MSConnection Louisiana Fall 2011

New Orleans Prepares for Artistic Renaissance This Novemberby James Black

New Orleans has elevated the party into an art form. Even in a city as colorful as this, however, one gala stands out as the artistic and social highlight of the season.

Creativity reigns as the Louisiana office of the National MS Society hosts the sixth annual Peoples Health Renaissance Party at 7 p.m. Friday, December 9, 2011, at the Renaissance Arts Hotel in New Orleans. The good times roll with a spirited, festive evening of fine food, drink and jazzy entertainment, with eye-catching artwork and auction packages up for bids.

But this isn’t simply art for art’s sake. This is a party with a purpose.

Since 2006, the Renaissance Party has raised more than $650,000 to support programs and services for men, women and children affected by multiple sclerosis. Funds raised from donors and charitable attendees help paint a clearer picture of a world free of MS.

That world is brought to vivid life through dozens of paintings and sculptures created and donated for auction by the Crescent City’s most talented artists. There’s something for everyone at the Renaissance Party! At last year’s event, just a few of the many other articles up for auction were a

prize package of a 50-inch plasma TV, Blu-ray disc player and HD surround sound system; fine jewelry; dinner parties; a vacation to Steamboat Springs, CO.; theater passes; Pilates classes; athletic club memberships; a “staycation” at New Orleans’ trendiest spots; round-trip plane tickets; wine tastings; gift certificates; memorabilia signed by NFL quarterbacks

Peyton and Eli Manning; and football jerseys signed by quarterback Drew Brees with the hometown favorite Super Bowl-winning New Orleans Saints.

Obviously, things are done in a big way for this Big Easy event, including a mouth-watering round-up of New Orleans’ best dishes and desserts. A live jazz band will be on stage to help guests dance the calories away.

“This is our social event of the season and a large part of our success is thanks to the

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Fall 2011 Louisiana

M O V I N G TO WA R D A W O R L D F R E E O F M S

2 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

Leadership voLunteer opportunity

OHS_2146_OBCM_Bagert_AD.indd 1 10/8/10 1:56 PM

Nominees for South Central RegionBoard of Trustees Now Being AcceptedIndividuals interested in being considered for nomination to the South Central Region Board of Trustees should submit a letter of interest and a biography, along with name, mailing address, email address, and phone number.

Nominees will be notified of board member expectations, responsibilities, fiduciary and time commitments. Final candidates will be interviewed by a member of the Governance Committee.

Nominations for the Board of Trusteesmust be submitted by Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011 to:

Mark NeagliNational MS Society8111 N. Stadium Drive, Ste. 100Houston, TX 77054

Submissions dueby Tuesday,Nov. 15, 2011

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 3

advocacy

Louisiana MS Activism is still going strong throughout the summer!

After a very busy and successful 2011 Legislative Session with the passing of HB 345, Continuity of Prescription Drug Cover-age, MS Activists celebrated in July as Gov-ernor Jindal signed this bill into law. Soon after it was back to work. During August, we met with a few of our U.S. Congressmen and Senators while on recess and home from Washington, D.C. Society Staff, MS Activists, CAC, GRC and Board volunteers met with Congressman Steve Scalise’s legislative staff, Congressman Cedric Richmond’s legislative staff, Congressman Rodney Alexander and Senator Mary Landrieu to discuss one of our 2011 National MS Society Priorities,Improving Access to Neurological Care.

We request that Congress support leg-islation that would allow neurologists to qualify for Medicare payment incentives, in order to improve access to these providers for people living with MS. We respectfully request that they co-sponsor H.R. 2224 as we believe that it will encourage medical students to focus in Neurology and special-ize in MS. As Louisianian’s living with MS, we worry about the current and future availabil-ity of these pro-fessionals in our communities.

Most neurol-ogy practices are heavily fo-cused on pa-tient evaluation, management and coordina-

tion of care for those living with neurologi-cal conditions, like MS. In fact, on average, neurologists invoice 61 percent of their services as described in the second criteria leaving neurology as the only specialty that routinely coordinates care for patients that is not eligible for these incentives.

The National MS Society has long ad-vocated for better access to the appropri-ate medical professionals for people living with MS. Without proper compensation, it is expected that the number of neurolo-gists who enter the field could consider-ably decrease. Excluding neurologists from eligibility for the bonus payment could have long-lasting ramifications for people with neurologic conditions including those living with MS, and leaves these patients in danger of losing important specialized care.

We encourage all those interested to call your U.S. Congressman and Senator and ask

them to support H.R. 2224 and S.597, both addressing the need for Improving Access to Neuro-logical Care.

For more information, contact Crystal Smith at [email protected] or 504-322-3787.

The MS CONNECTION is a publicationof the National Multiple SclerosisSociety, Louisiana, and is publishedthree times a year.

4613 Fairfield StreetMetairie, LA 70006phone: 1-800-344-4867, Option 1or 504-832-4013, Option 1www.mslouisiana.org

Nationwide MS Hotline:1-800-344-4867, Option 1NMSS website:http://www.nationalMSsociety.org

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear solely because they are considered valuable information. The National MS 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 MS Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician. The National MS Society is dedicated to ending the devastating effects of MS.


ATTENTIONPlease let us know if you would like to receive this newsletter by e-mail. We

would appreciate this very much as you help us to go green! Thank you! Call 1-800-344-4867, Option 2, Ext 3787.

Louisiana

Regional Executive Vice PresidentMark Neagli

Vice President of Development, LouisianaRebecca Pennington, Ph.D, CFRE

Director of Programs & ServicesCrystal Smith, BA, MSCIR, MSSMC

Coordinator, Programs & ServicesAnna Moss, BSW

Development ManagerJessica Tuite, BS

Development CoordinatorJennifer Guza, BA, MS

Office Manager & AdministratorSusan McCarthy


Ms research

Global Consortium Doubles the Number of MS Risk Genes IdentifiedIn the largest MS genetics study ever undertaken, a global collaboration of scientists has identified 29 new genetic variants associated with MS and confirmed 23 others previously associated with the disease, verifying a major role for the immune system in the development of MS. The study involved nearly 10,000 people with MS and more than 17,000 controls without MS, and was funded by the Wellcome Trust, the National Institutes of Health, the National MS Society and many other organizations.

Some 250 investigators of the International MS Genetics Consortium and the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium 2 participated in the study, published in the Aug. 11, 2011 issue of Nature. The results are now to be

confirmed and expanded in an independent, second large-scale set of cases with a research grant from the National MS Society. Most of the genes implicated in the study were related to immune function and more than one-third have previously been confirmed to be associated with autoimmune diseases. In a second study published in PLoS Genetics, collaborators showed that diseases believed to be autoimmune share many similar genetic variants.

To date, the results of genetics studies in MS do not significantly improve the ability to provide genetic counseling to individuals. However, the findings promise to better define the biological pathways leading to MS and enhance our ability to design better treatments for early MS.

Read more about genetics research funded by the National MS Society by visiting www.nationalMSsociety.org.

SELF-HELP GROUPSALEXANDRIAHealthSouth, Conference Room on first floor104 N. Third StreetSecond Tuesday, 6 p.m.For more information:Tarra Babin andShada Brown, Co-Leaders318-374-0058

AMITE/HAMMONDFirst Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.Tangipahoa Police Sub-station15475 Club Delux Rd., Meeting RoomHammondBill and Judy Perkins, Leaders985-878-6313Stephanie Carter, Co-Leader985-542-2705

BATON ROUGEThird Tuesday, 12 NoonFamily Road ofGreater Baton Rouge323 E. Airport(directions: 225-201 -8888)Joyce Smith andDonna Hildebrandt,Co-Leaders

HOUMAFirst Thursday,7 to 8:30 p.m.Terrebonne GeneralMedical CenterOutreach Center,Southland Mall5953 Park Ave, Suite 3003Fran LeBlanc, LeaderPenny Gilton, Co-Leader

LAFAYETTELafayette Physical Rehabilitation Hospital307 Polly LaneDawn Abbott, LeaderAngela Trahan, Co-Leader

NEW GROUP!!!!!TRI-PARISHESSELF-HELP GROUPMeet Last Wednesday of month, 7 p.m.St. John the BaptistParish Library2920 Hwy. 51LaPlace, La. 70068985-652-6857(for directions to library)Joan Ory, [email protected]

MANDEVILLESecond Tuesday, 7 p.m.St. Timothy Methodist ChurchEducational BIdg.335 Asbury DriveSusan Scott andPeggy Cartier (Co-Leaders)

METAIRIEThird Tuesday, 7 p.m.Louisiana MS office 4613 Fairfield Street504-322-3787Janice Naquin, Leader

MONROELast Thursday, 12 NoonGlenwood Med. Mall, Community Room102 Thomas Road West MonroeLynn Armet, Leader

NEW ORLEANSWest Bank JestersFirst Friday of each monthat 10:30 a.m.Gretna Community Center1700 Monroe St.Gretna, La. 70053Diane Orlesh, Leader,504-394-5623Kim Maloz, Co-Leader,504-394-2274First time visitors shouldcall Diane or Kimto confirm location.

NEW GROUPMID-CITY NEW ORLEANS TO START IN SEPTEMBERNewly Diagnosed GroupOchsner – Baptist Campus4429 Clara St.New Orleans, LA 70115Conference Room – Krew Room 310Second Monday6 to 7:30 p.m. starting September 12thMimi Jalenak, Leader504-861-0859For directions callOchsner Dept. of Neurology 504-842-3980(M– F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)


SuPPORT GROuPS

Co-Leader needed in Shreveport! Anyone interested in volunteering to help out with our Shreveport group,

please call Crystal at 504-322-3787 or email at [email protected].

RUSTONSecond Saturday,10:30 a.m. to 12 NoonHealth SouthEzell Street(across from Green Clinic)Barbara McIntyre, Leader, (318) 243-1858Sherry Lewis, Co-Leader

SHREVEPORTFirst Tuesday, 6 p.m.Willis-Knighton HospitalSteen Hall Eye Institute2611 Greenwood Rd.(corner of Greenwood and Hearne Ave.)Linda Galloway, Leader

NEW GROUPVINTON, LAKnights of Columbus1424 Grace AvenueVinton, LA 70668Second Saturday10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.Elaine Briggs, Leader337-309-5124

SuPPORT GROuPS


Self-Help Groups Offer BothIn-Person and Phone Supportby Susan La Combe

Self-Help Groups offer opportunities to make new friends and share with others how you experience life with MS. Meetings provide settings to share common concerns, give and receive emotional support, and receive MS-related information from peers and guest speakers. Self-Help Groups are facilitated by trained volunteers with personal experiences with MS.

To find a group that meets in-person near you, call the National MS Society at 1-800-344-4867.

The Society also offers several Self-Help Groups that meet by phone, giving you the opportunity to join in from the comfort of your own home:

Susan LaCombe is Programs and Services Manager in the Society’s Dallas office. She can be reached at [email protected].

Phone Group Name Meeting Day/Time Call-In NumberHome is Your Range First Wednesday of each

month1 p.m. CST

1-888-346-3659 (enter code 1073 when prompted)

MS and CancerGroup contact,Margaret [email protected]

Fourth Wednesday of each month3 p.m. CST

1-888-346-3659 (enter code 1073 when prompted)

Cafe con Leche: Conversations and Support for People Living with MS Monthly telephone group in Spanish

Stay at Home Support for those living with MS for five years or more

Tuesdays1 to 2:30 p.m. CST

Third Wednesday of each month11 a.m. CST

1-888-346-3659(enter code 64552 when prompted)

1-888-346-3659(enter code 64552 when prompted)


fundraising

A Year in Review – How Individual Giving Makes a Differenceby Kristen Stubbs

I am always amazed at how quickly time flies the older we get. Remember when as a little kid you thought Christmas would never come? Well, here we are again winding down the year and reflecting once more on where we have been, where we are now, and where we will be going in 2012.

At the National MS Society, we are going places! We are going places with our research, with our medication development, with our events, and with our programs and services for people living with MS. Our new MS Research Revolution; No Opportunity Wasted initiative to raise $250 million by 2015 is in full force and we are busy identifying donors who can make that lead gift to fund crucial research to Stop the progression of MS, Restore lost function, and End MS forever. Stop * Restore * End is our new mantra around the Society and I invite you to become a Research Champion along with thousands of other people who want to do something about MS NOW!

To see the latest and greatest research initiative from the Society go to http://www.nationalmssociety.org/research/now-champion/index.aspx and take the 10 minute Research Champion course to join thousands of other people who are a part of the MS Research Revolution.

Speaking of research, what a difference a year can make. In 2011 we saw the very first oral disease modifying drug come to market. What a breakthrough! For some people living with MS they can now take a simple

pill called Gylenia instead of using a needle and giving themselves an injection. The development of this drug was made possible by donors who have given generously throughout the years. We can’t make a difference without you.

The various offices of the South Central Region continue to provide many important and life changing services to people living with MS, their families and the healthcare providers who serve them. We continue to help people in financial crisis, hold wellness and exercise classes throughout the region, provide expert information and referral services as well as execute walks and bike rides which serve to provide a rallying point for people who want to help. Again, all of these programs and events are possible because of the support from our fundraisers and donors.

As you consider your year-end gift, please keep in mind the tens of thousands of people in our region who live with MS. Please keep in mind the many opportunities that are available for volunteers and donors. Please keep in mind that your tax deductible gift may provide help for someone in crisis. And lastly, please keep in mind that MS stops people from moving. We exist to make sure it doesn’t.

Kristen O. Stubbs is Past Regional Vice President, Strategic Philanthropy for the National MS Society. If you would like to make a year-end donation send an email [email protected].

newLy diagnosed support


Second Monday (Beginning September 2011)6 - 7:30 p.m.


Mri technoLogy

Understanding Your MRI ScanMRI Imaging of the Brainby David J. Robinson, RT (MRI) (CT),Director of Imaging ServicesDoctors Imaging Services

Many patients with the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis receive routine brain MRI scans to evaluate the status of MS plaque formation along with assessing the effectiveness of their current clinical treatment. The MRI scanner is capable of imaging the brain from any angle or plane, and with the proper software applications, may utilize 3D imaging of the brain for enhanced diagnostic accuracy. The information provided by the MRI scanner and the radiologist interpretation, allows the neurologist to assess the clinical status of the patient and plan effective clinical management of the disease. With this in mind, I will review how the images are acquired and the key elements of the MRI scan that allow the radiologist to clearly assess the patient’s clinical status.

The MRI scanner utilizes a highly sophisticated “Brain Coil” with multiple receiver channels, to collect image data from the patient. The “Brain Coil” is a helmet like device that is designed for maximum patient comfort and visibility while allowing the patient full access to the operator. With

the coil in place, the patient is able to see outside of the device and to communicate with the operator of the MRI scanner via built in headphones and speaker. It is important that the patient is comfortable so as to limit motion during the exam thus insuring the best images possible. Modern 3 tesla ultra high field MRI scanners, also known as 3T scanners, are equipped with soft table padding, temperature controls, lighting controls and leg or arm supports to insure each patient is as comfortable as possible.

Please note 3 tesla MRI scanner and head coil photo courtesy of Doctors Imaging Metairie LA.

Once the patient is comfortable inside the scanner and the imaging sequences are loaded, the operator will begin to image the patient utilizing a number of protocol techniques. Each individual

imaging sequence “sounds” different and patients will frequently report noticing differing rhythmic patterns to the sounds. These sounds are quite normal and should not cause the patient any discomfort, however, they should be utilizing hearing protection, such as ear plugs, provided by the MRI technologist. The technologist will be in contact with the patient between each sequence of sounds and is actively monitoring the patient and exam to insure

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the best clinical images possible. Listed below are the most common imaging techniques utilized on the MRI system along with the associated clinical images.

T1 Imaging of the Brain T1 refers to the soft tissue contrast

produced by the T1 sequence. As displayed in the images below, normal fluid is dark and the white matter of the brain is lighter, or brighter, than the grey matter. This sequence provides the radiologist an architectural overview of the brain and will provide valuable information about anatomical position of the sub-structures of the brain. Please note T1 sequence of the brain below.

T2 Imaging of the Brain T2 refers to the soft

tissue contrast produced by the T2 sequence. As displayed in the images, normal fluid is bright and the white matter of the brain is darker than the grey matter. This sequence provides the radiologist an overview of brain anatomy with an eye focused on abnormal areas of increased water signal inside of specific brain structures. Based on the position, shape and signal detected in any abnormal area, a radiologist can begin to assess what

may be affecting the area in question.

FLAIR (Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery) T2 Imaging of the Brain

FLAIR T2 refers to the soft tissue contrast produced by the FLAIR T2 sequence. As displayed in the images below, normal brain fluid (CSF) is dark and the white matter of the brain is darker than the grey matter,

however, this sequence has an extra feature which allows abnormal fluid to display as bright while normal fluid will remain dark. This sequence provides the radiologist with a clear assessment of what is normal vs. abnormal fluid areas inside of the brain. Many conditions can cause abnormal fluid signal on the flair sequence including Multiple Sclerosis. FLAIR sequences are mandatory for imaging known or suspected MS patients. When available, 3D FLAIR sequences should be utilized for maximum resolution and evaluation of disease progression. Please note the 3D FLAIR

image below along with the comparison to the T2 protocol.

3D FLAIR SequenceFLAIR and T2 on same patient and the same area

FLAIR T2 imaging is a very powerful tool for localizing

Ms research

and evaluating abnormalities of the brain. FLAIR is mandatory for imaging MS patients and when 3D FLAIR is not available, the sequence should be acquired in at least 2 different planes.

T1 “Post MRI Contrast” refers to the soft tissue contrast produced by the T1 sequence after the administration of an MRI agent such as MultiHance provided by Bracco Diagnostics. As displayed in the images below, normal fluid is dark and the grey/white matter of the brain has a similar appearance to the pre contrast T1 images, however, vascular structures are very bright along with any abnormal areas in the brain. On this particular image, the abnormal area does not enhance after contrast.

Obtaining the Best MRI Possible In order to obtain the best MRI exam

possible, it is important to note the following points.

Be sure you are scanned on a high field MRI system, or if available, an ultra high field 3T system.

For many years 1.5 tesla was the strongest magnet available for use as a scanner, however, now 3 tesla systems are available and are considered the gold standard for neurological imaging of the brain and spine. Due to the cost of the ultra high field systems, 3 tesla MRI scanners are limited

in availability. At this time, there are seven ultra high field systems in Louisiana and only 2 in the New Orleans area available in comfortable, convenient outpatient settings.

Be sure the facility is ACR accredited. The American College of Radiology provides MRI accreditation to insure minimum standards of quality and competence

of the staff, interpreting radiologist and equipment are achieved.

Avoid Open MRI systems for MRI of the brain unless you have tried everything else!

Open MRI scanners allow patients to feel less anxious from claustrophobia during an MRI exam,

however, unless you have exhausted all options to complete a conventional MRI exam, do not choose the open MRI scanner for neurological exams. These systems typically are low field scanners and simply do not provide the resolution and detail required to satisfy most neurologist and neuro-radiologist. If you are only capable of completing an open MRI exam, insure the system has been ACR accredited.

Always request a copy of your MRI exam on a CD and store this CD in a safe place.

Whenever a new MRI exam is needed, you will always be able to obtain a comparison to the old study. This is important in evaluating the progress of disease treatment.


Ms research

FLAIR 3D Sequence T2 Sequence

FLAIR 3D Sequence T2 Sequence

Multiple Sclerosis Study of Oral MedicationThe MS Clinic at LSUHSC-NO is conducting a study to test the safety and effectiveness of an investigational oral medication for MS. Participants must have a diagnosis of MS either of the relapsing remitting or secondary progressive form and be 18 to 60 years old and not have a relapse in the last 30 days. Patients taking Copaxone, Rebif, Betaseron, or Avonex for the last six months will be eligible for the study.

If you would like more information please e-mail Dr. Jesus Lovera at [email protected] or research associate Alexander Ramos at [email protected] or call 504 903 9302.

Study medication, tests and office visits as well as parking will be covered by the study. The study is sponsored by the National Institute for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Dr. Lovera is the principal investigator. Participation will last one year.

Louisiana Welcomes NewPrograms and Services Coordinator We are happy to announce our newest staff member. Anna Moss has recently joined our Programs & Services Team. Anna has a BSW and recently moved to New Orleans from Tennessee where she worked as an In-Home Foster Care Counselor. In her position, she provided therapeutic interventions with clients and their families and assisted families in finding successful permanent home situations. In addition, she has experience in providing emotional support to clients and in providing assistance with activities of daily living for people living with dementia. Anna has a strong focus on

teams and working closely with her team members, is very organized and empathetic. We are excited for her to bring her talents to our awesome team. As program coordinator, Anna will be planning programs, teleconferences and working with self- help groups and much more. She is looking forward to meeting everyone soon at programs and events around the state.

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weLcoMe


voLunteering

Volunteers Answer the Call to Help Their CommunitiesBy James Black

Even in uncertain economic times, volunteerism is thriving in the South Central United States.

According to a comprehensive Volunteering in America report released in August from the Corporation for National and Community Service, Oklahoma is the top state in the region, with an average volunteer rate of nearly 30%. It is followed by New Mexico (26.2%), Texas (23.8%), Louisiana (21.9%) and Arkansas (21.4%). Utah is the top state in the union with a volunteerism rate of 44.5%.

National ResultsMore than 62 million Americans on

average volunteered 8.1 billion hours in 2010. The median number of hours served per volunteer rose from 50 in 2009 to 52 in 2010. According to the report, the total estimated value of volunteer service in 2010 was $173 billion, based on the average value of a volunteer hour, which was estimated at $21.36 last year.

It was noted that members of Generation X – those born between 1965 and 1981 – have more than doubled their volunteer rate since 1989. In 1989, 12.3% of this group volunteered with an organization; by 2010, the rate had increased to nearly 30%.

Across the United States, volunteers are helping organizations – particularly nonprofit agencies such as the National MS Society –

serve the country’s most vulnerable citizens. As nonprofit organizations continue facing budget challenges and fewer resources, the contributions made by volunteers become more vital than ever.

Most volunteers nationally devoted their time to fundraising efforts (26.5%), followed by collecting or distributing food (23.5%) and general labor (20.3%).

On a national level, people volunteered most often with religious organizations (35%), followed by educational facilities (26.7%) and social service groups (14%).

Geographically, most U.S. volunteers in 2010 lived in rural areas (27.9%), narrowly outdoing those in the suburbs (27.5%) and outpacing residents in urban centers (22.9%).

South Central States ResultsWhen examining volunteerism for

residents in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, the Lone Star State was the only one in which fundraising was not the top volunteer activity. Collecting and distributing food (25.7%) was the top job for Texas volunteers, followed closely by fundraising at 24.9%.

Mirroring the national trend, state volunteers chose to help religious organizations (a range of 38-43% across the five states), followed by educational and social service groups.

Geographically, those in Texas’ suburban and rural markets were nearly neck-and-neck. More than 25% of Lone Star volunteers lived in the suburbs, with 24.9% in rural communities and 22.3% in urban markets.

Across all five South Central states, however, rural volunteers contributed the most hours, ranging from 52 hours in

weLLness

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Arkansas to 72 hours in Oklahoma. In Texas, rural volunteers worked an average of 64 hours, compared with 56 suburban hours and 48 city hours.

City ComparisonsIn the five South Central States, Oklahoma

had the top two volunteer rates per city: Oklahoma City (32.1%) and Tulsa (31%). The remaining top 10 South Central cities based on volunteer rates were Dallas (27.7%); Albuquerque, N.M. (26.7%); Baton Rouge, La. (25.6%); Little Rock, Ark. (25.3%); New Orleans, La. (24.4%); Austin (24%); San Antonio (22.5%); and Houston (22.5%).

Fundraising was the top volunteer activity in Austin; El Paso; Lafayette, La; Little Rock; New Orleans; Oklahoma City; and Tulsa. The collection, distribution and serving of food was the top job for volunteers in Baton

Rouge, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, while tutoring was the top activity for Albuquerque, N.M. and Fayetteville, Ark. volunteers.

Wherever they call home, South Central volunteers are making powerful differences in their communities.

Visit www.VolunteeringinAmerica.gov to read the complete volunteering report.

Learn more about volunteering locally with the National MS Society and helping persons living with MS in your community. Visit www.volunteerMS.org or call 1-800-344-4867 (press 2).

James Black is the editor of MSConnection and a Strategic Communications Specialist in the Society’s Houston office. He can be reached at [email protected].

Location: East Jefferson Wellness Center 3726HoumaBlvd.•Metairie,LA70006 504-849-6868 AimeeBerthelot,ProgramCoordinator

Day and Time: TuesdaysandThursdays12:30pm–1:15pm

Program Cost: Feesincludefulluseoffacilityinadditiontoparticipation inaquaticsprogram.

ContactAimeeBerthelot,ProgramCoordinator formoreinformationandtoregister.

Participantsmusthavephysician’sreleasetoparticipate.Personal Assessmentswillbescheduledbyfacilityonceregisteredforprogram.

The National MS Society, Louisiana andEast Jefferson Wellness Center invite you

to dive in to wellness with theEJWC MS Aquatics and Exercise Program


schoLarships

2012 Scholarship Applications Available OnlineThe National MS Society offers a

scholarship program for students living with multiple sclerosis or who have a parent living with MS. Applicants must be planning to attend an accredited post-secondary school for the first time and to take at least six credit hours per semester leading to a degree, license or certificate.

Each recipient is selected based on financial need, academic performance, compelling personal or family circumstances,

and an applicant’s essay on the impact of MS on his or her life.

Starting Oct. 1, 2011, scholarship applications for 2012 are available online at www.nationalMSsociety.org/scholarship. There is no application fee for Society scholarships. Completed applications and supporting materials must be submitted by January 2012; visit the Society website in October for the specific deadline date.

National Conference is Nov. 2 – 4Persons with MS and volunteers from across the United States will take part in

the National MS Society’s 2011 National Conference in Dallas on Nov. 2 – 4. The conference offers opportunities to hear about research and personal stories from those committed to a world free of MS. Details on conference location, registration, applicable fees and more are available online at www.nationalMSsociety.org or by

calling 1-800-344-4867 (press 1).

Renaissance - (continued from page one) continued support of our presenting sponsor for this event, Peoples Health,” said Rebecca Pennington, Vice President of the Society’s Louisiana office. “Their partnership helps enhance the health and well-being of everyone we serve. It’s a special way that Peoples Health and our guests at the Renaissance Party are giving back and supporting our communities.”

Sharing that frame of mind, volunteer members of the Renaissance Party Planning Committee, working with the Society’s Louisiana staff, are putting their considerable talents to perfect use to make this year’s

party unforgettable.“The Renaissance Party is as colorful and

as exciting as New Orleans itself,” Pennington said. “It’s a celebration of the unique culture that makes us stand out and our shared passion that helps us stand together to help everyone affected by MS.”

Don’t let this party get started without you: For more information or to reserve tickets for the 2011 Peoples Health Renaissance Party, visit the Society’s Louisiana website at www.nationalMSsociety.org/lam.

MSConnection Editor James Black can verify that they really know how to throw a great Renaissance Party in New Orleans. He can be reached at [email protected].

schoLarships

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Society Announces 2011 Scholarship Recipients The National MS Society’s scholarship program exists to help qualified students who have been diagnosed with MS or who have a parent with MS achieve

their dreams of going to college. The Society is pleased to announce the 2011 scholarship recipients in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

This year, the Society was able to award 61 college-bound students in these states with scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 each.

ARKANSAS Dallas BarnettHannah CokerBrittany CurryKatherine KordsmeierAshley RenegarKelly Strickland

LOuISIANASamantha GuidryLauren LejeuneTroy NortonJoshua RandallGill Walker Jr.

NEW MExICOKristine DavisMaraka HannaganKathryn Sanchez

OKLAHOMAMary BarkerKenneth BlackTracy GilliamKatie HansonAlyson HeathJeremy KinseyGrant MorganCallie MortSeth RutledgeWhitney SterettMackenzie Stout

TExASKelly AmmonsKelsea BakerBradley BellowsLauren BrewerElliot CleaverKrystal CortezKayla DavisKatherine DeHavenAustin DuvalSkyler EwingSara Fuerst

Haley GastonKamron GatlinBrandi HarrisonTaylor HatchDavid HattebergAvery JonesEmily JonesBridgette KiefferChelsea LemonsRyein MarksAnn MartinezAnisha MathewMandi MoranReid MungerPaige NowlinAustin PayneBridget PettyLydia SancerAubrey ScottKiersten SmithZachary SmithBrenna StubbsKassie TrevinoJustin WilliamsEmily Windolph

Support for the scholarship program comes from foundations, individual

donors, the Society’s own employee-giving program and other sources. To learn

more, contact your local Society office by calling 1-800-344-4867 (press 2).


Ms research

Multiple ScleroSiS obServational StudyThe MS Clinic at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans is participating in a study

for patients with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis who are currently being treated with or considering treatment with Tysabri®. Study participants must be between 18 and 60 years of age. A blood sample will be collected from volunteers at the first visit and then once a year for two years for JC virus (JCV) antibody testing.

JCV is linked to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and taking Tysabri® is associated with an increased risk of getting PML. The purpose of this study is to collect blood samples from people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who are taking Tysabri® or may take it as a treatment for MS to see if previous exposure to JCV may predict whether a person is at risk for developing PML while taking Tysabri®. Antibodies are produced by the body’s immune system when it detects foreign substances so prior exposure to JCV will be identified by presence of the antibody in the blood.

If you would like more information about this study, please e-mail Study Coordinator, Nicole Villemarette-Pittman at [email protected]. Dr. Amy Gutierrez, Principal Investigator, and Dr. Jesus Lovera staff the MS Clinic at 2820 Napoleon Ave., Suite 700, New Orleans, LA, and will be happy to answer any questions that you may have about this clinical trial. The cost of the study laboratory test will be covered by the study sponsor, Biogen Idec. Participation involves 3 blood draws over 2 years and there is no compensation for volunteers.

Louisiana MembershipChildren with MS

Annual membership to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Louisiana, supports services for nearly 4,000 people living with MS and inclusive in a total of nearly 28,000 lives affected by MS in 64 parishes, and contributes to the Society’s national research programs. Membership benefits include voting privileges at the Chapter Annual Meeting, a one-year subscription to the National MS Society magazine, Momentum, invitations to Society programs and events, and the Louisiana newsletter, MS Connection. All contributions are tax deductible. Courtesy memberships are available.

Louisiana is on a mission to identify members for participation in age specific programs. If you are, or if you have a child 18 years or younger diagnosed with MS……we need to know who you are to participate in family and children with MS programs. Please help us by completing this document and sending back to Louisiana Chapter, Attention Programs Dept. 4613 Fairfield St., Metairie, LA 70006 or by email at [email protected].

Name of child ________________________________________________________________

Gender: Male _________ Female _________ Birthdate ______________________

Address _____________________________________________________________________

City _________________________________ State _________ Zip Code _________________

Diagnosed with confirmed MS? Yes _____No ______Possible MS______

Date of diagnosis___________________ Other diagnosis if not MS________________

Parent/guardian information

Name _______________________________________________________________________

Relationship _________________________________________________________________

Address if different from above _________________________________________________

Phone Number’s_______________________ Email __________________________________Please check all that applyq My child has MS or related condition, please add to membership list.q My Child does not have MS. Please remove from list. q My child does have MS but I do not want to receive information or services at this time. Please remove from list.

National MS Society Louisiana, 4613 Fairfield St., Metairie, LA 70006(504)832-4013, toll free (800) 344-4867.

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 19

National MS SocietyNational Multiple Sclerosis Society - Louisiana4613 Fairfield St.Metairie, LA 70006

FORWARDING SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. Postage

PAIDMetairie, LAPermit # 242

Walk MS Shreveport-Bossier CitySaturday, March 10, 2012, at the Louisiana Boardwalk

Walk MS New OrleansSaturday, March 24, 2012, at Audubon Park

Walk MS Baton RougeSaturday, March 31, 2012, at Perkins Rowe

Register to walk at:www.mslouisiana.org

Documents

MSConnection Louisiana Fall 2011