MS Shouldn’t Stand In The Way Of EducationBy BJ McBride

Every year, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides scholarships for a college education that high school seniors affected by MS are able to apply for. The key eligibility

requirement is that the student is personally living with MS or has a parent that does. The application process is open every year from October 1 to the middle of January. The award recipients are then notified around late April or early May. In June 2010 recipients from Arkansas and Oklahoma gathered in Tulsa for a scholarship luncheon where the recipients and their families all came together for the official presentation. It is the responsibility of the youth programs coordinator to coordinate this recognition event.

In 2010, there were 13 scholarships awarded (including 1 top scholar) totaling $14,000 to students in both Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Another responsibility of the youth programs coordinator is to keep in touch with the recipients after they have gone on to college. When asking previous recipients to provide a

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A R K A N S A S

Welcome New Staff Member PAGE 2

Walk MS – Save the Date! PAGE 3

CONTINuED pAGE 3

Scholarship recipients at the 2010 Scholarship Luncheon

MS Learn Online PAGE 6

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THE MSCONNECTION is published by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Arkansas, 1100 N. University, Suite 255, Little Rock, ARK 72207.

Little Rock Office 501-663-8104Outside Little Rock 800-344-4867Little Rock Fax 501-666-4355Arkansas E-mailstaff’s first name.last name@nmss.orgWebsite www.msarkansas.org

Vice president • Paula H. CortnerDevelopment Manager • Lisa Brownprograms & Services Manager • Brooke Teeterprograms & Services Coordinator • Jessica FisherpR/Marketing Intern • Lindsay WileyNewsletter Editor • Brandi Davidson

Information provided by the Society is based upon professional advice, published experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician.

The Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The Society assumes no liability for the use or contents of any product or service mentioned.

©2011 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Arkansas

Welcome New Staff Member – Jessica Fisher• Jessica joined the National MS Society,

Arkansas as the Programs & Services Coordinator in October 2010.

• Previously worked as a social worker for a faith-based service organization, River City Ministry.

• Graduate of Harding University in Searcy, Ark., received a bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She is a licensed social worker.

• Jessica has been married to her husband, Reed, for five years and they have two children, Reese (three years) and Savannah (one year).

• “I was inspired to come work for the National MS Society after hearing about the job opening and learning about the wonderful services, advocacy and dedication the staff and volunteers provide to those who live with MS. I was impressed at the large scope of services and positive attitude of everyone I met, as well as commitment to the vision of a world free of MS. I am honored to have become a part of this organization!”

Jessica Fisher

Walk MS – Save the Date! By Lisa Brown

Walk to create a world free of MS! Walk MS is the rallying point of the MS movement, a community coming together to raise funds and celebrate hope for the future. Join the Movement! Register at a Walk MS event near you. Go to walkMSarkansas.org for more details!

FROM pAGE 1

statement on “how the scholarship program has helped / is helping you with continuing your education” this is what we received…

“Receiving this scholarship has helped me out tremendously. I honestly do not know how I would be paying for college right now without the scholarship. Receiving this scholarship has made all the difference this year. Thank you so very much for this honor.” - Carrie Sellers, 2010 Scholarship Recipient

“I was so grateful to have received the scholarship and hope to make the committee proud by using it wisely. I have attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and have been able to put one semester behind me. All of the expenses of college are challenging and the gift of this scholarship has certainly helped me with this struggle. I appreciate this more than I can express!” - Catherine (Brooke) Drotar, 2010 Scholarship Recipient

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NEWS

Walk MS participants joining the movement!

April 2, 2011 – Walk MS Texarkana at Bobby Ferguson Park

April 9, 2011 – Walk MS Little Rock at Rivermarkety Riverfest Amphitheatre

April 16, 2011 – Walk MS Northwest Arkansas at the University of Arkansas HPER Center

April 23, 2011 – Walk MS Jonesboro at Joe Mack Campbell Athletic Complex

April 30, 2011 – Walk MS Hot Springs at Exchange Street Parking Plaza

Arkansas programs: A New Year, New Changes!By Jessica Fisher

As 2010 draws to a close, the National MS Society, Arkansas is experiencing change and growth in many areas. As of October 1, Arkansas became part of South Central, along with Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas and Louisiana. This allowed the office to expand and hire a new programs and services coordinator, while Brooke Teeter moved to managing the financial assistance program for the region. That’s where I come in. I joined the National MS Society family in late October and hit the ground running. Programs, advocacy, community engagement & development, professional development, volunteer engagement, self-help groups and committees, oh my! After a few whirlwind weeks of training, I began to meet our wonderful volunteers and started planning programs.

In December, our staff traveled to Tulsa, Okla. and participated in a two-day training program

on volunteer engagement. Volunteers are crucial to the organization and we could not make progress toward our vision of a world free of MS without our dedicated volunteer base. How can we use your skills and talents as a volunteer for the National MS Society? Visit our Web page to see our updated volunteer opportunities at www.msarkansas.org. Don’t see anything that fits your skills? Call or e-mail us and we will find a way to plug you in! This coming year promises to be a great year in programs. In February, we hosted a presentation on “Searching for the Cause of MS” in Jonesboro. March will feature a legislative reception, MS Service Day and MS Awareness Week! Check out the Arkansas programs calendar on our website for dates and additional program details as well as information on teleconferences the Society offers.

pROGRAMS

10 Ways You Can Raise MS Awareness1. Write a letter to your local newspaper about

the importance of MS awareness.

2. Orange is the color of the National MS Society and the MS movement. During MS Awareness Week, wear something orange. Get your friends and family to join you; nothing stands out quite like a group of people clad in bright orange.

3. Call or e-mail your local, state and national legislators about issues important to persons with MS.

4. Volunteer at your local Society office.

5. Sign up for an upcoming Walk MS event.

6. Sign up for a 2011 Bike MS fundraising ride.

7. Make a donation to the Society to support research and programs for persons with MS.

8. Call five friends to remind them about MS Awareness Week.

9. Visit the Society at nationalMSsociety.org to learn about new MS advances.

10. Share this issue of MSConnection with someone.

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Eight Self-Help Groups Throughout the StateBy Brooke Teeter

Did you know that the National MS Society offers eight in-person self-help groups in Arkansas? We also offer support through a list serve for Mothers with MS and a Stay at Home telephone group.

Self-help groups are led by trained peers, often living with MS themselves. People involved with self-help groups report many benefits such as gaining knowledge from others who live with MS, building friendships and emotional support. Oftentimes being a part of a self-help group gives you a sense of belonging and identity. I’ve heard many people over my years of working at the Society say “You don’t get MS unless you’ve got MS.” I think they’re right in many ways. Multiple Sclerosis is so hard to describe to someone who doesn’t live with it. Family members, me included, often feel like we know what it’s like to have common symptoms of MS like fatigue or numbness when our foot falls asleep. We often say “Oh, my foot does that too or I didn’t want to get out of bed today too.” MS is different and I’ve

heard more times than not that self-help groups give someone with MS the opportunity to talk with someone else who “gets it.”

Check out one of our groups in your area. Our leaders are all trained and our groups are very welcoming. You are welcome to call and speak with the leader before attending a group for the first time. Groups are also great for family and caregivers to talk to each other too. Check with the Leader before attending to find out their schedule and meeting time and location. Our groups are also listed on our website at www.msarkansas.org.

Don’t see a group in your area? Let us know if you are interested in helping get one started! We would also love to offer special interest groups in person. Some examples of these might be Men with MS, Mother’s with MS Play Dates, Caregivers, Teen Kids of someone with MS. Call Jessica Fisher at 501-663-8104 or e-mail Jessica.Fisher@nmss.org

pROGRAMS

Groups & LeadersBatesville Area – Looking for a co-leader!! Jamie 870-834-3604

Hot Springs AreaCharles & Theresa 501-624-6033

Greater Little Rock AreaStuart 501-835-6776Merten 501-223-8427

Northeast Arkansas Susan 870-239-2561

Springdale AreaJan & Hilde 479-445-6776

Rogers AreaSusie 479-633-6694Sandra 479-685-4383

pine Bluff AreaMyKenya 870-592-0055

Van Buren AreaByna 479-650-6415Doug 479-462-9024

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RESEARCH

LEARN ABOUT MS—ANYTIME

For 10 years, MS Learn Online has providededucational webcasts, featuring healthprofessionals from all over North America,accessible at nationalMSsociety.org/mslearnonline any time, day or night.

A recent feature presentation is “Gettinga Good Night’s Sleep with MS,” in whichRock Heyman, MD, chief of the division ofNeuroimmunology and director of the MSCenter, the University of Pittsburgh, explainswhy people with MS seem to be more proneto sleep disorders. He has some tips for dealingwith the problem.

Another new presentation is on Gilenya, thefirst oral disease-modifying therapy to beFDA-approved. Aaron Miller, MD, professor ofneurology at Mount Sinai and medical directorat the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center forMultiple Sclerosis in New York City, discussesGilenya in two sessions covering how it works,

who might benefit, pros, cons and potentialside effects. There are more than 50 otherLearn Online videos available. Transcripts (.pdfformat) and podcasts (.mp3 audio format) areavailable for most programs

Correspondents who interview the MS expertsnot only have a professional background inbroadcasting, they have MS themselves. “Sowhat they want to know is often what otherpeople with MS want to know,” said JulieGibson, special projects consultant for theSociety.

Sign up at nationalmssociety.org/mslearnonline to receive an e-mail whenever anew webcast debuts.Dr. Aaron Miller discusses Gilenya, the first FDA-

approved oral therapy for MS.

Explore Learn Online videos online:

Basic Facts of MS, Treatments,Symptom Management, Healthy Living,Progressive MS, Research, Family Lifeand Relationships, Employment andInsurance, and En Español.

On the first and third Thursdays of eachmonth, two new videos are added. Anupdate on disease-modifying therapy isgenerally added once a year.

In a hurry?

Visit Daily Minutes. In 60 seconds you’ll get some basics on Who Gets MS, What is Myelin, What is Relapsing-Remitting MS– and more. Click on the Daily Minute link in the blue box at nationalMSsociety.org/mslearnonline.

LIVING WITH MS

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THE WORLD OF MSRESEARCH

In October, more than 5,500 neurologists andother investigators from around the worldcovered almost every aspect of current MSresearch in some 900 scientific presentationsand posters at the annual ECTRIMS (EuropeanCommittee for Treatment and Research inMultiple Sclerosis) conference in Gothenberg,Sweden.

Some research highlights

A newly completed two-year, phase III trial ofteriflunomide, an oral compound that inhibitsspecific immune cells,in 1,088 people withrelapsing MS, foundpositive results. Dr. PaulO’Connor of the Universityof Toronto reported thattwo different doses ofteriflunomide significantlyreduced the rate of MSrelapses by up to 31.5%compared to placebo,and that the higher dosereduced the risk of disability progression by29.8%. It also reduced the risk of new MS lesionsand reduced disease activity. Additional clinicaltrials are under way.

Other medications also show promise at varioustrial stages. An oral compound called firategrastcaused a significant decrease in the rate of newMRI-detected lesions in a six-month trial inrelapsing-remitting MS. Ocrelizumab, whichtargets and kills immune B cells, reduced newlesions by at least 89% over placebo in a 24-weektrial.

In a separate session, Dr. Antonio Uccelli ofthe University of Genoa described attemptsto stop MS progression using infusions of anindividual’s own bone marrow or blood stemcells (mesenchymal cells). Dr. Uccelli is nowcollaborating on a study that he hopes will showthat these cells are beneficial.

Restoring function

Several research teams reported progressin improving quality of life and specificsymptoms, including fatigue and mobilityissues, through group physical therapy, andsupervised aerobics, yoga and resistance trainingclasses. Another study suggested that memorytraining can improve brain function. Many

reports focused on CCSVI(chronic cerebrospinal venousinsufficiency), with mixedor conflicting results. Labstudies identified additionalmolecules that may block theability of myelin-making cellsto repair damage caused byMS; selectively turning them offcould be useful for encouragingmyelin repair in people withMS.

Risk factors

Dr. Trond Riise of the University of Bergenreviewed the growing list of factors that maycontribute to an individual’s susceptibility todeveloping MS, and pointed to current studiesthat may lead to a better understanding of theinteractions and variations of these multiple riskfactors.

For a more complete report on the conference,search “ECTRIMS” at nationalmssociety.org.

Two different doses of teriflunomide significantly

reduced the rate of MS relapses by up to 31.5%

compared to placebo, and the higher dose reduced the risk of disability progression

by 29.8%.

RESEARCH

THE FIRST STEPSTO SMART MONEYMANAGEMENTBY REBECCA A. CLAY

Financial planning is crucial for people with MS and their families: As the disease continues, expenses tend to grow which may bring difficult financial choices. Early planning can help.

Get started: Call us

Begin by calling 1-800-344-4867 to connect with an MS Navigator™. This highly trained professional can refer you to service providers who can help you address issues like health insurance, employment and taxes.

Next: Read up

One key resource the Navigator will recommendis a brochure called Adapting: FinancialPlanning for a Life with Multiple Sclerosis.

Full of worksheets, tips, and references, the 72-page publication is an overview of your financial options. The Navigator can mail you a free copy,or you can download it at nationalmssociety.org/financialplanning.

Finally: Talk to a professional

You may need more specific information, which means consulting one-on-one with a financial planning professional.

Through the Society’s partnership with the Society of Financial Service Professionals (SFSP), the Financial Education Partners

Program provides free personal counseling.

In this program, you receive advice during a telephone session with a volunteer from SFSP’s membership. These volunteers are certified public accountants, attorneys, or other professionals.

The more honest and open you are the more your advisor can help. Sessions are completely confidential, and the volunteers are not there to sell you anything but to share their financial knowledge.

Be aware that the programcannot help with crisis needs, such as foreclosure assistance. It is not a funding source and offers no programs for indigent care. The idea is to help you forge a workable plan to prevent crises

from occurring in the future.

While the advisor can’t serve as a long-term advisor, he or she can get you started toward whatever your financial goals might be.

Rebecca A. Clay is an award-winning writer in Washington, DC. She specializes in health issues.

Forge a workable plan to prevent crises like foreclosure from

occurring.

FREE TAX PREPARATIONSERVICES

The IRS will help you prepare tax returns. The online Interactive Tax Assistant answersquestions about deductions, eligibility forcredit and more. For those who qualify, the IRS’sVolunteer Income Tax Assistance program offersfree tax help by certified volunteers. Call 1-800-906-9887. For general information, go towww.irs.gov or the IRS general number,1-800-829-1040.

MONEY MATTERS

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