ms connection newsletter · gras photo booth, complete with costumes, boas and masks! recap:...

SPRING 2015 VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2 NMSS MID SOUTH CHAPTER

MS CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

02SAVE THE DATE: WOMEN’S DAY OUT

03SPOTLIGHT ON SCHOLAR: CRYSTAL SEYMOUR

06PREVIEW-ING: WALK MS ACROSS TENNESSEE

08MS RESEARCH UPDATES

ARE YOU READY TO WALK MS?

2 MS CONNECTION: SPRING 2015

UPCOMING:

PROGRAMSFor a list of upcoming programs in your area, please call 800-344-4867 and select option 1. You can also register online at www.msmidsouth.org by clicking on our Calendar to view and register for the programs in your area.

COMING UP: PROGRAMS

WOMEN’S DAY OUTThis March we will host a women’s specific program in Middle Tennessee. Brought back to the area because of massive popularity in the west and east, we are excited to reintroduce the Mid South Chapter’s signature, Women’s Day Out: “Health, Beauty, Wellness and MS”!

On Saturday, March 21st, ladies impacted by and living with MS are invited to gather in Nashville for a day of empowerment, information and social fun -- at absolutely no cost to the attendee!

Presenters include: Dr. Ram Sriram, neurologist with the Vanderbilt MS Center; Jennifer Tooher, MS physical therapist; Reeju Davis, Namaste disability yoga instructor; and Michele Probst, celebrity makeup artist and Menaji Skincare founder.

Where: Boy Scouts of America Building in Green Hills at 3414 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville TN 37215

When: Saturday, March 21st, 2015 from 10am - 2pm

Registration: space is limited, so please call 1-800-344-4867 and select option 1 to register yourself and your female guest today.

*Lunch is included at no cost; goodie bags, disability and pharmaceuti-cal vendors, and door prizes will be available throughout the program.

Stay tuned for more details on this program in Chattanooga (tentatively - May), Memphis and Knoxville (September)!

Mid South Chapter

Like us: http://www.facebook.com/NMSSMidSouth

Follow us: http://twitter.com/ NMSSMidSouth

Follow us: http://instagram.com/NMSSMidSouth

www.msmidsouth.org

COMPREHENSIVE MS CARE CENTERS

Vanderbilt MS Center 3810 Bedford Avenue, Ste. 100 Nashville, TN (615) 343-1176

St. Thomas Neurology Specialists 4230 Harding Road Ste. 501 Nashville, TN (615) 383-8575

Cole Neuroscience at UT Medical Center 1928 Alcoa Highway Ste. B-102 Knoxville TN (865) 305-6740

3NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867

2012 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT: WHERE SHE IS NOW

CRYSTAL SEYMOURCrystal Seymour is a Mid South Chapter scholarship recipi-ent from 2012. She was honored with this award because of her dedication to academics and her family, and for bettering her future.... all while living with an MS diagnosis.

Question: Congratulations on your scholarship! Where did you decide to further your education?

Answer: Thank you! I’m currently studying at the University of Memphis because it’s somewhat close to my hometown but far enough away that it gives me freedom to discover new paths. I’m majoring in early education, and Memphis has a great program for future teachers like me.

Q: Was your decision to become a teacher a choice that was influenced by your experiences with MS?

A: I suppose everything is impacted by my MS so I think it definitely pushed me more towards that direction. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher but when I dealt with my own struggles with MS, I saw how strong I was as a person and how strong I could be as a student. I want to show my future students how to persevere through any problem, no matter how big or small. I really hope I am able to inspire them!

Q: What are your specific career goals after you finish your education and graduate?

A: I would love to go back to Jackson (where I’m from) and teach PreK at my childhood elementary school. When I was diagnosed, and every moment since then, my community has helped me so much and I’d be honored and would love to give back to those who impacted me so positively.

Crystal Seymour, pictured above, shares inspiring words to everyone

impacted by MS:

“Being a college student with MS, it’s definitely different. First coming in to college, I realized really quickly that my life was a

lot different from my roommates and other friends. I have to go

to bed early; I can’t get involved in as many things; I sometimes

have to miss class. It’s important for me not to get discouraged

because I know I have different strengths and weaknesses. I real-ized that I can’t compare myself to other students who don’t have

MS. I will stay strong!”


RESCHEDULED:

LUNCHEON NASHVILLE

Due to inclement weather, this year’s 13th annual Women Against MS Luncheon in Nashville has been rescheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2015. We hope to see ladies and gentlemen alike come out to hear Gigi Butler (pictured above), founder of Gigi’s Cupcakes, speak about business and social responsibility.

RECAP:

MARDI GRASWhen: January 30th, 2015 Where: The Columns in MemphisWhat: Cajun food and beverages… live and silent auction… it was a FABULOUS event!! Royalty: Mardi Gras King and Queen: Brevin Knight and Nancy Bustamante (pictured below, top right)

The New Orleans themed party raised $60,000 this year with the wonderful help and support of our committee members and Memphis Board. The venue was beautiful, the food was amazing, and the company

couldn’t be beat! We want to graciously thank everyone who made it such a success!

The masquerade attendees pic-tured here enjoyed our Mardi Gras photo booth, complete with costumes, boas and masks!

RECAP: CHATTANOOGA

The On The Move Luncheon in Chattanooga featured country star, Julie Roberts (pictured above) and saw a return of the popular silent auction! It was a huge success that raised over $30,000 to fund important MS research, programs and services. A big thanks to all who came out from both North and Southeast Tennessee for the luncheon - it was a blast!


MS DISABILITY DAY

ON THE HILLOn February 3rd and 4th, 2015, the Mid South Chapter staff, volunteers and activists joined together and headed to the State Capitol to speak up for those living and dealing with MS in Tennessee at our annual Disablity Day on the Hill in Nashville.

MS advocates made legislative visits to:

-Representative Joe Pitts -Representative Bill Beck -Senator Becky Duncan-Massey -Senator Kerry Roberts -Senator Thelma Harper -Senator Mike Bell -Senator Bo Watson -Senator Jack Johnson -Senator Richard Briggs

(Pictured above, from left) MS advocates and staff; Stacy Mulder (President), Andrea Lindsley (Board Chair) and

Teresa Johnson (Programs & Advocacy Coordinator)

WHAT YOU WANT TO KNOW NOW

TELE-LEARNINGEach year, we support those living with MS by offering a wide variety of tele-learning opportunities that center on different topics pertinent to those with the disease. Our mission is to connect people affected by MS to information, resources and others to ensure they have what they need to live their best lives!

MS and Employment (series) Support to Help You Find Employment Thursday, March 12th - 6pm CT/5pm MTThe Essential Guide to Flexible Home Based Jobs Thursday, March 26th - 6pm CT/5pm MT

Managing MS Bladder and Bowel Symptoms Tuesday, March 17th - 6pm CT/5pm MT Thursday, March 19th - 9pm CT/8pm MT

Sex Ed for Grown Ups Tuesday, May 19th - 6pm CT/5pm MT Thursday, May 21st - 9pm CT/8pm MT

Gender Differences in MS Tuesday, July 21st - 6pm CT/5pm MT Thursday, July 23rd - 9pm CT/8pm MT

Preparing for MS Doctor Visits Tuesday, September 15th - 6pm CT/5pm MT Thursday, September 17th -9pm CT/8pm MT

*Registration for these teleconferences is required; to ensure your spot, please call 1-800-FIGHT-MS to get signed up today!


PREVIEWING:

WALK MS

Since 1988, Walk MS has been connecting people living with MSto people who want to do something about MS now. Across the United States, more than 300,000 people participate in this event each year and have helped the Society raise over $50 million yearly to support life-changing programs and cutting-edge research that will one day end MS forever. Walk MS is a day to connect with the MS community in your area as we all come together. So grab your best people and tell them Walk MS is coming soon!

Whether you’d like to walk, volunteer or simply come out and get to know others impacted by MS, this event offers a little something for all ages. From inflatables to food, who knows what will pop up at each site! All locations are uniquely different and all are FUN! This day honors those fearless individuals who deal with this disease daily. We look forward to seeing y’all at Walk MS! *For each Walk MS event (except Middle TN), registration will begin at 9am; Walk at 10am!

Memphis: Saturday, April 18, Overton Park

Greeneville: Saturday, April 18, Tusculum College

Middle Tennessee: SUNDAY, April 19, LP Field in Nashville, Parking Lot R *NOTE: registration is at 12:30pm; Walk at 2pm

Chattanooga: Saturday, April 25, TN Riverpark- Hubert Fry Center

Clarksville: Saturday, April 25, Liberty Park

Cookeville: Saturday, Apirl 25, Cane Creek Park

Knoxville: Saturday, May 2, Sequoyah Hills ParkKnoxville Walkers in 2014

Chattanooga takes off! Memphis Walkers warming up!


PREVIEWING:

WALK MS

CHALLENGE WALK: DONATE NOW TO THE

MS BUSTERSIf you’re interested in helping out a member of the Mid South Chapter’s Challenge Walk team, MS Busters, please consider donating now! www.ChallengeMS.org and search team MS Busters to show your support!

Clarksville Walk celebration!

Middle Tennessee on the move!

Cookeville Walkers taking a stroll!


RESEARCH

THE ROLE OF MICROGLIAA type of immune cell called microglia, which is widely believed to exacerbate chronic adult brain diseases such as multiple sclerosis, might actually slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, according to new research. � e research was led by Dr. Bruce Trapp, chair of the Department of Neurosciences at Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute, and was published in Nature Communications in July 2014.

“Our findings suggest the immune system protects the brain after injury or during chronic disease, and this role should be further studied,” Dr. Trapp says. “We could potentially harness the protective role of microglia to improve prognosis for patients with traumatic brain injury and delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, MS and stroke. � e methods we developed will help us further understand mechanisms of neuroprotection.”

HOW MICROGLIA WORKMicroglia are primary responders to the brain after injury or during illness. Dr. Trapp’s team used an advanced technique called 3D electron microscopy to visualize this activation of microglia and subsequent events in animal models.

� ey found that, when chemically activated, microglia migrate to inhibitory synapses, which are the connections between brain cells that slow the � ring of impulses. Microglia then dislodge the synapse, thereby increasing neuronal � ring and leading to a cascade of events that enhance survival of brain cells. Dr. Trapp’s past research has included investigating the causes of neurological disability in people with MS, the cellular mechanisms of brain repair in neurodegenerative diseases and the molecular biology of myelination in the central and peripheral nervous systems. In 2009, he received the National MS Society’s 2009 Stephen C. Reingold Award and, in 2013, he was inducted into the Society’s Volunteer Hall of Fame for Scienti� c Researchers. He also received the John Dystel Prize in 2003, awarded jointly by the Society and the American Association of Neurologists to recognize outstanding contributions to the � eld of MS research.

Originally published in the Ohio Buckeye MS Connection newsletter.

DR. BRUCE TRAPP


LOCAL RESEARCH UPDATES

WEST TENNESSEE We are committed to delivering accurate and reliable information to everyone affected by MS, and subsequently review many requests for participa-tion in MS surveys. Below is a research study being conducted in our Chapter. It has been reviewed by the Society and offered as information only, not an endorsement or recommendation.

Investigators at the University of Memphis are conducting a study on career decisions for adults (age 18 or older) with multiple sclerosis. The study is examining how adjustment to the disease impacts career decisions, in order to assist in developing in-terventions to improve career decisions. The study can be completed online in 15 minutes.

If you are interested in participating, please email [email protected] and type “study” in the subject line to obtain the link and a password.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

GIVING CAMPAIGNS Shop with a purpose on Amazon.com via www.smile.amazon.com, select the National MS Society, Mid South Chapter as your charity of choice and .5% of your eligible purchase will be donated to the Society.

Also shop on igive.com – select the National MS Society, Mid South Chapter as your charity of choice.

Stay tuned for announcements regarding “The Big Payback” in Nashville on May 5, 2015!

RESEARCH

THE ROLE OF MICROGLIAA type of immune cell called microglia, which is widely believed to exacerbate chronic adult brain diseases such as multiple sclerosis, might actually slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, according to new research. � e research was led by Dr. Bruce Trapp, chair of the Department of Neurosciences at Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Institute, and was published in Nature Communications in July 2014.

“Our findings suggest the immune system protects the brain after injury or during chronic disease, and this role should be further studied,” Dr. Trapp says. “We could potentially harness the protective role of microglia to improve prognosis for patients with traumatic brain injury and delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, MS and stroke. � e methods we developed will help us further understand mechanisms of neuroprotection.”

HOW MICROGLIA WORKMicroglia are primary responders to the brain after injury or during illness. Dr. Trapp’s team used an advanced technique called 3D electron microscopy to visualize this activation of microglia and subsequent events in animal models.

� ey found that, when chemically activated, microglia migrate to inhibitory synapses, which are the connections between brain cells that slow the � ring of impulses. Microglia then dislodge the synapse, thereby increasing neuronal � ring and leading to a cascade of events that enhance survival of brain cells. Dr. Trapp’s past research has included investigating the causes of neurological disability in people with MS, the cellular mechanisms of brain repair in neurodegenerative diseases and the molecular biology of myelination in the central and peripheral nervous systems. In 2009, he received the National MS Society’s 2009 Stephen C. Reingold Award and, in 2013, he was inducted into the Society’s Volunteer Hall of Fame for Scienti� c Researchers. He also received the John Dystel Prize in 2003, awarded jointly by the Society and the American Association of Neurologists to recognize outstanding contributions to the � eld of MS research.

Originally published in the Ohio Buckeye MS Connection newsletter.

DR. BRUCE TRAPP

Every time you shop using your Kroger Plus card we will receive a portion of your purchase. Visit www.kroger.com/community-rewards and link your card to the National MS Society Mid South Chapter.


MS SUPPORT For more information on our self help groups, in-cluding date, time and location of meetings, please contact the self help group leader listed below. If you have any interest in an “active duty” support group, or becoming a leader in your own area, please contact [email protected].

WEST TENNESSEEJackson Leader: Carol (731) 423-1656

Memphis Leader: Lowry (901) 382-9292

Memphis YAMS (Young Adults with MS) Leader: Nicole (901) 550-9242

EAST TENNESSEEBristol Leader: Sylvia (276) 466-9189

Greeneville Leader: Jan (423) 639-1904

Kingsport Leader: Judy (423) 357-6087

Knoxville Day Group Leaders: Victoria (865) 851-7135

Knoxville Cole MS Group Leader: Sallie (865) 305-6740

Maryville Leader: Debby (865) 379-9545

Morristown - Lakeway Leader: Marilyn (423) 235-6944

Jefferson City Leader: Sherrie (865) 660-6270

McMinn, Meigs, Monroe County Leader: Amy (423) 263-5721

Chattanooga Leader: Aronna (423) 475-9473

Chattanooga Day Group Leader: Arica (423) 715-1036

MIDDLE TENNESSEENashville YAMS (Young Adults with MS) Leader: TBD

Brentwood Leader: TBD

Clarksville Leader: Melba (931) 552-1486

Columbia Leader: Cheryl (931) 446-2439

Cookeville Leader: Kim (931) 520-0020 OR by emailing: [email protected]

Dickson Leader: Viola (615) 763-0523

Murfreesboro Leader: Angela (615) 925-9001

Portland/Gallatin Leader: Kathy (615) 325-2196

Pulaski Leader: Grefonda (931) 363-4723

Waynesboro Leader: Lisa (931) 332-0649

NATIONALMSSOCIETY.ORG | 1-800-344-4867 11

IMPORTANT NOTICE:Mail for the Memphis market can be sent to the Middle Tennessee office, or to:

P.O. Box 241664 Memphis, TN 38124

NATIONAL MULTIPLESCLEROSIS SOCIETY

Mid South Chapter214 Overlook Circle, Suite 153

Brentwood, TN 37027

STAFF

Stacy MulderChapter President

Diane Payne VP, Finance & Administration

Leslie Morton Manager, Information Systems

Deanna JonesSr. Director, Community Development

Sherry BramucciDirector, Client Programs/Services

Abby MullenManager, Development

Rebecca PolkCoordinator, Development

Carlie MooreCoordinator, Development

Teresa JohnsonCoordinator, Client Programs/Services

Kate PrinceCoordinator, Logistics and Volunteers

© 2014 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mid South Chapter

COMING UP

SUMMER 2015 Stay tuned for our next issue of MS Connections, coming this summer! We will be connecting on:

Bike MS, The Bob Mueller Celebrity Golf Scramble, Women’s Day Out in Memphis and Knoxville, ways to give, Newly Dignosed meetings, and World MS Day.

We will also be spotlighting a Self Help Group Leader in the next issue; if you think your area’s leader is stellar and would like to nominate them, please email [email protected] for more details!

SELF HELP GROUP UPDATES ACROSS THE STATE:We are currently looking for new leaders to take over the pre-existing groups in Brentwood, Tri Cities, and the Nashville YAMS (Young Adults with MS). If you or someone you know is interested, please contact [email protected].

Please help us keep our communities supported by stepping into this rewarding volunteer role!

* Also, the location has changed for Aronna’s group in Chattanooga; members will now gather in the Private Dining Room at Memorial Hospital (located on the Ground Floor, off Parking Lot B).

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

City, STPermit # (No.)

214 Overlook Circle Suite 153Brentwood, TN 37027

Yes! I will join the movement to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Please accept my gift in the amount of:

$1,000 Golden Circle Membership

$500 $250 $100 $50 Other $

Name Credit Card I wish to remain annonymous Expiration Date Address Signature City State Zip Please designate my tax-deductible gift for:Phone Number Local Mid South chapter programsE-mail National research programs My check (payable to NMSS) is enclosed. Other Please charge my: Visa MC AMEX Discover If none of the above is selected, your gift will be unrestricted.

MAIL TO: National MS Society, Mid South Chapter ∙ 214 Overlook Circle, Suite 153 ∙ Brentwood, TN 37027

Mid South Chapter

ms connection newsletter · gras photo booth, complete with costumes, boas and masks! recap:...

Documents