WINTER 2015
GREATER NORTHWEST CHAPTER
MS CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
Tim Muck works out on the NuStep,
a recumbent stair-stepping machine.
Connecting, achieving and getting more out of life
ADULT DAY HEALTH CENTERS
OFFER A WIDE ARRAY OF SERVICES
FOR PEOPLE WITH MS
Before he started attending an adult day health
center, the most active thing Tim Muck did
most days was change the TV channel.
Once a disc jockey who spun tunes for a radio
station, Tim did his best to stay upbeat as
primary-progressive multiple sclerosis took a
toll on his ability to move, communicate and
enjoy life. Over time, simply getting out of the
house became a challenge.
Today, Tim rides a recumbent stair-stepping
machine for 45 minutes twice a week. It has
strengthened his leg muscles and improved
his balance. So have the seated tai chi classes
he takes alongside people who are living with
MS, cerebral palsy and other conditions that
compromise the central nervous system.
The MS Achievement Center at the nonprofit
Full Life Care offers nursing, occupational
therapy and support groups, as well as exercise
classes and cognitive activities. Participants can
enjoy cooking, conversations about current
events, and community service projects such as
assembling sack lunches for homeless shelters.
Since Tim started coming to Full Life, he
has more than tripled the distance he can
cover with his walker. He experiences much
less fatigue. And he’s found comfort learning
to manage his MS in a social setting that’s
supportive and fun.
Adult day health centers,
continued on page 3
FIND LOCAL AND
CALL-IN PROGRAMS
ON PAGES 12–15
EVENTS
02
MS CONNECTION: WINTER 2015
Save the dates!
The new year brings with it the opportunity to get
involved in the MS Movement in new and different
ways as you rally alongside your friends, family and
community to raise awareness and funds that bring
us closer to a world free of MS.
State Action Day Tuesday, January 27
MS Awareness Week
Monday through Sunday, March 2 – 8
Run MS Seattle 5K
Sunday, April 12 – Seattle
World MS Day Wednesday, May 27
BIKE MS 2015
Saturday, May 30
Bike MS: Hope to a Cure, Girdwood, AK
Saturday, August 15
Bike MS: Ride the Sky, Bozeman, MT
Saturday & Sunday, September 12 – 13
Bike MS: Deception Pass Classic,
Mount Vernon, WA
Saturday & Sunday, September 19 – 20
Bike MS: Cycle the Silver Valley, Kellogg, ID
This is the year to take the
next step! See pages 12 – 15
or visit MSnorthwest.org
to learn more about these
and other activities.
WALK MS 2015
WASHINGTON
Saturday, April 11 – Bainbridge Island,
Bellingham, Kitsap County, Olympia,
Snohomish County, South Sound &Tri-Cities
Sunday, April 12 – Seattle
(& Run MS, left), Spokane
Saturday, April 18 – Wenatchee
Sunday, April 19 – Clarkston
NORTHERN IDAHO
Saturday, April 25 – Coeur d’Alene
MONTANA
Saturday, May 2 – Billings
Saturday, May 9 – Helena
Saturday, May 16 – Great Falls
Sunday, May 17 – Bozeman
Saturday, May 30 – Missoula
Saturday, September 19 – Butte
ALASKA
Saturday, April 25 – Ketchikan
Saturday, May 2 – Fairbanks
Saturday, May 9 – Anchorage, Soldotna
Saturday, May 16 – Copper Valley,
Mat-Su Valley
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MSNORTHWEST.ORG | 800-344-4867
Adult day health centers,
continued from page 1
“It’s nice to know that I’m not alone — that
this disease can be altered and that I can
make that happen,” Tim says.
Full Life coordinates transportation to and
from participants’ homes, serves lunch, and
offers referrals for
mental health services
if they’re needed.
Tim Muck pets Addy,
a sweet Samoyed who
works as a therapy dog
at Full Life.
“Every day, people
are finding new
ways to get the most
out of life at home
by staying active,
engaged with others
and thriving in their
own unique ways,”
says Nora Gibson,
Full Life Care’s
Executive Director
and a member of the
Greater Northwest
Chapter’s Board
of Trustees.
The Society provides referrals to adult day
health providers like Full Life Care in various
cities across Washington, Alaska, Montana
and Northern Idaho. n
To learn more about adult day health
services in your area, or for questions about
insurance coverage, call an MS Navigator
at 1-800-344-4867 or reach out online at
nationalMSsociety.org/Helpful-Links/
Contact-Us
REFLECTIONS
Dear members of our
Chapter community,
Those of you who have come to
rely on the Greater Northwest
Chapter know very well how we
can enrich your lives. We help
you connect with others, meet
the day-to-day challenges of
living with MS, and learn how
to live a healthier and happier life.
In 2014, you and others who care about the MS
movement helped us deliver on those goals in
record numbers. Our Chapter-wide fundraisers,
led by Bike MS and Walk MS participants,
generated more than $7.6 million – one of our
strongest fundraising years ever!
As a result, we were able to provide customized
support to three times as many people through
our MS Navigator program than we did the
previous year. We also dedicated $2.3 million to
MS research that will one day realize the vision
of a world free of MS.
I’m also very proud of our dedicated MS Activists
who worked so hard to raise awareness, educate
elected officials and drive change on behalf of
people living with MS.
In 2015, I hope you’ll join us at an event,
program or activity that stirs your passions.
Go to MSnorthwest.org to learn how you
can be involved.
Sincerely,
Patty Shepherd-Barnes
Chapter President
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MS CONNECTION: WINTER 2015
INSPIRATION
Stories of a father’s ‘grace and courage’
FIRST LADY’S BROTHER, CRAIG ROBINSON,
INSPIRES GUESTS AT CHAPTER FUNDRAISER
Fraser Robinson III never let MS or any other
hardship get in the way of living a full and
meaningful life. That’s the legacy their father left
to Craig Robinson, an accomplished basketball
player and coach and now an ESPN broadcaster,
and his sister, First Lady Michelle Obama.
Regaling the crowd with anecdotes of growing
up with Michelle – “a health nut, even back
then” – Craig recalled that his dad never missed
more than a few days working the swing shift at
the Chicago Water Department and was always
there as a steady presence in his family’s lives.
“I do not know where I would be if I didn’t see
my dad battle this disease with such courage
and with such grace. I don’t know who I would
be,” he said. “In a funny way, MS has had a
profoundly positive effect on my life.”
Craig praised the work of the National MS
Society. “It’s thrilling to see that you don’t have
to go through this by yourself,” he told guests. n
Craig and Michelle with their parents,
Fraser and Marian
“People ask me all the time, what the heck did
your parents do, and they look at Michelle and
they look and me. And I tell them, my parents
never held us back. They never let MS hold
us back,” Craig told 700 guests at the Greater
Northwest Chapter’s On the Move Luncheon in
October. The event raised $350,000 for research,
programs and services for people affected by MS.
Fraser was diagnosed with MS when Craig and
Michelle were very young. Although their father
walked with a pronounced limp that got worse
and worse through the years, the kids never
thought of him as being anything less than fully
able to work, play and enjoy life.
Craig Robinson and Chapter
President Patty Shepherd-Barnes
05
MSNORTHWEST.ORG | 800-344-4867
ADVANCE YOUR EDUCATION
WITH A SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP
Are you college-bound?
Gearing up for vocational
training? If so, apply for a
2015-16 Society scholarship by
January 15. Applicants must:
n
Have MS or have a parent
with MS.
n Plan to attend an accredited
postsecondary school.
n Enroll in at least six credit
hours per semester in
course work leading to a
degree, license or certificate.
n Meet certain residential
requirements.
Learn more at
nationalMSsociety.org/
scholarship.
“After I was diagnosed with MS,
I felt useless for a while. I barely
did anything. A National MS Society
Scholarship changed my outlook and
gave me the confidence to pursue
my dream of becoming a nurse. I’ve
completed my training as a certified
nursing assistant and am eager to
achieve my next goal: getting my
nursing degree. I’m so grateful for my
scholarship, for the many opportunities
it’s opening up for me, and for all the
adventures that lie ahead.”
— Allexis Dizon, recipient of a
four-year National MS Society
scholarship
GET ENGAGED
Offering countless ways
to uplift and empower
BY KAYCEE KIESZ, DIAGNOSED IN 2001
When I was first diagnosed, I was
angry and scared. I cursed my fate and
grieved the loss of life as I knew it. But
I was also determined not to let MS
change the positive person that I am.
I quickly found out about the National
MS Society. I learned that what makes
the Society so amazingly powerful in
the lives of people with MS is that
there are so many ways that you can get involved.
For those who want to jump in and take charge, there’s the
opportunity to informally counsel others who’ve been newly
diagnosed, to lead a team at Bike MS or Walk MS, or to advocate
for public policies.
For those who want to learn how to live their best lives with MS,
there are countless classes about how to manage employment
issues, stress, finances, exercise, relationships and future health
care challenges.
For those who need practical help, there are programs that offer
scholarships, short-term financial assistance and professional
guidance on legal issues, employment and health insurance.
For those who feel comforted and empowered by connecting with
others, there are many different ways to get together in person, to
talk on the phone or to connect online.
When you live with MS, your future is so uncertain. I’m glad the
Society is there for me – and anyone affected by MS – to make
that uncertainty feel so much more manageable. n
Learn more about all the ways to get connected at
MSnorthwest.org or call an MS Navigator at 1-800-344-4867.
06
MS CONNECTION: WINTER 2015
RESEARCH
Talking about stem cells
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society
recently sat down with Dr. Richard Burt, Chief,
Division of Immunotherapy at Northwestern
University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in
Chicago, Ill., to talk about hematopoietic
stem-cell transplantation as a possible treatment
for relapsing-remitting MS. An established
international researcher, Dr. Burt pioneered
the use of hematopoietic stem cells to treat
autoimmune diseases.
COULD YOU EXPLAIN THE PROCEDURE
THAT YOU’RE TESTING?
We are testing a procedure called hematopoietic
stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). In HSCT,
we use standard immune-suppressant drugs in
a very short exposure and high dose to knock
down the immune system, and then we give
the patients back their own immune stem cells
that we collected before the procedure.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
In multiple sclerosis, the immune inflammation
that destroys myelin requires two signals to
get started: The first is exposure to myelin
or something that looks like myelin, and the
second is a danger signal that tells the body
there is a need for an immune attack. If either
of these two signals is missing, you will not get
the inflammation that causes MS.
In HSCT, we are resetting the immune system.
Think of it like a reboot of your computer,
wiping the hard drive clean and starting over.
The immune system learns all over again
which things to fight (pathogens like bacteria
and viruses) and which things to leave alone
(myelin). We think what happens in HSCT is
that the immune response is exposed to myelin
in the absence of the danger signal and as a
consequence is rendered harmless (tolerant),
unable to do any more damage.
WHAT TYPE OF MS IS MOST LIKELY
TO BENEFIT FROM HSCT?
What we’re doing is stopping the inflammation
that you need to treat when the disease is in its
inflammatory stage, which occurs in relapsingremitting MS. We don’t think this treatment
will benefit people with late progressive forms
of MS.
07
MSNORTHWEST.ORG | 800-344-4867
Our early data suggests that HSCT does
something that second-line therapy has
never done: it reverses disability and
significantly improves quality of life.
ARE YOU STILL RECRUITING PEOPLE
FOR YOUR TRIAL?
The trial is open and ongoing. We are looking at
people who have failed a first-line therapy and
who have opted for stem-cell transplantation
over a second-line treatment. Our goal of the
trial is to establish in a randomized trial that
this is the proper role for HSCT. Our early
data suggests that HSCT does something that
second-line therapy has never done: it reverses
disability and significantly improves quality of
life. (Visit nationalMSsociety.org/clinicaltrials
for more information about how to participate
in clinical studies.)
THERE ARE DIFFERENT CENTERS PERFORMING
HSCT AROUND THE WORLD. IS THE TREATMENT
STANDARDIZED IN ANY WAY?
I hope that when our clinical trial data is
published, it will help standardize HSCT. We
are coordinating the trial at a few other centers
around the world, including the University
of São Paulo, Brazil, and the University of
Uppsala in Stockholm, Sweden, and the
University of Sheffield in the UK.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS?
All procedures come with risk, but you can
minimize them if you follow proper procedures.
For example, in HSCT, there is a risk for
infertility, although many trial participants have
gone on to become pregnant. As a precaution,
we encourage people who are concerned about
infertility to consider options such as sperm or
egg storage prior to the procedure.
Late complications of this procedure unique
to MS that may arise in a small subset of
participants are hypo- or hyperthyroidism, or
more rarely, a drop in platelets that may require
transient medical treatment.
Most people get blood transfusions during this
treatment, so there is a small risk of infection
with HIV or hepatitis. In my lifetime, I’ve
probably transplanted about 1,500 patients and
none have had any problem. n
Originally published on MSconnection.org/
blog. Join the conversation about stem cell
treatments at MSconnection.org.
Visit us at MSnorthwest.org and click
on Chapter & Society news to read
another Q&A about stem cells – this
one with Dr. Jeffrey Cohen, Director of
the Experimental Therapeutics Program
at Cleveland Clinic’s Mellen Center for
Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research,
who shares insights on mesenchymal stem
cells as a treatment for both progressive
and relapsing forms of MS.
08
MS CONNECTION: WINTER 2015
MONEY MATTERS
Health insurance marketplace: what you need to know
It’s important to evaluate your health insurance
options and whether your current coverage is
meeting your needs throughout the year – not
just during fall open enrollment periods. If you
want to switch your plan, or if you’re uninsured
and are trying to get coverage, you can shop
and enroll in a plan through the Health
Insurance Marketplace until February 15, 2015.
Visit healthcare.gov to register or change plans.
MEDICARE
If you need assistance paying your Medicare
prescription drug costs, learn more about the
Extra Help program at socialsecurity.gov/i1020
or call 800-772-1213. You can apply for Extra
Help at any time.
If you’ve moved, lost insurance coverage or
experienced certain other life-changing events,
you could be eligible to make changes to your
Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription
drug coverage. To learn more about Medicare’s
Special Enrollment Periods (or SEPs) call
800-633-4227.
EMPLOYER-OFFERED PLANS
Many employer-offered plans offer open
enrollment during the fall, but your human
resources representative can answer questions
about health coverage any time of year. For
help understanding and evaluating plans, talk
to an MS Navigator at 1-800-344-4867 or visit
nationalMSsociety.org/healthinsurance. n
LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE
The National MS Society’s free telelearning
program, which launched this past fall,
aims to provide information, resources
and guidance on a range of topics essential
to living one’s best life with multiple
sclerosis now.
Each presentation features experts
addressing topics such as MS research,
employment, financial and life planning,
cognitive issues, bladder and bowel
challenges, intimacy and MS, and how
to maximize doctor’s visits. Presentations
are followed by a Q&A, in which
attendees submit questions online or
ask them via phone.
Join us January 20 and 22 for “MS
Research – Your Questions Answered,” on
February 12 for “MS and Employment –
Legal Basics: Know Your Rights,” and on
February 26 for “MS and Employment –
Managing Cognitive Symptoms
and Fatigue in the Workplace.” Call
800-344-4867 or register online at
nationalMSsociety.org/telelearning,
where presentations will also be archived
for people unable to attend in person. n
09
MSNORTHWEST.ORG | 800-344-4867
FUNDRAISING
Make a difference with a year-end gift
As the new year approaches,
remember the two-fold
benefits you get from making
a year-end donation to
the National MS Society,
Greater Northwest Chapter:
the satisfaction of making
a difference for people
living with MS and the tax
deduction you can earn for
your charitable gift.
When you donate to the Chapter, you support the myriad
opportunities that we provide for people to connect, learn and
live better with MS. The Chapter relies on donations to fund
self-help groups, public policy advocacy, educational programs,
financial assistance, college scholarships, MS Navigators, wellness
programs and countless other initiatives to support our Chapter
community.
As one grateful community member told us:
“As a person who struggles with the ever-changing impact
MS has on my life and my family’s life, I appreciate all of
the resources, support and information provided. Knowing
that there are others trying to connect people together, find
answers and just sympathize with the struggles makes the
challenge that much easier. Thank you for all that you do.”
Your donations also fund cutting-edge research to stop MS in its
tracks, restore lost function and end MS forever. Nearly a dozen
research projects are currently underway right here in our own
Chapter community. One is studying a new MRI technique that
could help to accurately predict the progression of a person’s MS.
In addition to being tax-deductible in 2014, your year-end gift
also can improve your wellbeing. A 2006 study found that when
people give to charities, it activates regions of the brain associated
with pleasure, social connection and trust.
So, donate to a great cause and feel good while you do it! n
Contribute securely online at nationalMSsociety.org/Chapters/
WAS/Donate, or learn more by contacting Laurie Johnson at
800-344-4867, ext. 40253 or [email protected].
10
MS CONNECTION: WINTER 2015
Has Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Affected You?
Join us for this free and interactive live event for people with MS and their care partners.

Interact with a leading
MS expert and others
living with MS

Learn about a therapeutic
option for MS
Space is limited so
RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!
ONLINE: livemsevent.com
PHONE: 1-800-397-8082
Presented by
Light meal will be served
Kyle Smoot, MD
The Grant House
Neurologist & MS Specialist
Providence MS Center - Portland
1101 Officers Row
Vancouver, WA 98661
Roopa Bhat, MD, PhD
Anthony's Homeport - Olympia
Neurologist
Puget Sound Neurology
704 Columbia Street NW
Olympia, WA 98501
Steven Pugh, MD
The Onion Bar & Grill
1/22/2015
Neurologist
Providence MS Center - Spokane
302 West Riverside
Spokane, WA 99201
6:00pm
Theodore Brown, MD, MPH
Grazie Ristorante - Canyon Park
Director of Neuro Rehabilitation
MS Center at EvergreenHealth
23207 Bothell - Everett Highway
Bothell, WA 98021
1/28/2015
6:30pm
Roopa Bhat, MD PhD
Verrazanos Italian Restaurant
Neurologist
Puget Sound Neurology
28835 Pacific Highway South
Federal Way, WA 98003
Peiqing Qian, MD
The Rock Wood Fired Kitchen - Lynnwood
Neurologist
MS Center at Swedish
4010 196th Street SW
Lynnwood, WA 98036
Kim Kobata, PT, NCS
Azteca - Bellevue
Physical Therapist
MS Center at Swedish
150 112th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
1/21/2015
6:30pm
1/21/2015
6:30pm
1/29/2015
6:30pm
2/12/2015
6:30pm
3/5/2015
6:30pm
Find an MS event in your area by visiting livemsevent.com
Sponsored by Acorda Therapeutics®, Inc.
MS3254
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
11
MSNORTHWEST.ORG | 800-344-4867
Questions about
an oral treatment
option?
Join a live interactive webcast
that lets you talk with a medical
expert and a person living with
MS from the comfort of your home.
Join us online every:
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Thursday at 10:00 pm ET (7:00 pm PT)
Reserve your spot: MS-Web-Events.com
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12
MS CONNECTION: WINTER 2015
PROGRAMS
Living, learning and connecting
The Greater Northwest Chapter offers many opportunities to improve your health, enhance your
relationships, connect you with others and educate you about living well with MS. All our programs
are free. Many require advance registration and some have limited space, so sign up early. To register,
visit MSnorthwest.org or call 800-344-4867 and press 1. You can also access videos anytime at
nationalMSsociety.org/MSlearnonline.
TELE-LEARNING: PARTICIPATE FROM HOME
FREE AND AVAILABLE TO EVERYONE IN THE
GREATER NORTHWEST CHAPTER AREA — AND BEYOND!
Research in MS: Let us answer your questions
Learn about the latest discoveries and most promising
initiatives on the horizon from two National MS Society
research executives, Bruce Bebo, Associate Vice President
of Research, and Doug Landsman, Senior Director of
International Research Programs. You’ll also have the
opportunity to ask questions.
OVER THE PHONE
Tuesday, January 20:
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. PT
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. MT
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. AKT
Thursday, January 22:
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. PT
8:00 – 9:00 p.m. MT
6:00 – 7:00 p.m. AKT
Mood & Cognition:
What you can do
How does MS affect your moods and
cognitive functioning – and what
can you do about it? You’ll get the
answers from Dr. Patti Brettell of
Skagit Regional Clinics and learn how
to address symptoms with physical
activity, medications, counseling,
self-management strategies and more.
MT VERNON, WA
Tuesday, February 10, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Skagit Valley Hospital,
1415 E. Kincaid St.
SPEAKER : Dr. Patti Brettell
KENNEWICK, WA
Saturday, February 21, 10:00 a.m. – Noon
Three Rivers Convention Center
7016 W Grandridge Blvd.
SPEAKER : Dr. Yashma Patel
FAIRBANKS, AK
MORE TELE-LEARNING: See page 14 for UW Medicine
MS Center webinars that are available to anyone
in our Chapter.
Thursday, January 22, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Access Alaska, 526 Gaffney Rd #100
13
MSNORTHWEST.ORG | 800-344-4867
Wasilla Educational Program
WASILLA, AK
Thursday, March 19, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Menard Sports Center, 1001 S Mack Dr.
Olympia Multiple Sclerosis Roadshow
Experts from the Swedish MS Center are bringing this traveling
roadshow of MS education and information to Olympia, WA.
Come learn from a nationally recognized team of health care
professionals, share your experience and connect with others in
the community living with MS. Topics include MS care, the
role of MRI, cognition, exercise and more.
Brunch will be provided. You do not need to be a Swedish
patient to attend. Family and friends are welcome.
OLYMPIA, WA
Saturday, March 21, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Evergreen State Community College,
Seminar II Building, 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW
Bellingham Wellness Symposium
In this half-day educational event focusing on wellness,
you’ll learn from a female urologist with special interest in
MS, a physiatrist who will talk about exercise and energy
conservation, a counselor who will share stress reduction
techniques, and an acupuncture and massage group.
Presentations will also address complementary and alternative
therapies such as diet and THC.
Light refreshments will be provided.
SPEAKERS: Carolyn Taylor, MD, Northwest Neurology;
Melinda Hardin, MSW, Bayside Therapy Associates; April
Sakahara, M.D., Physiatry Associates; Kelly Casperson,
M.D., Bellingham Urology Associates; Galie Jean-Louis, LAc,
EAMP, RYT, Bellingham Medical Acupuncture
BELLINGHAM, WA
Saturday, February 7, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Hampton Inn Bellingham Airport, 3985 Bennett Drive
MS Center
partner programs
We are pleased to make our
Chapter community aware
of these free educational
opportunities.
EVERGREEN HEALTH MS CENTER
Rainier Room, DeYoung Pavilion,
Kirkland, WA
Register by calling
425-899-3000 or online at
evergreenhealth.com/classes
Fall prevention for people
with neurological problems
Friday, January 30,
10:00 a.m. – Noon
Neuro-Nutrition Class
4th Friday of each month,
9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
UW MEDICINE MS CENTER
Northwest Hospital,
1536 N 115th St., Seattle,
WA – free parking
Register by contacting Kelly
at 206-598-3894 or
[email protected]
Navigating anxiety with MS
Wednesday, January 21,
6:00 – 7:15 p.m.
SPEAKER: Meghan Beier, PhD,
Psychologist
14
MS CONNECTION: WINTER 2015
MS Center partner programs Continued
What does an MRI tell you
about your MS?
Wednesday, February 18, 6:00 – 7:15 p.m.
SPEAKER: Annette Wundes, MD, Neurologist
Best lifestyle choices
and supplement options
Wednesday, March 18, 6:00 – 7:15 p.m.
SPEAKER: Marie-Sarah Gagne, MD,
MS Fellow
Can’t make it in person to these UW Medicine
events? Join via a webinar by logging into
uofw.adobeconnect.com/neurology
SWEDISH MS CENTER
Swedish Neuroscience Institute,
1600 East Jefferson St., Level A, Seattle, WA
Register by calling 206-320-2200 or email
[email protected].
All classes are FREE and are open to
non-Swedish patients.
Relaxation and stress reduction
Thursdays, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Gentle yoga and wellness skills
Tuesdays, 1:00 – 2:15 p.m.
MS Club Cherry Hill:
A support and self-help group
Third Friday of every month, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Register by contacting Robin Mazna at
[email protected]
LGBTQ MS connection
Second and fourth Tuesday of every month,
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Register by contacting
Shelly Henry-Sharp at 425-481-2667 or
[email protected]
Care partner support group
Third Tuesday of every month,
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Register by contacting John Daughters at
206-937-9604 or [email protected]
VIRGINIA MASON MS CENTER
Neuroscience Institute at Virginia Mason
Medical Center, 1201 Terry Avenue,
Lindeman Pavilion, Seattle, WA
Register by contacting Piper Paul at
206-341-0314 or [email protected]
MS newly diagnosed seminar
Pilates
Saturday, March 14, 10:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Lunch will be provided.
Music, movement and meditation
ALASKA NEUROLOGY CENTER
Fridays, 11:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
1100 Dimond Blvd, Anchorage, AK
Young adults with MS
Register by visiting MSnorthwest.org or call
800-344-4867 and press 1
Third Thursday of every month, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Like us:
facebook.com/MSnorthwest.org
MSNORTHWEST.ORG | 800-344-4867
Educational program
with Dr. Osterbauer
Tuesday, December 30, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Meet and greet with new physicians
Tuesday, January 27, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Educational program with Dr. Ellenson
Tuesday, March 24, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Greater Northwest Chapter Regional Office
192 Nickerson St., Ste. 100
Seattle WA 98109
800-344-4867
Chairman: Bill Sample
Chapter President: Patricia Shepherd-Barnes
Contributed Writing & Photography:
Moore Ink. PR & Fundraising Communications
Design: DavidOwenHastings.com
©2014 National Multiple Sclerosis Society,
Greater Northwest Chapter
The National MS Society is proud to be a source
of information about MS. The content is based on
professional advice, review of independent research,
published experience and expert opinion. The
National MS Society makes no warranties regarding
the information provided and the information is
provided for your educational purposes only. Any
provided medical information is of a general nature
and should not be substituted for the individual
therapeutic recommendation or prescription by a
medical professional. For specific information and
advice relating to your personal medical condition,
always consult your personal physician.
Watch us:
youtube.com/GreaterNorthwest/
15
THE NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
SOCIETY IS DEDICATED TO CREATING
A WORLD FREE OF MS.
The National MS Society, Greater Northwest
Chapter educates, inspires and empowers
those affected by multiple sclerosis. We
create innovative programs to meet the needs
of people with MS and their families, host
exciting fundraising events to give supporters a
meaningful role in the MS movement, and fund
cutting-edge research into treatments and a cure.
With a passion for bringing about a world free of
MS, we help everyone affected by the disease to
live richer, healthier, more independent lives.
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 improve quality of
life for many people with multiple sclerosis. Talk
to your health care professional or contact the
National MS Society at nationalMSsociety.org
or 800-344-4867 to learn about ways to help
manage multiple sclerosis and about current
research that may one day reveal a cure.
GRUPO DE APOYO EN ESPAÑOL
La Sociedad Nacional de Esclerosis Múltiple
ha comenzado un grupo de apoyo en español,
por teléfono, para las personas con EM. El
único requisito para participar es haber sido
diagnosticado de esclerosis múltiple. Este
programa es totalmente gratis. Para más
información, o para registrarse, por favor llame
al 800-344-4867, y oprima el número 3.
The National MS Society does not endorse or
recommend specific products, services or manufacturers.
The Society assumes no liability whatsoever for the use
or contents of any product or service mentioned herin.
We reserve the right to refuse advertising that is deemed
to be inconsistent with the Society’s mission.
Greater Northwest Chapter
192 Nickerson Street, Suite 100
Seattle, Washington 98109
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
800-344-4867
SAN JOSE, CA
PERMIT NO. 1513
MSnorthwest.org
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
TAKE ACTION!
Speak up and be heard at State Action Day
Your voice matters. You can change laws. You can make life better for people living with MS.
Join us for Washington’s State Action Day in Olympia on Tuesday, January 27. You’ll meet in
small groups with lawmakers, tell them what it’s like to live with MS and
discuss the National MS Society’s top legislative priorities.
Register for pre-event teleconferences on Tuesday, January 13 and 20 to
learn advocacy skills and get up to speed on key issues such as increased
funding for accessible transportation programs and protecting resources
for the state’s safety net, which provides access to long-term services,
supportive housing, and other health programs.
State Action Day is free and open to anyone who wants to make a
difference by advocating for policies to improve the quality of life
for people with MS. n
Learn more and register at nationalMSsociety.org/WAactionday.
Can’t be there in person? Sign up for Action Alerts at
nationalMSsociety.org/msactivist or contact Linnea Nasman at
[email protected] or 800-344-4867, ext. 40237 for tips
on scheduling a visit with lawmakers in Washington,
Northern Idaho, Montana or Alaska.
GET INFORMED,
CONNECT AND
FIND SUPPORT
Want to learn more about
the many ways the Chapter
can help you live your
best life with MS? Visit
MSnorthwest.org and click
on “Sign up for Emails.”
It’s easy to set up your
personal communication
preferences, so you can
be sure to receive all the
information that’s most
meaningful to you.