summer 2014 north state: Programs & services in your community
Connect with the Care You Need Multiple sclerosis is a difficult disease to diagnose, with unpredictable symptoms that often mimic those of other diseases. For Brian Thompson, the symptoms came on gradually. Between 2007 and 2009, he experienced two cases of optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve that can cause a complete or partial loss of vision. However, after treatment, he regained his vision completely. “I went far too long before getting a diagnosis,” said Brian. His symptoms slowly progressed over the next three years, and he experienced issues with balance, endurance, strength, and heat intolerance. “During the summer of 2012, I was at a point where I could not think these symptoms were something to disregard,” said Brian. Shortly thereafter, he was diagnosed with MS. There are many “what if ’s” that can accompany an MS diagnosis. “What do I do now?” and “How will my life change?” are just a few thoughts that ran through Brian’s mind after he received the news. The National MS Society connected Brian with a care manager named Audrey, who
helped him navigate through the process of getting the care he needed. “Over time Audrey has been an amazing resource. She has helped me with everything from filling out paperwork to making sure I ask my neurologist the right questions and get the answers I need,” said Brian. A few months ago, Brian broke his leg after an unexpected fall and required in-patient care. Audrey connected Brian with a local rehabilitation facility for his initial recovery, and set him up with 72 hours of support for
08 his recovery time at home, which included light housekeeping, transportation to appointments, and other help as needed. The extra support at home was a relief for Brian and his girlfriend, Shelli. “Having the extra help took the burden off of me and Shelli. Sometimes MS becomes the third person in the room. It’s nice to not have to focus on it,” said Brian. Shelli added, “You always want to think you can do it all, but our lifestyle was so much calmer having the extra help at home. When I came home, Brian and I were able to enjoy our life together rather than focusing on MS.”
How to Connect to the Care You Need
From navigating through the very first symptoms and continuing throughout life with the disease, the National MS Society can connect people, like Brian, with the care they need. • Connect with MS Specialty Care - doctors, counselors, social workers, physical therapists and more! • 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. • Learn more about research and clinical trials. • Advocate for better health care, research funding, and policy initiatives that are important to you. Connect to the care you need by calling 800344-4867 or email can_info@nmss.org. ◊
north state: Programs & Services: summer 2014
UPCOMING PROGRAMs Registration is required for all programs unless otherwise stated. Register by calling 1-800-344-4867 or visiting our Calendar at www.nationalMSsociety.org/calendar/norcal.
Self-Advocacy Skills Training: Overcoming Barriers to Getting What You Need Saturday, August 16th 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Ft. Bragg C.V. Starr Community Center 300 S. Lincoln St., Fort Bragg Whether you want to obtain approval for services or accommodations from your health plan, doctor, employer or favorite grocery store, many of the same principles apply. This practical “hands-on” workshop will offer you an opportunity to hear from communication and advocacy professionals about the most effective methods for presenting your fact-based needs to achieve maximum results. At this workshop you will learn: • Resources to help resolve disputes with your health provider, employer or local business • How to enlist your elected officials to help you short-circuit problems • How to file winning grievances • How to identify and prepare for potential problems before they arise Presenter Annan Paterson lives with MS and knows firsthand the importance of advocating for the needs and treatment of people with
register at nationalmssociety.org/can | 1-800-344-4867
Snacks and drink will be provided. A small $5 registration fee is requested. The registration deadline is Tuesday, September 2nd.
chronic conditions through her own involvement in local politics. Representatives from congressional and statewide offices will discuss how to expedite problems with Medicare and Medi-Cal, accessibility issues, Social Security claims, and intervening with governmental issues. Community resources related to topics such as housing and discrimination will also be discussed. The registration deadline is Friday, August 15th.
Newly Diagnosed Orientation Monday, September 8th 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Enloe Rehabilitation Center 340 W. East Ave., Chico Are you newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis? A diagnosis of MS can create many unexpected emotions that leave you with a strong need to understand the changes you may be facing. This informative program will address the most common concerns for people who are newly diagnosed as well as family and friends who want to learn more.
Newly Diagnosed Orientation Wednesday, August 27th 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Round Table Pizza, Meeting Room 2065 Occidental Rd., Santa Rosa Are you newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis? A diagnosis of MS can create many unexpected emotions that leave you with a strong need to understand the changes you may be facing. This informative program will address the most common concerns for people who are newly diagnosed, as well as family and friends who want to learn more. The registration deadline is Wednesday, August 27th.
Clay Day Saturday, September 6th 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. All Fired Up 830 Broadway St., Chico Come to clay day and let your creative juices flow. This event will be led by an All Fired Up Clay artist who will show you how to mold and shape your own clay piece to take home.
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DIY Fundraising Event: Crush MS
Reid Family Vineyards and Counter Punch Wines have teamed up to create a network of wineries called Crush MS who are dedicated to raising funds and awareness toward the elimination of MS. On August 2nd, Reid Family Vineyards will host several of Napa’s finest wineries. Participating wineries include Silver Oak, ZD, Spelletich, Dry Creek Vineyards and more! This event will feature great food, local musicians and great wine. Purchase tickets at https:// crushms1.eventbrite. com. The winery is located at 1020 Borrette Lane in Napa. For more information, call Karen or Kirk Reid at 707-2523195.
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ms connection: summer 2014
what’s happening in northern california Bay Area • Newly Diagnosed Orientation, August 6th
in San Francisco • Mix & Mingle Networking Hour, August 20th in Walnut Creek • Self-Advocacy Skills Training, September 6th in Pleasanton • Free From Falls, Thursdays, September 25th - November 13th in Oakland
Central Valley
• MS Night at the Modesto Nuts, July 25th
in Modesto • Newly Diagnosed Orientation, August 5th in Modesto • Live a Healthy Life, August 13th in Modesto
Greater Sacramento
• Coping with the Physical Changes in MS,
July 16 in Sacramento • Newly Diagnosed Orientation, August 7th in Carmichael • Mix & Mingle Networking Hour, September 10th in Sacramento • Maneuvering Through the World of Disability Insurance, September 17th in Carmichael th
South Bay
• Free From Falls, July 7th - August 25th in
Marina • Morning Mingle, July 17th, August 21st and September 18th in Santa Clara • Carepartners of MS Social, July 19th in Santa Clara
• Newly Diagnosed Orientation, August 5th
in Santa Clara • Wine Down Wednesday, August 20th in Mountain View • Gentle Yoga for People with MS, Thursdays ongoing in Saratoga
self-help groups BUTTE COUNTY
• Chico - Amy: 530-863-7818, Tracy:
530-343-3623
HUMBOLDT COUNTY
• Eureka - Ann Louise: 707-839-0177,
Kim: 707-445-9803
MARIN COUNTY
• Corte Madera (*Group does not meet in
July & August) - Vicki: 415-892-7370, Anita: 415-892-5548
MENDOCINO COUNTY
• Fort Bragg - Alice: 707-964-7850
SHASTA COUNTY
• HOPE 4 MS - Beth: 530-246-8404,
Patricia: 530-222-7277, Pat: 530-357-3585
SONOMA COUNTY
• Petaluma - Rebecca: 209-327-8050 • Santa Rosa - Susan: 707-544-9654,
Debbie: 707-548-8437 • Windsor - Kate: 707-433-9194, Becky: 707-303-5207
SUTTER COUNTY
• Yuba City - Evon: 530-701-2189yo
ONLINE
• “Second Life” - John: 916-708-9708