Family Matters
MS happens to families, not just to individuals. When a person is diagnosed with MS, there is immediate impact on all who love them.
The Gateway Area Chapter offers an extensive variety of programs, services and resources for you and your family. These resources can be accessed in person, online, by phone and by mail. To learn more, contact an MS Navigator at 1-800-344-4867 or e-mail contactusnmss@nmss.org. Families can count on the National MS Society.
Such support and resources include:
CarePartner: find tips and resources that will give you, as a CarePartner, the support you need while caring for a loved one with MS.
Newly Diagnosed: when someone you love is diagnosed with MS it can be overwhelming and you may have questions. Learn about programs we offer to those who are newly diagnosed and where you can find some facts about MS.
Emotional Support
- Talk MS Groups: support groups that meet in person, all across our chapter area.
- Tele-Friends: build a long term, one on one relationship with someone living with MS.
- MS Friends: a national helpline to reach someone living with MS to ask a quick question, help get you through a tough day or just listen.
Social Events: it’s important to get out and socialize with others after someone has been diagnosed with MS. We have several opportunities for you and your families to meet others in similar situations so that you can share your experience, make new friends, and have a fun fill day or weekend.
- Couples’ Retreat: having a satisfactory relationship is hard work even in the best of times. Multiple sclerosis can make it harder. This Couples Retreat is designed to help you and your partner minimize the impact of multiple sclerosis on your lives and take charge as a couple through a creative mix of interactive courses, workshops and some time to relax at the beautiful Pere Marquette Lodge in Grafton, Illinois.
- Family Weekend: a weekend away in Makanda, Illinois at the Touch of Nature Environmental Center. A weekend full of nature/outdoor activities mixed with opportunities to talk to others about MS and hear a professional speak about a MS related topic.
- Family Evening: family evenings are held throughout the chapter area at various times and dates. These are typically a social gathering much like a pot luck picnic in local park where people can gather, make new friends and have some fun.
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Camp Hope: Don’t forget about the children! MS affects them too! Camp Hope is a weeklong camp for children ages 8 -15 held at Touch of Nature Environmental Center in Makanda, Illinois. This year’s dates for camp are Sunday, July 21 – Friday, July 26.