Summer 2010 - MSConnection

MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS | 2010 • SUMMER • VOL 3

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

PACIFIC SOUTH COAST CHAPTER

Bike MS Bay to Bay Tour PAgE 3

Help Paying for MS Drugs PAgE 6

Sylvia Lawry Society PAgE 11

Research Updates PAgE 15

A mother & son’s reason for taking the Challenge to walk 50 miles for MS PAGE 14

INSIDELOOK

Heat management is an important part of managing MS, especially during the hot summer months. Our Summer Energy Assistance Program is designed to provide individuals with MS who meet the eligibility criteria with support by means of a one-time financial assistance grant that can be used for items such as a high energy bill, portable air conditioner, fan, cooling vest, or other cooling garments. Eligibility and the amount of grants available are based on annual household income guidelines.

We also have a publication that offers tips and strategies that can help you beat the heat, as well as contact information for utility company programs and vendors who provide cooling garments and air conditioning units.

BEAT ThE hEAT ThIS SuMMER WITh ThE chApTER’S ENERGy ASSISTANcE pROGRAM

Applications for our Summer Energy Assistance Program will be made available on July 1, 2010 and will be accepted until August 31, 2010, or until all funds for this program have been distributed. Applications are accepted on a first-come basis. Please note that we are unable to reimburse for items that have already been purchased. Please

call 1-800-344-4867 to request an application today. Thanks to the Grossmont Healthcare District for underwriting this very important program.

BOARD pROFILE

INTRODucING... phIL BRESNIck

2 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

(800) 344-4867

PUBLICATION OF THE NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETy Pacific South Coast Chapter

chapter Offices: 5950 La Place Court #200 Carlsbad, CA 92008

3000-C Airway Avenue #125 Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Vice president, programs & Services Karen Hooper

MSconnection Editor Jessica Read

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

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

We mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS.

© 2010 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Pacific South Coast Chapter


Phil Bresnick has been an extraordinary volunteer and loyal board member for the Pacific South Coast Chapter for over sixteen years. Since being diagnosed with MS in 1990, he has been involved in many chapter initiatives and is a driving force and an invaluable member of our volunteer leadership.

Phil and his wife of 40 years, Arlene, were instrumental in coordinating the first MS Walks in Southern California. The Walk has grown to over 12,000 participants and raises over $1.6 million annually. Phil’s walk team, Uncle Phil’s Feat, is among the top fundraising teams each year and Phil himself is always ranked as one of the top 10 fundraisers in the event.

Phil, Arlene and the devoted families of their son, Eric, and daughter, Jodi Gross, also support the annual MS Dinner Auction. They sell multiple tables and solicit merchandise for the event. Phil is tireless when seeking funding on behalf of our mission. He serves on the MS Golf Invitational Committee securing sponsorship and foursome sales and is the 2009-2010 Golden Circle Committee Chair. The Golden Circle is the chapter’s major giving program and it has already raised over $225,000 this year. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Finance and Investment committees, bringing his expertise as a Senior VP, Wealth Advisor at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney .

Phil is truly a remarkable individual, volunteer, leader and donor. His willingness to take a leadership role in our chapter has produced incredible results. We are grateful for his support, commitment, and devotion.

Phil and Arlene at the 2010 Walk MS event in San Diego

FuNDING ThE MISSION

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 3

Voted “Best Cycling Event” by the readers of Competitor magazine for the past four years, Bike MS Bay to Bay Tour is a fun-filled cycling adventure featuring fully-supported scenic routes along beautiful Orange and San Diego County coastline. Avid cyclists and novices alike will be challenged to pedal 30, 100 or 150 miles over one or two days, and will enjoy delicious food and refreshments, live entertainment, cycling expo and an overnight festival. Register today to enjoy the festivities of the weekend!

BIKE MS BAY TO BAY TOUR: CYCLING FOR A CURE

Day One - 30 Mile Riders The 30-mile beautiful coastal loop begins and ends in Carlsbad on Saturday, October 16. The route is complete with roving support-and-gear vehicles and two fully-stocked rest stops.

100-Mile Route Riders Riders embark on a 50-mile journey along the gorgeous Southern California coast, down Pacific Coast Highway to the Saturday finish line.

century challenge Riders Bike MS offers one of the most challenging and scenic century rides for experienced cyclists in California. The route takes riders from the Southern California coast into San Diego County’s beautiful back country, with a finishing stretch along the coast.

Day One Finish - Time to party!! After finishing the course on Day One, all riders have the opportunity to explore the expo area and relax at the massage tent. Cyclists enjoy a catered dinner, live music & dancing.

October 16 & 17

30, 100 or 150 miles

Register now at biketofinishMS.com or call

(800) 486-6762

QuIckLOOKThANk yOu! to our

generous sponsors

Presenting Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor

Day Two 100 and 150-mile Route Riders Cyclists leave the overnight site and continue down the coast to Mission Bay, where they celebrate their accomplishment at the finish line complete with catered lunch and lots of spirited volunteers!

Each year, the Tour raises over $2 million towards creating a world free of multiple sclerosis.

SchOLARShIp AWARDS


Every year the National Multiple Sclerosis Society awards scholarships to high school seniors nationwide who have a parent with MS or who have MS themselves. This year there were 295 new scholarships and 175 renewals awarded for a total of $956,400 nationwide.

The Pacific South Coast Chapter is proud to participate in this exciting program, which has been supported locally for 30 years by Volunteers in MS (VIMS) who provides funding in honor of Bob Webster. We awarded 13 exemplary students this year with awards ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 thanks to this scholarship legacy!

These students were selected based on a number of criteria, including academic record, leadership and participation in school or community activities, goals and aspirations, and an essay they wrote describing the impact of MS on their lives. The students receiving awards are listed below:

$3,000 Scholars Katherine Thompson

Lisa McCorkell

$2,000 Scholars Roxane Beygi Emily Bender

$1000 Scholars Zachary Canter Nicole Guiliana

Ashley Jude Joshua Kenchel

Jake Malloy Kelsey Tapken

Rosemond Travis Janali West

Anthony Whitney

2010 BOB WEBSTER SchOLARShIp AWARDS ExcEpTIONAL STuDENTS

AMERIcANS WITh DISABILITIES AcT (ADA) cELEBRATE ITS 20Th ANNIVERSARyOn July 26, 1990, President George H. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure the civil rights of people with disabilities. This legislation established a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with disabilities by reducing barriers and changing perceptions, increasing full participation in community life. However, the full promise of the ADA will only be reached if we remain focused and committed to our efforts for full implementation of the ADA and to advocate for people living with disabilities. On the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society celebrates and recognizes the progress that has been made by reaffirming the principals of equality and inclusion and recommitting our efforts to reach full ADA compliance.

For more information about the chapter’s advocacy efforts, contact Amanda Lasik at [email protected] or (760) 448-8404.

Katherine Thompson Lisa McCorkell

To read more about these recipients or to find our more about scholarships, visit MSpacific.org.

Roxane Beygi Emily Bender

MONEy MATTERS


NEED hELp pAyING FOR MS DRuGS?Managing the costs of MS meds is a huge challenge, especially for people with no insurance or who are underinsured. But some help is available. Each disease-modifying drug manufacturer and many makers of medications that treat MS symptoms have Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs), which offer free or low-cost medications to those who qualify. Prescription drug discount programs can help as well. Ask your doctor if there is a generic version available for any prescription.

Patience may be needed to get benefits, however. You can get support and information from the Society too. Visit nationalMSsociety.org/underinsured or call us at 1-800-344-4867.

RESOuRcE cENTERS — These centers can help with information, applications and exploring your options.

Name Website phone NumberNeedyMeds NeedyMeds.org (online service only)Partnership for Prescription Assistance

pparx.org 888-477-2669

RxAssist RxAssist.org 401-729-3284

For help in purchasing disease-modifying drugs

Drug Name Resource Website phoneAvonex MS Active Source msactivesource.com 800-456-2255 Betaseron BETA PLUS Patient Support Program betaseron.com 800-788-1467ICopaxone Shared Solutions sharedsolutions.com 800-887-8100Extavia Extavia Patient Support Program No Web site 866-925-2333Novantrone Novantrone Patient Assistance Program No Web site 877-447-3243Rebif MS Lifelines Access Made Simple mslifelines.com 877-447-3243Tysabri MS Active Source msactivesource.com 800-456-2255

For help in purchasing drugs that address MS symptoms

Drug Website phone NumberAmpyra (fampridine-SR) No Web site at press time 888-881-1918Baclofen (intrathecal only) rarediseases.org/programs/medication 800-999-6673 Cymbalta (duloxetine HCI) lillycares.com 800-545-6962Ditropan XL (oxybutynin chloride) jjpaf.org 800-652-6227Neurontin (gabapentin) pfizerhelpfulanswers.com 866-706-2400

Call an MS Navigator™ at 1-800-344-4867 about other drugs or state-supported patient assistance programs. The information here is not guaranteed to be up to date as programs may change, but we hope this helps you get started.


VOLuNTEERS

WE NEED yOu! Volunteers are the backbone of the chapter. We have all kinds of volunteering opportunities available for all ages and skill levels. Get involved with the chapter today in one of the many ways:

upcOMING EVENTS challenge Walk MS September 24-26 Support our 2010 Challenge Walk MS participants as they spend 3 days walking 50 miles down the Southern California coast to create a world free of MS. Volunteer one day, two days or all three days. For more information visit myMSchallenge.com or call (760) 448-8416

Bike MS Bay to Bay Tour October 16 & 17 The 2010 Bike MS Bay to Bay Tour promises to be bigger than ever and we need over 1,000 volunteers to support the 2,500 cyclists as they ride 30, 100 or 150 miles! Many volunteer opportunities are available in Irvine, along the route, Carlsbad and San Diego. For more information, visit biketofinishMS.com.

VOLuNTEERS MAkE IT hAppEN!

TAkE ThE NExT STEp Be a Volunteer captain Are you a natural leader? If you are motivated, have (or want to gain) great leadership skills, have a desire to give back to the community, can inspire people and want to have some fun…then we want you to be a volunteer leader! There are many opportunities for “Captains” to help run the show! If you are interested in becoming a leader please contact Linda Ingram at [email protected] or 760-448-8416.

We had a record number

of volunteers at the Walk

MS events in April. Over

2,000 volunteers gave

their time, enthusiasm and

support. Thanks to the

Disney “Give a Day, Get

a Day” program, we had

more new volunteers than

ever before!

ThANkYOU

AT OuR OFFIcE We’re looking for a volunteer receptionist at the Costa Mesa office who is detail-oriented, has great customer service, and can do general office tasks.

We also need volunteers for all other kinds of office tasks... from computer work to mailings. We can work with your schedule any day Monday thru Friday at the Carlsbad or Costa Mesa offices. For more information about volunteering at one of the chapter offices, call (760) 448-8416.

MOVING TOWARD A WORLD FREE OF MS | PROgRAM HAPPENINgS


MARk yOuR cALENDARS


DISCOVER THE POwER TO BE MORE THAN yOUR MSSaturday, October 2 - San Diego Sunday, October 3 - Irvine

Can Do Multiple Sclerosis, a national nonprofit organization and innovative provider of lifestyle empowerment programs for people with MS and their support partners is bringing its 1-day JUMPSTART® Program to Del Mar and Irvine in collaboration with our chapter.

The program is offered at no cost and will include lunch and the following presentations and workshops:

Mindful Motivation Dave Engstrom, Ph.D., ABPP

Spirituality and MS Lisa Redfearn, MSW, LCSW

Myofascial Stretching Juliann Hanson-Zlatev, OTR

Support Partner Workshop Toby Huston, Ph.D.

For more information and to register for this program contact Can Do Multiple Sclerosis at (800) 367-3101 or mscando.org.

LET’S TALk: AN IN-HOME TELECONFERENCE SERIESNational Health Care Reform: What It Means For People Living With MS Thursday, July 22 6:00-7:30pm Topics include key provisions and dates of health care reform implementation, the pre-existing conditions clause, lifetime limits & long term care, and the impacts on health care coverage, Medicare and Medi-Cal.

Managing Pain & MS Thursday, August 10 6:00-7:30pm Topics include the experience of pain, assessment tools for managing pain, and alternative and complementary therapies in MS pain management.

Accessibility Begins At Home Tuesday, September 21 6:00-7:00pm Topics on home improvements and modifications. Webex presentation included.

Pre-registration one week before each program is requested. To register, call 1-800-344-4867, and press ‘1’ or visit calendar.mspacific.org and select the day of the teleconference.

MOVINg FORwARD: THE NEwLy DIAgNOSED SEMINARSaturday, August 7 8:30am-12:15pm Courtyard by Marriott 8651 Spectrum Center Blvd San Diego, CA 92123

Moving Forward is an educational seminar for people who are newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis within the past 3 years. Our objective is to provide you with information about the diagnosis of MS, treatment options, and the emotional aspects of MS

Register by calling (800) 344-4867 and press ‘1’ or visit calendar.mspacific.org and select August 7.

BOyS’ NIgHT OUTThursday, September 9 Irons in the Fire 150 Avenida Magdalena San Clemente, CA 92627

An exciting new program for men living with MS, this guys-only social event discusses life with MS. New outings are planned four times a year. To RSVP or for more information, contact Jessica at (714) 689-9602 or [email protected]

ORANGE cOuNTy

Anaheim 1st & 3rd Tuesday 12:30 - 2:30pm Rosa Ferreras 714-758-0829

Anaheim: En Español Familiares y amigos bienvenidos El segundo y cuarto martes de cada mes Anaheim Adventist Church 900 S. Sunkist St, 6 - 7:30pm Rosa Ferreras 714-758-0829 Susana Pérez 714-235-7570

Brea: Family & Friends Welcome 2nd Monday & 4th Friday, 10am - 12pm Kathy Kelby 714-525-0686 Rob Lammers 714-990-2933

Brea As of May 7 1st Friday of the month, 10am - 12pm Denise Kish 909-519-4410 Jim Langdon 714-392-2052

Costa Mesa: Man to Man 1st & 3rd Wednesday 1:30 - 3pm Frank Austin 714-925-4100 Mike Milne 949-215-8502

Dana Point: Minimal Symptoms / Newly Diagnosed 4th Thursday, 10am - 12pm Jerry Dowd 949-498-5955 Susan Watson 949-493-1299

Huntington Beach: Minimal Symptoms / Newly Diagnosed 2nd Wednesday, 10am - 12pm Jeanne Archibald 714-842-7198 Priscilla Wolz 714-846-6526

Huntington Beach: Working with MS 1st Tuesday, 6:30 - 8:30pm Karen Patterson 714-377-4006 Laurie Cable 714-969-8298

Irvine: Mature Group 2nd & 4th Wednesday 10am - 12pm Betty Brusco 949-481-0143 Jack Santos 949-786-9593

Irvine: Girl Talk 3rd Monday, 11am - 1:30pm Tabitha Evans 714-669-5618

Laguna Hills 1st Tuesday, 10am - 12pm Francince Grasso 949-278-6935 Karen Harlas 949-498-9583

Lake Forest: MS with Christ 3rd Monday, 6:30 - 8:30pm Bill Bisch 949-218-5020 Cathy Varela 949-496-3810

Midway City 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 10am - 12pm Pat Howard 714-968-0277 Linda Logan 714-374-0430

Mission Viejo: Early-Retired with MS 1st Wednesday 11am - 1:30pm Jude Kosins 949-498-4530 Celine Miller 949-361-0878

Mission Viejo: Minimal Symptoms / Newly Diagnosed 2nd Wednesday, 6:30 - 8pm Jerry Dowd 949-498-5955 Susan Watson 949-493-1299

Newport Beach 3rd Sunday, 2 - 4pm Reverend Sellers 949-764-8358 Norma Mucia 714-641-9171

Newport Beach: Minimal Symptoms / Newly Diagnosed 2nd Tuesday, 11am - 1pm Debra Haynes 949-650-7659 Sherri Brash 714-846-2064

Orange Last Thursday 10:30am - 12:30pm Greg Hertzler 714-993-5988

SELF-hELp GROupS

MOREINFOIf you would like more information about support groups in your area, call 1-800-344-4867 press ‘1’ or contact a leader listed above.


SELF-hELp GROupS

SAN DIEGO cOuNTy

Cardiff by the Sea: Women’s Group Future meetings put on hold For more information, please contact Jessica Goodrich 714-689-9602

Chula Vista: En Español Llame para más información. Fernando Palomino 619-691-7964

Chula Vista St. Marks Lutheran Church 850 Hilltop Dr. 3rd Wednesday, 11am - 1pm Susan Lipp 619-248-0669 Bonnie Kuhn 619-749-8806

Escondido Joslyn Senior Center, Room 5 210 Park Avenue 3rd Wednesday, 1 - 3pm Beth Bradsher 760-747-9096 Michele Easterling 760-805-6390

Escondido: Christian Group 3rd Friday, 1-3 pm Calvary Chapel of Escondido 1675 Seven Oakes Rd, Room 4 Dawn Vallely 760-390-1777

Oceanside Oceanside Library 3861 Mission Avenue 2nd Wednesday, 12 - 2pm Juanita Hamilton 760-754-1911

Poway Weingart Center 13094 Civic Centre Drive 1st Tuesday, 6:30pm Peggy Green 858-748-4009

Ramona 2nd Tuesday, 11am - 12pm Van Reeder 760-789-9129

San Diego (Clairemont/ La Jolla) Denny’s Restaurant 4280 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. 1st Thursday, 10am - 12pm Denise Kish 909-519-4410

San Diego: Mens Group Kaiser Education Center San Diego 10990 San Diego Mission Road 1st Tuesday, 6:30pm Bill Homer 858-571-1867


San Diego (Mid-City) Kaiser Education Center San Diego 10990 San Diego Mission Rd 4th Monday, 2 - 4pm Stephanie Russell 619-224-6156

Spring Valley New Seasons Church 2300 Bancroft Drive 2nd Saturday, 12:30 - 2pm Kris Hodge 619-933-2601 Debbie Centeno 619-460-4123

AQuATIcS

Chula Vista: Outdoor Loma Verde Pool 1420 Loma Lane Tuesdays & Thursdays 12 - 1pm

El Cajon: Outdoor St. Madeline Sophie’s Center 2119 East Madison Avenue Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 11:30am - 12:30pm

Fullerton: Indoor North Orange County YMCA 2000 Youth Way Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 9 - 10am $6 per session

Irvine: Indoor Arthritis Foundation Approved Class Waterworks Aquatics 25 Waterworks Way Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:30 - 11:30am

San Diego: Outdoor Peninsula Family YMCA 4390 Valeta Street Monday-Friday, 11am - 12pm $5 per session

San Diego: Indoor Wave House Athletic Club 3115 Ocean Front Walk Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 11am - 12pm

Vista: Indoor Bally’s Fitness Center 1932 Hacienda Drive Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:45am - 12:45pm

yOGA

Costa Mesa Yoga Works 1835 Newport Blvd, #A208 Mondays, 10:45-11:45am

Dana Point Dana Point Community Center 34052 Del Obispo Road Wednesdays, 8 - 9:15am

Fullerton St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church 2311 E. Chapman Avenue Wednesdays, 10:30 - 11:30am

Huntington Beach Yoga Works 301 Main Street Wednesdays, 1 - 2pm

La Jolla Scripps Memorial Hospital 9888 Genesee Avenue Thursdays, 9 - 10am $10 monthly fee Cardiac Rehab 858-626-6493

Santa Ana Goodwill Fitness Center 1601 E. St. Andrew Place Fridays, 9:45-10:45am

San Diego Addie’s Personal Training Studio 4440 Ingraham St. Sundays, 10-11am $5 per session

San Marcos - Lebed Method Meadow Lark Community Church 1918 Redwing St. Diana Dean-Naú 760-809-9176 $5 per class

OThER

La Jolla Ability Rehab Specialists 737 Pearl St, #108 1st, 2nd, 3rd Tuesdays, 6 - 6:45pm

Mission Viejo Balance Rehabilitation 25971 Pala, Suite 110 Tuesdays, 1 - 2pm

Costa Mesa Healthy Balance 1599 Superior Avenue, Suite B Thursdays, 10:45 - 11:45am

San Diego: MS F.I.T.T Addie’s Personal Training Studio 4440 Ingraham St. Saturdays, 11:30am - 12pm $5 per session

BALANcE

STRENGTh TRAINING


TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 11

FuNDING ThE MISSIONSyLVIA LAWRy SOcIETySylvia Lawry founded the National MS Society in 1946, hoping to cure her brother Bernard’s MS, and led it as chief executive until 1982. Bernard passed away in 1973 and Sylvia died in 2001. While the cure eluded her, Lawry’s legacy is a national movement that aggressively funds research, advocates for change and provides programs and services that help all Americans affected by MS move their lives forward.

The Lawry Circle is comprised of people who know that the quest for a world free of MS must continue. It honors donors who have informed the Society of their intention to help create a better future for the MS community through a gift in their will, trust or estate plan. The Lawry Circle recognizes and honors people who have demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the lives of those with MS by establishing a deferred gift for the National MS Society.

Deferred gifts include:Bequest intentions in a will •

Charitable gift annuities •

Charitable trusts •

Designating the Society as beneficiary of a • retirement account

Designating the Society as beneficiary of a life • insurance policy, or the donation of a policy.

Because all deferred gifts represent an expression of a lifetime commitment to the Society, there are no minimum gift levels and membership is for life.

contact us If you name the National MS Society in your estate plan, please contact us so that we can recognize your dedication and inspire others to help. Should you choose to remain anonymous, your gift will be kept completely confidential.

For more information, contact Karen Barton at 760-448-8412 or [email protected].

SAVE ThE DATE! 24TH ANNUAL MS DINNER AUCTION NOVEMBER 20, 2010

Join us as we return to Loews Coronado Bay Resort for San Diego’s premier charity auction. Enjoy a wonderful evening of shopping with over 700 silent and live auction packages, gourmet dining with complimentary champagne and wine, and dancing to fabulous entertainment. Last year’s event raised over $425,000 toward a world free of MS. Tickets range from $150 to $400 per person. Packages are available with overnight accommodations. Visit our website in July for special early-bird prices!

Want to get involved with this year’s event? We are looking for auction donations. The most popular packages are hotels stays, entertainment passes and tickets, dining certificates and culinary experiences. Many guests shop for the holidays and gift cards, golf foursomes, wine baskets, and electronics go fast. To join the MS Dinner Auction Committee, donate items or receive more information visit MSdinnerauction.com or contact Heather at (760)448-8417 or [email protected].

SuppORTING ThE MISSION


WALk MS TOp FuNDRAISERS & TEAMS ShINEThanks to the incredible efforts of our teams and individual fundraisers, Walk MS 2010 raised almost $1.6 million! In this challenging economy, this is a huge feat!

The following individuals earned the title of Elite Feet by being one of the top 50 fundraisers of over 12,000 walkers. These 50 individuals are responsible for raising over $370,000! They’ve earned themselves some great perks for Walk MS 2011, including VIP parking and check-in.

1. Dick & Lynn Gordon - $42,957

2. Mary & Paul Smigliani - $32,900

3. Cindy Roper - $21,197

4. Samuel & Betty Brusco - $20,800

5. Dawn Beattie - $17,280

6. Rick Hausman - $11,050

7. Ann Pockros - $10,100

8. Bob Wailes - $9,075

9. Lizbeth Najm - $8,871

10. Nick & Ruth Tsoulos - $8,261

11. Phil & Arlene Bresnick - $8,247

12. Rabiah Coon - $7,839

13. Greg Eansor - $7,171

14. Mary Ramsay - $6,763

15. Suzanne Shepela - $6,650

16. David & Helen Pierce - $6,485

17. Scott Sheehy - $6,215

18. Pamela Fair - $6,090

19. Kathy Huyssoon - $6,000

20. Jim Hansen - $5,993

21. Mary Alice Dube - $5,655

22. Hilary Kaye - $5,275

23. Tricia & Jake Chandler - $5,244

24. Diane Ward - $5,155

25. Barbara Maurais - $5,020

26. Jennifer Armstrong - $4,980

27. Rich Israel - $4,830

28. Kathy Dagestino - $4,780

29. Carol Loewenstein - $4,775

30. Lynda Misajon - $4,764

31. Emily Johnson - $4,675

32. Robert Batchelder - $4,295

33. Tara Rotondo - $4,184

34. Jennifer Walker $4,155

35. Nancy Shimamoto & Daniel Collins - $4,110

36. Allan & Linda Shaw - $4,060

37. Tanner Simmons - $4,025

38. Sharon Coughlin - $4,022

39. Elizabeth Lee - $4,010

40. Steve Wimmers - $4,000

40. Shauna Woodward - $4,000

41. Vicki Garcia-Golden - $3,895

42. Joella McNally - $3,702

43. Alan Grossberg - $3,695

44. Kim Schmidt - $3,525

45. David & Linda Harding - $3,475

46. Melanie & Jack Woodworth - $3,265

47. Bryan Misajon - $3,015

48. Anne Odermatt - $2,945

49. Lauren Dougherty - $2,848

50. Rick Browning - $2,765

50. Toshiye Estes - $2,765

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 13

SuppORTING ThE MISSIONOur teams are an extremely important part of Walk MS -- in fact, this year alone, teams raised over $1.2 million! That’s 75% of the fundraising done at Walk MS. Below are our top teams who each raised over $10,000. Kudos on such great work!

MISSION pOSSIBLE TEAMS ($25,000+) Dick Gordon - Dick & Lynn Gordon - $47,632 Team Provide Commerce - Rabiah Coon - $42,388 Team Smig - Mary & Paul Smigliani - $32,900

DIAMOND TEAMS ($10,000-$24,999) Betty’s Builders - Samuel & Betty Brusco - $23,190 SDG&E/Sempra - Pamela Fair - $22,390 American Flyers for MS - Cindy Roper - $22,142 San Diego County Credit Union Community Crew - Shaun Copans - $20,526 Uncle Phil’s Feat - Phil & Arlene Bresnick - $18,727 Aviara Angels - Dawn Beattie - $18,675 Team Evans - Suzanne Shepela - $16,775 Judy’s Tribe - Lynda Misajon - $16,041 Bob’s Buddies - Toshiye Estes - $15,465 Walk N’ ROEL - Irvine - Rick Hausman - $14,985 Pacific Pain Medicine Pain Busters - Bob Wailes - $13,542 Team Hope Walk MS - Tricia & Jake Chandler - $11,796 Ruby’s Raiders - Hilary Kaye - $11,383 The Amblers - David & Helen Pierce - $11,125 Walker’s Walkers - Jennifer Walker - $11,077 Team Gordo - Teri Coakley - $11,036 Big Jim’s Jammers - Jim Hansen - $11,005 Team Jackie - Chelsea Brozovich - $10,701 Leggin’ for Larry - Lizbeth najm - $10,266 Team Ann - Ann Pockros - $10,055

The first ever MS Family Cruise: “We’re all in this boat together” set sail from Long Beach June 25-28, 2010. Over 180 people with MS and their families joined the chapter for this first-time cruise event. The objective of the weekend was to bring together families affected by MS to share with each other and meet new friends fac-ing similar life challenges. Guests enjoyed adaptive yoga, communication and family strengthening classes, medical equipment education, nurse education and some much needed rest and relaxation.

FIRST ANNuAL FAMILy cRuISE IS A SpLASh!

From left: Staff member, Amanda Lasik with Albert Padilla and his mom, Margaret Avilez.


SuppORTING ThE MISSION

TAkING ThE chALLENGE TO WALk TO END MS“I want to experience the Challenge, not just to push myself beyond what my body will allow me to do, but more importantly, to bring more awareness to MS and help find a cure,” says Tricia.

Her son Jake, now 16 years old, loves to play baseball, ride his motorcycle, read and just be a teenager. Jake says, “I will do whatever it takes to help put an end to MS. My mom is a fighter and I will always be there to support her fight.” Jake will be part of “Team Hope” as they walk this fall at Challenge Walk MS.

“Though I sometimes feel isolated because I’m ‘sick,’ I get support and help when I need it. I’m so excited to be a part of Challenge Walk MS. I’ve heard some amazing stories and I’m looking forward to meeting other people who share my passion for raising money and awareness about multiple sclerosis,” says Tricia.

Donate to Tricia’s fundraising, learn more or register to join Challenge Walk MS at www.myMSchallenge.com.

challenge Walk MS September 24-26, 2010 3 Days. 50 Miles. Walk with purpose.

Since the age of 12, Rancho Bernardo resident Tricia Chandler has experienced intermittent optic neuritis, eventually losing vision in her left eye permanently. It wasn’t until she reached age 24 and nine months after the birth of her son, Jake, that Tricia was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. “Initially I was very scared – scared of the uncertainty of what MS might take from me,” says Tricia. Within three months, Tricia was divorced and living with this unpredictable, often disabling disease.

Since her diagnosis, Tricia has experienced everything from left-sided weakness and numbness to slurred speech and double vision. She says, “I cannot walk very far without my left leg going numb. I have cognitive dysfunction, mostly affecting my short-term memory.”

“It’s important to me to support the National MS Society – they support everyone living with MS and fund research that will one day find a cure,” says Tricia who joins Challenge Walk MS for the first time this year. A supporter of Walk MS for the past 15 years, Tricia takes “Team Hope” to the three-day challenge with more than one goal in mind.

Tricia & son, Jake

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STuDy MAy LEAD TO INDIVIDuALIzED TREATMENTFor unclear reasons, a significant number of people with MS do not benefit from interferon therapy, but it can take months or even years to discover this. Since earlier treatment has been linked to better outcomes, being able to predict whether someone will respond to interferon could avert useless treatment and potentially improve results.

A study published in Nature Medicine (March 28, 2010) points the way to an answer why some respond to treatment and others don’t. Dr. Lawrence Steinman of Stanford University and Dr. Chander Raman, of the University of Alabama at Birmingham tested in mice their idea that response

to interferon might depend on which types of cytokines (immune messengers) were leading immune attacks. They found that interferon reduced MS-like symptoms in mice whose experimental disease had

been produced by T helper 1 cells, but worsened disease when it was caused by T helper 17 cells.

The team then checked blood samples of 26 people with MS and found they could differentiate between those who did and didn’t respond to interferon, based on patterns of cytokines. Larger studies will be needed to confirm the study’s findings before they will be useful in the clinic. “The data provides a strong foundation for the possibility that we will be able to tell someone before starting treatment if it will work,” said Dr. Steinman. The study was funded in part by the National MS Society.

LOW-DOSE NALT RExONE MAy IMpROVE QuALITy OF LIFEMost people with MS experience stress, at least sometimes. A recent pilot clinical trial found that low-dose Naltrexone (LDN) may help. LDN is FDA-approved to treat opioid and alcohol addiction. At significantly lower doses, it has been prescribed as a treatment for certain diseases, including MS. Up until now, there has been very little clinical study of LDN’s usefulness for people with MS. Dr. Bruce Cree, Dr. Douglas Goodin, and colleagues at the MS Center, University of California at San Francisco, conducted a study of 60 people with MS.

Participants received LDN for eight weeks and inactive placebos for eight weeks with one week free of treatment in between. The investigators found that LDN significantly improved some measures of quality of life—specifically, mental health, pain and self-reported cognitive function.

However, they found no impact on symptoms such as fatigue, bowel and bladder control, sexual satisfaction or visual function. The investigators emphasized that the results did not support the use of LDN instead of proven MS

treatments, but they do suggest that it may relieve certain MS symptoms, and that larger studies may be warranted.

cALENDAR OF EVENTS

JuLy22 National Health Reform Teleconference AuGuST7 Moving Forward: The Newly-Diagnosed Seminar10 Managing Pain & MS Teleconference SEpTEMBER9 Boys’ Night Out15 Hiring In-Home Care (Teleconference)24-26 Challenge walk MS

OcTOBER2 Can Do Multiple Sclerosis - San Diego3 Can Do Multiple Sclerosis - Irvine16-17 Bike MS Bay to Bay Tour

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

San Diego, CAPermit # 451

Pacific South Coast Chapter

5950 La Place Court #200Carlsbad, CA 92008

cLASSIFIEDS

ScOOTER FOR SALE - $1,500 Victory Pride scooter for sale.

Three wheels, solid tires with high back. Cane holder and cup holder with basket.

Brand new/never used. Comes with ramp for van. For more information, contact

Mary Peace at (619) 463-3878 (Dog not included)

Summer 2010 - MSConnection

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Transcript of Summer 2010 - MSConnection