Your Best Life Update

June 2017

Lives Are Going to Be Changed

"Something magical is going to happen while we're here. Lives are going to be changed," said Tonia, a CAN DO® Program participant on the first day of the program.

And they were.

Forty-five people, those with MS and their support partners, came together last month for our four-day CAN DO Program in partnership with the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. Through presentations, workshops, and one-on-one individual consultations with MS experts, participants learned about exercise, nutrition, symptom management, and motivation to help them thrive in life.

"I gained courage, support, knowledge, confidence, and a wealth of invaluable information pertaining to MS, research, and various treatment options. Based on what I learned, I will adapt my diet and exercise to best suit my personal needs." - Jennifer

View the photos for a glimpse into the program that helps families live fully with MS.

Special thanks to the following sponsors: Biogen, Genentech Inc., Sanofi Genzyme, Novartis, Teva Pharmaceuticals, The Mellam Family Foundation, and Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals.

Every Step Kicks MS

Seven years ago, endurance athlete and MS Global fundraiser Gene Caffrey was diagnosed with MS.

His first attack took place during an Ironman competition when he lost feeling in his legs, then feet, and eventually up to his chest.

Gene persevered through exercise and a can do attitude.

On Friday, June 9, he is recognizing this pivotal anniversary by embarking on an incredible cycling challenge: climbing 7,000 feet over Vail Pass in Colorado to raise $30,000 for Can Do MS.

Read Gene's story.

Assessing Your Home Accessibility Needs

MS can present ongoing changes to the person with MS and support partners. Changes to strength, balance, coordination, dexterity, and other physical abilities are not uncommon (as well as cognitive, occupational, and mood-related changes). What doesn't change, however, is our innate need for independence, especially in our homes. Therefore, making changes to your home to improve accessibility and promote independence is important to compensate for these changes.

Question:

I am so frustrated. I have lows almost every day that knock me out and require me to lay in bed without any energy. Then, without explanation, I get up and feel well. What can I do to manage these mood/energy swings?

Click here to read the answer from Gayle Lewis, Ph.D.

Have a question? Ask us!

Pittsburgh JUMPSTART® June 17 - A Few Spots Remain!

Join Can Do MS and the National MS Society in Sewickley, PA, (just outside of Pittsburgh) on Saturday, June 17, for a free one-day JUMPSTART Program . The program is from 8:30 am - 3 pm (lunch included).

Scheduled presentations and workshops:

GPS for Your MS - Peggy Crawford, Ph.D.
Spasticity, Yoga, and Flexibility - Sue Kushner, MS, PT
Nutrition - Baldwin Sanders, MS, RD, LDN
Support Partner Workshops - Peggy Crawford, Ph.D.

The Multiple Sclerosis Coalition (MSC) appreciates your valuable assistance in helping us find out more about the problems and issues you face in your community about accessing mental health insurance.

We know that mental health assistance is critical for many individuals living with MS across the country. If you are a person living with MS or a healthcare professional, we invite you to complete this survey to share your thoughts on mental health assistance. This survey should take about 10 minutes to complete.

Take the survey .

Accessibility Room by Room: Discover the Keys to Unlocking Barriers in Your Home

Tuesday, June 13, 2017, 8 - 9:15 pm ET

In partnership with the National MS Society.

Do you have difficulty safely getting into your shower or off the toilet? Does your family insist they are present just in case? MS creates considerable accessibility challenges within the home for not only the person living with MS, but the whole family. We invite you to join an occupational therapist and a physical therapist to explore interactive, solution-focused approaches to solving the accessibility challenges within your home.

Please join us at no charge.

Learning to Be Resilient in the World of MS

Tuesday, July 11, 2017, 8 - 9:15 p.m. ET

In partnership with the National MS Society.

Resilience is the ability to overcome, especially when faced with adversity such as MS. It is important to someone living with MS because every day, one has no idea how, or if our bodies will betray us. When you have resilience and inner strength, you know you've "got this", no matter the situation. Join us for this webinar and learn strategies that you can employ to help you cope day-to-day.

Please join us at no charge.