Jumpstart Your Relationship: Reclaim Your Well-Being
This is a six-week tele-conference that focuses specifically on MS symptoms as the topic of weekly discussions and the communication issues that can occur because of them. Learn healthy ways to talk about these symptoms and the emotional reactions they create, as well as practical strategies to deal with the symptoms.
Presented by LuAnn Pierce & Pat Kennedy
All calls are from 8:00p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Thursday evening from January 7 to February 11, 2010
FREE, but you must register by Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Call 1-800-344-4867
Watch Your Mailboxes For:
2010 Winter Teleconference Series Let’s Talk About…
- January 27—MS, Exercise and Motivation
- February 10—The Tough Topics- Bowel, Bladder and Intimacy issues
- February 24— The Role of Estriol/Hormones in MS
2010 Scholarships - Apply Now!
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Scholarship applications for 2010 will be accepted between October 1, 2009 and January 15, 2010. For guidelines and application information, visit nationalMSsociety.org/scholarships.
Champlain Adaptive Mounted Program
“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”
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Sullivan whose husband, Brian was diagnosed with CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demylienating Polyneuropathy; a myelin related disease of the peripheral nervous system) in 2004 was broached with the suggestion of hosting a cocktail reception to raise funds for MS research. Instead she looked to her passion for horses as a way to affect the lives of those living with MS and related diseases. On September 12, 2009, Sullivan took part in a 20 mile trail ride on her horse Lenny, raising nearly $4000 to date. That money has been set aside by CHAMP specifically for individuals living with MS or related diseases to learn how to ride and when appropriate to receive hippotherapy sessions from a trained therapist.
Hippotherapy is an unusual term that refers to the use of horseback riding for therapeutic effects. The word is derived from the Greek word hippos, which means horse. Hippotherapy is a therapeutic technique performed only by licensed occupational therapists, physical therapists or speech and language pathologists. Therapeutic riding however is an adapted riding lesson with accommodations made for a person's abilities. “Hippotherapy and therapeutic horse back riding are relatively low risk, moderate cost therapies that offer possible benefits for multiple MS-associated symptoms, including walking difficulties, spasticity, weakness, bowel and bladder problems and depression” (Bowling; 2001)
Scholarships related to Lori Sullivan’s fundraising, are being provided through CHAMP and are available to anyone with a diagnosis of MS who meets the program's income qualifications. To take part in riding lessons or the CHAMP therapeutic riding program, contact Jean Ann Desranleau, CHAMP Executive Director at 802-372-4087 or http://www.vtchamp.org/ to get started.
By Christine Lloyd-Newberry, Program Manager, Community Programs, Vermont
Program Highlights
On September 27, families enjoyed a late summer Saturday at Kimball Farms in Westford, Mass. Families came together to socialize and have fun before the bulk of the school year got underway. Kids, parents and young adult mentors challenged each other in the arcade, played mini-golf, whacked some balls on the driving range, and made some waves on the bumper boats. In addition to lunch, everyone enjoyed some of Kimball Farms’ famous ice cream.
Young Adults MSCollegeKids Chat
A unique chat co-moderated by college students with MS. This is a great forum to connect with others your age who are also trying to juggle life, school, responsibilities, and their MS all at the same time! To access the chat, log onto www.MSWorld.org and sign up for a username. Once registered, enter the general chat room and click on the “MSCollegeKids” room. Every Tuesday night, 7-8 p.m. Contact youngadults@mam.nmss.org with questions!
Exchange Point - Young Adults with MS
Are you a young adult, in your twenties or thirties, with MS? Do you feel like you are the only person your age with MS? You’re not. Join us at upcoming Exchange Point events to meet other young people with MS while having fun! Future Exchange Point events are coming soon to a location near you—check our website, your email and mail box for more information.