FALL 2013 NEW JERSEY METRO CHAPTER
MS CONNECTION NEWSLETTER 3
TO READ MORE ABOUT THE GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR AWARD, GO TO PAGE 4.
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CHRISTIE ACCEPTS GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
INSIDE 04 THIS ISSUE
GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR
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APPRECIATING CAREGIVERS
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DAY FOR HISPANIC FAMILIES LIVING WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
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WELLNESS PROGRAMS
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MS CONNECTION: FALL 2013
LETTER FROM BOARD CHAIR
MICHAEL GIBNEY
Welcome to the fall issue of MS Connection. There were a number of big events this season. Two of the three Bike MS Rides were held in September. On September 15th we hosted the Hops to Hops Ride which started and ended at the beautiful Delaware River just across from New Hope, Pennsylvania. This setting was just beautiful for a 40 or 62 mile ride! The following weekend, on September 21st and 22nd, we hosted the Great NJ Country Ride. This two-day tour rode through Northern New Jersey, where Phil Kheogan, host of the Amazing Race and National Bike MS Ambassador joined over 600 riders to raise funds toward a world free of MS.
CONNECT WITH US ONLINE: New Jersey Metro Chapter www.nationalMSsociety.org/NJM Email: njminfo@nmss.org Like us: www.facebook.com/pages/ National-MultipleSclerosis-Society New-Jersey-MetroChapter/117041902295 Follow us: @MSNJMetro Watch us: www.youtube.com/user/ NewJerseyMetro Production of this newsletter is generously supported by:
On the weekend of September 7th and 8th, eleven NJ participants headed to Cape Cod to participate in the 50 Mile Challenge Walk. In total, over 400 people walked that weekend and over $1 million was raised toward our mission. Bringing MS happenings indoors, we also host two luncheons: On the Move Luncheon at The Berkeley in Asbury Park, NJ was held on September 19, 2013; and the Women on the Move Luncheon held at the Westmount Country Club in Woodland Park, NJ will take place on November 8, 2013. These luncheons include raffles, live and silent auctions, and wonderful guest speakers. Both are emceed by Chris Wragge, Co-Anchor of New York’s CBS 2 News This Morning & News at Noon with Mary Calvi. Information for all of the aforementioned can be found on the Chapters web site: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/NJM/ index.aspx The month of September was bittersweet for me, because it marked the last month of my three-year term as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the NJ Metro Chapter. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you and the entire staff for all of the support I have received the past three years! More importantly, please join me in wishing Bonnie Higgins, the incoming Board Chairperson, tremendous success during her term. Mike Gibney Chairman of the Board
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NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY
MS CENTERS IN NEW JERSEY
New Jersey Metro Chapter
The National MS Society, NJ Metro Chapter and the MS Centers in NJ have collaborative relationships that enhance the services that are provided to people and their families who live with a diagnosis of MS. The MS Centers provide clinical care and medical expertise while the Chapter complements that care by offering a variety of educational and support services. The five MS Centers in NJ are listed below: Bergen County The MS Comprehensive Care Center at Holy Name Hospital 718 Teaneck Road, Teaneck, NJ 201-837-0727 http://www.holyname.org/MSCenter/ Essex County MS Comprehensive Care Center at Barnabas Ambulatory Care Center 200 South Orange Ave, Livingston, NJ 973-322-7484 http://www.barnabashealth.org/hospitals/ ambulatory_care_center/programs/ms/ Rutgers-NJMS Multiple Sclerosis Center 90 Bergen St, Suite 8100, Newark, NJ 973-972-2550 http://njms.rutgers.edu/departments/ neuroscience/clinical_program_patient_care.cfm Middlesex County Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Center for MS 125 Paterson St, New Brunswick, NJ 732-235-7733 http://umg.umdnj.edu/public/clinical_services/ program.asp?dept=neurology&program=ms Monmouth County The Linda E Cardinale MS Center at CentraState Hospital Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus 901 Main St., Freehold, NJ 732-294-2505 http://www.centrastate.com/Multiple-SclerosisCenter
Northern Office: 1 Kalisa Way, Suite 205 Paramus, NJ 07652 Central Office: 246 Monmouth Road Oakhurst, NJ 07755 Board Leadership:
Staff Leadership:
Chair Michael D. Gibney
Chapter President Jim Roberts
Treasurer Joe Welter
Executive Vice President of Development Karen Drzik
Secretary Michael Pawelczak
Vice President of Programs & Services Nancy Chazen Vice President of Development Jennifer Hivry Vice President of Finance Gwen Leach Newsletter Editor Alexandra Whelan
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.
Š2013 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, New Jersey Metro Chapter
4 EVERYDAY MATTERS: LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE WITH MS Put positive psychology to work in your life! Videos, presentations from a mental health professional, and handouts will help you increase your knowledge of the principles of positive psychology and gain an understanding of how these principles can be used as a strategy for living with MS, as well as identify additional community resources for support and connection. Website: www.everydayMSmatters.org When: 5 Tuesday evenings in November/ December from 6-8:30pm: November 5, 12, 19, 26 and December 3 Where: McLoones Boat House, 9 Cherry Lane, West Orange, www.mcloonesboathouse.com/ index.php Registration is required. Register online at: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/Calen dar/1263013773?view=Detail&id=319897 or call 1-800-344-4867, option 1. Fee: $15 per person (for the entire 5 week program) This program is supported in part by Genzyme, a Sanofi company. The program has limited seating and registration will be taken on a firstcome first serve basis. g
MS CONNECTION: FALL 2013
GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR Every year, the National MS Society recognizes elected officials who have been champions for the MS community by advancing policies that will improve the lives of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their families. This is the Society’s highest award for members of Congress and Governors. At its 2013 Public Policy Conference near Washington, D.C., the Society bestowed the 2012 Governor of the Year award to Governor Chris Christie. Because Governor Christie was unable to attend the Public Policy Conference in March, New Jersey Metro Chapter President Jim Roberts personally presented the award to Governor Christie in Newark in late July. Among Governor Christie’s many accomplishments, in January 2012, he signed a Multiple Sclerosis Task Force bill into law that created a statewide task force to examine the diverse issues impacting New Jersey residents with multiple sclerosis (MS). In presenting the award to Governor Christie, Chapter President Jim Roberts says, “The National MS Society takes great pride and pleasure in presenting Governor Christie with our prestigious 2012 Governor of the Year Award for the initiatives he has led and supported, which have a positive impact on people living with MS, including the creation of the groundbreaking Multiple Sclerosis Task Force.” g
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NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
A NEW PARTNER IN MS CARE Congratulations to Dr. Allison Averill in becoming the most recent Partner in MS Care with the NJ Metro Chapter! Dr. Averill is a physiatrist at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in Saddle Brook. She is a long time member of the Chapter’s Clinical Advisory Committee. The Partners in MS Care program recognizes and supports quality MS care. The program involves health care professionals in the areas of neurology, mental health and rehabilitation, as well as sites that provide multidisciplinary, comprehensive MS care. Health care professionals recognized as Partners in MS Care demonstrate knowledge and experience in MS care; have a special interest in treating people living with multiple sclerosis and work closely with the National MS Society. g
PICTURED ABOVE: DR. AVERILL ACCEPTING THE AWARD FROM CHAPTER PRESIDENT, JIM ROBERTS.
THE GIFT OF A WHEELCHAIR GIVES FREEDOM! The Chapter recently heard from Judith, a social worker at a nursing home in northern NJ. She was pleased with the Chapter’s efforts to help “Janet,” one of her residents that happens to have MS. She writes, “I would like to thank you for the donation of Janet’s power wheelchair. After sitting in it for the first time, I asked Janet how it felt and she said, ‘I feel free.’ The gift of this wheelchair is truly a blessing for Janet. It allows her the independence she cherishes and enhances her quality of life here. Please know that you have given Janet a gift that cannot be surpassed." g
AN EMPOWERED SPIRIT Congratulations to Cathy Chester, a Chapter volunteer who also happens to have MS and is a writer for Healthline.com. Cathy’s blog, An Empowered Spirit has recently been recognized by Healthline.com as “one of the Best MS Blogs of 2013!” Healthline. com describes it like this: Chester’s blog has engaged a lively, vocal community that comments on her posts and provides their own helpful perspectives. This group won’t let you down!
6 APPRECIATING CAREGIVERS Caregiver Recognition Month takes place every November. In an effort to acknowledge the dedication of caregivers to people with MS, any person with MS is invited to share a few words about their caregiver and have it published in the next Chapter newsletter. Simply provide your heartfelt sentiments (no more than three sentences) to the Chapter and we will include it on a special Caregiver Recognition page in the next issue of MS Connection. Feel free to send your comments to jennifer.fallon@nmss.org or mail them to: Jen Fallon, NMSS, 1 Kalisa Way, Suite 205, Paramus, NJ 07652. g
MS AWARENESS NIGHT WITH THE NY METS Active Chapter member Kevin Kilroy and his son Eric representing the NJ Metro Chapter at Citi Field in Queens, NY on Friday, August 23 for MS Awareness Night g
MS CONNECTION: FALL 2013
EDUCATION FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE NEWLY DIAGNOSED If you or someone you know is newly diagnosed with MS, learn more at either of these upcoming meetings:
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013, 6:00-8:00PM
MS Center at Holy Name Medical Center 718 Teaneck Rd, Teaneck, NJ. These classes are sponsored in part by Questcor, Teva Pharmaceuticals and Acorda.
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2013, 11:00AM-1:00PM
Multiple Sclerosis Center (formerly known as UMDNJ) 90 Bergen St, Suite 8100, Newark. These classes are sponsored in part by Questcor, Teva Pharmaceuticals and Acorda To register, call 1-800-344-4867, option 1 or visit the Chapter website at www. nationalMSsociety.org/NJM, click on the programs and Services tab. Future classes will be scheduled throughout the year. View the website often for program updates. g
EMPLOYMENT QUESTIONS Do you have an employment question you would like answered? Are you curious about workplace disclosure, social security benefits, need a reasonable accommodation or are you thinking about returning to work? If so, the National MS Society has a dedicated employment specialist to answer your questions. Feel free to pose your questions directly to this email address: EmploymentQuestions@nmss. org. You can expect to receive a response within 48 hours. g
NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
DÍA PARA FAMILIAS HISPANAS VIVIENDO CON ESCLEROSIS MÚLTIPLE ¡Acompáñenos para un día especial de conocimiento, cultura, baile, y placer para la familia entera incluyendo un almuerzo latino delicioso! Este evento es gratis y ofrecido totalmente en español. ¡Espacio limitado! Inscríbase hoy mismo en el 1-800-344-4867, opción 3.
DOMINGO, 24 DE NOVIEMBRE DEL 2013 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Columbia University—Casa Italiana 1161 Amsterdam Ave. (entre las calles 116 y 118)
DAY FOR HISPANIC FAMILIES LIVING WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS Join us for a special day of MS awareness, culture, dance, and fun for the entire family including a delicious lunch featuring Latin food. This free event is offered exclusively in Spanish. Space is limited! Register today at 1-800-344-4867, option 3.
NOVEMBER 24, 2013 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Columbia University—Casa Italiana 1161 Amsterdam Ave. (between 116th and 118th Streets) New York, NY 10027
7 BARBARA O’REILLY NAMED TO WHO’S WHO IN NJ LONG TERM CARE FACILITIES Barbara O’Reilly, a person with MS, was recently named to, “Who’s Who in New Jersey Long Term Care Facilities,” by the Health Care Association of New Jersey (HCAN). She was awarded this recognition for her contributions and achievements which benefitted the long term facility at which she resides. Barbara has been a resident of Bartley Health Care in Jackson, NJ for about a year. She had a long, award-winning career in Journalism and Public Relations and was often a volunteer for church and other organizations, including the annual Walk MS (a team captain for 19 years in both NY and NJ). She recently wrote a book, Grace Under Pressure. Regarding her life with MS, Barbara says, “Keeping a positive attitude is crucial for everyone with MS!”g
8 MAKING HEALTH INSURANCE CHOICES Starting Oct. 1, most people who don’t already have health insurance will have new options for coverage when the Health Insurance Marketplace—a component of the Affordable Care Act—begins enrollment for coverage to begin Jan. 1, 2014. The Web-based Health Insurance Marketplaces, (sometimes called “exchanges”) are a new way of shopping for health insurance coverage, allowing people to compare plans, get tax credits and other cost help. The program also includes government-certified “navigators,” who are expert health insurance counselors funded by the marketplaces to provide unbiased information, education and enrollment help to consumers at no cost. Coverage through marketplace plans is guaranteed regardless of pre-existing conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, and covers preventive and needed care, such as doctor’s visits, hospitalizations, maternity leave, emergency room care and prescriptions. All plans that participate in the marketplace have to show costs and what is covered in simple, understandable language that allows people to make “apples to apples” comparisons between plans. Enrollment begins October 1st at www.healthcare.gov. Call the Society at 1-800344-4867 or visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/ ACAkickin for more information. g
MS CONNECTION: FALL 2013
CHAPTER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The New Jersey Metro Chapter has established a local Scholarship program to assist students who are affected by multiple sclerosis, either by having MS themselves or having a parent with MS. Students must be at the undergraduate level, and can be in any academic year (freshman-senior). Applications will be available through the Chapter starting December 2, 2013 with a deadline of February 14, 2014. For any questions, contact Patti at 201-977-6053 or patti.pasquino@nmss.org g
NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Applications are accepted online only between October 1, 2013 and January 15, 2014. This scholarship is for first-time college students only. After you register, you can return to this page to log in and out of your application anytime (up until you have submitted your application). APPLY NOW: https://www.scholarsapply.org/ mssociety/ For additional details about the program, please visit: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/livingwith-multiple-sclerosis/society-programs-andservices/scholarship/scholarship-programinformation/index.aspx g
NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
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LIVING WELL WITH MS
FALL 2013 TELECONFERENCE SERIES - (SUPPORTED IN PART WITH FUNDS FROM QUESTOR®)
Join us from the comfort of your own phone for a year of informative conference calls on diverse topics of interest to people living with MS. This educational series is free and made available through the collaboration of the following chapters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Connecticut, Greater New England, Long Island, New Jersey Metro, New York City-Southern New York, Rhode Island and Upstate NY. The series is supported in part with funds from Questor.®
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2013, 7 – 8PM
Mindfulness Based Strategies for Coping with MS Pain Pain is often an overlooked symptom in MS 80% of people with MS experiencing some type of pain. Learn about the origins of pain in MS, how it is treated with medications and/or rehabilitation and how to manage it through relaxation and meditation. Speakers: Dr. Jonathan Cahill, Board Certified Neurologist, Rhode Island Hospital MS Center and Ruth Geller, Meditation practitioner and group facilitator for the Long Island Chapter of the National MS Society. Register at: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/Calendar/2043877102?view=Detail&id=319321 or call -1-800-344-4867, option 1. Registration Deadline: October 16, 2013
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2013, 7– 8PM
The Emotional and Physical Health of Caregivers Maintaining your health and well-being is essential to being able to care for others. Celebrate National Family Caregivers’ Month by learning tips for overcoming physical and emotional exhaustion while providing valuable resources to address the challenges of caring for a loved one living with a chronic illness. Speaker: Linda Walter, LCSW, Support group facilitator for the NYC-Southern NY Chapter of the National MS Society. Register at: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/Calendar/1736481359?view=Detail&id=319396 or call 1-800-344-4867, option 1. Registration Deadline: October 30, 2013
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2013, 7 – 8PM
The Other Side of MS Research: Health Policy and Cognition Discover the wide range of MS research that impacts quality of life and everyday issues for people with MS. Speaker: Nicholas G. LaRocca, PhD, Vice President, Health Care Delivery and Policy Research, National MS Society Register at: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/Calendar/1247216589?view=Detail&id=319451 or call 1-800-344-4867, option 1. Registration Deadline: November 27, 2013 Spring session teleconferences will place April- June 2014. Upcoming topics: Exercise and Nutrition, Cognition and MS, and New Disease Modifying Therapies.
10 PARKING THERE FOR “JUST A MINUTE . . .” IS 60 SECONDS TOO LONG! Never park in a space “reserved” for people with disabilities UNLESS you have a person with a disability ID Card and identifying placard/plates. It’s the courteous thing to do - - and it’s the law. REMEMBER: Do not park in the striped access aisles next to spaces reserved for people with disabilities, even if you have a permit or plates. The access aisles provide room for wheelchair users to transfer safely to and from their vehicles. The above paragraph comes from a newly updated NJ Guide to Accessible Parking. You can read more from this link and then choose the Accessible Parking option on the right: http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dds/ home/index.html.
ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting will be held on November 21, 2013. New chapter board officers will be confirmed at this time. For more information, contact, Nancy Chazen at 201-967-5599 or by email at nancy.chazen@nmss.org.
MS CONNECTION: FALL 2013
WELLNESS PROGRAMS The Chapter continues to offer its unique wellness programs throughout the service area. A schedule of classes can be found on the Chapter website at: www.nationalMSsociety.org/NJM Click on the link to the left for Programs and Services; click on the link to Wellness. You may also call the Chapter at 1-800-3444867 and ask about Wellness classes. There is something for everyone!
CLIENT TO CLIENT Client-to-Client Resources identifies specific equipment that may be for sale or otherwise available for free through persons who are interested in parting with the equipment. The Chapter is not involved in any negotiations. You can access this information from this link: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/ njm/programs--services/client-to-clientresources/index.aspx
BE A HERO Multiple sclerosis stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn’t. By planning a gift as part of your overall estate and financial plans you help ensure our mission continues for years to come. There are many options from which to choose. Please call our office at 201-967-5599 to learn more.
NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
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BIKE MS: THE GREAT NEW JERSEY COUNTRY RIDE SEPTEMBER 21 & 22, 2013
MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY METRO CHAPTER STAFF, PICTURED WITH PHIL KEOGHAN (3RD FROM LEFT), BIKE MS AMBASSADOR AND HOST OF THE AMAZING RACE On September 21st and 22nd, over 420 cyclists participated in Bike MS: The Great New Jersey Country Ride which winded through natural wildlife preserves, historic towns, farmlands and back roads of Morris and Somerset Counties finest countryside. Special thanks to our sponsors & supporters: BJ’s Wholesale Club, Hertz, Novartis, Atlantic Health, Acorda Therapeutics, Dassault Falcon Jet, Genzyme, Genenetch, FirstLight Home Care, Cloud 9, Pretzel Factory of Livingston, Peter Bilyk, Kathy Thee/Karl Fenton and our fantastic HAMS, Campmor, Cosmic Wheel, Cycle Sport, High Gear Cyclery, McCormick’s Bicycles, Ridgewood Cycle, and the Wayne Police Department.