Oklahoma Summer 2011 MSConnection

Are You an MS Activist? PAGE 10

More than 500 People Gearing Up for The Mother of All Rides By Kelly Dooley

Bike MS: The Mother Road Ride with presenting sponsor Sam’s Club is the most supported ride in the state. The beauty of it is that you can ride as much or as little as you want. This is the perfect chance for you to get on a bike, ride for yourself and, more importantly, ride for Oklahomans living with multiple sclerosis.

More than 500 people are getting in spandex to go from Tulsa to Oklahoma City this September. Join them as they get on their bikes and ride from Tulsa to Chandler, Okla. on Day One. Then, celebrate with each other with food, a live band and plenty of fun on Saturday night. On Sunday morning, everyone gets on their bikes and finishes at the State Capitol steps in Oklahoma City.

Register today to ride or volunteer at bikeMSok.org and join us Sept. 17-18.

M OV I N G TOWA R D A W O R L D F R E E O F M S S U M M E R 2 0 1 1

O K L A H O M A

Smarty Pants Trivia Night PAGE 3

Battle of the Bands PAGE 8

Oklahomans Step Up at Walk MS Events PAGE 6

Bike MS Cyclists Jeff and Carissa Ramming

Vice President’s ImpressionsDear Members,

This issue of our newsletter really puts the total perspective of who is affected by MS at the forefront. Note the families and care partners at our walks; see the pride in our student scholars at Family Day; relive the passion of our activists at the State Capitol and in Washington, D.C. The National MS Society surrounds people with MS in a support system from the early stage of the disease and throughout its unpredictable course and its impacts on the individual and family. From fundraising, programs and services and more we are here to make a positive impact on your life.

Melissa Neal, the recent Linda Chance Scholarship recipient, had this to say, “The National MS Society empowers me even when I feel powerless. It took some time for me to accept multiple sclerosis was just two words, not a sentence. I don’t know how long it would have taken me to come to that conclusion on my own without the Society’s help. I feel very fortunate in my misfortunes and it’s opportunities like this scholarship that prove my point. Thank you.”

Melissa’s mother has MS and Melissa has MS, but she can be found helping in the Oklahoma City office, advocating at the Capitol, championing MS on her college campus, rallying at Walk MS and the Bike MS and more. Because of volunteers like Melissa, we truly can strive to obtain our mission, “we mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS.”

Stay cool in this season of heat and I hope to see you at all the upcoming events, we have so many opportunities to do this together.

Paula H. Cortner2 I JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org 3TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 I

MSCONNECTION is published by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Oklahoma, Building 7, Suite 103, 4606 E. 67th St., Tulsa, OK 74136-4950.

Tulsa Office 918-488-0882Outside Tulsa 800-344-4867Oklahoma City Office 405-488-1300Tulsa Fax 918-488-0913Oklahoma E-mailstaff’s first name.last [email protected] www.nationalmssociety.org/ok

Vice President • Paula H. CortnerCommunications Manager • Brandi DavidsonDirector of Development • Lucy FraserDevelopment Manager • Cristy RacyDevelopment Coordinator • Rachel KlendaDir. of Programs & Services • Sharleen DupeePrograms & Services Managers • Lisa Rutledge, Jennifer PhilpHealth Resource Advocate • Candace RichersonHealth Resource Assistant • Clayton MillerPrograms & Services Coordinator • Donna BolainYouth Programs Coordinator • B.J. McBrideFinance Manager • Denise AllenData Mgmt Coordinator • Lisa GrayNewsletter Editor • Brandi DavidsonNewsletter Proofreader • Lisa Gray

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

The 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.

©2011 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Oklahoma

5th Annual Smarty Pants Trivia Night Thursday, Aug. 11Oklahoma History Center 800 Nazi Zuhdi Drive Oklahoma CityDoors open at 6 p.m. Trivia begins at 7 p.m.

Teams of up to 10 players will compete for the following prizes:

• Best Team Costumes • Best Team Table Decoration • Smarty Pants Trivia Team Champion

TABLES - $400 (seating for 10) To reserve your table, contact Lucy Fraser at 405-488-1300 or [email protected]. This fundraiser will also feature a “Pick Your Package” Raffle and WALL O’ WINE sales.

Thanks to these generous sponsors: • Chesapeake Energy • Cox Communications • Skyline Media Group Inc. • Jay and Sara Kyte

2 I JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org 3TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 I

NEWS

10th Annual Uncorking the Cure for MS: Come Celebrate with UsPlease join us for our 10th Annual Uncorking the Cure for MS Live and Silent Auction. This event will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, at the Tulsa Historical Society. The event will include our live and silent auction, delicious cuisine from Lambrusco’z and award-winning wine from Calistoga Cellars. Participate in our Wall O’Wine pull and new Restaurant Gift Card Pull.

Special thanks to the fabulous event committee members and Uncorking Chairs: Debbie and David Carder, Patron Chairs: John and Lori Cowen, and Winemasters: Tom and Melanie Tate, and David and Suzan Wadley!

For more information, contact Rachel Klenda at 800-344-4867, option 2, ext. 35124, or [email protected]. Tickets and Patronage opportunities are available online at nationalMSsociety.org/uncorking.


NEWS Art Bike Tulsa presented by SCFM Compression Systems, Inc.

By Brandi Davidson

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society unveiled, for the first time in Tulsa, Art Bike Tulsa presented by SCFM Compression Systems, Inc. The Art Bike installation was located at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center from May 5 to June 1 and was held in conjunction with the Tulsa International Mayfest.

Tulsa’s leading artists created these colorful, uniquely-designed bicycles to bring awareness to multiple sclerosis. The artists featured this year along with the title of their pieces:

• Michael Christopher – Fouette Rond de Jambe en Tournant

• Jim Coles – Looking for a Cure • Kim Doner – Let Robin Fly • Michelle Firment Reid – Flying Forward • Jan McKay – Chaining for Change • Christopher Regan – Purple People Eater • Byron Shen – Hope • Billie Sue Thompson – Chimes for Andrea

There was an additional featured installation submitted by the presenting sponsor, SCFM Compression Systems, Inc. It was called the Lazy Dollar and the creators were: Chad Bauman, Chuck Henson and Eren Pierce.

Many of the artists had a direct connection to someone affected by MS. One touching story is that of Kim Doner and Robin Green Tilly. Kim and friends of Robin came together to create the “Let Robin Fly” art bike. Here is a poem that Kim and her friends wrote to dedicate to Robin: “We watched as you were robbed of choices; it’s hard to fly without the winds. So we will lift you with our voices – A song to Robin, from her friends.”

We’d like to thank SCFM Compression Systems, Inc. for all of their support, along with Tulsa bike shops

and volunteers for donating the bike parts. Also, many thanks to Tulsa International Mayfest, Tulsa Performing Arts Center and the Deborah Brown Community School.

View photos online at our website, Facebook page or Flickr site. Visit nationalMSsociety.org/ok to find the Art Bike Tulsa web page.

NEWS


Welcome New Interns Liz Horkey and Laura Klenda• Liz joined the Oklahoma office

as the development intern in June.

• Previously worked as a marketing assistant for the Student Union Marketing office of Oklahoma State University.

• Graduate of Oklahoma State University, received a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in history.

• Liz is a Tri-Delta alumna.

• “I came to work at the Society by chance. I was looking for an internship, and when I learned about this opportunity I knew it would be perfect for me. I didn’t know much about multiple sclerosis before I began working for the Society, but since I have been here I have come to realize how supportive the community is of the Society and I find that exceptionally inspirational.”

• Laura joined the Oklahoma office as the marketing and public relations intern in June.

• Previously was a volunteer at the Norman Regional Hospital.

• Graduate of University of Oklahoma, received a bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary studies.

• Laura is a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, Public Relations Student Society of America and Tulsa’s Young Professionals.

• Her sister-in-law, Rachel Klenda, also works in the Tulsa office for the Society.

• “My main inspiration for working for the Society is my close friend Channing Barker, who was diagnosed with MS when we were in high school. Channing has always kept strong and is an inspiration for everyone with MS. You would never guess that she struggles with this devastating disease, because she keeps a positive attitude through everything. We can all learn an important lesson from my friend, Channing.”

Close/MS Regatta is Powering Up for MS Cure The 32nd Annual Close/MS Regatta will host its Launch Party from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at the Home Builders Association. The Close/MS Regatta is scheduled to set sail on Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Windycrest Sailing Club on Lake Keystone. The theme for 2011 is “Power-Up for MS Cure” and marks 32 years of fundraising for the National MS Society-Oklahoma. This is the perfect opportunity for you, your family, your company and friends to join the crew in their endeavors to create a world free of MS. Sponsorship is available on multiple levels! Special thanks to Chairman Mark Lobo, members of the Windycrest Sailing Club and the terrific event committee members!

For more information, contact Rachel Klenda at 800-344-4867, option 2, ext. 35124, or visit the website at nationalMSsociety.org/ok.

Liz Horkey

Laura Klenda


TEAM TALK

By Cristy Racy

Across the state, Oklahomans really hit their stride for the National MS Society’s four Spring Walk MS events. In Lawton, Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Ardmore, more than 4,000 participants laced up and stepped up in this important journey to help 400,000 Americans living with multiple sclerosis, including 24,000 Oklahoma families served by the National MS Society, Oklahoma. A total of $400,000 is expected to be raised in Oklahoma’s eight Walk MS events in 2011!

With the help of thousands of sponsors, participants and volunteers, funds raised through the annual Walk MS series support breakthrough research at renowned facilities such as the MS Center of Excellence at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, among many others. Proceeds also support ongoing programs and services for those with MS, including wellness classes, career counseling, advocacy, financial assistance, scholarships, utility assistance and more.

Oklahomans Step Up at Walk MS Events

Save the Date!Four more Walk MS events are being planned for this fall. Mark your calendars and join us in one of these communities:

Walk MS Enid: Saturday, Sept. 10Walk MS Stillwater: Saturday, Oct. 1Walk MS Muskogee: Saturday, Oct. 8

Register today at walkMSok.org or call 1-800-344-4867, option 2

NEW in 2011: Walk MS: Edmond is going VIRTUAL to create a world free of MS!

With a virtual event, YOU get to choose when and where to walk or simply choose not to walk.

With both options, you STILL receive all the great benefits, tools and incentives of a typical Walk MS event.

Remember, you earn a commemorative T-shirt when you raise $100 for MS. Planning on raising more than $100? Check out all the fundraising levels and wonderful prizes.

If you don’t want to monkey around with Edmond’s virtual walk, take a walk on the wild side with your family and friends in spring 2012 and strut your stuff with an anticipated 2,500 walkers at Walk MS: Oklahoma City at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Visit walkMSok.org for more information soon!


PROGRAMS

Multiple Sclerosis: A Course for Occupational and Physical Therapists was a professional education conference sponsored by the National MS Society that provided rehabilitation professionals with information on the diagnosis and treatment of multiple sclerosis and on evidence based management of symptoms in order to improve care for people with MS. Offering continuing education credits for physical therapists and occupational therapists, the full-day program took place at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation Conference Center in Oklahoma City, Okla. on Saturday, July 16. Presenters from the OMRF MS

Center of Excellence and Oklahoma Neurological Center of Excellence included Gabriel Pardo, M.D., Farhat Husain, M.D., Amy Thiessen, PT, and Keith Khoo, PT. A special thanks goes to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for providing the program site, to Teva Neuroscience for sponsoring the event, and to Action Seating and Mobility for exhibiting. We are also very appre-ciative of the program planning committee chair, Amy Thiessen, and committee members Sue Butcher, Susan Hughes and Ivy Razmus for their contributions in developing the program. Many thanks to all of the staff and volunteers who made this educational event for health professionals possible!

Multiple Sclerosis: A Course for Occupational and Physical Therapists

Saturday, Aug. 27Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), Conference Center9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

This is a program for individuals who have been diagnosed for two years or less, or who have never attended this program. Individuals will learn to “break through the barriers” and gain knowledge on these topics:

• MS Treatments and New Research• Financial Planning• Wellness and MS• Talking with friends and family about MS• Managing the impact of MS on employment• National MS Society information

Register online at nationalMSsociety.org/ok or by phone at 1-800-344-4867, option 1.

Moving Forward: A Program for the Newly Diagnosed – Oklahoma City

2nd floor Rotunda10 a.m. – Orientation11 a.m. – Legislator VisitsNoon – Lunch with Legislators1-3 p.m. – House & Senate Chamber Visits

Save the Date! MS Day at the Capitol – Feb. 28, 2012

Charlotte and Amanda Meyer talk with Rep. Corey Williams at MS Day at the Capitol on March 15, 2011.


PROGRAMS

Our Youth Against MS Battle of the Bands was held on Friday, April 1, at the Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum Outdoor Amphitheater. Ashlie Walker, who was instrumental in “creating” the YAMS group and the event, served as our Master of Ceremonies. Our Celebrity Judge Panel consisted of John O’Neil, Bryan Smith and Vashonda Sherra Pannell. This year, we changed up the rules a little bit, making it into a showcase: instead of having first, second and third place winners, we had a people’s choice award and a judges choice award. There were five groups who participated at the event: Praiz 101 from Pryor, Zach Benge from Bixby, Till Metro from Tulsa, Rise and Fire from Broken Arrow, and K-Sides from Tulsa. Our people’s choice award went to the band

Till Metro and the judge’s choice award went to Zach Benge. We are thrilled that we had a record-breaking attendance of 175 people!

Battle of the Bands Record Attendance

By Clayton Miller

On Saturday, June 25, the National MS Society, Oklahoma held its fourth annual MS Service Day. Around 15 volunteers divided into teams and completed projects for six people living with MS in the Tulsa area. Some of the projects included raking yards, cleaning flower beds, general household cleaning and organizing, installing shelving and removing heavy furniture to be donated to local organizations. “I don’t have any family around that is available. So it meant the world to me. I really, really appreciate it.” – Jill Freeman

At 9 a.m., the volunteers dispersed and headed to their assigned homes and worked until 2:30 p.m. with a break to eat lunch with the homeowner. Both volunteers and the homeowners enjoyed the experience and saw what a difference a day really can make. “I’m super pleased with all of the hard work and I can’t wait for the next [MS] Service Day.” – Roberta Pointer

MS Service Day Assisted Those in Tulsa Area

Featured Band – Praiz 101

Volunteers helping at MS Service Day


PROGRAMS

Scholarship Luncheon Recognized 17 RecipientsBy BJ McBride

Our Scholarship Luncheon was held Saturday, June 4, in conjunction with our Family Fun Day activities at the Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum in Tulsa, Okla. This year, 17 scholarships were awarded through our National Scholarship Program to students from Arkansas and Oklahoma. We were also fortunate to award two scholarships through our Linda Chance Memorial Scholarship Program. This award is given in

honor of our beloved Linda Chance whom we lost in 2008. It is offered to non-traditional students affected by MS and is based on financial need, academic record and a personal essay. At our luncheon, we had the opportunity to honor six of our recipients in a nearly packed room where more than 150 people attended. Marisha Moore, who serves as the Vice Chairman of the Oklahoma Leadership Council and as a member on the South Central Regional Board of Trustees, served as our Master of Ceremonies. Jody

Bukacek gave a presentation on the Linda Chance Memorial Scholarship. Amy Dwyer, a 2010 scholarship recipient, gave a heartfelt speech to the audience as to how the scholarship program has personally benefited her college education. The program concluded with a challenge to the audience to join the movement.

2011 Scholarship Recipients include: (from left to right) Tracy Gilliam, Katie Hanson, Grant Morgan, Ben Black, Callie Mort and Brittany Curry

Tax Check-off Box Brings in First DonationsWith only 45 days of reporting, the tax donation box has raised $2,500 for the National MS Society, Oklahoma. The original bill passed in

2010 - HB 2710 - had a limit of $25. HB 1998, passed this last session, removed that cap, making future donations using the tax form unlimited. None of this would have been possible without the help of activists who contacted and made relationships with their legislators.


PROGRAMS

By Candace Richerson

As our organization grows, so does our need for more people to get involved in advocacy. An Action Alert email provides you with information about a specific piece of legislation, state or federal, and asks you to contact your elected official.

Bills are created at both the state and federal level that regulate, for example, how insurance companies accept or deny your claims, how your co-pays are changed or remain the same. Action Alerts keep you informed of policies that affect you and your loved ones, family and friends. Become a part of the MS Advocacy Movement! It’s as easy as sending an email and/or making a phone call.

If you are not receiving the Action Alert emails, here is how to sign up: Go to www.nationalmssociety.org; click on “Government Affairs & Advocacy;” scroll down to “Be an MS Activist;” click on and fill out the form - You will only receive Action Alerts if you have signed up for them.

Do you have a personal relationship with an Oklahoma legislator? Would he or she make a good MS Capitol Champion? Contact Candace at 405-488-1300 and nominate your champion.

I Am An MS Activist – Are You?

Your Oklahoma delegation attended the National MS Society Public Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. and met with Representative James Lankford. From left to right (back row): Kevin O’Sullivan, Kevin Kinchloe, Kara Keister, Patti Barker and George Black. Front Row: Candace Richerson and Melissa Neal.


NEWLY DIAGNOSED

THE BENEFITS OF DENIAL

Denial allows people to taketime to get used to a new situation and not focuson fears of what might happen down the road.“Denial gets a bad rap,” said David Rintell, EdD, apsychologist at Partners MS Center at the Brighamand Women’s Hospital in Boston, Mass., “but it canbe very useful and is sometimes necessary.”

Denial is a very basic defense mechanism,explained Barbara Giesser, MD, clinical director ofthe UCLA MS Program. “In the process of adaptingto chronic illness, denial can be a useful first step inthe process of acceptance.”

In fact, said Dr. Rintell, people who are unableto use denial may become disabled by anxiety.“Hopelessness is destructive—it reduces

motivation, and makes us less likely to adhere totreatment,” he said. “I encourage people to let goof the worst-case scenario and continue to live life,go to work, enjoy relationships and take some timeto get used to having MS. Loved ones can help bygiving their diagnosed friend or family member

permission to deny and thereforecope.”

However, said Dr. Giesser, denialdoesn’t work long-term. “Youhave to move past denial in orderto treat and make plans,” shecautioned. “If instead of acceptingyour diagnosis, you believe

the doctors made a mistake, you might not availyourself of appropriate therapy for both diseaseand symptom management.”

To develop a sensible perspective, it’s importantto get as much information as possible. “Find aneurologist you can work with, who allows you tobe active in your own care,” Dr. Giesser advised.“It’s less scary when you feel empowered.”

Dr. Rintell also suggested speaking with otherpeople with MS or a professional with relevantexperience. “After the initial shock, most peoplelearn that MS can be a difficult illness, but theyrealize that they will be OK with it. Being optimisticturns out to be realistic.”

Denial is not a river in Egypt. And it actually has a place in helping

people absorb a diagnosis of MS.


RESEARCH

MEDICARE“IMPROVEMENTSTANDARD”CHALLENGEDFor many people with MS, physical, speech or occupational therapy may be essential in preventing their abilities from deteriorating. However, many of these folks have been denied medically necessary rehabilitation services that they are eligible for through Medicare because of something called the “improvement standard.”

The standard actually violatesMedicare’s own official regulations, which say that “the restoration potential of a patient is not the deciding factor” for coverage and that therapies that help prevent physical and cognitive deterioration or maintain optimal functioning, even if improvement is not expected, are to be covered.

This past January, a class- action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in Vermont, with the National MS Society as the first national health organization namedplaintiff, and subsequently joined by the Alzheimer’sAssociation, United Cerebral

Palsy, Parkinson’s ActionNetwork and ParalyzedVeterans of America. The lawsuit seeks to assure that a person’s “improvement” status is not a basis for denying ongoing therapy services. The outcome will be reported in “Government News” at www.nationalMSsociety.org/advocacy.

POTENTIALANTI-SPASTICITYTREATMENTBOOSTED BYTHE SOCIETY’SFAST FORWARDPROGRAMKey early-stage research on an oral treatment for spasticity,the painful and debilitating muscle spasms associated with MS, is underway at Canbex Therapeutics. The UK-based company received a $2.8 million TranslationAward in March, 2011, from the Wellcome Trust, a global charitable foundation, to support this research. The work is being led by David Baker, PhD, an MS investigator under the National MS Society’s Promise: 2010 initiative. The Canbex spasticity program has been supported by the Society’s Fast

Forward initiative to move this potential therapy toward clinical trial faster.

WELCOMETO DIGITALMOMENTUM!

Momentum, the National MS Society’s flagship magazine, is now available online at www.nationalMSsociety.org/magazine in a fully digital edition with plenty of bonus features. It includes allcontent from the print edition, including advertisements,and allows you to click on live hyperlinks, comment on articles and respond to reader comments, download whole issues as PDFs, print pages and share articles via e-mail, links orby posting to social networks. Digital Momentum is also available for free from iTunesand the Android Market. The app includes the magazine, the latest Society news, our Twitterfeed and videos.

NEWS


MONEY MATTERS

TEN TIPS FOR HIRINGHOME HELPBY AL TAINSKY

Respect, honesty, compassion, compatibilityand civility are core ingredients of a successfulcaregiving relationship. But a sense of humor anda soupçon of soul don’t hurt either.

I was diagnosed with MS in 1987, but I tracethe disease back to the 1950s and a summer sohot it melted the tar on Anderson Avenue in theHighbridge section of the Bronx.

For nigh on 20 years, I have hired, fired and livedwith caregivers. I call my current live-in caregiverMr. Wizard. His technical and computer skillsare remarkable. He has a sense of humor and hetaught Sunday school for about 14 years. Hisyounger sister is developmentally disabled andthe love he feels for her shows a man of substance.

Here are a few of my tips to finding your own Mr.Wizard.

1. Have applicants supply the names, addressesand phone numbers of three personal or workreferences.

2. Hire someone with a clean driving record.

3. Have him or her agree to give one month’snotice—and do the same.

4. Don’t hire an alcoholic. (I expect my caregiversto be clean and sober in my home.)

5. Keep food separate. (Sometimes we eattogether, sometimes we don’t.)

6. The caregiver’s room should hold all thecaregiver’s goods. (I have no room for storageand nothing should hinder my movement in myhome.)

7. No sleepovers and no inviting friends overwithout permission. (I need night coverage andthat is non-negotiable.)

8. Keep your computer and printer for yourpersonal use only.

9. If a caregiver steals, lies or cheats, make a planfor coverage before firing the miscreant, soyou’re not left on your own.

10. Don’t surrender control of your life to anyone.Need help? Call a friend, call a relative, call theSociety, call the closest Independent LivingCenter and if necessary call the police.

Al Tainsky was a professional journalist andsometime writer of comedy for television when hewas diagnosed with MS 24 years ago. He continuedto live independently and to write articles forMomentum magazine, Real Living with MS, andother disability publications. He died of a heartattack in February shortly after completing thisarticle. We will miss his smarts and his spirit.

Wondering how to afford a caregiver?

Call 1-800-344-4867 to talk to an MSNavigator®. Also go to nationalMSsociety.org for the brochure, “Hiring Help at Home.”


WAYS TO GIVE

SAM’S CLUB RAISES NEARLY $1.2 MILLIONDOLLARS TO BENEFIT PEOPLE LIVING WITH MS.

After six short weeks of fundraising in over 600 clubs across the country,and at the conclusion of an intense MS-themed dodge ball tournamentat their annual meeting, Sam’s Club presented a check to the Society for nearly $1.2 million. Making the most of grass roots fundraising techniques that included donation jars, caramel apple and hot chocolate sales, and MS bracelet and sneaker sales in club parking lots, Sam’s Club employees rallied together to make a significant financial contribution to the MS movement.

On behalf of the National MS Society and people with MS everywhere—thank you Sam’s Club! Sam’s Club Dodge Ball Tournament

The Oklahoma Staff at the National MS SocietyBack row (left to right): Denise Allen, Jennifer Philp, Candace Richerson, Donna Bolain, Lucy Fraser, Lisa Gray, BJ McBride and Sharleen Dupee.

Front Row (left to right): Brandi Davidson, Paula Cortner, Clayton Miller, Lisa Rutledge, Cristy Racy and Rachel Klenda.


Self-Help Groups

Group Meeting Info:

Ardmore:Linda, 580-223-2427

Claremore:Dottie, 918-625-1883

Duncan:J’Nell, 580-255-0886Kassie, 580-475-0576David, 580-252-2439

Mannford- MS-101:Gail T., 918-865-8212Gail S., 918-865-5001

Oklahoma City:Quail Creek GroupJody, 405-755-5756

Community Contacts:Atoka:Kim, 580-889-7307

Bristow:Dusty, 918-367-5203

Enid:Janet, 580-233-7973

Lawton:Cynthia, 580-588-3876

Mustang:Tena, 405-306-7349

Norman:Rebecca, 405-632-2334

Okmulgee:Karena, 918-752-0048

Wagoner:Larry, 918-687-3783

Women’s Luncheon GroupJanice, 405-943-1103

ATOMSJoe, 405-478-7990Tom or Emily, 405-607-2861

Stillwater:Connie, 405-372-8617

Tulsa:• PACEGary, 918-455-4143, Don, 918-355-9809, & Sandra, 918-481-9928

Self-Help Groups include persons with MS, spouses, adult family members and friends. Please call the group leader or community contact for information.

Please call the noted group leader or community contact for further details or information.

Live Fully, Live Well: A Wellness Program for People with MS and Their Support PartnersManaging 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. Live Fully, Live Well covers topics affecting the whole family living with MS in order to strengthen relationships, increase understanding and promote improved health and quality of life for the person with MS and their support partner. All four areas of this program can be integrated together or enjoyed separately to provide you with the resources, knowledge and tools to create a personalized wellness plan.

Register today for upcoming Live Fully, Live Well webinars. Next scheduled webinar is August 25 on fatigue related challenges. Visit nationalMSsociety.org and click on Living with MS and then on Live Fully, Live Well.

Aug. 25 – Fatigue-Related Challenges

Sep. 22 – Recreational Activities & Travel

Oct. 20 – Planning For Your Future

Nov. 17 – How Does Exercise Fit Into Your Life With MS?

Dec. 1 – Eating Well, Eating Easy

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

Tulsa, OKPermit # 157

Oklahoma ChapterNational Multiple Sclerosis Society4606 East 67th Street, Suite 103Tulsa, OK 74136

CHANGE SERVICEREQUESTED

POSTAL CARRIER – DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DO NOT DELAY

August5 Couples Retreat (Thackerville,OK) 11 Trivia Night (OKC)18 Regatta Launch Party26 Uncorking the Cure for MS (Tulsa)27 Newly Diagnosed (OKC)

September10 Walk MS: Enid10 Regatta (Lake Keystone)17 Bike MS: The Mother Road Ride

Save the Date

October1 Walk MS: Stillwater8 Walk MS: Muskogee

Documents

Oklahoma Summer 2011 MSConnection