FALL 2014 ARIZONA Chapter
MS Connection Newsletter
walk ms 2013
INSIDE 3 THIS ISSUE:
arizona advocacy
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self help & research support focus groups
2014 walk ms events
money matters
shoppers’ rewards program
ALK
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MS connection: fall 2014
FROM the chapter president
NMSS
BIKE
CHALLENGE
welcome new board members
We are proud to announce the appointment of two new Board members to the Arizona Chapter Board of Directors.
take your involvement to the next level. Join in as an event participant, volunteer or donor!
Connect with us online at: arizonaMS.org facebook.com/arizonaMS twitter.com/AZMSSociety instagram/arizonaMS
on the cover: Walk MS 2013 Walk Team
Travis Beeman is a Senior Manager at KPMG with more than 15 years of professional experience. Over the last decade, Travis has served in the Phoenix, Arizona office and has provided financial statement assurance services to a variety of clients from small start-up companies to multibillion-dollar global organizations. Travis is a Licensed Certified Public Accountant and holds Bachelor of BA from the University of New Mexico. Previously he served on the Arizona Technology Council, as a Board Member of Childsplay, Inc., and the Downtown Tempe Community. Peter Arceo is the Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resorts. An industry leader with over 20 years of first-hand casino and hospitality industry experience having held positions in Native American, private, and publicly traded companies. With a diversified background that includes working with some of the most notable names in the gaming industry, his specialties include strategic planning and analysis, marketing, property operations, and information technology. Peter holds an MBA from the University of Southern California (USC) and a Bachelors of Science from University Nevada Las Vegas. Welcome aboard!
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aDVOCACY
a day AT THE arizona CAPITOL It’s time to get involved in MS Activism! Each year the Arizona chapter brings individuals impacted by multiple sclerosis to the Arizona State Capitol to participate in the “MS Day at the Capitol” action day. Participants utilize scheduled meetings with their elected representatives to share their stories of life with MS and urge their legislator to support issues to important to the MS community. This year’s Day at the Capitol will be even more exciting because of the creation of the Ad Hoc Committee on MS Education & Awareness. The committee, comprised of appointed individuals with a vested interest in many aspects of the MS community, will work to make improvements in the lives of those impacted by MS in Arizona. To learn more about MS Day at the Capitol or to register to attend, please contact Erika at (480)455-3959 or erika.edholm@nmss.org.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Arizona Chapter 5025 E. Washington St., Ste. 102 Phoenix, AZ 85034 1-800-344-4867 Chairman: Marion Kelly Chapter President: Jim Elfline Layout: April Nielsen © 2014 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Arizona Chapter
Prep Workshop
Monday, February 23, 2015 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Disability Empowerment Center 5025 E. Washington St. Or available by phone
Day at the Capitol
Tuesday, February 24, 2015 9AM – 3PM Arizona Capitol Museum Historic Supreme Court 1700 W. Washington St.
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 Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The Society assumes no liability for the use or contents of any product or service mentioned.
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MS connection: fall 2014
in memoriam
fond remembrance of lynn hartline One of Lynn’s favorite activities was passing out stuffed animals, specifically MS Bears, to children along the Bike MS routes. For the first few years of her riding career, she would toss stuffed animals to kids from the back of a tandem. She would admit that sometimes she would toss two at the same time because “my aim isn’t that great and the kids love it”.
Lynn Hartline’s life is best defined by exceptional kindness, unselfish giving, and an unconditional love for her children. Everything she did was ultimately about “making memories” with her family and friends. Even though Lynn was a single mom with three children of her own, her home was always open to other kids who needed a strong shoulder, a sympathetic ear, or simply a hug to make it through difficult times. She was “mom” to many kids as they grew up. Lynn was also an avid cyclist and a loyal rider in Bike MS rides in California and Arizona. She was often a Top Fundraiser and truly enjoyed riding to find a cure for MS. She also rode in other charity rides to help support those organizations’ efforts.
Tragically, on May 17, 2014, Lynn was fatally injured in a cycling accident during a Bike MS. She died a few hours later surrounded by love. Lynn’s family would like to thank the riders in the Bike MS for the cards, letters, and prayers they received after the accident. They were also very touched by the number of riders who left their riding medals at the location of the accident. Some of those medals are hanging on Lynn’s “Ghost Bike” which was erected at the accident site. Lynn is survived by her three children, one grandchild, her mother, her brother, and an extended family. n
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nationalmssociety.org | 1-800-344-4867
supporting the mission
big cheers for our Volunteers
Come one, come all and join the National MS Society-Arizona Chapter for some awesome volunteer opportunities this fall.
WALK MS
We are currently looking for amazing volunteers for our fall Walks. Volunteering at our Walks is a great way to get connected to the National MS Society and give back to your local community. Here are the dates of our upcoming Walks:
October:
October 11, 2014 - Walk MS: West Valley October 18, 2014 - Walk MS: Prescott October 25, 2014 - Walk MS: East Valley
November:
November 1, 2014 - Walk MS: Phoenix For more information about volunteering for Walk MS, please visit our website www.walkMSarizona.org.
INTERNS
Interested in learning more about how our events and/or programs are produced and executed? Need credit for school*? Then become a National MS Society-Arizona Chapter Intern. We have intern positions available in our Development (Walk MS and Bike MS) and Programs and Services departments.
Internship positions will provide detailed knowledge into the inner workings of a national non-profit and a lasting impact on the lives of Arizonans living with MS. For more information about interning and to be connected to the correct department, please contact our Office Administrator, Chris at 480-455-3957 or Christine.vanhalderen@nmss.org. * Intern positions for school credit will begin in the Spring Semester of 2015.
VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTERCOMING SOON!
We will soon feature a brand new Volunteer Newsletter! This email newsletter will contain all of our chapter’s volunteer opportunities for the months to come. This newsletter is a great way to stay in-the-know of our local events and programs. If you are interested in signing up for the new Volunteer Newsletter, please email Chris Van Halderen (christine.vanhalderen@nmss.org) your contact information and we will ensure you start receiving this monthly up-date.
A huge thanks to all of our AMAZING VOLUntEERS!
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MS connection: fall 2014
living well with MS
self help groups
CENTRAL PHOENIX (DAY)
2nd Monday of the month, 10 AM First United Methodist Church 5510 N. Central Ave. Contact Judy: (602) 953-9180
EAST VALLEY
3rd Thursday of the month, 10 AM Grace United Methodist Church 2024 E. University Dr., #502 Contact Deb: (480) 890-1488
GILBERT - Active with MS
4th Wednesday of the month, 5 PM Banner Neuro Wellness 207 N. Gilbert Rd., Ste. 205 Contact Mark: (480) 518-5971 This group is open to all levels of activity and geared towards those aspiring to become more active or who are currently involved in sports.
GLENDALE
1st Tuesday of the month, 12 PM First Southern Baptist Church 10250 N. 59th Ave. Contact Deborah: (623) 974-6944
KINGMAN
3rd Saturday of the month, 12:30 PM Kingman Regional Medical Center Cholla Room 3269 Stockton Hill Rd. Contact Pati: (928) 530-9982
NORTH SCOTTSDALE
2nd Tuesday of the month, 4:30 PM Scottsdale Senior Center 10440 E. Via Linda, Room 8 Contact Lisa: (480) 860-2367
PRESCOTT/PRESCOTT VALLEY
2nd Thursday of the month, 11 AM Residence Inn - Lee Boardroom 3599 Lee Cir., Prescott Contact Alan: (928) 710-1257 or Larry: (928) 775-7334
Sierra Vista
4th Wednesday of the month, 11 AM Country House Cafe 4373 Arizona 92 Contact Judie: (520) 378-4400
SIGNIFICANT OTHERS
Please call Lois at (602) 672-9234 for meeting time & location. If you would like more information about Support Groups in your area, call (800) 344-4867 and select option 1, or contact a listed leader.
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SUN CITY
1st Thursday of the month, 10:30 AM First Presbyterian Church 12225 N. 103rd. Ave. Contact Judy: (623) 972-3941 or Karen: (623) 584-8575
TUCSON CENTRAL GROUP
Please call Crystal at (520) 325-0755 for meeting time & location.
TUCSON middle ablers + Active adults
Last Wednesday of the month, 6 PM - 8 PM Northwest Neurospecialists Clinical Research, LLC 5860 N. La Cholla Blvd. Kimberly: (520) 331-8710
TUCSON NORTHWEST GROUP
2nd Wednesday of the month, 10 AM Casas Adobes Congregational Church 6801 N. Oracle Rd. Contact Cindy: (520) 887-8905 or Carol: (520) 797-0405
TUCSON young & unstoppables teen & young adults Last Tuesday of the month, 6 PM – 8 PM Northwest Neurospecialists Clinical Research, LLC 5860 N. La Cholla Blvd. Contact Ricca: (520) 906-0445
YUMA group empowerment for ms 3rd Saturday of the month, 9:30 AM Yuma Rehabilitation Hospital 901 W. 24th St. Contact Crystal: (520) 325-0755.
DON’t SEE A support group IN YOUR AREA? Join us for a statewide skype group! Eldene: (480) 860-9359 1st Tuesday of the month, 3 PM This group uses the free internet service Skype to meet from any location in Arizona. Call Eldene for more details on how to participate from the comfort of your home.
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MS connection: fall 2014
save these dates
phoenix calendar of events
MS Aquatics - Phoenix
Tuesdays, July 8 — November 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM Sports and Fitness Center (SpoFit) 5031 E. Washington St.
free from falls - glendale
Thursdays, September 18 — November 6 10 AM - 12 PM HealthSouth Valley of the Sun 13460 N. 67th Ave. Fee: $60 Application/registration deadline: Friday, September 12.
No Boys Allowed - phoenix
Wednesday, September 24 6 PM – 8 PM Disability Empowerment Center 5025 E. Washington St. Fee: $5 Registration deadline: Monday, September 22.
cognifitness - phoenix
Tuesdays, October 7 – November 25 10 AM – 12 PM Banner Good Samaritan 1012 E. Willetta St. Fee: $30 Registration deadline: Monday, October 6
Boys Night Out - scottsdale
Saturday, October 11 Boat Trip 9 AM – 3 PM 20808 E. Bartlett Dam Rd. Registration deadline: Monday, October 6
everyday matters - phoenix
COMING SOON – Saturdays, January 2015 5-week course 10 AM – 12 PM Disability Empowerment Center 5025 E. Washington St. Fee: $25 Fee includes the book The Happiness Advantage and all program materials.
For more information on programs happening in the Phoenix Metro area, contact Erika Edholm at (480) 455-3959 or erika.edholm@nmss.org.
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nationalmssociety.org | 1-800-344-4867
MS day at the capitol: legislative conference
Monday, February 23, 2015 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Disability Empowerment Center 5025 E. Washington St. OR available by phone.
Prep Workshop
Tuesday, February 24, 2015 9 AM – 3 PM Arizona Capitol museum & historic Supreme Court 17001 W. Washington St.
Day at the Capitol
Tuesday, February 25 9 AM – 3 PM Arizona Capitol Complex 1700 W. Washington St. Cost: $25 Cost includes a light breakfastt; boxed lunch on Tuesday, and all conference materials. Registration deadline: Wednesday, February 18, 2015.
MS Moving Forward: Newly-Diagnosed Seminar - phoenix Saturday, September 20 9 AM – 11 AM NMSS Arizona Chapter office in the Disability Empowerment Center 5025 E. Washington St., Ste. 102
* Also available via teleconference for those outside the Phoenix Metro area.
can do ms: jumpstart - phoenix Saturday, February 7, 2015 8:30 AM – 3 PM Four Points Sheraton-South 10831 S. 51st St.
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MS connection: fall 2014
save these dates
southern arizona events calendar Cool in the Pool - tucson
Every Tuesday & Thursday, beginning September 9 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM Therapeutic Rec Center at Reid Park Cost: $30 for session A gentle aquatic exercise program designed for people with MS. Contact information: 520-837-8059
20s & 30s - Tucson
Wednesday, September 17 7 PM – 9 PM Maloney’s 213 N. 4th Ave.
Chair Yoga - Tucson
Thursdays, September 11 – October 16 11 AM – 12 PM Casas Adobe Church Cost: $15.00 for all 6 weeks Contact Robin Rainwater at bird_rainwater@hotmail.com.
Cognifitness - Yuma
Tuesdays, October 14 – December 2 4 PM – 6 PM Yuma Rehabilitation Hospital 901 W. 24th St. Cost: $30 for all 8-sessions
For more information on programs happening in Southern Arizona, contact Crystal Blickfeldt at (520) 325-0755 or crystal.blickfeldt@nmss.org.
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save these dates
Northern arizona events calendar
aqua exercise - Flagstaff
Wednesdays 12 PM – 1 PM NAU Wall Aquatic Center 705 S. San Francisco St., Fees: $2 per-week; $3/parking. To register, contact Sherry Oberhardt at (928) 853-5379 or S.Oberhardt@hotmail.com.
Stretch and Laugh Chair Yoga Flagstaff
Wednesdays 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM Thorpe Park Community Center 245 N. Thorpe Rd. $2 per class To register, contact Melinda at (928)527-8604.
NEW self-help group flagstaff soon to be announced! Cognifitness - bullhead city
Tuesdays, October 1 - November 19 3 PM – 5 PM Western Regional Medical Center 2735 Silver Creek Rd., Cost: $30 for all 8 weeks Registration deadline: September 24
20s, 30s & 40s group - Flagstaff
1st Wedenesday of the month 6 PM Satchmo’s of Flagstaff 2320 N. 4th St. This social gathering is for anyone - any age living with MS.
For more information on programs happening in Northern Arizona, contact Lynette Hoyt at (480)455-3962 or lynette.hoyt@nmss.org.
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RESEARCH focus on
progressive MS The achievements of Dr. Barry G.W. Arnason, the 2014 recipient of the Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research, are many, and include such significant contributions as laying the groundwork for the development of immune-directed therapies and understanding how the different components of the immune system work in MS. However, some of his discoveries hold particular significance for people with progressive forms of MS.
Understanding progressive MS
Much MS research has focused on the role of T cells, which are a specific type of white blood cell that somehow become turn on the central nervous system and produce damaging inflammation. However, “I don’t think T cells have much to do with progressive MS,” said Dr. Arnason. “I think the problem is activation within the central nervous system of microglial cells, and that activation is the key to potential treatments of progressive MS.” Dr. Arnason made these comments in the opening lecture at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the Consortium of MS Centers in San Diego, while emphasizing that MS research focus more on progressive MS. Dr. Arnason’s research into progressive MS has also helped to uncover evidence that damage to the spinal cord leads to the increased activity of certain docking sites on immune cells, suggesting a vicious cycle of immune changes, damage and increased immune activation.
Along the way, Dr. Arnason also contributed to the better understanding of other disorders such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and myasthenia gravis.
Training the future
Dr. Arnason is also planting the seeds for highquality MS care in the future. His institution, the University of Chicago Medical Center, at which he is the James Nelson & Anna Louise Raymond Professor of Neurology, recently received an Institutional Clinician Training Award from the Society. These awards provide five years of funding to support the establishment of a world-class training program, thereby attracting the best MS clinicians over multiple years. The Dystel Prize is awarded awarded jointly by the National MS Society and the American Academy of Neurology. The award is made possible through a special fund established in 1994 by the late Society National Board member Oscar Dystel and his late wife Marion in honor of their son John Jay, an attorney whose promising career was cut short by progressive disability from MS. To learn more about Dr. Arnason and past Dystel recipients, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/dystel. n
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right around the corner
2014 Fall walk MS events! Put on your walking shoes and get ready for our 3rd Annual Walk MS: West Valley held on Saturday, October 11th at Westgate Entertainment District located at 6770 N. Sunset Blvd. in Glendale. Registration starts at 8 AM, with the walk to kick-off at 9:30 AM. The 1-mile (short route) walk will start and end at Westgate’s beautiful Waterdance Plaza and lead you around the Center’s shoppes and Fountain Park. For those looking for a little more exercise, you can continue on across to the Tanger Outlets Westgate for our long-route option, which adds a 1-mile walk through the outlet shopping center. Our second Walk of the season is the 7th Annual Walk MS: Prescott on Saturday, October 18th at the Yavapai Community College located at 1100 E. Sheldon St. in Prescott. Registration starts at 8:30 AM, with the walk beginning at 10 AM. There is a short (1 mile), and a long (1.5 mile) -route option. Both routes weave through the beautiful college campus (1 mile), with the long route continuing through the Northern Arizona VA Campus. We are excited to introduce a hike as part of the Walk MS: Prescott event! The hiking trail is up and around the Yavapai College Campus and is approximately 1.35-miles. Please note, this trail is not conducive for assistive or mobility devices. Next, our 2nd Annual Walk MS: East Valley takes place on Saturday, October 25th at Desert Breeze Park located at 660 N. Desert Breeze Blvd. in Chandler. Registration starts at 8 AM, with
the walk beginning at 9:30 AM. This 1.65-mile route winds around the charming park, including Hummingbird Habitat and the beautiful lake. Closing out our 2014 Walk season, we will walk in our 27th Annual Walk MS: Phoenix on Saturday, November 1st at the Phoenix Zoo located at 455 Galvin Pkwy. in Phoenix. Registration starts at 6:30 AM, with the walk to begin at 8 AM (an hour later than in the past!). It will start at the SRP parking lot (1600 N. Priest Dr., in Tempe) and will lead participants through a 3-mile path through the Phoenix Zoo, and continue on through scenic Papago Park (long route), ending back at the SRP parking lot. Four walks…four dates…four locations! Get involved with one, or as many as you’d like! How do you get involved? Start a walk team or join a team; ask your employer to sponsor the event; volunteer before, during or after the event! If interested in the West Valley, East Valley or Phoenix walks, please contact Lisa Cleary, Sr. Development Manager, at (480) 455-3954 or email lisa.cleary@nmss.org. If interested in the Prescott walk, please contact Lynette Hoyt, Community Development Manager, at (480) 455-3962 or email at lynette.hoyt@nmss.org. (continued)
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MS connection: fall 2014
Walk MS events (Cont.) Participants of all ability levels and ages can enjoy these walks. Have MS and don’t have a team, but would like to join one? Please sign up for our MS Client Team, “The Mission Movers.” Not going to be in town or just can’t make it to the event? You can still participant as a “Virtual Walker.” Just register as such on our website and fundraise away! These fundraising community events bring together awareness and hope as we plan to raise much-needed funds to help fight MS. There is no registration fee, but the fundraising of participants helps the National MS Society provide support to more than 8,000 individuals in the state of Arizona living with MS. Your fundraising efforts make a positive difference to so many! Check out our website, register and donate today at www.walkmsarizona.org. n
2013 Walk MS: East Valley Particioants.
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nationalmssociety.org | 1-800-344-4867
Money Matters
Managing your money with MS
Gloria Dady had envisioned spending the rest of her working life taking care of people. She never expected that, in her 50s, multiple sclerosis would force her to start drawing on her retirement nest egg. It was unsettling — until she reached out for help from the National MS Society. Through the Society’s partnership with the Society of Financial Service Professionals, people affected by MS can get free financial counseling from trained professionals through the Financial Education Partners (FEP) program. Doug Head, CLU, ChFC, a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Tukwila, Wash., is one such volunteer. Head helps people plan for a life with MS by talking about basic budgeting, different ways to save, how to maximize health insurance benefits and more. But he lends more than his number-crunching know-how. He and other FEP volunteers also offer hope that any financial challenge can be tackled with patience and planning. “Dealing with the challenges of MS often leaves people feeling that their finances have gotten away from them,” Head says. “The first thing I ask is, ‘What are your two or three major financial concerns?’ This helps us focus on what’s really important to them.”
Gloria Dady with her grandchildren Dady appreciated talking to a finance professional who could explain everything clearly and compassionately. Head discussed strategies to lower her tax payments and keep her retirement savings intact, even as she drew on it for income. Over the past four years, Head has offered free financial advice to more than 100 people who have been referred to him by the Society. “The people I’ve met are wonderful,” Head says. “I’ve been inspired by their journeys.” People living with MS can talk in person or over the phone with FEP volunteers about financial topics such as insurance analysis, retirement, estate planning and legal planning. To learn more, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/financialplanning or call an MS Navigator at 1-800-344-4867. This article was originally written by Liz Murtaugh Gillespie of Moore Ink. PR & Fundraising Communications and was published in the Spring 2014 issue of the Greater Northwest Chapter’s MSConnection. n
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support the mission
VIP shoppers’ card rewards Enroll in the Fry’s Community Rewards Program today and help support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Please remember, if you already support the MS Society through their rewards program, you do need to re-enroll each year.
4. Select ‘My Account’, you should see Account Summary at the top. 5. Scroll down, Click ‘ENROLL’ under Community Rewards. If prompted, enter personal information.
How to enroll (or Re-Enroll) for the Fry’s Community Rewards Program:
6. Under Find Your Organization, enter National Multiple Sclerosis Society
1. Go to https://www.frysfood.com/topic/ community?activePage=communityrewards-2.
8. Then select ‘save changes.’
2. Select ‘Sign-In. 3. Enter your email and password then select ‘sign in.’
7. Under Select Your Organization: Select box next to National Multiple Sclerosis Society If registered correctly, you should see your organization information listed under ‘Community Rewards’ on your Account Summary. n
JOIN THE MOVEMENT A Do it Yourself (DIY) Fundraising event gives people an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for the MS movement in new and creative ways. Use your talents and interests to raise awareness and funds for the National MS Society! There are endless ways to get involved. Host a fundraising event, start a grassroots fundraising campaign with email or take on a personal challenge of your choice!
Every dollar counts in our mission to create a world free of MS. Your dollars will help fund cutting-edge research, drive change through advocacy, facilitate professional education, and provide programs and services to help people with MS move their lives forward! To register your event visit our website and look for Do It Yourself Events! n
nationalmssociety.org | 1-800-344-4867
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in memoriam
remembering the “turtle whisperer” Dorothy, moved in with them.
Sandy Stinson was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1987. She passed away due to complications of MS on January 6, 2014; she was 58. Sandy is survived by her two daughters and five grandchildren. She was particularly close to her granddaughter Alexis (19), spending a lot of time with her when Alexis was small and Sandy was still able to drive and get around on her own. She would take her to school and pick her up and spend the rest of the day with her. Sandy worked for the phone company and never missed a day of work until she had to go out on disability in 1995. In 1996, Sandy moved in with her sister, Lynn. They moved to a more compatible house in 2003, where Sandy’s mom,
Sandy and her family did their first Walk MS in Phoenix in 1990. At that time it was 16 miles and she walked the whole thing! Sandy’s family has been participating in walks since then, although not always as a team. They formed the “Turtle Whisperers” team three years ago when the West Valley Walk MS began. Their team name came from their pet tortoise they named Mike. Mike would always come over to Sandy when he heard her voice and crawl around her feet and under her wheelchair. So, Sandy was dubbed the “Turtle Whisperer”. Sandy was a “people collector”. Everyone she came in contact with became her friend. Sandy will always be known as a very thoughtful person. She put other people’s needs above her own. Sandy’s sister, Lynn, said of Sandy “As a quadriplegic, she never felt sorry for herself, even though she had every reason to. Even after a long hospital stay, she donated bed pillows to the intensive care unit because she wanted the patients to be comfortable”. n
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MS connection: fall 2014
in memoriam
George Bohnert George H Bohnert, age 68, of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away on February 13, 2014 due to complications of multiple sclerosis. After serving in the US Navy, George graduated from Fairleigh Dickenson University in Madison, NJ. George was employed by Prudential Property and Casualty in Arizona and New Jersey in various management positions for 30 years. Following retirement from PRUPAC George was the Development Director at Horses Help in Phoenix; a horse riding facility for the disabled. George also served on non-profit boards in the Phoenix area including Daring Adventures where he served as Board President, Vol unteer Center of Maricopa County and the National MS Society, Arizona Chapter. George was a participant in Walk MS for 20 years as well as serving as its coordinator several years ago. This year, ‘NO Blarney!’, led by Peg Bohnert, will honor George in their Walk MS efforts. Despite being a full-time wheelchair user, George set the bar high and never missed a walk, albeit from a wheelchair. George was a man who touched many lives both in his professional life and in working with youth and non-profits. He enjoyed coaching youth soccer, refereeing and Little League baseball. He was an avid Red Sox fan. Once he became disabled,
he continued to enjoy hand cycling, kayaking and horse riding. As a disabled horseback rider, he was honored as the Adult Equestrian of the Year by NARHA, North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. George exemplified that, even facing progressive MS, there was a rich life to be lived, even from a wheelchair. His wheelchair liberated him! George taught us all a life lesson with each day he lived. One of his favorite expressions was “who I am makes a difference” and George certainly made a difference. Those who knew and loved him will miss him greatly. n
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nationalmssociety.org | 1-800-344-4867
what a difference a day makes
MS Service Day MS Service Day is a way that volunteers, businesses, civic organizations, and family and friends can make a change in the lives of people with MS by completing projects for them. Volunteers will be a assigned a specific project location, where they will complete one project off the wish list of someone living with MS. We need your help to make this happen! If you are a person living with MS, who is in need of household tasks
Saturday, October 18, 2014 9 AM – 12 PM
Locations will vary. or improvements (pending task approval), please contact the chapter to receive an MS Service Day Application. We are also looking for volunteers who are interested in participating in MS Service Days around the state! For more information or to get involved, contact Erika at (480) 455-3959 or erika.edholm@nmss.org.
connect with the information you need every connection counts
• Ask an MS Navigator for help to navigate the challenges of MS. Find personalized answers to your unique needs, up-todate information, referrals and practical resources. • Check out MS Learn Online--educational webcasts and podcasts available anytime. • Attend a local educational event or workshop to learn about wellness, symptom management, research and more. • Join discussions, share experiences and learn from others at MSConnection.org.
Darren, diagnosed in 2002 Find resources. Get connected!
1-800-FIGHT-MS (344-4867)
nationalMSsociety.org/CalServices
Arizona Chapter 5025 E. Washington St. Ste. 102 Phoenix, AZ  85034
mark your
calendar September 9: CogniFitness - Prescott 13: Cooks & Chords - Phoenix 18: Free From Falls - Glendale 20: Cooks & Chords - Prescott 24: No Boys Allowed - Phoenix October 1: CogniFitness - Bullhead City 7: CogniFitness - Phoenix 11: Walk MS: West Valley 14: CogniFitness - Yuma 18: Walk MS: Prescott 25: Walk MS: East Valley
November 1: Walk MS: Phoenix
See more events and programs at http://calendar.arizonaMS.org.