Connections July 2010.indd - Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada

Connections
A newsletter connecting Albertans who want to end MS • www.mssociety.ca/alberta
Couple hits the road despite MS
Expanding into NWT
MS Society funds
CCSVI reseaerch
Summer 2010
“MS Society
Alberta”
4
6
13

MS Connections is published quarterly by the
MS Society of Canada, Alberta & Northwest
Territories Division. It is intended to provide
news and information for Albertans with
MS, their families, caregivers, medical
professionals and other stakeholders. The
information and opinions contained in
this newsletter are obtained from sources
believed to be reliable, but their accuracy
cannot be guaranteed. We value your
comments, feedback and reprint requests—
please email them to info.alberta@mssociety.
ca or call us at the numbers listed below.
MS Society of Canada
Alberta & Northwest Territories Division
Managing Editor, Darrel Gregory
darrel.gregory@mssociety.ca
Editor, Angie Wight
angie.wight@mssociety.ca
2009/2010
Board of Directors
Board Chair: James Orr
1st Vice Chair: Carey Mogdan
2nd Vice Chair & Chair, Fund
Development Committee: Kevin O’Neil
Past Chair: Suzanne Deschamps
Treasurer: Dustin Sundby
Secretary: Lesley Turnbull
Chair, Client Services Committee:
Judy Gordon
Chair, Government & Community
Relations Committee: Joan Ozirny
MEMBERS-AT-LARGE
Darrel Frisken
Lynne Sangster
Doreen Saunderson
Bernie Buzik
Wayne Jacques
Melanee Framp
Hazel Flewwelling
Gayelene Bonenfant
Our Mission
To be a leader in finding a
cure for multiple sclerosis and
enabling people affected by MS
to enhance their quality of life.
Contact Us
#150, 9405 - 50 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T6B 2T4
Phone: (780) 463-1190
Toll-free: 1-800-268-7582
Fax: (780) 479-1001
Email: info.alberta@mssociety.ca
www.mssociety.ca/alberta
2 MS Connections Summer 2010
Behind the scenes
As you review this summer issue of the
MS Connections newsletter you will see
that our events have done extremely
well. Considering the lingering effects of
the recession in Alberta, this is a significant
accomplishment. The financial results, while
important, don’t tell the entire story, though.
It is equally important to go behind the scenes
to understand what makes our events so
successful.
To host a successful bike tour or walk, we need several thousand volunteers. The four
RONA MS Bike Tours in Alberta require over 1,000 volunteers. The Leduc to Camrose
tour alone has 485 volunteer positions to be filled. Across the province the 12 Enerflex
MS Walks require thousands of volunteers. The sheer magnitude of organizing these
events and recruiting a ready and able volunteer force takes considerable expertise
that is provided through the MS Society’s volunteer management program.
Similar to our event participants, many of our volunteers share a personal connection
to MS. I am convinced that this connection deepens a volunteer’s motivation to shape
a participant experience that is a step above the rest. As staff, we know this from
participant surveys and the many first hand reports that we receive from participants
at the events.
I continue to be amazed with the caliber of our volunteers who are there to help us at
every turn. I always look forward to getting out to our events to help our volunteers
with the set-up, running and tear-down of our events. For events like the RONA MS
Bike Tour and Enerflex MS Walk, volunteering entails a big commitment. And because
it’s a weekend affair, many volunteers and staff bring their families out to volunteer
for the weekend. For some, this includes time off work leading up to the event so the
event facilities are ready to go on game day.
I tip my hat to our wonderful volunteers who are the unsung heros in the MS Society.
On behalf of thousands of participants from across the province and all the MS staff,
thank you for everything you do.
Neil Pierce
President
Alberta & Northwest Territories Division
Cover
The Edmonton
Enerflex MS Walk
moved downtown in
2010. Nearly 2500
walkers took it to
the streets to raise
awareness of MS
and raise money
for research and
services for Albertans
living with multiple
sclerosis.

Caring for a loved one with MS
Unbreakable bond between mother
and daughter
Red Deer, Alberta
When Judith Moody’s daughter,
Julie, was diagnosed with
MS in 1993, she made her
promise that when the MS became too
much to handle alone she would call her.
Five years ago Julie made that call to
her mother. “When I first got here, Julie
could still walk with a walker and now has
“I hold her when
she cries and
laugh with her
when she laughs.”
progressively gotten worse and needed
me more and more,” says Judith. Since
2005 Judith has lived with Julie and her
husband and helped around the house
Judith Moody (left) is devoted to
helping her daughter Julie Blow (right)
in any way she can.
doing day-to-day tasks. “I dress her,
get all of her food, help with her bathing
and do all her laundry and cooking
and accompany her to physiotherapy
appointments. I hold her when she cries
and laugh with her when she laughs.”
Together, Judith and Julie enjoy some
special mother-daughter time and take
Keith Johnson and his guest contributors will
answer your questions about exercise and MS. Stay
tuned for the next issue of MS Connections where you will see
the first installment of MS ActiveNOW – Exercise and MS.
We want to hear from you! Send your exercise questions to
active@mssociety.ca with the subject heading “Questions for
Keith” and Keith will answer as many as possible.
the dog out for walks and have a little
soap-making business where Julie does all
the mental work and Judith does all of the
physical. “The most rewarding part about
being her caregiver is that I get to show
her how much I love her,” says Judith.
Her advice to other caregivers in
a similar situation is “to not be afraid
to share all the feelings. If your loved
one is feeling scared or frustrated or
angry, acknowledge that and share
what you’re feeling. Don’t be afraid to
first share, and then
bring each other
back up.”
To order a free
copy of A Guide for
Caregivers, contact
the MS Society at info.
alberta@mssociety.ca
or 1-800-268-7582.
You have questions about exercise and MS
We have answers
Want to separate myth from fact regarding exercise and MS?
Interested in exercise resources?
Want to know where the best exercise facilities are and where
you can get expert advice and support?
Want to know how exercise can help with MS symptoms?
Want to find out about exercise and depression?
Want to learn how exercise may impact cognitive abilities?
MS Connections Summer 2010 3

So far this year Wayne and Colleen Weyman have travelled to Vancouver, Okotoks, and High River in their modified motor
home. They have many more trips planned.
Couple refuses to let MS
hinder travel plans
Colleen Weyman has been in a
wheelchair for the last three
years. Last October she and her
husband, Wayne, decided they were
going to make an investment that would
give them the freedom they’d been
looking for. “When Colleen ended up
in a wheelchair, that had a tendency to
hamper what we could or couldn’t do,”
said Wayne. “We couldn’t visit family or
friends because they weren’t equipped to
accommodate someone in a wheelchair
and a lot of hotels and places that say
they’re accessible aren’t necessarily fully
accessible to someone in a wheelchair.”
They looked online for different
ideas for travelling and found that a few
4 MS Connections Summer 2010
“It helped us
emotionally...to
visit people...and
get a whole new
perspective on
life.”
people had modified RVs so that they
were accessible, but Colleen and Wayne
weren’t able to find one that was modern
enough for what they needed, or even in
the same country. So they decided to buy
a motor home and then find someone
to modify it for them. Modifications
included adding hand controls so Colleen
could drive alone, replacing the door
with a door lift, and changing the shower
area to fit a wheelchair. All of their
modifications were done at Red Deer RV.
“There’s nothing worse than being
house-bound,” stated Colleen. “The
motor home is a whole new dimension
of freedom. It’s helped us emotionally
to get out of the house, to go someplace
else, to visit people, look around, and get
a new perspective on life.”
In total, the motor home alterations
took three months to complete and cost
...continued on page 12

MS staff and volunteers ask for
immediate changes to federal programs
MS Society staff and volunteers from
across the country met with MPs in
Ottawa in May. They urged all Members
of Parliament to support several
immediate changes to current federal
programs that will benefit Canadians
affected by MS. Specifically, they asked
MPs to:
• Provide $10 million for research
into chronic cerebrospinal venous
insufficiency (CCSVI) and MS through
the Canadian Institutes of Health
Research;
• Allow spouses to claim the Caregiver
Tax Credit – currently they are not
eligible for this small credit although
they are the usual primary caregivers;
• Make Employment Insurance more
flexible by redefining the benefit in
terms of 75 days or 150 half days to
allow for part-time work;
• Make the Disability Tax Credit
refundable for people with disabilities.
We believe that the adoption of these
important changes will support people
in their efforts to remain part of the work
force and their communities.
Also in Ottawa, MPs wore carnations
on May 5 and MP Rick Casson from
Lethbridge read a Member’s Statement in
support of MS Awareness Month.
Alberta representatives at the
meetings in Ottawa included
Joan Ozirny, AB Division
Board Member and Chair
of the Government and
Community Relations
Committee, and Julie
Kelndorfer, Director of
Government and Community
Relations. Joan and Julie also
met with Alberta MPs and
discussed income security
and health research.
In addition to these
meetings, the MS Society
conducted an on-line
campaign during MS
Awareness Month in which
e-mail letters were sent to
MPs asking for their support
of the recommendations
listed above.
Joan Ozirny (left), Chair,
Government and Community
Relations (Alberta &
NWT Division) and Julie
Kelndorfer, Director,
Government and Community
Relations (Alberta & NWT
Division) met with MP Laurie
Hawn (top) and MP Kevin
Sorenson (bottom).
Husky Community Rebate Program
The Husky Community Rebate Program is an easy way to raise funds
for the MS Society by purchasing gas! Husky sends a rebate to the MS
Society of 2% of the purchases cardholders make at Husky or Mohawk
stations or Husky House Restaurants. In one quarter over $23,000 in
gas was purchased and we’ve received nearly $500!
Call now to get your Husky Community Rebate Card! Contact Jill Opalka
by email at jill.opalka@mssociety.ca or by phone at 780-463-1190.
MS Connections Summer 2010 5

The Yellowknife MS Awareness Committee pose with Dr. Bert Witt (far left, back row) during the MS Awareness Fair on
Saturday April 24, 2010.
Planting seeds of MS
awareness and support in
NWT
Okay, there was no snow.
In fact it was positively
summery (highs in the
mid 20s) in beautiful
Yellowknife as The MS Society, Alberta
and NWT Division, celebrated its
name change and renewed focus in the
Territories with MS Awareness Week
April 19 – 24, 2010.
“It was a busy and significant
week for the Society and for people
living with MS in Yellowknife,” said
MS Society Outreach Coordinator
Douglas Tokaryk, who worked with
6 MS Connections Summer 2010
“We want to
ensure people in
the community
that we’re here
for them and
they’re not
alone.”
local community members to plan the
three events that took place during MS
Awareness Week.
The week started off with
Edmonton neurologist Dr. Bert Witt
delivering a presentation on recent
developments in MS to health
professionals at the Stanton Hospital.
“Dr. Witt has 30 years experience as
a neurologist and has run neurology
clinics in Yellowknife for over 20 years,”
said Adeline Blumer, Client Services
Director, MS Society, Alberta and NWT
Division.

What’s in a name? Members of the local community, NWT dignitaries, and members of the MS Senior Management
Team celebrate the recent name change to reflect the broader territory served by the MS Society. The new, more inclusive
territory will be known as MS Society of Canada, Alberta and Northwest Territories Division.
Later in the week Neil Pierce and
Dr. Garry Wheeler, President and Vice
President, MS Society, Alberta & NWT
Division, announced the Division’s
commitment to bring services and
support to people affected by MS in
the Northwest Territories. “We want to
ensure people in the community that
we’re here for them and they’re not
alone,” said Pierce.
During the week the eight-member
MS Awareness Committee hosted an
MS Awareness Fair and invited local
health providers and organizations to
Last year A&W, together with the MS Society of Canada,
raised $400,000 to support Canadians living with
multiple sclerosis. We are excited to report that A&W is
on board again this year and wants to make “Cruisin’
for a Cause” even bigger and better.
Their goal for 2010 is $500,000.
Mark August 26 on your calendar.
Buy a Teen Burger and $1 will go
toward the MS Society.
display their services to the public. “We
had a good turnout for this event,” said
Adam Spiers with the NWT Council for
Persons with Disabilities.
On May 27, 2010 the Yellowknife
MS Community and Support group
held its first meeting.
MS Connections Summer 2010 7

MS Ambassador shares positive
message about living with MS
A United Voice for the
Cause and Cure
Kim Wilson, seen here with her new
husband Bob, lives by the motto: life
is too short not to relax and have fun.
Besides, you’d be crazy not to!
Kim Wilson may be new to the MS
Ambassador program, but she’s
been a source of inspiration since
the early ‘90s for many living with MS.
It was at that time that she herself was
diagnosed with MS. “I have a personal
stake in fundraising for research, both
for myself and others,” says Kim. “When
I was first diagnosed in 1994, the MS
Society was instrumental in providing me
with information and I wanted to do what
I can to help the MS Society and those
who have MS.”
When Kim moved from Regina to
Calgary a year ago, she checked out the
MS Society’s website and saw that there
was an MS Ambassador Program. She
was keen to sign up and get involved.
For Kim, the most important part about
being an MS Ambassador is to “be a
8 MS Connections Summer 2010
role model. When I was diagnosed, I
felt that my life was over. I want other
people to know that your life isn’t over!
It can still be fabulous! You need to
live life to the fullest and enjoy every
moment.”
Kim’s passion for creating awareness
is sure to touch the lives of others living
with MS. “There is strength in numbers
which is why it’s so important to have
lots of ambassadors out there creating
awareness and understanding. If I can
help one person feel better, whether they
have MS or know someone who has MS,
then that’s a success. It’s an amazing
feeling to know that I am part of that
success.”
Imagine a future without
Multiple Sclerosis
Jan Petrar knows one day this will be a reality
and she’s doing something about it today.
Jan Petrar and her children
You too can create a
legacy of hope for future
generations! Contact us to
find out how
Jan made a commitment in her will to support the
MS Society’s internationally respected research
program. “Research gave me my life back. It also
gave my son and daughter their mother back.”
She knows what it’s like to suffer through
neurological pain, to deal with depression and
fatigue. And she knows the impact this disease has
on families and communities.
George Jacob
Ph: (403) 250-7090
Email: george.jacob@mssociety.ca
Web: www.MSlegacy.ca
“When I was
first diagnosed
in 1994 the MS
Society was
instrumental
in providing
me with
information.”
Alberta & Northwest Territories Division

Coffee shops help raise awareness of MS in Alberta
A
new campaign was launched this
May with the goal of increasing
awareness of MS throughout
Alberta while raising funds for the MS
Society – Alberta & NWT Division.
Eighty-two Second Cup coffee franchises
from across Alberta participated in the
province-wide 1000 Pounds of Kindness
event that took place from Thursday May
27 to Sunday May 30.
The concept of the campaign was
simple: drop by your local Second Cup
franchise and pick up a bag of coffee
beans. Ten percent of sales, as well as
tips, was donated to the MS Society. In
addition to the monetary contributions
from Second Cup, the MS Society was
very prominent in each store. MS
Society displays with informational
booklets and staff wearing t-shirts that
read “We will end MS” contributed
to promoting the campaign as well
as helping to recognize May as MS
Awareness Month.
The numbers are still rolling in but
all reports indicate that 1000 Pounds of
Kindness was a huge success.
1000 Pounds
of Kindness
took place
from May
27-30.
MS Connections Summer 2010 9

Volunteer Profile
Teenage sisters hope to make a
difference, together
Barbara-Anne Leist, 16, and her
sister Rebecca, 15, have developed
a passion for volunteering for the
MS Society. For the last nine months, the
sisters have been volunteering at the MS
Society – Red Deer & Area Chapter, doing
everything from small organizational
tasks to fundraising for events like the
Carnation Campaign.
They first got the idea from their
mom, Blanche, who is a nurse at the
local long-term care facility, South
Country Village. “My mom has a lot of
“To know that you
have support and
people you can
lean on...it makes
everything you’re
going through that
much easier. Never
underestimate
the power of one
person.”
MS patients,” says Rebecca. “I was able
to meet them and that encouraged and
inspired me to volunteer.”
Barbara-Anne and Rebecca usually
dedicate every second Monday morning
to volunteering at the MS Society office,
as well as doing fundraisers when they
can. When asked what their favourite
part about volunteering is, both girls
10 MS Connections Summer 2010
had similar answers. “I like how you
are able to meet so many people in the
community who have MS and listen to all
their stories,” said Rebecca.
Barbara-Anne agrees, “I wanted to
help out with the community and make
it a place where everyone belongs and
can get help. When you’re going through
something, you feel like you’re all alone,
but to know that you have support and
people you can lean on, and people that
will always be there, it makes everything
you’re going through that much easier.
Never underestimate the power of one
person.”
Rebecca Leist, seen here with her
sister Barbara-Anne, said it best:
“Working together we can do so
much.” And together, volunteering,
they do!
MS Support Groups in Alberta
Battle River /Wainwright — call Teresa at 780-755-2226.
Boyle Area — call Deloris at 780-689-4300.
Brooks — call the Southeastern Chapter office at 403-529-6797.
Calgary — call (403) 250-7090 for further information.
Cold Lake/Lakeland — call Suzanne at 780-639-4145.
Drumheller — call Karen at 403-820-7863.
Edmonton — call 780-471-3034 for further information.
Elk Point — call 780-724-2430 for further information.
Fairview — call 780-835-4868 for further information.
Hinton — call Aileen at 1-800-268-7582 for further information.
Lethbridge — call (403) 328-7002 for further information.
Lloydminster — call (780) 871-0513 for further information.
Medicine Hat — call (403) 529-6797 for further information.
Pincher Creek /Crowsnest — call 403-627-2106 for further information.
Red Deer — call (403) 346-0290 for further information.
South Peace/Grande Prairie — call 780-532-3204 for further information.
St. Paul — call Denise at 780-645-3441 ext 226 for further information.
Tofield — MS Support Group last Wednesday of the month.
7 pm to 8:30 pm. Tofield Health Unit.
Vegreville — call 780-632-2848 for further information.
Yellowknife — call Shawn at 867-445-4372.

Edmonton students raise over $8,500
in MS Read-A-Thon program
In its first year participating in the
MS Read-A-Thon program, Holyrood
School not only raised $8,500 for the
MS Society – Alberta and NWT Division,
but also donated back all their prizing!
This very generous act of kindness made
Holyrood the second highest fundraising
school in Alberta.
“Thanks to our
participation in
this event, the
students now
have a better
understanding
of why she uses
a scooter to
get around the
school.”
“Participating in this event was
important to us,” says Suzanne
Préfontaine, Assistant Principal. “One of
our Holyrood parents, who is an active
volunteer in a variety of school events,
has MS. Thanks to our participation
in this event, the students now have a
better understanding of why she uses
a scooter to get around the school and
how this disease has affected her,” says
Préfontaine. “This was a wonderful
opportunity for us to develop compassion
and understanding in our students. The
fact that we were also able to promote
reading was a bonus; our students are
avid readers and loved being able to
collect dollars for reading minutes!”
From April 8 to 23, students were
asked to keep track of all their reading
minutes and record them every day. In
total 120 students participated in this
event and read 56,871 minutes.
Are you
coming to the
MS Summer Camp?
2010 MS Read-A-Thon
Alberta Highlights
Top Student: Kallin Hunter from
Wildwood School in Wildwood
raised $1579
Top Fundraising School: William
Reid Elementary in Calgary raised
$14,525.32
Top Reading School: Bishop
Greschuk School’s students in
Edmonton read 191,593 minutes
MS Connections Summer 2010 11

Travel Plans
continued from page 4
$15,000. On the subject of the price,
Wayne added, “If your independence is
worth it, bite the bullet and do it. You
lose contact with family and friends when
you’re restricted by a wheelchair, such
“You can’t give
up on life just
because it throws
you a few curve
balls.”
as having access to places they want to
go or even into their homes. However,
when you have your own place, you have
the freedom to make those choices. You
can’t give up on life just because it throws
you a few curve balls.”
For more information regarding
resources for auto or van
modifi cations, please feel free to
contact the MS Society offi ce in
your local community or call toll
free @ 1-800-268-7582.
Classifi eds
Are you looking to buy or sell
previously owned mobility aid
items? There are dozens of
items already for sale online
in our Classifi eds section!
Check out www.mssociety.
ca/alberta/classifi eds.htm for
more information!
12 MS Connections Summer 2010
Ask
Jeannine
Why does it take so long for drugs to be
approved in Canada?
When the application for
approval is sent to Health
Canada, reviewers will
look at the research data and make
recommendations. At this point Health
Canada may license it for use in Canada
but each province must approve it in
order to have the drug covered by its
reimbursement plan.
Each province sends the information
Jeannine Christopherson, a MS nurse and retired
Outreach Coordinator with the MS Society, Edmonton
Chapter, will answer your questions about MS.
If you would like to ask Jeannine a question, email it to
info.alberta@mssociety.ca or call the editor,
Angie Wight, at 780-463-1190 or 1-800-268-7582.
to the Canadian Agency for Drugs
and Technology in Health (CADTH),
a federally funded body that reviews
research data for drugs in the provinces
and territories. Each province waits for
this report before approving the drugs
for reimbursement. Sometimes Health
Canada will also wait for these results
before licensing drugs. Oncology drugs
are not reviewed by CADTH.
CALGARY
10th Annual MS Charity Golf Tournament • September 15, 2010
www.mssociety.ca/calgary
EDMONTON
The Brick MS Drive Fore A Cure • August 25, 2010
www.msgolf.ca
RED DEER
Reid-Built Homes MS 100 Holes of Golf • September 13, 2010
www.mssociety.ca/alberta/central

Over $2.4 million committed to support seven
operating grants to explore the relationship of
CCSVI to Multiple Sclerosis
Over $2.4 million has been
committed by the Multiple
Sclerosis Society of Canada
and the National MS Society (USA) to
support seven new research projects
focusing on chronic cerebrospinal
venous insufficiency (CCSVI) and its
relationship to MS.
All research applications underwent
a rigorous review by an international
review panel that included experts
from various disciplines including
interventional radiology, vascular surgery
and neurology. The MS Society of Canada
and the U.S. National MS Society worked
together to assemble the reviewers who
considered scientific merit, feasibility of
proposed research and the experience of
the applicant teams.
“We know that several people have
reported positive results after receiving
this treatment,” says Neil Pierce,
President, MS Society of Canada, Alberta
and NWT Division. “The MS Society’s
role is to fund the research in order
to shed some light on the connection
between CCSVI and MS. The sooner we
do that, the sooner we can move forward.
If the research shows there is in fact a
connection, we would have an important
role to play in making this treatment
available to Canadians living with MS.”
The total amount of funding
committed by the MS Society of Canada
is $700,000.
These new studies are necessary
because we don’t yet know whether, or if
so how, CCSVI contributes to MS disease
“If the research
shows there is a
connection (between
CCSVI and MS),
we would have an
important role to
play in making this
treatment available to
Canadians living with
MS.”
activity. The studies will achieve several
important goals. First, they will carry
out significant steps needed to confirm
the phenomenon originally described
Volunteers
Thank you to all the
volunteers throughout the
province who helped make our
events run smoothly.
We couldn’t have done it
without you!
by Dr. Paolo Zamboni who reported
abnormalities in the veins draining the
brain and spinal cord in people with MS
and resolve the questions raised by him
and others as to whether CCSVI is a
cause of MS or related to MS in some
other manner. Second, these studies will
resolve conflicting data from previous
research. Third, if blockages are found,
the findings will speed the way to
determining whether therapeutic trials to
correct them will be helpful in improving
or altering MS disease process.
“I think this research is important,”
said Joan Ozirny, Alberta Division board
member and volunteer. “I have friends
travelling outside the country for this
procedure. The sooner we can get this
research started the sooner we can work
towards making this procedure available
in Canada. We need to find a solution for
people with MS.”
The international review panel
recommended studies they agreed
combined the strongest science with the
research goals necessary to most quickly
determine the scope and meaning of
reported abnormalities in blood drainage
from the brain and spinal cord in MS. The
two-year grants began July 1, 2010.
To see which projects have received
funding, visit: www.mssociety.ca/alberta.
It is expected that the majority of
Canadian participants to be recruited will
come from existing patient rosters at MS
clinics associated with the projects. As
a funder, the MS Society of Canada plays
no role in selecting people to participate
in studies.
As part of the MS Society’s
commitment to providing timely
information as work on these grants
proceeds, researchers will be asked to
provide 6-month interim updates to
the MS Society on their grant progress.
Publication in peer-reviewed journals will
occur as results are established.
MS Connections Summer 2010 13

and challenge yourself
in the majestic rockies at the rona
Ms Mountain Bike Tour. check out this
adrenaline-packed 2-day mountain bike
tour that blazes through the wilderness
on single and double track routes. This
tour is a MusT for anyone looking for an
adventure in the great outdoors!
register now at
www.msbiketours.com
rona Ms Bike Tour - Mountain
hinton, alberta
september 11 & 12, 2010
14 MS Connections Summer 2010
MS
On May 28, sixteen teens affected by MS got together to participate in MS Teen Escape at Gull Lake. They participated in
educational sessions, fun recreational activities and socialized with new and old friends alike.
It gave us an opportunity to talk with other kids who have relatives
with MS. This means a lot to me because it lets me know that there
are others out there who are struggling like me. Even after the camp
you can still keep in touch with them if something is wrong and you
need someone to talk to.
My favourite part of the weekend was having the support
of all the kids and having stuff in common with them. It’s
a really good experience. Everyone needs a break and this
way the kids get a break, too. It opens your eyes to how
your parents feel.
Josh Lewin Stephanie Alcock, Calgary
Check it out on
You
“RONA MS Bike Tour -
Mountain”

!
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CONNECTIONS 2010
A conference for Albertans affected by MS
Name: Address:
October 29 & 30, 2010
Delta Calgary South, 135 Southland Dr. SE. Calgary
City: Prov: Postal Code:
Day Phone: Other Phone:
Email:
Registration Form
Cost per person (Refreshments and box lunch included) * Subsidies available
MS Society member: $ 50 Non-member: $ 75
Payment Options Cash Cheque (Payable to“MS Society Calgary Chapter”) Visa Mastercard Amex
Credit Card Number Expiry
Signature
Friday, October 29
Exercise - It’s Good for More Than Just the Body
Emma Smith, MSC., BPE, CSEP-CEP
University of Calgary, Rehabilitation and Fitness program
Saturday, October 30 (Choose A or B)
Session A: Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM) approach to Treating MS
Dr. Xia Cheng M.D (China), Ph.D., R. Ac.
Chinese Medicine Physician
Session B: Paper, Paper Everywhere
Money Mentors of Alberta
Hotel Information:
Remember to book your hotel reservations as soon as you register for our
conference to ensure you get a room. There are a small number of fully accessible
rooms available, so book soon if required. Delta toll free reservations 1-888-890-
3222 or you can register online at www.deltahotels.com
Community Sponsor
MS Partners
Choose C or D
Session C: The Impact of MS on Sexuality
Jeannine Christopherson RN (Retired)
Session D: Transitioning Through the
Caregiving Experience
Carol Barwick
Choose E or F
Session E: Mood disorders and MS
Dr. Jennifer Rodgers
Session F: Traditional Chinese Medicine
Repeat
Choose G or H
Session G: Navigating the
system: MS in Calgary
Jody Sheedy, Lynn Malone,
Regional MS Case Managers
Alberta Health
Session H: Impact of MS
on Sexuality
Repeat
Registration deadline:
Conference only: October 20, 2010
Conference and hotel: September 22, 2010
Please mail registration forms to:
MS Society of Canada
Calgary & Area Chapter
Suite 100, 2421 - 37 Ave NE
Calgary, AB T2E 6Y7
PH: (403) 250-7090
Fax: (403) 250-8937
MS Connections Summer 2010 15

Airdrie to Olds
$671,000
Leduc to Camrose
$1,630,000
Red Deer
$133,000
STAY INFORMED!
The MS Society is committed
to reaching out to all Albertans
with MS. If you know someone
who would like to receive
a complimentary copy of MS
Connections, please call us at
1-800-268-7582.
Publications Mail Agreement 40064145
Return undeliverable items to:
MS Society of Canada
Alberta & Northwest Territories Division
#150, 9405 - 50 St, Edmonton T6B 2T4
16 MS Connections Summer 2010
Edmonton $765,000
St. Albert $160,000
Drumheller $45,000
Grande Prairie $81,000
Lloydminster $155,000
Calgary $785,000
Red Deer $200,000
Lethbridge $185,000
Brooks $32,000
Medicine Hat $82,000
Fort McMurray $24,000
St. Paul $163,000
$302,000
North Peace
MS Trail Ride
$50,000
Sutherland Foundation
MS Trail Ride
$15,000