MS CONNECTION NEWSLETTER · 2019-01-08 · fall 2015 ms connection newsletter virginia - west...

FALL 2015 VIRGINIA - WEST VIRGINIA CHAPTER

MS CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

02ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

12HEALING THROUGH HELPING OTHERS

15HONORING A GREAT MAN-FRANK COWAN

23PERSONAL STORIES DRIVE CHANGE

NEW DIRECTIONS IN DIET & MS PAGE 20

LIVE FULLY, LIVE WELL PAGE 06

02 MS CONNECTION: FALL 2015

CHAPTER NEWS

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENTDear Friends,

Happy New Year! Yes, our fiscal year begins on October 1st. Along with the beginning of our new year, it is also our first full year as the Virginia-West Virginia Chapter. What an exciting time we have had and we look forward to making connections that really count as we continue to look for solutions for people living with MS.

This issue of the MS Connection is packed full of invaluable information about our upcoming year and exciting ways to become involved!

I would like to draw your attention to an easy way to help fund the mission of the National MS Society-workplace giving. In the fall many companies

kick off their workplace giving campaigns, so be sure to read how you can give to United Way and to the Community Health Charities and direct your gift to the National MS Society.

You will want to mark your calendar for November 11, from 6:30 – 7:30 pm and join us for our Annual Membership Meeting, which includes a volunteer and top fundraiser celebration. This year we will hold four meetings at the same time, on the same day in four locations around our Chapter: Virginia Beach, VA; Richmond, VA; Charlottesville, VA; and Charleston, WV.

In August, our chapter lost a Champion for MS. Frank Cowan, served on our Board of Trustees since 2008 and in 2013 became the Chairman of the Board. You will smile when you see his pictures on our Tribute page. Please take a few minutes to read about what a great friend and supporter Frank was to our Chapter.

Thank you for linking arms with us because it is together that we will create a world free of MS.

Warm Regards,

Sherri EllisChapter President

03NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867

NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETYVIRGINIA - WEST VIRGINIA CHAPTERMain Office:4200 Innslake DriveSuite 301 Glen Allen, VA 23060

1-800-344-4867MSVirginia.org • MSWestVirginia.org

Chairman: Gregory BishopChapter President: Sherri EllisDesign: Robyn M. Hirsch

© 2015 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Virginia - West Virginia Chapter

Information provided by the Society is based upon professional advice, published experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The National MS Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician.

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

CHAPTER NEWS

MS AWARENESS WEEK—MARCH 7-13, 2016Every year the National MS Society uses one week in March to host awareness activities. This coming year is no different and the chapter is looking forward to partnering with you to help create more connections, deepen engagement, and increase impact across the MS Movement!

FUN WAYS TO RAISE AWARENESS:• Plan to wear orange the entire week and share with folks why• Organize a “Wear Orange” day at your work or school and have participants make a donation• Conduct a Facebook campaign asking your friends to dedicate their status and/or profile picture • Plan on sending out “orange” emails and include an MS Awareness Week tagline• Write or visit your legislators and share how MS has touched your life• Or think of your own creative MS Awareness activity (Don’t forget to share it with us on Facebook!)

WHAT WILL YOU DO TO CONNECT, ENGAGE, INSPIRE AND RAISE AWARENESS?

Do you have great ideas to increase awareness in your community? Want to get involved? Contact Robyn Hirsch at 757-319-4252 or [email protected].


ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2015We invite you to join us for our Annual Membership Meeting! The evening will begin with a social and cash bar. Then we will move into our Annual Meeting where we will elect the 2016 Board of Trustees, hear a wonderful keynote presentation on the latest in MS Research, and applaud the efforts of our passionate volunteers and fundraisers.

KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: MS RESEARCHResearchers are working tirelessly to discover new ways to treat MS and ultimately stop, repair and end the disease forever. This year’s presentation will focus on the latest in cutting edge research and what’s in the pipeline.

AS A MEMBER OF THE CHAPTER, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO ATTEND AS WE CELEBRATE PAST SUCCESSES AND LOOK FORWARD TO ANOTHER YEAR OF EXCELLENT PROGRAMS, SERVICES, AND FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES.

DETAILS:Meetings to be held Wednesday, November 11, 2015 in Richmond, VA; Charlottesville, VA; Virginia Beach, VA and Charleston, WV. Exact locations for meetings will be announced soon.

5:45 pm: Social, Light Hors D’oeuvres, and Cash Bar6:30 pm-7:30 pm: Annual MeetingThis program is free; however, RSVP is required by November 6th!To RSVP, contact the chapter at 804-353-5008, option 2, or visit www.MSVirginia.org.

If you are interested in serving on the Board, or would like to propose an individual for consideration, please submit a letter of interest and resume to [email protected].


05NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867 55

WAYS TO GIVE

GIVE AT THE OFFICEIt is easy and fun to do some good in the workplace and every year people nationwide feel empowered to contribute through their employer’s charitable giving campaign to help create a world free of MS.

Join the movement by simply designating your annual pledge to the National MS Society. Most campaigns kick off in the fall, so check with your employer. Your tax deductible donation will be automatically deducted from each paycheck to fund cutting-edge research and provide programs and services to help people affected by MS

COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN: #46654

COMBINED VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN: Federal #46654 State #6090

UNITED WAY- WEST VIRGINIA: West Virginia United Way does not use any codes for work place giving. It is very simple, write in the National MS Society, Virginia – West Virginia Chapter, 4200 Innslake Drive, Suite 301, Glen Allen, VA 23060.

UNITED WAY-VIRGINIA: Richmond, Charlottesville, Harrisonbrug, and Hampton Roads do not use any codes for work place giving. It is very simple, write in the National MS Society, Virginia – West Virginia Chapter, 4200 Innslake Drive, Suite 301, Glen Allen, VA 23060.

Roanoke code is 0257.

These are our approved brochure numbers, but always double check; look for National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Virginia – West Virginia Chapter, 4200 Innslake Drive, Suite 301, Glen Allen, VA 23060.

If your employer doesn’t offer a giving program, talk to your benefits administrator or contact Delton Hanson 434-465-6035 or [email protected].

“WE MAKE A LIVING BY WHAT WE GET, BUT WE MAKE A LIFE BY WHAT WE GIVE” WINSTON CHURCHILL


PROGRAMS

LIVE FULLY, LIVE WELLSATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2015Managing your health and wellness is an integral part of “living well” with MS. Live Fully, Live Well is a comprehensive wellness program from the National MS Society and Can Do MS, designed for people living with MS and their support partners. During the program, you will hear from a team of local clinicians, therapists, and instructors on various topics that promote improved health and quality of life.

SESSIONS INCLUDE: Attending to Your Health, Maximizing Mobility, Challenges of Fatigue, Music Therapy, Aquatic Therapy, Yoga, and Nutrition.

DETAILS: Date: October 17, 2015Time: Registration opens at 9 a.m. Program runs from 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.Location: Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel 5700 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, VARegistration: $5 per person (Lunch is provided) The registration deadline is October 2, 2015.

To register, contact the chapter at 804-353-5008, option 2, or visit www.MSVirginia.org.

www.MSVirginia.orgwww.MSWestVirginia.org

Search: National MS Society Virginia-West Virginia Chapter

www.twitter.com/NMSSVAWV

https://instagram.com/ nationalmssociety_vawv

CHAPTER NEWS

CONNECT WITH US

07NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867 0707

GET INVOLVED

VOLUNTEER WITH THE CHAPTERVolunteers are integral partners in our mission to serve the over 12,000 individuals living with MS, as well as their friends and family, throughout Virginia and West Virginia. Volunteers contribute valuable resources—time, knowledge, skills, and leadership—that infuse the organization with energy and passion.

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS AVAILABLE:• Office support

(Administrative Tasks, Data Entry)• Event planning• Online research• Partnership building• Phone calls

Individuals of all backgrounds are welcome.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Deborah Richards at 804-591-3034 or [email protected].

PROGRAMS

MOVEMENT AMBASSADORS

Educating and engaging thousands of people in the movement to end MS is a big job and we can’t do it alone! That’s why we are recruiting volunteers

for our Movement Ambassador Program.

WHAT ARE MOVEMENT AMBASSADORS?Movement Ambassadors are people who want to do something now to end MS and are passionate about engaging their community in the movement. Movement Ambassadors serve as trained spokespersons and represent the National MS Society’s movement for a world free of MS by sharing knowledge about programs, services, research, fundraising and advocacy efforts. Their mission is to help increase public awareness of both MS and the Society and mobilize the community to get involved.

ARE YOU INTERESTED?Trainings will be held in the Fall and Winter. If you would like more information or would like to be notified of the next training, please contact Deborah Richards at 804-591-3034 or [email protected].


EVENTS

FINISH MSAre you a runner or triathlete? Finish MS is a unique program that offers athletes of all types and abilities the chance to create a world free of MS while pushing their own personal limits. Simply participate in a third party athletic endurance event of your choice and help create a world free of MS by fundraising through our Finish MS website packed with powerful online fundraising tools.

For questions about Finish MS, contact Debbie Cole at [email protected], or 804- 591-3043 or visit www.finishms.org.

IN HONOR OF HIS FRIEND WITH MS, FINISH MS PARTICIPANT MICHAEL BABB COMPLETED THE NATION’S TRIATHLON IN WASHINGTON D.C.

CHAPTER NEWS

WELCOME ERIC GARMON

The Chapter is pleased to announce Eric C. Garmon, CHES will be joining the team October 1st as our new Programs & Services Director. Eric comes from the YMCA of Greater Richmond

and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in coordinating and implementing wellness programs. In his new role, Eric will be working to establish new community physical health classes, adaptive yoga, water exercise, and MS CANDO programs throughout Virginia and West Virginia. In addition, Eric will be coordinating professional education programs, overseeing and providing support to our crisis intervention counseling and service management activities, promoting the chapter’s advocacy efforts, and leading our Health Advisory Committee and Central Virginia Leadership Council.

Eric is a true believer in getting out and meeting folks in the community and we are sure you will want to connect with him and share your ideas and thoughts on wellness programming as we move forward with this new initiative. One of the first opportunities for you to meet Eric will be at the Live Fully, Live Well program in Virginia Beach on October 17th (see page 6 for more information).

09NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-486709 MS CONNECTION: SUMMER 2014

EVENTS

BIKE MS: COUNTRY ROADS RIDE 2015 WAS A SUCCESS

What a great weekend we had in the hills of Wild and Wonderful West Virginia for Bike MS: Country Roads Ride! We enjoyed the scenic roads of Greenbrier and Pocahontas Counties as we peddled past some of West Virginia’s most beautiful territory. Starting at the historic Greenbrier Resort, cyclists got a sneak peek at Senator Rockefeller’s countryside home and then went through Greenbank Observatory, while trail riders cruised through the beautiful Greenbrier River Trail. Everyone ended the day at the fabulous Snowshoe Mountain Resort for an evening of fun and entertainment.

This weekend welcomed 164 cyclists, 18 teams, 30 VIP’s and to date has currently raised over $127,000 all to help the National MS Society provide programs and services, as well as fund research, for the over 12,000 people living with MS throughout Virginia and West Virginia.

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR SPONSORS:• Presenting Sponsor:

• Pullin, Fowler, Flanagan, Brown & Poe Law Firm• Ferguson Industrial• The Greenbrier• Stop in Food Stores• Free Spirit Adventures

We also thank all of the cyclists, numerous volunteers and staff, friends and family that cheered us on and helped to make the 25th anniversary of Bike MS: Country Roads Ride such a success! See you next year!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: 2016 BIKE MS: COUNTRY ROADS RIDE AUGUST 27-28, 2016



When Barb Abrams was 40, Sherwood Forest fell on her head. “I had made a model of Sherwood Forest for my son using a piece of plywood, Popsicle sticks, tree branches and other fun stuff so his Lego men could play in there,” Abrams remembers. “I had put it on top of a shelving unit. One evening I opened one of its drawers and Sherwood Forest fell on my head.”Four stitches and a month later, Abrams began experiencing numbness, tingling, zipper-like sensations and optic neuritis. Since she had experienced a blow to the head, she was sent to a variety of specialists. “The pain from the optic neuritis got so severe that my husband demanded I be hospitalized for constant monitoring so they could figure out what was going on,” Abrams says. It was then that she was diagnosed—not with any lingering effects from her head injury, but with multiple sclerosis.

BRINGING MS TO LIGHTMS can be a difficult disease to diagnose, and some symptoms may be ignored or mistaken for other conditions. Researchers have not found any evidence for a relationship between physical trauma and MS, and Abrams knows her disease is unrelated to the head injury. Now 63, she has gone on to learn how to live actively with the disease and manage cognitive issues caused by her MS that affect her ability to remember names and numbers.

“My husband’s name is Rick, my brother’s name is Rick and my brother-in-law is Richard. So I inevitably end up calling my husband ‘the man to whom I’m married,’” Abrams says. “I also call my son Jordan ‘boy’ and my daughter Eryn ‘girl.’ When Eryn got married, I told my new son-in-law that he would now be called ‘new boy.’” The only knows three phone numbers by heart. To manage her symptoms, she writes everything down and works from three calendars.Abrams’ family and friends have learned over the years how to help, sometimes finishing her sentences for her or finding the word she’s groping for. Perhaps most importantly, they keep her laughing. “My one dear friend has cancer and we laugh about her chemo brain and my MS brain. Between the two of us, we almost have a complete brain. I find that humor keeps me sane or at least from crying out of frustration,” she says.

LIVING WITH MS

MANAGING MS CHALLENGESBY LIZ THOMPSON, MS AMBASSADOR

BARB ABRAMS IS A PASSIONATE BIKE MS PARTICIPANT


RIDING ONA teacher and artist for years, Abrams now continues to work as a substitute teacher. During an exacerbation at age 50, she bought her first bike. “I couldn’t lift my leg over the bike and had an IV port in my arm for steroids. I was probably more optimistic than I should have been,” she remembers. However, in three years, she has improved her balance and is now able to let go of a handlebar to signal or reach for her water bottle. Some 15,000 miles later, the Powell, Ohio, resident has ridden over the Vail and Independence passes in Colorado—the latter with an elevation gain of more than 4,000 feet. And so, she is also a passionate Bike MS participant.“I cannot run as I have drop foot and I lean to one side while walking,” Abrams says. “But I did a triathlon when I was 58. I can swim and ride. The running, obviously, was hideous.” However, she still finished second in her age group. She has also started down a new art path, attaching hand-drawn tiles to boxes she has made. She is

hoping to get them into galleries around town. “Luckily, I don’t have to remember anything while I am making them!” she says, laughing.

Writer Liz Thompson was diagnosed with MS in 1987, but has been symptomatic since 1970. Originally published in Ohio Buckeye’s MS Connection newsletter.

MANAGING COGNITIVE CHANGESWhile MS does not affect intelligence, long-term memory, conversational skills or reading comprehension, it can affect a range of cognitive functions. These include the ability to learn or retain new information, concentration and attention, planning and prioritizing, and verbal fluency. But there are ways to manage MS-related cognitive changes. To learn more about cognition and MS, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/cognition.

SPECIAL THANKS TO BRIAN MASON FOR SUPPORTING THE 2015 WEEKEND ESCAPE!


For the last few years, I have been making Rice Krispies treats and giving them to others. I often mold these treats into seasonal shapes. For the Super Bowl, I make footballs. I also create candy corn shapes for Halloween, wreaths for the holidays, and flowers for spring.

My sister teases that my fixation with these sweet creations is an addiction and suggests that I need an intervention because I “can’t stop anytime I want to.” But she made me think: “Why am I doing this?”

I think I make them as a way to remember others. Sometimes I give them to someone who is sick. Other times, I give them to co-workers or neighbors. It is a simple, spiritual activity for me.

Focusing outside of ourselves can be healing. Facing an illness like multiple sclerosis brings its own challenges, such as getting to doctor’s appointments or managing medications. Even everyday tasks can seem difficult: getting up in the morning, paying bills, and doing laundry.

But we can all benefit from giving back, from thinking of others, from volunteering - even if we have health challenges. According to a study by the Corporation for National and Community Service, volunteers have higher functional ability, lower rates of depression and less incidence of heart disease.

Even something small will do. Volunteering for a non-profit organization by making phone calls or stuffing envelopes can be a great place to start. It does not have to be a huge task, but something that shifts our awareness and energy to other people or causes.

People with MS can also do good by acknowledging their support partners or healthcare professionals. A simple phone call, a hug, or just saying, “Thanks, I appreciate all you do for me,” goes a long way. Everyone needs to be affirmed and loved. The words of poet Emily Dickinson are motivating to me: “If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not die in vain.”

Karen J. Zielinski, OSF, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio, has lived with MS since 1975. Her recent book, Hope and Help for Living with Illness (Franciscan Media), discusses chronic disease and coping strategies. Originally published on www.MSconnection.org/blog.

WAYS TO GIVE

HEALING THROUGH HELPING OTHERSBY SR. KAREN ZIELINSKI, OSF


WAYS TO GIVE

DO-IT-YOURSELF FUNDRAISING• MS Ride (Kenny Wingfield): $4,295• 8k for Multiple Sclerosis (Hannah Hardison): $3,000• Hook a Cure for MS (Aaron Fisher): $1,900

• Saxon Shoes Day of Dance: $241• Team Strikes Against MS: $150

The 2nd Annual 8k for Multiple Sclerosis Trail Race held in Winchester, VA on July 25th saw a huge increase in participants. Last year we only had 96 people come out; this year we had 154 people and raised about $3,000. We had bright orange Society balloons that we hung from the tents and entrances at the event, so no one could miss us! We also had an orange balloon on every mile marker. Participants poured in and before you knew it, the runners were off! The 1st runner finished in about 34 minutes. We had participants of all ages; even one who was 90 years old! We also had a woman who had MS run the race, which was incredible! I enjoyed hearing her story and connecting with her. This event not only raised a lot of money, but raised awareness! We hope to continue to grow this event and get that much closer to finding a cure! -Hannah Hardison

Urban Mint Couture is a teen owned company specializing in fresh urban wear. Aisha Benton started the company out of her love for designing and clothes. The reason she choose to donate to the National MS Society is because of her grandma, Faye Benton, and her great aunt, Rosalie Flowers. Aisha says “my grandma and my aunt both had MS and they both have passed away. I choose to donate in their honor because my grandma’s art was a source of inspiration for me and my aunt was always there to support me in whatever I was doing.”

Below is a special Society t-shirt. The cost of the shirts are $30 each, and $5 dollars will go to the Society. All pre-orders are estimated to be delivered by the end of October. Visit umcouture.com to purchase yours today!

Visit our DIY Fundraising website, diyMS.org, or contact Debbie Cole ([email protected], 804- 591-3043) to organize your own DIY event or fundraiser. We provide lots of tips and tools to help you organize your event and we will support you along the way.

SPECIAL THANKS TO THOSE WHO ORGANIZED RECENT DIY FUNDRAISERS:


WAYS TO GIVE

GIVING GOES A LONG WAYIndividual giving is a vital component in the success of our Chapter and your donations help out in so many different ways. Again this August, we sent kids from the Virginia – West Virginia Chapter to the MS Kids Camp at Jumonville Camp & Retreat Center in Hopwood, Pennsylvania. Twenty five children from all over our chapter territory were able to talk with other kids about how MS affects them and how they all face common issues living with a parent who has MS. The children played games, performed arts and crafts, and built long lasting friendships. Aaron Fisher’s son Mark attended MS Kids Camp this year. He summed it up in one word “Awesome!” As he continued to tell his story, he shared that he “loved every minute of it.”Your continued support through individual giving, allows us to send kids like Mark to this vitally important camp.

If you would like to know more about how you can give to MS Kids Camp, research, and our programs and services, contact Delton Hanson at 434-465-6035 or [email protected].

CHILDREN AT THE MS KIDS CAMP AT JOMONVILLE CAMP & RETREAT CENTER IN HOPWOOD, PENNSYLVANIA

CHAPTER NEWS

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM OPENS The National MS Society awards scholarships to highly qualified applicants who have been diagnosed with MS or have a parent/guardian living with the disease and demonstrate financial need, a strong academic record, leadership, community involvement, and how MS has impacted their lives. Awards range from $1,000–$3,000. Applications are accepted between October 1, 2015 and January 15, 2016. Apply online at www.nationalMSsociety.org/scholarship. Note only completed online applications will be accepted.

The Society’s Scholarship program is supported by funders like you! Did you know you or your company can sponsor a scholarship and help make a difference in a family’s life? Contact Delton Hanson at 434-465-6035 or [email protected]. to learn how!

MS CONNECTION: FALL 2015


CHAPTER NEWS

HONORING A GREAT MANFRANK N. COWAN—AUGUST 15, 1936 - AUGUST 28, 2015He was called affectionately, although somewhat formally, Mr. Cowan. He was also known as Counselor, Mentor and Hokie. Friends called him Podge. His wife, Marianne, called him Sweetie. Most proudly, he was called Dad and Pop. But, names alone cannot describe Frank. He was larger than that. What carried him in his 79 years, and what will be sustained as his legacy, will be his graciousness, his genuine charm, his integrity, strength, passion for knowledge, pursuit of excellence and commitment to serving others. Frank focused on helping people find and sustain their own success. And, in so doing, they could achieve their boldest goals. He believed in the goodness of people and the importance of freedom. And he was certain we all shared in the responsibility of service and empowerment of others.

“FRANK HAD A GENUINE PASSION FOR FUELING MS RESEARCH. HE WAS COMMITTED TO HELPING THOSE LIVING WITH MS IN OUR AREA AND HAD A BIGGER THAN LIFE VISION OF A WORLD FREE OF MS.”

Frank’s commitment to service propelled him to work on several boards and committees. Since 2008, Frank had served on the National MS Society, Virginia –West Virginia Chapter’s Board of Trustees. And in 2013, he became the Chairman of the Board. Chapter President, Sherri Ellis, shared “Frank had a genuine passion for fueling MS research. He was committed to helping those living with MS in our area and had a bigger than life vision of a world free of MS.” In recognition of his passion and commitment to the Society and all of the community, the Chapter has renamed our most prestigious honor “The Frank N. Cowan Cup of Hope Award,” to be presented annually at the Richmond Dinner of Champions.

If you would like to make a gift in honor of Frank, we have set up a memorial fund on our website (http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/frankcowan).


Raymond D. Smoot, Jr., retired in 2012 as Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. where he was responsible for management of assets in

excess of $1.3 billion including the University’s $600 million endowment, the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, and the Hotel Roanoke. He previously held several Vice Presidential posts at Virginia Tech, most recently as VP for Administration and Treasurer. Prior to returning to Tech in 1975, he was a graduate research associate at The Ohio State University and served as a Legislative Assistant in the Ohio House of Representatives and Senate. Dr. Smoot now serves as Senior Fellow at the Virginia Tech Foundation and as a Director of several Virginia Tech Related Corporations.

Dr. Smoot is a native of Lynchburg and earned

bachelor and masters degrees from Virginia Tech and a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University.

Dr. Smoot is active in business and community affairs, serving as Chairman and Director of Union Bankshares, Executive Committee Member and Finance Committee Chair of Carilion Clinic, and Director of RGC Resources, Inc. He is also a Director of Warm Hearth, the Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, and has served as Chairman of the Investment Committee of the Virginia Retirement System. He is a Director of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and Mountain Lake Conservancy. He also serves as an Investment Advisory Board Member of Harbert Venture Partners. Dr. Smoot was recognized by the Association of University Research Parks as recipient of its 2005 National Community Leadership Award, and in 2012 by Junior Achievement as a member of its Western Virginia Business Hall of Fame.

EVENTS

DINNER OF CHAMPIONS24TH ANNUAL ROANOKE DINNER OF CHAMPIONSOn September 22nd, the 24th Annual Roanoke Dinner of Champions was held at Hotel Roanoke. The Chapter was pleased to present Raymond D. Smoot, Ph.D., Senior Fellow, Virginia Tech Foundation and Chairman, Union Bank & Trust and Michael J. Friedlander, Ph.D., Founding Executive Director, Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute with the Silver Hope Award. The Silver Hope Award is the most prestigious National Society volunteer award at the chapter level and is presented to someone who has maintained an exceptional leadership role in the community. Congratulations Ray and Michael and thank you for helping the Dinner of Champions raise over $150,000 to support crucial research and local programs and services for those living with MS!

RAYMOND D. SMOOT, PH.D., SENIOR FELLOW, VIRGINIA TECH FOUNDATION AND CHAIRMAN, UNION BANK & TRUST


Michael Friedlander is the founding Executive Director of the Virginia Tech Carilion (VTC) Research Institute, the Senior Dean for Research at VTC School of Medicine, and

the Associate Provost for Health Sciences at VT. He previously served as Professor and Chair of Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine. Prior to that, he was Professor and Founding Chair of the Department of Neurobiology, Director of the Civitan International Research Center, and the McKnight Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He received his B.S. from Florida State University and his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. He was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and a research associate at SUNY Stony Brook, NY.

Dr. Friedlander has served as the founding President of the Association of Medical School Neuroscience Department Chairs, Chair of the Council of Academic Societies of the AAMC, President of the Society of Experimental Biology and Medicine, a member of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Task Force on the Scientific Foundations of Future Physicians, a member of the AAMC’s Advisory Panel on Research and as an elected AAMC Distinguished Service Member. He currently serves as the Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Children’s National Medical Center and has served on the Scientific Advisory Boards of the Civitan International Research Center, the Mission

Connect Foundation, the Waisman Intellectual Disabilities Center, and the Michael DeBakey VA Medical Center Neurosciences Steering Committee. He was the elected Chair of the NICHD Intellectual Disabilities Research Center Network. He currently serves on the boards of Virginia Bio, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council.

Dr. Friedlander is a recipient of an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellowship, an NIH Fogarty Center Senior International Fellowship to Australia, a Lucille Markey Foundation Center Award, a W.M. Keck Foundation Center Award, the American College of Physicians’ Menninger Award for Mental Health Research, and a University of Illinois Distinguished Alumnus Award. He has held visiting professorships at Oxford University, the John Curtin School of Medical Research in Australia, and the University of Paris. He has provided invited testimony to the U.S. Congress and the Australian Parliament and most recently to the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Dr. Friedlander has served on the editorial boards of numerous scientific journals. He recently co-founded a Ph.D. program at VT in Translational Biology, Medicine and Health. He has individually mentored over 100 PhD students, research fellows, and junior faculty, as well as numerous undergraduate and medical students on their research projects – several of whom have received international recognition including Rhodes and Marshall Scholarships.

MICHAEL J. FRIEDLANDER, PH.D., FOUNDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, VIRGINIA TECH CARILION RESEARCH INSTITUTE


Smith is Chairman Emeritus of Williams Mullen. He served as CEO of the firm from February, 1984-January, 2010. Under his leadership, Williams Mullen grew from 25 lawyers in

Richmond to over 300 in 12 offices in VA, NC, Washington, D.C. and London. Gross revenues increased from approximately $4.5 million to $150 million. During his tenure as CEO, Smith initiated six mergers with law firms.A committed community leader, Smith has served on the Board of the Richmond Economic Development Authority since 2011. He also currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. Smith is a former member of the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, and Virginia Athletics Foundation.Mr. Smith has received numerous awards for his leadership and dedication to community service. In 2014, he was named a Living Legacy by the Richmond Public Schools Education Foundation. He was awarded the Hill-Tucker Public Service Award by the Richmond Bar Association and the Patrick Henry Public Service

Award from the Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest at Hampden-Sydney College. He is a member of The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Richmond Touchdown Club’s Micheli Award. In 2010, he was recognized as a Leader in the Law by Virginia Lawyers Weekly.Smith is also listed in The Best Lawyers in America and in Virginia Business magazine’s list of “Legal Elite.” He has been recognized as a leading corporate attorney by Chamber’s USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business. In addition, Martindale Hubbell has ranked him its highest rating available. He is a past President of the Richmond Bar Association and a member of the American and VA Bar Associations and the VA State Bar, where he is a member of the Taxation and Estate Planning and Law Firm Administration Sections. He is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and the Virginia Law Foundation.Smith joined Williams Mullen upon his 1968 graduation from the University of Virginia School of Law. He graduated from Hampden-Sydney College in 1965 and has served as a Trustee of the institution and as Vice-Chairman of its Board of Trustees.

{CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17}30TH ANNUAL RICHMOND DINNER OF CHAMPIONSOn October 8th, the 30th Annual Richmond Dinner of Champions will be held at The Jefferson Hotel. During this special anniversary event, Julious P. Smith,, Jr., Chairman Emeritus of Williams Mullen will be honored with the Silver Hope Award. To date, the Dinner has raised an astounding $295,000 to support crucial research and local programs and services for those living with MS.

JULIOUS P. SMITH, JR., CHAIRMAN EMERITUS OF WILLIAMS MULLEN


CHAPTER NEWS

FUNDRAISING EVENTMUSIC MS-THE SOUND OF A CURE

FEATURING RICHMOND SINGER-SONGWRITER, SUSAN GREENBAUM

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WAYS TO GIVE

AUTOS-4-MSWhen you donate your car, truck, motorcycle, boat or trailer to the National MS Society, you can feel good knowing that 100% of the proceeds go directly toward benefitting people with MS. Proceeds fund vital research into the cause, cure, and treatment of MS, as well as programs and services for people living with multiple sclerosis.

TO START THE DONATION PROCESS:• Call our toll-free number, 1-877-672-8864,

or submit the electronic donation form found at www.AUTOS4MS.org

• A towing company will contact you to schedule your pickup

• A receipt will be mailed to you after the completed sale transaction of the vehicle.

For answers to all your questions, please visit www.AUTOS4MS.org or call our office at 1-877-672-8864.When: Sunday, October 11, 2015

Time: 3pm - 5pm (doors open at 2pm)

Where: Shady Grove United Methodist Church 4825 Pouncey Tract Road, Glen Allen, VA

Cost: $20/ticket (+ $2.09 processing fee)

Purchase: eventbrite.com-search for Music MS

Hosted by: The Music & Arts Ministries of Shady Grove United Methodist Church in Short Pump


To think that you might be able to change the course of multiple sclerosis, or at least relieve symptoms, by eating or not eating specific types of food is enticing. However, “the proof is in the pudding,” scientifically speaking, since studying diet is challenging. That’s why it’s been exciting to see how many researchers were trying to do just that at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual meeting, which took place in Washington D.C., this April. Diet and MS was the subject of numerous platform talks and poster sessions, showing that clinicians and researchers are asking the same questions we hear so often from people who live with MS.

DIET AND MS SYMPTOMSIn a small study, Dr. Rocco Totaro and a team from the University of L’Aquila in Italy tested whether a six-week diet that was low in saturated animal fats, and high in antioxidants, would be associated with positive changes in body composition and fatigue in 17 people with relapsing-remitting MS. In their study, the participants’ percentage of body fat decreased, and their fatigue as measured by a clinical scale lessened significantly as well. We need more and larger studies like this, to show how diet may impact symptoms that affect the lives of people with MS. What does it mean for you now? A healthy diet certainly can’t hurt, and it may even help both MS and general health. (Abstract P2.211)

MORE ON SALTWe’re hearing more and more about the possibility that salt may increase the immune activity in the brain and spinal cord in MS. A team from the Network of Pediatric MS Centers showed that this may not be the case in children. Looking at salt intake prior to diagnosis among 174 children or adolescents with MS, compared with 337 people without the disease, they saw no increased risk of developing MS with excess sodium intake. It will be interesting to see if this finding is confirmed, and whether it helps us to understand if, when and how salt becomes a factor in MS. (Abstract S38.003)

RESEARCH

NEW DIRECTIONS IN DIET AND MSBY NICHOLAS LAROCCA, PHD

COFFEE MAY LOWER THE RISK OF DEVELOPING MS, AL-THOUGH MORE RESEARCH IS NEEDED.



COFFEE AND MSPrevious studies have suggested that caffeine may protect against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, but there haven’t been any definitive studies in MS thus far. So I was intrigued by a study by an international team led by Johns Hopkins University researcher Dr. Ellen Mowry, which looked at coffee consumption in two large data sets—in a group of 1,629 Swedish people with MS and 2,807 people without MS, as well as a group of 584 people with MS and 581 controls enrolled in the Kaiser Permanente health plan of Northern California.

In the Swedish study, drinking six cups of coffee a day was associated with a reduced risk of developing MS, and four cups a day did the same in the American study. Studies like this may help us figure out how to prevent MS in the future. What this study doesn’t tell us is whether or how drinking coffee may impact MS in people who already have the disease, so it’s probably not a good idea to increase coffee consumption until we know more. (S45.004)

LOOKING IN THE GUTGut bacteria is another area where research is increasing, and it presents the exciting possibility that probiotic strategies may ultimately be developed to treat MS. I’m pleased that a small pilot grant from the National MS Society helped launch the MS Microbiome Consortium, a collaboration of researchers in California, Colorado and New York who presented some early findings from their analysis of blood and stool samples from people with MS treated with glatiramer acetate, untreated individuals and healthy controls.

They found differences in gut bacteria between the treated and untreated individuals and also between those with MS and healthy controls. The team recently won a Collaborative MS Research Center Award from the Society to pursue this promising research. I’m eager to see more from this group, and to see how their findings can be translated into a way of stopping immune attacks in MS. (Abstract P2.205)

A NEW ERANot so long ago, searching the medical literature for “diet and MS” yielded little. I’m thrilled to see that we are entering an era where diet and lifestyle are truly considered to be factors that can help lead to innovative treatments and ultimately free the world of MS.

Visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/signup to sign up for MS eNews and stay up to date on MS research.

Nicholas LaRocca is the vice president of Health Care Delivery and Policy Research at the National MS Society. Originally published on MSconnection.org/blog.


I’M THRILLED TO SEE THAT WE ARE ENTERING AN ERA WHERE DIET AND LIFESTYLE ARE TRULY CONSIDERED TO BE FACTORS THAT CAN HELP LEAD TO INNOVATIVE TREATMENTS AND ULTIMATELY FREE THE WORLD OF MS.


ADVOCACY

25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ADAOn July 26, 2015, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The enactment of the ADA established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The ADA has broken down barriers and increased accessibility – paving the way for people who are affected by MS to live their best lives.

This milestone ADA anniversary is an opportunity to reflect positively on a law that has made a great impact on the lives of people with disabilities and our country over the past 25 years. However, our work is ongoing: we have not yet reached complete implementation in all states and localities. The full promise of the ADA will only be reached if we all remain committed to this critical law.

You can recognize the ADA anniversary and help us continue the work:

• Share how the ADA has impacted your life using social media identifiers like #ADA25 & #MSactivist

• Join the MS Activist Network and advocate for accessible communities and long-term services and supports. By joining, you will receive important email updates about MS advocacy and be provided with opportunities to take action. Sign up today at www.nationalmssociety.org/nmssactivist

• Become a District Activist Leader and directly advocate for change with your local and federal leaders. Learn more at http://ntl.ms/nmssDAL.

Together, we can continue advocating for ADA implementation and other laws and policies that will improve the quality of life for people living with MS.

For more information about our advocacy efforts in both Virginia and West Virginia, please contact Ashley Kenneth at [email protected] or 804-591-3048.


Everyone with multiple sclerosis has a personal story, an experience or collection of life events and circumstances that influence who he or she is, and the unique perspectives that he or she holds. Living with MS is an integral part of that story. MS alters lives. It can transform everyday activities into challenges.

MS activists share their stories in the hope that they will inspire positive change — not just for them, but for all people living with MS. Their collective voices raise awareness about MS, educate public officials and drive change.

Their stories come in many forms. Some MS activists email their legislators when they receive MS Action Alerts, adding a personal note to share their individual perspectives. Some join their state’s Government Relations Committee to drive advocacy work in their community or become District Activist Leaders and build personal relationships with their elected officials. Others attend MS State Action Days at their state capitals, emphasizing the importance of MS advocacy priorities. And some people travel to Washington, D.C., to share their stories at the National MS Society’s annual Public Policy Conference.

MS ACTIVISTS SHARE THEIR STORIES IN THE HOPE THAT THEY WILL INSPIRE POSITIVE CHANGE.

Here are the voices and stories of MS activists: “I am a man of science, a person of faith and a fourth-generation Kansan. MS has been part of my family’s story for more than 15 years. I am an MS activist because I think it matters.”

- Dr. Randall Rock, Kansas

“As an MS activist, I have visited our state capital the past eight years, discussing issues with our representatives and senators. It is this goal of finding the cause and cure that keeps me going back and informing our representatives and asking for help, lending my voice to the Society and all whom we serve.”

- Don Garrett, Missouri

“My mother was diagnosed with MS in 1979. I was diagnosed in 2000. Seeing the differences between the disease-modifying therapies that are available to me today, compared with the lack of any available treatment options for my mother is motivation for me to be an MS activist. There is so much exciting MS research in the pipeline; it is up to us to keep the momentum going!”

- Linda Black, Nebraska

Kari Rinker is the Society’s senior manager of Programs and Advocacy, Mid America. Originally published in Mid America’s MS Connection newsletter.

Share your story and become an MS activist. Visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/advocacy.

ADVOCACY

PERSONAL STORIES DRIVE CHANGEBY KARI RINKER


VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

SHANE DUVALLShane Duvall is a member of the Owens & Minor Volunteer Council, where he coordinates their annual Bowl-A-Thon to benefit the Virginia - West Virginia Chapter of the National MS Society. He meticulously plans and organizes every detail of this event, including soliciting local business for raffle and door prizes. Under his leadership, this event has raised over $13,000 in two years for multiple sclerosis research and programs, and he has raised awareness of this disease with the hundreds of Owens & Minor teammates and their family members who participate. Wanting to get more involved with the National MS Society, Shane has volunteered for several events including Walk MS: Richmond, Hook for

a Cure Fishing Tournament, Bike MS: Bring a Friend and the upcoming Dance Off 2015. “I love working with the MS Society!” says Shane. “The staff are friendly and helpful and it is a privilege working with the people who are affected by this disease. I am inspired by their positive outlook and cherish the friendships I’ve made through volunteering with this outstanding organization.” Be on the lookout for the Owens & Minor National MS Society Bowl-A-Thon coming next February! “I want to thank Nick Ciucci for his encouragement and support and for getting me involved with this great cause. He has been instrumental in my volunteer efforts.”

“I AM INSPIRED BY [THE] POSITIVE OUTLOOK [OF THOSE AFFECTED BY MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS] AND CHERISH THE FRIENDSHIPS I’VE MADE THROUGH VOLUNTEERING WITH THIS OUTSTANDING ORGANIZATION.” -SHANE DUVALL


Keep S’myelin is a colorful, engaging, informative, and reassuring newsletter to help children and their parents talk and learn about MS together. Each issue is filled with stories, interviews, games, and activities that highlight a specific topic related to MS, as well as a special section just for parents. To receive your FREE subscription, contact an MS Navigator by calling 1-800-344-4867.


COMMUNITY CALENDAR PROGRAMS IN THIS SECTION ARE NOT ORGANIZED BY THE NATIONAL MS SOCIETY.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS EDUCATIONAL GROUPThe Multiple Sclerosis Educational Group is your opportunity to exchange information and coping strategies and get the latest on MS research and treatment in a comfortable and confidential environment. This program is designed for MS patients, caregivers, and families.

4th Tuesday of the Month at 5:30 pm • Neurosciences Conference RoomRiverside Medical Office Building, 12200 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601

The group is offered by Riverside Center for Neurosciences and meets on an ongoing basis. For information call 757-875-7880.

VALLEY HEALTH WELLNESS CENTER SUPPORT GROUP1st Friday of the Month at 6 pm Valley Health Wellness Center (Conference Room A), Campus Blvd, Winchester, VA 22601 Leader: Betsy 540-327-3967 or [email protected].

SENTARA MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT GROUP 3rd Thursday of the Month from 5-5:45 pm Sentara Neurology Specialists- 1950 Glenn Mitchell Drive, Suite 200, Virginia Beach, VA 23456For more information, please call 757-507-0604.

CAN DO MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS WEBINARJoin Can Do MS live from the convenience of your home, at no charge, for an in-depth discussion on topics relating to exercise, nutrition, communication, symptom management and total health. October 13, 8–9:15 pm: Tired of Being Tired? Tips, Tools & Techniques to Keep You Going

Join this webinar where Juliann Hanson-Zlatev, OT, and Patty Bobryk, PT, will help you understand the definition of fatigue, but more importantly, they will provide strategies on how to boost your energy, make your activities of daily living easier and improve your participation in the things that are important in your life. Learn concrete tips, tools and techniques to give your energy a lift!

To register visit www.mscando.org/multiple-sclerosis-programs/webinar-series/register or call 800-367-3101 x1281.


SELF HELP GROUP LISTINGFOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT 1-800-344-4867 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

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EASTERN VIRGINIATappahannock Neurological SupportSecond Monday: 10:30 amBeale Baptist ChurchLeader: Sharon 804-580-7315 Joan 804-443-9226 Chesapeake Group Third Tuesday: 7 pmLifestyle Fitness Center at Chesapeake Regional Medical Center800 N. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake, VALeader: Margie 757-482-3247Suffolk GroupThird Wednesday: 6:30-8 pmMagnolia United Methodist Church1764 Wilroy Road, Suffolk, VALeader: Willie Ann 757-539-0139 Southside Group (Call for full list of Dates & Locations)Fourth Wednesday: 3-4:30 pmMeyera E. Oberndorf Central Library4100 Virginia Beach Blvd., Va. Bch.Leader: Peter 757-671-1971Gloucester GroupFourth Wednesday: 10:30 am-12:30 pmRiverside Wellness and Fitness Center7516 Hospital Drive, Gloucester, VALeader: Barbara 804-695-9950African American Inspirational GroupFirst Thursday: 11 amHampton Public Library, 936 Big Bethel RoadLeader: D’Andre 757-660-3455 VeeGee 757-696-2540 Peninsula Evening Group Second Thursday: 5:30 pmSentara Careplex Hospital (York River Entrance, Conf. Rm. C)3000 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, VALeader: Kendrick 757-408-9751Diana 757-358-0284

CENTRAL VIRGINIATuckahoe Morning Group MS & Neurological SupportSecond Thursday: 10:15-11:30 am Tuckahoe YMCA, 9211 Patterson Ave, Henrico, VA Leader: Darlene 804-346-2040Hopewell GroupSecond Thursday: 10-11:30 amRiver View on the Appomattox (201 Eppes St.)Leader: Melanie 804-526-9129Petersburg Evening GroupThird Thursday: 6-8 pmSouthside Regional Hospital, Third Flr ClassroomLeader: Quennette 434-246-6007, 804-731-9069Smyelin MS Support Group (Chesterfield)Third Wednesday: 12-2 pmChesterfield Fire Station #4 2600 Polo Parkway, Midlothian, VALeader: Sheila 804-739-8488Sharon 804-794-7589South Hill Empowerment GroupThird Wednesday: 5:30-7:30 pmCommunity Memorial Health Center125 Buena Vista CircleLeader: Starr 434-378-2031Richmond Day GroupSecond Monday: 10:15-11:30 amTuckahoe YMCA, 9211 Patterson Ave.Leader: Darlene 804-346-2040Richmond Weekend GroupSecond Saturday: 11:30 am-1 pmHealthSouth Classroom, 5700 Fitzhugh Ave.Leader: Lorenzo 804-921-9712Richmond (VA Home) For those with advanced MSEvery Monday: 11 am1101 Hampton St.Leader: Judi 804-359-4093The InvinciblesThird Tuesday: 7-8:30 pmHealthSouth Fredericksburg, 300 Park Hill DriveLeader: Belinda 540-373-4377


MS Options Support GroupSecond Tuesday: 12-1 pmMeadows Presbyterian Church 2200 Angus Road, Charlottesville, VALeader: Lisa 434-296-5964

MS Lunch Bunch Fourth Thursday: 11:30 am-1 pmMartha Jefferson House, 1600 Gordon Ave, Charlottesville, VALeader: Kitty 434-293-3573Care Partner Support GroupFourth Saturday: 2-4pmHealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital515 Ray C. Hunt Drive, Charlottesville, VALeader: Ray 434-962-5643 Lynchburg Self Help GroupThird Thursday: 6- 8 pm(Call for Location)Leader: Diana 434-485-6558

SOUTH WESTERN VIRGINIARoanoke Self Help GroupFourth Thursday: 6:30- 8 pmRoanoke Valley Association of Realtors (RVAR)4358 Starkey Road, Roanoke VALeader : Suzanne 540-404-1167Roanoke Day GroupSecond Tuesday: 1:30- 3 pmRebos Club, 4231 Garst Mill Road, Roanoke VALeader : Lew 540-312-0388Lexington/Rockbridge Self Help GroupSecond Thursday: 5:30 pm-7 pmRE Lee Memorial Church (Library)123 W Washington St, Lexington City, VALeader: Susan 540-460-7091New River Valley Support Group First Tuesday: 6:30-8 pmMontgomery County Dept. of Social Services210 Pepper St S Ste B, Christiansburg, VA Leader: Jeff 540-230-3430Smith Mountain Lake Self Help Group First Wednesday: 12-1 p.m. 15353 Moneta Rd, Moneta, VALeader: Ken 540-576-3330Augusta County MS Support Group Third Thursday: 6-8 pmAugust County Library1759 Jefferson Hwy, Fishersville, VA Leader: Sandra 540-294-3063Co-Leader: Cheryl 804-678- 8280

Peer Assisted and Led Support Group (PALS)Second Monday: 6:15 pm 1820 Heritage Center Way, Harrisonburg, VA Leader: Carol 540-432-9858

Twin County MS Support Group Second Tuesday: 7 pm Carroll County Public Library 101 Beaver Dam Rd. , HillsvilleLeader: Regina 276-766-9228

WEST VIRGINIAMade Strong Support GroupThird Thursday: 6-7:30 pm200 Fernandez Drive, Beckley, WV Leader: Melinda 304-890-6284Bluefield/Princeton Support Group Fourth Tuesday: 7 pm Call for location (Bluefield, WV)Leader: Doug 304-753-9126Women’s MS Support Group Second Monday: 7 pm Emmanuel Baptist Church 1401 Washington Street , W. Charleston, WVLeader: Jan 304-744-1994 Huntington Group First Tuesday: 6-8 pm Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center 2nd Floor Conference Room1400 Hal Greer Blvd., Huntington, WV

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIESON THE PHONEMSFriends: Peer Telephone Support866-673-7436, 9 am–Midnight ET

CHAT ROOM & BOARDSMSWorld- www.MSworld.org

ONLINE PEER CONNECTIONSMSConnection- www.MSconnection.orgConnect with others on a discussion forum, join an online support group, or make a one on one peer connection via email (telephone support also available if needed).

NationalMultiple SclerosisSocietyVirginia - West Virginia Chapter4200 Innslake DriveSuite 301Glen Allen, VA 23060

PEOPLE AFFECTED BY MS CAN LIVE THEIR BEST LIVES AS WE STOP MS IN ITS TRACKS, RESTORE WHAT HAS BEEN LOST AND END MS FOREVER.

MS CONNECTION NEWSLETTER · 2019-01-08 · fall 2015 ms connection newsletter virginia - west...

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