Summer/Fall 2012 - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

To be a leader in finding a cure for mulTiple sclerosis and enabling people affecTed by ms To enhance Their qualiTy of life
Publications Agreement No. 40050236
Return undeliverables to:
MS Society of Canada, Manitoba Division
100-1465 Buffalo Place
Winnipeg, MB R3T 1L8
vol. 20 No.2 | Summer/ fall 2012
YouR guiDe oN The PATh of LiviNg WiTh MuLTiPLe SCLeRoSiS
p10
meet your 2012 ms
bike ambassador:
stephanie rozzi
plus:
• ms connect 2012 conference
• empowering communities:
A Spotlight on Thompson
• raising Kids & living with ms

CoNNeCTioNS summer 2012
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a message from the President
author and activist
Harold Thurman
once said, “Ask
yourself what makes you
come alive, and then go do
it. Because what the world
needs is people who have
come alive.”
What an exciting quote!
Perhaps a bit simplistic, but it’s exciting and
powerful nonetheless. It strips away all of the
things we tell ourselves, the “I can’t do that because…”
or the “What will people think about…”
and asks us to simply focus on what we want
– and love – to do. When we allow ourselves to
think without limits, to be honest with ourselves
about what we enjoy, we suddenly find joy – and
are able to share that joy with others. This is the
ultimate feeling of empowerment because, not
only are we taking responsibility for our whole
selves, we now have the capacity to contribute
to the world around us in a meaningful way.
This edition of MS Connections is about living
MS Connections
is published
three times per
year by the:
life in a proactive way. It’s about empowering
ourselves to live life to its very fullest, no matter
what challenges, real or perceived, stand in our
way. Empowerment to some means getting ready
each morning and knowing that they are going to
make good choices that day that will make them
feel healthy. To others, empowerment means
becoming a peer leader and helping others. And
still, to others, empowerment is about sharing
their gifts with others because they want to
make the world a better place.
The MS Society is a central gathering place, a
conduit if you will, for information and people
to connect with. We are inspired by the people
we work with every day and we want to provide
as many opportunities for empowerment
as possible. If you have a gift and you’d like to
share it with us, we would love for you to join
us. Consider joining a self-help group, become
an MS Ambassador, register for an exercise class,
organize an event – do whatever it is that makes
you feel alive.
Carpe diem – seize the day!
IMPORTANT REMINDER:
Please renew your MS Society Membership!
This is the last issue of MS Connections you will receive unless you have renewed your MS Society
membership for 2012. If you would like to continue receiving this publication as well as other MS Society
information, please fill out a membership renewal form and submit it with your $15 membership fee to:
MS Society of Canada, Manitoba Division
#100-1465 Buffalo Place | Winnipeg, MB R3T 1L8
Go to: mssociety.ca/manitoba/member
to download a membership form or call (1-800) 268-7582 to request one.
*Membership is for one year, expiring in January 2013
100-1465 Buffalo Place, Winnipeg, MB R3T 1L8
Phone: (204) 943-9595 or (1-800) 268-7582 | fax: (204) 988-0915
info.manitoba@mssociety.ca | www.mssociety.ca/manitoba
disclaimer: The Manitoba Division of the MS Society is proud to be a source of information about multiple
sclerosis. The content in MS Connections does not represent therapeutic recommendation or prescription. for specific
information and advice, please consult your physician. Articles in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the
position of the Multiple Sclerosis Society but are solely representative of the positions and opinions of the contributors.
as Manitoba’s
Minister of Health, it
is my pleasure to
commend the members,
volunteers, staff and sponsors
of the MS Society of
Canada, Manitoba Division.
Your organization continues
to do important work in our
community, supporting individuals
and families affected
by MS and advocating for their well being.
MS is a complex disease. It is the most common
neurological disease affecting young adults. Currently
over 3,000 Manitobans live with MS, and every day
three more Canadians are diagnosed.
This spring thousands of Manitobans took part in
the Manitoba Lotteries MS Walk. The Manitoba
Legislature was bathed in red lights in May to mark
greeTings from the Province
MS Awareness Month. We share the spirit of determination
and hope with those living with MS, and those
who work to find a cure.
Our government shares your commitment to health
and well being for all Manitobans. Over the past 12
years, we have made significant investment in our
health care system to make it as comprehensive as
possible, including hiring more doctors and nurses,
reducing wait times and offering more services closer
to home. With a growing population that is living longer,
new advancements in medical technology and
global economic uncertainty, we have introduced a
plan to focus on what matters most to protect universal
health care for Manitoba families, present and
future.
Congratulations on the work you do today and best
wishes for the journey ahead.
Theresa Oswald, Minister
Manitoba Health
sTaff Directory
Wendy O’Malley President 1-204-988-0916 Wendy.OMalley@mssociety.ca
Darell Hominuk Director, Client Services &
Government Relations
1-204-988-0907 Darell.Hominuk@mssociety.ca
Robin Searle Manager, Parkland Chapter 1-204-622-2940 Robin.Searle@mssociety.ca
Melissa Rothwell Manager, Client Services
(Westman)
1-204-571-5671 Melissa.Rothwell@mssociety.ca
Ellen Karr Client Services Coordinator 1-204-988-0915 Ellen.Karr@mssociety.ca
Nadine Konyk Client Services Coordinator 1-204-988-0904 Nadine.Konyk@mssociety.ca
Deanna Austin Recreation & Social Program
Coordinator
1-204-988-0905 Deanna.Austin@mssociety.ca
Donna Boyd Director, Development 1-204-988-0918 Donna.Boyd@mssociety.ca
Chad Falk Manager, Major Event Programs 1-204-988-0900 Chad.Falk@mssociety.ca
Lisa Edwardson Manager, Fundraising (Westman) 1-204-571-5670 Lisa.Edwardson@mssociety.ca
Deirdre O’Reilly Event Coordinator, Major Event
Programs
1-204-988-0911 Deirdre.O’Reilly@mssociety.ca
Andrea Proctor Participant Services Coordinator 1-204-988-0912 Andrea.Proctor@mssociety.ca
Elizabeth Glaseman Manager, Marketing,
Communications & Special Projects
1-204-988-0913 Elizabeth.Glaseman@mssociety.ca
Judy Hermiston Manager, Administration 1-204-988-0906 Judy.Hermiston@mssociety.ca
Jan Hosking Service Coordinator 1-204-943-9595 Jan.Hosking@mssociety.ca
CoNNeCTioNS summer 2012
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2012 conference
Monday, October 22, 2012
Caboto Centre | 1055 Wilkes Avenue | Wpg, MB
The only MS conference in Manitoba, MS
Connect 2012 promises a fascinating line up
of presenters and experts speaking on a wide
range of topics. Network and meet others with an
interest in MS and take advantage of the many displays
by sponsors and exhibitors. The conference is
hosted in an accessible venue; lunch and refreshments
are included in your registration.
We are excited to announce world renowned specialists
as our plenary speakers:
Dr. Jack Antel
Dr. Jack Antel will speak on the
potential for tissue repair in multiple
sclerosis. Dr. Antel, a wellrespected
and established neurologist,
has published more than 240
articles in scientific journals and is
currently a professor of neurology, neurosurgery,
microbiology, and immunology at McGill University in
Montreal.
Dr. Abe Snaiderman
Dr. Abe Snaiderman will speak on
navigating through the chronicity
for MS patients and their caregivers.
Dr. Snaiderman, a highly
regarded psychiatrist, is the director
of the Neuropsychiatry Clinic in the
Toronto Rehabilitation Institute’s Neuro-rehabilitation
program. He is a clinician teacher at the University of
Toronto and his expertise lies in the cognitive, emotional
and behavioural effects of neurological prob-
lems such as multiple sclerosis.
Our breakout sessions offer a wealth of information
and expertise as well. You may choose one option in
the morning and one in the afternoon. After lunch,
you will have the opportunity to talk with a variety of
health care professionals such as an occupational
therapist, physiotherapist, dietician, pharmacist, and
MS nurse.
The conference is an affordable option that gives
you the opportunity to hear from experienced professionals
and to connect with others who are
affected by MS. We are offering registration options
for couples and families; and, in the case of financial
hardship, assistance with accommodation and travel
may be available for out of town members. Please
contact Ellen Karr at ellen.karr@mssociety.ca or
(204) 988-0917 for more information about this
option.
A registration form is available on the back page of
this newsletter, on our website at www.mssociety.ca/
manitoba, or by contacting the MS Society at
(204) 943-9595, 1-800-268-7582 or
info.manitoba@mssociety.ca.
For Healthcare Professionals:
A Healthcare Professional Breakfast will precede the
conference with a presentation by Dr. Jack Antel on
Emerging Therapies for Treatment of Multiple
Sclerosis. An opportunity to visit the Exhibitors Hall
will follow. Healthcare professionals are welcome to
register for the breakfast session only or the entire
conference.
schedule:
Time Session
8:30 AM Exhibitor Hall open until 10 AM
9:00 – 9:30 AM Registration & Refreshments
9:45 - 10:00 AM Opening Remarks
10:00 –
11:00 AM
11:15 AM –
12:00 PM
12:00 –
1:30 PM
1:30 –
2:15 PM
2:15 –
2:45 PM
2:45 –
3:45 PM
3:45 –
4:00 PM
Plenary Session:
Dr. Jack Antel
Potential for Tissue Repair in Multiple Sclerosis
Option 1:
Advocacy
Lunch & Ask the Experts Booths
Break
Option 1:
Financial Management
Closing Remarks & Evaluations
Morning Breakout Sessions
Option 2:
Speech & Swallowing
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
Option 2:
Housing Options
Option 3:
Wellness/Fitness
Option 3:
Meditation
Plenary Session:
Dr. Abe Snaiderman
The Long and Winding Road: Navigating Chronicity for MS Patients and Their Caregivers
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2012 ms biKe Tour
meet Stephanie Rozzi, our
2012 Bike Ambassador.
Stephanie has lived with
progressive MS for the past 11
years and first decided to take
part in the MS Bike Tour in 2007.
Stephanie gives her friend and
co-captain, Joanne Zuk, a lot of
credit for being a major motivator
behind her decision to join the
MS Bike Tour and form Rozzi’s
Riders. It was Joanne who first
suggested the idea and sparked
Stephanie’s interest one night
when they were out socializing.
The more they discussed it, the
more Stephanie became excited
about taking action and fighting
back; or in her own words, she
was ready “to kick MS in the
butt!”
This will be the sixth
consecutive year that Stephanie
has cycled in the Biking to the
Viking MS Bike Tour. Over the
years, she has picked up different
tricks and training techniques
that have assisted her in
completing the tour and
overcoming the different
challenges she faces as a person
living with MS. The biggest
challenge Stephanie has had to
manage is the spasticity, which
slows down her movement on
the bike. Stephanie maintains
that it’s important to listen to
your body and take the time to
Why i ride
Stephanie Rozzi’s Story
slow down and catch your breath
at every rest stop, since they
provide opportunities for cyclists
to stretch, grab a snack, or a
quick massage before heading
back out on the road. Additionally,
balance can prove difficult for her
– especially when mounting and
dismounting the bike. Stephanie
is able to overcome these
frustrations with the help and
support of her teammates and
family who are very in tune with
the different challenges she faces.
Throughout the past years, the
tour has become a great,
motivating goal for Stephanie to
focus on and work towards. “I
feel fortunate to participate in it
and it feels great to achieve it!”
she says. When training for the
tour each year, she makes a point
of getting outside and on her bike
as early and frequently as she can,
whether she is cycling out at the
lake on the weekends or on a city
trail at Assiniboine Park during
the week. Her teammates,
Lorraine and Rick, favour Birds
Hill Park for training and will try
to fit in a couple of longer rides
there over the summer.
Stephanie recommends getting a
few big rides under your belt
before the tour rolls around,
preferably 3 rides of 30km in
distance or more. As Bike
Ambassador, Stephanie will be
sharing her advice with our
participants in the weeks leading
up to event weekend, including
her own fundraising tips.
Stephanie recalls that one of
the most successful team
fundraising activities organized
by Rozzi’s Riders was an office
ice cream day. For this fun office
fundraiser, teammates Joanne
and Trish first sent out emails in
advance to their co-workers
letting them know they were
cycling in the tour and reminding
them when the ice cream days
were happening. They would
then roll around an ice cream
cart once a week with fancy
toppings for patrons to choose
from, accepting a minimum $1
donation in exchange for a cool
treat. Last year they raised $400
from the three ice cream days
they organized throughout the
month of July. This year they will
be adding a perogy lunch to their
fundraising calendar, thanks to
Trish’s mom who wanted to make
a contribution to the team.
Since 2007, Rozzi’s Riders have
raised over $30,000, with their
Rozzi’s Riders (from left to right): Bryan hall, Stephanie Rozzi, Joanne Zuk,
Patricia Naugler, and Ken Doerkson
Since 2007, Rozzi’s
Riders have raised
over $30,000, with
their highest team
total achieved last
year.
highest team total achieved last
year. Stephanie commented that
members of Rozzi’s Riders are
pretty self-driven; however, the
communication amongst her
teammates and the support they
provide one another is a major
driving force for all of them. “We
share our fundraising progress,
and this acts as a motivator,” she
says. “We encourage one another,
help each other when needed,
share ideas and talk about our
training successes.” Each year,
they have strived to beat their
team and personal pledge total
from the previous year and this
year will be no exception.
Stephanie has set a personal goal
of $5,000 and a team goal of
$15,000. Helping her get there
will be her teammates, including
friends Joanne, Trish, Ken,
Lorraine, Rick and her partner
Bryan, as well as Stephanie’s
many supporters including her
mom and large extended family
both in Winnipeg and abroad.
Be part of the excitement on
August 25 as we cheer Stephanie
and all of our cyclists on in the
fight to end MS at the 2012
Biking to Viking MS Bike Tour!
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SPoTLighT: Thompson
2012 Thompson Manitoba Lotteries MS
Walk organizer, valdine flaming
Pushing Boundaries &
empowering a
mahatma Gandhi once
said, “Strength does not
come from physical
capacity. It comes from indomitable
will.” For Valdine (Val) Flaming,
this is a mantra she knows well –
and it shines right through all
aspects of her daily life.
Like most, Val vividly remembers
when she was diagnosed with
relapsing-remitting MS in 2005. At
the time, she was attending university
in British Columbia on a
scholarship from the Metis
Federation and from her perspective,
it all happened very quickly.
“I was 21 years old and had optic
neuritis,” she recalls. “Within four
weeks of seeing an ophthalmologist,
I had a diagnosis of MS.”
The optic neuritis was her very
first symptom, but after her initial
diagnosis her symptoms started to
snowball and she required imme-
community
into action
diate treatment (she was beginning
to lose fine motor function).
Since she qualified for drug therapy
faster in Manitoba than in BC,
she decided to move back to her
hometown of Thompson and
begin a disease modifying therapy
(DMT) regime.
After moving back to Thompson,
Val realized that the community
had changed; many of those she
once knew had moved away. She
no longer had her original support
system in place and feelings of isolation
began to set in. She also
noticed that there was an attitude
in the area about MS. “People
would say ‘I’m sorry’ and act like
my life was over,” she says. “There
are some people in this area who
still believe you die from MS.”
Once she figured out the DMT
that worked for her and started to
feel stable and healthy once again,
Val began to feel driven to bring
those living with MS in the North
closer together. “Once we find
one another, it’s like an instant
bond,” she says. “So many people
are affected by MS and I wanted
to build a little tribe so that no
one is alone.”
Now working for the University
College of the North as an
Executive Officer, Val also has
event planning experience
through working with other organizations
and charities. With this
knowledge under her belt, she
thought she would try organizing
an MS Walk.
Although she still struggled with
fatigue, Val figured out how to
make organizing a Walk an attainable
goal. “I mapped it out over
five months,” she explains. “I
found two volunteers that were
willing to put up posters and help
out the day of and then I matched
the size of the event to the number
of hands I had on deck.”
Val connected with Robin Searle,
Manager of the Parkland Chapter
based in Dauphin, who sent her a
how-to binder, which was full of
information on how to put on a
successful Walk. “It just laid it all
out,” says Val. “It made it really
easy.”
A self-acknowledged perfectionist,
Val realized early on that the
event didn’t need to be perfect
either. “I let it go out of my hands
and said, ‘this is bigger than me’,”
she recalls. “It was a first year
event and I knew there would be
things I could change for the next
year – and I was okay with that.”
When creating the Walk, Val had
set out with one purpose: to create
awareness about MS. Her original
goal was to have a dozen people
hit the streets of Thompson
on May 27; a month before the
event, another person living with
MS in Thompson called Val and
said she herself was bringing a
team of 12 people for the Walk.
Val’s Walk with humble beginnings
was growing in both size and
“So many people
are affected by
MS and I wanted
to build a little
tribe so that no
one is alone.”
notoriety! By the time Walk day
rolled around, Val had 35 Walkers,
one grand prize, and more pairs of
hands to help out than she ever
thought possible. “I had dozens of
people volunteering,” says Val.
“I’ve been lying to myself all these
years – I’m not alone at all. If you
need something, all you need to
do is ask.”
Even though Val encountered
challenges along the way, fighting
her fatigue being the main one,
there was always someone to volunteer
and help out – and mostly,
it was others in the community
living with MS. The day of the
Walk was an inspiring and encouraging
day for everyone. Outfitted
with an MS banner, Walk t-shirts,
and big smiles, everyone hit the
pavement and raised awareness in
a town where there hasn’t been
an MS Walk in years.
Originally timid about speaking
with others regarding her disease,
Val now finds herself at ease when
talking about MS. “I make a point
of saying ‘Hi, I’m Valdine and I live
with MS’,” she says. “Then, people
can see that I’m young, vital, not
CoNNeCTioNS summer 2012
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CoNNeCTioNS summer 2012
10
“...All you need to do is get a
couple of people together
and walk the streets – it can
be as simple as that.”
in a wheelchair, and still living with MS.” Through
planning the Walk, Val learned how to articulate and
not make her diagnosis dramatic. She learned how to
make a conversation about MS simple and to the
point. “And, at the same time,” she says, “I can now
make it sound optimistic and hopeful because that’s
the way I live my life.”
When asked if she has any advice for others looking
to plan a Walk or other event on behalf of the MS
Society, Val encourages people to reach out to family
and friends to first see who would be interested in
supporting them. Then, plan according to how much
help you have. “The Walk was super easy,” she says.
“It was only a couple of hours and it was a really positive
experience. All you need to do is get a couple of
people together and walk the streets – it can be as
simple as that.”
The Walk has not only brought Val out of feeling
isolated and alone, but it has also encouraged her to
make new friends and help others reframe what MS
is. “It’s connected me to people I otherwise would
never have connected with,” she says. “And the connections
are in deep, meaningful ways.”
Today, Val recalls her inspiration for organizing the
Walk, “I was told by my neurologist that I couldn’t
leave the country to teach English overseas; she said
that I had to begin treatment ASAP.” Last summer,
Val’s neurologist told her she could travel anywhere
she wanted, so she went to China and climbed the
Great Wall. In fact, she completed the feat the day
after a Rebif injection – which proved to her that she
could push her self-imposed boundaries. “For the
record,” she says, “I went for two weeks non-stop
travelling – Tienanmen, the Forbidden City, Shanghai –
until MS stopped me from moving. I’m thinking India
next.”
In 2012, the Thompson Walk raised over $9,000
with 35 participants, making it the second highest
pledge per person ratio in the province!
Thinking Thinking about about an
MS Event? Event?
Planning an event for the MS Society can be a
very rewarding experience. Most importantly
though, it should create awareness, raise funds,
and be FUN! Here are some tips for planning
your own Community Event Fundraiser:
1Decide what type of event is right for you.
You can create almost any type of event/
fundraising that you’d like. Some great examples
are: bake sales, socials, car washes, casual/jeans
day, BBQs, and wedding honorariums.
2 Set your fundraising goal.
Every event needs a fundraising goal so
that everyone can work towards something and
feel a sense of achievement when it’s reached –
or, better yet, exceeded!
3
Choose a date.
Make sure you give yourself enough time
to plan, promote, and execute your event. No
one enjoys staying up until 3 am decorating or
writing last minute emails.
4
Let us know what you’ve planned.
Fill out our Community Event Fundraiser
Application Form (available on our website) to let
us know what you have in mind.
5
Recruit help.
Remember that you’re never alone.
Depending on the scale of your event, recruit
friends and family to help out. Don’t be surprised
when you start getting offers of help once the
word gets out about your great event.
6
Promote your event.
Events are always larger successes when
people know about them. Consider who your
target audience is and then make posters,
brochures, tickets, a Facebook page, and other
promo pieces to get the attention your event
deserves.
7Have fun!
Remember to enjoy yourself. Your commitment
to being creative and having fun, while
supporting an important mission, makes you an
amazing person and we thank you!
Child rearing is wonderful, chaotic, rewarding,
and challenging. Even at the best of times for
someone not living with a chronic illness, raising
kids can be difficult. But what happens when you
decide to have a family either before or after you’ve
had a diagnosis of MS? Do the “rules” of raising children
change? How do others get through it?
It’s a sunny, windy day in Winnipeg when we head
out to interview the Boychuks. Ellen Karr, one of our
Client Services Coordinators, and I are excited to meet
up with Wendy and Ringo, a couple that has weathered
through MS and daily life as a team.
Wendy, who has always lived with MS while the
couple raised their two children, greets us with a
cheerful smile and friendly hello as we walk into the
couple’s living room. This is the second time I’ve visited
the Boychuks in recent months. The first time
was back in early April when Wendy and Ringo
applied for and received a complimentary repaint of
their home. Courtesy of Student Works Painting, a
proud sponsor of this year’s Manitoba Lotteries MS
Walk, the paint job was well done and gave the
My sTory
Life in the
fast Lane…
raising Kids &
living with ms
By Elizabeth Glaseman
Boychuks an opportunity to purchase new blinds for
their living room rather than having to forgo the privacy
of curtains in favour of repainting the house.
What struck me in April and strikes me again today
as I walk into the house is the liveliness and humour
between Wendy and Ringo. They are a couple that
has obviously dealt with life, and its ups and downs,
with laughter and love. Ringo is attentive to Wendy’s
needs, bringing her out of her wheelchair to sit in a
living room armchair and grabbing her a cup of coffee
before sitting down just a few feet away.
Madison, age 12, and Cole, age 10, are both home
from school, happy that the summer has finally
begun. The whole family is in on the interview and
we get started almost as soon we sit down…
Wendy was diagnosed with MS in 1994 while working
at Josten’s. She noticed that her left leg would
drag when walking home from work and then her left
hand went numb. “One time,” Wendy recalls, “a
neighbour saw me walking home and said I looked
drunk. I told him that I actually felt drunk.”
Afterwards, Wendy went home, napped, and then felt
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CoNNeCTioNS summer 2012
12
Wendy Boychuk, with husband Ringo, daughter Madison, and son Cole.
better. However, a short time later,
she went shopping with a girlfriend
and the same thing happened;
only this time, it was
worse. She drove home and felt
pretty confused. “I didn’t even
know to shut my car door to drive
home,” she remembers. “My girlfriend
had to tell me to close it.”
After this episode, a family member
suggested to Wendy that she
might have MS. She agreed,
underwent testing, and after four
to five months, was diagnosed.
She was 24.
Since Wendy’s disease modifying
therapy (DMT) wasn’t covered
by provincial health care (it was
the year before the coverage
would be approved by the province),
her dad remortgaged his
home so he could pay for the
treatment. Her benefits covered
50% of the cost, but the drug cost
was still upwards of $800 a month.
Everyone who lives with MS will
tell you that it affects the whole
family. Wendy and Ringo’s life is
no different. They met three years
after Wendy was diagnosed with
MS and decided to have children
quickly – no one knew what the
future held and they wanted to
have a family before their circumstances
changed.
“Funnily enough,” laughs Wendy,
“Ringo and I met in a bar.” She was
out with a girlfriend and was using
a cane at the time. “He asked me,
very politely, what was wrong
with my leg,” she recalls. “I told
him I had MS, but that I didn’t
want to talk about it because I’d
start shaking.”
*clonus is a series of involuntary, rhythmic, muscular contractions and relaxations.
“So,” Ringo jokes, “We didn’t talk
about it for at least five or six
years.”
Rolling her eyes, Wendy turns
back to us. “Talking about my disease
made me really nervous back
then. I would get clonus* when
speaking about it.” Within a few
weeks of starting to date, Ringo
was already giving Wendy her
Betaserone injections and the rest,
as they say, is history.
Today, Wendy uses a wheelchair.
About five years ago, she started
to have seizures as a symptom of
her MS, and the wheelchair
became a necessity to prevent her
from falling. However, a wheelchair
hasn’t stopped this mother
of two. In fact, she encourages it
for parents of little ones. “If you
feel that you could use a wheelchair
then use it – you’ll get to
hold them and hug them more,”
she says. “Sometimes I regret that
I didn’t do that. I could have had
them on my lap and Ringo would
have pushed me instead of having
me hobble along with my cane
and Ringo pushing a stroller.”
Wendy thought using a wheelchair
meant a loss of independence.
Instead, looking back, she
now realizes it would have been
the opposite. “At the same,” she
warns, “you don’t want to use it
too much because you don’t want
to lose the muscle in your legs
either. A good balance between
the two is important.”
Because Wendy’s MS has always
been part of their children’s lives,
in some ways, it has been easier
for them than if Wendy was
healthy and then diagnosed later.
“They’re used to it,” says Ringo.
“They’ll sometimes say now,
‘remember when mom used to
stand up?’ but it’s not a huge
deal. They’re happy kids
whose mom just happens to
have MS.”
When Madison was learning
to walk, she would lean on the
walls and walk like Wendy because
that’s how she thought
people walked. Wendy also
remembers the kids having
completely opposite personalities
(as most siblings do) when
they were little. Madison, she
remembers, was very protective
as a baby. “She would tell
everyone that ‘that’s mommy’s
cane’.” Cole, on the other hand,
was a typical toddler living with
the terrible twos. “He would try
to push me around,” says Wendy.
“He was Just like any two year old
testing boundaries.” Cole didn’t
seem to recognize that Wendy had
a cane or was any different than
any other adult – she was just his
mom and he was going to push
her buttons.
That’s the great thing about kids
– they typically see past labels and
devices and just see you, the person.
“My kids don’t look at people
in wheelchairs in a funny way,”
says Wendy. She knows their kids
will be more patient, caring, and
understanding towards others
because that’s the way they’ve
been raised. Wendy and Ringo
also give the kids more responsibility,
independence, and autonomy,
compared to what other kids,
in their opinion, might be expected
to have. For example, the
Boychuks have a cottage in Gimli
and the kids are allowed to ride
their bikes into town with friends
unsupervised; or, in the city, they
are able to go to a Goldeyes game
unsupervised. “I don’t want them
to not do anything,” says Wendy.
“At the same time, they’re not
doing anything dangerous. It’s
more about organized, group
activities.”
“Wendy unfortunately misses out
on stuff because she gets so tired,”
says Ringo. “We’ll have plans to
go out and she’ll say ‘just leave
me and come back’.”
Wendy looks away and when
she looks back, it’s with tears in
her eyes. “Not being able to go
tobogganing with the kids, not
being able to skate with the kids,
not being able to swing with the
kids… not having that playtime, it
can get hard,” she says. The hardest
thing though, is feeling sheltered
and isolated. “People, even
our family, plan on doing things
and I’m not included. Sometimes
it’s like ‘what’s wrong with me?
Why don’t you ask me?’
Sometimes there’s a sense of
being left out of life,” she says.
“People don’t intend to be cruel,
but they just don’t get it. There’s a
lack of thought.”
That’s the great
thing about kids –
they typically see
past labels and
devices and just
see you, the
person.
But, those sad times are few
and far between for Wendy
because she refuses to indulge in
negative thoughts or live in a negative
place for too long. Ringo
laughs, “Although she sometimes
has to miss out, she doesn’t want
to be left out, so she makes sure
she’s part of as much as she can
be. She’ll say ‘we’re going’ or
‘you’re taking me’. And that’s all
there is to it – we’re going out.”
“My family is awesome,” says
Wendy, “and we laugh a lot – all
the time, in fact.” A favourite family
story is from a few years back
when everyone was going skating
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“It’s hard to think
of being depressed
if you’re staying
positive.”
and Wendy refused to be left at
home. Although their daughter
was embarrassed at first (as all
kids are of their parents), Madison
ended up pushing Wendy around
on the ice, gliding beside her the
whole time. “I was freezing
because I couldn’t move,” says
Wendy, “but I had so much fun!”
“It’s hard to think of being
depressed if you’re staying positive,”
says Ringo. “We do all the
things you’re supposed to do as a
family, except Wendy’s in a wheelchair.”
With the kids now older, things
are a bit easier on the family, but
they weren’t always this way.
When the kids were small, the
family searched for resources that
could help them. They used the
MS Society a lot and used Family
Services to look after the kids.
They also relied on family members
a lot. Now, Wendy and Ringo
use self/family managed care
because traditional home care did
not work for them. “I can live my
life to the fullest now,” says
Wendy.
Their helper, Lynn, has been
with the family for four years and
is like a member of the Boychuk
clan now. “She’s been able to
grow alongside Wendy as her MS
has progressed,” says Ringo.
“She’s here when I’m not and does
much more than your typical
home care worker does.” This is
really important since Ringo, now
a bus driver for the City of
Winnipeg, has had to go back to
working shift work. This has been
more stressful on the family and
new symptoms have been developing
for Wendy. Her MS has typically
affected the left side of her
body. However, since Ringo has
begun shift work, her right arm is
beginning to go numb. The family
is very concerned about this latest
development as her right arm is
Wendy’s last remaining limb that
is not affected by her MS. DMTs
have also proven ineffective for
her at this point, so she no longer
takes them. The Boychuks have
thought long and hard about their
next course of action and they’ve
decided to go for CCSVI treatment
in the next few months. “We
know it’s not going to be a miracle
cure,” says Ringo, “but hopefully it
will help with some of her most
severe symptoms, especially the
recent ones with her right hand.”
“MS just doesn’t seem to stop,”
he continues. “Everything’s going
okay and then something happens…
boom!”
At first, it was a big deal when
Wendy could no longer dance. So,
she learned how to play pool.
Now she can no longer do that.
“It’s always just one thing,” she
says. “So what do I do now? I get
my excitement from the kids,
watching them and cheering for
them.”
Wendy, with the support of her
helper and Ringo, goes out to
watch all the kids’ sporting events
and also enjoys taking the kids to
the Wellness Institute pool on
Sundays for family swim time.
Afterwards, they’ll hit the courts
and play badminton and, Ringo
jokes, “hit the birdies at Wendy.”
“Take it day by day,” says Wendy
in regards to living with MS. “Be
aware of the resources out there
and the things you can do together
because you don’t want your
family to miss out on anything
that they don’t have to.”
Helping others is when Wendy
feels the best, but it took her a
long time to get to a place where
she was comfortable speaking
about her MS to others. When she
was first diagnosed, she wouldn’t
tell her employer because, “I was
ashamed and embarrassed. There
was a sense that if I said something,
it wouldn’t go away and
people would look at you differently
once they knew,” she says.
Today, she speaks freely about MS,
but is also cautious about speaking
to those who are newly diagnosed.
“I’m in a wheelchair and it
might scare them,” she says. “To
them, I’m potentially a picture of
what their future holds.”
“At the same time,” says Ringo,
chiming in, “those who meet
Wendy really like her because she
is in a wheelchair, but she’s also
really positive and on the go all
the time.”
“But why wouldn’t I be?” questions
Wendy in return. “Regardless
of whether you’re in a wheelchair
or not, life has its ups and downs
and you just deal with them.
There’s more to my life than MS.”
And there it is, that shining
moment when you see what
makes this family unique in their
approach. Yes, it’s about their
warmth and their positivity. Yes,
they take each day as it comes,
together, and stand united.
However, it’s also their attitude
that they live with MS, not for it –
and this is how they live an
empowered, and inspired, life.
bright minds collaborate
to enhance skills & Knowledge
may 16, 2012 | endms summer school comes to Winnipeg
each year, the endMS Research and Training
Network, a unique initiative that attracts the
brightest minds in MS research, puts on a week
long summer school. This “school”, brings together
trainees from across the country as well as trainees
originally from across the world (Europe, Colombia,
India, Japan, and China). Connecting these individuals
helps ensure that keen young minds have a chance to
increase their skills in MS research – and that we
retain these young students in the field of MS.
The summer school is held at a different location in
Canada each year; this time around, Winnipeg’s MS
Clinic had the pleasure of running the event. As part
of the week long schedule, the MS Society hosted a
BBQ for the 42 trainees and the endMS Network staff
on May 16 in the backyard of MS Society board member
Brain Lerner and his wife, Hilary Kaufman-Lerner.
The summer school group was made up of a fairly
diverse group of students and the air was filled with
conversations that ranged from basic discussions of
A&W Cruisin’
for a Cause Day.
August 23 rd
ms events
Trainees sign their remarks of thanks and encouragement.
science (myelin biology, pathology) to neuroscience
(behavioural and cognitive) to statistical research. At
the end of the evening, the trainees signed a banner
with remarks of encouragement and thanks. This banner
now hangs in the MS Society office and reminds
us daily of the dedication and commitment these
bright young folks have to MS research.
Proud Partner of
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ms events
a one stop, World Tour!
may 30, 2012 | The Winnipeg art gallery
The MS Society of Canada brought a tour of the
world to downtown Winnipeg when it hosted
the MS Global Dinner Party for the first time on
Wednesday, May 30.
Since 2003, the event has united individuals, groups
and MS organizations around the globe on World MS
Day in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the
fight against MS.
Guided by a passport, guests visited diverse,
internationally-themed stations as they mixed and
mingled in the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s Eckhardt Hall.
on Saturday, June 23 over 150 participants,
volunteers, spectators, and staff came out
to take part in the MS Society of Canada’s
inaugural The Rush MS Adventure Challenge! Participants
eagerly approached the start line filled with
nerves and excitement as they took in the scene at
Adrenaline Adventures. The 5km course, designed
with the help of local adventure seeking experts
Swamp Donkey Adventure Racing, was filled with
challenges, obstacles and, of course, a ton of mud.
Participants rallied together, pushed through the
mud, and made their way to the finish line as a team.
Everyone in attendance agreed that it was a great idea
to have GOOD, CLEAN, DIRTY FUN to end the fight
against MS.
Thanks to the support of our sponsors, volunteers
The evening featured delicious global samples
provided by Winnipeg’s top chefs, live Caribbean
music, Folklorama Ambassadors General, and an
experience-based live auction with HOT 103’s Ace
Burpee taking bids. As an added bonus, every guest
was entered into a draw for a trip for two to Toronto
for the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival, courtesy of
Canada One Travel.
fighting ms is a dirty Job:
The Rush adventure challenge
June 23, 2012 | adrenaline adventures
and patrons we were able to bring Winnipeg its firstever
charity adventure challenge. We are very excited
about the potential of this event and look forward to
building upon its success for next year.
ms ambassador program expands!
during the month of March, volunteers from the
Parkland and Westman Chapters participated
in the MS Ambassador training. We welcome
Vivian Cook from Westman and Jody Suidy from
Parkland to the team! To have a MS Ambassador
come out and provide a presentation to your
community group, please contact your local chapter.
Judy Suidy
I am not a quitter - I am Jody
Suidy and was given the diagnosis
of relapsing-remitting MS in the
spring of 2006 at the age of 44. I
knew very little about the disease,
but I had witnessed the struggle
of a few people in our community
who had advanced physical disabilities because of MS
and this is what I thought the future held for me. It
was devastating.
Just a few years before my diagnosis, I lost my 15
year old son Jordan in an accident. Unlike Jordan’s
death that I could not change, I realized that I could
fight this devastating disease. I accessed as much
information as possible from the MS Society to
educate myself about MS.
people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) are
often faced with legal challenges, such as
insurance, income security, employment equity,
and estate planning; they may often need pro bono
legal advice and/or representation, which have not
been available in Manitoba – until now.
The MS Society of Canada, Manitoba Division has
launched its Volunteer Legal Advocacy Program
(VLAP). The first program of its kind within the
province available to those living with MS, VLAP
assists people living with multiple sclerosis who are
unable to afford legal assistance and are ineligible for
any other legal aid programs.
People who live with MS are often forced to leave
ms News
As an Ambassador, I want to inform the public
about this invisible disease. My hope is that public
knowledge and a better understanding of MS will
improve the quality of life for those living with it.
Also, for people living with MS, I want to give them
hope to keep fighting and not give up. A cure is just
around the corner. Knowledge is power – use it!
Vivian Cook
My name is Viv Cook. I am
married and have two grown
children. I was diagnosed with
MS in 1992 while we were living
in Russell, MB. When I look back,
I can see evidence of MS as far
back as 1983, but I chose to
explain away the symptoms and deny that anything
was really wrong. We have always been involved in
the Westman Chapter and since moving to Brandon
in 2000 this involvement has increased. My husband
and children have been the greatest supports in my
life. I became an MS Ambassador hoping to help put
a face to an often faceless disease and to help educate
people about MS and what is available through the
Westman Chapter of the MS Society.
ms society launches Vlap
program first of its Kind in manitoba
the workplace prematurely, greatly reducing their
financial security. For many, income is obtained solely
from disability benefits; moreover, MS is a broad
disease with many different forms and is often
invisible. MS symptoms can pose challenges to selfadvocacy,
self-care, and financial management. VLAP
can help you learn about your options and guide you
to the help that is available. The program will help
ensure you are able to focus on your health and wellbeing,
rather than on financial burden.
For further information or to access VLAP, please
contact the MS Society of Canada, Manitoba Division
at (204) 943-9595 or by email: info.mb@mssociety.ca
with “VLAP” in the subject line.
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ms News WesTman Chapter
passing of the Torch: Melissa Rothwell New
MS Staff Contact for South Central Manitoba
portage la prairie and morden chapters
introducing: melissa
rothwell manager of
client services -
Westman Chapter and
South Central regions
Melissa has been the Client
Services Manager for the
Westman Chapter for a year now and has loved
every moment of her time with the MS Society.
Since Melissa lives in the South Central area, she
jumped at the opportunity to help members in
her own community. “I am very excited to
extend my area to the South Central area and
can’t wait to work with community members!”
Melissa has a master’s degree in Applied
Anthropology from Macquarie University
(Sydney, Australia) and a Bachelor’s in Sociology
from Acadia University (Wolfville, NS). She has
spent many years travelling, studying, working,
and volunteering in over 26 countries. If you
have any questions please call Melissa at her
Brandon office (204) 571-5671.
nadine Konyk:
A Fond Farewell to Portage and Morden
Since 2005, I have had the
pleasure and the honour to
be working in the communities
of South Central
Manitoba. Due to the
changing needs of the MS
Society, my role has transitioned
to developing new
and exciting provincial programs such as the MS
Ambassador Program and the Volunteer Legal
Advocacy Program (VLAP). I have enjoyed working
with all the members, health care professionals
and the many communities throughout
the region, particularly Morden and Portage la
Prairie. Looking back, I not only feel that I
quickly became a part of these communities,
but that they also became a part of me. I will
carry the many fond memories that I have of
South Central with me as I continue my work
with the MS Society from the Winnipeg office.
While I will remain as the contact person for the
Interlake, North-East and South-East areas of
the province, I am very happy to know that
Melissa Rothwell, based in the Westman chapter
office, will be overseeing activities in South
Central. Thank you all for the memorable years.
Sincerely,
Nadine
educaTion sessions
bi-monThly educaTion sessions
MS Society office, 457 Unit 5B 9 th Street, Brandon
Do you want to learn about new treatment options?
Would you like to learn how to manage your MS
symptoms? How about healthy resources in the
Westman Region? Every two months the Westman
Chapter hosts a new information session created for
individuals with MS and their primary caregivers.
These information sessions include up to date
information, provided by either MS Society staff or
guest speakers. For more info, contact Melissa at
(204) 571-5671 or melissa.rothwell@mssociety.ca.
recreaTional programs
coffee creW in brandon
Meets on the 1st Thursday of the month.
2:00–4:00 PM
MS Society office, 457 Unit 5B 9 th Street, Brandon
coffee creW aT carberry
Meets on the 2 nd Thursday of the month.
11:30 AM–1:30 PM
The Robin’s Nest Motel & Cafe, Highway #1
ouT and abouT
“Out and About” is a social, recreational and
educational program with a relaxed atmosphere
where clients have the opportunity to experience
events and activities in the Westman area. For
more info, contact Melissa at (204) 571-5671 or
melissa.rothwell@mssociety.ca.
recreaTion sessions
coffee creW in porTage la prairie
Meets on the 2 nd Wednesday of the month.
11:30AM–1:30PM
Season’s Restaurant | Portage La Prairie Mall
smarT TalK in morden
An afternoon group that meets at a local restaurant
on a regular basis. For more info, contact Melissa at
genTle yoga
Tuesdays & Thursdays | 10:00–11:00 AM
Fairview Personal Care Home, Brandon
Cost: $25 per person for six weeks
Relieve tension and stress in your body and mind
through yoga. Yoga classes, taught by Pam Skatch,
include exercises for people who are ambulatory
and individuals who use a wheelchair. For more
info, contact Melissa at (204) 571-5671 or
melissa.rothwell@mssociety.ca.
massage Therapy
MASAHE Massage and Laser Clinic | (204) 740-0985
1337 Princess Avenue
Cost: $50/session
Massage Therapy is offered at the MASAHE
massage and Laser Clinic by appointment. MS
members receive a discount rate of $50 per
session. Depending on financial need, additional
subsidies can be applied for through the MS
Society. For more info, contact Melissa at (204)
571-5671 or melissa.rothwell@mssociety.ca.
supporT groups
deloraine/harTney self-help group
Meets on the last Monday of every 2nd month.
1:00 – 3:00 PM
Hartney Care Home/ Deloraine Hospital
Next meeting: Sept 24, 2012 | Hartney Care Home
For more info, contact Melissa at (204) 571-5671 or
melissa.rothwell@mssociety.ca.
souTh cenTral Chapter
(204) 571-5671 or melissa.rothwell@mssociety.ca.
ms coffee TalK in morden
An evening group that meets at a local restaurant
on an intermittent basis. For more info, contact
Melissa at (204) 571-5671 or melissa.rothwell@
mssociety.ca.
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parKland Chapter
educaTion sessions
rediscoVer your life
Held the 4th Thursday of the month.
11:30 AM–1:30 PM
(This program will start again in October 2012)
Cost: free of charge
Designed to encourage participants to embrace life
upon a diagnosis of a chronic illness such as multiple
sclerosis. Life can continue to be complete with
experiences that bring joy and satisfaction.
Rediscover Your Life will provide
• Occupational training
• Hands on experience
• And educational services to re-train people with
skills requiring adaptation
recreaTional programs
paThWays To yoga
Begins in October.
This program offers simple warm up stretches,
breathing exercises, yoga postures, and relaxation –
all done in a seated position. Relax, renew, reduce
stress, and feel better. For more information on
Winnipeg Chapter
educaTion sessions
human righTs in The WorKplace:
a primer
September 20 | 6:30–8:30 PM
Independent Living Resource Centre,
311A-393 Portage Ave (in Portage Place) or your
home computer*
Presenter: Mr. Todd Andres, LLB
*This session will be made available live online via
web-conferencing. For more information or to register,
please contact the MS Society at 1-800-268-
7582 or (204) 943-9595.
dates, times, and location, call Shelley Kowaluk at
(204) 638-YOGA (9642).
modified aquaTics
Parkland Recreation Complex
Modified Aquatics is the ideal exercise for people
with MS because of the cooling effect of water. For
more information, contact the Parkland Recreation
Complex at (204) 622-3112.
siT & fiT
Tuesdays | 10:30 AM | Midtown Estates, Swan River
Thursdays | 1:30 PM | Town Hall, Minitonas
For more information, contact Swan River Recreation
at (204) 734-3847.
sWim in russell
12:30 PM (in the pool) to 1:30 PM (out of the pool)
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Cost: free of charge
There are 6-7 qualified instructors; you will need a
doctor’s permission slip filled (pick them up at the
Russell Clinic). For more information, call Pat
Beswatherick at (204) 532-2105 or Gloria Pertson at
(204) 546-2250.
recreaTional sessions
Zumba
Mondays, beginning September 17 | 1:00–2:00 PM
MS Society Program Room, 1465 Buffalo Place
Duration: 8 weeks
Cost: $40.00 for MS Society members
Move to the beat of fantastic Latin music! Zumba
is a fitness phenomenon sweeping the nation
with its fun-filled philosophy of “ditch the workout,
join the party”! This one hour class will have
participants enjoying their work-out so much
that the health benefits will seem like an added
... Continued on page 21
... Continued from page 20
bonus. This class will combine both seated and
standing exercises. Participants must be ambulatory
or able to transfer independently to a chair without
arms to participate fully in this program.
**A seated chair zumba class will be offered at the
Reh-Fit Centre this fall – call for details.
For more info or to register, contact Deanna at (204)
988-0905 or deanna.austin@mssociety.ca.
mediTaTion
Tuesdays, beginning September 18 | 2:00–3:00 PM
MS Society Program Room, 1465 Buffalo Place
Duration: 7 weeks
Cost: $35.00 for MS Society members
Guided meditation is the practice of focusing your
mind on a sound, object, visualization, breath or
movement. Meditation allows you to reduce stress,
relax, and be in the present moment. It rejuvenates
physically, mentally and spiritually.
For more info or to register, contact Deanna at (204)
988-0905 or deanna.austin@mssociety.ca.
Winnipeg Chapter Cont’d
...Relax
...Rejuvenate
...Reenergize
New to the MS Society!
MEDITATION
Check out the listing to find out more details!
yoga
Wednesdays, beginning Sept. 19 | 10:00–11:00 AM
MS Society Program Room, 1465 Buffalo Place
Duration: 12 weeks*
Cost: $60.00 for MS Society members
*Registration required for the full 12 week session.
Yoga has been in existence for thousands of years and
it continues to grow in popularity. It is a practice long
proved to be beneficial for individuals living with MS.
Yoga promotes balance, increases range of motion,
and reduces fatigue. The meditation component
encourages relaxation and helps to reduce stress.
Instructors at the MS Society understand that every
individual living with MS has unique symptoms;
therefore will adapt poses and assist when necessary.
Please remit payment for Yoga upon receipt of your
Yoga registration form. Space is limited; therefore registration
will be based upon receipt of both the registration
form and payment. Participants will be called
to confirm their registration in the class.
For more info or to register, contact Deanna at (204)
988-0905 or deanna.austin@mssociety.ca.
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Winnipeg Chapter Cont’d
... Continued from page 21
drop in yoga
Wednesdays, beginning Sept. 19 | 12:15–1:45 PM
MS Society Program Room, 1465 Buffalo Place
Duration: 12 weeks
Cost: $60.00 for a 12 week session OR $5.00 per class
for the first three classes if individuals would like to
try out yoga. Registration for the remainder of the
session will be $45.00.
There is no expectation that you must register for the
remainder of the session unless you have decided
that this is something you definitely enjoy and get
benefit from…so there is nothing to lose by trying it
out!
For more info or to register, contact Deanna at (204)
988-0905 or deanna.austin@mssociety.ca.
massage Therapy
Tuesdays beginning in January 2013*
1:00, 2:00, or 3:00 PM
MS Society Program Room, 1465 Buffalo Place
Massage Therapy is offered by students of the
Wellington College of Remedial Massage Therapies
Inc. Sessions range from 5 to 6 weeks in length. While
there is no cost for this program, donations to the
neW To The ms socieTy!
Zumba
check out the listing to find out more details!
Ditch the work-out
& join the party!
Wellington College of Remedial Massage Therapies
Inc. are welcome. All donations will go towards a
scholarship for students at the college. Please consider
this as a way to thank the students for their hard
work and the college for continuing to provide this
wonderful service to the MS Society.
For more info or to register,**contact Deanna at (204)
988-0905 or deanna.austin@mssociety.ca.
*At the time of this newsletter printing, the
Wellington College of Remedial Massage Therapies
Inc. has indicated that the massage therapy outreach
program will be starting up again at the end
of January 2013. Please register, however, as if this
startup date is changed we will be starting our program
earlier.
**Please note that every September a new list of
individuals interested in this program is compiled.
You are not automatically on this list if you have
participated in the past, so please call to register.
sTeppin’ ouT group
A group consisting primarily of ambulatory members
of the MS Society who can attend an outing
independently, the Steppin’ Out Group’s outings are
... Continued from page 22
planned by the group according to group interest at a
yearly planning session. Participants must provide
their own transportation to these outings.
For more info, contact Deanna at (204) 988-0905 or
deanna.austin@mssociety.ca.
social groups
The Winnipeg area currently has three social
groups that meet regularly. The participants in
these groups plan outings to a wide variety of
locations throughout the city. The cost for each
outing varies, but every effort is made to keep
prices reasonable. Transportation is provided to
each outing.
For more info, contact Deanna at (204) 988-0905 or
deanna.austin@mssociety.ca.
social club
Do you enjoy socializing and playing board games? If
so, consider joining the Thursday morning Social Club.
This group meets every first and third Thursday of
the month from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM in MS Society’s
Program Room at 1465 Buffalo Place.
For more info, contact Deanna at (204) 988-0905 or
deanna.austin@mssociety.ca.
recreaTional sessions in
The communiTy
neurofiT
Wellness Institute
Seven Oaks General Hospital | 1075 Leila Avenue
Neurological conditions such as MS can affect your
quality of life, particularly your ability to stay active.
Neurofit is an exercise program offered by a qualified
Wellness Institute professional. The focus will be on
increasing strength, endurance and flexibility – all of
which are important for you to maintain your
independence with activities of daily living and enjoy
life to the fullest. Special consideration will be given
to factors which may impact your ability to exercise,
such as fatigue, heat sensitivity, loss of balance and
spasticity. Program adaptations will be made to
accommodate individual differences in fitness levels
and fitness goals. Get active now – and enjoy the
rewards of being in the best shape you can be!
Winnipeg Chapter Cont’d
If you are interested in participating in this program
or would like additional information, please contact
the Wellness Institute at (204) 632-3900.
ms acTion program
Rady Jewish Community Centre | 123 Doncaster St.
The MS Action Program is designed to help people
living with multiple sclerosis improve their overall
health and fitness. Strengthen your muscles and
increase flexibility to help manage the symptoms of
MS. For further program information call
(204) 477-7510.
ms aquaTics
City of Winnipeg | Sherbrook & Bonivital pools
The City of Winnipeg Community Development,
Recreation and Support Services Department offers
adapted aquatic programs specifically designed for
individuals with multiple sclerosis. Call 311 for
additional program information or to register.
Tai chi healTh recoVery class
Mondays | 7:00–8:00 PM
Fridays | 10:30 AM–12:15 PM
Taoist Tai Chi Society | 401 Henderson Highway
Cost: a one-time fee of $20.00 must be paid to
become a member of the Taoist Tai Chi Society, and
then a monthly fee of $38.00 is paid for each month
an individual chooses to participate. The monthly fee
is negotiable upon registration, and includes a free
t-shirt.
The Taoist Tai Chi Society Health Recovery class is
open to individuals who are both ambulatory and/or
utilizing a mobility aid. As is the case with all Tai Chi
classes, a philosophy, which integrates both mind and
body, is utilized as part of an overall health
maintenance system. Tai Chi movements are gentle
and balanced, which makes it a perfect exercise to be
practiced by anyone, regardless of age and/or
physical condition. Warmer hands, stronger legs and
greater endurance are just a few of the rewards
achieved from faithful practice.
For additional information, contact the Taoist Tai Chi
Society at (204) 453-1349.
simply unique
Tuesdays | 5:00–8:00 PM
Central Pool | Winnipeg | 90 Sinclair Street
A new opportunity has become available to
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CoNNeCTioNS summer 2012
24
Winnipeg Chapter Cont’d
... Continued from page 23
individuals living with a disability who enjoy
swimming.
The newly renovated pool is fully wheelchair
accessible with a wet chair and hoist; free access to
gym equipment is also an option. Support staff are
welcome to assist with your swim, but the pool is not
open to the general public during this swim time.
For more info, contact Sylvanna at (204) 989-7094.
reh-fiT cenTre genTle
yoga/chair yoga
1390 Taylor Avenue | Winnipeg, MB
This class is suitable for those who are recovering
from an illness, surgery, or have a physical limitation.
It is also suitable for those who wish to take a yoga
class at a gentler pace. All exercises can be done from
a chair. Call (204) 488-8023 for further information or
to register.
reh-fiT cenTre chair Zumba
1390 Taylor Avenue | Winnipeg, MB
This class is suitable for individuals who would have
difficulty standing and exercising due to fatigue,
balance problems or the need to use a mobility aid.
All participants will remain seated for the duration of
the class. A wonderful workout for your upper body
and core body muscles! Call (204) 488-8023 for
further information or to register.
supporT serVices
neWly diagnosed educaTion program
- WINNIPEG OR BRANDON
Held one evening a week, for four weeks, this is a
great program if you have been recently diagnosed
with MS or are now beginning to deal with the symptoms
of MS. Dates & times will depend on number
of registered participants. To register, please contact
Nadine at (204) 988-0904 or
nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca.
VolunTeer legal adVocacy program
(Vlap)
The Volunteer Legal Advocacy Program (VLAP) is an
exciting new program at the MS Society. It provides
individuals living with multiple sclerosis in Manitoba
access to volunteer lawyers with legal and advocacy experience
for legal advice and/or representation.
Are you a person living with MS? Do you need
help with:
• Employment issues
• Insurance income security
• Estate planning (wills, power of attorney)
If you‘ve answered YES, this program might be for
YOU! For more information, or to determine eligibility
for this program, please contact Nadine at
(204) 988-0904, (1-800) 268-7582, or
nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca.
supporT groups
MS Society groups are an informal way to
link up with others who experience common
situations, have common concerns, or share
common interests.
A number of groups exist for people
with MS, as well as for their family
members and friends.
ms Tele-neTWorK supporT group
Living with MS has its challenges. This new tele-conferencing
group will provide an opportunity to talk
about information, ideas and concerns about MS, to
hear and share different/better ways of coping, and
most of all to discover that you are not alone – all
from the comfort of your own home. If you live in
a remote area of the province, and/or if you have
mobility, fatigue, accessibility, or transportation issues
which prevent you from attending MS Society
programs, this group is for you! For more information,
please contact Nadine at 1-800-268-7582 or
204-988-0904 or nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca.
recenTly diagnosed eVening
supporT group
This program is designed to meet the needs of
recently diagnosed individuals and their partners.
It is a place to talk about information, ideas and
concerns about MS, to hear and share coping
strategies, and most of all to discover that you are
not alone. This monthly group will meet in the
evenings.
... Continued on page 25
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For more information or to join this group, please
contact Nadine at (204) 988-0904 or nadine.
konyk@mssociety.ca.
chums
Meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month.
1:00–3:00 PM | MS Society Program Room,
1465 Buffalo Place
For information, contact: Ellen Karr at (204) 988-0917
or ellen.karr@mssociety.ca.
on our oWn
Meets on the 1st Friday of the month.
1:00–3:00 PM | MS Society Program Room,
1465 Buffalo Place
For information, contact: Ellen Karr at (204) 988-0917
or ellen.karr@mssociety.ca.
male caregiVers group
Meets on the 1st Wednesday of the month.
7:00–9:00 PM | MS Society Program Room,
1465 Buffalo Place
For information, contact: Ellen Karr at (204) 988-0917
or ellen.karr@mssociety.ca.
ms friends
Meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month.
1:00–3:00 PM | MS Society Program Room,
1465 Buffalo Place
For information, contact: Ellen Karr at (204) 988-0917
or ellen.karr@mssociety.ca.
female caregiVers group
Meets on the 1st Thursday of each month.
6:30–8:30 PM | Various locations
For information, contact: Ellen Karr at (204) 988-0917
or ellen.karr@mssociety.ca.
moVing forWard
Meets on the 1st Thursday of the month.
1:00–3:00 PM | MS Society Program Room,
1465 Buffalo Place
For information, contact: Ellen Karr at (204) 988-0917
or ellen.karr@mssociety.ca.
Winnipeg Chapter Cont’d
Kildonan group
Meets on the 2nd Monday of the month.
1:00–3:00 PM | Kildonan Personal Care Centre,
1970 Henderson Highway
For information, contact: Ellen Karr at (204) 988-0917
or ellen.karr@mssociety.ca.
leT’s connecT
Meets one Monday each month.
1:30–3:30 PM | Deer Lodge Centre,
2109 Portage Avenue
For information, contact: Ellen Karr at (204) 988-0917
or ellen.karr@mssociety.ca.
progressiVe ms supporT group
Meets on the 2nd Friday of the month.
1:00–2:30 PM | MS Society Program Room,
1465 Buffalo Place
This support group is for people living with primary or
secondary progressive MS.
For information, contact: Nadine Konyk at (204) 988-
0904 or nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca.
Teulon supporT group
Meets 3 rd Friday of each month.
11:00 AM–1:00 PM
For information, contact: Nadine Konyk at (204) 988-
0904 or nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca.
sTeinbach supporT group
Meets 2 nd Thursday of various months.
6:00–8:00 PM
For information, contact: Nadine Konyk at (204) 988-
0904 or nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca.
beauseJour supporT group
Meets on the Last Wednesday of each month.
1:00–3:00 PM
For information, contact: Nadine Konyk at (204) 988-
0904 or nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca.
lac du bonneT supporT group
Meets 3 to 4 times per year in the afternoons.
For information, contact: Nadine Konyk at (204) 988-
0904 or nadine.konyk@mssociety.ca.
CoNNeCTioNS summer 2012
25

CoNNeCTioNS summer 2012
26
ms glance
bright stars shine for ms
Take a look at some of the people and activities that went the extra mile for MS in the past few months!
Dance 4MS | May 3 | Gas Station Arts Centre
In its fourth year, Dance4MS raised $1,485 and is now
looking for a larger venue due to its huge success!
Ethan, Shea and Ryan Atkins | May 28
The Atkins boys held a yard sale and bake sale; on May
28 they dropped by the MS Society and donated $388!
Cycling to endMS | July 13
Zachary Nevin (right) and Chris Schrader (centre), cycled
across Canada and raised more than $30,000 for MS.
MS Charity Zumbathon | June 9 | Coronation Park
Part of the Norwood Grove Biz Summer Festival, the 2nd
MS Charity Zumbathon raised $2,808 this year.
Small Scholars | Sun Valley School | June 22
The Small Scholars after school program chose the MS
Society as its 2012 charity of choice and donated $100.
Quenton Kardoes (with mom Tammy) | June 26
On June 26, Quenton generously gave his birthday
money to the MS Society and donated more than $200!
PLEASE PRINT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CLEARLY:
Mr. Mrs. Ms. Miss Doctor
Name:
Address:
City:
Province: Postal Code:
Home Phone: ( ) Work Phone: ( )
Email:
Registration Form
Do you use a mobility aid? Yes No Dietary Restrictions (please list):
If yes, please check all that apply:
Cane Wheelchair
Walker Scooter
Other:
Registration Fees* Rate
Single $25
Couple $40
Family** $75
**Family rate applies for 3 to 4 people.
METHOD OF PAYMENT:
Cheque (made payable to the MS Society of Canada)
Visa #:
Mastercard #:
Name on Card:
Expiry Date:
*In the case of financial hardship, assistance with accommodation and travel may be available
for out of town members. Please contact Ellen Karr at ellen.karr@mssociety.ca or (204) 988-
0917 for more information about this option.
IMPORTANT:
Please ensure your payment is enclosed with your registration form. DO NOT SEND CASH.
Please complete this form and fax to (204) 988-0915 or email to
ellen.karr@mssociety.ca or mail to:
MS Society of Canada, MB Division
100-1465 Buffalo Place
Winnipeg, MB R3T 1L8
Phone: (204) 943-9595 | Toll-Free: 1-800-268-7582

See reverse
for conference
registration
form!
PRESENTED BY:
October 22, 2012
8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Caboto Centre | Winnipeg, MB
MS Connect is the only conference in
Manitoba on multiple sclerosis.
Join us for a day of
education, conversation,
exploration & connection.
Don’t miss out on presentations by
world-renowned & leading MS experts:
Dr. Jack Antel Dr. Abe Snaiderman
REGISTER TODAY!
Download the conference registration
form at mssociety.ca/manitoba
or call 1-800-268-7582 to register.