georgia chapter ms connection summer

MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS | VOLUME 7 bull EDITION 3

Bike MS Cox Atlanta Ride

GEORGIA CHAPTER

Dr BackusrsquoResearch CornerPage 6

Meet Our InternsPage 3-4

2014-2015 Georgia ScholarsPages 5

September 20 - 21 2014

In this Issue

2 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT nationalMSsocietyorg

1-800-344-4867PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONALMULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETYGeorgia Chapter bull 950 East Paces Ferry Road NE Ste 110 bull Atlanta GA 30326

Chairman William J Holley II

Vice Chair Annette Mengert

Secretary Cherise Mlott

Treasurer Keith Keller

Chapter President Roy A Rangel

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society does not endorse products services or manufacturers Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information The National Multiple Sclerosis Society assumes no liability for the use of contents of any product or service mentioned

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 National Multiple Sclerosis Societylsquos mission is to mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MScopy 2014 National Multiple Sclerosis Society Georgia Chapter

Are you looking for aSelf-Help Group or Peer Supporter

in your community

Are you looking for a Self-Help Group or Peer Supporter in your community Whether you just received a MS diagnosis or have been living with it for a long time the National MS Society GA Chapter has impactful programs available to you where you can find support and experience-based guidance on how to live a productive and happy life with MS

Self-Help Groups meet regularly for educational and social purposes allowing members to express feelings and provide support to one another Members share a belief that positive personal change can happen through individual effort with the support of others To find Self-Help Groups near you call an MS Navigator at 1-800-344-4867

Peer Supporters are trained individuals living with MS or have a family member living with MS Via telephone our Peer Supporters called ldquoMS Friendsrdquo offer information companionship emotional support and encouragement to peers living with MS There is no cost to participate in a Self-Help Group or Peer Support Program

To request services or if you are interested in starting a Self-Help Group or becoming a Peer Supporter call the GA Chapter Office at 1-800-344-4867 or e-mail the GA Chapterrsquos Services Manager Carole Anderson at caroleandersonnmssorg

For general information about the support resources available through the National MS Society please visit httpwwwnationalmssocietyorgResources-SupportFind-Support

See complete listing of Self-Help Groups in Georgia on 6

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 3

Hi my name is Kyle Murphy and I will serve as one of the interns this summer My primary role is to assist members access the many services offered by the Georgia Chapter and to offer guidance through the financial assistance process I will also

assist the Services Manager Carole Anderson in day-to-day operations I am a native of Cumming Georgia and I will graduate with my undergraduate degree in General Studies this coming spring from the University of North Georgia I plan to attend graduate school to obtain my Masters in Public Health after completing my undergraduate work This is my first experience working with a non-profit organization and I am anxious to learn as much as possible I look forward to helping the Society as much as I possibly can during my time here Irsquom excited to start making a difference in our quest to cure MS

Programs amp Services DepartmentWelcome to our Programs amp Services Interns Hello My name is LaTasha

Williams In 2010 I graduated from Albany State University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology After college I secured a job at JLA USA Laboratory as a Laboratory Analyst in the chemistry department In July 2011 I moved back to

Atlanta and began my journey at Metamerix Clinical Laboratory as a GCLCMS Laboratory Technologist in the Toxicology Department In February of 2014 I accepted my current position at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention as an Organic Analytical Toxicology Chemist While pursuing my undergraduate studies in Albany Georgia I learned that the city was voted as one of the top ten poorest cities in the United States As a consequence of poverty Albany has poor educational systems high unemployment and crimes rates and lastly not up to par health care After experiencing how residential zip codes determine the type of health care one receives I was determined to make a difference From that moment on I decided to pursue a career in public health emphasizing on helping citizens in poverty stricken communities In August 2013 I began the Masters in Public Health program at Mercer University My ultimate goal is to become either an Epidemiologist or a Health Scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention These next few months I hope to gain exponential experience in public health and acquire an array of skills that will prepare me for my career

Hello My name is Jenny Kneisel and I am one of the summer interns for Programs amp Services I recently

moved back to Atlanta after living in Milledgeville for five years I received my Bachelors in Community Health Edu-cation and Human Services from Georgia College and State University I am cur-rently working towards my

Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling through Texas Tech University and Health Sciences Center I have a passion for health and wellness and strongly believe in incorporating the seven dimensions of wellness when providing services for individuals I always knew I wanted to be in the allied health field but was not sure which direction I wanted to take While interning for a case manager during my undergrad I realized that was an area I enjoyed and would like to pursue I am very thankful for this opportunity to gain experience and put to practice the knowledge and skills I have accumulated through my schooling I look forward to meeting and working with yarsquoll

Hello my name is Noah Olanre-waju and I will serve as one of the Programs amp Services interns for the summer I was born and raised in Nigeria and speak a total of seven languages English being my native tongue I graduated from Herzing

University with a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management and have worked in the healthcare industry for over 10 years In August I will begin the Health Service Administration graduate program at Central Michigan University I am excited about this internship opportunity and look forward to further developing skills in grant writing and financial plan-ning as well as gaining a wealth of knowledge about the operations of a non-profit organization


Welcome Jacquelyn amp Kelsey as our Special Events Interns Hi my name is Kelsey

Baker and I will serve as your special events intern this summer My role is to aid in promoting special events particularly Bike MS I will also help with marketing efforts by writing

e-communications leading up to the Bike MS event

I was born and raised in Marietta Georgia and will start my senior year at Georgia College this coming fall My major is Communications and I will also get my nonprofit certificate to become a certified nonprofit professional (CNP) After graduation I plan to do international missionary work and later start a career with a nonprofit organization

My family and I have been connected with the Society for the past ten years After a good friend and neighbor was diagnosed with MS a weekend at Callaway Gardens for Bike MS has become a family tradition The past three years I have participated as a cyclist It has proved to be quite a challenge but riding for people living with the disease and raising money for a great cause makes the climb worth it

I am so excited for this opportunity to intern and connect with each of you

Looking for an internshipThe Georgia chapter is recruiting qualified full or part time college students Positions are unpaid but the experience will be invaluable Academic or community service (non-court ordered) credit is available

Internships are offered during the fall spring and summer semesters This program provides the student with day-to-day experience that will further their skills and complement their classroom learning

Download amp submit an internship application to RussellBentonnmssorg

My name is Jacquelyn Lee and I will be one of the Special Events interns this summer I was born and raised in Georgia and have resided here since birth This past May I graduated from Georgia State University

with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and a minor in Hospitality My professional goal is to develop a career in special events with a focus in non-profits My passion for helping others and finding a cure for MS is what steered me to intern with the Society Irsquove already learned so much during my short time here Irsquom looking forward to the additional knowledge I will gain in the upcoming months I can already tell itrsquos going to be a great summer here at the National MS Society Georgia Chapter


The Georgia Chapter congratulates the 25 recipients of its 2014- 2015 scholarship program

David Carver Paige Davis Sydney Donaldson Tyler Favors-Wood Ashley Grussenmeyer Stephen Haas Bianca Hughes Lauren Hunter Autumn Kirkendall Jazzmine Leake Austin Merideth September Moosa Julia Newton Christopher Pettis Alexis Polston Hannah Ritter Elizabeth Roberts Arionna Rodriquez Hannah Rooks Trevor Shuman Jessica Silverman Laura Smith Cara Steinocher Arnice Wade Kenisha Williams

The National MS Societyrsquos scholarship program exists to help highly qualified students who have been diagnosed with MS or who have a parent with MS achieve their dreams of earning a college education Support offered is more than just financial the Society facilitates connections between the scholars offering peer support volunteer and mentoring opportunities

Scholarships are given based on financial need academic record leadership and participation in school or community activities work experience an outside appraisal goals and aspirations special circumstances and an essay regarding the impact of MS on their life The number of awards given in each state depends on the number of applications received and is made possible thanks to the support from generous donors

Hannah Ritter from Kingsland Georgia says ldquoThank you for the generous donation it will help further my education and make my future brighter My mother was diagnosed with MS in 2000 and since we have gone through and overcome many struggles physically emotionally and financially Donors and scholarship programs similar to this make it easier for me and my family to push through the hardships because we know people care This scholarship will not go in vain and it will help me pursue my dream of becoming a Theatre Managerrdquo

Click here for more information about the scholarship program or to read the profiles of our 2014-2015 Georgia Scholars

Congratulations to our Georgia Scholars


Research CornerCan Exercise Reduce the Risk of Falling

Research

The 2014 Annual Meeting of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and the Sixth Cooperative Meeting with Ameri-cas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) was held May 28 - 31 in Dallas Texas Researchers clini-cians educators and people with MS convened to share and learn more about the diagnosis and management of MS Particularly excit-ing is the amount of research focused on re-storing what has been lost with MS There is still a commonly held belief that people with MS cannot benefit from either rehabilitation or exercise however research related to both demonstrates that rehabilitation and exercise for people with MS may provide for improve-ments in walking cognition and other func-tional activities

Mobility impairment is a known issue for people with MS and researchers are moving toward understanding the causes of this dif-ficulty Jacob J Sosnoff PhD and colleagues at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Cham-paign are attacking falls head on with exercise Falls are a prevalent health concern for at least half of all people with MS Falling can lead to not only fear of future falls which in itself can reduce a personrsquos physical activity but can also lead to injury Sosnoff reported that people who participated in a simple 12-week long home exercise program did so safely improved their performance on balance measures and demonstrated a decrease in fall risk The pro-gram consisted of 10 individualized progressive

exercises targeting balance and lower limb strength Study participants reported enjoying the opportunity to safely exercise

In another study funded by the National MS Society Sosnoff and colleagues demonstrated that 20 weeks of locomotor (walking) training 2 times a week on a treadmill led to improve-ments in walking speed and balance in people with MS Participants also reported that their functional activities such as transferring on and off a toilet improved making their lives easier

Fall risk is a concern for people with MS but it is reassuring to see that not only is research being supported and implemented to discover what to do to reduce this risk but that the outcomes from such studies are positive See the Research Corner next issue to learn more about other exciting research in MSTranslation point What does this mean to a person with MS

If you are having falls you should follow up with a practitioner such as a physical therapist or occupational therapist They may be able to help you identify why you are falling so that you can address these causes They can also help you to come up with a program so that you can safely exercise ndash with exercises that are safe and have the potential to help you improve and decrease your risks of falls

Deborah Backus PT PhDDirector of MS ResearchThe Eula C and Andrew C Carlos MS Rehabilitation and Wellness Program at Shepherd Center


The Society is the Best Investment for People Living with MSFunded by the National MS SocietyGeorgia Health Sciences - $359659Evaluating ways to measure and improve the driving ability of people with MS

Emory University - $169946Understanding how specific immune T cells drive progression of MS symptoms by studying an MS model

Emory University - $442898Using high-tech screening to study how the cells that control immune system activity respond to myelin the nerve-protecting sheath targeted by MS immune attacks

Emory University - $471333Targeting the oligodendrocyte-enriched receptors GPR37 and GPR37L1 to treat MS

Georgia State University - $44000Investigating a protein that may affect the immune attack in MS and one treatment currently used to stop that attack

BIKE MS COX ATLANTA RIDE SEPTEMBER 20 -21 2014 raquo 2 DAYS raquo MULTIPLE ROUTE OPTIONSREGISTER TODAY raquo BIKEMSORG OR CALL 8003444867

Enjoy a cycling adventure with varying terrain as you travel through the quaint town and beautiful country roads of Pine Mountain Georgia The two day celebration at Callaway Gardens boasts multiple route options for all cycling abilities unparalleled safety and support and the experience of a lifetime

Atlanta Ride 2014

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS


Research

This is a frequently asked question posed by people living with MS who come to the Shepherd center First it is important to understand what a clinical trial is and the purpose of a clinical trialA clinical trial is a carefully designed research study involving human participants to answer a specific question or set of questions related to a biomedical or behavioral intervention The ultimate aim of a clinical trial is to determine if a new intervention is safe efficacious and effective for a particular population of people Clinical trials are necessary to ensure that only interventions that are shown to be safe and effective are translated into standard clinical care

An ldquointerventionrdquo includes but is not limited to the use of cells and other biological products (such as stem cells) surgical procedures (eg removing scar tissue) radiological procedures (eg functional magnetic resonance imaging or fMRI) devices (eg brain stimulator) behavioral treatments (eg exercise or rehabilitation) or process-of-care changes (eg providing care at a different point in time) The intervention being studied may not currently be utilized in the clinic or may be utilized in a different way or in a different population

A clinical trial is performed specifically to answer a research question to provide information that is not yet known about the use of the intervention in people with a particular disease injury or situation such as those with MS A clinical trial therefore is not clinical care and should not be approached with such an expectation So why then should anyone consider a clinical trial

Whether you participate in a clinical trial is totally dependent on your situation and your views The positive side to being a participant in a clinical trial is that you are taking an important and active role in gaining a better understanding of your condition both for you and for the researchers investigating the questions This may help people with your condition in the future In addition participating in a clinical trial may allow you to have access to an intervention that you might not otherwise receive You must remember however that the intervention may not have been shown to be safe or effective yet so there is no guarantee that you will benefit from the intervention

Some other considerations before participating in a trial include the fact that you might be assigned to the ldquocontrolrdquo group which does not receive the intervention Furthermore during the study you may not be allowed to participate in other interventions that will affect the outcomes of the study if you are part of a control group

What is a clinical trial and should I participate


There are potential risks to consider as well when deciding whether to participate in a clinical trial First there may be side effects to the intervention that may not have been discovered yet In addition being a participant in a clinical trial may affect your health care coverage Finally often being involved in one trial might prevent your opportunity to participate in another trial later on Clinical trials are conducted in different steps called phases and it is important for you to know at what phase a trial is being conducted Each phase is specifically designed to answer a different type of question related to the intervention

bull Phase I studies assess the safety of a drug or device in humans This initial phase of study involves a small number of participants (20 to 100) who are generally paid for participating in the study This phase also investigates the side effects that occur as dosage levels (amount of medication or use of the device) are increased

bull Phase II studies test the efficacy of a drug or device Most phase II studies employ control groups where one group of participants receives the intervention (drug device treatment) being studied and the other ldquocontrolrdquo group receives standard clinical care or placebo Participants are randomly assigned to one of these groups (randomization) and often neither they nor the investigators know who has received the intervention (blinded) This allows researchers to understand the relative safety and effectiveness of the intervention

bull Phase III studies involve several thousand patients in randomized and blinded trials This provides

investigators with a more thorough understanding of the effectiveness of the drug or device as well as the benefits and the side effects The information from this phase is very important for determining if an intervention can be commercially available to a particular group of people

bull Phase IV studies are not uncommon in MS These are often called Post Marketing Surveillance Trials and are conducted after an intervention has been approved for consumer sale The goals at this point namely for pharmaceutical companies are (1) to compare an intervention with other interventions already available (2) to monitor a drugrsquos long-term effectiveness and impact on a patientrsquos quality of life and (3) to determine the cost-effectiveness of a drug therapy relative to other traditional and new therapies Phase IV studies can result in a drug or device being taken off the market or restrictions of use could be placed on the product depending on the findings in the study


Clinical trials continued

The next step to being part of a clinical trial is determining if you are eligible to be in the trial Clinical trials always have very specific criteria related to who can be included and who should be excluded The criteria are very specific on purpose This way the researchers can be more certain that any changes in outcomes (eg decreased fatigue improved walking or clearer thinking) are due to the intervention and not something about the participant or natural processes such as progression of the disease process for instance

This is an exciting time in MS with new interventions emerging steadily and many research studies underway Participating in a clinical trial allows you to be part of the advances in MS care However only you can decide if any given clinical trial is right for you Being an informed consumer is the first step toward making the right decision for you

For more information about clinical trials contact

Other resourceshttpwwwnationalmssocietyorgResearchResearch-We-Fund

httpclinicaltrialsgovinforesources

httpwwwcenterwatchcomclinical-trialsoverviewaspx

Questions to ask before participating in a research trial

Of the research teambull What is the interventionbull How is it deliveredbull Are there any risks and what are

theybull What do I need to change if I am

in the study bull Can I participate in other

interventions or studies if I am in this study

bull What happens if I am injured or become ill during this study

bull Will you provide medical care if I am hurt due to the intervention

bull Can I stop the trial at any time and will this affect my other care

Of your insurance carrierbull Will being involved in this study

change my health or medical benefits now or in the futureDeborah Backus PT PhD

Director of MS ResearchThe Eula C and Andrew C Carlos MS Rehabilitation and Wellness Program at Shepherd CenterOffice 404-350-7599Deborah_BackusShepherdorg

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 11

WAYS TO GIVE

IN LOVING MEMORYDenise Slinkard and Gary Creakbaum firstmet during the fall semester of their sophomore year at Purdue UniversitymdashSeptember 1970 to be exact Just four months after their first date Gary presented Denise with an engagement ring And a little more than a year after that first meeting the two were married They attended classes together each morning and went to part-time jobs in the afternoons They finished their humanities degrees and graduated together in 1973

ldquoLife was good and we knew itrdquo he says Life continued to be wonderful after college The couple moved every few years for work which meant buying a new home and enjoying new communities They also continued to travel Denise had experienced a few symptoms of multiple sclerosis during college but they didnrsquot receive a diagnosis until 1974

ldquoWe did not let MS slow us downrdquo Gary says ldquoWe just assumed it would be something that would be cured and she would be finerdquo They enjoyed life to the fullest but MS continued to take its toll By 1989 Denisersquos deteriorating health required additional support and in a short 15 years the Creakbaums went from being

sure of a cure to trying everything available to the realization that Denise would not be ldquofinerdquo

Denise passed away in February 1994 ldquoI miss Denise and to this day think of her and wonder why this had to happen to such a bright beautiful young woman with a promising futurerdquo Gary says He has since remarried and he and his wife Ellen have made the National MS Society a beneficiary in their will ldquoMaking a planned gift allows us to have a say in how our money is used after we are gonerdquo he says ldquoWe wanted to benefit causes that are important to usrdquo Gary believes that if enough people give even a small amount the impact could be huge

ldquoDenisersquos spirit will live on through this gift to help future generations win the war against MS and enjoy the curerdquo he says n

To learn more about how you can give visit wwwnationalMSsocietyorgplannedgiving

GARY AND ELLEN CREAKBAUM MADE A PLANNED GIFT IN HONOR OF GARYrsquoS FIRST WIFE DENISE (SHOWN ABOVE)


WAYS TO GIVE

RIDING WITH HOPEBY MARLEIGH BROWN

When I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis four years ago I cried I cried a lot Not in public and not in front of my three young children But I cried privately mourning the loss of the woman I once was I was distraught and angry and everything in between Most of all I was scared Scared that MS was taking my healthy body and mind and with them my hopes and dreams Yet today in spite of those emotions I also feel lucky Lucky because I have hope

THIS GIVES ME HOPE THAT SOMEDAY SOON WE WILL FIND A WAY TO END MS FOREVER AND REPAIR THE DAMAGE ALREADY DONE WITH THIS HOPE WE MAY ALL BE SCRIPTING A DIFFERENT ENDING TO OUR STORIES

To truly understand hope I need to tell you a story about a special woman named Ida I participate in Bike MS with her photo in my pocket It was taken in April 1937 when she was just 23 years oldndasha beautiful girl vibrant and alive She had been spring skiing at Tuckermanrsquos Ravine and is leaning on a clunker of a car facing into the sun Shersquos wearing a halter top and shorts and

black boots with dark socks which accentuate her strong muscular legs She had an unruly mane of dark curly hair in those days

A talented painter Ida had a funky style all her own She smiled like a lady but had her hand on her hip and her chin lifted giving the camera a bit of attitude This woman is my grandmother but not the grandmother I knew The picture was taken six months before she married and went on to become a mother of six It was taken a whole decade before MS turned her life upside down chiseling away at her hopes and dreams Piece by piece Attack by attack With nothing to stand in its way

Idarsquos diagnosis took a while without MRIs and the understanding of the disease we have today At first she didnrsquot tell anyone But soon she

I RIDE WITH MS PARTICIPANT MARLEIGH BROWN CROSSES THE FINISH LINE I RIDE WITH MS IS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY GENZYME A SANOFI COMPANY PARTICIPANT JERSEYS ARE PROVIDED BY PRIMAL WEAR THE OFFICIAL CYCLING APPAREL PARTNER OF BIKE MS

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 13

wasnrsquot able to hide her symptoms Why did she choose to say nothing to do nothing about her MS Because there was nothing she could do Because back then there was nothing anyone could dondashno research no treatments no disease-modifying drugs Back then there was no hope

WHEN ONE OF MY CHILDREN RAISES THAT DREADED QUESTION lsquoMOMMY AM I GOING TO GET MSrsquo I HOPE TO ANSWER WITH CONVICTION lsquoNO ABSOLUTELY NOTrsquo

I knew Ida simply as Grammy and I remember driving to the nursing home with my father to pick her up one Thanksgiving I can still see her waiting for us like a snapshot in my mind lying in her hospital bed staring silently toward the window I watched as my father lifted her from her bed to her wheelchair carrying her the way yoursquod cradle a helpless child or the way yoursquod hold a mother who was living with MS

This is the grandmother I knew the MS I knew And the line was so blurred that they were one and the same I even remember asking my father if I was going to get MS someday I donrsquot remember his exact words but here we are today thirty-something years later

I was diagnosed with MS at age 36mdashthe very same age as Ida The similarities in our stories are unnerving but I focus on the differences in our stories instead I am lucky that my doctors caught my MS early with the help of todayrsquos MRIs And I am grateful for choicesmdashfor the

wide selection of medications available to slow progression by injection infusion even oral pill and also for the drugs to manage symptoms and attacks All of these treatments were only discovered in the last two decades and over half were discovered in the last decade alone

This gives me hope that someday soon we will find a way to end MS forever and repair the damage already done With this hope we may all be scripting a different ending to our stories When one of my children raises that dreaded question ldquoMommy am I going to get MSrdquo I hope to answer with conviction ldquoNo Absolutely notrdquo

Hope is a beautiful thing And today we have hope Hope that my grandmother didnrsquot have And hope that all of our children will know a world free of MS n

These Opening Remarks were delivered by Marleigh Brown at the 2013 Bike MS Cape Cod Getaway Brown lives in Massachusetts where she participates in the I Ride with MS program which has expanded across all 100 Bike MS events in 2013 thanks to the support of Genzyme a Sanofi company and Primal Wear Learn more at wwwBikeMSorg

Bike MS Cox Atlanta RideSeptember 20-21 2014Pine Mountain GA (Callaway Gardens)Register at wwwBikeMSGeorgiaorg

Atlanta Ride 2014


Join us as we participate in the 2014 Bike MS Cox Atlanta ride

The domestiques cycling team takes the denition of the cycling domestique literally

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 15

My oh my how time flieshellipJust three short months from now the 2014 Bike MS Cox Atlanta Ride will be upon us We are in need of 400+ hard-working volunteers to help make this event a success

2014 Bike MS will take place at beautiful Callaway Gardens

in Pine Mountain Georgia on September 20th and 21st We are recruiting volunteers for Friday the 19th through Sunday the 21st to help with event setup food and beverage parking hydration first aid break points bike compound motorcycle marshals support and gear (SAG) van drivers event breakdown and the list goes on

For more information on volunteering at Bike MS please contactRusty Benton at russellbentonnmssorg or at 678-534-3588

We Need YOU to volunteer at the 2014 Bike MS Cox Atlanta Ride


wwwnationalMSsocietyorg

WHAT EVERY VOLUNTEER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE NATIONAL MS SOCIETY

ABOUT MS

Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable often disabling disease of the central nervous system that interrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and body

The progress severity and specific symptoms of MS vary from person to person and range from reduced or lost mobility to numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis

Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 MS affects more than 23 million people worldwide

ABOUT THE SOCIETY

The Society addresses the challenges of each person affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research driving change through advocacy facilitating professional education collaborating with MS organizations around the world and providing programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move forward

The Society is dedicated to achieving a world free of MS Join the movement at nationalMSsocietyorg

ABOUT ADVOCACY AND PROGRAMS amp SERVICES FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH MS

The Societyrsquos MS Navigatorreg Program (800-344-4867) provides people affected by MS with a customized compassionate response connecting them to the resources and support they need

The Societyrsquos programs address the challenges of MS including access to specialized healthcare and services financial impact emotional impact needs experienced by the family need for information and more

The Society facilitates access to MS healthcare by o providing important information to ndash and establishing and nurturing

relationships with ndash healthcare providers o advocating for policies and legislation that support access to care

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 17


o supporting the growth of the MS workforce of the future The Society and MS activists advocate at the federal state and local levels for

increased MS research access to quality care disability rights long-term services and supports and awareness and support for the MS movement

ABOUT RESEARCH

Finding solutions for people with MS is the Societyrsquos highest priority o Research is essential to finding solutions that change lives o The Society will fuel research through increased investments ndash a

record-breaking $50 million in 2014 Our approach is both comprehensive and focused pursuing all promising

paths while focusing on three priority areas o Progressive MS o Nervous system repair including myelin repair o Wellness and lifestyle

The Society is the best investment in driving solutions and changing the world for people with MS

ABOUT VOLUNTEERING

Volunteers are a vital resource in the MS movement You can o Share your professional expertise o Use your special talents o Give your time o Learn a new skill o Connect others to the MS movement o You can share your MS story to help educate elected officials about how a

piece of legislation affects people with MS o Get engaged through a number of different advocacy opportunities o Become a new District Activist Leader Find opportunities in your area at wwwnationalMSsocietyorgvolunteer

18 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT nationalMSsocietyorgTo make a reservation please call 1-800-344-4867or register online at wwwMSGeorgiaorg

Registration deadline Thursday January 16 2014

MS EXPOMiddle Georgia

You must pre-register for this program by August 6 2014 To register please call 678-672-1000 1-800-344-4867 or

register online at wwwMSgeorgiaorg

August 16 2014 TIME 9am - 3pm - Educational programs Vendor exhibits will be available throughout the day

A complimentary lunch will be provided WHERE Macon Centreplex 200 Coliseum Drive Macon GA 31217 TOPICS The Middle Georgia MS Expo offers an extensive

variety of educational programs healthcare resources vendor exhibits and connection opportunities for people living with and affected by MS including family members caregivers and other members of their support systems

Moving ForwardStop Disease Progression

Restore Function and End MS FoREvER

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 19

Flamenco Dancer

For more information or to sign up as a participant contactAlix MooreBike MS ManagerAlixMoorenmssorg(678)534-3651

2015

The Alamo

San Antonio Riverwalk

TOUR OF

San AntonioJanuary 15-18

Tour of Champions is a special weekend-long opportunity for topfundraisers from across the Southeast Region to meet share ideas andcelebrate their accomplishments

Become a Champion in advancing the mission of the National MS Society by raising a minimum of $7000 Raise a minimum of $10000 and bring along a guest at no additional cost The Society covers travel hotel and group activitieshotel and group activities

This fun weekend includes

Three night stay at the Wyndham Riverwalk Hotel arriving Thursday and departing Sunday

Roundtrip airfare to San Antonio Texas

Welcome reception honoring top fundraisers

Leisure scenic bike tour through downtown San Antonio

Walking tours and shopping along the famous Paseo del Rio amp the Mexican Market Square

A celebration dinner Saturday evening

A networking brunch

CHAMPIONS


CHALLENGE WALK MS SAVANNAH MARCH 6-8 2015

3 DAYS 50 MILESCONNECT TO END MULTIPLE SCLEROSISLEARN MORE challengeMSorg or 18003444867

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21

METRO ATLANTA BASED SELF-HELP GROUPS

African Americans with MS Self-Help GroupContact Info JoAnn (404) 932-2662Email joanndicksonsmbellsouthnetLocation Berean Seventh Day Adventist Church291 Hamilton E Holmes Drive Atlanta GA 30318When do we meet Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 300pm - 500 pm

Atlanta Womenrsquos Self-Help GroupContact Info Kristin (404) 351-0205 ext 110Location MS Center of Atlanta 3200 Downwood Circle NW Suite 550 Atlanta GA 303275th floor lobbyWhen do we meet Meets the 4th Tuesday of every month from 630pm - 800pm(No meetings in November and December)

Decatur Self-Help GroupContact Info OJ (770)-256-2516Email ojf2yahoocomLocation Green Forest Community Baptist Church 3250 Rainbow Road Decatur GA 30034When do we meet Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 1000am - 1200pm

Lawrenceville Womenrsquos Self-Help GroupContact Info Karen (678) 975-7167Location McKendree Methodist Church1570 Lawrenceville-Suwanee Rd Lawrenceville GA 30043When do we meet Meets the 2nd Saturday of every month from 1030am - 1200pmThis group will not be meeting until September

MS Institute at Shepherd Self-Help Group ldquoSHEPSrdquoContact Info Rachael (404) 457-4582 Email rtakeimaccomCo-Facilitator Kate Brunson (404) 402-0368MS Institute at Shepherd 2020 Peachtree Road Atlanta GA 30309When do we meet Meets the last Friday of every month from 1100am - 1200pm

Perimeter ndash Atlanta Area ldquoDine and Discuss For Partners and Spousesrdquo(This is a ldquoCare Partner Grouprdquo not meant for individu-als living with MS)Contact Info Jan (404) 579-6782Location La Madeleine Restaurant at The Perimeter 1165 Perimeter Center West Atlanta GA 30346When do we meet Meets the 2nd Thursday of every month from 700pm - 830pm

Snellville Self-Help GroupContact Info Vicki (770) 978-1517Email ThepomeroysgmailcomCo-Facilitator Lois (770) 339-6520Location Eastside Medical Center 1700 Medical Way SW Snellville GA 30078 When do we meet Meets the 4th Saturday of every month from 1000am - 1200pm

OUTSIDE ldquoMETROrdquo ATLANTA BASED SELF-HELP GROUPS

Albany Self-Help GroupContact Info Janet (229) 435-2517Email jkhancock45yahoocomLocation Phoebe Putney NW Conference Center 2336 Dawson Road Albany GA 31701When do we meet Meets the 1st Monday of every month from 600pm - 800pm This group does not meet in September

Albany-African American Self-Help GroupContact Info Colette (229) 395-4150Location Chosen to Conquer Inc 1120 W Broad Ave Suite C-1 Albany GA 31707When do we meet Meets the 1st Saturday of every month from 1100am - 100pm

Athens MS FamilyContact Info Siri Baker (706) 353-0606 Email sbakerathensneurocom Co-Facilitator Danielle (706) 983-9802Email deppsathensneurocomLocation Athens Neurological Associates 1086A Baxter Street Athens GA 30606

SELF-HELP GROUPS GEORGIA

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21



When do we meet Meets the 3rd Thursday of every other month from 600pm - 800pm in the months of Jan Mar May July Sept and Nov

Augusta MS Self-Help GroupContact Info Erin (706) 721-1411Location Georgia Health Sciences - MS Center 6th Floor 1120 15th Street Augusta GAWhen do we meet Meets the last Monday of every month from 600pm - 730pm

Cartersville ldquoBartow County Self-Help GrouprdquoContact Info Towanda (770) 344-8887 Email tobme3gmailcomLocation IHOP 640 E Main Street Cartersville GA 30121When do we meet Meets the 4th Thursday of every month from 630pm - 830pm

Camilla Self-Help GroupldquoMitchell County MS Self-Help GrouprdquoContact Info Lucas (229) 224-5979Location Mitchell County Hospital-Community Room 90 E Stephens Street Camilla GA When do we meet Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 600pm ndash 700pm

Columbus GeorgialdquoChattahoochee Valley Self-Help Grouprdquo Contact Info Lori (706) 575-6925Email lorikikeryahoocomLocation Columbus Regional HospitalWhen do we meet This grouprsquos schedule changes monthly please call Lori for updated times and days

Cumming Self-Help GroupContact Info Anthony (Tony) (678) 455-4139Email ravengreencomcastnetLocation Northside Forsyth Hospital 1400 Doctors Bldg Cumming GAWhen do we meet Meets the 1st Saturday of every month from 1000am - 1200pm

Douglasville Self-Help GroupContact Info Stephanie (770) 577-0408Location First Presbyterian Church Parlor Room Douglasville GAWhen do we meet Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month from 700pm - 830pm

Macon - Hope Floats Self-Help Group Contact Marty (478) 742-9011Location Pine Gate 300 Charter Blvd Macon GAWhen do we meet Meets the last Monday of every month from 600pm - 800pm

Peachtree City Fayetteville ldquoLetrsquos Lunch MS Group for Working ProfessionalsrdquoContact Info Bill Clements (770) 631-4194 Email bclements59attnetLynn (612)-655-9901Email lynnmelochegmailcomLocation Piedmont Fayette Hospital1279 Hwy 54 West Fayetteville Ga 30214Conference Room D 3rd Flr ( West side entrance)When do we meet Meets the last Saturday of the month from 1100am - 100pm

Thomaston ldquoTAMS Self-Help GrouprdquoContact Info Sherry (706) 472-3273 or (706) 975-9762Location American Pie Pizzeria of Thomaston 710 N Church Street Thomaston GA When do we meet Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month from 1230pm ndash 200pm

Thomasville MS Self-Help GroupContact Info Mike (229) 346-9746Location Plaza Restaurant - Thomasville GAWhen do we meet Meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 600pm - 800pm

Valdosta MS Self Help Group Contact Info Barbara (229) 247-7792 Smith Northview Hospital 4280 Location North Valdosta Road Valdosta GA 31602 Located in the cafeteria of the hospitalWhen do we meet Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month at 630pm

| JOIN THE MOVEMENT nationalMSsocietyorg22

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23

Vidalia Self-Help Group ldquoLooking Good Self-Help GrouprdquoContact Info Paula (912) 538-0142Email nonervesbellsouthnetLocation Tree House 723 North Street West Highway 292 Vidalia GA When do we meet Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every other month from 700pm - 900pm

Waleska Self Help GroupContact Info Jennifer Email jjaress1gmailcomLocation Cherokee Outdoor Family YMCAG Cecil Pruett Community Center Family YMCA 151 Waleska St Canton GA 30114When do we meet Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 600pm - 730pm

Warner Robins ldquoMiddle GA Self-Help GrouprdquoContact Info Michelle (478) 335-4675 Email msmidgayahoocom Location Houston Medical Center North Tower1601 Watson Blvd Warner Robins GAWhen do we meet Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 630pm - 830pm

Woodstock MS Self-Help GroupContact Info Zaida (770)-485-4226Location St Michael the Archangel Churchinside the main church building 490 Arnold Mill Rd Woodstock GA 30188When do we meet Meets the 3rd Saturday of every month from 1100am-100pm (No meetings in July and August) This group starts its meetings with a short opening prayer

SAVANNAH BASED SELF-HELP GROUPS

Pooler Self-Help GroupldquoPoolerrsquos Positive Movers and Shakers MS Share amp Support GrouprdquoContact Info Andraya (912) 658-9629 or Poolers-PositiveMSgmailcom

Savannah Self-Help Group ndashldquoPRYME2rdquoContact Info Virginia (912) 355-5832 Email vmorrisobellsouthnet One of the rooms in St Joseph Hospital For more information contact VirginiaWhen do we meet Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 600pm Please call Virginia to confirm location and meeting dates

TELEPHONE BASED SELF-HELP GROUP

Statesboro SupportsContact Info Carolyn (912) 531-0416This is a telephone support group Please contact Carolyn for additional information

The National MS Society is a secular organization welcoming those of every faith and those that es-pouse none

Please contact the Self-Help Group leaders prior to attending a group meeting to assure that the meeting time date and location are accurate Groups occasionally change their meeting schedules to participate in other National MS Society events Please note our Self Help Group leaders are volunteers who have been trained by the National MS Society They are not necessarily licensed mental health providers Please respect their role as a volunteer and contact them during reasonable hours of 8am-8pm If you are facing an immediate crisis please dial 911 For more information on attending Self-Help Groups or starting Self-Help Groups in your community please call 678-672-1000 OR 1-800-FIGHTMS


TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23


1-800-344-4867PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONALMULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETYGeorgia Chapter bull 950 East Paces Ferry Road NE Ste 110 bull Atlanta GA 30326

Chairman William J Holley II

Vice Chair Annette Mengert

Secretary Cherise Mlott

Treasurer Keith Keller

Chapter President Roy A Rangel

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society does not endorse products services or manufacturers Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information The National Multiple Sclerosis Society assumes no liability for the use of contents of any product or service mentioned

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 National Multiple Sclerosis Societylsquos mission is to mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MScopy 2014 National Multiple Sclerosis Society Georgia Chapter

Are you looking for aSelf-Help Group or Peer Supporter

in your community

Are you looking for a Self-Help Group or Peer Supporter in your community Whether you just received a MS diagnosis or have been living with it for a long time the National MS Society GA Chapter has impactful programs available to you where you can find support and experience-based guidance on how to live a productive and happy life with MS

Self-Help Groups meet regularly for educational and social purposes allowing members to express feelings and provide support to one another Members share a belief that positive personal change can happen through individual effort with the support of others To find Self-Help Groups near you call an MS Navigator at 1-800-344-4867

Peer Supporters are trained individuals living with MS or have a family member living with MS Via telephone our Peer Supporters called ldquoMS Friendsrdquo offer information companionship emotional support and encouragement to peers living with MS There is no cost to participate in a Self-Help Group or Peer Support Program

To request services or if you are interested in starting a Self-Help Group or becoming a Peer Supporter call the GA Chapter Office at 1-800-344-4867 or e-mail the GA Chapterrsquos Services Manager Carole Anderson at caroleandersonnmssorg

For general information about the support resources available through the National MS Society please visit httpwwwnationalmssocietyorgResources-SupportFind-Support

See complete listing of Self-Help Groups in Georgia on Page 16


































Research
















Atlanta Ride 2014



Research

































TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 11

WAYS TO GIVE










WAYS TO GIVE









TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 13











Atlanta Ride 2014




TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 15









ABOUT MS




ABOUT THE SOCIETY








TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 17




ABOUT RESEARCH





ABOUT VOLUNTEERING













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 19

Flamenco Dancer


2015

The Alamo


TOUR OF











A networking brunch

CHAMPIONS




TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21














TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21
















TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23


































Research
















Atlanta Ride 2014



Research

































TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 11

WAYS TO GIVE










WAYS TO GIVE









TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 13











Atlanta Ride 2014




TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 15









ABOUT MS




ABOUT THE SOCIETY








TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 17




ABOUT RESEARCH





ABOUT VOLUNTEERING













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 19

Flamenco Dancer


2015

The Alamo


TOUR OF











A networking brunch

CHAMPIONS




TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21














TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21
















TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23









Atlanta Ride 2014



Research

































TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 11

WAYS TO GIVE










WAYS TO GIVE









TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 13











Atlanta Ride 2014




TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 15









ABOUT MS




ABOUT THE SOCIETY








TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 17




ABOUT RESEARCH





ABOUT VOLUNTEERING













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 19

Flamenco Dancer


2015

The Alamo


TOUR OF











A networking brunch

CHAMPIONS




TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21














TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21
















TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23


Research

































TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 11

WAYS TO GIVE










WAYS TO GIVE









TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 13











Atlanta Ride 2014




TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 15









ABOUT MS




ABOUT THE SOCIETY








TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 17




ABOUT RESEARCH





ABOUT VOLUNTEERING













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 19

Flamenco Dancer


2015

The Alamo


TOUR OF











A networking brunch

CHAMPIONS




TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21














TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21
















TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23



























TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 11

WAYS TO GIVE










WAYS TO GIVE









TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 13











Atlanta Ride 2014




TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 15









ABOUT MS




ABOUT THE SOCIETY








TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 17




ABOUT RESEARCH





ABOUT VOLUNTEERING













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 19

Flamenco Dancer


2015

The Alamo


TOUR OF











A networking brunch

CHAMPIONS




TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21














TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21
















TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23


WAYS TO GIVE









TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 13











Atlanta Ride 2014




TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 15









ABOUT MS




ABOUT THE SOCIETY








TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 17




ABOUT RESEARCH





ABOUT VOLUNTEERING













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 19

Flamenco Dancer


2015

The Alamo


TOUR OF











A networking brunch

CHAMPIONS




TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21














TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21
















TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 13











Atlanta Ride 2014




TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 15









ABOUT MS




ABOUT THE SOCIETY








TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 17




ABOUT RESEARCH





ABOUT VOLUNTEERING













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 19

Flamenco Dancer


2015

The Alamo


TOUR OF











A networking brunch

CHAMPIONS




TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21














TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21
















TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23




TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 15









ABOUT MS




ABOUT THE SOCIETY








TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 17




ABOUT RESEARCH





ABOUT VOLUNTEERING













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 19

Flamenco Dancer


2015

The Alamo


TOUR OF











A networking brunch

CHAMPIONS




TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21














TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21
















TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23




ABOUT MS




ABOUT THE SOCIETY








TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 17




ABOUT RESEARCH





ABOUT VOLUNTEERING













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 19

Flamenco Dancer


2015

The Alamo


TOUR OF











A networking brunch

CHAMPIONS




TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21














TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21
















TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 17




ABOUT RESEARCH





ABOUT VOLUNTEERING













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 19

Flamenco Dancer


2015

The Alamo


TOUR OF











A networking brunch

CHAMPIONS




TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21














TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21
















TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23











TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 19

Flamenco Dancer


2015

The Alamo


TOUR OF











A networking brunch

CHAMPIONS




TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21














TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21
















TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23




TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21














TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 21
















TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23
















TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23













TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 23

georgia chapter ms connection summer

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