral Gables, FL 33146Maria Zaldivar 305-710-2210 mariazaldivar@comcast.net Kirstie Bray 305-984-7501 kbray624@gmail.comApril 12th, May 24th

NMSS Miami Beach Group1st Tuesday of month, 7:00 pmMt. Sinai Medical CenterFounders Conference Center1st Floor, Warner Bldg, 4300 Alton RoadMiami Beach, FL 33140Gladys Fernandez 305-534-8848abbayayi@yahoo.com Ellie Klein Cardonne 305-322-2299ecardonne@bellsouth.net April 3rd, May 1st

PALM BEACH COUNTYNMSS Boyton Beach Group2rd Tuesday of month, 7:00 pm Hagen Ranch Road Public Library 14350 Hagen Ranch Rd. Delray Beach, FL 33446Jim Montgomery 561-740-7867 cjjm@bellsouth.netEliot Reinstein eliotr7@comcast.netMarch 13th, April 10th, May 8th

NMSS West Boca Evening Group1st Wednesday of month, 6:45 pmWest Boca Medical Center21664 State Road 7Boca Raton, FL 33428Doctors’ Dining RoomClaudia Erdman 561-414-3872bocaclaudia@aol.com April 4th, May 2nd

NMSS North Palm Beach GroupFor individuals with MS and Friends2nd Monday of month, 6:30 pmBorland Center, 3885 PGA Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418Nancy Decker 561-622-4606March 12th, April 9th, May 14th

Support Groups

RESEARCH

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 7

Support Groups

NMSS Central Palm Beach Group2nd Wednesday of month, 7:00 pmWellington Library1951 Royal Fern DriveWellington, FL 33414 Mara Stegmaier 561-632-2403 or 561-792-2400marastegs@yahoo.comJoy Mercado 561-234-0938m.s.joy7@gmail.comMarch 14th, April 11th, May 9th

NMSS MS Family Connection2nd Thursday of the month, 7:00 pmAll ages welcome! Kids, Parents, family members, caregivers, EVERYONE!

Joy Mercado 561-234-0938 msfamilyconnection@yahoo.com New location. Call Leader for details.April 12th, May 10th

MS TELEPHONE SUPPORT GROUPSNMSS Newly Diagnosed Telephone Support GroupLast Wednesday of the month (every other month), 7:00 pmSusan Dorne susandorne@aol.com (please write “Support Group” insubject line) Teleconference number 1-800-910-

3597 Passcode 24906202For more details, please contact 1 800 FIGHT MSMarch 28th, May 30th

“CAFÉ CON LECHE”Conversation and Support for people with Multiple SclerosisNational Multiple Sclerosis Society offers a once a month telephone support group in Spanish2nd Tuesday of the month, 2:00-3:00 pmFor more information or to subscribe call 1-800-344-4867, option 3March 13th, April 10th, May 8th

Wellness ProgramsBROWARDTai Chi & Chair FitnessCoral Springs Medical Center3000 Coral Hills DriveCoral Springs, FL 33065Kathy Byrne (954) 344-3344Tai Chi: Sat. 9:30 am

Exercise as Part of Everyday LifeTamarac Community Center8601 W Commercial BoulevardTamarac, FL 33321Rose (954) 597-3643Tai Chi: Mon. 1:00 pmChair Yoga: Tues. 11:30 amMeditation: Mon. 12:30 pm

Chair FitnessCoral Springs Medical Center3000 Coral Hills DriveCoral Springs, FL 33065Kathy Byrne: (954) 344-3344Mon. & Wed.10:30 am

Yoga Rosa110 N. Federal Hwy. #304Hallandale Beach, FL 33009Rosa Santana(954) 456-6077Special Needs: Tues. & Thur. 12:00 -1:00 pmBasic Yoga: Mon. & Wed. 8:30 am, 12:00 pm, 5:30 pm

Chair YogaCoral Springs Medical Center3000 Coral Hills DriveCoral Springs, FL 33065Tel: (954) 344-3344Tues. & Thurs. 12:45 pm

MS Restorative YogaWeston Yoga2600 Glades Circle, Suite 400Weston, FL 33327

Fabienne Grossman (954) 349-6868Tues. & Thurs. 12:00 - 1:00 pmWed. 8:00 - 9:00 pmRSVP Required 24 hours in advance of the class

COLLIER COUNTY NCH WELLNESS PROGRAMBriggs Memorial CenterThe Briggs Wellness Center399 Ninth Street NorthNaples, FL 34102Aquatics: Tues. 2:30 pmYoga & Balance: Mon. 2:15 pm

LEE COUNTYCape Coral Wellness FacilityThe Wellness Center of Cape Coral609 SE 13th CourtCape Coral, FL 33990(239) 549-3637Aquasize: Tues. & Thurs. 11:00 amGentle Yoga: Mon. 12:00 pm

Fort Myers Wellness FacilityLee Center for Rehab and Wellness2070 Carrell RoadFort Myers, FL 33901(239) 549-3637Gentle Yoga: Tues. & Thurs.11:30 am - 12:30 pm

MIAMI-DADEExercise for EveryoneGoulds Park11350 SW 216 StreetMiami, FL(305) 234-4948Aquatic Exercise: Tues. & Thurs. 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Tai Chi with TonyTony Garcia4601 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Ste. 100Coral Gables, FL 33146Thurs. 7:00 - 8:00 pm9090 SW 87th Ct. Ste 201Miami, FL 33176Tues. from 7:00 - 8:00 pm

PALM BEACHTai Chi in Palm Beach Mae Volen Senior Center1515 W Palmetto Park Rd.Boca Raton, FL 33486John Bellatoni (561) 395-8920Fri. 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Yoga & FeldenkraisMae Volen Senior Center1515 W Palmetto Park Rd.Boca Raton, FL 33486Kary Cavanaugh (561) 504-8424Fri. 1:00 - 2:00 pm

Yoga for MSDelray Center for Wellness120 SE 4th AveDelray Beach, FL 33483Chaya ~ Sharon Heller (561) 330-2929 Chair Yoga: Fri. 11:00 amGentle Yoga: Mon. 10:00 - 11:00 am, Tues. 6:00 - 7:00 pm, Thur. 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Aquatics in Broward and Dade Coming Soon. Please See Website for Additional Information.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org8

Federal Updates From Our Advocacy DepartmentAt the National MS Society, we like to celebrate advocacy efforts which will improve the quality of life for people living with MS. The Florida Chapters of the National MS Society chose HB 27/SB 226, Disabled Parking Permits, as one of our legislative priorities this session. The bill is a compliance and enforce-ment bill. Special thanks to all of the MS advocates who participated in emailing, calling and testifying before the legislature on this bill. Also a sincere thanks to the bill sponsors Representative John Patrick Julien (South Florida) and Senator Gwen Margolis (South Florida) for working with us throughout the entire process.

The right to park in a disabled parking spot should be monitored and utilized by only those who need it. The Senate version has passed 40-0 after clearing all of its committees. Call your State Representative by visiting myflorida-house.gov and urge them to support

HB 27/SB226 and let them know how this personally affects you and your family. After the House approves it, it goes to Governor Rick Scott for his approval and would be enacted July 1, 2012.

Starting July 1, the bill revises laws relating to disability parking permits. The bill:• expands the type of officials who may issue citations for disability permit park-ing violations by including the parking enforcement specialist or agency;• revises the requirements for renewing or replacing a long-term disabled park-ing permit and includes prohibitions for certain violations;• provides for random audits (every six months) of disabled parking permit holders;• requires the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV or department) to develop and imple-ment a system to allow the reporting of abuses of disabled parking permits; and• requires the department to develop and implement a public awareness campaign regarding how such abuse

burdens disabled persons. This bill sub-stantially amends ss. 318.18 and 320.0848, Florida Statutes.

The renewal process can be completed by your physician in their office if you are unable to go to the DHSMV office. The DHSMV is directed to verify, at least annually, that the owner of each dis-abled parking permit has not died. If a permit owner is found to be deceased, the department is directed to promptly invalidate the decedent’s permit. All persons in Florida have the right to access parking spots that are lawfully theirs.

If you have any questions please con-tact Jenna Paladino, Statewide Director of Public Policy at jenna.paladino@nmss.org.

ADVOCATE SPOTLIGHT

MS LEARN ONLINE

The National MS Society has an exciting

menu of MS Learn Online webcasts currently available on its website www.nationalmssociety.org/mslearnon-line. Each webcast features experts presenting on topics relevant to those affected by multiple sclerosis. MS Learn Online webcasts are typically 10 minutes in length, and have been a successful way to educate people about multiple sclerosis from the convenience of their own computer. Program topics cover: the basics facts of MS, symptom management, progressive MS, research, healthy living and family life, life plan-ning and independence. In addition to the exist-ing menu of programs, a new webcast debuts the first and third Thursday of each month throughout the year.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT!The National MS Society would like to shine a spotlight

on the following extraordinary volunteers: Robin Sabourin, Alisa Loucado, Sue Haberkorn and Ian Russell.

Robin and Alisa go above and beyond to dedicate one day a week out of their busy schedule to volunteer

at the National MS Society office. No matter the project, no matter the time these two ladies are committed.

Sue and Ian are involved with the 2012 Naples MS Walk Committee. Both members actively promoted the MS Walk, connected to community members, invited local vendors and recruited raffle items. The Society is grateful for these amazing committee members who help create awareness about the National MS Society Walk!

You too can volunteer or join a committee. For more information on volunteer opportunities and committees available at the National MS Society, contact Jaime Valdivia at (954) 731.4224 or jaime.valdivia@nmss.org.