WINTER 2013 SOUTH FLORIDA CHAPTER
MS CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
MAKE YOUR MARK IN 2013! GIVE
ADVOCATE
INSIDE 05 THIS ISSUE
FESTIVAL HISPANO
CONNECT
MOVE
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MS GALA LUNCHEON
MS WALK 2013
MS BIKE RIDE 2013
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MS CONNECTION: WINTER 2013
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS EVENING OUT It’s not always what you know, but who you know. We invite you to network with other young professionals recently diagnosed with MS who are determined to work their way to the top. Come share your success stories for keeping a competitive edge in your industry and learn about managing your symptoms and drug therapies from preeminent local specialists. You may also ask questions anonymously in a safe environment.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! CONNECT WITH US ONLINE:
Dinner is complimentary and space is limited. Please call 1-800-FIGHT-MS for specific details on the meeting location nearest you. Palm Beach County
www.nationalMSsociety.org/fls
Email: office@fls.nmss.org
Wednesday, January 16, 2013 (6 pm – 8 pm) with Jennifer Smrtka, RN, MSN, ANP-C MSCN *Register TODAY
Broward County
Like us: facebook.com/ MS.southflorida Follow us: @nmsssfla Watch us: youtube.com/ MSsouthflorida
Join the Society’s new MS Connection online community and make meaningful connections when, where and how you want. Check out the new connected community at MSconnection.org today!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013 (6 pm – 8 pm) with Jennifer Smrtka, RN, MSN, ANP-C MSCN *The registration deadline for this event is January 30, 2013. Miami-Dade County Tuesday, April 2, 2013 (6 pm – 8 pm) with Betty Soler, RN specializing in MS *The registration deadline for this event is March 26, 2013.
Knowledge Is Power is a six-week, free, at-home educational program for people who are newly diagnosed. Mail or email formats. To register, call 1-800-344-4867, or visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/knowledge.
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NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY Tel: (954) 731-4224 Fax: (954) 739-1398 South Florida Chapter 3201 West Commercial Blvd. Suite127 Ft Lauderdale, FL 33309 Chairman: Fred Zuckerman Vice Chairmen: Joey Epstein Ed Pozzuoli Secretary: Diann Geronemus Treasurer: Richard Cascio Chapter President: Karen Dresbach Editor: Jennifer Carroll 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. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is dedicated to ending the devastating effects of MS. Š 2012 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, South Florida Chapter
NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY AFFILIATED MS CENTERS Fort Lauderdale MS Center Director: Brian Steingo, MD Tuesdays 9:00 am to 5:00 pm 572 East McNab Road Pompano Beach, FL 33060 (954) 738-1700 Neuroscience Consultants Comprehensive MS Center Founding Medical Director, Emeritus: Dr. Howard Zwibel, MD Director Clinical Affairs: Carlos Ramirez Calderon, MD Associate Medical Director: Bertha C. Fonseca, MD Mondays 8:30 am to 1:00 pm Thursdays 8:00 am to 3:30 pm 4601 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Ste. 100 Coral Gables, FL 33146 (786) 219-3145 South Broward MS Clinic Director: Islon Seliger, MD Thursdays 9:00 am to 5:00 pm 12596 Pines Blvd, Pembroke Pines, FL 33027 (954) 437-4000 University of Miami MS Center of Excellence Department of Neurology Miller School of Medicine Director of Clinical Neurology: Kottil W. Rammohan, MD 8:00 am to 5:00 pm 1150 NW 14 St, Miami, FL 33136 (305) 243-6732
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MS CONNECTION: WINTER 2013
PROGRAMS
DINNER WITH THE DOCTOR Do you have unanswered questions about MS, symptom management or the newest drug therapies? Come ask your questions (you may ask them anonymously) and hear the latest information on MS research and drug therapies from leading local neurologists. This event is open to men and women with MS (and one guest). Dinner is complimentary. Call 1-800-FIGHT-MS today to reserve your space. Wednesday, January 16, 2013 (6 pm- 8 pm) Dr. Brian Steingo Fort Lauderdale MS Center Double Tree Hotel Palm Beach Gardens 4431 PGA Boulevard Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 *This event has reached capacity. Call if you would like to add your name to the waiting list. Tuesday, June 4, 2013 (6 pm – 8 pm) Kottil Rammohan, MD University of Miami MS Center of Excellence Creekside Restaurant 21131 Country Creek Drive Estero, FL 33928 *The registration deadline for this event is May 28, 2013.
MS LEARN ONLINE The National MS Society has an exciting menu of MS Learn Online webcasts currently available on its website www. nationalmssociety.org/mslearnonline. Each webcast features experts presenting on topics relevant to those affected by multiple sclerosis. MS Learn Online webcasts are typically 10 minutes in length, and have been a successful way to educate people about multiple sclerosis from the convenience of their own computer. Program topics cover: the basics facts of MS, symptom management, progressive MS, research, healthy living and family life, life planning and independence. In addition to the existing menu of programs, a new webcast debuts the first and third Thursday of each month throughout the year.
NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
PROGRAMS
FESTIVAL HISPANO Take advantage of your chance to get FREE access to health care providers, community resources and more at the 2013 Festival Hispano. The event is open to people with MS who speak Spanish or are bilingual. You may register up to 4 people per family. Festival Hispano will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2013 from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, 2051 LeJeune Road, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Space is limited so call 1-800-FIGHT-MS (dial 3 for Spanish) to register today.
05 ALIE’S FUND FOR CHILDREN WITH MS Alie was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 14. She receives the utmost care and medications from her doctors to help slow the progression of her disease. Alie is living her life to the fullest while in college! The National Multiple Sclerosis Society serves as a tremendous source of information and support to Alie and her family. Alie is inspired by the efforts of the many people who raise funds for a cure and the stories of children affected by the lack of money available for their future.
Aproveche su oportunidad de obtener libre acceso a los proveedores de atención de salud, recursos de la comunidad y mucho más en el Festival Hispano 2013. El evento está abierto a las personas con EM que hablan español o son bilingües. Usted puede registrar un máximo de 4 personas por familia.
Alie formed Alie’s Fund for Children with MS in order to provide funds to children ages 2-22 who live throughout the country with MS. The funds help defer medical and educational costs, counseling and other services to ensure a brighter future for those impacted with MS.
Festival Hispano se llevará a cabo el Sábado, 16 de febrero 2013, de 9:30 am - 2:30 pm en el hotel Courtyard Marriott Hotel, 2051 LeJeune Road, Coral Gables, FL 33134. El cupo es limitado, así 1-800-FIGHT-MS llamada (línea 3 para españoles) para registrar hoy.
If you are interested in applying for assistance from Alie’s Fund for Children with MS, please contact the Programs Department at 1 800 FIGHT MS; 954731-4224. Documentation of your MS diagnosis and verification of age will be required.
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MS CONNECTION: WINTER 2013
PROGRAMS
MEN: WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
GADGETS & GIZMOS WORKSHOP
Be on the lookout for surveys arriving in your email inbox regarding our 2013 Men’s Day events. Please share your feedback so that we may plan events that will be the most fun and educational for you.
Back by popular demand, Susan Dorne will host the Gadgets & Gismos Workshop where she will demonstrate assistive devices that can be helpful to your day-to-day living. We hope you will join us. Date: March 15, 2013 Time: 10 am – 11:30 am Location: The Wellness Center of Cape Coral 609 SE 13th Court Cape Coral, FL 33990 239-573-4800
You may also email your suggestions to MSPrograms@nmss.org. These events will be open to men with MS and will be free of charge. Stay tuned for more details.
Call 1-800-FIGHT-MS to register. Space is limited. The registration deadline for this event is March 8, 2013.
EVENTS
2013 GOLF TOURNAMENT - MAY 2013 Gather your foursome, grab your clubs and get ready to tee-off at the National MS Society’s 2013 Golf Tournament. The South Florida Chapter will host its annual golf tournament in Miami-Dade and Broward counties in May 2013. Of course the day wouldn’t be complete without sports celebrity partners, cocktails and an abundance of friendly competition. Stay tuned for details about this event as well as our annual pairing party and auction.
NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
07 MS SERVICE DAY YOUR HOME COULD BE NEXT!
PROGRAMS
HEALTH FAIR & ANNUAL MEETING RECAP The National MS Society’s Health Fair and Annual meeting was once again a huge success as clients were able to get updates on upcoming programs and new research findings related to multiple sclerosis. Guests attended the program on October 13th at the Grill Event and Banquet Center in Downtown Fort Lauderdale. The health fair focused on MS research, education and interactive exhibits including free health screenings. Additionally, the annual meeting took place and included the election of the 2013 Board of Trustees. To view photos from the Health Fair visit nmssfls.smugmug.com
We are happy to announce that we will be hosting another MS Service Day in March 2013! The goal of the 2nd annual MS Service Day is to make life easier for someone living with MS. Keeping up with daily household maintenance can be challenging and overwhelming. That’s why we will be mobilizing a team of staff members and volunteers who will make much needed improvements to a selected home in one day. Some of the projects we may work on might include organizing, cleaning, painting, yard work, planting gardens, etc. Does your home need a little TLC? If so, stay tuned for more information about how you can apply for MS Service Day.
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MS CONNECTION: WINTER 2013
EVENTS
MS GALA LUNCHEON - SOARING TO SUCCESS
Our commitment to ending multiple sclerosis has never been greater and our collective attitude is “the sky’s the limit!” Which is why we are taking our 30th Annual MS Gala Luncheon to new heights in a private airplane hangar in Fort Lauderdale. Help us fuel the fight against MS by calling 954-731-4224 to purchase your tickets today. Your first-class experience at the MS Gala Luncheon, presented by DBS Financial Group, will include a cocktail reception, exclusive silent auctions, a runway fashion show complete with couture designs by Rene Ruiz, prizes and more. This year’s event, honoring The Rothman Family (Fred, Jodi, Alie and Lecia), will be held on Wednesday, January 23, 2013 at Sheltair Hangar #1170 in Fort Lauderdale. We look forward to celebrating our determination and progress with you.
EVENTS
MS 5K RUN & KIDS FUN RUN If you love to run, join the Run to Stop MS movement by participating in our 3rd Annual MS 5K Run & ¼ Mile Kids Fun Run at
Merrick Park in Coral Gables on Sunday, April 7, 2013. There will be entertainment and fun for the kids at our MS Kids Fun Zone; so get your whole family involved. Registration for the 5K is $25 prior to race day and $35 day of the event. The ¼ Mile Kids Fun Run is $10 prior to race day and $15 day of. Don’t miss out and register now at www. runtostopmsflorida.org or call 1 800 Fight MS; 954-731-4224 for more information.
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NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
Fort Myers Centennial Park 2000 W 1st St Fort Myers
EVENTS
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2013 MS WALKS
Walk 2013
Help us achieve recordbreaking numbers at our 2013 MS Walks. Grab your family and friends and sign up for a Walk event in your neighborhood today.
The money you raise funds research efforts, speeds new treatments and provides crisis financial support and local programs for people living with MS in South Florida. As always, there will be entertainment and fun for the whole family. Register today at www.mswalksouthflorida.org or call 954-731-4224 for more information.
WALK DATES Saturday, February 23, 2013 Naples Lowdermilk Park 1301 Gulf Shore Blvd Naples
NEW
Sunday, February 24, 2013 Fort Lauderdale Huizenga Plaza 32 East Las Olas Boulevard Fort Lauderdale Palm Beaches Waterfront Commons 101 South Flagler Drive West Palm Beach
NEW
Sunday, March 10, 2013 Boca Raton- (Walk begins at 10am due to daylight savings time) Boca Corporate Center & Campus 5000 T-Rex Avenue Boca Raton Sunday, March 17, 2013 Aventura Gulfstream Park NEW 901 South Federal Hwy Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 Sunday, April 7, 2013 Coral Gables- (Run Start Time: 8:15am, Walk Start Time: 8:30am) Merrick Park 405 Biltmore Way Coral Gables
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MS CONNECTION: WINTER 2013
EVENTS
REGISTER TODAY FOR THE 2013 MS BIKE RIDE
Ride 2013
On April 20 and 21, 2013 the MS Bike Ride, the most respected cycling event in Florida, will bring together over 2,500 cyclists, volunteers, supporters, family and friends who will ride, work and cheer their way 200 miles closer to a cure. Expect big changes in 2013 with the introduction of new start and finish lines, a double century option, and an improved route! Create your own journey with a Fifty, Metric Century Plus, or Century mile route option through the scenic backdrop of the Florida Keys. Register today www.msbikeflorida.org.
MARCH 1-3, 2013 The Challenge Walk offers a new experience for members of the MS community living in the southeast. This Charleston 2013 incredible physical and Challenge 2012 philanthropic challenge gives you the chance to reinvigorate your spirit and change your life. As a participant, you will raise $1,500 or more for the National MS Society and walk 50 miles in three days through historic Charleston and along the beautiful South Carolina coastline.
We have tools to help you reach your preevent training and fundraising goals, and all of your needs will be taken care of during the life-changing event weekend. The route is fully supported with catered meals, rest stops every few miles, support vehicles to provide transportation assistance and festivities to keep your spirits high. You will stay two nights at the Wild Dunes Resort on Isle of Palms, SC, featuring relaxing beachside accommodations to unwind after each day’s incredible journey. For more information or to register, contact Denise Dixon at (954) 731 - 4224 or visit www.ChallengeMS.org.
NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
11 Tuesday, April 9, 2013 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Managing the Symptoms of MS This call will 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.
EDUCATIONAL TELECONFERENCE SERIES 2013 THE KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPORT YOU NEED FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME Want to learn about topics that affect your life but don’t have time to come to a meeting? This is a great opportunity for you to learn from the comfort of your own home. If you see a topic that interests you, sign up and dial in to learn more. Register today! Registration is free. For more information or to register please call 1-800-344-4867, option 1.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Riding the MS Emotional Roller Coaster This teleconference will look at MS and its common emotional changes including: depression, irritability, anger, anxiety, and PBA. We will discuss the different strategies available for managing the impact of the “MS emotional roller coaster.” Tuesday, September 10, 2013 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Research: Where Are We Now, Where Are We Going? This call will discuss what is happening in MS research and what is on the horizon. You will learn what we know now about new treatments that have come on the market within the last year and how to connect with clinical trials.
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BOCA RATON COUPLE AWARDED NATIONAL MS SOCIETY - 2012 PHILANTHROPY AWARD
Dolly and Merwyn Dan have been at the forefront of driving MS research for the past fourteen years. They are focused on inspiring, engaging and challenging fellow volunteers, and families living with MS, to increase funds needed to speed the development of new and better MS therapies. Like others who learn a loved one has MS, their lives were changed forever when their youngest daughter Susan was diagnosed with MS in 1998. In response, the Dan’s
MS CONNECTION: WINTER 2013
became active Society volunteer leaders with the Greater Illinois chapter and have continued as passionate volunteers with the South Florida chapter where Merwyn serves on the board of trustees and chairs the Golden Circle committee. In 2000, Dolly and Merwyn formed a leading fundraising team for Walk MS and in 2004 Merwyn was honored as a member of the Society’s Volunteer Hall of Fame. Dolly and Merwyn are members of the Society’s prestigious Circle of Distinction which honors those who have contributed more than $1 million. The Dan’s are dedicated to being outstanding philanthropists by encouraging others to give to MS research. Dolly and Merwyn’s most recent support of the Society included a leadership pledge to Fast Forward to catalyze development of new treatments in nervous system repair for people living with MS.
NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
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SOCIETY RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES The Society’s “Family Matters” Web page at www.nationalMSsociety.org/Family Matters 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.
WITHOUT VOLUNTEERS, THE NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY WOULD NOT EXIST TODAY. YOUR DONATION OF TIME IS GREATLY APPRECIATED AND CRITICAL TO CREATING A SUCCESSFUL EVENT. The Chapter would like to recognize and thank all of the outstanding volunteers who have come together in 2012 to help change the lives of individuals living with MS in our community. Through your compassion and selfless caring you have demonstrated the fortitude needed to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals. We cannot thank you enough for your strength, tireless energy and talent, and look forward to working with you again in 2013. If you or someone you know may be interested in volunteering, please contact Jaime Valdivia at jaime.valdivia@nmss.org or call (954) 731-4224.
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MS CONNECTION: WINTER 2013
STOP MS in its tracks, and END the disease forever. Dr. Kocsis shared his team’s focus on repair of the nervous system by transplantation of cells. He described that one can use cells to protect axons and nerve cells from dying, encourage axons to regenerate and replace myelin. This is being tested using several different cell types: embryonic cells from “Bush approved” stem cell lines, olfactory ensheathing cells, Schwann cells from the peripheral nerves that are not susceptible to MS attack and mesenchymal (skin) stem cells.
RESEARCH
LEADER OF NERVE REPAIR, DR. JEFFREY KOCSIS OF YALE UNIVERSITY IN SOUTH FLORIDA Just a few short years ago, there was little belief that nervous system repair was even possible. Through the Society’s tireless efforts and multimillion dollar funding, there is not just belief, but a whole new field that has emerged to pursue strategies to repair the nervous system and restore function to people with MS. During the first week of December, a leader of nerve repair research, Dr. Jefferey Kocsis of Yale University, visited South Florida and spoke to gatherings of people with MS and Golden Circle* and Lawry Circle* members. His talks, “Restore What’s Been Lost”, described the second primary goal of the National MS Society’s MS NOW research campaign-repair of the nervous system. The other goals are to
A multi-pronged approach was described of protecting axons, remyelinating axons, immunomodulating the system through cell transplantation to prevent the progression of the inflammatory response, and utilizing rehabilitative therapy to train the growth of new nerve pathways. Currently Dr. Kocsis is testing cell transplantation in African green monkeys with promising results. A few human patients with non-disease related axon damage have also safely received stem cell treatments. The National MS Society has played a key role in advancing this research. *For more information on restoring the damage caused by MS and other areas of research visit our website, nationalMSsociety.org. To find out how to support the MS NOW campaign and how to join the Golden Circle or Lawry Circle contact Mark Kotler, Vice President of Development, South Florida Chapter, call 954731-4224 or e-mail: mark.kotler@nmss.org.
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NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
LIVING WITH MS
MS SYMPTOMS AND WINTER WEATHER BY JULIE STACHOWIAK, PhD
Most of us with multiple sclerosis are heat intolerant to the point of being unable to function outside during peak summer temperatures. But when I asked people with MS on my blog at www.ms.about.com what their MS temperature “limits” were, I was surprised when several people said that the cold wasn’t so great for them, either. Many people complained of increased spasticity in cold weather. Readers mentioned that their limbs “felt like wood” or that their joints ached during lower temperatures. A couple of people also mentioned that the MS “hug” could be intolerable in the cold. (The MS hug is the gripping feeling around the torso that is caused by a lesion in the spinal cord that results in spasms in the tiny muscles between the ribs.) I also know that some people with MS tend to feel more fatigued in winter months. This could be an indirect result of coping with some of the symptoms mentioned above. It could also be that the shorter days and limited sunlight exacerbate depression, which can be a symptom of MS. New data is emerging all the time on the role of vitamin D in MS.
Perhaps we feel our symptoms more acutely when our vitamin D reserves are at their winter lows, although this hasn’t been confirmed yet by scientific studies. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the colder months if you are bothered by frigid temperatures. n
Soak up sunshine during the warmest part of a sunny winter day to help your body produce vitamin D.
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Don’t overdo the heat. When I get cold, I tend to take really hot showers. Recently, I got dangerously dizzy during one. Remember, extreme heat is not our friend, either.
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Warm yourself from the inside. Drink a hot beverage to take the chill off.
Like many other situations that we must navigate through with MS, a little strategic planning of winter activities can help you have some control over symptoms. Put some thought into what you enjoy doing in the winter, take a couple more precautions and get the most out of the cold months. Diagnosed with MS in 2003, Julie Stachowiak, PhD, is the author of The Multiple Sclerosis Manifesto. Originally published on www.blog.national MSsociety.org.
SUPPORT GROUPS BROWARD COUNTY
COLLIER
Coral Springs Afternoon Group 3rd Tuesday of month at 1:30 pm Coral Springs Medical Center Community Education Center, Class B 3100 Coral Hills Drive Coral Springs, 33065
Naples Day Social Group 1st Monday of month at 3:30 pm NCH Briggs Wellness Center 399 Ninth Street North Naples, FL 34102 Second Floor Lobby, Next to Subway Tanya Dannibale (239) 793-7009 tanya.dannibale@nmss.org
Contact: Cindee Horowitz AntCyd@aol.com Mindy Morrison mindywoo123@gmail.com Michael Myette (954) 255-0679 pmmyette@aol.com *Occasional speakers will appear. Members will be notified by evite or phone. *New Broward Group* NMSS Sunrise Evening Group 3rd Wednesday of month at 7:00 pm Health South 4399 Nob Hill Road, Sunrise, 33351 (Main Entrance to Conference Room 2) Alisa Loucado (954) 560-4931 ajtiny@bellsouth.net Cherlyn Warner (954) 292-8819 cherlynwarner@yahoo.com Sunrise Educational Meeting 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm Sunrise Medical Group 12596 Pines Blvd. Pembroke Pines, FL 33027 RSVP to Monique or Cynthia (954) 437-4000
LEE COUNTY Cape Coral Day Group First Sunday of month at 3:00 pm Cape Coral Hospital 636 Del Prado Blvd. S., Room A Cape Coral, FL Dave Lane (239) 652-3602 lanenikken@comcast.net Maria Hawley (239) 728-8183 mariakhawley1964@gmail.com Ft. Myers Evening Group 3rd Thursday of month at 5:00 pm St. Hilary’s Episcopal Church 5011 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33901 Dave Lane (239) 652-3602 Email: lanenikken@comcast.net Karen Hart (239) 209-7549 or (239) 400-0529 kare4@comcast.net Social luncheon held 1st Thursday of month at 1:30 pm. Contact Karen Hart for details.
MS CONNECTION MIAMI DADE COUNTY
PALM BEACH COUNTY
South Miami-Dade Evening Group 2nd Thursday of month at 7:00 pm Doctors Hospital- Cafeteria 5000 University Drive Coral Gables, FL 33146 Maria Zaldivar (305) 710-2210 mariazaldivar@comcast.net Kirstie Bray (305) 984-7501 kbray624@gmail.com
Central Palm Beach Group 2nd Wednesday of month at 7:00 p Wellington Library 1951 Royal Fern Drive Wellington, FL 33414 RSVP Mara Stegmaier (561) 792-2400 or (561) 632-2403 marastegs@yahoo.com Joy Mercado (561) 234-0938 m.s.joy7@gmail.com
Miami-Dade Spiritual Group 2nd Thursday of month at 6:00 pm Doctors Hospital- Chapel 5000 University Drive Coral Gables, FL 33146 (2nd Floor, near elevator A) Ch. Ronald Gaudio (786) 308-3800 RonaldGa@baptisthealth.net
Boynton Beach Group 2nd Tuesday of month at 7:00 pm Hagen Ranch Road Public Library 14350 Hagen Ranch Rd Delray Beach, FL 33446 Jim Montgomery (561) 740-7867 cjjm@bellsouth.net Eliot Reinstein (561) 302-6913 eliotr7@comcast.net
Miami Beach Group 1st Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm Mt. Sinai Medical Center Founders Conference Ctr. 1st Floor, Warner Bldg, next to ER 4300 Alton Rd. Miami Beach, FL 33140 Gladys Fernandez (305) 534-8848 abbayayi@yahoo.com Ellie Klein Cardonne (305) 322-2299 ecardonne@bellsouth.net
North Palm Beach Group 2nd Monday of month at 6:30 pm Borland Center 4885 PGA Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 For Individuals with MS and Friends Nancy Decker (561) 622-4606 Palm West Group 3rd Monday of month at 6:30 pm September meeting at Olive Garden 5801 Lake Worth Rd. Greenacres, FL 33463 Howard Chiet (561) 795-5233 jjhakks@gmail.com
WELLNESS PROGRAMS The National MS Society provides wellness programs to the MS community. You are invited to enjoy these classes free of charge. For more information contact: Suhaill Ruano 1 800 FIGHT MS (800-344-4867) Email: suhaill.ruano@nmss.org
LEE COUNTY Cape Coral Wellness Facility Gentle Yoga: Mon. at 12:00 pm Aquatics: Tues. & Thurs. at 11:30 am Fort Myers Wellness Facility Gentle Yoga: Tues. & Thurs. at 11:30 am
BROWARD WELLNESS PROGRAMS
MIAMI-DADE
Coral Springs Medical Center Tai Chi: Sat. at 2:00 pm Kathy Byrne (954) 344-3344
Tai Chi with Tony* Neuroscience Consultants 9090 SW 87 Ct. Suite 201 Miami, FL 33176
Tamarac Community Center Tai Chi: Mon. at 1:00 pm Chair Yoga Tues. at 11:30 am Meditation: Mon. at 12:30 pm Rose (954) 597-3643 Yoga Rosa Special Needs: Tues. & Thurs. at 12:00 pm Yoga: Mon. & Wed. 8:30 am, 12:00 pm, 5:30 pm Rosa Santana (954) 456-6077 Weston Yoga Registration is required please call Fabienne Grossman (954) 871-5222 for an appointment.
COLLIER COUNTY NCH Briggs Wellness Center Aquatics: Tues., at 9:30 am Yoga & Balance: On Hold Until Further Notice
Please call Suhaill Ruano to RSVP. 1 800 FIGHT MS Email: suhaill.ruano@nmss.org *Classes are free to individuals with MS who are registered with the South FL Chapter Body, Mind, & Spirit YOGA Instructor: Jannee Alt Class is on hold, however Jannee teaches a free yoga class at Bayfront Park on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:00pm
PALM BEACH Tai Chi in Palm Beach Mae Volen Center 1515 W. Palmetto Park Road Boca Raton (561) 395-8920 Tai Chi: Friday 12:00 - 1:00 pm Yoga: Friday 1:00 - 2:00 pm
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NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
RESEARCH: GET INVOLVED For more information on NOW, Golden Circle or Fast Forward contact Mark Kotler at (954) 731-4224 or email mark.kotler@nmss. org. Visit our website at nationalmssociety. org/fls
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUND Many people with multiple sclerosis live on limited resources and an exacerbation or progression of the disease can make it difficult to maintain employment or make ends meet. A temporary misfortune may be averted through financial assistance with outstanding rent, utility bill, groceries, drug co-pay, durable medical equipment, or the cost of an examination by a neurologist.
Please help someone in Financial Assitance need overcome a crisis this in Broward County Holiday Season. A gift of is funded in part by $500 or more will enable an individual with MS and their family to move their lives forward. Make a special gift to the National MS Society today.
My Contribution to Making a Difference! Make your gift today and help 6,000 South Floridians living with multiple sclerosis. Yes! I want to help people living with MS with my gift! p$50 p$100 p$250 p$500
p$1,000
p Other: $ __________
I would like to direct my gift to (optional): Crisis Financial Assistance (assisting those with MS in crisis) Chapter Programs and Services (assisting those with MS and their families)
MS Research
p Other: __________
Please make your check payable to the National MS Society and mail with this form to: National MS Society, 3201 W Commercial Boulevard, Suite 127, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 or call 1 800 FIGHT MS (in South Florida) or 954-731-4224 or log on to nationalmssociety.org/fls and click “Donate.”
Thank you for making a difference in someone’s life today.
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID FT LAUD FL Permit # 4435
National Multiple Sclerosis Society South Florida Chapter 3201 W. Commercial Blvd. Suite 127 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
HELP US GO GREEN RECEIVE THE MS CONNECTION ONLINE. CALL 1-800-344-4867 OR 954-731-4224 TO SIGN UP TODAY UPCOMING EVENTS January 23, 2013 MS Gala Luncheon February 23, 2013 MS Walk Lee County MS Walk Naples February 24, 2013 MS Walk Fort Lauderdale MS Walk The Palm Beaches
March 10, 2013 MS Walk Boca Raton March 17, 2013 MS Walk Aventura April 7, 2013 MS Walk Coral Gables April 20 -21, 2013 Zimmerman MS Bike Ride Presented by Mack Cycle and Fitness