MS Connection Fall 2012

MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS | VOLUME 5• EDITION 1

GEORGIA CHAPTER

In this Issue:

Road of a Researcher Page 8

Communicating MS with Children Page 4

MuckRuckus MS: Atlanta's Inaugural Year! See Page 12

New Faces at the Georgia Chapter

Page 3

2 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

1-800-344-4867PUbLICATION OF THE NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY Georgia Chapter • 1117 Perimeter Center West, Ste. E101 • Atlanta, GA 30338

Chairman • William J. Holley II

Secretary • Diane Flannery

Treasurer • Keith Keller

Chapter President • Roy A. Rangel

Connections Editor • Jared Miley

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, 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.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society ‘s mission is to mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS.

© 2012 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Georgia Chapter

Are you looking for a Self Help Group or Peer Supporter

in your community?

Whether you just received a diagnosis of MS or have been living with it for a long time, the National MS Society, GA Chapter has great programs available to you where you can find support and experienced-based tips on how to live a productive and happy life with MS.

Self Help Groups meet regularly for educa-tional and social purposes, allowing mem-bers to express feelings and provide support to one another. Members share a belief that positive personal change can happen through individual effort with the support of others.

Peer Supporters are trained individuals living with MS, or are a family member of some-one living with MS. Via the telephone, our Peer Supporters offer information, compan-ionship, emotional support and encourage-ment to peers living with MS.

There is no cost to participate in a Self-Help Group or Peer Support Program.

To request services or if you are interested in starting a Self-Help Group or becoming a Peer Supporter, call the Georgia Chapter Office at 1-800-344-4867 or e-mail Stepha-nie at [email protected]

See complete listing of Self Help Groups in Georgia on Page 17

TOLL FREE NUMbER 1 800 344 4867 | 3

Georgia Chapter Welcomes Alix Moore,Bike MS Development Manager

&Kaitlynn Bobik, Master's of Social Work Intern

GEORGIA CHAPTER

"My name is Kaitlynn Bobik, and I am a student intern joining The Na-tional MS Society for the 2012- 2013 school year! I graduated in May 2012 with my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Georgia State Uni-versity, and I am currently working towards obtaining my Master’s Degree in Social Work (also from Georgia State University). The concentration of my work in the Master’s program will focus on community partnerships.

I am thrilled to have been offered the opportunity to work with and learn from the National MS Society regarding how they build strong, last-ing collaborative partnerships-- not only with corporations and service delivery institutions, but also with their vast client and volunteer bases. Through my time here, I know that I will be able to see how The Society advances the needs and capacities of the community they serve by promoting social and economic justice, while maximiz-ing human potential.

I look forward to meeting all of you at the wonderful events that the National MS Society has planned for this year!"- Kaitlynn

Alix Moore recently joined the Special Events team as the Bike MS Development Manager. Alix is a native of the Atlanta area and was previously employed with United Way. She will be working with teams, top fundraisers, and event marketing for Bike MS which will enable the Chapter to expand our mission in raising critical funds to find a cure. We are so excited to have her here! Welcome, Alix!Feel free to reach out to Alix at 678.501.6623 or [email protected].


NEWLY DIAGNOSED

NEWLY DIAGNOSED

HOW I COMMUNICATE ABOUT MS WITH MY CHILDRENBY JULIE STACHOWIAK, PHD

I have twin girls who are now six years old. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis a couple of years before they were born, so it has always been present in our little family. I guess there was never a question about whether or not to share my MS status with them — it was too big to hide.

One of my fi rst memories of the girls really understanding that I wasn’t entirely well was when I had been reduced to tears by some incident.

One of my small daughters came to where I was sitting on the ground with my head in my hands and adjusted my collar, saying, “Here you go, Mommy. I’ll take care of you.”

Th e experts will tell you (and I can confi rm) that young children pick up when a parent is not feeling well. Child psychologists will tell you that this can manifest as increased clinginess, regression in terms of speech or potty-training progress, or reversion to younger behavior (such as needing a pacifi er). Older children may get worried that something terrible is happening — that their parent will die, that they will die, that they did something bad and whatever is going on is all their fault. Th is may turn into sleeping issues or nightmares, withdrawing emotionally, or acting out at school.

Th ose same experts say that we should answer all questions about our MS honestly and directly, adjusting information as they get older. Th at might, or might not, work for you. I know that some people choose to keep their MS from their children until they reach a certain age or something happens where it must be revealed. Th ese parents may feel they are protecting their children from the pervasive worry of having a sick parent.

I think that it is an individual choice. We all have to make our own way as parents. I can’t tell you what to do — I cannot tell you that you must be open about your MS with your children.

Th e only thing I can tell you with 100 percent clarity is that it is impossible to show your children too much love. JULIE STACHOWIAK WITH HER TWO DAUGHTERS


NEWLY DIAGNOSED

As far as my situation goes, I have chosen to be very open with my daughters (in an age-appropriate way). I tell them when I am tired and I tell them when I feel better and I make sure that we do something fun and active during those times. We discuss MS and I have tried to explain to them what is happening in my brain. Th ey know that I don’t like it when music is too loud or when we’ve been outside in the sun for too long.

AS FAR AS MY SITUATION GOES, I HAVE CHOSEN TO BE VERY OPEN WITH MY DAUGHTERS ... I TELL THEM WHEN I FEEL BET-TER AND I MAKE SURE THAT WE DO SOMETHING FUN AND ACTIVE DUR-ING THOSE TIMES.

I won’t say that I have handled it perfectly. I have seen one of my daughters looking at me with a furrowed brow too many times, while the other one may come into my bedroom with “night-mares,” when I suspect she really just wants to check on me. However, I do think that they are considerate, gentle and compassionate. Th ey seem slightly less self-centered than some of their classmates. Th ey are not afraid of people who are different — we have friends with Down syndrome, who use wheelchairs and who are hooked up to oxygen. My girls don’t seem to see any of it, just the person whom they want

to tell about their Halloween costume or their newest toy. I’m proud of that.

Diagnosed with MS in 2003, Julie Stachowiak, PhD, is the author of The Multiple Sclerosis Manifesto and www.ms.about.com.

Originally published at www.blog.nationalMSsociety.org.

SOCIETY RESOURCES FOR FAMILIESTh e Society’s “Family Matters” Web page at www.nationalMSsociety.org/FamilyMatters contains links to helpful brochures, programs and resources.

Each issue of Keep S’myelin has fun, engaging activities to help parents and children learn about and discuss MS together. Go to www.nationalMSsociety.org/keepsmyelin for back issues and subscription information.

Search for and download Society brochures Plaintalk — A Booklet about MS for Families for information on talking about MS with family members and Someone You Know Has MS for children at www.nationalMSsociety.org.

Join the online “Family Matters” community at www.MSconnection.org.

Watch the Society video “Parenting with MS” at www.youtube.com/watch?v=V93TG_0LJiA.


LIVING WITH MS

LIVING WITH MS

COMMIT TO EAT WELLTake control of your health, starting with a commitment to eat well. Here are some suggestions for how to do that from the Can Do MS sta� and Andrea Glenn, a Society volunteer diagnosed with MS in 2003.

always have breakfast. People who skip meals tend to overeat later.

ahead of time so you don’t give in to temptations.

every day. Add leafy dark greens to your lunch. Snack on raw fruit and vegetables such as carrots, apples or celery.

meals are large enough to feed two people. Take half home for lunch the next day, or split an entrée with someone else.

grain bread and whole grain cereals.

every day, such as 1% milk or yogurt.

to saturated fats and trans fats.

your goals for better eating. It helps to be accountable to someone else.

thing you eat will help you better evaluate whether you’ve improved your food habits.

NUTRITION TIPS FOR MANAGING FATIGUE

tablespoon of peanut butter, handful of

example, save half your lunch and eat the rest three hours later.

as a cheese stick or peanut butter, can help you be more alert.

increase fatigue.

restless sleep and increased anxiety.Visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/diet for links to recent research, recipes and articles, brochures, videos and more.

Southern New York Chapter’s MS Connection.


bIKE MS

THank you for parTicipaTing in THis year's evenT!

over 1300 cyclisTs regisTered300 volunTeers

nearly $1,000,000 raised

save THe daTe for Bike Ms coX aTlanTa ride 2013

sepTeMBer 14-15, 2013

Don't just ride, Bike MS


RESEARCH

RESEARCH

THE ROAD OF A RESEARCHERBY MARCELLA DURAND

Richard Ransohoff , MD, began his long research career with a Harry Weaver Neuroscience Award from the National MS Society.

“Th ere wouldn’t have been a career, otherwise,” he says. “I had no research track record — the Society really took a chance on me.”

It was a chance that paid off big time. Dr. Ransohoff ’s research into the role of “chemokines,” messenger proteins that play a role in the immune system, may lead to new MS therapies. For his groundbreaking research, he was chosen by his peers as the 2012 John Dystel Prize recipient. Th e prize is given jointly by the Society and the American Academy of Neurology.

THE ROLE OF CHEMOKINESIn 1993, not too long after he received the Weaver Award, Dr. Ransohoff made the discov-ery that chemokines played an important role in MS.

He and a colleague, Mari Tani, MD, at the Cleveland Clinic had been studying mice with EAE, an MS-like disease, when they found that astrocytes, a type of brain cell, were producing

chemokines that attracted immune cells to the mice’s brains. “It was like the disease process sat up and talked to us,” he remembers. His team then went on to study chemokines in immune cells from people with MS, where they found chemokine receptors on many of the cells involved in the immune attack.

PAVING THE WAYDr. Ransohoff also showed that chemokines may actually help determine whether nervous system repair occurs during the course of MS. By deactivating a chemokine receptor called “CXCR2,” he found that the development of myelin-making cells was improved.

“Th e insights that Dr. Ransohoff ’s discoveries have provided could ultimately pave the way for the development of a new class of drugs in MS based on chemokines,” said Benjamin M. Segal, MD, one of the nominators of Dr. Ran-sohoff for the Dystel Prize.

With a research grant from the Society, Dr. Ransohoff is now studying cell types with and without chemokine receptors to clarify how these cells participate in tissue damage and — with an eye toward developing a future thera-py to stop disease activity — tissue repair. He also is returning the Society’s long-ago gesture of trust by mentoring young researchers and teaching them how to talk about their discoveries. “Th e theoretical and conceptual side of science is invisible unless you communicate it,” he says. n

Marcella Durand is the associate editor of Momentum, the Society’s national magazine


DIY FUNDRAISING

Over 300 golfers attended the 8th annual Georgia Wireless Association Golf Tourna-ment at Chataeu Elan

3rd grader, Adam Arkin hosted his very own haunted house and raised over $200 for MS.

Bike MS top fundraisers, Dan and Jeanne Yuhaschek hosted "MS Concert for a Cure" featuring local ris-ing country music star, Angela Reign.

Congratulations to all of our of Do-It-Yourself fundraisers! In 2012, DIY fundraisers raised over $150,000

Here a few photos from recent DIY events


ADVOCACY

ADVOCACYMS ACTIVISTS

SUCCEED IN 2012BY RENEE VANDLIK

Together on the frontline, the National MS Society and MS activists nationwide connect with decision makers, work with like-minded partners and create change to impact the greatest number of people possible. As a united MS Movement, we want to do something about MS now. Here are our 2012 federal and state successes that show what can be achieved by MS activists.

FEDERAL SUCCESSES MS activists…

• Added an aggressive form of MS to qualify for the “Compassionate Allowances Initiative” at the Social Security Administration. Th is will allow people with MS who qualify to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) quicker than the average applicant.

• Established new federal funding avenues that have yielded over $20 million for MS research.

• Introduced legislation that would allow Medicare Part D to cover off -label drugs for people living with MS.

• Promoted awareness and importance of a wide range of caregiving initiatives for the

people who care for people with MS. Th is included advocating for increased funding for and reauthorization of the Lifespan Respite Care Program, which improves access to quality respite for family caregivers, and supporting the introduction of legislation to support Adult Day Achievement Centers.

• Promoted increased awareness of MS on Capitol Hill by hosting legislative briefi ngs and national recognition of MS Awareness Week.

• Formed and continued to grow the fi rst Congressional MS Caucus in the Senate and the House of Representatives. More than 25 percent of representatives in both chambers has shown their commitment to developing policy solutions for people with MS by joining the Caucus.

STATE AND COMMUNITY SUCCESSES • Several states across the United States

addressed the cost of MS disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) through legislative

TOLL FREE NUMbER 1 800 344 4867 | 11

ADVOCACY

action. Louisiana and Texas contained the

cost of DMTs during a contract period and require transparency in pricing. A Maine state law prohibits prescription drug pricing that exceeds the dollar amount for non-preferred brand drugs, while Delaware made recommendations to limit increasing prescription drug costs. A Vermont state law will limit out-of-pocket prescription drug expenses, while Virginia is examining the issue. Th ese actions build upon a 2010 New York law to prohibit co-insurance pricing for prescription drugs. Co-insurance pricing is a rapidly growing insurance practice that requires the consumer to pay a percentage of a medication’s cost, rather than a fi xed co-payment.

• Rhode Island secured 13 new accessible taxis to serve 17 communities.

• New Hampshire, Illinois and Missouri strengthened accessible parking laws in various ways, including imposing fi nes for blocking access aisles and requiring more accessible parking spaces for vans.

• Colorado, Connecticut and Virginia

provided utility coverage for people with medical conditions who would be adversely impacted by discontinuation of services.

• Kansas, Missouri, Ohio and Virginia aim to create or preserve state income tax credits for accessible home modifi cations that maintain independence.

• New Jersey created an MS Task Force, charged with developing strategies to identify and address the unmet needs of people with MS in the state.

• Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and South Carolina off er state license plates with the MS logo to raise awareness of the disease.

• State tax forms in Delaware, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin now off er a voluntary designation to benefi t MS. To date, more than $1 million has been raised.

• Illinois passed legislation to amend the Illinois Lottery Law and off er instant scratch-off tickets, so far raising more than $3.9 million for MS research.

As MS activists, we want everyone on the frontline with us. To eff ect change in our area, join the MS Activist network at www.nationalMSsociety.org/advocacy or call us. Share your personal stories with us and policy makers to create understanding, engagement and action.

Renee Vandlik is the Society’s director of State Government and Local Government Relations.


MUCKRUCKUS MS

Over 300 Participants

raised more than $70,000

TOLL FREE NUMbER 1 800 344 4867 | 13

MUCKRUCKUS MS

Thank you to all of our Sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor

Gold & Silver Sponsors

Civil Site Services, Inc

Bronze & Challenge Sponsors


PROGRAMS

The topics you want. The convenience you need. Learn about MS NOW.

Register Today by calling 1-800-344-4867 or visiting www.nationalMSsociety.org/gaa

November 28, 2012, 6:30pm-7:30pm ESTInvisible Symptoms

Learn more about the "invisible" symptoms of MS such as pain, fatigue and cognitive issues, and how to manage these symptoms effectively.

December 12, 2012, 6:30pm-7:30pm ESTMS: A Family Affair

Address the challenges for both the individual and family living with MS and effective strategies for coping with these challenges

and developing a healthier lifestyles.

January 8, 2013, 7:30pm-8:30pm ESTHow to be an Effective MS Activist

Learn how you can become more engaged in the National MS Society movement.

Activism is for everyone and we can help you find your voice!

2012-13 TELECONFERENCE SCHEDULE- MARK YOUR CALENDARS

TOLL FREE NUMbER 1 800 344 4867 | 15

PROGRAMS

The topics you want. The convenience you need. Learn about MS NOW.

Register Today by calling 1-800-344-4867 or visiting www.nationalMSsociety.org/gaa

April 9, 2013, 7:30pm-8:30pm ESTManaging the Symptoms of MS

To help you understand what MS is, the types of symptoms it can cause, and ways it can effect your quality of life. Having some basic facts will help you

feel better prepared to deal with whatever comes along.

July 9, 2013, 7:30pm-8:30pm ESTRiding the MS Emotional Roller-Coaster

A look at MS and its common emotional changes including: depression, irri-tability, anger, and anxiety. We will discuss the different strategies available

for managing the impact of the "MS emotional roller-coaster".

September 10, 2013, 7:30pm-8:30pm ESTResearch: "Where are We Now, Where are We Going?"

Find out what is happing in MS research, and what is on the horizon. You will learn about new treatments that have come on the market within the

last year and how to connect with clinical trials.

2012-13 TELECONFERENCE SCHEDULE- MARK YOUR CALENDARS


WALK MS

Margy, diagnosed in 2006WALK MS: 2013REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

If you have any questions regarding Walk MS, please contact Laurie Palmer, Walk MS Development Manager

at (678) 501-6631 or [email protected].

Walk to Create a World Free oF Multiple SCleroSiS

Be inSpired. Get ConneCted. Walk MS.Walk MS connects people living with MS and those who care about them. It is an experience unlike any other — a day to come together, to celebrate the progress we’ve made and to show the power of our connections. Find the walk nearest you.

reGiSter to Walk or volunteer today: walkMSgeorgia.org or 1.800.344.4867.

TOLL FREE NUMbER 1 800 344 4867 | 17

Metro Atlanta Based Self-Help Groups: African Americans with MS Self-Help Group Contact: JoAnn: (404)-932-2662 Berean Seventh Day Adventist Church 291 H.E. Holmes Drive Atlanta, GA Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 3 pm -5 pm Atlanta Women's Self-Help Group Contact: Kristin (404)-351-0205 {ext. 110} MS Center of Atlanta 3200 Downwood Circle Suite 550 Atlanta, GA Meets the 4th Tuesday of every month from 6:30 pm-8 pm (no meetings in November or December) Decatur Self-Help Group Contact: O.J. (770)-256-2516 Green Forest Community Baptist Church 23250 Rainbow Road Decatur, GA 30030 When do we meet? Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 10 am-12 pm Lawrenceville Women's Self-Help Group Contact: Karen (678)-975-7167 McKendree Methodist Church 1570 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd Lawrenceville, GA 30043 Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 10:30 am-12 pm MS Institute at Shepard Self-Help Group: “S.H.E.P.S” Contact: Kate (404)-402-0368 MS Institute at Shepherd 2020 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 10 am-12 pm

Perimeter Atlanta Area: “Dine and Discuss:” Partners and Spouses Information and Share Group” Contact: Jan (404)-579-6782 LA Madeleine-Perimeter 1165 Perimeter Center West Atlanta, GA Meets the 2nd Thursday of every month from 7 pm-8:30 pm Snellville Self-Help Group Contact: Vicki (770)-978-1517 Emory Eastside Medical Center 1700 Medical Way SW Snellville, GA Meets the 4th Saturday of every month from 10 am-12 pm

Outside Metro Atlanta Based Self-Help Groups: Albany Self-Help Group Contact: Janet (229)-435-2517 Phoebe Putney NW Conference Center 2336 Dawson Road Albany, GA Meets the 1st Monday of every month from 6 pm- 8 pm Albany -African American Self-Help Group Contact: Colette (229)-395-4150 Chosen to Conquer, Inc. 1120 W. Broad Avenue Suite C-1. Albany, GA 31707 Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 12 pm-2 pm Athens MS Family Contact: (706)-353-0606 Athens Neurological Associates 1086A Baxter Street Athens, GA Meets the 3rd Thursday of every other month from 6 pm- 7 pm in Jan, Mar, May, July, Sept and Nov

Self-Help Groups Georgia


Augusta MS Self-Help Group Contact: Erin (706)-721-1411 Georgia Health Sciences - MS Center 6th Floor 1120 15th Street Augusta, GA Meets the last Monday of every month from 6 pm - 7:30 pm

Cartersville “Bartow County Self-Help Group” Contact: Towanda (770)-687-1663 650 Henderson Dr. Cartersville, GA Meets the 4th Thursday of every month from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Camilla Self-Help Group “Mitchell County MS Self-Help Group” Contact: Lucas (229)-224-5979 Mitchell County Hospital-Community Room 90E. Stephens Street Camilla, GA Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6 pm-7 pm

Columbus, Georgia- “Chattahoochee Valley Self-Help Group” (Currently under construction) Cumming Self-Help Group Contact: Anthony “Tony” Franklin (678)-455-4139 Northside Forsyth Hospital 1400 Doctor Bldg. Cumming, GA Meets the 1st Saturday of every month from 10 am-12 pm Douglasville Self-Help Group Contact: Stephanie (770)-577-0408 First Presbyterian Church Parlor Room Douglasville, GA Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month from 7 pm - 8:30 pm Macon Self-Help Group - Hope Floats Self-Help Group Contact: Marty (478)-742-9011 Pine gate 300 Charter Blvd Macon, GA Meets the last Monday of every month from 6 pm-8 pm

Newton County Self-Help Group Contact : Jean (678)-346-0740 OR (724)-822-8507 Newton General Hospital Auditorium Covington, GA Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from September to May from 7 pm - 8:30 pm Peachtree City: “Let's Lunch: MS Group for Working Professionals” Contact: Lynn (612)-655-9901 or [email protected] Atlanta Bread Company Peachtree City, GA 30269 Meets one Saturday per month from 11 am to 1 pm (call Lynn for specific dates) Thomaston Self-Help Group-“T.A.M.S. Self-Help Group” Contact: Sherry (706)-472-3273 OR (706)-975-9762 American Pie Pizzeria of Thomaston 710 N. Church Street Thomaston, GA Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month from 12:30 pm-2 pm Thomasville MS Self-Help Group Contact: Mike (229)-346-9746 Plaza Restaurant-Thomasville, GA Meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 6 pm -- 8 pm Valdosta MS Self Help Group Contact: Barbara (229)- 247-7792 Smith Northview Hospital-4810 North Valdosta Road Valdosta, GA Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm Vidalia Self-Help Group “Looking Good Self-Help Group” Contact: Paula (912)-538-0142 Tree House 723 North Street W. Highway 292 Vidalia Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every other month from 7 pm-9 pm Co-Leader is Tony Walmsley. 478-279-9343

TOLL FREE NUMbER 1 800 344 4867 | 19

Waleska Self Help Group Contact: Jennifer (352)-231-3351 Cherokee Outdoor Family YMCA. G. Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA 151 Waleska St. Canton, GA 30114 Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6 pm-7:30 pm ***Start Date TBD*** Warner Robins Self-Help Group – “Middle GA Self-Help Group” Contact: Michelle (478)-335-4675 Houston Medical Center, LL, North Tower 1601 Watson Blvd. Warner Robins, GA Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Woodstock MS Self-Help Group Contact: Zaida (770)-485-4226 St. Michael the Archangel Church 490 Arnold Mill Rd. Woodstock, GA 30188 Meets the 3rd Saturday of every month from 11 am-1 pm (No meetings in July or August) This group starts its meetings with a short opening prayer

Savannah, Georgia Based Self-Help Groups: Pooler Self-Help Group –“Pooler’s Positive Movers and Shakers: MS Share & Support Group” Contact: Andraya: (912)-658-9629 or [email protected] ***The time and location for this group is TBD*** Please contact Andraya for additional information. Savannah Self-Help Group –“PRYME” Contact: Virginia (912)-355-5832, [email protected] One of the rooms in St. Joseph Hospital. For more information, contact Virginia. Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6 pm Please call Virginia to confirm location and meeting dates. Telephone Based Self-Help Group: Statesboro Supports Contact: Carolyn: (912)-531-0416 ***This is a telephone support group. Please contact Carolyn for additional information.

***The National MS Society is a secular organization, welcoming those of every faith, and those that espouse none. ***

Please contact the Self-Help Group leaders prior to attending a group meeting to assure that the meeting time, date, and location are accurate. Groups occasionally change their meeting schedules to participate in other National MS Society events. Please note, our Self Help Group leaders are volunteers who have been trained by the National MS Society. They are not necessarily licensed mental health providers. Please respect their role as a volunteer and contact them during reasonable hours of 8am-8pm. If you are facing an immediate crisis please dial 911. For more information on attending Self-Help Groups or starting Self-Help Groups in your community please call 678-672-1000 OR 1-800-FIGHTMS.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

City, STPermit # (No.)

Georgia Chapter

1117 Perimeter Center West, Suite E101Atlanta, GA 30338

Traveler's Insurance's 7th Annual MS Golf ChallengeRaises over $63,000 for MS

Traveler's hosted their 7th annual MS Golf Challenge on October 10 at the East Alpharetta Golf Course. Over the past 7 years, this tournament has raised

nearly $500,000 for the National MS Society to support research and pro-grams and services for people with multiple sclerosis.

Documents

MS Connection Fall 2012