Greetings from the Midwest!

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Scott McDonald

I’ve hosted many educational programs over the years, where I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people, who have enriched my life.

In these meetings, a common theme has emerged – Attitude. Presenters often speak to the importance of a positive attitude. It can have a profound impact on how we feel and handle the challenges we face each day.

One thing I hear often in the field is how frequently our clients take on a variety of challenges with a positive outlook.

One person who stands out is Dan, an MSAA client, that I met at a program. He shared his own story of overcoming obstacles with gusto and motivation. There are many individuals like Dan who come to our programs and share their struggles, as well as, their triumphs. These interactions are what make my work in the field so inspiring.

What a week in the Midwest! There were several programs held June 17-22 where clients had the pleasure to listen to prominent MS medical professionals in Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Each presented his approach for managing MS symptoms and improving quality of life. MS clients, family, friends, and caregivers were inspired. All attending learned much about the importance of nutrition, exercise, and appropriate medications. Many practical tips were discussed.

At one event in Wisconsin, I had the pleasure to meet Cheryl Vanderloop, MSAA’s Artist of the Month for June. She attended a program and introduced herself to me. She is very inspiring. At the end of the program, I surprised her by opening up our website via a wi-fi connection, where I displayed her work and introduced her to the many in attendance. She received a resounding round of applause. Her smile was infectious.

I urge all of you to attend our educational events. They’re fair, balanced, and lots of fun. Please check out MSAA’s Calendar of Events for a program near you. Also, if you have an idea for program topics please leave a comment below!
I look forward to seeing you during my travels throughout the great Midwest!
Smile!
Scott

Happy First Day of Summer!

Posted on June 21, 2013 by MSAA

While for many the “unofficial” start of summer is Memorial Day weekend, today is the summer solstice, which is the astrological start of the summer season. Typically this is the longest day of the year. This doesn’t mean our day has more than 24 hours in it – we just have more sunlight than any other day.

So what better way to enjoy all that sunlight than to jump into the pool for Swim for MS?!

For those of you who do not know, Swim for MS is MSAA’s signature volunteer initiative which allows individuals to create their own swimming fundraising event while recruiting online donations to support MSAA’s mission of improving lives today.

How can you Swim for MS?

Host a summer pool party on the weekend!
Set a goal to swim 500 laps throughout the summer to raise $1,000!
Create a pool volleyball tournament with your friends!
Host a July 4^th Pool Party
Participate in Swim for MS and pledge to swim 100 laps and improve your fitness by the end of summer!

For more information on how you can Swim for MS, please visit swimforms.org!

Highlights from the CMSC and ACTRIMS Cooperative Meeting (2013)

Posted on June 20, 2013 by MSAA

MSAA’s article summarizing highlights from this year’s Fifth Cooperative Meeting of The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) is now available. National and international MS experts attended this exciting conference, where the latest findings in MS research, treatments, symptom management, and patient care were presented.

Topics highlighted in this article include:

new and experimental treatments for MS
pregnancy information for women with MS taking disease-modifying therapies
emotional and physical findings in MS
and much more!

Please be sure to take a look at this article that covers many important topics presented at this unique meeting.

Tana Campbell’s Race of Hope – Part 3

Posted on June 14, 2013 by MSAA

By Tana Campbell

I decided to participate in this half marathon at my son’s urging. It was his idea totally, but it gave me a feeling of worth and something to look forward to. We made MSAA the beneficiary charity since I have multiple sclerosis (MS), and with lots of support we were able to raise over $4,500 to donate to a worthy organization. The race was a test of endurance and perseverance for both my son and I. My greatest fear was having muscle spasms in my leg; but despite the long ride, rough spots, bumps and elevated bridges, I came through the experience unscathed. I had no aftereffects other than being slightly sore the next day, and I was probably in better shape than my son and those that ran with us. It was an enjoyable ride, something I wouldn’t have gotten to do or places I wouldn’t have gotten to see if it hadn’t been for my son’s willingness to push me in this marathon. Like many, I deal with MS on a daily basis with the use of a rollator/walker/cane/wheelchair for mobility. Being able to be a part of regular life was a sense of accomplishment and self-worth, a gift to me from my son. He’ll never know how much his selfless sacrifice means, but it was the greatest gift I’ve ever gotten and I’d do it again if the opportunity presents itself!

Watch Tana’s race video:

Read Parts 1 & 2 written by Tana’s son, Mark:
Read Part 1 of Tana Campbell’s Race of Hope
Read Part 2 of Tana Campbell’s Race of Hope

Father’s Day is almost here!

Posted on June 13, 2013 by MSAA

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.”
– Jim Valvano

Father’s Day is an opportunity to honor the special fathers in your life. You can choose to honor your own dad, a brother, uncle, son, friend or co-worker. While those who believe in us deserve to be recognized every day, on this very special day, we can pause and give thanks.

Honor these special men with a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA). Your donation will help us to fulfill our mission of improving lives today for the entire MS community. With each gift, you will have the option to send a personalized online card to the person being honored, letting him know of your support of MSAA.

Your gift enables MSAA to provide vital services and support such as our toll-free Helpline, equipment distribution, MRI assistance, and more.

“I am brimming with gratitude and appreciation for the generous support of the MSAA for the MRI scan which I received. The scan produced positive results informing my neurologist and me that my condition was stable. This fellow cannot say enough good things about MSAA!” – GLW, Georgia

Please make your special Father’s Day donation today! Improve lives today by honoring the special men in your life.

Happy Father’s Day!

Spots Still Open for MSAA’s Children’s Program in Denver, CO

Posted on June 7, 2013 by MSAA

There are several open registrations remaining for MSAA’s upcoming patient education program at Dave & Buster’s in Denver, CO on Saturday, June 15^th at 9 am. The free program titled, Bridging the Communication Gap between Parents with MS and Their Children, invites parents and children to come together for special workshops which teach parents how to talk to their children about MS and enable children to learn about living with MS in a supportive manner through fun, interactive games and activities. The morning begins with a full breakfast buffet and ends with each child registered receiving a free $10 Power Card for video and arcade games following the program. Registration is required by June 13, 2013. To register, please call the RSVP at (800) 532-7667, extension 155 or RSVP online at support.mymsaa.org/dbdenverco.

The Denver event marks the third children’s program in a series of six this year which are scheduled across the United States. The presenters include Dr. David Rintell from Harvard Medical School and Sue Rehmus, MSAA board member and founder of her own nonprofit, Children’s Hope for Understanding Multiple Sclerosis (CHUMS). After a summer break, the remaining children’s programs will begin in the fall and are scheduled for September 21^st in Boston, MA; October 19^th in Baltimore, MD; and November 9^th in Orlando, FL. The response to these programs has been tremendous and we would love to get your feedback if you have attended pervious programs or want MSAA to bring a children’s program to your area. Please let us know by responding to this post, emailing us at msquestions@mymsaa.org or calling (800) 532-7667, extension 154.

MSAA Presents at CMSC Conference on Aquatic Exercise and MS

Posted on June 3, 2013 by MSAA

By Peter Damiri, MSAA Senior Director of Programs

Each year MSAA exhibits an information booth at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) annual conference. This year, in addition to staffing the booth in the exhibit hall, I had the distinct honor of representing MSAA as a faculty presenter during the conference.

As part of the full-day session on Current Topics and Trends in MS Rehabilitation, I had the privilege of sharing the stage with several prominent healthcare professionals as we presented on the topic of Aquatics and MS.

Lead by Dr. Yasser Salem, Linda Csiza, PT; Michele Harrison, PT; and Julie See, BS; this two-hour presentation was the culmination of six months of work to research, write and publish: Aquatic Exercise & Multiple Sclerosis: A Healthcare Professional’s Guide. This 48-page guideline serves as a comprehensive manual explaining the discipline of aquatics and MS, covering topics such as research studies, patient assessments, the unique properties of water, and sample exercise techniques. The program featured each author from the various sections of the book presenting on his or her findings and fielding a lively question and answer period.

The CMSC presentation and aquatics book is part of MSAA’s larger Swim for MS initiative. Supported by national sponsor Genzyme Corporation, Swim for MS is a national fundraiser in which volunteers are encouraged to create their own swim challenge while recruiting online donations. Funds raised support individuals with multiple sclerosis through the many programs and services offered by MSAA, including the increased awareness, understanding and availability of aquatic exercise for the MS community. In addition to the healthcare professional’s guide, MSAA will soon offer a series of patient education materials on this topic including brochures, sample aquatic exercise flip charts and online video segments. These items are still under development so please be patient as we will inform you as to their availability as soon as possible. For more information on aquatic exercise and MS, please visit the Overall Wellness section of MSAA’s new website: https://mymsaa.org/manage-your-ms/overall-wellness/#Exercise.

Watch Our New Video on MS Relapses

Posted on May 22, 2013 by John MSAA

A Closer Look at The Importance of Treating and Managing MS Relapses
featuring Stephen Krieger, MD

Managing the unpredictability of multiple sclerosis is always challenging, especially for individuals with relapsing forms of the disease. When new symptoms appear or existing symptoms become worse, successful management involves accurately defining the relapse and understanding the best method of treatment.

Recognizing the need for additional awareness on this topic, MSAA is proud to announce the completion of its latest educational on-demand video, titled: A Closer Look at The Importance of Treating and Managing MS Relapses.

Watch the latest on-demand MSi video, A Closer Look at The Importance of Treating and Managing MS Relapses, complete with chapter stops on mymsaa.org

Supported by an educational grant from Questcor Pharmaceuticals, this 40-minute video features neurologist and MS expert Dr. Stephen Krieger of Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City. In this relaxed, conversational-style interview, Dr. Krieger provides:

valuable insights into understanding the signs and symptoms of an MS relapse
guidance on when to discuss the onset of a flare up with a neurologist
a thorough explanation of the various treatment options including steroids and other medications

The video is now available on the Multiple Sclerosis Information (MSi) section of MSAA’s website and also features a downloadable PDF transcript of the program.

To view this new program, A Closer Look at The Importance of Treating and Managing MS Relapses – with chapter stops during the video – please visit support.mymsaa.org/relapsevideo.

To view all of the informative on-demand videos and archived webinars from the MSi library, please visit mymsaa.org/videos.

Latest Issue of The Motivator Now Available!

Posted on May 17, 2013 by MSAA

Read about the following topics in MSAA’s latest issue of The Motivator:

Cover Story:
* The Hidden Symptoms of MS
This article describes some of the hidden symptoms of MS (including pain, fatigue, sleep, cognition, and vision), along with management strategies.
Read the full story

Research News:
* American Academy of Neurology Meeting Highlights
* Tecfidera™ Approved for the Long-Term Treatment of MS
Read the full story

Health and Wellness:
* The Affordable Care Act and You
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) aims to increase the availability and affordability of health insurance for millions of Americans who lack coverage. Beginning in January 2014, this historic initiative will significantly impact a substantial number of individuals with multiple sclerosis and their families.
Read the full story

Already receive a printed copy of The Motivator magazine in the mail? Interested in receiving The Motivator electronically only? Let us know! Please visit support.mymsaa.org/motivatorupdate.

Lesson from a Mom with MS: You’re Stronger Than You Think

Posted on May 13, 2013 by MSAA

By Hannah Cusworh
2013 Swim for MS Participant

You’ve heard of all the banal platitudes like “Never take ‘no’ for an answer,” “If you fall off the horse, get right back up,” and ”When there’s a will, there’s a way” – I’m almost certain my mother coined all of those phrases.

My mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) at a young age when she started losing vision in one of her eyes. Fortunately that symptom subsided and she continued living her life as she intended. Four kids and a few decades later, the disease awoke again with a force to be reckoned with. Our warm summer beach vacations were moved to cool mountain ranges in order to minimize her exhaustion. Our Sunday afternoon bike trails shortened. Our floor-level card games moved to higher ground. Afternoon rests became a daily routine. Our everyday Mom activities had changed forever. At least that’s how I saw it.

My mother, on the other hand, never let that be the case. She never sought out pity from others, she never asked for help. Anything we did before, she’d find the strength to do it in her own new way. She wasn’t going to take “no” for an answer, she got back up on her horse, and she found a way. Yes, her everyday mobility has shifted towards a slightly different way of living, but life hasn’t changed.

While many cases of MS can be much more debilitating than the one my mother battles, I encourage those suffering from this life-changing disease to maintain the strength my mother has shown me. In honor of her continuing battle and as a tribute to her perseverance, this April I took on a personal “Swim for MS” challenge to swim 500 laps and raise $1,000 in 30 days. Sound hard? Not when you have this kind of inspiration.

Read more about Hannah’s Swim for MS on her webpage today!

FOLLOW MSAA ON: