Greetings from the Northeast! An Update from Multiple Sclerosis Association of America Northeast Regional Director

Posted on August 30, 2013 by MSAA

By Lauren Hooper

Greetings from your Northeast Regional Director! As summer begins to wind down and fall approaches, MSAA has a few educational programs lined up in the Northeast Region, and I hope you’ll consider joining us if there are any coming up in your area.

On Tuesday, August 27^th, I traveled to Morristown, NJ for a program on symptom management in MS that focused on helping patients to identify the overall range of MS symptoms (especially symptoms with treatment options available) and how to best address them with their professional care team. Dr. Mary Ann Picone from Holy Name MS Center was the guest speaker, and she made sure to answer every attendee’s question during the Q&A session. It was such an interactive program, and as everyone was leaving, a few people stopped to tell me how nice it was to be able to talk to a physician outside of the clinical setting. Everyone seemed relieved to have had all of their questions addressed, and I was thrilled that they benefited so much from the program.

In September, my travels will take me to Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maryland. On September 14^th, I’ll travel to Bangor, ME for a patient program on “Tackling the Everyday Challenges: Recent Breakthroughs in MS Symptom Management & What’s to Come” (support.mymsaa.org/Bangor). On September 21^st, I’ll be in Braintree, MA for a program designed for parents and children to help build a better understanding of MS, called “Bridging the Communication Gap between Parents with MS and their Children” (support.mymsaa.org/DBBraintreeMA). On September 25^th, I will head to Burlington, VT for a patient program on “Cognition in Multiple Sclerosis” (support.mymsaa.org/Burlington). And I’ll wrap up September in Baltimore, MD on September 28^th with a patient program focusing on the African American experience with MS entitled “A Closer Look at the African American Community and Multiple Sclerosis” (support.mymsaa.org/Baltimore).

Later this fall, I am also planning on holding programs in Pennsylvania and New Hampshire, and I hope to get back to New York before the end of the year as well. If you don’t see a program in your area, please keep checking our Calendar of Events (support.mymsaa.org/calendar) regularly, as we are constantly adding new programs. I hope to see you at a program soon!

* Lauren Hooper is the Northeast Regional Director at MSAA.

Come Chat with MSAA!

Posted on August 7, 2013 by MSAA

MSAA now offers an interactive one-on-one chat feature giving you new ways to ask questions and gather infomation. Click here to learn more about how to chat with MSAA .

Hope to chat with you soon!

It’s that Time of Year Again….

Posted on August 2, 2013 by Angel Blair

Although the summer season has not officially come to an end, it’s that time of year again that reminds us to try to soak up what’s left of the summer sun. Though it may feel like the height of the summer season is passing, the heat may linger and stay well into September/early October as it has in the past. When this occurs we get to recapture the remnants of summer joys. If you like this season be sure to get out and embrace what’s left, because when you start seeing school supplies and Halloween decorations displayed while browsing in stores you know fall is just around the corner. Although for some the end to summer is a sad occasion, for others, especially those affected by the heat, it is a time well appreciated. So while it is not quite yet the official end of summer, time reminds us that seasons change, so enjoy what this season brings!

A Women’s Retreat

Posted on July 22, 2013 by Becky Remington

For the past 6 years, as a Regional Director for MSAA, I have done many patient and professional healthcare provider education programs, on many diverse topics related to MS. But my favorite programs are those aimed specifically for women with MS. We recently had a Women’s Retreat in Sheridan Wyoming, and 30 women with MS shared a very special weekend of fun, relaxation, education and friendship.

MS specialists like Amy McKay, a nutrition and exercise guru from Texas, shared dozens of tips to help maintain a high quality of life by trying to incorporate movement, healthy eating, balance in life, and finding- and sharing – happiness. The weekend included group discussions, new friends, and a chance to discover hidden talents and create a beautiful summer wreath. Add in the chick flick movie on Saturday night and you couldn’t find a happier group of women!

Of course we also learned about the newest MS therapies, and how to use the MSAA SEARCH program to determine, with your neurologist, the best course of treatment for each individual.

It is always hard on Sunday afternoon to say goodbye to all the new friends I have made at the retreats, and I see that sentiment echoed throughout the room. Many friendships, support groups and walking buddies are started during those three days!

When we have a women’s retreat in your neck of the woods, I hope you will consider signing up. We would love to have you!

Have you tried My MS Resource Locator?

Posted on July 15, 2013 by MSAA

MSAA offers an online database with resources in ten key topic areas that range from helping you locate a neurologist specialized in MS to finding a Social Security Disability Attorney.

In addition, each of the ten topic areas provides a “guide” designed to explain why specific resources are listed, highlight important questions to ask when contacting resources, and identify next steps.

Try it today! http://resources.mymsaa.org/

Have a Happy 4th!

Posted on July 3, 2013 by Angel Blair

Independence Day marks a day of celebration across the country. Parades, beach parties, BBQ’s and firework finales observed with family and friends are just some of the July 4^th celebration traditions. The day is surely one to celebrate as it represents patriotism and the celebration of the Declaration of Independence, the symbol of freedom for our Nation. So this July 4^th be sure to celebrate safely and remember what the day represents!

Please note that the MSAA will be closed Thursday, July 4^th and Friday, July 5^th in observance of the Independence Day holiday.

MSAA’s Artist of the Month for June 2013

Posted on June 5, 2013 by John MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2013 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by MS.

We have received many wonderful submissions from across the country and are delighted to share their work and their stories with you. Please visit our online gallery to view all of the submissions.

June 2013 Artist of the Month:
Cheryl Vanderloop

“Heaven’s Door” by artist Cheryl Vanderloop

About the Artist:
“I am a 45 year old female that has always had an interest in art. I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis is 2001. I enjoy drawing, watercolor, acrylic painting, pottery and jewelry making. I’ve found that MS can be unpredictable and through my art, I’ve learned to develop patience and calm my mind. It also gives me hope and helps me be a more positive person.”
Read more

Be inspired – please send an online card featuring artwork by MS artist Cheryl Vanderloop and spread awareness of MS and MSAA.

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