The National MS Society, Northern California Chapter provides a variety of programs, services and information for people living with multiple sclerosis, their friends and families, and health care professionals engaged in our shared movement toward a world free of MS. We are committed to helping the over 84,000 Northern Californians affected by MS address the challenges of living with MS.

The Northern California Chapter provides programs that focus on how people living with MS can develop effective strategies for symptom management, maintain positive and productive relationships, and live as independently as possible. We are excited to announce a new section in the MS Connection, “Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Local Programs”.

Northern California Chapter clients shared with us their desire to have a greater sense of community engagement. This customized, regional insert is a tool to foster engagement by highlighting programs and events happening in your community for the next three months, while at the same time, continuing to inform readers about Society and Chapter news, including research, advocacy, and special events. To learn more about any of these programs, and to register for programs, please visit the website, www.nationalMSsociety.org/can.

Included in this regional programs insert is also a list of self-help groups in your community and the contact information for the self-help group lead. Northern California Chapter self-help groups have different purposes and goals. Groups may focus on support, advocacy, education, or be more social in nature. Some groups also serve specific populations, such as young adults, parents with MS, care partners, or African-Americans. Please contact the self-help group leader or call 1-800-FIGHT MS to learn more about the group and when they meet.

The back page of the programs insert will highlight programs and events happening across Northern California, which everyone is invited to attend, regardless of where you live. If you are up for the travel, we’d love to have you! On this same page, you will also find a listing of programs accessible from the comfort of home.

Please visit www.nationalMSsociety.org/can to learn more about programs and services available where you live, and across Northern California. If you have questions, please feel free to contact the Northern California Chapter at can_info@nmss.org or 800.344.4867.

Look for MS Connection in your mailbox four times a year!

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER PROGRAMS & SERVICES

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR COMMUNITY...

Can Do Multiple Sclerosis JUMPSTART ProgramThe power to be more than your MS

Saturday, October 1, 20119:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Red Lion Hotel 1929 4th Street

Eureka, CA

Imagine dedicating an entire day to expanding your beliefs about what is possible with multiple sclerosis. The JUMPSTART Program, provides participants with an intensive and personalized exploration of specific health, wellness and lifestyle behaviors to actively co-manage their MS.

Through presentations, workshops and interactive sessions, JUMPSTART will expand your knowledge and understanding of a specific topic and help you develop personalized goals and strategies that result in naturally-enhanced symptom management and well-being. This JUMPSTART Program is offered at no charge and is put on in collaboration with the National MS Society, Northern California Chapter and Can Do MS.

Please visit www.mscando.org for more information or call 800-367-3101 ext. 1277 to register.

Sonoma County MS Group (SoCoMS)

The Sonoma County MS Group aims to improve the lives of those living in Sonoma county who are affected by multiple sclerosis. The goal of SoCoMS is to help the people in their community who are diagnosed with MS live fuller, easier, and more comfortable lives.

SoCoMS is currently seeking new board members who are motivated individuals with strong leadership skills and a passion for helping those with MS. Please visit their website for further information about their upcoming events and to sign up for their e-newsletter at: sonomacountymsgroup.org/socoms.htm

Meet our North Bay Community Development

Manager

Holly Krymis joined the Northern California Chapter this summer upon graduating with a Master’s degree in Social Work at San Francisco State University. She is no stranger to our chapter as she was the Programs & Services Intern during her final year of graduate school. She’s honored to be the new community development manager for the Northern Coast. Holly is eager to increase MS awareness in our region in addition to bringing new and exciting programs to the North Coast Region. She enjoys the beauty the Northern Coast offers and frequently hikes the region with one of her close friends…Angus—a very handsome golden retriever.

North Bay Self-Help Groups

The Northern California Chapter Facebook page has over 2,000 fans and counting. Become a fan today and get connected to other people living with MS. Stay informed about upcoming programs and events, research news, advocacy updates, volunteer opportunities and more!

www.facebook.com/msnortherncal

FACEBOOK

Sonoma YogaImprove flexibility, strengthen the

body and reduce stress

Yoga is renowned for its ability to improve flexibility, strengthen the body, and reduce levels of stress in those that practice it. Individuals living with MS may benefit from practicing yoga because of its adaptability to people of all mobility and fitness levels. Sofi Milani has been practicing yoga for 14 years, and has been teaching it for seven. She is offering yoga classes geared towards those living with MS. The classes use props such as blocks, belts, bolsters, and chairs, as well as a variety of yoga poses in order to increase flexibility, balance, and strength.

If interested, please contact Sofi by email at: sofimilani@ymail.com or by phone at: (707) 318-7094.

HUMBOLDT COUNTYEureka Ann Louise 707-839-0177 or Kim 707-445-9803

MARIN COUNTYCorte Madera Vicki 415-892-7370 or Anita 415-892-5548

MENDOCINOMendocino Alice 707-964-7850

SONOMA COUNTYSanta Rosa Susan 707-544-9654 or Debbie 707-548-8437

Santa Rosa MS Caregiver GroupSpencer 707-586-3811

Healdsburg Kate 707-433-9194

SonomaNoreen 707-933-9500

Yoga instructor Sofi Milani

Greater Bay AreaCogniFitness - starts in October

Free From Falls - starts in OctoberNewly Diagnosed Orientation - November 2

Central ValleyFriends & Family Event at Boomers -

October 14Newly Diagnosed Orientation - November 1

3rd Annual Gallo Holiday Celebration - December 11

South Bay AreaFree From Falls - starts in October

Newly Diagnosed Orientation - November 2CogniFitness - starts in December

SacramentoCogniFitness - starts in October

Sleep and MS - October 1 Musings of an MS Mind - October 9

Family Dynamics and MS - October 24Newly Diagnosed Orientation - November 3

Visit nationalMSsociety.org/can to register and for full program descriptions.

What’s Happening Around the Chapter

Accessible from the Comfort of HomeTele-Counseling Program

This exciting opportunity allows people living with MS to have 10 individualized counseling sessions by telephone with a licensed therapist, and is funded by the National MS Society.

• Have you been thinking about talking with a professional therapist who understands MS? • Have you been unsure how to find such a person, or unable to find someone in your area? • Have you been reluctant to seek counseling due to lack of finances or insurance? • Is transportation an issue for you in seeking this service?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may qualify for our Tele-Counseling Program! Many people with MS have greatly benefited from receiving counseling from someone who understands the emotional challenges related to the disease.

Improve your ability to cope with MS - with all of the comfort and ease of calling from your own home. Call Andrew Rose, Client Services Manager today at 1-800-344-4867, option 2 extension 73004, to complete an intake questionnaire.