FALL/WIINTER 2014 PENNSYLVANIA KEYSTONE CHAPTER
MS CONNECTION NEWSLETTER CONNECTION WITH OTHERS
VIEW A LISTING OF SELF HELP GROUPS ON PAGES 16 - 18
INSIDE 02 THIS ISSUE
CHAPTER: EXCITING NEWS!
06-07 10
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PROGRAMS: IN THE NEWS: UPCOMING THE REACH TELECONFERENCES PROGRAM
RESEARCH: PROMISING MS TREATMENTS
2 NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter 1-800-344-4867 Pittsburgh Office 1501 Reedsdale St., Ste 105 Pittsburgh, PA 15233 Harrisburg Office 2040 Linglestown Rd, Ste 104 Harrisburg, PA 17110 Chairman: William Shrader Chapter President: Anne Mageras Editor: Debbie Garrison Design: Jennifer Skinner Š 2015 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter 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.
MS CONNECTION: FALL/WINTER 2014
EXCITING NEWS FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT When you received this newsletter or looked across the front cover, did you notice anything different? How about with the communications or services you have been receiving from your local chapter of the MS Society? In many respects, I hope the answer to both questions is no, yet many changes have been taking place, and we think you will see some great things happening in the months and years to come. If you haven’t heard already, the Central and Western PA Chapters are no more. As of October 1st, we are now the Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter, and great things are happening. Our new Chapter covers 56 counties in Pennsylvania, so we are a powerhouse when it comes to advocacy at both the State and Federal level. There are over 14,000 individuals in our coverage area living with MS and we are positioning ourselves to provide even more services, to those who need our help. As the Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter, we have the unique opportunity to draw from the talented staff of both former Chapters (so you will recognize many faces and see some new ones), providing us the ability to leverage the strengths of both former Chapters. For example, we are working hard to spread the REACH Program from Western PA out across Central and Northeastern PA, helping to protect those with MS who might be impacted by various forms of domestic violence. Additionally, look for some of the successful Leadership Programs used for many years in Central PA to start popping up in areas west of Altoona. The Leadership of the new Chapter is a very balanced blend with Anne Mageras as the Chapter President (former Western PA Chapter President), Debbie Garrison, Executive Vice President (Central PA, similar role), Doug Miner, Vice Chair of the Board (former Western PA Chair), and myself as Board Chair (former continued on page 3
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NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
EXCITING NEWS
PENNSYLVANIA KEYSTONE CHAPTER The Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter staff and volunteers will continue to deliver programs, services and advocacy to and for residents in those areas in orange and partner with local companies, volunteers and organizations to ensure that Society fundraising activities continue and grow. Goals for the new chapter: • Offer more MS education, support, advocacy and services for people affected by MS • Increase our commitment to MS research • Improve chapter operating efficiencies and fundraising effectiveness
Offices will be located in: Duncansville, Erie, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Pittsburgh and Williamsport with one number 1 800-344-4867, option 2!
The combined strengths of volunteers, staff and others who care about MS will move us closer to the ultimate goal that we all share - whatever the name of our state or chapter a world free of MS.
Remember to bookmark the PA Keystone Chapter at MSPAKeystone.org continued from page 2 Central PA Chair). This should bring both stability and a sense of comfort to each of the Persons with MS we serve, while also giving us substantial experience upon which to build and expand to further meet the needs of those impacted by MS. Much work has been done, and I would be remise if I didn’t extend my sincere appreciation to Anne and Debbie for leading the transformation, to the entire staff of both former Chapters, which is now the Staff of the new Chapter, Craig Robertson, Executive Vice President of the East Region, Andrea Maloney, Vice President of Org. Development, East Region, Field Operations, from the home office, and finally all of the volunteer leaders that have worked tirelessly to make this happen over the course of the last 6 - 8 months. We still have a lot to do and will be busy for the next year finishing what we started, but fortunately we have a strong group of passionately driven staff and volunteers that are up to the challenge. So I hope that to this point you have noticed little in the way of change, as that means we achieved our goal of keeping this seamless for our clients. Going forward, I can’t help but hope that you see a lot of change. In this case, good changes in the form of expanded services, improved events, and eventually, because it’s the reason we do this, a world free of MS. n
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MS CONNECTION: FALL/WINTER 2014
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE
ANNUAL MEETING AND HEALTH FAIR
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Displays open at 4:30 p.m. ~ Evening concludes at 9:00 p.m.
Choose from one of two locations! Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh or Radisson Hotel, Harrisburg Join us for Vendor Displays, Research Update, Dinner & Keynote Speaker
RSVP by Monday, November 10, 2014 1 800-344-4867 or MSPAKeystone.org PITTSBURGH LOCATION:
HARRISBURG LOCATION:
Sheraton Station Square 300 W Station Square Dr Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Radisson Hotel Harrisburg 1150 Camp Hill Bypass Camp Hill, PA 17011
Keynote Speaker: Islam Zaydan, MD Dr. Zaydan joined the Department of Neurology in 2010. He completed his Internal Medicine training in Egypt and in Marshall University School of Medicine. His medical training was followed by a Neurology residency and a clinical NeuroOphthalmology fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System/ Medical College of Virginia. He was on the faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems for 3 years following his training.
Keynote Speaker: Elisabeth B. Lucassen, MD Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Partner in MS Care-Neurology Clinical Advisory Committee Member Specialties: Neurology Vendor Displays will have a variety of community agencies, equipment companies and more.
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LIVING WITH MS:
CHAPTER HOLIDAY GIFT PROGRAM Each year the NMSS coordinates this program to provide gifts to people living with MS who reside in long-term care facilities. Knowing that nursing homes and personal care homes can sometimes be lonely places, we strive to put smiles on the faces of these individuals and let them know that the National MS Society is thinking of them.
MS GOLF CLASSIC
Brighten a person’s day! Volunteer or make a donation! National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s United Way workplace giving designation code for Allegheny County only is: 898 ADVERTISEMENT T he L if t P rofessional
AU T H O R IZED D I S T R I B U TO R C H EN E Y S TA I R & W H EEL C H A I R L I F T S
B ar r ie r Fre e St air lif t s 275 Cur r y H ollow Road Pit t sb urgh , PA 1523 6
412- 653 - 6 45 0 1 - 8 0 0 -28 8 - 5 6 2 5 FA X 412- 653 - 6 415
We would like to challenge you to make a commitment to this great program and to directly impact a person’s life this holiday season!
Learn more or donate today! Call Pam at 1 800 344-4867 Help Drive MS Away by Donating Your Vehicle
T
he donation of your car, truck, motorcycle or trailer can be used to help fund critical research for multiple sclerosis. We make donating your vehicle simple. Unlike other auto donor programs, the National MS Society receives 100% of the proceeds from the sale of your vehicle. Proceeds fund programs and services for people living with MS and research that will get us closer to a cure. Your vehicle donation is tax deductible. The National MS Society is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) corporation, so your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. Please refer to your tax professional for specific details. We accept vehicles in any condition.
Please visit www.AUTOS4MS.org or call 1-877-672-8864 for more information.
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MS CONNECTION: FALL/WINTER 2014
LIVING WITH MS: UPCOMING TELECONFERENCE
The National MS Society telelearning program for people with multiple sclerosis and their families aims to provide information and guidance on current matters essential to living one’s best life with MS. Each free telelearning features topic-area expert(s) by phone with online presentations and Q&A session.
MS Research –Your Questions Answered
Sex Ed for Grownups – Intimacy in MS
MS and Employment
Gender Differences in MS
Managing MS Bowel & Bladder Symptoms
Preparing for MS Doctor Visits
January 20 & 22, 2015
February 12 & 26, March 12 & 26, 2015
March 17 & 19, 2015
May 19 & 21, 2015
July 21 & 23, 2015
September 15 & 17, 2015
Learn more and reserve your spot at
nationalMSsociety.org/telelearning or call 1-800-344-4867
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NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
LIVING WITH MS: UPCOMING TELECONFERENCE
MS happens to families, not just to individuals. Listen to this call and learn about coping strategies to help individuals and families handle the challenges associated with daily care giving. Guest Speaker: Mary Elizabeth Huff, MSS, LCSW, MBA Mary Elizabeth Huff received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University, a Master of Business Administration degree from Widener University and a Master of Social Service degree from Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research. She is licensed to practice in Delaware and Pennsylvania. Mary has worked in various for-profit and non-profit settings since 1979, including financial institutions, hospitals, hospice, and community service agencies. She completed one-year internships at Christiana Care Health System's Family Medicine/Geriatric Practice and the Veteran's Administration Medical Center's Mental Health Clinic. The registration deadline for this call is November 5, 2014. REGISTER TODAY! MSPAKEYSTONE.ORG
ADVERTISEMENT
8 SCHOLARSHIP
NATIONAL MS SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM BY ROBIN UNANGST
The National MS Society’s Scholarship Program exists because MS shouldn’t stand in the way of an education. The Scholarship Program is designed to help highly qualified students who have been diagnosed with MS, or who have a parent with MS, achieve their dreams of going to college. This scholarship is for first-time college students only. Scholarship enrollment for the 2015 Scholarship Program is open between October 1, 2014 and January 15, 2015. All deadlines are firm. Applications are accepted online only, nationalMSsociety.org/scholarship. When creating your account, be sure to use a valid email where you can always be reached.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE? Individuals who have MS, or who have a parent with MS, and will be attending an accredited postsecondary school are eligible to apply for any year of undergraduate study and must be working on completion of their first undergraduate degree. Students who have already earned an undergraduate degree are ineligible to apply.
MS CONNECTION: FALL/WINTER 2014
Applicants must enroll in at least six credit hours per semester in course work leading to a degree, license, or certificate. Applicants must be United States citizens or legal residents living in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam or any other U.S. territory and plan to enroll in an undergraduate course of study at an accredited two-or fouryear college, university, or vocational-technical school located in the U.S., PR, VI, Guam or any other U.S. territory. n ADVERTISEMENT
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NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
LIVING WITH MS
HEALTH
NATIONAL CAREGIVER COPING WITH STRESS APPRECIATION MONTH BY KATIE SERWA
Over 65 million Americans provide unpaid care to loved ones each year. In honor of these extraordinary people, the PA Keystone Chapter would like to help care recipients recognize their primary caregiver in the month of November. Let them know just how much they are appreciated for the care they provide to you. Please help us honor your caregiver by having the Chapter send him or her a “Thanks for Protecting Me in All Kinds of Weather” umbrella. If you would like the PA Keystone Chapter to send this gift of appreciation to your caregiver, please choose one of two ways to submit your caregiver’s information: Call our office at 1 800-344-4867 option 2 or e-mail laura.stephens@nmss.org. Share with us your caregiver’s full name and mailing address (please limit to 2 caregivers) along with your full name and address. We will send out a “Thanks for Protecting Me in All Kinds of Weather” umbrella along with a note to say, “THANK YOU.” n ADVERTISEMENT
This program, which was created by UPMC Psychiatrist, Dr. Bruce S. Rabin, will teach you how stress affects your mental and physical health and the course of multiple sclerosis. As you know, many of whom live with MS experience the same stresses that other people do; however, there are additional stresses that are unique to persons who live with a chronic disease. To help you achieve better quality of mental and physical health and to better manage your MS symptoms, we invite you to take this journey. Throughout this course you will learn about the impact of stress, the use of behaviors that will improve your ability to cope with stress, and stress management techniques. To learn more about this free program, please call Katie at the PA Keystone Chapter at 1 800-344-4867 or email her at Katie.Serwa@nmss.org. n ADVERTISEMENT Don’t let MS keep you from your independence! Brant’s Driving School has over 30 years of experience in evaluating and training people with adaptive equipment. • • • • • • •
6 cars equipped with hand controls and steering devices One car with reduced-effort steering 2 lowered-floor minivans that are able to be driven from a wheelchair High-tech (EMC) controls including joystick and voice-activated secondary controls Full-size truck with hand controls and Bruno Valet Plus seat 2 Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists on-staff Office locations in Pittsburgh, Harmarville, and Johnstown We provide door-to-door-service!
10 IN THE NEWS...
R.E.A.C.H. The PA Keystone Chapter is pleased to announce that the REACH Program is being offered throughout the new 56-county service area.
WHAT IS REACH? The REACH Program addresses the issue of abuse of people with MS by: • Expanding the Relocation and safety assistance program • Offering Educational opportunities • Raising Awareness of abuse of persons with MS • Providing options for Changing the situation • Offering Hope THE HISTORY OF REACH….
MS CONNECTION: FALL/WINTER 2014 applied for, and was awarded, a grant by the FISA Foundation to implement a program the REACH Program - specifically designed to increase access to safety and provide systems of support for this population of folks. Since then, this Program has created a gateway to empowerment and change in the lives of more than 1,400 abused persons living with MS. The REACH Program has been recognized, both statewide and across the country, as an innovative and progressive program that benefits folks with MS. More than 4,000 people in the MS community, healthcare professionals, victims’ service providers, case managers and others have been trained, along with Chapter staff, about the types of abuse, power and control issues, and identifying risk factors. Also, they have learned of the parallels to symptoms of MS and indicators of abuse. Anne said, “Because of the training offered through REACH, we have learned that things may not be as they appear. Depression, sleep issues, pain and more, could be symptoms of MS or could be indicators of abuse.” Chapter staff, MS specialists, and many healthcare and helping professionals have committed to screen, investigate and help address the problem - not the symptom - and ultimately, to providing support and making appropriate referrals.
After receiving a harrowing plea for help from a young mother who was being abused, Chapter President, Anne Mageras, sought out safety options and services for her. Anne discovered that there were few agencies equipped to provide safety services while meeting the mobility - and physical care needs - of this young woman. Also, she Sherie Lammers, Senior Director of Services learned of some frightening statistics about the and Activism, is thrilled to be able to expand estimated rate of abuse (60 – 70%) of people the REACH Program throughout the who live with disabilities. As a result, she Pennyslvania Keystone Chapter. Sherie said,
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NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
“The Program’s goal remains: change the situation by increasing awareness, safety and support, and subsequently, offering hope and peace.” She added, “This Program has saved, and certainly has improved, the lives of many in our community. I look forward to introducing REACH to our Connections leaders, healthcare professionals, and to individuals living with MS.” For more information call 1 800-344-4867.n
We have updated our pages, FOLLOW US! Like us: /MSPAKeystone Follow us: @MSPAKeystone Watch us: user/NationalMSSociety
LIVING WITH MS: ASK THE EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST TELECONFERENCE Concidering Returning to Work?
ASK THE EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST
DO YOU HAVE AN EMPLOYMENT QUESTION YOU WOULD LIKE ANSWERED? Curious about workplace disclosure? Need a reasonable accommodation? Wondering about disability benefits? Considering returning to work?
National MS Society employment specialists Christina Forster, MA, CRC, Employment Services Manager, and Steve Nissen, MS, CRC, Senior Director of Employment Programs and Services, will be available to address your questions regarding employment concerns for people living with MS. Registration is required. To register, visit your chapter’s website or call 1 800-344-4867.
Join us for a telephone question and answer session from 12 to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2014. National MS Society employment specialists Christina Forster,
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NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867
RESEARCH
FOCUSING ON PROGRESSIVE MS
The achievements of Dr. Barry G.W. Arnason, the 2014 recipient of the Dystel Prize for Multiple Sclerosis Research, are many, and include such significant contributions as laying the groundwork for the development of immunedirected therapies and understanding how the different components of the immune system work in MS. However, some of his discoveries hold particular significance for people with progressive forms of MS.
UNDERSTANDING PROGRESSIVE MS Much MS research has focused on the role of T cells, which are a specific type of white blood cell that somehow turn on the central nervous system and produce damaging inflammation. However, “I don’t think T cells have much to do with progressive MS,” said Dr. Arnason. “I think the problem is activation within the central nervous system of microglial cells, and that activation is the key to potential treatments of progressive MS.” Dr. Arnason made these comments in the opening lecture at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the Consortium of MS Centers in San Diego, while emphasizing that MS research should focus more on progressive MS. Dr. Arnason’s research into progressive MS has also helped to uncover evidence that damage to the spinal cord leads to the increased activity of certain docking sites on immune cells, suggesting
a vicious cycle of immune changes, damage and increased immune activation. Along the way, he also contributed to the better understanding of other disorders such as Guillain-Barré syndrome and myasthenia gravis.
TRAINING THE FUTURE Dr. Arnason is also planting the seeds for highquality MS care in the future. His institution, the University of Chicago Medical Center, at which he is the James Nelson & Anna Louise Raymond Professor of Neurology, recently received an Institutional Clinician Training Award from the Society. These awards provide five years of funding to support the establishment of a world-class training program, thereby attracting the best MS clinicians over multiple years. The Dystel Prize is awarded jointly by the National MS Society and the American Academy of Neurology. The award is made possible through a special fund established in 1994 by the late Society National Board member Oscar Dystel and his late wife Marion in honor of their son John Jay, an attorney whose promising career was cut short by progressive disability from MS. To learn more about Dr. Arnason and past Dystel recipients, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/dystel. n VOLUNTEER WITH US! If you wish to volunteer for a PA Keystone Chapter event please contact Susan Cook by phone at 1 800-344-4867 or e-mail her at susan.cook@nmss.org. We have many opportunities coming up for this event season.
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MS CONNECTION: FALL/WINTER 2014
RESEARCH
PROMISING MS TREATMENTS BY BRUCE BEBO, PhD
I was impressed by the number and quality of studies on emerging therapies for multiple sclerosis presented at the 66th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) in April 2014. One of these studies was a clinical trial of the pregnancy hormone estriol combined with Copaxone in 164 women with relapsing-remitting MS. The investigators determined that estriol plus Copaxone reduced the rate of relapses after one year by 47% compared to women taking Copaxone alone. There were also significant positive benefits observed in cognition test scores. These effects were less significant in the study’s second year – the reasons why are not clear, but a more thorough analysis might reveal some answers. In most cases, studies presented at the AAN are considered preliminary until they are analyzed more thoroughly and published in peer-reviewed medical journals. Read more at www.nationalMSsociety.org/phase2estriol.
THE ‘HYGIENE HYPOTHESIS’ The “hygiene hypothesis” proposes that the increased frequency of autoimmune diseases like MS in industrialized countries is due to reduced exposure to infectious bacteria, viruses and parasites. This hypothesis was tested in a
BRUCE BEBO, PhD, IS THE SOCIETY’S ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT OF DISCOVERY RESEARCH. University of Wisconsin study in which participants drank a sports drink laced with the eggs of a pig parasite called porcine whipworm every two weeks for 10 months. The number of active brain lesions detected at the end of the trial was moderately reduced by 34%, and there was also evidence that treatment promoted the activity of diseasesuppressing white blood cells. These results need to be repeated in a larger number of participants before making definite conclusions. But imagine if we could treat MS with a sports drink?
TARGETING B CELLS I was also intrigued by a phase II trial that tested ofatumumab – which targets a type of white blood cell called a B cell and which is already approved for the treatment of B cell cancers – in MS. Study investigators reported a 65% reduction in the number of active brain lesions in the treated groups compared to the placebo groups – pretty impressive. These results suggest that targeting B cells is a very promising approach for treating MS.
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A ONE-TWO PUNCH Two studies suggested that a small molecule named IRX4204 may inhibit inflammatory responses and promote the repair of myelin. These early-stage animal model studies must be followed up in people with MS before we get too excited, but I find the possibility of a onetwo punch to MS pretty exciting.
QUIT NOW Previous studies have shown that smoking can increase the risk of developing secondaryprogressive MS by as much as threefold. The good news reported at the AAN meeting is that this risk is reduced by 5% for every year after a person quits smoking. The reasons why smoking promotes progression remain to be determined, but I think we know enough now to know that people with MS who smoke should stop—today.
UNDERSTANDING PROGRESSIVE MS Did you know that according to www. clinicaltrials.gov, there are 57 ongoing clinical trials testing a variety of therapies for progressive forms of MS? While we still wait for definitive data, some early results were presented this week. Clinical trials of Gilenya found a consistent reduction in the rate of brain atrophy (shrinkage). Since many believe atrophy is a consequence of neurodegeneration, and in turn that neurodegeneration is probably responsible for progression, this is a strong hint that Gilenya might be able to slow down progression. Several reports suggest that laquinimod may also be a good candidate for the treatment of
progressive MS. Laquinimod might suppress the activation of microglial cells, which are the only immune cells that live exclusively inside the central nervous system. While these cells are important for protecting the nervous system from infections, overactive microglia may promote and prolong inflammation. Another study looked more closely at previous clinical studies of laquinimod in relapsing MS and found evidence that treatment significantly slowed progression and reduced brain atrophy even in study participants who didn’t have relapses. Non-pharmacological approaches for slowing progression are also being tested. I learned that an herb called Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, contains a compound called Ar-tumerone. This compound can reduce the activity of microglial cells and also promote the proliferation of neural stem cells, which are the source of nervous system cells that have potential to regenerate nerves and oligodendrocytes (myelin-producing cells that are damaged in MS). Although research is at a very early stage, Curcuma longa strikes me as a very interesting candidate for the treatment of progressive MS.
RESULTS ON DIET The first-year results of a low-fat, plant-based diet in MS were reported by a group from Oregon Health and Science University. While the team failed to show any measurable clinical or imaging (MRI) benefits, participants did lose an average of 16 pounds and had significantly improved cholesterol levels. The study’s small size probably limited the ability to detect changes, but I am encouraged that it developed a model for other trials of MS diets to follow. n
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MS CONNECTION: FALL/WINTER 2014
SELF HELP GROUPS
CONNECTIONS GROUP IN-PERSON MEETINGS & PHONE SUPPORT
AREA (CITY)
MEETING TIME
MEETING LOCATION
CONTACT INFORMATION
ALLEGHENY COUNTY East Hills/Pittsburgh, PA
3rd Tuesday 6:00 p.m.
Bakery Square 6425 Penn Ave, Suite 401
Joe Ruffing (412) 965-7780 ruffing3@icloud.com
ALLEGHENY COUNTY Sewickley, PA
3rd Thursday 6:30 p.m.
HealthSouth Sewickley 303 Camp Meeting Road Danny Shirey Room
*Contact the Chapter to verify time and meeting location.
ALLEGHENY COUNTY Oakland, PA Young adults 18-35
2nd Tuesday 6:30 p.m.
Panera Bread 5430 Centre Ave on the border of Shadyside/ Oakland
Lizzie Anderson (937) 269-5455 em.and.sequins@gmail.com
ALLEGHENY COUNTY Squirrel Hill/Pittsburgh, PA
3rd Tuesday 10:30 a.m.
Squirrel Hill JCC 5738 Forbes Ave, Room 202 Pittsburgh, PA
Kelli McElhinny (412) 904-5963 kmcelhinny@jcfspgh.org
ALLEGHENY COUNTY Pleasant Hills, PA
2nd Thursday 2:00 p.m.
Panera Bread Southland Shopping Center 623 Clairton Blvd
Judy Metzler (412) 343-2869
BLAIR COUNTY Altoona, PA
4 Saturday Noon Every other month
King’s Restaurant 3001 W. 6th Ave
Joyce Wisniewski (814) 317-7614 Deb Hockenberry (814) 941-3786 sasha1119@yahoo.com
BUTLER COUNTY
COMING SOON!
Mars, PA
CAMBRIA
COMING SOON!
Johnstown, PA
CENTRE COUNTY Pleasant Gap, PA
3 Tuesday 6:00 p.m.
HealthSouth Nittany Valley Rehabilitation Hospital 550 W. College Avenue
Pat Ellenberger 814-692-5087
CLARION COUNTY Clarion, PA
Last Thursday 6:00 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church 700 Wood Street
Ken Barron
CUMBERLAND COUNTY Boiling Springs, PA
4 Monday 7:00 p.m.
Otterbein United Methodist Church of Boiling Springs 647 Forge Road www.ottumc.org/mssupport
Sara Graham (717) 249-8288
th
rd
th
bounderjudy@gmail.com
barron219@msn.com
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NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867 AREA (CITY)
MEETING TIME
MEETING LOCATION
CONTACT INFORMATION
CUMBERLAND COUNTY Mechanicsburg, PA
4th Tuesday 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital 175 Lancaster Boulevard
Audrey Coulson (717) 486-3596
ELK COUNTY St. Mary’s, PA
Last Wednesday 6:00 p.m.
St. Mary’s Middle School Library, 977 South St. Mary’s Road
Fawn McMackin (814) 335-5771 mcmackin@windstream.net
ERIE COUNTY Erie, PA
1st Wednesday 6:00 p.m.
HealthSouth 142 East 2nd Street, In-service Room
Linda Kirik lindakirik2@hotmail.com
FRANKLIN COUNTY Chambersburg, PA
3rd Wednesday 10:00 a.m.
United Brethren Church King & 2nd St.
Cheryl Wauls (717) 264-9064
INDIANA COUNTY Indiana, PA
3rd Thursday 7:00 p.m.
First Christian Church Social Hall, 500 Water Street
Wendy Deyarmin (724) 479-3783 wdeyarmin@yahoo.com
LACKAWANNA COUNTY Scranton, PA
2nd Sunday 2:00p.m.
Allied Services Building 475 Morgan Highway
Derek Raines (570) 342-5526 derekrainman@gmail.com
LANCASTER COUNTY YOUNG ADULTS Lancaster, PA
3rd Tuesday 6:00 p.m.
Kaufmann Physical Therapy 804 New Holland Ave
Barb Keen (717) 572-6773
LANCASTER COUNTY Lancaster, PA L.A.M.S.
1st Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
Lancaster General Health Campus 2100 Harrisburg Pike 3rd Floor Conference Room
Vahid (Vic) Tahmasbi (717) 871-1241
LANCASTER COUNTY Lancaster, PA “ADAPT”
1ST Monday 10:00 a.m.
Pheasant Ridge Community Center 209 Longwood Ct.
Alexis Henry (717) 361-7447 Greg Bomberger- co leader (717) 682-3489
LEBANON COUNTY Lebanon, PA Hometown Believers
1st or 2nd Thursday 11:00 a.m.
Hometown Family Restaurant
1 N Londonderry Square, Palmyra
Cheryl Lynch (717) 838-7212
LEBANON COUNTY Lebanon, PA
2nd Tuesday 6:30 p.m. Even months
Palmyra Nursing Home Activities Room, 341 N. Railroad St., Palmyra
Cindy Laverty (717)944-7155 (860) 729-5967 cell
LUZERNE COUNTY Wilkes Barre, PA
2nd Saturday
Heinz WB Rehab Center, 150 Mundy Street (Ambulance Entrance Door)
Joan Milewski (570) 793-6729
MONTOUR COUNTY Danville, PA
3 Wednesday 6:30 p.m Last Sunday 3:30 p.m.
Grandview Health Home 49 Woodbine Lane
Sister Maria Theresa Hronec (717)-919-4247
Coudersport Alliance Church 7th Ave
Dean Dow 814-274-7296
POTTER COUNTY Coudersport, PA
10:00 a.m. rd
joan.milewski@gmail.com
deanmdow@gmail.com
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MS CONNECTION: FALL/WINTER 2014
AREA (CITY)
MEETING TIME
MEETING LOCATION
CONTACT INFORMATION
UNION COUNTY Lewisburg, PA
2 Tuesday 6:30 p.m.
Evangelical Community Health Education Center Route 15 Staples Plaza, One Hospital Drive
Margie Reier (570) 713-8606 Jody Zimmerman (570) 523-9171
WARREN COUNTY Warren, PA
1st Wednesday 6:00 p.m.
Warren Library 205 Market Street, Slater Room
Amy Jo Ranson (814) 726-1049 ajrmom@verizon.net
WAYNE COUNTY Honesdale, PA
4th Sunday 2:00 p.m.
Wayne Memorial Hospital Conference Room, 601 Park Street
June Utegg (570) 253-4855
WESTMORELAND Greensburg, PA
4th Thursday 6:30 p.m.
Hempfield Township Municipal Building, 1132 Woodward Drive
Cynthia King (724) 744-7567 celaine@windstream.net
YORK COUNTY York, PA MS HOPE CLUB
2nd Thursday 6:30 p.m. Groups meets April through October
United Church of Christ 509 Pacific Avenue
Susie Harro (717) 764-9082 Dee Sands (717) 292-5489
YORK COUNTY York, PA YORK MAKING STRIDES
1st Tuesday 10:00 a.m.
The Country Meadow’s Retirement Community 2760 Pine Grove Road
Shelly Butcher (717) 428-1263 Judy Smith (717) 846-9761
Adams
Lynn Moody (717) 642-5123
Lancaster
Juliette Zaengle (717) 222-1299
Dauphin *Care Partners and Spouses
Susan Gelber (717) 657-7705
Dauphin/Cumberland *Newly Diagnosed
Deb Evans 717-737-3372
nd
SUPPORT BY TELEPHONE
FUNDRAISING EVENT: WINE TOUR FOR A CURE The Pennyslvania Keystone Chapter would like to thank everyone who made the 2014 Tour a SUCCESS! We can not wait to see everyone again next year! The Wine Tour travels via bus to the beautiful and breathtaking Lake Erie Wine Country Trail. Visiting 5 wineries and stopping for lunch. Buses depart from Cranberry Twp. and Erie.
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MS CONNECTION: FALL/WINTER 2014
FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
®
SUPPORT OUR ORGANIZATION DURING
IT’S BACK!
NOVEMBER 21
On November 21, donate online at ExtraGive.org and your generous gift will be stretched by $250,000 from the Lancaster County Community Foundation and sponsors. Plus, just by donating, you could help us win EXTRA from the $50,000 prize pool!
EXTRAGIVE.ORG
PA KEYSTONE BIKE MS SERIES SUMMER AND FALL OF 2015 » 4 RIDES » REGISTER TODAY! » BIKEMS.ORG OR CALL 800.344.4867 Come be a part of Bike MS and get ready for the ride of your life. Whether you’re new to Bike MS or ride every year, together we will raise money, have fun, and make a difference in the lives of people living with MS. The Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter offers four bike rides, each offering a combination of beautiful scenery, outstanding people and of course, a great cause. Whichever ride you choose, it will be the most rewarding journey you’ll ever make. Escape to the Lake, 30th Anniversary presented by FedEx Ground June 13-14, 2015 Keystone Country Ride, 20th Anniversary ~ July 18-19, 2014 Cook Forest River Ride ~ September of 2015 Mason Dixon Ride ~ TBD
MARTIN H. BAER CHARITABLE TRUST
NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867 ADVERTISEMENT
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MS CONNECTION: FALL/WINTER 2014
FUNDRAISING IN 2015:
DICK’S SPORTING GOODS, CITY OF PITTSBURGH MARATHON TEAMS UP WITH FINISH MS
Save the Date! Saturday, March 28th Erie, PA Enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing, silent and live auction and much more!
TEE OFF TO HELP CREATE A WORLD FREE OF MS Erie Golf Outing Cambridge Springs August 17, 2015
Golf Outing
Anne E. Barnes Memorial Tournament Roaring Springs September 3, 2015 MS Golf Tournament, Colleen McGuire Memorial Ligonier September of 2015
Finish MS participants select to participate in the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon while fundraising for the National MS Society enjoy FREE registration when you commit to fundraising and we’ll provide you with the tools to reach your training and fundraising goals! Register online at MSPAKEYSTONE.ORG GEORGE F. HEMPT MEMORIAL MS POLO MATCH Save the Date: July 31st - August 1st! For more information visit MSPAKeystone.org. LOBSTERFEST FOR MS Enjoy your choice of a whole steamed Maine Lobster or a 10 oz. Filet Mignon. Both meals include a generous portion of steamed shrimp. Corporate Sponsorship Available.
The MS Women on the Move Luncheon is a unique fundraising experience that creates an inspiring, motivational and empowering environment. In 2015 the PA Keystone Chapter will be holding 3 Luncheons, watch the upcoming Connections for more information!
We believe that moving is not just something you can or can’t do, but rather is who you are. This is why we sponsor these and many other events – to raise funds for research, as well as comprehensive programs and services for people with MS – moving closer to a world free of MS.
Save the Date: September 25, 2015 MSPAKEYSTONE.ORG MILLE FOR MS Patterned after Italy’s famed Mille Miglia open-road endurance race, PA’s Mille for MS fundraiser is set to showcase some of the world’s finest classic and modern sports cars with a 125-mile tour through Central PA. Save the Date: October 17, 2015! For more information visit www.MilleforMS.com.
NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867 ADVERTISEMENT
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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Pittsburgh, PA Permit # 3047
1501 Reedsdale St., Ste 105 Pittsburgh, PA 15233 1-800-344-4867
Knowledge Is Power is a six-week, free, at-home educational program for people who are newly diagnosed. To register call 1-800-344-4867, or visit nationalMSsociety.org/knowledge.
WALK TO CREATE A WORLD FREE OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS BE INSPIRED. GET CONNECTED. WALK MS. Walk MS connects people living with MS and those who care about them. It is an experience unlike any other — a day to come together, to celebrate the progress we’ve made, and to show the power of our connections. REGISTER & START FUNDRAISING TODAY: walkMS.org or 1.800.344.4867.