Free Teleconferences Offer Symptom Management and Research Updates

Imagine having an MS expert visit your home once a month to update you on topics such as genetics, holistic medicine, vitamin D and social security disability. Thats essentially what happens when you participate in our free teleconference series the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm.

Not only do you find out the latest information on each topic, you also have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss the topics over the phone.all while sitting in your favorite easy chair.

Doris Johnson, 63, tries to attend as many teleconferences as she can every year. Its so much helpful information, said the Gastonia, NC, resident. Every month I find out something I can use to help me get along a little better.

New topics this season include:

Genomic Medicine - Genomic research will identify the genes that contribute to the onset of MS.

Health Insurance Reform - Hear an update on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act from Society staff actively monitoring provisions of importance to the MS community.

Wanda Holley, 37, was diagnosed with MS at age 21. All the topics are good, I really dont have a favorite, said the Lancaster, SC, native. Everythings good on those calls!

For more information or to register, call 1-800-344-4867 or visit:

wwww.nationalMSsociety.org/mac

Fourth Quarter 2011 Mid-Atlantic Chapter

M O V I N G T O W A R D A W O R L D F R E E O F M S

Teleconference Schedule All teleconferences start at 7:30 pm EST

December 13 Social Security Disability and MS

January 10 Learning to be a Great Self-Advocate

February 14 Genetics, Genomic Medicine and MS

March 13 Mindfulness Meditation

April 10 Womens Issues and MS

May 8 Holistic Medicine and MS

June 12 Health Insurance Reform: Implications for People with MS

July 10 Multitasking: Living with MS While Parenting Young Children

August 14 Vitamin D and MS

September 11 Remyelination and MS

IN THIS ISSUE

Volunteers Win National Award

Enjoying the Holiday Season

Bike MS Success

Experience Walk MS Rally Events!

Publication of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Mid-Atlantic Chapter

9801-I Southern Pine Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28273

2700 Middleburg Dr. Suite 220 Office DColumbia, SC 29204

Board of Trustees

Chairman of the Board. . . . . Allison Mertens

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. 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 research, experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician.

We mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS.

2011 National Multiple Sclerosis Society

2| JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org/mac

Jim Cantalupo Kim CountsMike DaisleyCutter DavisTravis HubbardMary Hughes, MD Jackie Jones Brevin KnightJeff Lax

Craig LynchE.J. RabellDick Robberts Nikhil SawantDan Warren

Chapter Volunteers Win National Award, Raise MS

Awareness in NYCLaura and E.J. Rabell co-chaired the 2011 Great Gatsby Gala, continue to lead the MS Movers & Shakers young professionals group, and hold full-time jobs at Defender Capital, a wealth management firm in Charlotte, NC. The couple was honored in September with the Volunteer Team Award from the Invest in Others Charitable Foundation. The award recognizes financial advisors for their exemplary leadership and commitment to making a difference in their communities.

As award winners, the Rabells traveled to New York City and opened the NASDAQ floor on Thursday, September 15, raised MS awareness in Times Square by displaying the National MS Society logo together with the NASDAQ logo (photo, above) and were awarded $5,000 for the National MS Societys Mid-Atlantic Chapter. We thank them for their dedication to a world free of MS!

Would you like to become a volunteer? Contact Tabithia at 1-800-344-4867 or tabithia.engle@nmss.org.

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 3

ENJOYING THE HOLIDAY

SEASON WITH MS

What makes the holidays joyousfood, gifts, get-togetherscan also be sources of stress. But, said Roberta Winter, MSW, LCSW, MSCS, stress should not be so intense you cant function. That level of stress can lead to depression.

Symptoms of depression include crying jags, feeling worthless or guilty and sleeping or eating too much or too little. A health-care professional could help you sort out the source of your stress, and whether counseling or medication might be helpful. If you suspect depression, call 1-800-344-4867 for referrals to mental health professionals in the area.

Getting supportThe holidays are about getting togetherbut your friends and family may have changed after your diagnosis. Not all family members may know about the disease. And you may want it that way. Some friends may not be there.

Winter believes that a support group during the holidays can be a life-changer. MSFriends is a 24/7 telephone support program that will connect you to a volunteer who has MS and has been trained in how to listen to you. Call 1-866-MSFriends (1-866-673-7436). Yes, all conversations are completely confidential.

Lower the barTheres always some television special or magazine article to remind us what a picture- perfect holiday should be. But there are no holiday police who will make arrests if the presents arent hand-wrapped or the pies come from a bakery. Stress is a trigger for depression and so is exhaustion.

Start out with the attitude that the holidays

are to be enjoyedand enjoy what you can do, Winter said. She suggests selecting one tradition that is most important to you and letting the rest go.

Plan just one major entertaining eventif that, Winter said. Then give yourself a lot of time to prepare. Prioritize. Ask people to bring things. Get takeout. Accept all offers of help. Shopping online saves tiring trips and gift wrapping. Gift cards are also an energy saver.

If invitations to holiday get-togethers seem endless, accept what you can and dont hesitate to say no. Dont feel you have to explain why you cant go, Winter advised.

Start anewFacing change is a difficult, even painful process, but its also essential to move forward.

When you stop worrying over meeting the expectations of holidays past, youll devise new ways to handle things, Winter concluded.

New doesnt have to mean worse. Some people find a scaled-back holiday is more enjoyable for everyone. You may rediscover how much you enjoy just being with friends and family after a long year.

Roberta Winter, MSW, LCSW, MSCS, specialized in working with people with MS at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago for over 17 years and is now in private practice.

In September, Golden Corral restaurants in North Carolina and participating

locations in upstate South Carolina raised money for the MS Scholarship Program. Three Golden Corral franchises came together to support this effort, including the local franchise, Jax LLC, owned by longtime Walk MS supporters Woody Fox and Ed Manns.

Our local franchise alone has announced $28,205 raised for scholarships.

Remember to thank your local Golden Corral manager next time you visit! This was their largest ever charity fundraiser.

4| JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org/mac

Highly qualified high-school seniors who have been diagnosed with MS or who have a parent with MS are eligible for the National MS Societys scholarship program.

Additional criteria include: financial need academic record participation in school and community

activities an essay (written by the applicant) on the

impact of MS on his or her life

Ed Manns (far left), Eric Esterline (second from left) and Woody Fox (far right) -- National MS Society supporters from Jax LLC Golden Corral -- enjoyed the Great Gatsby Gala with their spouses on August 6, 2011.

Local Golden Corral Restaurants Raise $28,000 to Support MS Scholarship Program

MS Scholarship Program Now Accepting Applications

Awards range from $1,000$3,000 and a small number of four-year awards are offered.

Applications for 2012 scholarships will be accepted (online only) between October 1, 2011, and January 13, 2012.

For more information, to see last years scholarship recipients or to apply:

1-800-344-4867 www.nationalMSsociety.org/mac

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 5

Bike MS Success

More than 1,000 cyclists pedaled to Sunset Beach, NC, in this years Bike MS: Breakaway to the Beach event, and raised $1 million to fight multiple sclerosis!

As cyclists rode to the beach, they were supported by an army of volunteers serving: 30 rest stops, five start sites, two lunch stops, two finish lines, and one amazing route! Nearly 600 volunteers spread across two states to create a wonderful experience for everyone involved.

The National MS Society appreciates the support of our wonderful volunteers, and the sponsors who made this event possible through their financial support. Special thanks go to presenting sponsors NCBT and SCBT. If you are looking for a bank, please consider supporting them!

episodes of numbness and loss of sensation in various areas of his body, Gallagher was diagnosed with MS.

When I received my diagnosis, I recall looking directly at the doctor and saying, Well, Doc, I may have MS, but it doesnt have me!

In 2006, he rode in Bike MS for the first time. Its quite an enjoyable ride -- I like the scenery and the camaraderie, said Gallagher. But I dont just do it for myself; I do it to raise funds for the Society.

Gallagher encourages other people with MS to stay active and participate in National MS Society events, including fundraising.

I always remind people what the money is going to, said Mike of his fundraising success. I remind them they are investing funds to assist in finding a cause and a cure for MS.

A cyclist celebrates his arrival at Sunset Beach, NC, at the conclusion of the Bike MS event.

Michael Gallagher, age 60, finds special fulfillment at Bike MS. He had his first experience with MS at age 28, while working at the Biblis Nuclear Plant in Germany,

I went totally blind in my left eye, he explained. For a while, doctors could not figure out what the exact cause was. They said I would need to leave Germany immediately to start treatment in the U.S.

Four years later, after experiencing additional

Michael Gallagher, Bike MS 2011

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Charlotte, NC

Seventeen volunteers from the Service Learning class at Central Piedmont Community College, along with National MS Society leadership volunteers and Chapter staff, came together Saturday, October 8, to complete projects for two homeowners with MS in Charlotte.

Asheville, NC

The MS Community of Western NC recruited 50 volunteers to complete projects at 10 homes on Saturday, October 15.

The MS Community of Western NC is a volunteer group of the National MS Society made up of Asheville-area individuals, families and caregivers affected by MS along with supportive professionals, volunteers and neighbors. The group meets weekly to discuss ways to increase awareness and to plan activities. Past activities include a wine tasting and an ice cream social.

Getting Involved With Community Awareness

The MS Community of Western NC began as a community awareness project. A similar community awareness project is now being piloted in Greenville, SC.

For more information or to get involved with a community awareness project, call 1-800-344-4867 or take the interest survey on our website:

www.nationalMSsociety.org/mac

Find the survey under Programs & Services > Community Engagement > Awareness Campaign.

MS Service Day volunteers in Asheville, NC, included Leslie Newman (second from right), leader of the MS Community of Western NC volunteer group.

CPCC students completed projects for two Charlotte, NC, homeowners with MS.

October MS Service Days Help Homeowners in Charlotte and Asheville, NC

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 7

FebruaryTuesday 14 Genetics, Genomic Medicine

and MS teleconference

March

December

Fri-Sun 2 Challenge Walk MS: Charleston Challenge

Monday 12 MS Awareness Week beginsTuesday 13 Mindfulness Meditation

teleconference

Tuesday 10 Learning to be a Great Self-Advocate teleconference

January

Tuesday 13 SSDI and MS teleconference

Lets get ready for Walk MS 2012! This is the perfect time to register and start forming your team. The holiday season offers great opportunities to kick-start your fundraising: consider asking for Walk MS donations instead of gifts, mailing pledge requests with your Christmas cards, and/or hosting holiday fundraisers. We are determined to truly make our mark against MS this year by raising at least $458,000 at Walk MS!

We are also excited to announce a brand-new Walk MS experience for 2012 -- Walk MS rally events! By asking the MS community to come together at fewer, larger, Walk MS events, we can ensure a spectacular experience and raise more money and awareness for MS.

Imagine joining hundreds or even thousands of other MS community members in an epic parade. These events, the rallying point of the MS movement, will connect you to others across the region moving toward a world free of MS. This year, there will be nine Walk MS rally events - please plan to join us!

Aiken, SC April 14Asheville, NC April 28Cabarrus, NC * April 14Charleston, SC * April 21 (tentative)Charlotte, NC * May 19Columbia, SC * May 5Greenville, SC April 29Hendersonville, NC April 21Shelby, NC April 21

*Four of the Walk MS rally events will have special programs designed specifically for people with MS - so even if you dont plan to walk, please come and enjoy a special program!

www.CarolinasWalkMS.org

AprilTuesday 10 Womens Issues and MS

teleconferenceSaturday 14 Walk MS: Aiken Rally (includes

a program for people with MS)

Walk MS: Cabarrus Rally (includes a program)

Saturday 21 Walk MS: Charleston Rally (TBD) Walk MS: Hendersonville Rally Walk MS: Shelby Rally

Saturday 28 Greenville Hospital System Symposium on MS and Parkinsons Disease (Greenville, SC)

Walk MS: Asheville RallySunday 29 Walk MS: Greenville, SC, Rally

May

Saturday 5 Walk MS: Columbia Rally (includes a program)

Zoo Day for Families with MS (Asheboro, NC)

Tuesday 8 Holistic Medicine and MS teleconference

Saturday 19 Walk MS: Charlotte Rally (includes a program)

Its Walk MS Time!

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

Charlotte, NCPermit # 1635

Mid-Atlantic Chapter

9801-I Southern Pine Blvd. Charlotte, NC

Great Gatsby Gala

Challenge Walk MS: Charleston Challenge

March 2-4, 2012 Historic Charleston to Isle of Palms, SC

Accept the ultimate physical and philanthropic challenge: walk 50 miles in three days, and raise $1,500 for the National MS Society! Its an experience that will truly change your life.

Dont want to walk? Consider signing up as a volunteer or virtual walker. Its time to accept the challenge!

Register now! Call 1-800-344-4867

or visit www.challengeMS.org

The 24th annual Great Gatsby Gala was held August 6, 2011, in Charlotte, NC. The gala had approximately 400 attendees and raised $81,000 to fight MS. The National MS Society appreciates the support of the sponsors who helped make the Great Gatsby Gala possible.

Presenting Sponsor Wells Fargo

Corporate Partners Atcom Extravaganza

Media Partners Lite 102.9 96.1 FM Kiss 95.1 FM

Pacesetter Sponsors Elliott Davis Classic Graphics

Fitzgerald Circle Annette Barron Bolton Family

Foundation Charles Schwab Compass Group

Defender Capital Garretson

Resolution Group Harris Teeter Jack & Brooke Hall Jax LLC Golden Corral Parker Poe with

Craig & Mitzi Lynch Signature

Consultants, LLC Smith Wealth

Management Group

Benefactors Berkeley Capital

Advisors McGuireWoods LLP Tracy Wolsko Wells Daisley

Rabon, P.A.