SUMMER 2014 SOUTH BAY: PROGRAMS & SERVICES IN YOUR COMMUNITY
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HAS ANOTHER CENTER FOR COMPREHENSIVE MS CARE The Northern California Chapter is happy to announce the approval of its new Partner in MS Care: The Stanford MS Center. The Stanford MS Center is the second Center of Comprehensive Care in Northern California, providing patients with a unique group of medical caregivers who have specific proficiency in the diagnosis and treatment of MS. The National MS Society launched the Partners in Care program to focus on the experience of the patient and emphasize comprehensive and coordinated MS care. This model involves
the expertise of many different healthcare professionals - each contributing in a unique way to the management of the disease and the symptoms it can cause. The program recognizes the Stanford MS Center for showing the ability to offer a multidisciplinary model of care to address the often complex needs of many people with MS. They offer access to a full array of medical, psychosocial and rehabilitation services delivered in a coordinated fashion where providers share common goals for patient outcomes. ◊
CONNECT WITH THE CARE YOU NEED MS 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 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.” 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 continued on next page...
08 rehabilitation facility for his initial recovery, and set him up with 72 hours of support for his recovery time at home, which included light housekeeping, transportation to appointments, and other help as needed. 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. • Ask an MS Navigator for help to navigate the challenges of MS. Find personalized answers to your unique needs, up-to-date information, referrals, and practical resources. • Learn more about research and clinical trials. • Advocate for better health care, research funding, and policy initiatives. ◊
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.
Free From Falls: A Comprehensive Fall Prevention Program for People with MS 8-week series, Mondays, July 7th - August 25th 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Peninsula Wellness Center, CHOMP Rehabilitation Services 2920 2nd Ave., Suite 110, Marina Studies indicate that falls are quite common among people with MS and are often associated
SOUTH BAY: PROGRAMS & SERVICES SUMMER 2014 with injuries and negative impact on quality of life. The National MS Society has developed a fall prevention program with an 8-week curriculum, designed for people living with MS who are ambulatory but who may be at risk for falling. Discussion, exercise, group and individual activities are elements of this engaging format where participants will learn about: fall risks, tips and strategies to reduce risk for falling and exercises to enhance balance and safety. A supportive group atmosphere and expert instructors in the field of rehabilitation, health and wellness will help each participant develop a personal plan to maximize safety. Each week’s 2-hour program will have two parts; a discussion component focused on awareness of issues related to falls and an exercise component directed to improving postural alignment, balance, endurance and mobility. You must be able to walk at least 15 steps unaided or with only one cane, crutch or walking stick. If you are using a wheelchair or walker as a mobility aid this program may not meet your needs (keep your eye out for the next Free From Falls series which may meet your needs). Contact your physical therapist for personalized assessment and therapy. The registration deadline is Wednesday, June 25th. For more information or to discuss the application and assessment process please contact Tara Reed at 408-988-7587, ext. 74102 or e-mail tara.reed@nmss.org.
REGISTER AT NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG/CAN | 1-800-344-4867 Morning Mingle
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Newly Diagnosed Orientation
Thursdays: July 17 , August 21 and September 18th 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. National MS Society Office 2589 Scott Blvd., Santa Clara th
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Got free time in the morning? Too tired to meet at night? Here’s an opportunity to connect with others, share your story and mingle with others who are also living with MS. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. NO registration or deadline!
Carepartners of MS Social Saturday, July 19th 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. National MS Society Office 2589 Scott Blvd., Santa Clara MS happens to families, not just to individuals. When a person is diagnosed with MS, there is immediate impact on all who love them. Family members experience similar emotions to adapting to MS in their lives as the person with MS - fear, guilt, anger, denial, grief, anxiety. Caring for someone with a chronic illness like MS can be deeply satisfying. Spouses and partners, family, and friends can be drawn more closely together by their shared concerns and collaborative efforts. Have lunch and chat with others who love someone with MS, too. Lunch will be provided. The registration deadline is Thursday July 17th.
Tuesday, August 5th 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. National MS Society Office 2589 Scott Blvd., Santa Clara Are you newly diagnosed with MS? 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 Tuesday, August 5th.
Wine Down Wednesday Wednesday, August 20th 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Steins Beer Garden 895 Villa Street, Mountain View Are you looking to meet others living with MS? This wine down time is for you to relax, eat some good food and connect with other National MS Society members. Come solo, bring your family or your friends. Light appetizers will be provided. The registration deadline is Monday, August 18th.
10 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 16th 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
North State
• Self-Advocacy Skills Training: Overcoming
Barriers to Getting What You Need, August 16th in Fort Bragg • Newly Diagnosed Orientation, August 27th in Santa Rosa
MS CONNECTION: SUMMER 2014 • Clay Day, September 16th in Chico • Newly Diagnosed Orientation, September
8th in Chico
SELF-HELP GROUPS MONTEREY COUNTY • Monterey - Veronica: 831-869-1684
SAN BENITO COUNTY
• Hollister Group - Joann and Andrew: 831630-0266
SANTA CLARA COUNTY • • • •
Milpitas - Phyllis: 408-509-8137 Palo Alto - Kathy: 408-921-9888 San Jose - Marie: 510-520-7276 Santa Clara - Susan: 408-253-4489, Bruce: 408-978-9648
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
• Capitola - Estefana: 831-406-9127, Jon: 831-332-5265
ONLINE
• “Second Life” - John: 916-708-9708
GENTLE YOGA FOR PEOPLE WITH MS Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Wellness Center in Rooms 5 and 6, located at 12270 Saratoga Ave. in Saratoga. For questions about the classes or cost, contact Thea at 408-4899436 or thea@liveinbalance.com.