MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS | FALL • 2010

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER

Programs PAgE 3

Advocacy PAgE 6

Research PAgE 8

Fundraising PAgE 14

GILENyA IS AppROVEDTHE ERA OF ORAL dRUgS bEgINS

On September 22, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved fingolimod capsules for reducing the frequency of MS attacks and delaying the accumulation of physical disabilities in people with relapsing forms of MS. This is a milestone in MS therapy.

The new medication, under the brand name Gilenya (pronounced Jil-EN-ee-ah), will be available as a “first line” treatment, meaning there are no recommendations for people to try other MS therapies before trying Gilenya. Novartis, the manufacturer, says the drug will be available for prescription in coming weeks.

Gilenya is a new approach to controlling MS. It blocks receptors on some of the same T and B immune cells that have been implicated in causing MS damage. The drug causes some of these cells to remain in lymph nodes, inhibiting them from migrating into the brain or spinal cord.

A second oral MS med is under review

Last July, the FDA agreed to give “priority review” status to EMD Serono’s cladribine tablets with the hope of an approval decision this December. Cladribine is a chemotherapy drug that is used to kill T and B cells in the immune system and thus slow down the attack on myelin.

CONTINUED ON pAGE 7

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCEA Helping Hand When It’s Needed Most

We offer financial assistance through the Direct Assistance Program to individuals with MS and their families to help access needed services that are not available using other resources (private insurance, Medicare, MediCal). The program is based on financial need and offers funding for the following services:

Rhoda Goetz personal Care Fund: Beauty/Wellness• : A fund to assist individuals who are faced with financial, logistical or physical barriers to maintaining healthy personal hygiene and care. Gain access to services such as hair, skin and nail care. In-Home Assistance Support• : 8 consecutive days, 4 hours/day after a hospital stay or exacerbation. Must use licensed home care agency. Chore Service program• : Assistance for house cleaning service. Limit: up to $300 per fiscal year.

Durable Medical Equipment: Share of cost for durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, hand rails, etc.) if not covered by insurance. Limit: up to $400 per year.

Sherak Emergency Fund: Funding for unexpected one-time situations (food, rent, utilities). Official documentation demonstrating proof of emergency is required with application. Limit: up to $300 per year.

physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy: In-home evaluation and five to six follow-up visits for a person who cannot leave home and whose insurance will not cover this service.

Grisanti Respite Fund: Provided through a licensed home care agency for the family member who is a full-time care partner and needs time off. Share-of-cost basis. Up to 6 days/year, up to 12 hours/day.

Supporting the Family: A fund to take care of special out-of-the-ordinary family needs (i.e. school pictures, sports uniforms, etc.). Limit: up to $300 per year

Checks are made out and sent directly to the vendor. For more information about any of these financial assistance programs, please call 800.344.4867 or 310.479.4456.

800.344.4867PUbLICATION OF THE NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETy Southern California Chapter

Chairman • Paul M. Mahoney, Esq.

Chapter president • Leon LeBuffe, Ph.D.

Newsletter Editor • Marni Deckter

Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with multiple sclerosis. National MS Society medical advisors recommend that people with MS talk with their health care professional about using one of these medications and about strategies and effective treatments to manage symptoms. If you or someone you know has MS, please contact the Society today at 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.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The NMSS assumes no liability for the use of contents of any product or service mentioned. Information provided by the NMSS is based upon professional advice, published, experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The NMSS 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.

© 2010 NMSS Southern California Chapter Published Quarterly — Summer 2010

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pROGRAMS

SOCIETy SCHOLARSHIpS In 2010, the Chapter awarded scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 to 25 college-bound students. All entered their freshman year, this fall, at the college or university of their choice. Nationally the Society granted nearly $1 million to 470 scholars across the country this year.

Arielle Dennis of Riverside earned the honor of one being named one of this year’s Top Scholars. In fact, honors follow Arielle – Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program, Scholar Athlete Award, Rotary Club Speech Winner,

Women in Math and Science Conference, Girls’ State, National Achievement Scholar Candidate, Math High Achievement Award. The list goes on and on. Arielle is committed to excellence at school, on the playing field and in the community. Her role models are her mother and father. Her dad passed away from cancer a few years ago and her mom lives with MS. She says her mom’s disease “has sparked a wildfire in me to find answers to unsolved questions.” She is now studying at Harvard University to follow up on that commitment. She will study neurosciences in the hope of connecting her knowledge to genetic research and continuing her quest to “fight for success” in finding solutions to the mysteries of MS and cancer.

We congratulate all of our remarkable 2010 scholarship recipients and wish them the best in their future academic endeavors. Meet all 25 scholars online.

2011 AppLICATIONSThe Society provides scholarships for people with MS or children who have a parent with MS. Applicants must be planning to attend an accredited post-secondary school for the first time and to take at least six credit hours per semester leading to a degree, license or certificate. Recipients are selected on the basis of financial need, academic performance, compelling personal or family circumstances, and an essay on the impact of MS on their life. Awards range from $1,000–$3,000 for one year; a small number of four-year awards are also offered. Applications are accepted between October 1, 2010 and January 14, 2011. To apply, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/scholarship or call us at 800.344.4867 or 310.479.4456.

SUppORT SCHOLARSIt is our goal to change the future of MS, one student at a time. Your contribution of $1,000 to $3,000 designated to the Chapter’s Scholarship Program will help someone reach their potential. If you are interested in learning more about making a contribution to our scholars, contact Kate Mcintosh, Vice President of Development at 1.800.344.4867 or 310.479.4456.

pROGRAMS

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RELATIONSHIp MATTERS:A PROgRAM FOR COUPLES LIVINg WITH MS

Having a successful relationship is hard work even in the best of times. MS can make it even more challenging. The National MS Society is proud to offer a program specifically designed to help couples negotiate and manage the uncertainty of living with multiple sclerosis—Relationship Matters: A Program for Couples Living with MS.

The Relationship Matters program exists to help you and your partner minimize the impact of MS on your lives by:

Improving communication and problem-• solving skills

Learning how to manage MS as a team•

Developing skills for life, and•

Helping your partnership thrive!•

Couples participating in the program have the opportunity to engage in creative and interactive course curricula designed to deal with challenges related to MS. Classes offered include:

8 Hours to a Lifetime of Relationship • Satisfaction offered through in-person workshops and revolving six-week teleconference series.

Jumpstart your Relationship: Reclaim your • Wellbeing offered in collaboration with Can Do Multiple Sclerosis (formerly The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis) through a series of six weekly teleconferences.

• Online classes:

• Intimacy: Enriching Your Relationship

• Career Decisions: Relationship Matters

• Adapting: Financial Planning for a Life with MS…Together.

Through participation in the program, you will acquire the skills and access resources to more successfully manage the effects of MS on your relationship. You can choose the format that best suits your lifestyle and approach to learning, whether it be in person, online or on the phone.

Registration for the program is ongoing. For more information call 800.344.4867 (1.800.FIGHT.MS) or email: couplesprogram@nmss.org.

When you know how to take charge as a couple, MS doesn’t have to rule your relationship.

Funding for this project was provided by the United States

Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for

Children and Families, Grant: 90FE0090.

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pROGRAMS

CAREGIVER SUppORT GROUpLife is stressful enough. Family responsibilities,career obligations — even the everyday grindof battling rush-hour traffic, racing to thesupermarket and getting the laundry done— can contribute to raising our anxiety level.When you add in the responsibility of caringfor a loved one with a chronic illness, life cansometimes seem overwhelming. Talking andsharing with others can alleviate some of thestress and isolation that we sometimes feel.

Join us Monday evenings via teleconferenceand connect with others with similarexperiences, share resources and receiveinformation that can help you support yourloved one.

Monday evenings, 5:30 – 7:00 pmSupport group facilitated by caregiverand caregiver coach Jon Strum

Cost: FREE

Sign me up!Call Mary Ann Holm at 800.344.4867or 310.479.4456.

RESEARCHING RELATIONSHIpS Researchers at UC Irvine have been provided with a grant from the National MS Society to research the relationship between people with MS and their caregivers.

Participants are needed for this research study.

Study Qualifications:Have a definite diagnosis of multiple sclerosis • Have an MS-related disability • Have a caregiver (either a family caregiver or a paid attendant) • English-speaking • Must be 18 years of age or older •

What is involved:A research assistant will conduct a one-time home visit to your place of residence that will last approximately 1.5 hours. Compensation is $30.

For more information or to sign up, call Wendy Beattie at UC Irvine at 714.456.8697.

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SpECIAL EVENTS

walkMSsocal.org

register today!walkMSsocal.org

800 344 4867

Southern California Walk 2011

sunday 04.03.11Greater Los Angeles Pasadena Rose Bowl

saturday 04.09.11Desert Cities Palm Desert Civic Center Park

Inland Empire Quakes Stadium

Santa Barbara Leadbetter Beach

saturday 04.16.11Big Bear Alpine Pedal Path

Conejo Valley Westlake Village

San Luis Obispo Mission Plaza

saturday 04.30.11Antelope Valley Lancaster Marketplace

Fresno Woodward Park

S.W. Riverside County Town Square Park, Murrieta

Coming October 2011 Bakersfield Yokuts Park

walk tocreate a worldfree of MS

WALk-TOBER Did you miss one of the Walk MS events in April? Are you itching to participate in Walk MS before the end of the year? If so, join us at Walk MS in Bakersfield on Saturday, October 30.

Meet new friends on our Halloween party route and then celebrate with old friends at the finish line. Walk, give and volunteer to create a world free of MS.

The Bakersfield Walk MS event promises to be bigger and better than ever! Start the morning off with a patriotic concert from Boy Scout Troop #484. After the walk, expect more finish line activities listen to the band No Limit perform while enjoying fantastic food, a Halloween costume contest, an opportunity raffle and auction featuring items such as an autographed guitar from country music star Clay Walker, along with the excitement that comes from supporting the generous spirit of Bakersfield’s teams, walkers and volunteers. We hope that you can join us!

Visit main.nationalMSsociety.org/WalkMSBAK for details or call 661.321.9512.

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ADVANCES IN MS CARE

Saturday, November 6, 2010 9:00 am - 2:00 pmPasadena Senior Center 85 E. Holly St. Pasadena This program is also the Chapter’s Annual Meeting.

Saturday, November 13, 20109:00 am - 12:00 pmMontecito County Club, Santa Rosa Room920 Summit Road, Santa Barbara

Sunday, January 23, 2011 Loma Linda location TBA

Saturday, January 29, 2011 Thousand Oaks location TBA

Saturday, February 5, 2011 Fresno location TBA

RESEARCH

The arrival of therapies that do not require regular injections greatly increases options – especially for people who are not doing well on their current drug or who have deep aversion to needles.

An informed choice

While oral drugs have long been a goal for researchers, the choice will not be quite as simple as putting down a needle and popping a pill. Gilenya is a powerful drug with potential side effects and risks as well as possibilities. The label carries warnings about these, including decreased heart rate after the first dose. The drug also increases risks of certain infections. In the clinical trials, two deaths from

herpes infections occurred in people who took Gilenya at a higher dose than the level that has been approved. A number of pretreatment tests will be required and people will be monitored for potential lowered heart rate for six hours following their first dose. On the up side, clinical trial data suggest that Gilenya has a stronger impact on reducing relapse rates than a standard drug, Avonex, and also delays accumulation of physical disability.

For more details, including Frequently Asked Questions, and references to the clinical trials, please visit nationalMSsociety.org or call us for a printed copy of the News Bulletin.

CONTINUED FROM FRONT COVER

Now is a very exciting time in the world of MS treatments and research, with the approval of Gilenya, additional oral medications nearing approval, CCSVI, and new symptom management drugs in the pipeline. Learn from leading MS experts about these advances, as well as current and future research trends.

Join us for an upcoming Advances in MS Care program in your neighborhood.

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RESEARCH

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSDEpRESSION AND MS Society-funded researchers Stefan M. Gold, PhD, Nancy Sicotte, MD (University of California, Los Angeles) and colleagues found evidence that depression is linked to brain volume loss in specific subregions of an area of the brain called the “hippocampus,” which is known to be important in memory. Tissue loss in this area was linked as well with abnormal secretion patterns of the stress-related hormone cortisol. The results warrant further study to determine any cause-effect relationship, but are an important clue to a symptom that can interfere greatly with the quality of life of people with MS. The results also hint that this shrinkage may be reversible with effective treatment of depression in MS.

ORAL CLADRIBINE This summer, EMD Serono announced that the FDA accepted and gave Priority Review to its application seeking approval to market cladribine as an oral disease-modifying therapy for relapsing forms of MS. A Priority Review means that the FDA will review the drug in less than the usual amount of time. This designation is given to drugs that offer major advances in treatment, or provide a treatment where no adequate therapy exists. The goal for completing a Priority Review is six months from when the application is submitted, meaning that the agency’s approval decision could happen in December 2010, but it might take longer.

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO pROGRESSIONIn a study of over 5,000 people with MS, researchers pinpointed motor symptoms at onset (such as

muscle stiffness known as spasticity) and male gender as factors associated with a faster progression from relapsing-remitting MS to secondary-progressive MS. Marcus Koch, MD (University Medical Centre Groningen, The Netherlands), Helen Tremlett, PhD (University of British Columbia) and colleagues report on the findings in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry. Researchers were funded by the National MS Society, the MS Society of Canada and others.

ASTHMA DRUG FOR MS A daily oral dose of the asthma drug albuterol, combined with daily subcutaneous injections of Copaxone® (glatiramer acetate, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd.), caused clinical improvement during the first year of a two-year study in 44 people with relapsing-remitting MS. It also caused more sustained benefit including delays in MS relapses and altered immune profiles. Larger clinical trials are needed to verify the value of albuterol as an add-on to other MS therapies.

Read more about these research highlights and additional news on promising treatments and advances at nationalMSsociety.org/news.

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RESEARCH

ExERCISE & COGNITIONUCLA and Cal State Northridge (CSUN) are looking for volunteers with MS for a 6-month study to see if persons with MS can tolerate a specific exercise program and if the exercise can improve their ability to think and remember. The study involves a 20-30 minute exercise session 3 times per week for 72 sessions and 4 additional sessions for assessments.

Researchers are looking for:

Men and Women 18-60 years •

Diagnosed with definite Relapsing Remitting or • Secondary Progressive MS

Have difficulty with thinking or memory •

Able to walk at least 25 feet with or without an • assistive device

You are not eligible for the study if you have a history of heart disease or cannot ride a stationary bicycle. You must not currently be having an MS exacerbation, or have had one within 3 months. You are not eligible for the study if you are currently being treated with chemotherapy or Tysabri®. The possible risks of participating in this study include shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, muscle soreness or increase in muscle tightness (spasticity).

This study is being conducted by Barbara Giesser, M.D., Clinical Professor, UCLA Department of Neurology.

If you are interested, please call Elise Herlihy, RN at 310.267.4077, for further information about participation at either location.

ESTRIOLUCLA is looking for women with relapsing remitting MS for a 24-month study to see if there are less relapses with the treatment of Copaxone injections plus oral estriol as compared to the treatment of Copaxone injections plus oral placebo. There will be no patients receiving only placebo in this trial. They will all receive Copaxone.

UCLA is looking for:

Women 18 - 50 years old •

Diagnosed with definite Relapsing Remitting • MS

Able to walk without any aids such as a cane or • walker

Had at least one relapse within the last 2 years •

You are not eligible for the study if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, smoke, or have other serious medical conditions. Previous treatment of Copaxone or an interferon (Avonex, Rebif, Betaseron) are allowed.

This study is being conducted by Rhonda Voskuhl, M.D., Professor, UCLA Department of Neurology.

If you are interested, call Allison Bamberg or Michael Montag at 310.794.4020 or 310.825.7313 for further information and a 20-minute telephone screening to determine initial eligiblity for the study.

Find additional clinical trials recruiting patients.

TRIALS RECRUITING pARTICIpANTS

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ADVOCACy

pRESCRIpTION pARITy

A collaborative effort between the Society, legislators, clinicians and other health organizations paid off in July when the Part D Off-label prescription Parity Act (H.R. 5732) was introduced into Congress. Sponsored by Representatives Mary Jo Kilroy (D-OH) and Mac Thornberry (R-TX), the bill is designed to allow coverage of medication prescribed for an off-label use when such use is supported by peer-reviewed medical literature—as is currently the standard in Medicare Part B and Part D for medications used to treat cancer.

Other Medicare consumers, including those with MS, are currently unable to access safe and effective medications under Part D because the program won’t cover off-label uses of drugs—that is, for uses not specifically approved by the FDA. Nonetheless, many doctors—using their professional judgment and information from the medical literature—do prescribe medications off-label to treat symptoms of MS. These include Provigil (modafinil) and Nuvigil (armodafinil) for fatigue, and Zofran (ondansetron) for tremor.

Without this change in policy, individuals will continue to be denied coverage for treatment that could vastly improve their quality of life. “Prohibition of medically necessary medicines reduces treatment options for patients and

compromises the private doctor-patient relationship,” said Linda Buchwald, MD, chief of neurology and medical director of the MS Comprehensive Care Center in Cambridge, Mass. “I want to be able to prescribe treatments that will be beneficial to my patients, at no unnecessary economic burden to them.”

MS REGISTRy In September, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1362, the National Neurological Diseases Surveillance System Act. For the past two years, MS activists have been working hard along with our partners in the Parkinson’s community to make this a reality.

This legislation will establish a national data surveillance system that will track and collect data on the epidemiology, incidence, prevalence, and other factors of neurological diseases, including MS and Parkinson’s. Currently, such a national coordinated system does not exist to collect data on MS. The development of a surveillance system will address this gap by gathering all existing data on the incidence and prevalence of MS in one location. As a result, this system could help uncover and inform promising areas of MS research such as: genetic and environmental risk factors, and support the discovery of disease therapies, treatments, and one day—a cure.

The Senate must now take action on S. 1273. We will be contacting you soon to ask you to continue your advocacy and urge your Senators to support passage of S. 1273 this Congress.

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EVENTS

MOSCOW BALLET NUTCRACkER The world-renowned Moscow Ballet touring company is bringing the Great Russian Nutcracker back to Bakersfield on Thursday, December 16, 2010 at 8:00 pm at the Majestic Fox Theater. The company will donate $5 from each ticket sold to the Chapter. Just use the promotion code “SOCIETY” at the box office when purchasing tickets.

The Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is now on its 17th annual tour, visiting over 70 cities in Canada and the U.S., including Bakersfield. You can purchase tickets by visiting the Fox Theater box office at 2001 H Street in Bakersfield. For more information, call 661.324.1369 or visit www.moscowballet.com.

BAkERSFIELD BOUTIqUE’S BUNCO A boutique that has been around Bakersfield for more than 60 years is hosting a bunco night on Tuesday, November 9 to benefit the Chapter. Every month, Christine’s hosts a game and donates all of the proceeds to a designated charity. For the first time, owner Lori Malkin has chosen the Southern California Chapter to receive funds.

Christine’s is located in the Stockdale Fashion Plaza at 4915 Stockdale Highway in Bakersfield. The store can accommodate up to 100 players. For $25, participants get food, drinks, and a chance to win Brighton accessories, all of which are donated by Christine’s. Visit the store to sign up, or call 661.834.3068 for more information,.

COMMUNITy EVENTS Thanks to the many volunteers and organizations who host community events to raise MS awareness and funds for the Chapter, including:

Tracy Austin & John Austin will present the 3rd annual Serve It Up to End MS on November 13 at the famed Jack Kramer Club in Rolling Hills Estates. Celebrities, professional tennis players and tennis enthusiasts from around the country will join together for this exciting event. The day begins with junior and adult tennis clinics, followed by the official Celebrity Pro-Am tournament, fantastic cocktail party, silent and live auctions, and awards ceremony. Funds raised will support direct services, provided by the National MS Society, Southern California Chapter.

Serve It Up to End MS is hosted by Ojakian Tennis, Inc. and co-chaired by Chris Ojakian & Iran Daniel, who created this event in honor of Chris’ father, brother and sister who are all living with this chronic, unpredictable disease. In 1980, John and Tracy Austin became the first brother-sister doubles

team to win Wimbledon, but in 2002, John faced a new battle off the court when he was diagnosed with MS. The Austin family has since joined with Serve It Up to End MS to help people, like John, who are living with the daily challenges of MS.

Celebrity tennis players this year include Gavin Rossdale, Sendhil Ramamurthy, Alan Thicke and others while Tracy Austin, Justin Gimelstob and Pam Shriver are among the tennis professionals playing. Wayne Bryan, father of the popular Bryan Brothers tennis duo, will emcee the day’s festivities.

Buy your tickets online at serveituptoendMS.org or call 310.479.4456.

SERVE IT Up TO END MS

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SpECIAL EVENTS

STALWART SUppORTERS

The Chapter is grateful to the following foundation and corporate contributors for $1,818,270 in grants awarded May 1—July 31, 2010:

$1,500,000, over three years, from the • Conrad N. Hilton Foundation for The Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement Center at UCLA

$250,000 from the • Airborne Cy pres Fund for Promise 2010

$26,050 from • Biogen Idec for Professional Education Programs

$14,220 from • Change A Life Foundation for the special needs of individuals with MS

$10,000 from the • San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for the Educational Scholarship Proram in the Inland Empire region

$5,000 from the • Confidence Foundation for Promise 2010

$5,000 from the • Wallis Foundation for the Optimal Wellness Program in Santa Barbara

$3,000 from the • Freeman E. Fairfield Foundation for the Rhoda Goetz Personal Care Program at HOPE at Hillcrest, the MS Wing of Hillcrest Care Center

$2,500 from • kaiser permanente/kern County for Optimal Living with MS in Kern County

$2,500 from the • Gerald Oppenheimer Family Foundation for the Eric Small Yoga Program

Ten years ago, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation provided the lead funding that enabled the Chapter and UCLA Department of Neurology to establish The Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement Center at UCLA. Since The Center first opened its doors in 2001, it has helped more than 500 people improve lifestyle habits, cognitive functioning, emotional health, and physical functioning. Hundreds more have been helped beyond The Center’s four walls through the replication of its successful program models across the country. This summer, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation awarded the Chapter a new $1.5 million grant, affording us the opportunity to continue The Center’s innovative and life-changing programming for the MS community.

“We are deeply grateful to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, and especially to its President,

Steve Hilton, who is a true champion in the MS Movement,” said Chapter President Leon LeBuffe. “The Center is a wonderful legacy befitting its namesake, Marilyn Hilton, and we look forward to building upon our successful partnership and to sustaining achievement for individuals who live with this debilitating disease,” he continued.

For more information about The Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement Center at UCLA, please call 310.267.4071 or visit www.MSAC.ucla.edu.

A LASTING LEGACy

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GOLDEN CIRCLE

FAST FORWARDFor the millions of people who have multiple sclerosis, the current eight FDA-approved drugs only work some of the time. Fast Forward, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the National MS Society, was established in 2007 to speed the deliver of treatments to people with MS by relieving the obstacles and reducing some of the financial threats affiliated with bringing drugs to market. Read more.

pOSITIVELy pEDALING TOWARD A CUREWhen Kathy Van Buskirk was diagnosed with MS in 1985, she was determined to not let the diagnosis control her life. With a positive outlook, a good dose of humor, and the support of her loving husband Dave, Kathy considered herself one of the lucky ones. Read more.

THE GREAT ESCApE: TEEN CAMpOn June 11-13 the Chapter hosted The Great Escape: Teen Camp at Pali Mountain for teenagers with MS. Fourteen campers, ages 12-18 participated in a fun-filled weekend that provided an opportunity to openly discuss their personal experiences living with MS. Read more.

Read these articles and other donor stories in the latest edition of the Golden Circle Newsletter.

To learn more about the Golden Circle campaign and how you can contribute, please visit us online or contact Elicia Lopez, Development Director, at 310.479.4456 ext. 111 or elicia.lopez@nmss.org.

GOLDEN CIRCLE

Dave & Kathy Van Buskirk

10,0000Compounds 1 Drug

Funding Gap

250Compounds

5Compounds

Stage 1 Drug Discovery

Stage 2 Preclinical

Stage 3 Clinical Trials

Stage 4 FDA Review

Capital MarketsNMSS/NIH

6 yrs6.5 yrs

COST = $800M - $1B

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FUNDRAISING

Melanie Grisanti and Gordon McLeod are proud of the contribution they have made by supporting the Grisanti Respite Care fund through the Society’s Golden Circle campaign. As Melanie shared, “My father, Frank Grisanti, knew the importance of primary caregivers getting respite. My mother, Dorothy, had MS and he lovingly cared for her during the course of her illness. Even though my mom’s multiple sclerosis greatly progressed in her later years, she celebrated her life and family everyday; and my dad was always there for her showing love, kindness and patience

for his “bride”. …We are happy to provide part of the funding that makes this special program—my father’s legacy—a reality for families who are impacted by multiple sclerosis.”

The Southern California Chapter’s permanent donor wall honors many generous individuals, families, foundations and corporations that have directly helped people with MS. Meet a few of the Society’s Benefactors online, who have contributed $250,000 to $499,999.

Dorothy & Frank GrisantiJuly 14, 1952

LAWRY CIRCLELet us know of your intention to help create a better future for the MS community through your will, trust or estate plan. The Lawry Circle, named for Society founder Sylvia Lawry, recognizes and honors people who have demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the lives of those with MS by establishing a deferred gift for the Society.

For more information on the Lawry Circle or additional planned giving opportunities, please contact Kate McIntosh, Vice President of Development at 310.479.4456 or 800.344.4867 or kate.mcintosh@nmss.org.

MEET THE SOCIETy’S BENEFACTORS

kERN WALL OF HONOREES The Chapter has a new way to recognize those in Kern County who have joined the movement to create a world free of MS, and it is all thanks to a local Boy Scout. Cameron Califf, whose mother has MS, wanted to earn the Boy Scout’s highest award, and help the Society at the same time. So he created a board that honors the area’s grantmakers, Walk MS elite teams and top 100 fundraisers, Golden Circle members, and volunteers. The board, which is now on display at the Kern County office of the National MS Society in Bakersfield, was the second part of Califf’s Eagle Scout project. The first consisted of designing and creating signs that are now being used to promote the Society during MS Awareness Week.

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FUNDRAISING

Let it snow all over Southern California this year with the Holiday Tributes & Memorial campaign. The holiday season in right around the corner, time to get together with your loved ones, gather around the fire, and eat some freshly baked cookies. Why send your loved ones a regular holiday card when you can also send them a wonderful cookie cutter gift set as well?

Through the Holiday Tributes & Memorial campaign, we will not only send a special personalized holiday card to the honoree(s) but also a beautiful snowflake cookie cutter gift and a sugar cookie recipe card. This delightful gesture requires a minimum donation of $25 per card, which includes

all shipping and handling costs. Your donation to the Tributes & Memorials campaign shows your loved ones you care and moves us closer toward a world free of MS.

The Tributes & Memorials campaign is also a perfect way to tell your loved ones happy birthday, congratulations, or send get well wishes.

To make a gift or learn more about the Society’s Holiday Tributes & Memorials campaign visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/calTM or contact Jasmine Tsai at 310.479.4456 ext. 106.

LET IT SNOW! TRIBUTES & MEMORIALS

Washington Irving once said “great minds have purposes, others have wishes.” Instead of wishing for the cure we, are all actively doing our part to make it a reality. Our collective purpose is to find a cure of multiple sclerosis.

By joining the 1946 Society you can help our purpose and make a difference in the MS community. With your help we will be able to fund life-changing programs and services and cutting-edge research. Please, help us make this wish into a reality.

Join the 1946 Society today. It’s simple – all you have to do is make monthly gifts of $19.46 or any amount ending in 9.46 (e.g. $29.46, $59.46, $149.46, etc.). Plus, when you become a member of the 1946 Society, we’ll send you a one-of-kind Society tote bag as a thank you for making this important step toward a world free of MS.

Sign up today on the Society’s website at www.nationalMSsociety.org/cal1946society. Click on “Join Now” and complete the membership form. Or call Jasmine Tsai at 310.479.4456 ext. 106 to join or make a gift by phone.

pURpOSE1946 SOCIETy

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2440 S. Sepulveda blvd., Suite 115Los Angeles, CA 90064

Southern California Chapter 2440 S. Sepulveda Boulevard, Suite 115 Los Angeles, CA 90064 310.479.4456, 800.344.4867 www.nationalMSsociety.org/cal

Channel Islands Office 14 West Valerio Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805.682.8783 San Luis Obispo Office 805.772.2046

Inland Empire Office 869 E. Foothill Boulevard, Suite I Upland, CA 91786 909.949.1363

Coachella Valley Office 73-710 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 103 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.776.5740

Antelope & Santa Clarita Valley Office 1669 West Avenue J, Suite 309 Lancaster, CA 93534 661.945.9111

Kern County Office 1800 30th Street, Suite 105 Bakersfield, CA 93301 661.321.9512

San Joaquin Valley Office 7472 N. Fresno Street, Suite 210 Fresno, CA 93720 559.439.2154