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Walk MS: Corporate Spotlight – Dillingham Insurance By Cristy Racy Walk MS features eight Walks throughout Oklahoma: Ardmore, Lawton, Oklahoma City and Tulsa Walks are in the spring, and Edmond, Enid, Muskogee and Stillwater Walks are held in the fall. In 2010, more than 4,100 participants, sponsors and volunteers Joined the Movement to help create a world free of MS. Team Dillingham with Lori Dillingham Evans at Walk MS events, especially in Walk MS Enid 2010. smaller cities, thrive on sponsorship, Dillingham Insurance is a valued support from the local corporate partner of the National MS Society. community. Dillingham Insurance in Enid, Okla. has been a major corporate sponsor for Dillingham Insurance became involved with Walk MS Enid since it began in 1998, and stepped up to be the title sponsor since 2003. Walk MS because Kay and Dan Dillingham’s With a total of $21,250 contributed in Continued page 3
MS Style Movement PAGE 4
Uncorking the Cure for MS PAGE 5
Celebrate Your Caregiver! Save the Date: MS Day at PAGE 8 the Capitol PAGE 9
MSCONNECTION is published by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Oklahoma, Building 7, Suite 103, 4606 E. 67th St., Tulsa, OK 74136-4950. Tulsa Office 918-488-0882 Outside Tulsa 800-344-4867 Oklahoma City Office 405-488-1300 Tulsa Fax 918-488-0913 Oklahoma E-mail staff’s first name.last name@nmss.org Website www.nationalmssociety.org/ok Vice President • Paula H. Cortner Communications Manager • Brandi Davidson Director of Development • Lucy Fraser Development Manager • Cristy Racy Development Coordinator • Rachel Klenda Dir. of Programs & Services • Sharleen Dupee Programs & Services Managers • Lisa Rutledge, Jennifer Philp Health Resource Advocate • Candace Richerson Health Resource Assistant • Clayton Miller Programs & Services Coordinator • Donna Bolain Youth Programs Coordinator • B.J. McBride Finance Manager • Denise Allen Data Mgmt Coordinator • Lisa Gray Newsletter Editor • Brandi Davidson Newsletter Proofreader • Lisa Gray 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.
Vice President’s Impressions Dear Members, Fall is our busiest business time of year. What’s our business? Trying to get out of business. Yes, we officially want to work our way out of business, but how can we do this? There is a new campaign aimed at doing just that, it’s called: NOW: An MS Research Revolution! NOW (No Opportunity Wasted) is a 3 throng approach to ending MS forever. • Stop – we have to stop the disease activity and prevent progression in people who already have MS. • Restore – We must restore all function that has been lost due to myelin damage in the Central Nervous System • End – We must eliminate MS forever and prevent it from ever occurring again in the future. Our research fundraising goal is to raise $250 million for research by the end of 2015 and you can be part of this exciting campaign and become an MS Research Champion. All you have to do is: • Go to our website & click on the MS NOW page • Watch a New NOW research Video • Participate in a New online training - it’s short and packed with knowledge • Become a Champion - you will receive an electronic Champion certificate and a handy reference card. Thank you for joining us in the revolution and in our vision to create a world free of multiple sclerosis. Together we can get this done and get on to other business. Warm Regards,
©2011 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Oklahoma
Paula H. Cortner 2 I JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
P.S. MS NOW. No Opportunity Wasted. Used with permission from NOW, Inc. and in partnership with Phil Keoghan, tireless advocate and MS Research Champion.
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daughter, Lori Dillingham Evans was diagnosed with MS while in college. Lori’s husband, Packy, also is an employee of Dillingham Insurance in Oklahoma City where he and Lori are active volunteers with the Society. In 1999, Lori’s nephew Lucas, who was 4 years old at the time, began fundraising for Walk MS. In his first year he raised more than $1,000. To date, Lucas has raised nearly $39,000 for Walk MS Enid! Dillingham Insurance also supports the Women Against MS luncheon and Smarty Pants MS Trivia Night events in Oklahoma City. We are proud to recognize the amazing contributions and support from Dillingham Insurance and the Dillingham family!
Fall Walk MS Events in Oklahoma:
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Walk MS Enid: Saturday, Sept. 10 Walk MS Stillwater: Saturday, Oct. 1 Walk MS Muskogee: Saturday, Oct. 8 Walk MS Edmond: Anytime, anywhere Walk MS: Edmond is going VIRTUAL to create a world free of MS! With a virtual event, YOU get to choose when and where to walk or simply choose not to walk. With both options, you STILL receive all the great benefits, tools and incentives of a typical Walk MS event. Remember, you earn a commemorative t-shirt when you raise $100 for MS. If you don’t want to monkey around with Edmond’s virtual walk, take a walk on the wild side with your family and friends in spring 2012 and strut your stuff with an anticipated 2,500 walkers at Walk MS Oklahoma City at the Oklahoma City Zoo.
Scorching Summer Training Prepares Cyclists for The Mother Road Ride Oklahoma’s best supported bicycle ride and largest fundraising event for the National MS Society pedaled out on a bright note on September 17 on the road to a cure. The 26th Annual Bike MS Oklahoma: The Mother Road Ride, presented by Sam’s Club took place September 17-18. More than 600 participants and 120 volunteers took the slogan “Move it” to heart on this two-day, 140-mile test of endurance. The route followed historic Route 66 from Tulsa to Oklahoma City ending with a celebration at the State Capitol. Since its
Bike MS volunteers along with Tulsa’s Channel 8 Charles Ely along the route. inception in 1986 with an original roster of Continued page 4 TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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130 participants, this annual ride developed a reputation of spoiling its cyclists; helping it continuously grow. Final fundraising ends October 21, and we are well on our way to reaching the 2011 target of $500,000. Riders departed downtown Tulsa covering 71 miles over rolling hills, countryside and encountering historic sites along Route 66. Day one ended in Chandler where great food and drink along with cheering family and volunteers greeted our cyclists. The party continued into the evening with a short program recognizing top fundraisers and dedicated volunteers. After a hearty pancake breakfast, cyclists worked out the stiffness and began the 69-mile trek to Oklahoma City finishing in the shadow of the
Capitol Dome. Volunteers greeted each cyclist by with a commemorative medal around their neck as hundreds of family, friends and MS clients cheered their accomplishment. The ride proved, once again, to be a taxing test of endurance, but pales in comparison to the daily challenges faced by those with MS. Deep appreciation goes out to everyone who helped make Bike MS Oklahoma: The Mother Road Ride a huge success in the quest for a world free from MS. Information regarding Bike MS Oklahoma: The Mother Road Ride may be found online at bikeMSok.org. You may also call the National MS Society at 1-800-344-4867 (press 2) for information on local Bike MS rides.
MS Style Movement at the Glass Slipper The 5th Annual MS Style Movement was held this past spring to benefit Bike MS. The fashion show was held at Glass Slipper’s new location in Utica Square in Tulsa. The evening included food, drinks, shopping and featured a shoe fashion show emceed by KJRH Channel 2’s Sara Goldenberg. Shoe models who have a connection to MS wore the latest styles from Flirt, jewelry from J.Spencer Jewelry, and hair and makeup by Ihloff Salon and Day Spa. Special thanks to all who participated! 4 I JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
5th Annual Smarty Pants Trivia Night
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The 5th Annual Smarty Pants Trivia Night was held on Thursday, Aug. 11 at the Oklahoma Heritage Center. Around 250 attendees enjoyed an evening of brain-numbing trivia questions, emceed by Brent Skarky with OklaVision TV. Participants enjoyed a buffet provided by Johnny Carino’s, Yukon. Sponsors of the evening included Chesapeake Energy, Cox Communications, Skyline Media and UniFirst. Thanks to chairman Packy Evans and his committee including Taylor Brecher, Nichole Glover, Jamie Lathrop, Shelly Lindsay, Dan Mann and Laura Steen. Congratulations go out to the 2011 Smarty Pants Trivia Champions, Sara and Jay Kyte and team.
Mark your calendar now for the next Smarty Pants Trivia Night scheduled for August 16, 2012. Contact Lucy.Fraser@.nmss.org if you have an interest in joining the planning committee.
10th Annual Uncorking the Cure for MS, a Fundraising Success The 10th Annual Uncorking the Cure for MS was held Friday, Aug. 26 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Tulsa Historical Society. It was a decadent evening full of Calistoga Wine and a lavish display by Lambrusco’z! The Wall O’ Wine Pull and new Restaurant Gift Card Pull were huge successes bringing in over $3,000! With a wildly successful live and silent auction and through ticket and poster sales, the event in total has raised over $104,000 for the National MS Society! Thank you to our patrons and all who contributed to making this event a record-breaking success! Special Thanks to the fabulous event committee members and Uncorking Chairs: Debbie and David Carder, Patron Chairs: John and Lori Cowen and Winemasters: Tom and Melanie Tate and David & Suzan Wadley! If you would like to purchase a limited 10th Annual Uncorking the Cure for MS poster ($25), please contact Rachel Klenda at 918-488-0882 ext. 35124 or rachel.klenda@nmss.org. TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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Volunteers Answer the Call to Help Their Communities
By James Black Even in uncertain economic times, volunteerism is thriving in the South Central United States. According to a comprehensive Volunteering in America report released in August from the Corporation for National and Community Service, Oklahoma is the top state in the region, with an average volunteer rate of nearly 30%. It is followed by New Mexico (26.2%), Texas (23.8%), Louisiana (21.9%) and Arkansas (21.4%). Utah is the top state in the union with a volunteerism rate of 44.5%.
On a national level, people volunteered most often with religious organizations (35%), followed by educational facilities (26.7%) and social service groups (14%). Geographically, most U.S. volunteers in 2010 lived in rural areas (27.9%), narrowly outdoing those in the suburbs (27.5%) and outpacing residents in urban centers (22.9%).
South Central States Results When examining volunteerism for residents in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma National Results and Texas, the Lone Star State was the only one More than 62 million Americans on average in which fundraising was not the top volunteer volunteered 8.1 billion hours in 2010. The activity. Collecting and distributing food median number of hours served per volunteer (25.7%) was the top job for Texas volunteers, rose from 50 in 2009 to 52 in 2010. According to followed closely by fundraising at 24.9%. the report, the total estimated value of volunteer Mirroring the national trend, state volunteers service in 2010 was $173 billion, based on the chose to help religious organizations (a range of average value of a volunteer hour, which was 38-43% across the five states), followed by estimated at $21.36 last year. educational and social service groups. It was noted that members of Generation X – those born between 1965 and 1981 – have more Geographically, those in Texas’ suburban and rural markets were nearly neck-and-neck. More than doubled their volunteer rate since 1989. In than 25% of Lone Star volunteers lived in the 1989, 12.3% of this group volunteered with an organization; by 2010, the rate had increased to suburbs, with 24.9% in rural communities and 22.3% in urban markets. nearly 30%. Across the United States, volunteers are helping organizations – particularly nonprofit agencies such as the National MS Society – serve the country’s most vulnerable citizens. As nonprofit organizations continue facing budget challenges and fewer resources, the contributions made by volunteers become more vital than ever.
Across all five South Central states, however, rural volunteers contributed the most hours, ranging from 52 hours in Arkansas to 72 hours in Oklahoma. In Texas, rural volunteers worked an average of 64 hours, compared with 56 suburban hours and 48 city hours.
City Comparisons Most volunteers nationally devoted their time to In the five South Central States, Oklahoma had fundraising efforts (26.5%), followed by collecting the top two volunteer rates per city: Oklahoma City (32.1%) and Tulsa (31%). The remaining top or distributing food (23.5%) and general labor 10 South Central cities based on volunteer rates (20.3%). were Dallas (27.7%); Albuquerque, N.M. (26.7%); 6 I JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
Baton Rouge, La. (25.6%); Little Rock, Ark. (25.3%); New Orleans, La. (24.4%); Austin (24%); San Antonio (22.5%); and Houston (22.5%). Fundraising was the top volunteer activity in Austin; El Paso; Lafayette, La; Little Rock; New Orleans; Oklahoma City; and Tulsa. The collection, distribution and serving of food was the top job for volunteers in Baton Rouge, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, while tutoring was the top activity for Albuquerque, N.M. and Fayetteville, Ark. volunteers. Wherever they call home, South Central volunteers are making powerful differences in their communities.
Visit www.VolunteeringinAmerica.gov to read the complete volunteering report.
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Learn more about volunteering locally with the National MS Society and helping persons living with MS in your community. Visit www.volunteerMS.org or call 1-800-344-4867 (press 2). James Black is the editor of MSConnection and a Strategic Communications Specialist in the Society’s Houston office. He can be reached at james.black@nmss.org
Ma c a spr len rk you The VA Center of Excellence and Oklahoma City VA Medical Center are ead dar r the and offering a professional education and patient education program in October! wo rd!
Balanced Care In The Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis Professional Education Program *Target Audience: Residents, Fellows, Nurses, Social Workers, Therapists, Psychologists, and Allied Health Trainees Friday, October 28, 2011 • 8:30am - 4:30pm Sheraton Downtown, Oklahoma City 1 North Broadway Ave. Oklahoma City, OK FREE Registration and Parking CME: 6 Hours (Awaiting Approval) For additional information on this program please contact Jaimie Henry at 800-949-1004 EXT. 53296 or jaimie.henry@va.gov
Patient Education Program Who should attend? If you have multiple sclerosis or are a family member or caregiver of someone with MS, you should attend this FREE workshop!!! Saturday, October 29, 2011 • 9am - 2:30pm Sheraton Downtown, Oklahoma City 1 North Broadway Ave. Oklahoma City, OK FREE Registration and Parking Workshop Topics include: Complimentary & Alternative Therapies for MS, Treating Fatigue and Enhancing Mobility, Wellness & MS, Bowel & Bladder Management, Veteran Benefits and Community Resources. Registration for this program is required. Please call 800-949-1004 EXT. 53296 or email jaimie.henry@va.gov; and leave a detailed message including your name, number attending, guest names, address, phone and email. TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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Programs
Celebrate Your Caregiver! November is National Family Caregiver Month
By Sharleen Dupee The National MS Society supports the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) in their efforts to recognize family caregivers through our endorsement and recognition of November as National Family Caregivers (NFC) Month. This is a nationally recognized time set aside every year to thank, support, educate and celebrate more than 50 million family caregivers across the country! Many families and individuals are caregivers to a loved one. These caregivers can be sons, daughters, parents, spouse, siblings, other relatives or even a friend of the person needing assistance. According to the NFCA, the service provided by Family Caregivers represents 80% of all home care services, which is conservatively valued at $375 billion a year. The National MS Society knows that being a Caregiver is a huge responsibility that comes with joy, frustration as well as sacrifices and we want to give something back to Caregivers who have given so much, and given up so much to
support others. To help us do this, please submit the name of your Caregiver that you would like us to recognize by registering for the program at 1-800-344-4867, option 1, by October 26, 2011.
Couple’s Retreat in August a Huge Success
Couples from Oklahoma and North Texas enjoyed the 8 Hours to a Lifetime of Relationship Satisfaction Couple’s Retreat at the Winstar World Casino in Thackerville, OK, August 5 & 6. 8 I JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
2012 Scholarship Program Will Soon Be Underway Have you heard about the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Scholarship Program? If not, here is what you need to know.
Programs
In 2011, the National MS Society, Oklahoma awarded 11 students with scholarships totaling $11,000.
Highly qualified high school seniors who have been diagnosed with MS or who have a parent with MS are eligible for the National MS Society’s scholarship program. Additional criteria include financial need, academic record, participation in school or community activities, and an essay (written by the applicant) on the impact of MS on his or her life. Awards range from $1,000–$3,000 and a small number of four-year awards are offered. Applications for 2012 scholarships will be accepted (online only) between October 1, 2011, and January 13, 2012. For more info, visit nationalmssociety. org/scholarship or call us at 800-344-4867. The deadline to submit applications is January 13, 2012. We encourage students to apply early. It takes time to complete the application, obtain recommendations and mail in the requested backup documentation. The online system closes on January 13 at 11:59 p.m., central time, however, ACT customer support will not be available after 5:00 p.m., and late applications will not be accepted.
Save the Date! MS Day at the Capitol – Feb. 28, 2012 2nd floor Rotunda 10 a.m. – Orientation 11 a.m. – Legislator Visits Noon – Lunch with Legislators 1-3 p.m. – House & Senate Chamber Visits MS Advocate George Black at the Capitol in 2011 TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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Living with MS
WALK THIS WAY: USING WALKING POLES Potential tools in the walking arsenal that people with MS might want to consider are walking poles. These are adjustable-length ski pole–like shafts made of very light metal (such as titanium, carbon fiber or aluminum) with Courtesy of Jayah Faye Paley, handles (called www.PolesForMobility.com grips). Many have adjustable wrist straps and tips designed for walking on flat, steep or rugged terrain. Because they are used in pairs, poles—which lie between a cane and a walker on the continuum of assistive devices—offer increased balance, steadiness and support, according to Sue Kushner, PT, MS, associate professor of Physical Therapy, Slippery Rock University, Penn., who has spent much of her career working with people who have MS. “You can move a little faster, because bilateral support gives more stability and speed,” she said. Studies suggest that poles reduce the force on joints and help distribute the body’s weight better, meaning less work for the legs, knees,
10 I JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
feet, hip and back. Less stress on the lower body translates into less fatigue, a frequent symptom of MS. “If you use poles instead of a cane, you may conserve energy,” Kushner said. Jayah Faye Paley grew up in Florida, and when she moved to northern California in her 30s, took up mountain hiking. She found she “didn’t have the natural footing of people who grew up with it.” She does not have MS. (Continued on next page.)
Pole primer “Talk to your physical therapist before you try them,” physical therapist Sue Kushner cautioned. Then choose poles based on your height, weight, hand size, issues (balance, for example) and your fitness or mobility goals. “Make sure they’re the proper height— about waist level, a little higher than a cane—and a comfortable weight. If you’re using them all day, you do care about their weight, especially if you have any weakness in your wrist muscles,” Kushner added. One drawback is that you can’t carry much with poles in both hands. However, a backpack is one possible solution. Good poles cost about $90 to $140 and should last a lifetime.
Living with MS
One day she met a fellow using poles, who was, she said, “poetry in motion on the trail.” She was so taken with both him (they married in 2003) and the poles that she made a career of teaching people to use them optimally. An ACE-certified personal trainer, Paley has created two training DVDs, including one for people with mobility challenges. “With minimal training—usually less than an hour— you can walk more fluidly and with a natural pattern because you recruit and strengthen the muscles that support and elongate the spine,” she said. Other benefits, Paley added, are confidence and focus. “You are walking for exercise, not just strolling—the poles are consistent reminders to move better.”
WALKERS: WHAT’S YOUR BAD WEATHER PLAN? If walking is your favorite exercise, now is the time to plan ahead so winter doesn’t disrupt your regimen. Sue Kushner, PT, MS, recommends the following: • In snowy or icy weather, avoid walking outdoors—even to take Fido out. A sudden tug on a slick sidewalk can send you flying. “Even a little fall can really set you back,” Kushner said. “If you twist an ankle or tear a ligament, it can lay you up for a couple of months, plus you’ll have to do rehab. If you’re already weak, it might even put you into a wheelchair.” • Consider instead the great indoors! Mallwalking. Nearby gyms or YMCAs. Some offer monthly memberships that you can use during winter weather. Public schools or colleges. Call to find out if they are open to walkers in the evening. • Consider using a walking device for extra assistance when it’s cold.
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.
• Always choose supportive footwear with a good tread. • Take advantage of clear days to get out; look for parks where walking paths have been cleared. • Depending on your balance and skill level, cross-country skiing or ice skating can be fun and challenging ways to take advantage of winter weather.
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TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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National NEWS
PEDIATRIC MS STUDIES RECEIVE FEDERAL SUPPORT The Society’s network of Pediatric MS Centers has been awarded a fiveyear grant from the National Institutes of Health to study genetic and environmental risk factors for MS in children with the disease. The study will enroll children and teens with MS and matched Children with MS attend Champ Camp, held at Camp For controls without All in Burton, Tex. Photo: Chase MS for a single Shull Artisan Portrait Studios, visit to one of 10 courtesy of the South Central centers around Region. the country— in California, New York, Massachusetts, Alabama, Minnesota, Texas, Pennsylvania and Washington. Four new centers are part of this project in addition to the six created with support from the Society’s Promise: 2010 campaign. To learn more about the study including referral information, please email janace.hart@ucsf.edu or call 415-5142476. For more information about pediatric MS, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/ pediatricMS. 12 I JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
CCSVI STUDIES—ONEYEAR UPDATE The first-year progress reports from seven Society-funded studies of CCSVI, or chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency, were released July 14, 2011. The research teams report being on track in collecting objective and comprehensive data. The studies were launched with a more than $2.4 million commitment from the MS Society of Canada and the National MS Society. The research teams have recruited a broad spectrum of people with and without MS. Already more than 486 people have been scanned using various imaging technologies. Only by refining imaging methods can investigators more reliably validate if a person actually has CCSVI and better understand its relationship to the MS disease process. The full results, to be released after completion, will help guide future steps, including the development of clinical trials to test whether treating CCSVI is safe and effective for people with MS. In the meantime, several of the teams will present preliminary results at medical meetings later this year. To read more about the studies and to get the news of results, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/ccsvi.
Get the latest! Visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/ signup to sign up for monthly MS eNEWS.
National News
SOCIETY PRESIDENT AND CEO JOYCE NELSON TO RETIRE
• Increased the Society’s advocacy efforts through the establishment of the MS Caucus in Congress; • Inaugurated financial assistance programs in all Society chapters; and
RESEARCH
After 28 years with the National MS Society, and seven as its president and CEO, Joyce Nelson is retiring as of October 1, 2011. “Although the time has come for me to formally pass the torch of leadership to another, my love for this work and for the people with whom I’ve served will never fade,” she said. “People living with MS have touched my life every day for the past 28 years, providing inspiration for the important work to be done. When the final answers are found and the race is won, I can assure you that I will be there with you to celebrate a world free of MS.” Nelson began her Society career in 1983 as a READaTHON coordinator in the Northern California Chapter and rose through chapter and national leadership positions to become the Society’s president and CEO in 2004.
find and support young scientists doing essential MS research;
• Expanded the nationwide scholarship program. “I know you will join me in wishing Joyce Nelson and her family all the best as they enter this new phase of their lives,” said Thomas Kuhn, chair of the National Board of Directors of the National MS Society.
LIVE FULLY, LIVE WELL – THE HOLISTIC APPROACH TO MS
A new multimedia wellness program, a collaboration between the Society and Can Do MS, launched this June. Called Live Fully, Live Well, it is designed for people with MS and their support partners, and deals with a wide range of topics covering health, relationships and quality of life. Through December 2011, Live Fully, Live Well is offering in-person workshops, videos, and monthly webinars presented by physical and occupational therapists, MS nurse Among her many accomplishments, Nelson: educators, dietitians and other MS experts. The • Founded Fast Forward, a research subsidiary of June and July webinars are already archived the National MS Society that supports clinical on the National MS Society website and can research and fast-tracks clinical trials of MS be accessed at any time. All the subsequent therapies and treatments; webinars will be available on the Society’s website shortly after the program’s air date. For • Established six pediatric MS Centers of details and schedules from August on, log on Excellence; to www.nationalMSsociety.org and search • Created the MS Navigator™ program to provide for “live fully live well.” To register for in-person personal assistance to people with MS; workshops, call Can Do MS at 1-800-367-3101, or email info@mscando.org. • Expanded the Society’s fellowship program to TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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Advocacy
UP-TO-DATE FAQS ON THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT To help people with MS understand the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, or ACA, signed into law March 2010, the Society regularly updates Frequently Asked Questions on its website at www.nationalMSsociety.org/ ACAFAQ. On this page, people can find answers to questions like: What if I am about to lose my COBRA coverage? Can children with pre-existing conditions get coverage? Does the law limit lifetime or annual caps on individual coverage? What are “Health Insurance Exchanges”? Can private insurance companies cancel my policy? What about long-term care? When will the “donut hole” in Medicare Part D phase out? The FAQs also explore the regulations pertaining to the ACA provisions, as well as legal challenges the ACA faces. In addition, there are many links to fact sheets and useful websites that provide more in-depth information on specific issues. As various provisions of the ACA kick in over the next few years, the Society will continue providing up-to-date information and links.
NEW ADA RULES More than 20 years after the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), noteworthy changes went into effect March 2011. These demonstrate a continued commitment to realizing the full potential of the ADA and to properly enforcing civil rights of people living with disabilities. 14 I JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org
The definition of “disability” had been selectively narrowed over the years. Now, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s new regulation is clear. Disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, regardless if the disability is in remission. Multiple sclerosis will almost always meet the “disability” criteria because MS limits a major life activity (namely, neurological function). The revised regulations also adopt the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design, setting minimum requirements for new construction or alterations of facilities of some 80,000 state and local governments and of more than seven million public places, including stores, restaurants, hotels, malls, libraries, museums, sports arenas, theaters, medical offices, polling places and emergency preparedness centers. Learn more at www.ada.gov. Also visit the ADA National Network at www.adata.org or call 1-800-949-4232 for information and training on how to implement the ADA in our area.
Self-Help Groups Self-Help Groups include persons with MS, spouses, adult family members and friends. Please call the group leader or community contact for information. Group Meeting Info: Ardmore: Linda, 580-223-2427 Claremore: Dottie, 918-625-1883 Duncan: J’Nell, 580-255-0886 Kassie, 580-475-0576 David, 580-252-2439 Mannford- MS-101: Gail T., 918-865-8212 Gail S., 918-865-5001 Oklahoma City: Quail Creek Group Jody, 405-755-5756
Women’s Luncheon Group Janice, 405-943-1103 ATOMS Joe, 405-478-7990 Tom or Emily, 405-607-2861 Stillwater: Connie, 405-372-8617 Tulsa: PACE Don, 918-355-9809, Sandra, 918-481-9928 & Dave, 918-645-0880
Community Contacts: Atoka: Kim, 580-889-7307
Norman: Rebecca, 405-632-2334
Bristow: Dusty, 918-367-5203
Okmulgee: Karena, 918-752-0048
Enid: Janet, 580-233-7973 Lawton: Cynthia, 580-595-7076 Mustang: Tena, 405-306-7349
Please call the noted group leader or community contact for further details or information.
Nominees for Board of Trustees Now Being Accepted Individuals interested in being considered for nomination to the South Central Board of Trustees should submit a letter of interest and a biography, along with name, mailing address, email address and phone number. Nominees will be notified of board member expectations, responsibilities, fiduciary and time commitments. Final candidates will be interviewed by a member of the Governance Committee. Nominations for the Board of Trustees must be submitted by Nov. 15, 2011 to: Mark Neagli National MS Society 8111 N. Stadium Drive, Ste. 100 Houston, TX 77054
National Conference is Nov. 2 – 4 Persons with MS and volunteers from across the United States will take part in the National MS Society’s 2011 National Conference in Dallas on Nov. 2 – 4. The conference offers opportunities to hear about research and personal stories from those committed to a world free of MS. Details on conference location, registration, applicable fees and more are available online at www.nationalMSsociety.org or by calling 1-800-344-4867 (press 1). TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Tulsa, OK Permit # 157
Oklahoma Chapter
National Multiple Sclerosis Society 4606 East 67th Street, Suite 103 Tulsa, OK 74136 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED POSTAL CARRIER – DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DO NOT DELAY
Save the Date October 1 Walk MS: Stillwater 8 Walk MS: Muskogee Walk MS Edmond - Anytime November National Caregiver Month 2-4 National Conference December 1 PACE Holiday Party 4 ATOMS Holiday Party
7th Annual MS Bridge Musical Moments October 21, 2011 Gaillardia Golf & Country Club 6 – 10 p.m. Proceeds Will Benefit Multiple Sclerosis Research at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. Contact: Kelly Brown at 405-229-2151