MS Scholarships
 Jared Applebaum plans to study aerospace engineering. |
High school seniors who have been diagnosed with MS or who have a parent with MS are eligible for the Society’s scholarship program. Awards range from $1,000-$3,000; a small number of four-year awards are offered. Applications for 2012 scholarships will be accepted (online only) until January 13, 2012. For more info, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/scholarship or call us at 1-800-344-4867.
2011 was a record year for the Society’s ever-expanding scholarship program: over $1 million in new awards and renewals were granted to recipients such as Presidential Scholar Rebecca Merlenbach, diagnosed with MS at age 15, and Mike Dugan Scholar Breanna Burkes, determined to become a neuroscientist to stop the disease that affected her mother.
A large part of the support that keeps the scholarship program helping students like Rebecca and Breanna comes from individual donors. To find out how you can help, visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/scholarship and click “Support the Program.”
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Visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/signup to sign up for monthly MS eNEWS.
Live Fully, Live Well — The Holistic Approach to MS
Help is a Phone Call Away
1 800 344 4867
No matter where you live, if you have questions about multiple sclerosis, an MS Navigator at the National MS Society’s Information & Resource Center can help you. Find resources for all of the following, and much more!
- REFERRALS to Neurologists, MS Clinical Centers, Legal Services, Mental Health Providers, Allied Health Professionals, and Housing Needs, Self Help and Support Groups
- RESOURCES for Medical Equipment, Home Modifications, Transportation, Independent Living, Financial Assistance
- PROGRAMS in Home Care and Day Care, Recreation and Wellness
- COUNSELING for Employment Issues, Insurance, and Public Benefits
You may submit a request by e mail (generalmailbox@nmss.org, please include your name, mailing address, and phone number), or by calling us toll free at 1 800 344 4867, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Do you have SSDI Questions???
The Chapter is very excited to be working with a new volunteer who has years of experience with SSDI. She has offered to answer questions from people with MS. To check in with our SSDI “expert,” please call 781-693-5155. We are scheduling phone consultation appointments.
Educational Teleconference Series 2012
Join us from the comfort of your phone for a year of informative conference calls on a diverse range of topics for people living with MS. This educational series is free and made available through the collaboration of the following chapters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society: Connecticut, Greater New England, Long Island, New Jersey Metro, New York City - Southern New York, Rhode Island, and Upstate New York. All calls are 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Where is My Memory? Cognitive Changes in MS
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Learn about cognitive issues in MS and its impact on everyday life. Tools to help you manage and adapt to cognitive symptoms are also explored.
Speakers:
- John DeLuca, PhD: VP for Research, Kessler Foundation Research Center, Professor in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Neurology and Neuroscience at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
- Jeffrey Gingold: Person living with MS and author of “Facing the Cognitive Challenges of MS” and “Mental Sharpening Stones.”
Emerging Therapies for MS Treatment
Thursday, March 15, 2012
The emergence of new MS therapies is exciting and challenging for people living with MS and the clinicians who treat them. An MS neurologist will discuss emerging MS therapies to promote a better understanding and educate you about treatment options.
Speaker:
- Stephen Krieger, MD: Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for MS at Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY
Using Assistive Technology
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Learn about a variety of assistive technologies that enable people living with MS to function better at home and work. Resources that might be available in the community for funding equipment are also addressed.
Speaker:
- Mark Surabian: Assistive Technology Practitioner, Pace University, NY and owner/creator of web-based resource Cognitechcafe.com
MS Encompass - Get Fit!
This program is a collaboration between the chapter and the YWCA of Central Massachusetts in Worcester.
You must register through the chapter, giving you access to the indoor pool, strength training, cardio equipment and aerobics classes. Handicapped accessible weight training equipment is available.
YWCA of Central Massachusetts, Worcester Ongoing during YWCA’s hours of operation
$10 per month
Mapping Your Way to Wellness, Discover the Route to Living Your Best Life!
SAVE THE DATE:
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Spring Educational Conference with the New Hampshire MS Clinic, Church Landing, Meredith, NH
Join us for a day at the New Hampshire MS Clinic exploring all the dimensions of health and well-being with MS.
MS and Wellness
A training for wellness professionals who have an interest in working with people with multiple sclerosis in their practice.
Physical wellness is important for people living with this chronic disease and the National MS Society aims to increase the number of wellness professionals prepared to work with people with MS.
Space is limited. Advance registration is required.
Saturday, January 28, 2012, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Curtis Memorial Library
23 Pleasant Street, Brunswick, Maine
To register or questions: contact Heidi Eastman at 207-862-2148 or heidi.eastman@nmss.org.
Wellness Scholarship Program
Scholarships are available through our chapter for yoga, tai chi, aquatics and fitness instructors. To take advantage of their expertise, or to find out about instructors in your area, visit the Physical Wellness section of the web site.
Ask the Experts
The Chapter provides access to experts who shed light on a wide range of issues, including diagnosis, symptom management, treatment, living with MS, genetics and family matters. Visit the Ask the Experts section of the web site.
In Touch Phone Groups
These professionally facilitated phone support groups meet monthly. Listen, learn and talk to other people with MS from the comfort of your own home. For those who cannot attend a traditional support group. Pick one of three groups:
-
Second Monday/month with Denise Riel, LICSW
11 a.m.–Noon -
Second Tuesday/month with Allison Troy, LICSW,
Noon–1 p.m. -
First Wednesday/month with Caitlin Dionne, RN
2–3 p.m.
Self-Help Groups
For people with MS, run by people with MS. Members share common experiences and concerns, provide and receive emotional support, and obtain information on living and coping with MS. To find a group in your area, visit the Self-Help Group section of the web site.
Relationship Matters
Having a satisfactory relationship is hard work even in the best of times. MS can make it even harder.
The Relationship Matters program is a series of interactive courses that exists to help couples minimize the impact of MS on their lives. Learn how to:
- Improve communication and resolve conflicts
- Manage MS as a team
- Have greater fulfillment in your relationship
- Help your relationship thrive
For information or to register, couplesprogram@nmss.org.
Keep S’myelin
Keep S’myelin is published quarterly by the National MS Society for children 5 - 10 years old and their relatives who have MS. Games, fun and information. To sign up, call the chapter or email: keepsmyelin@nmss.org.
MS Learn Online
Free webcasts, podcasts, and online conferences. Visit the Multimedia Library online.
Living with MS Support Group
For people who have been diagnosed with MS for more than five years and/or those who may have significant or visible symptoms. Meet and share information and resources in a comfortable and supportive environment. Confidential setting to discuss feelings, voice concerns, and learn how to better cope with the impact of the disease.
Facilitated by a licensed psychologist, Dr. Amy Fowler.
First Thursday of each month, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Northampton, MA
Register: Dr. Fowler at 413-582-3908
Caregiver Support Group
Free MS caregiver support group offers an opportunity for friends and family caregivers to meet and share information and resources. Confidential setting for caregivers to discuss feelings, voice concerns and learn how to better cope with the impact of the disease.
Facilitated by licensed psychologist Dr. David Rintell.
Fourth Thursday of each month, 5-6:30 p.m.
MetroWest Medical Center, 115 Lincoln St.,
Framingham, MA
Register: David Rintell, EdD at 617-525-6586