summer 2014greater sacramento: Programs & services in your community

We are in your communitymercy ms achievement center

On February 20th, the Mercy MS Achievement Center (MSAC) opened its doors in the Sacramento area for the first day of programming with 12 participants on the roster. Modeled after the Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement Center at UCLA, the MSAC began providing services through a grant provided by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

The program activities take place from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and includes individualized and group exercise, cognitive activities, recreation and education. In addition to the scheduled activities, there are many opportunities to discuss and connect with National MS Society staff and other program participants.

“I look forward to this program every week. The trainers and assistance, along with the programs are top notch,” was Bill Maciej’s reaction to his experience as a member of the MSAC for the last few months. Bill has been living with primary progressive MS for almost 30 years. “It’s just nice to be around others that are living with the same disease. You can bounce stuff off of each other.”

The MSAC continues to accept applications for its day wellness program. The MSAC is quickly approaching capacity on its first day of services and seeking members for a second day of wellness programs. The program is open to anyone who has been diagnosed with MS. For admittance into the program, participants must be able to attend a five-hour block of activities one day per week, and make arrangements for transportation to and from the Center.

For more information, please contact Brian Hutchinson at 916-453-7966 or email Brian.Hutchinson@dignityhealth.org. You can download an application online at www.dignityhealth.org/neuro and click on the “Services” under Neurological Care and then MS Achievement Center. ◊

a member at the mercy ms achievement center benefits from a machine aimed to improve strength in her arms.

greater sacramento: Programs & services summer 201408

connect With the care you needMultiple sclerosis is a difficult disease to diagnose, with unpredictable symptoms that often mimic those of other diseases. For Brian Thompson, the symptoms came on gradually. Between 2007 and 2009, he experienced two cases of optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve that can cause a complete or partial loss of vision. However, after treatment, he regained his vision completely.

“I went far too long before getting a diagnosis,” said Brian. His symptoms slowly progressed over the next three years, and he experienced issues with balance, endurance, strength, and heat intolerance. “During the summer of 2012, I was at a point where I could not think these symptoms were something to disregard,” said Brian. Shortly thereafter, he was diagnosed with MS.

There are many “what if ’s” that can accompany an MS diagnosis. “What do I do now?” and “How will my life change?” are just a few thoughts that ran through Brian’s mind after he received the news. The National MS Society connected Brian with a care manager named Audrey, who helped him navigate through the process of getting the care he needed. “Over time Audrey has been an amazing resource. She has helped me with everything from filling out paperwork to making sure I ask my neurologist the right questions and get the answers I need,” said Brian.

A few months ago, Brian broke his leg after an unexpected fall and required in-patient care. Audrey connected Brian with a local rehabilitation facility for his initial recovery, and set him up with 72 hours of support for his recovery time at home, which included light housekeeping, transportation to appointments, and other help as needed.

The extra support at home was a relief for Brian and his girlfriend, Shelli. “Having the extra help took the burden off of me and Shelli. Sometimes MS becomes the third person in the room. It’s nice to not have to focus on it,” said Brian. Shelli added, “You always want to think you can do it all, but our lifestyle was so much calmer having the extra help at home. When I came home, Brian and I were able to enjoy our life together rather than focusing on MS.”

hoW to connect to the care you need

From navigating through the very first symptoms and continuing throughout life with the disease, the National MS Society can connect people, like Brian, with the care they need. • Connect with MS Specialty Care - doctors,

counselors, social workers, physical therapists and more!

• Ask an MS Navigator for help to navigate the challenges of MS. Find personalized answers to your unique needs, up-to-date information, referrals, and practical resources.

• Learn more about research and clinical trials.• Advocate for better health care, research

funding, and policy initiatives that are important to you. ◊

register at nationalmssociety.org/can | 1-800-344-4867 09

uPcoming ProgramsRegistration is required for all programs unless otherwise stated. Register by calling 1-800-344-4867 or visiting our Calendar at www.nationalMSsociety.org/calendar/norcal.

coping with the Physical changes in msWednesday, July 16th

6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.Mercy Medical Center, McKinley Room3000 Q St., Sacramento

At this program we will discuss ways to cope with the physical changes of MS. The speaker, Rosalind Kalb, Ph.D., is the Associate Vice President of the Professional Resource Center at the National MS Society’s home office in New York City. She has written books on MS, and is the co-author of “Multiple Sclerosis for Dummies.” Dr. Kalb is also the author of the Society’s “Knowledge is Power” series for individuals newly diagnosed with MS, and is an editor of “Keep S’myelin,” the newsletter for children who have a parent with MS. The registration deadline is Tuesday, July 15th.

newly diagnosed orientation Thursday, August 7th

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.Mercy San Juan Medical Center, Room 1456555 Coyle Ave., Carmichael

Are you newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis? A diagnosis of MS can create many

unexpected emotions that leave you with a strong need to understand the changes you may be facing. This informative program will address the most common concerns for people who are newly diagnosed, as well as family and friends who want to learn more. The registration deadline is Thursday, August 7th.

mix & mingle networking hour Wednesday, September 10th

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.Hock Farm Craft & Provisions1415 L St., Sacramento

Looking to meet other working professionals in the area and see how they live with their MS? Or are you thinking of going back to work after a break? Want to do so in a relaxed social setting? Join us for happy hour at Hock Farm Craft & Provisions for light appetizers to wrap up your day. The registration deadline is Wednesday, September 10th.

maneuvering through the World of disability insuranceWednesday, September 17th

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.Mercy San Juan Medical Center, Room 1456555 Coyle Ave., Carmichael

Disability insurance can be confusing and leave you with questions. Join us as we tackle maneuvering through disability insurance, answer your questions and clear up confusion that you may have. The registration deadline is Tuesday, September 16th.

What’s haPPening in northern californiaBay area• Newly Diagnosed Orientation, August 6th

in San Francisco• Mix & Mingle Networking Hour, August

20th in Walnut Creek• Self-Advocacy Skills Training, September 6th

in Pleasanton• Free From Falls, Thursdays, September 25th

- November 13th in Oakland

central valley• MS Night at the Modesto Nuts, July 25th in

Modesto • Newly Diagnosed Orientation, August 5th

in Modesto • Live a Healthy Life, August 13th in Modesto

north state• Self-Advocacy Skills Training: Overcoming

Barriers to Getting What You Need, August 16th in Fort Bragg

• Newly Diagnosed Orientation, August 27th in Santa Rosa

• Clay Day, September 16th in Chico• Newly Diagnosed Orientation, September

8th in Chico

south Bay• Free From Falls, July 7th - August 25th in

Marina• Morning Mingle, July 17th, August 21st and

September 18th in Santa Clara• Carepartners of MS Social, July 19th in

Santa Clara• Newly Diagnosed Orientation, August 5th

in Santa Clara• Wine Down Wednesday, August 20th in

Mountain View• Gentle Yoga for People with MS, Thursdays

ongoing in Saratoga

self-helP grouPs el dorado county• Placerville - Doris: 530-622-5673

nevada county• Grass Valley - Erica: 530-559-4517

Placer county• Auburn - Loreen: 530-320-1711• Lincoln - Marilyn: 916-434-6898

sacramento county• Carmichael: Minimal Symptoms Group -

Brett and Kelly: 916-773-6799• Carmichael: Moving on with MS -

Annette: 916-715-4973, Irene: 916-536-9116, Sylvia: 916-349-1324

• Elk Grove - Letitia: 916-896-7764, Dorothy: 916-684-6849, Willie: 916-684-1677, Pamela: 916-685-6662

• Sacramento: MS Adapters - Kim: 916-821-6133, Stephanie: 916-215-5356, Debbie: 916-837-2019

• Sacramento: MS Musings of the Mind Writing Group - Irene: 916-536-9116

• Sacramento: Yoga and Tai Chi Support Group - Cynthia: 916-682-9030, Evelyn: 916-391-1365

solano county• Vacaville - Marian: 707-422-7515, Willie:

707-689-7814

yolo county• Woodland - Shannon: 916-821-3576

online• “Second Life” - John: 916-708-9708