Aug 03, 2009
Families With MS On Discovery Mission In August
Sean O'Leary, Communications Specialist
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Families With MS On Discovery Mission In August
WINDSOR, Conn. – Recognizing the inherent risks for families affected by multiple sclerosis, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter prepares to host MS Family Discovery Weekend, a program strategically designed to educate and strengthen families facing challenging issues related to MS and disability.
Established in 1988, this year’s event has been enhanced to include a fun-filled educational weekend of activities on Saturday, Aug. 29, and Sunday, Aug. 30. The event takes place at the Hartford/Windsor Marriot in Windsor and features a field trip for children to the new Connecticut Science Center in Hartford.
MS Family Discovery Weekend is funded by an $11,000 grant from the Hayley’s Hope and Michaela’s Miracle MS Memorial Fund and a $5,000 unrestricted educational grant from Bayer Health Care. The weekend allows families that have a member living with MS to enjoy a fun getaway while sharing experiences with other families living with MS. The event is designed for families of all sizes, whether they are couples or families with young children and teenagers.
“The fear of the unknown causes many families unnecessary worries,” said Dr. William J. Petit, of Cheshire. “The education provided at this program enables and empowers these families to take better care and control over their condition and environment.”
Living with disability can put a strain on a relationship, as indicated by the 1994 National Health Interview Survey. The survey of nearly 50,000 households revealed 20.7 percent of the disabled adults among those polled were divorced or separated, compared with 13.1 percent of those without disabilities.
For adults, the weekend offers educational sessions in two tracks – one devoted to relationship matters and one committed to general education about a variety of issues related to MS. The tracks include discussion groups and presentations from physical therapists, neurologists and psychologists.
Teens and children also have the opportunity to learn about MS through age-appropriate workshops and activities. On the afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 29, they will take a field trip to downtown Hartford’s new Connecticut Science Center.
“MS Family Discovery Weekend is a wonderful opportunity for families to have fun in a relaxing environment while bonding and making new friends with other families,” said Lynette Coleman, associate vice president of chapter programs for the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter. “Parents will learn about strengthening their relationship and focus on overcoming the obstacles of living with MS.”
There are several activities for the entire family, such as a joint educational session about emergency preparedness led by the American Red Cross.
More than 6,000 Connecticut residents are affected by multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease affecting the central nervous system. The cause is unknown and, as a result, there is currently no cure for MS. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted.
MS Family Discovery Weekend 2009 will take place Saturday, Aug. 29, and Sunday, Aug. 30, at the Hartford/Windsor Marriott in Windsor. Registration includes hotel accommodations, meals, entertainment and field trip costs. The deadline for registration is Wednesday, Aug. 12, and space is limited.
For more information on the event or to register, please contact Ashley Holland at 860-913-2550, ext. 243, or e-mail aholland@ctfightsMS.org. To learn more about the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org.
8/3/09
Sean O'Leary
Communications Specialist
National MS Society - Connecticut Chapter
659 Tower Avenue, First Floor
Hartford, CT 06112
tel 860.913.2550, ext. 249
soleary@ctfightsMS.org
www.ctfightsMS.org