ms connections - winter 2010

MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS | Winter 2010

Saturday – May 1stRichmond Walk Presented by Lumber Liquidators

Last year 2000 people gathered at the Markel Plaza in Innsbrook. This year we are planning for even more walk-ers! We will have our Pooch parade again this year, but it will be AFTER our Walk. Be there to• Walkat9am• GatheratthestageforthePoochParadeat10am• Enjoylivemusic• HangoutintheTeamVillage• Raise$500ormoreandenjoytheVIPTent• ExploretheMSExpoTent• PlayintheKid’sZone• HearaboutourTopFundraisersLastyearwehad99teamsandthisyearwe want to exceed 100! We know we can make it happen with your help and support.

Despite the fact that we are in the middle of winter, the staff, committees and volunteers for our Walks and Bike ride are busy planning and getting ready for our 2010 events this spring. Before we know it, it will be time to walk and ride to help bring us closer to a world free of MS.

Our Chapter’s 2010 Event Season

Our Walk Committee is making plans for a bigger and better event this year. We will once again gather at James MonroeHighSchool.ThewalkwilltakeusthroughhistoricFredericksburgwith1and3mileroutes.Pleasejoinusfor:

• ThePoochParade• AHUGEraffle• AKid’sArea• Tentstositintheshade• Freelunch• Teamphotos• Much…muchmore!

Lastyearwehad39teamsandthisyearwe want to exceed 40…sogetyourfriends,familyandco-workerstogeth-er and register your team today.

Saturday – Apri l 10thFredericksburg Walk

Central Virginia Chapter2112 W. Laburnum Ave.Suite 204Richmond,VA23227(804)353-5008www.MoveVA.org

Board of DirectorsMarkB.Hubbard • ChairmanGregory Bishop • Chairman Elect DavidH.Carminucci•Chairman EmeritusJames Sok • TreasurerSuzanne Gardner • Secretary Jennifer BittmannFrank CowanSharonHayesMarkHouseholderTracey JeterAshley JohnsonGlenn NunziataDr.JohnO’Bannon

StaffSherri EllisChapterPresident-(804)591-3030

Judy GriffinDirectorofDevelopment-(804)591-3034

Donna ClementsManagerofClientServices-(804)591-3039

Diana OakleyManagerofFinance-(804)591-3042

Matt GregorySystemsAdministrator-(804)591-3041

Linda PretlowExecutiveAssistant-(804)591-3037

Grace PhillipsDatabaseCoordinator-(804)591-3040

Melanie HofeFinanceAssistant-(804)591-3031

Ashley ChapmanVAStatewideAdvocacyManager-(804)591-3048

April BassManagerofRelationships-(804)591-3038

*Please Note these are direct phone numbers for staff. The Main Office phone number is still (804) 353-5008 or 1-800 FIGHT MS.

If You or Someone You Know Has MS . . .Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-Approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and im-prove quality of life for many people with Multiple Sclerosis. TalktoyourHealthcareprofessionalorcontacttheNationalMSSocietyatwww.MoveVA.orgortryourOfficePhoneat(804)353-5008tolearnaboutwaystohelpmanageMultipleSclerosis and about current research that may one day reveal a cure.

From the

Chapter President…

When I was in college, I walked into a very large room that housed our computers. I was told that someday thesemassivemachines,whichtookupthemajorityoftheroom,wouldeventuallysitinpeople’soffices.

Thirty years later, it not only sits on my desk, but also in my hand. I crave connectivity! In a recent survey, it wasreportedthat93%ofthoselivingwithMSusedacomputerdaily.Thatis13%higherthanthegeneralpopulationoftheUSA.

At the MS Society, it is our goal to keep you connected not only locally, but regionally, nationally, and globally. Facebook and Twitter have connected the world with 300millionusers,Twitterhasgrownby2500%inthepastyear,and17millionpeoplearetexting.

I want to personally invite you to connect with us and be a fan of our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/MSCentralVA) to learn more about our programs, ser-vices and research. You can also follow our Walks and Bike ride on Twitter. We want to keep you connected and informed through posts and tweets. Also share your thoughts and photos with us.

I look forward to being connected with you,

Sherri Ellis

JOINTHEMOVEMENT:www.MoveVA.org | 2

Ronald PowellIra RosenfeldJeffrey RuskanDavid SaundersAlexanderSlaughterGary WallaceKyleYocomGeraldZerkin

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Our Events


Saturday/Sunday – May 22nd/23rd Bike MS: Ride Virginia

Thisisaveryspecialridethisyear,asit’sour25thAnniversaryRide!WewillstartonthegroundsofourMSOfficecomplexinRichmondandmakeourwaydowntotheMarriottinWilliamsburg.Wepromiseaveryspecialweekendforeveryonewhojoinsus.• RegisterbyMarch15thandreceiveapairofcustomdesignedcyclingsocks• InMarchpurchaseanMSTrainingjersey• EarnaspecialCommemorativeThousandaireJersey• EnjoywellstockedandwellstaffedRestStopsalongtheroute• Indulgeinafinishlinemassage(freeforThousandaires)• TakeadvantageofexclusiveVIPprivilegesifyouraise$2000ormore• RenewyourspiritwithadeliciousSaturdaynightbuffet• RelaxpoolsideandenjoythesoundsofBluesFlash• CelebratewithapicnicatthefinishlineinRichmond• ReceiveabikemedalmadeofrecycledbikepartsTakethepersonalchallengeofriding150milesandraisingmoneytohelpusfindacureforMS.Lastyearwehad48teamsandsofarwehave35registered.We wantmorethan50forourAnniversaryRide.It’stimetomake your plans, gather your teams, get registered and start training!

NEWTHISYEAR…VirtualWalkersandRiders

If you want to be a part of our events but will be out oftowntheweekendofthewalkorride…youcanstilljoinus.Ifyoudon’townabikeordon’tthinkyoucangothedistance…youcanstilljoinus.BecomeaVirtualParticipant!Youcanenjoythefunofbeingonateam,the satisfaction of fundraising, and the reward of earningincentives…withoutactuallywalkingorriding.Learn more about this option on our websites.

ItistimetoJOINTHEMOVEMENT!

www.iwalkforMS.org www.irideforMS.org

Winter Edition 2010

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A Program for CouplesLiving with MS

There are 2 separate courses that run on 6 consecutive weeks.

Registration DEADLINE for both courses is February 8th

In order to take the course you must complete the registration requirements. • Coupleenrollment• Individualassessments

Email [email protected] to receive the links for enrollment and the assessments.Youcanalsocall800-344-4867toobtainthisinformation.Onceyouhavecompleted the requirements, you will receive the course materials. When you complete all 6 sessions you will receive:

$50giftcheck Copyofthebook“MultipleSclerosis:300TipsforMakingLifeEasier” ParticipantHandbook Follow up call to discuss the results of your assessments

8HourstoaLifetimeofRelationshipSatisfactionStartsThursday,February25th

10-11:30pmRuns for 6 consecutive Thursdays

Jumpstart Your RelationshipStartsTuesday,February23rd

7-8:30pmRuns for 6 consecutive Tuesdays

The Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at the Neuroscience & Gamma Knife Center on the Johnston-Willis Campus of CJW Medial Center was created to provide advanced personalized care. The team of clinicians, led by neurologists and rehabilitative specialists will help coordinate all aspects of your MS care including:

•Diagnosis and Treatment•Evaluations for physical and occupational therapy•Disease progression management

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call (804) 267-6767

Clinic in Midlothian, VA for MS Clients

Location: 1401 Johnston-Willis Drive Midlothian, VA 23235

Dates: 3rd Monday of the each Month

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

** Most insurance providers require a phy-sician referral. You can bring this with you on the day of your appointment.

CentralVirginiaOfficeNumber:(804)353-5008 | 4

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Teleconference


This winter/spring we have a couple of series of free teleconferences that we hope you will enjoy.

Thursdays – 7-8pm

February 4th Alternative Therapies and MSAlternativetherapies,definedasanymedicaltreatmentorinterventionthathasnotbeenscientificallydocumentedoridentifiedforaspecificcondition,canaidthemanagementofMS symptoms while promoting general health and wellness. A fewexamplesofalternativetherapiesareacupuncture,yogaand massage.Registration deadline is February 2nd

February 11th Managing Cognitive IssuesCognitive symptoms such as poor memory, decelerated pro-cessing of information and distractibility can be particularly challenging to manage. You will learn practical strategies on how to best manage such symptoms in your everyday life.RegistrationdeadlineisFebruary9th

February 18th Accessible TravelWhether you travel by land, air or sea, learn how to arrange ser-vices for your individual needs and manage differing altitudes and security, as well as general preparation for that long-await-ed vacation.Registration deadline is February 16th

February25thManagingDifficultSymptoms:Bowel&BladderThis call will address the basics of bowel and bladder issues related to MS. It will also discuss how to recognize the onset of these symptoms, management strategies and how to talk with yourdoctoraboutdifficultsymptoms.RegistrationdeadlineisFebruary23rd

March 4th StayingHealthyEmotionallyThis discussion will focus on some common emotionally charged issues that people affected by MS face, such as ways to enhance emotional health and ways to cope with stress and additional life demands.Registration deadline is March 2nd

March 11th CurrentResearch&MSJoin us on this call during MS Awareness Week to learn about the latest MS research initiatives including oral therapies, prog-ress toward neuroprotection and tissue repair, imaging tech-nologies, biomarkers and genetics.RegistrationdeadlineisMarch9th

Call877-899-4666toregisterorregister online through our Chapter calendar at www.moveVA.org.

LookingAhead…There will be a special Employment Teleconference Series beginning in March.

They will be on Thursday evenings.Registration will be available beginning mid-February.

March18 StayingPositiveWhileJobHuntingMarch25 HowtoSearchandApplyforJobsOnlineApril 1 Practical Applications of the ADA AmendmentsApril 8 Resources for Training and Placing Older WorkersApril15 ConsiderationsforCareerChangersApril22 StartingaBusiness:WiththeRightSupports,It’sEasierThanYouThink


The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recognizes that self help groups play a role in helping people affected by MS. They provide an avenue for connection, optimism, education, personal change, advocacy and friendship. Self-Help Groups are led by trained volunteers and the members determine the group’s purpose and meeting agendas.

The groups view the Society as a source of information and support. Below is a listing of official Self-Help Groups sponsored by the National MS Society. Please contact the group leader in advance if you would like to attend as groups are sometimes cancelled or meeting times changed. If you do not find a group that is convenient to you, and you think you might like to start one, contact the Cental Virginia chapter of the National MS Society at 804-591-3039 or 1-800-FIGHT MS, ext. 3039.

ChesterfieldThe Positive Thinkers3rd Thursday at 11:30amRiver City Diner(Shoppes at Bellgrade - Huguenot & Robious)Leaders: Claudia (804) 677-6445 Gail (804) 379-5493

Hanover County4th Thursday from 7-8:30pmCommonwealth Wholesale, Inc. - 10085 Leadbetter Pl.Leaders: Dana (804) 550-2280 (work)(Care Partners Group meets 2-4 times/year in conjunction with this group)

Petersburg Day GroupCall for meeting times and locationsLeader: Melanie (804) 526-9129

Petersburg Evening GroupCall for meeting timesSoutside Regional Hospital 4th Fl.Leader: Quennette (434)246-6007

FredericksburgFred-Spotsy MS Support Group3rd Tuesday from 7-8:30pmMary Washington Hospital - ClassroomLeader: Candace (540) 623-4095(Program locations and times vary, please call leader if planning to attend!)

Richmond2nd Monday from 10:15-11:30amTuckahoe YMCA9211 Patterson Ave., RichmondLeader: Sherry (804) 562-9181

Richmond Evening Group2nd Thursday from 7-8:30pmHealthSouth Rehab Hospital - Classroom5700 Fitzhugh Ave., RichmondOpen to Anyone with MSLeader: Lorenzo (804) 318-0360

Richmond (Virginia Home)For people with advanced stages of MSEvery Monday at 11am1101 Hampton St.For people with advanced stages of MSLeader: Judy (804) 359-4093

South Hill Empowerment Group3rd Wednesday from 5:30-7:30pmPlease call before attending as dates my change!Community Memorial Health Center125 Buena Vista CircleLeader: Starr (434) 378-3021

Surry County2ndThursdayat7pmHopeChristianAlternative325BanksSt.,Surry,VA23883Leader: Stephanie(757)267-2329

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Self-Help Groups

Tappahannock Neuromuscular Support2nd Monday from 10-12pm

Essex Library, 117 Church Ln.Leader: Pat (804) 443-9657

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Lobby Day

Virginia Advocacy - The 2010 Legislative Day

OnMonday,January25,2010,over50MSActivistsfromacrossthestategatheredinRichmondtolearnaboutissuesthataffecttheMScommunityandtomeetwiththeirlegislators.Injustafewhours,

theactivistsmetwith75VirginiaSenatorsandDelegates!They discussed increasing access to affordable and accessible housing, increasing mobility for people with dis-abilities by increasing access to transportation, working to make disease-modifying therapies more affordable, and the need to protect people with disabili-ties and low-income families as the state budget is drastically reduced.

The volunteers also lobbied legislators for their support of several bills of interest such as

HouseBill514whichwouldprovidefortheSecretaryofHealthandHumanResources to coordinate the development of a blueprint for livable communities and long-term services and sup-ports for older Virginians and people with disabilities; and Senate Bill 144 which would allow people with disabilities to submit electronic absentee ballots from their homes.

InconjunctionwiththelegislativedayinRichmond a virtual advocacy day took place across the

state. To bolster TheNationalMSSociety’sadvocacyefforts-Virginiansemailed and called their legislators, updated their Facebook statuses and followed live alerts on Twitter.

FormoreinformationonhowyoucanjoinourActionAlertNetwork and be more involved in state advocacy, contact

Ashley Chapman

[email protected]

Moving Towards A World Free of MS!

EventsEV

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MS Lab ToursVirginiaCommonwealthUniversity

March23rdorMarch31st10:30am–12:30pm

The National MS Society has awarded a three year grant of $496,000toBabetteFuss,andherteamofMSresearchers

atVCUtocontinuetheirstudyinmyelinrepair.

These Lab Tours are hosted by our Golden Circle Committee as a fundraiser.

Learn more and to make a reservationcontactAprilBass804-591-3038

[email protected](Spacelimitedtofirst10peopleforeachtour)

We are thrilled to announce a new program to the state of Virginia, the Greater Fredericksburg Region MS Leadership Class of 2010. The program recognizes professionals in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and Stafford County for their commitment and outstanding contributions to

both their profession and to their community. Lead by Co-Chairs Joe Wilson and Senator Edd Houck, the six week program kicked-off on January 5th and will conclude March 18.

Leadership Class is a unique campaign that raises money for the MS Society serving their community. Nominees receive the Leadership Award, networking opportunities, as well as recognition in the Freelance Star. Each honoree is challenged to raise a minimum of $1500 for the National MS Society of Central VA. The awards ceremony will be held at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center.

Advisory Council:Rob BillingsleyDanaHerlongDanaHouck

LeadershipClassHonorees:Jim Elliott

Mike FidgeonBenKeddie

Megan Mason

Berkley MitchellSusan MullaneNeda McGuire Deidre White

2112 W. Laburnum Ave. Suite 204Richmond,VA23227

Miles of Scarves…Update

Thisgroupof8girlshasraised$1700andistheofficialsponsorforoneof

our Bike route Rest Stops. They are still taking donations as they would like to sponsoraRestStopnextyearand

figuredthey’dstarttheirfundraisingnow. If you are interested in

contributingtotheirproject,contactJudyGriffinat

[email protected].

ms connections - winter 2010

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