ms connection newsletterohio buckeye …...that we offer in the ohio buckeye chapter service area. i...

FALL 2016OHIO BUCKEYE CHAPTER

MS CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

4FIND OUT ABOUT RESEARCH

5CHECK OUT PARENTING CONCERNS

7READ A PERSONAL STORY

6LEARN ABOUT SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

CAMP CONNECT

2 MS CONNECTION: FALL 2016

KIDS MAKE CONNECTIONS AT CAMP CONNECTThe Ohio Buckeye Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society hosted Camp Connect for the fifth consecutive year thanks to funds provided by generous donors. This year’s camp was a lot of fun for the 38 students who attended the weekend camp at Recreation Unlimited in Ashley, Ohio.Camp Connect was established in 2012 after Gail and John Simonetti donated $20,000 toward the program for children in grades 2 to 9 who had an MS diagnosis or a parent living with MS. The couple generously donated another $10,000 a year later to support the camp. Additional funds were generated through special funding from Dinner of Champions patrons. While at camp, the kids participated in activities like archery, canoeing, climbing, fishing and swimming. They also attended educational classes about MS which were geared for their age level.Camp Connect continues to be the best, well-funded program that we offer in the Ohio Buckeye Chapter service area. I am forever grateful to the people who have donated to Camp Connect to help the kids so that they can enjoy themselves and meet other kids who face similar challenges due to the impact of MS. If you would like to donate or volunteer for Camp Connect or any other program, please email me at [email protected] or call 216-503-4168. Sincerely,

Janet KramerChapter PresidentOhio Buckeye Chapter

“THANKS TO THE DONORS WHO SUPPORT CAMP.”

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE:Ohio Buckeye Chapter MSohiobuckeye.org [email protected]

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On the Cover: Camp Connect

JANET KRAMER

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

STOP DISEASE PROGRESSION RESTORE LOST FUNCTION END MS FOREVER



STOP

RESTORE

END

NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY

Board Chair: Dick Kulick President: Janet Kramer Vice President Development & Marketing: Jennifer Hamilton Editor: Guyla Wehman

© 2016 National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Ohio Buckeye Chapter

Cleveland Office6155 Rockside Rd., Suite 202Independence, OH 44131Columbus Office651G Lakeview Plaza Blvd.Worthington, OH 43085Toledo Office1718 Indian Wood Circle, Suite CMaumee, OH 43537

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

Ohio Buckeye Chapter 1-800-344-4867

RESEARCH INVESTMENTSThe National MS Society has committed more than $25 million to support an expected 60 new MS research projects as well as seven MS clinical training awards. These are part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at stopping MS, restoring function that has been lost and ending the disease forever.

This financial commitment is the latest in the Society’s relentless research efforts to move us closer to a world free of MS. It is part of a projected investment of $54 million in 2016 to support more than 380 new and ongoing studies around the world. The Society pursues all promising paths, while focusing on priority areas including progressive MS, nervous system repair, gene/environmental risk factors and wellness and lifestyle.

“The comprehensive nature of these new research investments is very exciting,” said Bruce Bebo, PhD, National MS Society’s Executive Vice President of Research. “We’re funding scientific breakthroughs that will propel the knowledge we need to end MS and identify everyday solutions that change the lives of people with all forms of the disease.” n


RESEARCH PROJECTSResearch participants are being sought for several studies taking place at the Cleveland Clinic’s Mellen Center for MS Treatment and Research.

(Chords) Ocrelizumab (Genentech Inc.) – This two-year study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of Ocrelizumab. Participants must have relapsing-remitting MS, and have been treated in the past with no more than two disease modifying medications and discontinued due to lack of efficacy. Contact Jennifer Resto, RN, at [email protected] or 216-444-5253.

(Asclepios) OMB157/Ofatumumab (Novartis) – This 30-month study compares the efficacy and safety of Ofatumumab versus Aubagio. Participants must have relapsing-remitting MS or secondary-progressive MS with relapses, ages 18-55 years old. Participants must be able to walk without a device. Contact Susan Sharp, RN, at [email protected] or 216-445-5788.

N-Momentum (MedImmune) – This six-month study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of the medication MEDI-551 in participants with Neuromyelitis Optica and who are 18 years old or older. Contact Jennifer Resto, RN, at [email protected] or 216-444-5253.

Monitoring Exertion-Induced Changes in Gait Parameters – This study assesses whether exertion-induced gait changes are more sensitive than traditional clinical tests such as the timed 25-foot walk in detecting gait impairment. Eligible participants must have relapsing-remitting MS, be 18-65 years old, had stable disease modifying therapy for the past 12 months, no MS relapse

or new MRI lesion in the past 12 months, and have a change in walking pattern with exertion. Participants with or without walking aides may participate, but must have the ability to perform all study procedures safely and tolerate testing in a virtual environment lab. The study entails two 2-3 hour visits. Contact Darlene Stough, RN, at [email protected] or 216-445-5877.

Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting of the Thalamus in MS (Genzyme) – This study tests a novel MRI approach called magnetic resonance fingerprinting to determine which parameters are most useful in detecting MS pathology. Participants must have relapsing-remitting MS, be within five years of diagnosis, and be able to walk independently, or have secondary- progressive MS, be greater than 10 years from diagnosis, and be able to walk with or without an assistive device. The study is also enrolling healthy control participants without MS, with a body mass index less than 30, and if diagnosed with diabetes or high blood pressure it must be controlled. This study lasts for six months and requires two visits. Contact Susan Sharp, RN, at [email protected] or 216-445-5788.

Pediatric MS Database (National MS Society) – This study collects information on patients with MS and related disorders beginning in childhood to help us better understand the cause and best treatment for disorders in children. Participants must have had the onset of MS or a related disorder prior to age 18 (though they can be enrolled up to age 22) and will be followed until age 25. Contact Jennifer Resto, RN, at [email protected] or 216-444-5253.

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PARENTING WITH MSThe National MS Society recently sat down with Dr. Deborah Miller of the Cleveland Clinic’s Mellen Center for MS Treatment and Research to discuss parenting with MS. Here’s what she had to say:

What parenting-related issues often come up in your work?

A lot of parents are concerned that their having MS will interfere with their children’s ability to have a “normal” childhood. People are also concerned that they won’t be able to adequately parent their children, either in terms of their ability to participate in activities or their ability to discipline their children.

What do you say to people with MS who are concerned about whether or not they should have kids?

The decision to become a parent should be carefully considered by anyone, whether you have MS or not, but there’s absolutely no reason to not have children if you want them. Before having children, though, it’s a good idea to think about your support system and realize that there may be times you will need people to step in and help out. You may also want to think about and plan for your financial future. MS is an expensive disease and you may need to consider how you will balance the cost of MS-related expenses with saving for your family’s future.

We’ve heard from grown children of people with MS that they gained wisdom, empathy and a sense of responsibility by helping

their parents as they were growing up. How do you know when you may be asking too much of your child?

There’s a good bit of evidence that children who have a parent with MS develop into healthy adults. It’s really important that they learn more by what their parents do than by what their parents are unable to do. If a parent sets a good example in terms of being adaptive and finding ways to make accommodations that keep them active and involved, it’s a great lesson for children to learn.

In terms of household responsibilities, I don’t think there are any particular lines you shouldn’t cross. However, until they are adults, in general children should not be involved in intimate care, such as helping a parent get dressed or use the restroom. The important thing is that kids have an opportunity to be involved in deciding what their responsibilities are at home. I find that in any family, when children are able to negotiate what responsibilities they take on, it makes them much more willing to participate.

Are there common issues or concerns you hear from children who have a parent with MS?

Kids, especially younger children, can worry that they did something to cause their parent’s MS. Children also often worry that their parent is going to die. We make it a standard part of

DR. DEBORAH MILLER

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STUDENTS RECEIVESCHOLARSHIP AWARDSThe National MS Society’s scholarship program helps highly qualified students who have been diagnosed with MS or who have a parent with MS to achieve their dreams of going to college. This year more than $1 million was awarded to 815 scholars. In the Ohio Buckeye Chapter, four students received $1,000 scholarship awards.

Nick Berry graduated from Findlay High School and decided to attend the University of Findlay. Nick’s dad, Troy, a former baseball player and head coach at the University of Findlay, was diagnosed with MS in 2000. Since

that time Troy has gone from a cane to a walker to a custom wheelchair.

“The person I admire and look up to the most is my father who battles MS daily,” Nick said. “Every day he amazes me and motivates me to be great. My only wish is to be half the man my father is.”

Madi Cano, a graduate of Central Catholic High School, chose to attend The Ohio State University and major in art and marketing. Madi has several family members

who live with MS, which prompted her to create a cupcake business called MS Cupcakes for a Cure. In 2014, Madi donated her time to bake about 500 mini cupcakes for Locavore, a chapter event that featured local cuisine from Northeast Ohio. She also baked and served cupcakes at the Annual Meeting that year.

“The idea of starting a cupcake business to raise money for the National MS Society seemed like a perfectly logical idea, integrating my love of baking with my penchant for helping others,” Madi said. “And I wanted to raise awareness for a cause that has been near and dear to my heart.”

Colleen Murnane went to Logan Elm High School and decided to attend Ohio University where she plans to major in pre-physical therapy. Colleen’s mom, Debra, was diagnosed with MS three years ago. Colleen wants to become a

physical therapist so she can help her mother and others who have muscle weakness and pain. She hopes to make a difference by improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

“It broke my heart to watch my mother struggle,” Colleen said. “I became determined to help her. More than anything, my mother’s diagnosis of multiple sclerosis drastically fueled my motivation to help others.”

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NICK BERRY

MADI CANO

COLLEEN MURNANE


PURSUE YOUR PASSIONBY BONNIE A. REED, MS AMBASSADOR

Many years ago, I had a neighbor in his eighties. He never sat still. He was always remodeling, painting or tackling a new project. He said that the minute he sat still, he would be finished. MS is like that. If we do not stay active and stay interested, we go downhill.

Thankfully, I am not a long distance runner or a Zumba instructor. I’m an artist who has MS and I’m a paraplegic. I am also a young widow who resides in assisted living for care. Without my art, I don’t know how I would have survived MS, widowhood and assisted living.

My passion for creating began with fabric. The color and textures enthralled me. I started sewing garments for myself and my new baby. Later, friends took me to a quilt class and I was bitten by the quilting bug. I took many classes and started to explore the world of art quilting and thread painting.

Then I discovered Bob Ross on the PBS station. He was a wonderful teacher and an encouraging man. He said that anyone could paint and so I tried. Thus began my love of painting. I tried oils, watercolors and acrylic. When YouTube came about, I was in learning heaven!

New worlds opened up for me as I got to explore methods I didn’t know existed. I would go back and forth between the sewing machine and the easel. When Facebook came about, I found quilt groups and art groups that I could join. The groups were invaluable as I learned so much from more experienced painters and quilters.

As my confidence grew, I entered some art and craft shows. It was a big validation when I started to sell professionally, even doing a

number of years at Yankee Peddler. And then, kaboom! I was diagnosed with MS. My art was put on hold while I learned to deal with this new bump in the road.

I was diagnosed with secondary-progressive MS and it progressed quite quickly. Within five years, I went from a cane to a walker to a wheelchair. I had to quit my regular job because of extreme fatigue. While the forced retirement was wonderful, the paycheck was not. I did have more time to go back to my art and brush up on my skills. I was getting many orders and enjoying myself when life handed me the worst bump in the road ever.

My husband died suddenly in his sleep at age 52. He was my main caregiver. He never acted like I was a handicapped person and we had a wonderful life. In one week, I went from being

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BONNIE REED ENJOYS PAINTING AND QUILTING.

BONNIE REED’S “COMING HOME” PAINTING SOLD IN ONE DAY.


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SHOW OF SOLIDARITYEveryone in the Ramirez family is sporting tattoos as a show of solidarity. Cindi and Jesse Ramirez agreed to get tattoos to support their 24-year-old son, Anthony, who was diagnosed with MS last year. Anthony’s younger brother, Michael, also got tatted.

Anthony graduated from Twinsburg High School in 2010 and attended Xavier University in Cincinnati where he graduated with a BS in Sports Management in 2014. He had a position with the Cincinnati Reds when he was diagnosed with MS in August 2015. He came back home to seek care at the Cleveland Clinic’s Mellen Center for MS.

The diagnosis for Anthony came out of the blue. No one in his parents’ families had the disease. This was very new and frightening for them, so they explored many treatment options including appointments with a naturalist and an acupuncturist. Anthony believes those visits helped both mentally and physically.

Anthony decided to design a tattoo to recognize MS along with other diseases that have touched his family and friends. His multi-colored tattoo ribbon signifies the orange for MS, teal/ovarian cancer, grey/diabetes, lime green/mental health, yellow/suicide, red/heart disease, green/depression, burgundy/neck cancer, purple /lupus and lavender for epilepsy. The significance behind the semi-colon is for “Project Semi Colon,” an awareness project for suicide prevention. Once Anthony made his decision, he asked his family to join him in his tattoo initiative.

Jesse was actually the first to get inked. He chose a version of RAMFAM 4, a Ramirez family trademark for the core “Ramirez Family of Four.” His tattoo is draped with the orange MS ribbon. Cindi chose a butterfly with the orange MS ribbon and Michael chose the cross wrapped with the orange MS ribbon.

It has been a rough year since Anthony’s diagnosis but he continues to approach each day with vigor, not knowing how he is going to feel or what he is going to be able to do. He is fortunate to have the strong support of his family and they are not afraid to show that support, proudly wearing their distinctive tattoo designs. n

THE RAMIREZ FAMILY SHOW OFF THEIR TATTOOS.

Cognition in Relapses (National MS Society) – The study assesses whether MS relapses cause cognitive impairment. Participants must be 18-50 years old, have relapsing-remitting MS, and be free from relapses or steroid treatment for the prior three months. The study lasts four years with up to three visits. Contact Charlene Belsole at [email protected] or 216-444-8628. n

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• Focus on areas of particular interest to people with MS like physical wellbeing, emotional wellbeing, preventive healthcare, diet and exercise, and complementary therapies in MS management.

• Comprehensive information about each topic in Society publications, journal abstracts and other resources.

• Highlight of important points for discussion and the opportunity for a person with MS to record questions for healthcare professionals, list personal goals and identify steps to achieve those goals.

To get a copy of the guide, please visit nationalMSsociety.org or call 1-800-344-4867. n

GET CONNECTED

NEW WELLNESS DISCUSSION GUIDEPeople with MS want more information about wellness strategies in order to live their best life. At the same time, healthcare professionals often feel ill-equipped to provide answers and recommendations to their patients around wellness strategies due to a lack of well-organized, scientifically-based and practical information. That is why a new “Wellness Discussion Guide for People with MS and their Healthcare Providers” has been developed. The guide includes:

• Information and materials so people with MS and their healthcare providers can engage in effective conversations and decision-making around wellness and lifestyle interventions.

SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERSNovember is National Family Caregiver’s Month and the message is simple. Caregivers need practical and emotional support. Taking care of a loved one is hard work, so do not try to handle everything alone. Tips for successful caregiving include:

• Seek support from other caregivers. • Take care of your own health so that you

can be strong enough to take care of your loved one.

• Accept offers of help and suggest specific things people can do to help you.

• Learn how to communicate effectively with doctors.

• Take respite breaks often. • Watch out for signs of depression. Don’t

delay getting professional help when needed. • Be open to new technologies that can help. • Organize medical information so it’s up to

date and easy to find. • Make sure legal documents are in order. • Give yourself credit for doing the best you

can in one of the toughest jobs there is.For more information about caregiving, please visit the Caregiver Action Network at caregiveraction.org. For additional resources and publications like “A Guide for Caregivers” and “Hiring Help at Home,” please call the National MS Society at 1-800-344-4867. n


most family-related sessions that parents let their children know that most people with MS live very long lives. MS may force them to do things differently, but they will be there to love and take care of them. As children get older, they’re often concerned that they’re going to get MS themselves.

It’s also important to give MS a name because kids’ imaginations can go worse places than MS could ever be. It’s important to let kids ask questions, and then answer the questions that they ask. However, with younger children, there’s no need to go into detail about what causes the condition. I typically encourage parents of younger kids to talk in terms of symptoms. Explaining the symptom you’re experiencing and tying that back to MS can help them make sense of it. As children get older and more sophisticated, it can help them to have information that ties different symptoms

together and to see how these issues are related, so that there’s a coherent explanation for what’s going on.

Any final thoughts?Good parenting is a very active process. Setting boundaries, being consistent, rewarding good behavior, recognizing when a child isn’t doing well are important for all parents, but especially important when a parent has MS. All too often people will blame MS for problems in the family. It’s essential to look beyond MS when things aren’t going right. Don’t be afraid to seek help when your family is struggling with an issue. A therapist can be a really valuable resource to help you through the tough times. You shouldn’t have to face challenges alone.

For more information about families and MS and to get parenting resources, please visit nationalMSsociety.org/family or call 1-800-344-4867. n


Kristin Stetz, a 1992 graduate of Daniel Boone High School, is a non-traditional student who is attending the Chamberlain College of Nursing. She wants to become a neurology nurse because she was diagnosed with

MS in 2015. The past couple of years have been extremely difficult with her father’s death and several hospital stays. She was close to giving

CONTINUED FROM PG. 6 up when another nurse gave her a heartfelt talk that motivated her to push forward.

“Now I know my struggles are meant to make me a better nurse, not keep me from being one,” Kristin said. “MS is hard. It is not for the weak minded or the passive. You have to be willing to fight when you have no fight left.” n

The Scholarship Program is for people living with MS or their children who are attending college or a technical school. For information, please visit nationalMSsociety.org/scholarship or call 1-800-344-4867.

KRISTIN STETZ


The Ohio Buckeye Chapter of the National MS Society honored FirstEnergy Corp. and its President and CEO, Charles Jones, at the 9th Annual Dinner of Champions. The company and Jones received the Norman Cohn Hope Award for outstanding commitment to philanthropy and exceptional leadership.

15TH ANNUAL TOLEDO DINNER OF CHAMPIONS Honorees: Tom and Paul DeversVin Devers Autohaus of SylvaniaTuesday, September 27, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.The Pinnacle, 1772 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee, OH 43537Individual reservations are $125 and table sponsorships begin at $1,500.For more information, please contact Samantha Marchal at [email protected] or 419-482-1590.

21ST ANNUAL CLEVELAND DINNER OF CHAMPIONSHonoree: Lee C. Banks President and COO, Parker Hannifin CorporationTuesday, November 15, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.Individual reservations are $150 and table sponsorships begin at $2,500.

For more information, please contact Michelle Wohlfeiler Bailin at [email protected] or 216-503-4184.

LEE C. BANKS

LEFT TO RIGHT: STEVEN STRAH, CHARLES JONES, DON TAYLOR AND JANET KRAMER

More than 350 people attended the dinner at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn on May 25, 2016. Guests enjoyed the evening by bidding on a large variety of silent auction items, dining with the honoree and learning more about MS. Total proceeds topped $266,000 to support local programs and services to improve the quality of life for people affected by MS. n

TRIBUTES AND MEMORIALS If you want to honor someone with MS or have lost a loved one, please consider naming the Ohio Buckeye Chapter of the National MS Society as the charity of your choice for donations. All contributions help to support local services and fund MS-related research efforts. All tributes and memorials are appreciated. n

MS CONNECTION: FALL 201612

DATES TO REMEMBERWEBINAR AND TELELEARNING PROGRAMSThe 2016 Webinar and Telelearning Series brings together a collaboration of MS experts to help you learn strategies to live your best life with MS. Each program features two presenters with time for questions and answers. For more information or to register, please call 1-800-344-4867 or visit nationalMSsociety.org/telelearning.Dates: Tuesday, September 13, 2016: Health

Insurance Tuesday, October 11, 2016: Support

Partners and Family Tuesday, November 8, 2016: Diet and

Nutrition Tuesday, December 13, 2016:

Importance of SleepTime: 8:00 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. for all sessions

WHAT’S HOT IN MS?Learn about new medications and find out about the latest information on stem cell research. Breakout sessions will be available and a light breakfast will be provided. This program is held in partnership with The Cleveland Clinic’s Mellen Center for MS Treatment and Research. Date: Saturday, November 5, 2016Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Cleveland East Beachwood, 3663 Park East Dr., Beachwood, OH 44122

CHILDREN’S HOPE FOR UNDERSTANDING MSThis program is designed for children 6-17 years of age, who have someone in their life with MS. The program consists of fun, interactive and educational activities to help children learn about MS and to meet other children impacted by MS. Parents are also able to attend to learn about talking with family members and dealing with the emotions of living with MS. Breakfast and game cards will be provided. Space is limited. The program is made possible through an educational grant from Sanofi Genzyme. Date: Saturday, November 12, 2016Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Location: Dave and Busters, 25735 1st St., Westlake, OH 44145

MS UPDATE AND ANNUAL MEETINGJoin us for updates on research and living with MS with speakers Aaron Boster, MD and Michael Racke, MD. The program will be followed by the Ohio Buckeye Chapter’s Annual Meeting. Breakfast will be provided. Date: Saturday, December 3, 2016Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Location: Columbus Holiday Inn Columbus-Worthington, 7007 North High St., Worthington, OH 43085

RAFFLE FOR POLAR EXPRESS The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad will hold their annual Polar Express Charity Run in December. They have provided 50 seats for people living with MS and their family

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CONTINUED FROM PG. 12members. The Polar Express is a two-hour train trip to experience the magic of the holiday season. People are encouraged to wear pajamas as they enjoy hot cocoa and cookies while listening to the classic story, Polar Express. Highlights include travel to the lighted North Pole Village and a special on-board visit from Santa. To enter the raffle for tickets, please contact Tony Bernard at 1-800-344-4867 or [email protected]. Be prepared to provide your name, the number of tickets needed (up to four) and a phone number. The deadline to enter the raffle is November 6. Date: Wednesday, December 7, 2016Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Location: Rockside Road Station, 7900 Old Rockside Rd., Independence, OH 44131

CAMP CONNECT: SAVE THE DATE FOR 2017We are excited to announce that the 6th annual Camp Connect will take place July 21-23, 2017 at Recreation Unlimited in Ashley, OH. This is a weekend camp for children living with MS or those who have a parent with MS. Kids who will be entering grades 2-9 in August 2017 are eligible to attend. For more information, please contact Tony Bernard at 1-800-344-4867 or [email protected].

PROGRAM REGISTRATION IS EASY1. Register online at MSohiobuckeye.org 2. Register by calling 1-800-344-4867Unless noted, all programs are offered free of charge but donations are accepted.

SUPPORT LOCAL PROGRAMS AND SERVICESDid you know that you can help provide for local programs and services through Community Health Charities and the United Way Campaign?

You can designate the Ohio Buckeye Chapter of the National MS Society as the charity of your choice when you make a donation. For Community Health Charities be sure to include the chapter’s Combined Federal Campaign code of 20939.

If you have any questions, please email Janet Kramer at [email protected] or call 216-503-4168. n

MS CONNECTION: FALL 2016

Columbus Eastside Group2nd Tuesday 12:00 p.m.MCL Cafeteria Rachel 614-860-1968Regina 614-863-1911

HANCOCK COUNTYFindlay Group2nd Monday 6:30 p.m. First United Church of ChristDana 419-318-4102

LAKE COUNTYMentor’s Best2nd Thursday 11:30 a.m.Java ExpressKathy 440-479-8179Katie 440-974-8475

LORAIN COUNTYPositive Thinking Group1st Tuesday 6:00 p.m.Abbewood Retirement CenterTeresa [email protected]

MS Support Group of Hope2nd Monday 6:00 p.m.Lorain Gathering Hope House Adrian 440-233-4332Last Wednesday 6:30 p.m.Wellington Elms/Sprenger Assisted Living Brandi 440-647-2414

LUCAS COUNTYSW Toledo GroupLast Tuesday 6:30 p.m. Heatherdowns Rehab Peggy 419-382-5050

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MS OHIO ONLINE GROUPEvery Tuesday 11:00 a.m. and every Wednesday 7:00 p.m.Ohio chat room can be accessed through MSWorld. You will need to become a member of MSWorld in order to chat. Membership is free. Visit msworld.org.For Ohio Loop/Support Group E-mail Information: [email protected]

AUGLAIZE COUNTYWapakoneta Group3rd Thursday 6:30 p.m. VFW 25A South DixieBetty 419-738-8440

CARROLL COUNTYCarroll Group2nd Wednesday 6:30 p.m.Call for more informationLois 330-484-5382CUYAHOGA COUNTYBrunch Bunch2nd Monday 10:30 a.m.Denny’sMarilyn 216-544-6243

Eastside But You Look So Good Group1st Monday 6:30 p.m.Shaker Heights Library Teresa 216-408-7855

SELF-HELP GROUPSFor exact times, locations, programs and other details, please call the National MS Society at 1-800-344-4867 or contact the person listed. You are encouraged to attend the group of your choice regardless of its location.

Eastside Newly DX/Minimally Affected3rd Wednesday 7:00 p.m.Good Shepherd ChurchCharlene 440-349-3936

Northwest Satellites2nd Wednesday 7:30 p.m.North Olmsted Senior CenterMarge 440-777-4156

Parma Posse of PossibilitiesLast Thursday 12:00 p.m.Denny’sPam 440-888-1469

Strongsville Group3rd Thursday 7:00 p.m.Strongsville Senior CenterDebbie [email protected]

FAIRFIELD COUNTYLancaster Movers & Shakers2nd Tuesday 6:00 p.m.Fairfield Center for disAbilities and Cerebral PalsyMaria 740-243-4368

FRANKLIN COUNTYClintonville Group3rd Friday 6:30 p.m.Whetstone Community Center Tasia 614-268-9124

MSOHIOBUCKEYE.ORG | 1-800-344-4867 15Greater Toledo Group2nd Tuesday 6:30 p.m. Maumee Senior Center Davonna 419-705-0819

MAHONING COUNTYMS Musketeers2nd Thursday 12:30 p.m.Jewish Community CenterDawn 330-782-1845Mike [email protected]

MARION COUNTYMarion GroupCall for more information Emmanuel Lutheran ChurchAnita 740-751-9704 Julie 740-389-1670

MERCER COUNTYCelina Group1st Monday 7:00 p.m. Richardson Bretz Memorial CenterSue 419-586-9417

OTTAWA COUNTYPort Clinton MS in Motion Group1st Tuesday 6:30 p.m.Magruder Hospital Conference Center Karen 419-607-6021 Lori 419-707-9307

RICHLAND COUNTYMS Support Group4th Thursday 6:30 p.m.Care Companions of OhioTerri 419-908-5857Dana 419-747-6195

STARK COUNTYMassillon Group2nd Monday 10:00 a.m.Jackson Township Buehler’sKim [email protected]

SUMMIT COUNTYAkron Evening2nd Tuesday 6:00 p.m.Neurology & Neuroscience AssociatesHee-Byung 330-572-1011 x. 259Pam 330-572-1000 x. 137

Mighty Oaks Group1st Saturday 11:00 a.m.Green YMCA & Oak ClinicMicheala 330-322-2155

WAYNE/HOLMES COUNTIES Wooster Group2nd Monday 7:00 p.m.Wooster Community HospitalPixie 330-345-7374

WOOD COUNTYToledo/Oregon My Strength Group1st Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Northwood Community Center Mary 419-467-7000

a wife to being a resident in a nursing home. I was put on a floor where the majority of people were 30 to 40 years older than me. It was an awful nightmare. After a year of being miserable, my social worker at the MS Clinic found an assisted living home that was much more appropriate for me.

Now, I am very excited to be doing a one-woman art show on October 8, 2016 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The event is being combined with an escape room experience at The Warehouse on the Canal located at 239 N. Canal St. in Canal Fulton, OH. The theme for the night is MS and all the escape room clues will focus on the disease. The Warehouse owner, Ken Roberts, plans to donate 50 percent of the proceeds to the National MS Society. For more information about the event, please call 330-879-8326.

Remember, no matter what your passion may be - pursue it! You never know where the road for pursuing your passion will take you and how much it will help to enhance your life. n


VOLUNTEERSLINDA GRUENSPAN RECEIVES RECOGNITION FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICEThe Ohio Buckeye Chapter is pleased to announce that Linda Gruenspan was recently honored. Linda was an honorable mention winner for the statewide Medical Mutual Outstanding Senior Volunteer Award for 2016.

Linda has been volunteering for the National MS Society for 30 years. She got involved after she was diagnosed with MS in 1986. She was an active member of the MS Women’s Committee and helped to host several successful fundraising events. She also published a cookbook, “Great Chefs of Cleveland,” that featured recipes she received from 26 chefs. She sold over 750

copies of the book and donated more than $24,000 in proceeds to the Society.

Additionally, Linda has served as an MS Activist and MS Ambassador. She has participated in State Action Day and has interviewed many times with print, radio and TV media outlets. Thanks to Linda for sharing her story of living with MS as she has created a greater awareness about MS and the National MS Society. n

LINDA GRUENSPAN

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