fall 2013 ms connection national capital …...02 ms connection: fall 2013 national multiple...

Fall 2013 NaTIONal CaPITal CHaPTER

MS CONNECTION NEwSlETTER

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

04PROgRESS aT aaN MEETINg

08FIND a SElF-HElP gROUP

10FaCINg COgNITIvE CHallENgES TOgETHER

12BE a DIgITIal aCTIvIST

By Chelsea BoiCe

Multiple sclerosis is commonly thought of as an illness that only affects adults, however the National Ms society estimates that anywhere between 8,000 to 10,000 children and adolescents living in the United states are also living with Ms. Given the rarity of pediatric Ms, it’s not uncommon that a family whose child is living with the disease has

KIDS gET MS TOO FaMIly RETREaTnever met another family who experiencing the same conditions and concerns. however, with the National Ms society’s Kids Get Ms, Too program, the number of opportunities for children and adolescents with Ms and their families to connect with one another is continually increasing.

During the weekend of June 28-30, 17 families from across the eastern region of the United states, each with a child or teen living with pediatric Ms or a related condition, had the opportunity to

meet, connect, and share their stories at the Kids Get Ms, Too Family Retreat at Meadowkirk Retreat and Conference Center in Middleburg, Virginia. “For about half of the families, it was their first opportunity to meet another family affected by pediatric Ms,” explains Julie humphrey Vallelunga senior Program Manager at the National Capital Chapter.

02 MS CONNECTION: Fall 2013

NaTIONal MUlTIPlE SClEROSIS SOCIETyNational Capital Chapter 1800 M st. NW suite 750 south Washington, DC 20036 202-296-5363

Chapter President: Chris Broullire

Contributed Writing: Chelsea Boice

Editor: emily Rouse

Design: lynnette Nees

© 2013 National Multiple sclerosis society, National Capital 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.

The retreat began on Friday afternoon, where connections immediately began to flourish, especially for the children and teens who, in just a few short hours, eagerly left their families to talk, laugh, and bond with their new friends. Throughout the weekend, families were able to partake in various activities including a low ropes course, yoga, a questions-and-answers session with a pediatric neurologist from Children’s National Medical Center, Dr. James Reese, swimming, and making friendship bracelets and tie-dyed shirts.

For 16- year-old Trisha Pilgrim of hyattsville, Maryland, attending the retreat not only offered an entertaining experience, but also a sense of relief. since being diagnosed with Ms in January 2013, Pilgrim often felt out of place and alone, but the retreat offered a space for her to feel normal again. “i was so happy to meet kids going through the same struggles i was (going through),” Pilgrim said. “i felt like i belonged somewhere and i had people to relate to and rely on.”

Ultimately, in addition to offering recreational and educational activities, the retreat also facilitated the cultivation of long-lasting, supportive friendships between parents, siblings, and the children and teens living with Ms and other related conditions. “having a child with pediatric Ms is difficult and having the opportunity to meet with other parents dealing with the same struggles makes the journey a little easier,” said Karey Rexrode, whose 12-year-old daughter emily lives with Ms. n

For more information about Kids Get Ms Too through the National Capital Chapter please contact Julie humphrey-Vallelunga at [email protected].

aTTENDEES ENjOyINg S’MORES aND NEw FRIENDSHIPS DURINg THE RETREaT

03MSNaTIONalCaPITal.ORg | 1-800-344-4867

RESEaRCH

MaKINg aDvaNCES IN PEDIaTRIC MSan increasing number of medical centers across the United states are collaborating on research on how and why multiple sclerosis happens in young people. Their work is already yielding valuable information on early Ms triggers.

a COllaBORaTIvE aPPROaCHThe Network of Pediatric Ms Centers was initiated in 2006 through a grant from the National Ms society. Thanks to its multidisciplinary approach, researchers at participating institutions, including Children’s National Medical Center locally, are gathering important data on the disease.

“We have been able to unravel key features, such as distinct characteristics of the disease on the MRi and in the spinal fluid of patients younger than 11,” says emmanuelle Waubant, M.D., Ph.D., professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at the University of California – san Francisco (UCsF), which is currently running a large study aimed at unraveling the triggers of pediatric Ms. [see box at right, “What triggers Ms?]

Thus far, the network has learned that MRis of patients under 11 show larger and more

poorly defined Ms scars compared to adults, and that Ms scars in young patients often go away within a few months, which is very rare in adults. They also observed that the spinal fluid of young patients can show more inflammation than in adults.

These findings have helped make the way forward clearer. “Now that these distinct features in younger patients have been identified, accurate diagnosis in children with Ms is made easier, and early treatment can better prevent disability onset,” says Dr. Waubant.

To learn more about pediatric Ms and research in the field, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/pediatricMS. n

originally published in the Gateway Chapter’s MSConnection newsletter.

wHaT TRIggERS MS?The Network of Pediatric Ms Centers is currently recruiting 640 children with relapsing-remitting Ms or clinically isolated syndrome (a single episode of Ms-like symptoms) and 1,280 children without Ms for a multiyear study to determine risk factors for developing Ms. “We expect the study will provide precious pieces of information on risk factors for Ms in general, and maybe help develop new treatments or preventative strategies,” says lead investigator emmanuelle Waubant, M.D., Ph.D. For more information about participating, and the 13 participating locations, contact [email protected] or call (415) 514-2476.

MS CONNECTION: Fall 20134

RESEaRCH

PROgRESS aT aaN MEETINgover 12,000 neurologists and other researchers gathered in san Diego in March to share the most up-to-date research on treating neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis at the annual american academy of Neurology’s (aaN) meeting.

here are a few highlights from the more than 500 Ms-related presentations that focused on stopping Ms, restoring function and ending Ms forever.

STOPPINg MSProgressive MS

a small study of an oral blood-pressure medicine, amiloride, found a reduction of brain shrinkage associated with the disease in 14 people with primary-progressive Ms. Further testing in a larger study is now underway. Researchers in a large trial of Gilenya for primary-progressive Ms reported good progress in setting up the trial. This is one of several ongoing large studies in progressive Ms.

MS Therapies

Results of a study on peginterferon beta-1a (a new form of avonex) designed to stay in the body longer than the standard form suggest that peginterferon injected every two or four

weeks was effective in reducing relapse rates and the risk of progression of disability. The study is continuing into a second year and the trial sponsor Biogen idec has announced plans to apply for FDa approval later this year. another one-year phase iii trial found that injections of twice the standard dose of glatiramer acetate (Copaxone) taken three times per week were effective in reducing relapses and MRi-detected disease activity, with no unexpected safety issues.

a large study in France (eNiGM) found that among 200 people who switched from natalizumab (Tysabri) to fingolimod (Gilenya), 32% experienced a relapse during the “washout” interval of 3 to 6 months when no therapy was given. The researchers concluded that switching increases the likelihood of disease reactivation and that the washout period should not be longer than 3 months.

Results of two phase iii trials of oral dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera), approved by the FDa in March, suggest that the treatment begins to take full effect after three months’ use. This

PROFESSOR EBERS, CENTER, RECEIvES THE jOHN DySTEl PRIzE FROM DRS. TIMOTHy COETzEE aND BRUCE COHEN

STOPPING THE DISEASE RESTORING WHAT’S BEEN LOST ENDING MS FOREVER

MSNaTIONalCaPITal.ORg | 1-800-344-4867 5effect was sustained over the two-year span of the trials.

several presentations focused on results from extension phases of completed clinical trials in relapsing-remitting Ms. To read more, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/2013AAN.

Exploring disease activity

an argentinian study on whether vaccinations can trigger Ms attacks found that yellow fever vaccines may substantially increase the risk of Ms relapse; therefore, people with Ms planning a trip to a region with an increased risk of yellow fever should discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with their doctor.

a small study in louisiana found that people with higher levels of glucose were more likely to have higher levels of disability. This important lead needs more study to prove a role for blood sugar in Ms progression.

a few studies focused on ways to track disease progression, including one that analyzed serum samples from people with Ms who were taking glatiramer acetate (Copaxone). The researchers were able to find antibody profiles that could detect those who responded to therapy and those who did not. Dr. Nicholas laRocca of the National Ms society described efforts of the newly formed Ms outcome assessments Consortium to accelerate development of more effective treatments for Ms. They will analyze data from completed Ms clinical trials and other studies and work with regulatory agencies to qualify a new outcome measure that can more sensitively track the impact of therapies

on disease disability and progression in future trials.

RESTORINg FUNCTIONseveral studies focused on the benefits of exercise for brain function and Ms symptoms such as fatigue, while others looked at how the brain can adapt to Ms damage. To read blog posts by Ms researchers on these and other studies, visit blog.nationalMSsociety.org.

a study on CCsVi did not find a significant difference between 61 people with Ms and 20 people without Ms when technicians trained in CCsVi assessment used various ultrasound techniques to detect the condition. The first results of another study of controlled endovascular treatment at six months found no adverse events, but also no sustained improvement in venous outflow.

ENDINg THE DISEaSE FOREvERseveral reports focused on risk factors for Ms, including one indicating that dietary salt may stimulate activity of key immune cells involved in Ms attacks. Read more at www.nationalMSsociety.org/dietarysalt.

For his extensive work on understanding Ms, including the importance of genetic factors in who develops the disease and how genes interact with environmental factors, Professor George ebers was this year’s recipient of the John Dystel Prize for Ms Research, given jointly by the society and the aaN.

Read scientific summaries on the aaN’s website at www.abstracts2view.com/aan. n




NEwly DIagNOSED

IS IT HaRDER TO wORK wITH MS?JUlie sTaChoWiaK, Ph.D.

Many people with multiple sclerosis find it difficult to continue working, even in the early years of the disease. Tasks that seemed challenging before Ms can become seemingly insurmountable afterward. The fluctuation of daily symptoms and unknown levels of future disability make mapping out a strategic career path a challenge, to say the least. We simply do not know what the future holds around our ability to perform a job.

“I aM aBlE TO wORK MORE wHEN I FEEl gOOD, lESS wHEN I FEEl BaD, aND TaKE a qUICK NaP IF NEEDED.”

i am lucky enough to be able to work from home. i am able to work more when i feel good, less when i feel bad, and take a quick nap if needed. There are days when i can work a full day, but there are many days when i do not feel productive at all — when even looking at the computer screen feels like torture.

i know that as each year has gone on, the problems that i have had in trying to work efficiently seem to get worse. however, recent research indicates that some people who are newly diagnosed or have had an episode of a clinically isolated syndrome may already need to adjust their time at work.

Researchers in the Netherlands wanted to look at how Ms-related cognitive dysfunction affected work in people who are recently diagnosed with Ms. in the Cognition and socio-economics (CoGNiseC) study, the researchers studied 45 people who had been diagnosed with Ms or had a clinically isolated syndrome within the past two years and have been on disease-modifying therapy for less than six months or not at all.

wHaT THEy FOUND: Qn People with higher levels of fatigue and

disability all decreased their working hours within 12 months following diagnosis.

MEMORy ISSUES May IMPaCT EMPlOyMENT

MSNaTIONalCaPITal.ORg | 1-800-344-4867 7Qn lower long-term memory scores correlated

with a lower number of hours and days spent working during the week.

Qn People who scored lower on “focused attention” and “speed of memory” were more likely to say they “wished to work less.”

Qn scores on tests assessing depression (Beck Depression inventory) did not correlate at all with quantity of working hours.

While its findings need to be replicated in larger studies, so far this research shows that cognitive dysfunction can negatively impact the capacity to work, even in the very early stages of Ms.

wORKINg a BalaNCEWhat does this mean? let’s face it, even jobs that we love can lose some of their luster when we have to negotiate symptoms that add to our physical disability. While it is tempting to keep pushing ourselves to do more and overcome some of these challenges, it is important to remind ourselves that we may have very real cognitive symptoms related to our Ms that are impacting our abilities to work the same way we did in the past.

“... SO FaR THIS RESEaRCH SHOwS THaT COgNITIvE DySFUNCTION CaN NEgaTIvEly IMPaCT THE CaPaCITy TO wORK, EvEN IN THE vERy EaRly STagES OF MS.”

on the other hand, many people with Ms continue working long after their diagnosis. Disease-modifying therapies, new technologies, better symptom management, legal employment protections and community resources can help you remain in the workforce — and education and preparation can be your most powerful tools for success. n

Diagnosed with Ms in 2003, Julie stachowiak, Ph.D., is the author of The Multiple Sclerosis Manifesto and www.ms.about.com. originally posted at blog.nationalMS-society.org

TOOlS TO wORKif you’re struggling to keep up at work, but aren’t ready to throw in the towel just yet, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/ employment or call an Ms Navigator at 1-800-344-4867 to learn more about your options and get connected with employment resources in your area.

The Job accommodation Network at www.askjan.org also offers information on a range of subjects for working people with disabilities.


FIND a SElF-HElP gROUP IN yOUR aREaThe National Capital Chapter offers a wide variety of groups for individuals with Ms and loved ones, including peer-led self-help groups and professionally-led support groups. Groups occasionally change their meeting schedules. all locations are fully accessible. For more information, call 800-344-4867 or email [email protected].

vIRgINIaDale City/Woodbridge second Thursday of the month from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Springfield Third saturday of the month from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. also meets the first saturday of the month for informal “coffee” meeting.

Sterling (Loudoun County) last sunday of the month from 2– 4 p.m.

Vienna second Wednesday of the month from 7–9 p.m.

waSHINgTON, DCsecond saturday of the month from 2–4 p.m.

MaRylaND Bethesda/Silver Spring Third saturday of the month from 1–3 p.m.

Bowie/Crofton First Thursday of the month from 7:30–9:30 p.m. in Bowie.

Charles County second Tuesday of the month from 12–2 p.m.

Lexington Park (St. Mary’s County)second Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m.

Prince Frederick (Calvert County)second saturday of the month from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

MaRylaND

vIRgINIa D.C.

INTERESTINg IN STaRTINg a NEw gROUP?The National Capital Chapter supports self-help groups by providing ongoing training to leaders and co-leaders. if you are interested in starting a new self-help group in your area, contact Julie Vallelunga at 202-296-5363, option 2, or [email protected].

MSNaTIONalCaPITal.ORg | 1-800-344-4867 9

SElF-HElP gROUPS FOR SPECIFIC POPUlaTIONSThese peer-led groups serve those with specific interests.

MS Thrivers (Wheaton, MD)The mission of Ms Thrivers is to help each attendee to take an active role in the management of their disease. The monthly agenda for each meeting will start with some form of physical or mental exercise, adapted to the interests and physical abilities of the group. Meets the second saturday of the month from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

MS Y.A.N.A. (MS You Are Not Alone) (Lanham, Maryland)This group is co-sponsored by the National Ms society and Ms y.a.N.a., a non-profit organization for african-americans and young adults living well with Ms. Meets the first Wednesday of the month from 7–9 p.m.

Prince George’s County (Fort Washington)This is an active african american group. Meets the second saturday of the month from 12–2 p.m.

Working with MS (Rockville, Maryland)This solution-focused group is for individuals with Ms who are living and working (employed, seeking to return to work, or exploring retirement options) with the symptoms and diagnosis of Ms. Meets the second sunday of the month from 3–5 p.m.

PROFESSIONally-lED SUPPORT gROUPSFacing the Challenge: MS in Your 20s (Bethesda, MD)This group is for 20-somethings living with Ms, led by Ruth simon of Child Center and adult services, inc. Topics may include dating and relationships, employment, and treatment tips. Meets weekly october –May and monthly in summertime on Tuesdays from 6:30–8 p.m. Registration is required.

Family Caregiver Support Group (Bethesda, MD)Join other family caregivers of people with Ms — spouses, partners, siblings, adult children, parents — to share concerns, stories, and resources. This group meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 6:45–8:15 p.m. Registration is required.

Newly Diagnosed Group (various locations)The chapter offers professionally-led short-term Newly Diagnosed Groups four times a year in various locations. Groups meet once a week for three sessions. individuals who have been diagnosed with Ms in the past two years and their family members are welcome. Topics of discussion will include symptoms and symptom management, communication and positive coping skills, individual and family adjustment to Ms, employment issues, changes in lifestyles, roles, relationships, and responsibilities, and community resources. n


lIvINg wITH MS

FaCINg COgNITIvE CHallENgES TOgETHERBy MiNDy B. alPeRT & aNDRea s. KaNToR

We both live with multiple sclerosis and this is our story. Mindy was diagnosed with Ms in 1998, and she has cognitive challenges, as well as other invisible symptoms. as Mindy’s partner since 1999, andrea lives with Ms in a different way, because the disease affects their life together.

MaNagINg aS a TEaMin 2001, Mindy left a successful career in the financial industry as a result of severe fatigue and her cognitive challenges. she doesn’t always understand what people are saying, and sometimes has to ask them to slow down and repeat it, especially when they are giving instructions. This is especially true when there’s background noise or when she’s with people she doesn’t know well.

Mindy also has trouble with word retrieval and sometimes with expressing herself clearly. it can be very frustrating when people get impatient, and the pressure makes it even harder. sometimes

she can’t remember what someone has said if she doesn’t write it down. it takes a lot of energy for Mindy to focus and get important things done, and she is generally more capable early in the day. she also has difficulty multitasking, organizing, and prioritizing. To help with this, she uses a week-at-a-glance calendar as a to-do list to stay organized, and she uses a highlighter to emphasize priority items. her BlackBerry is also a great tool because she can send herself reminders.

IT TaKES a lOT OF ENERgy FOR MINDy TO FOCUS aND gET IMPORTaNT THINgS DONE.

andrea has cut back on certain types of socializing, including parties and get-togethers that begin later in the evening. she could go alone, but she would rather be with Mindy. When they first got together, andrea noticed that Mindy had trouble focusing on and following conversations

TO-DO lISTS CaN HElP THOSE wITH COgNITIvE ISSUES STay ORgaNIzED

MSNaTIONalCaPITal.ORg | 1-800-344-4867 11at gatherings, and that she would disengage from the conversation. When Mindy is struggling to find a word, andrea often jumps in and says it for her, and then Mindy can go on with whatever she was saying. sometimes andrea repeats any questions to give Mindy more time to phrase a response. This interaction happens very naturally, and most people don’t even notice what is really going on between us.

a UNITED lIFEMindy sometimes tells people about her cognitive issues so that they can hopefully understand when she’s struggling. at times people don’t believe that Mindy has challenges and limitations because she looks fine. having cognitive issues is tough and, like many people living with symptoms of Ms, Mindy grapples with them every single day.

IT IS NOT SUPPORTIvE TO TEll SOMEONE THEy DON’T REally HavE a PROBlEM.

however, Mindy has developed effective ways of functioning and compensating for the challenges, so that much of the time, the challenges are not obvious to most people. When an issue does come up, some people may think they’re being supportive when they say that everyone develops memory problems as we get older. But this is very invalidating because Mindy has had serious cognitive challenges since her 30s that are not

due to aging, and she had to leave her career decades before she would have chosen to do so. it is not supportive to tell someone they don’t really have a problem.

We try to help people understand that the best way to show their support is by being patient, accommodating us when we suggest an early dinner, and asking us how we’re doing from time to time. over time, we each have developed new perspectives on living with Mindy’s cognitive challenges, and we do it the way we face everything else in our lives, united as a supportive couple. n

Mindy B. alpert is an active board member for the National Ms society’s long island Chapter, which honored her service in 2007 by endowing the Mindy B. alpert scholarship Fund. in 2010, she was elected to the society’s National Board of Directors, where she chairs the investment committee.

andrea s. Kantor is a manager in the financial industry providing banking products and services to the nonprofit sector. she is also a certified executive coach who has run her own consulting business. n

aNDREa, aT lEFT, aND MINDy FaCE MS TOgETHER.


aDvOCaCy

BE a DIgITal MS aCTIvISTin 2012, Ms activists sent tens of thousands of emails, placed hundreds of phone calls, and made hundreds of in-person visits to members of Congress asking for their support on issues important to people with multiple sclerosis and their families. and now there are more ways for Ms activists to connect—online.

DRIvINg CHaNgEDigital Ms activists—like all Ms activists—want to drive change and do so by amplifying their voice and connecting with elected officials over social media.

at www.nationalMSsociety.org/digiMSactivist, learn how to share your story, connect with other Ms activists, and build relationships through social media and email. The webpage includes ways to:

Qn Get informed. Become part of the Ms activist Network. Receive e-newsletters and action alerts about important pieces of legislation. send emails with a few clicks of your mouse.

Qn Rise up. learn where your elected officials stand. speak out on issues important to you as a person affected by Ms.

Qn Take Action. Build relationships with elected officials by posting on and liking

their social media pages and by thanking them on Facebook or Twitter for their supportive actions.

Qn Recruit. encourage others to join the movement by directing them to our video at ntl.ms/YouCanBeAnMSActivist, or to nationalMSsociety.org/digiMSactivist.

Become a digital Ms activist and help shape the conversations today that will drive change tomorrow—we promise you, people will listen! n

DEaR COllEagUE“Dear Colleagues” are important tools in supporting legislation that impacts people with multiple sclerosis. They are letters sent by one or two members of Congress to fellow members, usually asking for co-sponsors on a new bill or seeking to influence recipients’ votes on a particular issue. The society often helps compose letters that support legislation important to people with Ms. Ms activists help gain signers through action alert emails.

This spring, Dear Colleagues were circulated in Congress to support $10 million in funding for the Ms Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, $32 billion for the National institutes of health, and $2.5 million for the lifespan Respite Program. The Congressional Ms Caucus and Ms activists are working in coalition with other groups to preserve these funding levels for Fy 2014. To join the effort, go to www.nationalMSsociety.org/MSActivist.

MSNaTIONalCaPITal.ORg | 1-800-344-4867 13

EIgHT HOURS TO a lIFETIME OF RElaTIONSHIP SaTISFaCTIONThe National Ms society invites you and your spouse/partner to a free workshop for couples living with the challenges of Ms.

This dynamic program will help you learn how to:

Qn Break patterns that prevent effective communication.Qn apply successful problem solving techniques.Qn Work as a team to manage Ms and your relationship.

wHEN: Saturday, October 5, 2013 8:30–9 a.m.: Registration 9 a.m.–5 p.m.: Workshop

space is limited. Register now by calling 1-800-344-4867, option 1 or visiting MSNationalCapital.org, search “Relationship Matters.”

wHERE: Vienna Presbyterian Church 124 Park street, Ne Vienna, Va 22180

EMPlOyMENT aSSISTaNCE IS avaIlaBlE

The National Capital Chapter’s employment assistance and support program, operation Job Match (oJM), is available to assist you in exploring your employment options. if you have questions about disclosure, accommodation strategies to manage Ms symptoms on the job, effective ways to stay employed, or resources available to help return to work, call oJM at (202) 887-0136 or email [email protected].


FUNDRaISINg

:Ride the Riverside 2013on June 8 and 9, nearly 900 cyclists and 150 volunteers came together at Maryland’s National harbor to celebrate the 31st anniversary of Bike Ms: Ride the Riverside. By raising a grand total of $675,000, we can support local programs and services for the thousands of individuals affected by Ms in the D.C. metro area and fund Ms research so we can find a cure for this disease and end Ms forever.

We’d also like to recognize the generosity of our sponsors; their donations ensured that more of the money raised by this year’s participants goes to our mission of creating a world free of Ms. Thank you:

eMD seronoMindbank ConsultingFedexBooz allen hamiltonintelsatPfizerNovant healthNovartisKPMGNational harborDrinkmore WaterCorner BakeryWaterford ReceptionssubwayDunkin Donuts

SavE THE DaTE June 7-8, 2014 Register at BikeMSDC.org

15MSNaTIONalCaPITal.ORg | 1-800-344-4867

vOlUNTEERS NEEDED FORCHallENgE walK MS 2013Join the Movement® and become a part of a life-changing experience by volunteering at the 11th annual Capital Challenge Walk MS. you can volunteer for a couple of hours, or crew the event and be with us for the entire weekend. We are currently looking for individuals and groups for the following volunteer jobs:

Qn saG (support and Gear)Qn Truck DriversQn site set upQn Cheer leaders

Volunteers and crew members are not required to raise funds, however, we will happily provide fundraising information for anyone that wishes to help raise money. if you have any questions or would like to sign up to volunteer, please contact anthony Francavilla at [email protected].

Join the MoveMent in 2014and walk to create a world free of MS.

April 5, 2014: Washington, D.C.

April 6, 2014: Reston, VA

April 12, 2014: Bowie, MD

Manassas, VA

Rockville, MD

Waldorf, MD

For more information please visit

WalkMSDC.org

1800 M st. NWsuite 750 southWashington, DC 20036

CalENDaR

SavE THE DaTE EXERCISE aND wEllNESS ClaSSESOngoingWashington, D.C. metro areaContact: [email protected]

KIDvENTUREMS awaRENESS Day aT NaTIONalS PaRKSunday, July 21 Washington, D.C.Contact: [email protected]

DCaC MS TRaININg FOR FITNESS PROFESSIONalSThursday, august 1Reston, VaContact: [email protected]

To register for these and other events, please visit MSNationalCapital.org or call 1-800-344-4867

MOvINg FORwaRD: NEwly DIagNOSED EDUCaTION aND SUPPORT gROUP august 5, 12, and 19Bowie, MDContact: [email protected]

aMBaSSaDORS BallWednesday, september 11Washington, D.C.Contact: [email protected]

CaPITal CHallENgE walK MSsaturday, september 21- sunday, september 22Washington, D.C. metro areaContact: [email protected]

EXERCISE aND wEllNESS ClaSSESOngoingWashington, D.C. metro areaContact: [email protected]

aMBaSSaDORS BallWednesday, september 11Washington, D.C.Contact: [email protected]

yOUNg aDUlTS lUNCHEONSunday, September 15McLean, VAContact: [email protected]

CaPITal CHallENgE walK MSSaturday, September 21 – Sunday, September 22Washington, D.C. Contact: [email protected]

MS aCHIEvERSTuesday, september 24location: TBaContact: [email protected]

aSK THE EMPlOyMENT SPECIalIST: TElEPHONE q & a SESSIONWednesday, september 25TeleconferenceContact: [email protected]

MaKINg STRIDES FOR MS SOIRéESaturday, September 28Washington, D.C.Contact: [email protected]

RElaTIONSHIP MaTTERS – PROgRaM FOR COUPlES lIvINg wITH MSSaturday, October 5Vienna, VAContact: [email protected]

fall 2013 ms connection national capital …...02 ms connection: fall 2013 national multiple...

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