Download 08 10 14 04 bEat thE SUMMER hEat - National Multiple Sclerosis

SUMMER 2013
blue ridge chapter
MS Connection Newsletter
Beat the Summer Heat
page 12
INSIDE 04
THIS
ISSUE
Facing
Congitive
Challenges
Together
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10
14
Research:
Progress at
AAN Meeting
2013 Event
Updates
Weekend
Escape Dates
Announced
02
Be Orange...Go Green
In order to make better use
of our resources, the Blue
Ridge Chapter is using
email to keep our members
up-to-date. To receive future
program announcements
and be orange while going
green, please email vab@
nmss.org to share or update
your email address.
Connect with
us online:
Blue Ridge Chapter
www.nationalMSsociety.org/
vab
MS connection: Summer 2013
Staff Announcement
Farewell to Fay
It has been 36 years since Fay Painter started her career with
the National MS Society as the Readathon coordinator in the
DC chapter. The world of MS is a little different now than it
was in 1977:
• CAT scans and MRIs are now used for the diagnosis of MS.
• The use of steroids was introduced to suppress immune activity.
• Disease-modifying therapies were developed, including three oral
medications.
• Research has been expanded to attract studies in patient
management, care and rehabilitation.
Fay oversaw the development of many activities and events in the Blue
Ridge Chapter since her tenure as chapter president began in 1984,
including the development of Walk MS and Bike MS events, Dinner
of Champions and Women on the Move. These events have supported
the growth and expansion of programs and services throughout the
chapter. Through these many changes, Fay remained steadfast in her
dedication to all those affected by MS.
Like us:
www.facebook.com/ This summer Fay starts a new chapter in her life outside the National
MS Society. Her first adventure will be traveling with The Friends of
nmssblueridge
Barnabas Foundation to Honduras to work in the eye clinic. The staff,
www.facebook.com/ board of trustees and volunteers of the Blue Ridge Chapter recognize
her for her tireless effort to create a world free of MS and wish her and
walkMSblueridge
her family joy on the road ahead.
www.facebook.com/
CountryRoadsRide
www.facebook.com/
TourDeVine
Follow us:
@MSBlueRidge
The Blue Ridge Chapter honored
Fay on her 35th Anniversary
with the Society in 2012 with the
introduction of the Fay Painter
Service Award. Nina Gregory was
the first recipient of the award
to recognize the outstanding
commitment of a volunteer.
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nationalmssociety.org | 1-800-344-4867
Technology
New Phone System
To better serve those living with MS, the chapter is using a new phone system to allow
you to connect directly to an MS Navigator or to a staff member. When you call the
Charlottesville (434.971.8010) or Charleston (304.343.5153) office, you will have the
following options:
Press
Press
Press
Press
Press
Press
1
2
3
4
5
0
-
Enter extension of the staff member
Ask questions about MS, resources and programs and services
Dial a staff member by name
Register for a fundraising event
Ask questions about fundraising events
Leave a message in the general mailbox
Annamarie Bonanno, Walk Coordinator
Direct - 434.971.8011
Extension - 65011
Ben Vucic, Bike Coordinator
Direct - 434.971.1073
Extension - 65013
Carrie Dahlquist, Engagement Manager
Direct - 434.465.6042
Extension - 65022
Deirdre Kelly, Events Sr. Manager
Direct - 434.465.6038
Extension - 65018
Delton Hanson, Operations/Programs Director
Direct - 434.465.6035
Extension - 65015
Deree Vance, Programs & Services Coordinator
Direct - 434.465.6045
Extension - 65012
Diana Oakley, Finance Manager
Extension - 57042
Heather Snyder, Programs & Services Coordinator
Direct Line - 304.343.8841
Extension - 65101
Patricia Rouse Pope, Development Director
Direct - 304.414.3459
Extension - 65100
Paul Kingston, Programs & Services Sr. Manager
Direct - 434.971.6844
Extension - 65014
Rebecca Green, Leadership Events Manager
Direct - 434.465.6036
Extension - 65016
Sharon Key, Database Coordinator
Direct - 434.465.6044
Extension - 65024
Toinette Key, Office Manager
Direct - 434.465.6043
Extension - 65023
Victoria Paul, Walk & Bike Coordinator
Direct - 304.343.8842
Extension - 65102
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Living with ms
Facing
cognitive
challenges
together
by 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 team
In 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
MS connection: Summer 2013
To-do lists can help those with
cognitive issues stay organized
nationalmssociety.org | 1-800-344-4867
at 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 life
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
Mindy 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
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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.
Andrea, at left, and Mindy face MS together.
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.
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MS connection: Summer 2013
But those of us with MS also have to learn to
advocate for ourselves. We need to assert our
own needs and effectively communicate them
to our doctors, employers, insurers, even our
families and friends. But self-advocacy doesn’t
necessarily come naturally. I, for one, have always
been a bit reticent to ask others to do things for me.
ADVOCACY
Be your own
Best advocate
By Jennifer LaRue Huget
Your whole life changes when you learn you
have multiple sclerosis; mine sure did. In my
case, those changes weren’t largely physical.
Rather, my diagnosis caused me to reconsider
my place in the world and the way I interact
with other people and institutions.
The National MS Society, recognizing that many
people are in the same boat, offers helpful advice
at www.nationalMSsociety.org/selfadvocacy
for learning to take on the role of self-advocate
in the key realms of our lives, from our workplaces
and schools to our families and communities.
A recent legal settlement highlights the importance
of self-advocacy for people with MS who are
navigating the healthcare system. In the case of
Jimmo vs. Sebelius (in which the Society was a
plaintiff), a federal judge on January 24 approved
a settlement that reaffirmed patients’ access to
Medicare benefits, regardless of whether their
condition improves as a result of the treatment
provided.
Like many others with MS, the process of learning
to live with my condition opened my eyes to the
necessity for me to become an advocate — for
myself and, by extension, for others with MS.
Self-advocacy doesn’t
always come naturally.
I suppose I was accustomed to the concept of
advocacy before I was diagnosed. As a mother I
advocated for my kids, seeking the best healthcare,
education opportunities and play dates possible.
A bit of background: For decades, Medicare
beneficiaries, especially those with long-term or
degenerating conditions and those who needed
rehabilitation services, have been denied care on
the grounds that those services didn’t result in
improvements to their condition. For patients
nationalmssociety.org | 1-800-344-4867
07
whose conditions remained stable or chronic,
rehabilitative services were often deemed to be for
“maintenance only,” and thus weren’t covered.
not just maintenance, is a big step in the right
direction — and one that we should all be
aware of as we navigate the healthcare system.
The new settlement reinforces the original intent
of the law — that it’s not legal for Medicare to
deny coverage on that basis. The law requires
the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
(CMS) to revise its Medicare Benefit Policy
Manual and numerous other policies, guidelines
and instructions to ensure that Medicare coverage
is available for skilled maintenance services in home
health, nursing home and outpatient settings.
The term “self-advocacy” can sound kind of
daunting; when I first heard it, I thought it
meant going to Washington, D.C., to lobby for
funds for MS research. I have since learned that,
yes, lobbying is at one end of the self-advocacy
spectrum. But at the other end of that spectrum
there are many everyday opportunities for
self-advocacy. Making sure you’re getting the
medical attention you need? That’s self-advocacy.
Reminding others that you can still do your job
well, despite any limitations your MS places on
you? That’s self-advocacy.
Here’s where self-advocacy kicks in. The new
policy is already in force. People with MS don’t
have to wait until the CMS revises its documents
to gain coverage for the care they need. People
who are denied Medicare for skilled maintenance
nursing or therapy because they are “not
improving” can appeal those decisions right away.
That’s a very important form of self-advocacy.
To that end, another of the plaintiffs in the
settlement, the Center for Medicare Advocacy,
offers self-help materials at www.medicare
advocacy.org/take-action/self-help-packetsfor-medicare-appeals to help people understand
coverage rules and learn how to contest Medicare
denials for outpatient, home health or skilled
nursing facility care.
Of course, it’s important to bear in mind that
the settlement doesn’t guarantee coverage;
providers and people seeking Medicare coverage
for treatments still have to demonstrate that
the care is medically reasonable and necessary.
Still, eliminating the standard that required
patients to show improvement in their condition,
At the most basic level, though, self-advocacy
begins with becoming informed. As I said at the
start, self-advocacy doesn’t come naturally to
me. But I can read and learn and discuss issues
related to MS. Armed with information, I can
advocate for myself with the best of ’em.
Jennifer LaRue Huget was
diagnosed with MS in 2001. A
freelance writer and children’s
book author, she lives in
Connecticut with her husband,
two teenage kids and two
brown dogs.
Visit her website at www.jenniferlaruehuget.com.
Originally published at blog.nationalMSsociety.
org.
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MS connection: Summer 2013
research
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 MS
STOPPING THE DISEASE
RESTORING WHAT’S BEEN LOST
Progressive MS
ENDING MS FOREVER
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.
Restoring function
effect was sustained over the two-year span of the
trials.
Progress at AAN
meeting
Over 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.
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nationalmssociety.org | 1-800-344-4867
Several presentations focused on results from
extension phases of completed clinical trials in
relapsing-remitting MS. To read more, visit www.
nationalMSsociety.org/2013AAN.
STOPPING THE DISEASE
RESTORING WHAT’S BEEN LOST
Exploring disease activity
Professor Ebers, center, receives the John Dystel
Prize from Drs. Timothy Coetzee and Bruce Cohen
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.
MS Therapies
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 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
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
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.
STOPPING THE DISEASE
Several 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.
RESTORING WHAT’S BEEN LOST
ENDING MS FOREVER
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 forever
Several 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.
ENDING MS FOREVER
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.
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MS connection: Summer 2013
Women on the Move
Don’t Just Ride. Bike MS.
Women on the Move cochairs and table captains
welcome keynote speaker
Kristie
Salerno
Kent
to Charlottesville. The
luncheon raised $49,000.
Bike MS:
Country Roads
Ride 2013
September 14-15, 2013
Join us for the 23rd Annual Country Roads Ride,
featuring scenic road and trail routes that are
challenging for the experienced rider or energetic
novice! You can make a difference. Cross the finish
line with us and help us finish MS!
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nationalmssociety.org | 1-800-344-4867
The Annual MS Dinners of Champions
register today! » bikeMSwv.org » 304.343.5153
To the participants,sponsors,
volunteers and donors who made
Tour De Vine 2013 a success Thank You!
Charlottesville - The 21st Annual Dinner
of Champions in Charlottesville honored Joe
Gieck raised $150,000. Lisa Eorio presented
Joe with the Silver Hope Award.
Bike MS: Tour de Vine
Walk MS
The 25th anniversary of Bike MS: Tour De Vine
has raised over $300,000 to date! 287 cyclists rode
through Central Virginia’s wine country on June
8 & 9. David Osmond was the guest performer
at the celebration dinner, which was followed by
a candlelight ceremony. For more information
on Bike MS or to assist with planning next year’s
event, contact Ben at 434.971.1073.
The Blue Ridge Chapter’s 2013 Walk MS
events raised over $468,000! This increase
was matched by an increase in participation as
well: 3,473 walkers took part in 22 community
events. Volunteers are needed for 2014. Contact
Annamarie at 434.971.8011 if you are interested
in raising awareness and growing Walk MS in
your area!
Roanoke - John Williamson is presented the
Silver Hope Award by Harvey Brookins. The
22nd Dinner of Champions in Roanoke raised
over $135,000.
Charleston - The
9th Annual Dinner of
Champions in Charleston raised $91,000.
Pictured are Fay Painter, honoree Mike Ross,
Co-Chair Bill Raney and honoree Ike Morris.
Harrisonburg - Cheryl Dean presents honor
Dr. Loren Swartzendruber with the Silver Hope
Award. The 19th Annual Dinner of Champions
in Harrisonburg raised $99,800.
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MS connection: Summer 2013
It is important to remember that heat generally
produces only temporary worsening of symptoms
and does not cause more disease activity. The
symptoms are generally rapidly reversed when
the source of increased temperature is removed.
With a little planning, you can minimize the effect
of the heat. Incorporate one or more strategies that
work best for you.
• Drink plenty of fluids - preferably cool water
- throughout the day. Avoid caffeine as this
acts as a diuretic.
• Stay in an air-conditioned environment
during periods of extreme heat and humidity.
• Wear cooling garments such as vests,
headbands and neckbands during exercise or
outdoor activity. A simple damp towel can
be helpful as well.
Living with ms
Beat the
Summer Heat
With summer in full swing, everyone is looking
for a way to cool down. People with MS might
need to take extra precautions against the effects
of the heat and humidity.
Rising summer temperatures aren’t the only
concern. Often those affected by MS experience
a temporary worsening of their symptoms when
they run a fever, sunbathe, get overheated from
exercise or take very hot showers or baths.
• Exercise in a cool environment, such as
walking in an indoor mall or working out
at an air-conditioned gym. If you typically
exercise outside, pick cooler times of the day,
such as early morning.
• Exercise in cool water (80-84) to combat
heat during physical activity. Water aerobics
and swimming are good options.
• Pre-cool by getting into a bathtub of
comfortably lukewarm water to start;
continue adding cooler water during a period
of 20-30 minutes.
• Select light-colored loose clothing and wear
a wide-brimmed hat.
For information on cooling garments, call
800.344.4867. The chapter can provide assistance
with the purchase of cooling products, air
conditioners and fans.
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nationalmssociety.org | 1-800-344-4867
Volunteerism
college scholarship program
If you have a story to share about how MS has
affected your life and want to raise awareness of
MS in your community, consider volunteering
as an MS Ambassador.
Mitchell Tinsley of Hurricane, West Virginia,
has been selected as the Blue Ridge Chapter’s
2013 Scholarship Recipient. He will attend
West Virginia University to pursue a degree in
journalism.
Become an MS
Ambassador
MS Ambassadors are the face of the National
MS Society in communities across the Blue
Ridge Chapter. They raise awareness by
attending health fairs, giving presentations and
representing the Society at community events.
Ambassadors will receive an orientation to the
program. Each ambassador is asked to commit
to at least three awareness opportunities each
year and is encouraged to leverage local contacts
to schedule presentations.
To view the MS Ambassador description and
complete a volunteer interest survey, visit
nationalMSsociety.org/vab and click Volunteer
Opportunities. You can also email or call Carrie:
[email protected] or 434.465.6042.
Family & Social Programs
recipient
announced
“Although it has been very rough growing up
with this disease present in my life, I sometimes
believe that it has shaped my character and my
will to succeed more than anything else could
have to be successful in my future,” Mitchell says
about MS. “My father is my hero, and the
strength he shows everyday allows me to achieve
my goals and reach the standards I have set for
myself and my future.”
The Society established
its scholarship program
in 2003. In 2013, the
Society awarded over $1
million in scholarships to
679 students across the
country.
Breaks Retreat Recap
On May 17-19, the Chapter hosted 70 participants at an educational retreat at Breaks Interstate Park.
The event featured top-notch speakers David E. Jones, MD; Kathleen Fuchs, PhD; Laurie Erdman,
Chronic Wellness Superhero; Mary Jo Rajek, OT; and Jerry Wistein, MS. Children got in on the
fun with arts & crafts and outdoor activities. Everyone enjoyed the quintessential BINGO game on
Saturday night. Special thanks to Questcor for sponsoring a portion of the retreat.
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MS connection: Summer 2013
Education
Caregiver Teleconferences
Caring for someone with a chronic illness like MS can be deeply satisfying but being a carepartner
can also be physically and emotionally exhausting. Join us for this series and learn how to take care of
yourself while caring for someone else.
The three-week series will run Tuesday nights (7-8 pm) from August 6 - 20, 2013. Each call will be
conducted using a toll-free number, so you can call from the comfort of your home. Participate in
several calls or just the one that interests you. Call (800) 344.4687 for more information and to RSVP
or sign up by visiting nationalMSsociety.org/vab.
REGISTER NOW - WEEKEND ESCAPE
Weekend Escape: The Brian Mason Respite Camp is an opportunity for people with MS, their
families, caregivers and friends to take a break and enjoy a weekend of fun, relaxation and education.
The Skelton 4-H Center on beautiful Smith Mountain Lake, our host location, is fully accessible and
all activities are designed for all participants regardless of physical abilities. A staff of nurses and
nursing assistants are available for all participants needing help with personal care.
• Air-conditioned lodging (bring your own linens)
• Friday night BINGO - Saturday night entertainment
• Crafts, games, fishing, kids’ activities, educational
sessions
Registration opens JULY 1!
Space is limited! To register, call 800.344.4867
or visit nationalMSsociety.org/vab;
click on the May calendar.
Information & Resources
Find it on the Web
Visit nationalMSsociety.org/vab and use the left navigation bar to easily access the following
information and MORE!
Teleconference Recordings
Access a library of recorded calls from many of our teleconference series. Listen at your convenience
for information, tips and resources on a wide range of topics, from employment issues to insurance
to accessibility.
Self Help Groups
Get an updated list of self help groups, meeting dates and locations and contact information. Did
you know there is a new group meeting in Lexington, VA?
Research Studies and Clinical Trials
Find out about studies and trials on multiple sclerosis available in your area. Most trials are looking
for participants who have MS as well as those who don’t.
Educational Programs
The chapter offers a variety of workshops and seminars throughout the year. You can also learn about
educational opportunities presented by other organizations that might be of interest to you - topics
range from affordable housing to the latest therapies to financial health.
Volunteer Opportunities, Events, Latest News and MORE
Learn how you can share your skills and talents as a volunteer, participate in an event or make a
donation. Read the latest updates on national research and advocacy priorities.
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Cost
$40 per adult, $25 per child under 18
The MS Connection is a
Publication of the National
Multiple Sclerosis Society
Blue Ridge Chapter
1-800-344-4867
email: [email protected]
Virginia Office
1020 Carrington Place
Charlottesville, VA 22901
(434) 971-8010
West Virginia Office
1700 MacCorkle Ave SE
Suite 141
Charleston, WV 25314
(304) 343-5153
Board Chairman • Brian Mason
Governance Vice Chair • Ron Tweel
Treasurer • Meg Haymans
Interim Chapter President • Craig Robertson
Secretary • Ron Mittelman
Editor • Carrie Dahlquist
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 contents or use 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 mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis
Society is to mobilize people and resources to
drive research for a cure and to address the
challenges of everyone affected by MS.
Please consider remembering the National MS
Society in your will.
© 2013 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Blue Ridge Chapter
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Charlottesville, VA
Permit No. 162
Blue Ridge Chapter
1020 Carrington Place
Charlottesville, VA 22901
Change Service Requested
Thank you to the Sponsor of MS Connection
Sprague & Hixson LLP
MS Connection is sponsored by Sprague & Hixson LLP, a law firm assisting people
with multiple sclerosis in Social Security disability claims.
Do you have questions about qualifying for Social Security disability benefits?
Call us at 1-800-933-7870.
The Blue Ridge Chapter serves 6,000 people
with MS in western and central Virginia, the
state of West Virginia, and seven counties in
Kentucky. We are a collective of passionate
individuals who want to do something about MS
now—to move together toward a world free of
multiple sclerosis.
Contact the Blue Ridge Chapter today to learn
more about all of our programs and services.
1-800-344-4867 nationalMSsociety.org/vab
[email protected]
What We Offer
Advocacy
Community & Medical
Referrals
Educational Workshops
Employment Resources
Exercise Programs
Family & Social Programs
Financial Assistance
Free Information about MS
Lending Library
Newly Diagnosed Services
Peer Supporters
Self Help Groups
Volunteer Opportunities
Walk MS & Bike MS