Help! I've fallen again and I can't get up - MS Australia

SEPT/OCTOBER
2000
VOL. 10 NO. 4
Intercommunication for People With MS – New South Wales
Help! I’ve fallen again
and I can’t get up
Has this happened to you? It did to me
recently and I vowed, as I live alone, to seek
a safety emergency solution by checking out
all the various personal alarm systems
available.
The seven alert systems investigated are all
very similar.
A system has two parts, first a phone radio
and second a lightweight button/waterproof
pendant which can be worn round the neck,
clipped to your clothing or as a wrist strap.
When assistance is needed in an emergency,
the alarm is easily activated, usually by
pressing a button or by voice. A major
feature of this system is that it is not
necessary to reach a telephone.
Usually, once the wearer has activated the
alarm, the message is received at a response
centre where trained staff will try to make
contact.
When the call is answered, all the caller’s
details instantly appear on a computer screen
and there is “voice-to-voice” contact. If no
contact can be made, if the patient had lost
consciousness, or if further help is needed,
the centre would take action to arrange for
immediate assistance to be sent to the home.
You will have nominated three personal
contacts with a key to your home and one of
them will be asked to attend and assess the
emergency situation. If the first contact
cannot be reached the others will be called
or an ambulance will be sent. During this time
the voice contact is maintained all the time
until your help has arrived.
There is a range of systems available to suit
different needs and the costs vary according
to their special features.
Why not call any of the following Services to
arrange a free in-home appointment with one
of their trained consultants?
Editor
NAME
TELEPHONE NUMBER
*
Home Alone 1800 641 925
Vitacall 1300 360 808
Satety Link 1800 813 617
CareCall 1300 130 100
Nationcare (02) 9417 5522
Personal Alert System (02) 43 897 484
Constant Companion (02) 9777 7836
* Covers Lower North Shore (Sydney) in conjunction with local Councils.

THE COACH HOUSE
Just one hour from Sydney is the Coach House, an
elegantly restored turn of the century house converted
into a Bed and Breakfast. Located at Austinmer, a
wonderfully unspoilt area of the South Coast, where you
can wander on the beach or spend quality time with
family and friends in a home environment . A level, 100
metre walk to the beach, 2 boutique cafes/restaurants
and surrounding areas makes it ideal for disabled persons.
The Coach House consists of 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
and adjoining verandahs. It offers the opportunity for
newly diagnosed families to come together in a group or
as a small unit to come to terms with their diagnosis. It
offers warm cosy beds and open fires in winter. Large
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Sept/October 2000 Vo l. 10 N o . 3
Help! I’ve fallen again and I can’t get up
The Coach House ◆ Sharing and Caring
Friendship
My Journey ◆ Celebrating Carers Week
MS is Not the End of Life ◆ Lifetime Health Cover
MS Research ◆ Great News Regarding Insurance
◆ Announcing the Book!
Letters to the Editor
ID Cards ◆ LIS Update
GP FOCUS SUPPLEMENT
Telecross Support Service ◆ Fifiteen Minutes
of Fame ◆ Treat for North Shore Teenager
Let’s Talk
Mini Internet Survey
MS Busibody ◆ Mr Wisdom
Page 13 News
Newly Diagnosed ◆ Careers Week ◆ Garry Starr
◆ Local Internet Service Provider
Support Groups
16. Behind the Scene
open areas for family and friends to get together and
small corners to get away from it all.
A gourmet breakfast is available and evening meals are
available on request. The grounds have a sunny aspect
with barbecue facilities. All of the rooms downstairs are
wheelchair accessible.
For further details call Marilyn Dale (the owner and a
PwMS herself) on (02) 4268 4047.
Sharing and Caring
These two words aptly describe what was experienced
by those who attended the 2000 Annual Conference
MS Victoria. Special guest was one of our best known
athletes, Australia’s Golden Girl, Betty Cuthbert
A.M.,M.B.E.
Those present at the MS week luncheon at Maxim’s
restaurant heard Betty speak of her medal winning
events (3 gold in Melbourne 1956 and 1 in Tokyo 1964).
They were also witness to a very special moment as
Betty introduced her close friend Rhonda Gillan
Dinner at Hilton on the Park that night saw Betty joined
by Julius(Judy) Patching A.O.,O.B.E. who was the official
starter of the 100 m final at the 1956 Olympics and
many interesting tales were told as these two shared
centre stage.
Next day was Conference Day when I was really
looking forward to renewing friendships from the 500
taking part. During the course of the day many topics
were covered including a discussion panel where people
with MS spoke of their experiences dealing with MS.
Afternoon tea was followed by the presentation of five
Sun Herald “Go For Gold” scholarships. These were
presented by Betty Cuthbert and were used to help
PwMS to follow a dream.
Probably the biggest thrill for me on returning to the
hotel, where I was staying, was to find that both Betty
and Rhonda had arrived back at the same time. Me,
being me, I started chatting with them about the
function. At this point I asked if it would be possible to
get Betty’s autograph (made easier by using a stamp
because of the limitations MS places on Betty). I told
how my daughter Lauren was to be an escort runner
for the torch relay on 15 th August. I was able to get the
autograph on some Sydney 2000 Olympics clothing.
The conference will be long remembered because of
Betty and Rhonda – a great big thank you.
Diane O’Connell, Coleambally.
2
MAGSCENE – INTERCOMMUNICATION FOR PEOPLE WITH MS – NEW SOUTH WALES

Today is a gift
FRIENDSHIP
Eleanor Roosevelt wrote:
Many people will walk in and out of your life,
But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.
To handle yourself, use your head;
To handle others use your heart.
Anger is only one letter short of danger.
If someone betrays you once, it is his fault;
If he betrays you twice, it is your fault.
Great minds discuss ideas;
Average minds discuss events;
Small minds discuss people.
He who loses money, loses much;
He, who loses a friend, loses much more;
He who loses faith, loses all.
Beautiful young people are accidents of nature,
Beautiful old people are works of art.
Learn from the mistakes of others.
You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.
Friends, you and me...
You brought another friend...
And then there were three...
We started our group...
Our circle of friends ....
And like that circle ....
There is no beginning or end ....
Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is mystery
Today is a gift
Show your friends how much you care.
Send this to everyone you consider a friend.
If it comes back to you, then you will know you
have a circle of friends.
MAGSCENE – INTERCOMMUNICATION FOR PEOPLE WITH MS – NEW SOUTH WALES
3

4
MY JOURNEY
I was 10 years old when I had my
first sign of MS, in my legs, exactly
like they are now. I wasn’t one to tell
mum when something was wrong.
Mum was always working so she
wouldn’t have noticed and it only
lasted a week. When I was 20 years
old I had a lot of back pains which have always persisted.
I thought it was from sitting all day in the office. After I
had my second child at 30 years of age, I started to get
pins and needles in my hands with numbness. My Uncle
told me I must have cholesterol because that’s what
happens to him. A test showed a negative result. Then I
found it difficult walking so I thought I was putting on a
lot of weight and that my scales were wrong. I had
double vision, but I thought it’s because I tilted my head.
With blurred vision I thought something was in my eye. I
would fall over walking on footpaths, I blamed the
council for not repairing the footpaths and proceeded to
blast them. I also had bladder and bowel problems and
thought it was side effects from my skin medication. My
poor memory and my inability to absorb anything and
also defective hearing added to my problems.
Then one day I went totally numb from the waist down
with millions of pins and needles going through my body.
I felt it came from my back pains; maybe it was a pinched
nerve. I was X-rayed but that showed nothing, so off to
the Neurologist and was diagnosed with MS in 1993.
I really never thought I had a health problem. I always
said how lucky I was to be so healthy. I was devastated, I
cried buckets for months because I felt I didn’t deserve
this and that I was on death row. .My best friend Belinda
Toumazis, a very caring person, phoned the Society to
seek help for me. After a long time I had the courage to
phone the MS Society to register.
I went off to my first meeting for the Newly Diagnosed
people and again I broke down crying buckets, but by
the end of the evening I started to calm down. It must of
been the jam and cream scone that did it during coffee
break) I have been going to the monthly support groups
ever since. I feel it has helped me so much. I don’t think
about my MS, it’s only my injections of Betaferon that
reminds me. I just get frustrated when I’m unable to do
things. I really miss going for walks the most. With each
attack I’ve been able to fight it. I won’t let MS stop me
from living and so far I’ve won. Hopefully, I will stay at
this level.
Last year I made my husband take me overseas for a
seven week holiday. He didn’t want to take me, he felt I
was going to drop dead on the plane, let alone seven
weeks in hospital. I told him I’m going to live my life as
normal. I won’t be trapped in the house which I am
most of the time. So off we went and of course he had
me fully insured, just in case. He was worried about the
heat as it was 45 degrees in Europe. But I had it all
worked out, if I went to the beach everyday it would
help and it did. While holidaying I discovered I found a
cure for MS. For me I went to the beach daily, no
housework, cooking, etc. and partying until 2 am
everyday cured me. Sadly I’m back home and back to
normal with my MS problems. But I’m not worried as
I’ve learned to cope with this horrible disease and I
have another plan. When my son and daughter are
hopefully married and live their own lives, I’ll be free to
do nothing and party, party, party.
They have been told about future grandchildren,
grandma won’t be home to baby sit. Raising a family is
so difficult with MS. I can only take one day at a time
and hope for the best. So everyone, there can be some
light at the end of the tunnel, and I’m living proof.
If you can’t run, walk, If you can’t walk, crawl, If you
can’t crawl, just relax.
Nicki Theodosiou, Hurlstone Park
What MS Cannot Do:
MS is so limited . . .
It cannot cripple love,
It cannot shatter hope,
It cannot corrode faith,
It cannot destroy peace,
It cannot kill friendship,
It cannot suppress memories,
It cannot silence courage,
It cannot invade the soul,
It cannot steal eternal life,
It cannot conquer the spirit.
CELEBRATING CARERS WEEK
22 – 28 OCTOBER.
Families, partners, friends, neighbours and carers all
play an invaluable role in supporting people with MS.
The theme of Carers Week this year is “Listen to
Carers”, acknowledging the wonderful stories that
carers have to share. If you would like more
information on events during Carers Week, please
contact your local outreach worker or the Carers
Resource Centre on 1800 242 636.
MAGSCENE – INTERCOMMUNICATION FOR PEOPLE WITH MS – NEW SOUTH WALES

MS Is Not The End of Life
Life was supposed to begin at 40. I was diagnosed at 41 with
symptoms of balance and bowel troubles, and pins and
needles in my legs. My own thought was that I had the Big
C. The Neurologist report told me that it was MS. (in those
days you relied on a Cat-scan). I told my wife about the
diagnosis but thought every thing would be okay as I had a
daughter coping with diabetes so ‘no troubles’. I had a good
job and was very fit and active, played football, sailed every
week, ran every morning, played squash two nights a week,
loved camping, water skiing and snow. I then went to my
nearest MS center with my wife. Walking in and out I said to
my wife “That’s not going to be me”. (I have now been back)
Then the proverbal hit the fan, when my neurologist told me
not to sail in the up coming state titles because of the stress
of competition.
Even as manager of a company which turned over
$1,000,000.00 a year my disability did not impede my
performance. Eventually I told the directors of the company
about my MS (a big mistake).
One day I was called into Head Office and sacked on the
spot for no reason at all. Later, clients of the company were
told that it was for not following the directors’ directives.
All knew I had MS.
I met my wife as she was coming home from her partime
job and told her the bad news. What were we going to do?
Our eldest daughter had just announced her engagement.
No job, no money, MS, no future.
Friends to the rescue! Arranging finance and helping with
computer skills they helped me to set up my own business
from the back of our house. Within five days we were up
and running with myself selling and my wife doing the books.
The business went so well with loyal clients that we needed
an office within a year and another employee. I then had the
aid of a walking stick but was still managing swimming
everyday.
Years passed and by 1996 we had a new office and five staff.
I never thought it would get this big. Getting tired, youngest
daughter married, moved houses, MS is catching up.
Do we try to sell the business or close the doors? “Give us
a go,” asked my son in-law and oldest daughter, so I trained
them for a year and now they run the business in their
own right.
In 1977 an MRI showed that I had a circle of white matter
around my brain stem not consistent with MS.
To end the story, I had to retire in 1998. I have 5 lovely
grandchildren, two daughters and their husbands, and a very
loyal wife, I panicked on retirement. What can I physically
do? I still swim, bought a remote controlled yacht and
joined a club, use my computer, garden, go out to
dinner etc, I can still walk at least 1000 metres for
short distances with the aide of my stick and use my
scooter for long distances.
MS was a new phase of my life. Yes I get frustrated
when things I used to do in ten minutes now take an
hour but my stubbornness and pride helps me over
come a lot of obstacles.
MS is not the end of life
Further Information on
Lifetime Health Cover
Graham Edwards
We have received some further information in regard
to the hardship provision. A carer, currently in receipt
of a Health Care Card may by entitled under the
hardship provision for Lifetime Health Cover
provided they meet one of the following criteria:
Financial Hardship criteria; Exceptional Circumstances
criteria; or Migrant criteria. In order for a person to
apply under the first two criteria, they must prove
that they had hospital cover or ancillary cover with a
registered health fund for at least 3 years in total in
the past, or for at least 12 months in total during the
period 1 st July 1997 to 1 July 2000, and because of
financial hardship or exceptional circumstances it was
unreasonable to expect them to have had hospital
cover on 1 July 2000. For further information and
applications, contact
Lifetime Health Cover Hardship Provision,
Private Health Industry Branch, MDP 86,
Department of Health and Aged care, GPO
Box 9848, CANBERRA ACT 2061.
Robyn Faine, Manager of Outreach Services
FOR SALE
Power Wheelchair
Fortress 655FS electric 4 wheel chair.
To fit medium sized adult, great for outdoors.
Only 24” wide. Top speed 5.7 mph 30 mile range.
Condition very good, black and chrome finish.
2x11plate heavy-duty 12volt batteries.
Tyres and electronics in good condition.
$1,200 ono
Phone: (02) 6584 2296
Email: amuzone@one.net.au
Gary Olive
MAGSCENE – INTERCOMMUNICATION FOR PEOPLE WITH MS – NEW SOUTH WALES 5

6
MS RESEARCH
MS is highly variable and unpredictable and spontaneous
changes in disease can be confused for treatment
benefits. So large so-called ‘Phase 3’ clinical trials in MS
must be carefully designed, using sufficient numbers of
people who have been randomly assigned to specific
treatment groups. One group might receive the
experimental therapy and another, the ‘control’ group,
might receive either a standard treatment or an
inactive placebo.
To avoid bias introduced by the physician’s or
participant’s expectations, (‘placebo effect’), most large
trials are ‘blinded’ to reduce the chance that patients
and examining physicians know to which group any
individual is assigned.
A statistically relevant number of participants is
essential, and the study is often conducted at a number
of different sites (‘multicenter’) to ensure that the agent
can be used equivalently in many different settings.
Different agents may have different effects on various
types of MS, so trials must be designed to answer
questions on a specific disease type, and care must be
taken to enroll only participants who have that
type of MS.
Only at the end of a well-designed study, the true
efficacy and safety of the new agent can be determined.
At that time, if an agent seems to be effective and
relatively safe to use, a sponsor (usually a pharmaceutical
company) will approach the relevant authorities (e.g. the
US Food and Drug Administration) for approval to
market the agent for MS.
(With thanks to the National MS Society in the USA
who published this information in Spring 2000.)
Great News
Regarding Insurance
You may have read previously that life insurance is
available to PwMS. Now I have definite proof.
I was contacted by a PwMS who is on Avonex. To my
delight and surprise, she was approved for life insurance
at a much lower premium than even I had expected.
This is magnificent! It proves that insurance companies
are now starting (emphasise starting) to look at MS as
a disease that is manageable and not necessarily life
threatening.
As an aside to this, I also have access to disability
insurance in limited situations. If you are working and
the place of employment has at least five employees,
then we may be able to assist in obtaining disability
cover through superannuation. Conditions do apply, and
you will need to contact my office to understand these
conditions. But at least it is available.
I strongly encourage all PwMS to examine their
insurance situation. Not just their own, but anyone
financially linked to them (such as spouse, partner,
business partner etc). The need for insurance of these
people is vital, especially if you are a PwMS and may find
life financially difficult without that person.
If you feel you need to review your insurance, please
contact me as I can probably assist.
Todd Cameron is a proper authority holder with AMP
Financial Planning, Licensed securities dealer, A.C.N. no.
051 208 327. He can be contacted on 02 9739 8620 or
tcameron@insureinvest.com.au
Annoucing the Book!
It’s a revolutionary breakthrough in technology: no
wires, no electric circuits, no batteries, nothing to be
connected or switched on. It’s so easy to use even a
child can operate it. Just lift its cover. Compact and
portable, it can be used anywhere—even sitting in an
armchair by the fire—yet it is powerful enough to hold
as much information as a CD-ROM.
Here’s how it works: each BOOK is constructed of
sequentially numbered sheets of paper (recyclable),
each capable of holding thousands of bits of
information. These pages are locked together with a
custom-fit device called a binder which keeps the
sheets in their correct sequence. By using both sides of
each sheet, manufacturers are able to cut costs in half.
Each sheet is scanned optically, registering information
directly into your brain. A flick of the finger takes you to
the next sheet. The book may be taken up at any time
and used by merely opening it. The “browse” feature
allows you to move instantly to any sheet, and move
forward and backward as you wish. Most come with an
“index” feature, which pinpoints the exact location of
any selected information for instant retrieval.
An optional “BOOKmark” accessory allows you to
open the BOOK to the exact place you left it in a
previous session—even if the BOOK has been closed.
BOOKmarks fit universal design standards; thus a single
BOOKmark can be used in BOOKs by various
manufacturers.
Portable, durable and affordable, the BOOK is the
entertainment wave of the future, an many new titles
are expected soon, due to the surge in popularity of its
programming tool, the Portable Erasable-Nib Cryptic
Intercommunication Language Stylus.
MAGSCENE – INTERCOMMUNICATION FOR PEOPLE WITH MS – NEW SOUTH WALES

Letters to
the Editor
Dear Zanna,
Just to let you know what a lift receiving MagScene and
MS Life gives me. Life was getting a bit too hard to cope
with in Sydney so my husband and I moved to a lovely
spot on the Richmond River not far from Ballina on the
Northern NSW Coast. Even though it is very pretty and
I keep busy planting rain forest and other native trees,
I still feel very isolated at times and a bit ‘odd’ as my
balance, co-ordination and sight have all been affected.
Anyway, the good news is when we were unpacking
after the move I found a shillelagh my father had
brought back from Ireland for me years and years ago.
It’s a fierce looking stick and he would never have
imagined what a help it would be for me all these years
later as I tramp along the riverbank, swinging it proudly.
I’m going to try bushwalking with it soon as it looks
most appropriate and not like a conventional looking
stick. It sort of has a mountaineering look about it, but
I’m not sure that I’ve progressed to that yet!
Once again, thanks for the fabulous updates as it’s so
great to hear about things I can relate to.
Andrea Watts
Dear Zanna,
Congratulations on your April issue of MagScene. I was
very interested in the article on swallowing & speech
difficulties - I believe this is a greatly underestimated &
marginally misunderstood symptom of MS.
I was also impressed with “An unconventional approach”
by Prof. Sali in ‘MS Life’.
When diagnosed in 1991, my consultant neurologist
(surprise, surprise) advised a daily regime of oil high in
linoleic and linolenic acid. I settled on Evening Primrose
Oil, since taking cold pressed Linseed Oil was very
unpalatable. He also advised Vitamin E, and Choline
(vitamin B derivative).
I also follow a low cholesterol diet, as I have an
abnormally high (inherited) cholesterol, and I undertook
a stress management course.
In the time since (9 years) I have not had a major
exacerbation, and I have been able to lead a relatively
normal life, with some minor adjustments.
Last year I had to undergo an angiogram, and a very
surprised cardiologist maintained I have the arteries of a
19 year old (I’m 50+).
My question to Prof. Sali is this, “If taking regular Vitamin
E can rejuvenate my arteries, why can’t it do that to the
rest of me?”
Seriously, I would encourage all PwMS to consider these
alternative therapies, perhaps as an adjunct to their
regular treatments.
Congratulations once again on two very fine
publications.
Lorraine Mahe,Towradgi
Dear Zanna,
I really enjoy reading MagScene with all the news. I love
the little jokes and tit bits that are found throughout it.
I thought you would like to know that when I have
finished with it I post it to my Mother in London who
reads it and enjoys it and then it is passed on to my
sister-in-law in England who also has MS. So you can see
your MagScene is really spread far and wide for others
top enjoy.
Anne, Penrith
Dear Zanna,
I am a 44 year old female with MS. I was diagnosed
20 months ago with this unpredictable disease. I would
dearly love to have someone to write to who also
has MS.
I am unable to take advantage of your “Lets Talk” column
as I don’t own a computer. Is there anyone else out
there who would like to write via “snail mail”.
I don’t have any hobbies but I enjoy watching Tennis,
videos and going to the movies.
I am a widow with four adult children, three still
at home.
I hope you can help me or if you have any suggestions to
solve this problem.
I look forward to reading MagScene when it comes out.
It’s very informative and interesting.
Thanking you for your time.
Janet Devine, Doonside
If anyone would like to write to Janet please contact me
and I will give you her address. Ed
We ask for your brief comments on any topic you would like to
share with other readers on this page. When sending in your
letters, please indicate if you would like your name withheld,
or would like to use a nom de plume. (e.g. J.F. Sydney)
Our email address is: pwms@msnsw.org.au
MAGSCENE – INTERCOMMUNICATION FOR PEOPLE WITH MS – NEW SOUTH WALES 7

Have you ordered your
Free ID Card?
L.I.S.
Library &
Information Services
Many people with MS have requested that the Society
provide an ID card. Following consultation with PwMS
and Societies in other States, a card has been
produced which has a photo on the front
and on the back says…
A library collection has to be continually monitored to
keep it ‘in control’ and the MS Society’s Library (Your
Library) is no exception.
We have recently weeded the journals discarding earlier
years and over the next few months will direct our
attention to the books, videos and audiotapes. We keep
ALL items specifically on MS and as the information
becomes superseded a sticker is added to the front of
the item stating that the information may be out of date.
This means that we hold both a current and historical
collection on all aspects of multiple sclerosis.
A reminder that the Selected Readings list is frequently
updated and recently the section on “Work and
Employment” has been revised. Copies of this list and
also our in-house brochures and pamphlets listing are
available from the LIS on 9287 2929, 1800 042 138
or library@msnsw.org.au
For security, the card will be numbered and laminated.
The address and phone number of the MS Society is
also included on the front.
There is no cost other than postage and the provision
of a black and white or colour photo.
If you would like to order a card, please forward a
stamped, self-addressed envelope and a small (approx
3x3 cm) or an old Drivers Licence photograph of
yourself to:
MS Society ID CARD
PO Box 1246
CHATSWOOD NSW 2057
Dear MS Society
Could I please have an ID Card? I think they are a
great idea. Have been questioned twice by police and
once refused admission to a club, on both accounts
my walk was taken as a drunken stagger.
RLM of Bronxton
CHARITIES
Office of Charities. Best practice guidelines for charitable
organizations – 3 rd . – NSW: Department of Gaming and
Racing, 1999 Bar Code 001039 WA 1 OFF 1999
COMPUTER COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
Jarvis, Ruth (ed). Evaluating Websites – Sydney:
One Person Australian Librarians National Interest Group,
2000 Bar Code 001035 TK 5105 JAV 2000
CULTURAL CHARACTERISTICS
Taylor, Andrew Box, Margaret. Multicultural Palliative care
guidelines – 1999 Bar Code 001034 WA 300TAY 1999
DRUG THERAPY
Cavallo, Pamela McLaughlin, Cynthia. Improving care for
persons with Multiple Sclerosis: Nursing in the new
millennium – USA: National Multiple Sclerosis Society,1997
Bar Code 001032 WB 330 CAV 1997
FUND RAISING
Cham,E (ed and researcher) Lehtlean. E (ass ed and
researcher).The Australian directory of philanthropy
2000/2001 – Melbourne: Philanthropy Australia Inc,2000
Bar Code 001060 HG 177 ADP 2000
NEUROLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS
MS Research Trust Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland. Living with Spasticity – London: MS Research
Trust; Multiple Sclerosis Society of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland Bar Code 001036 WE 550 MSR 1999
8
MAGSCENE – INTERCOMMUNICATION FOR PEOPLE WITH MS – NEW SOUTH WALES

TELECROSS SUPPORT SERVICE
The Red Cross offers a community service to assist the
frail aged, disabled and people medically at risk to live
more independently. The free service is called Telecross.
Volunteers make a telephone call each morning to those
in need of the service to ensure all is well and they don’t
need emergency assistance.
The service, operating in various forms in all States and
Territories, can be provided long or short term. Some
people might need it only when they are convalescing,
others might need it on a permanent basis. If carers go
away they can be reassured that the aged person they look
after will receive a phone call every day to make sure
they are well.
Anyone from the community can volunteer to help and
the Red Cross is always on the lookout for more
volunteers.
The service not only makes sure the client is well, but it
reduces the loneliness and allows them to retain their
independence. ’We had an incident recently where a client
informed us that the phone call was the only contact
they got’.
Telecross started in South Australia in 1970 and has since
spread throughout Australia. Every State and Territory
runs the service slightly differently. On the gold Coast,
volunteers are placed on a roster system. They phone just
one client every day for a month to have a five-minute
chat. Then they have one month off before going back on
the roster with a new client. This system works well as it
provides the client with a new person to talk to each
month and gives the volunteer a break.
To volunteer or ask for the service phone: (02) 9229 4111
and someone will refer you to a number in your local
community.
Fifteen Minutes of Fame
Whilst out shopping at Warriewood
square I came across the promotion
of the Paralympics. The torch was
there with the promoters offering
the opportunity for anyone to have
their photo take holding the torch
(unlit of course).
When they approached me it was
rather hard to say "no" when it was
for the Paralympics and there I was sitting in a wheelchair.
It was rather exciting to hold the torch.
I do like to watch the Olympics on TV, but since I have
become disabled my already high held admiration for the
Paralympians has grown even greater. I really admire
the courage of these paralympians.
The Paralympic torch is shorter than the Olympic
torch and is silver, red and blue.
I have had my "15 minutes of fame", as the photos
went onto the internet in the "hall of flame". I am very
happy to be a spectator with my five grandchildren.
Maureen Croker (PwMS) Collaroy.
Treat for North Shore Teenager
Fourteen year old Amy-Louise Ford of Mt Colah on
Sydney's North Shore is a young person with a lot of
responsibility. Her father, James, has MS and now has
limited mobility. Her mother is the family's prime
breadwinner so Amy-Louise shares the care of her
father and is a great support to him. Amy-Louise is a
student at Asquith Girls High School, raises funds for
the Paralympics and is an active church member
where she stands out for her caring nature.
Amy-Louise sometimes babysits for the Kroon family
and she was invited to be the support runner for
Olympic Torchbearer, Cecil Kroon. He needed a
support runner because he has lost the sight of one
eye from optic-neuritis.
Coming to terms with visual impairment during the
last two years has made Cecil Kroon, Managing
Director of Simple Solutions, Artarmon more aware
of others who live with disabilities and the important
role outside support plays in their lives. He made a
commitment to help others in need whenever he
could. So when he was nominated to be an Olympic
Torchbearer by AMP and the Leukemia Foundation, he
immediately thought of Amy-Louise as his support
runner. Her role was to run beside him to ensure there
were no obstacles in his path. Cecil and Amy-Louise
ran at Coonabarabran on the afternoon of day 86 of
the Torch Relay, Friday 1st September. Cecil's family
and Amy-Louise's parents and brother went along to
to join in the celebrations. The event was a wonderful
excuse for a two family holiday: they stayed on for an
extra few days.
Cecil was determined that the honour and
excitement of this personal encounter with the
Olympic Spirit be an occasion Amy-Louise will
remember all her life.
He said, "The Olympic Spirit, over the ages has
encouraged people to be their best. It has kindled
individual and community improvement by sharing
awareness and experiences, by friendships and
by participation."
MAGSCENE – INTERCOMMUNICATION FOR PEOPLE WITH MS – NEW SOUTH WALES
9

LET‘S TALK
CHRONIC DISEASE, CHRONIC LONELINESS
MS, like other disabling diseases, can be the cause of
great loneliness. My greatest fear is that I may lose the
ability to drive that enables me and my wheelchair to get
out of the unit and go and meet people, whether it be
shopping, Rotary or work at the MS Society. This fear is
however mitigated somewhat by the knowledge that I
can, by the use of the Internet, still maintain contact with
people. Through MagScene Zanna and I almost daily hear
of PwMS who are confined to their house and suffer
from CHRONIC LONELINESS. We also know of
those who, after some trepidation regarding the
technology involved, have taken to the Internet and now
have friends from all over the world that they talk to daily.
Loneliness has disappeared to a very great degree!
We also know that many PwMS are still not on the
Internet and are not able to share in the many benefits it
can offer. We are not sure of the main reasons that
prevent PwMS from using this marvelous tool.
In order to help us to determine these reasons and
hopefully enable us and the Society to help you could
you please complete a small survey for us?
Since the last MagScene the following PwMS have
indicated they would like a “local” webpal.
Coded Reference 432 Male
Age 44
Lives in
Sydney
Years with MS 15
Major issues are severe muscle spasms or twitching,
particularly at night. Have tried most medications, herbal,
acupuncture, Chinese herbs, steroids and am on Rebif trial
that has run for last 3.5 years. Still working (at home), I still
drive and am fiercely independent. I walk with cane in a
funny, unstable way. Interests are/were snow skiing, abseiling
and squash. Wish to discuss issues and any solutions to
the twitching.
Coded Reference 433 Female
Age 58
Lives in
Sydney
Years with MS
5 (officially)
I spend a lot of time at home so computer is one of my main
interests together with reading, cryptic crosswords and word
games. I swim 4 times per week, which helps the MS. Limited
ability to walk but still drive, thank goodness! Married, no
children, husband is librarian, hence unlimited supply of
books. MS symptoms are weakness, stiffness,
hypersensitivity and some pain. All in the legs. Have been
on Betaferon since 1996, a godsend!
Coded Reference 430 Female
Age 27
Lives in
New England Region
Years with MS 4
I would love to talk to anyone with MS, but especially those
close to my age. I am married with no children (? maybe in
the future). I work fulltime and enjoy many hobbies when I
can including gardening and going to the gym. My view on
MS – enjoy life and take it as it comes!
Coded Reference 434 Female
Age 50’s
Lives in
Sydney
Years with MS 9
Use walking stick and scooter. Still drive, work part time
and live as single. Enjoy my computer and Internet,
sewing and cross stich, some gardening, armchair travel
(unless a miracle occurs and I can really travel), languages
and relaxation.
Coded Reference 431 Female
Age 38
Lives in
Central Coast
Years with MS 17
Originally from Scotland. Married with two children (nearly
13 and 10), working as lab tech _ days per week. Diagnosed
with breast cancer 3 years ago. Chemo seemed to knock the
MS on the head. I’d like to hear from anybody that can come
up with an exercise program for some one who doesn’t like
exercise and has a busy life.
Coded Reference 435 Female
Age 49
Lives in
Sydney
Years with MS 25
Although I have had MS for a long time I do not take any
of the available medications and yet still do remarkably
well. I have a daughter 26, Travel Consultant, married and
living in Canada. Son 29, Computer Technician, Super
League Ice Hockey Player, You might say “I’m a proud
mum”. Would like to meet new people and live.
10
MAGSCENE – INTERCOMMUNICATION FOR PEOPLE WITH MS – NEW SOUTH WALES

Coded Reference 436 Female
Age 53
Lives in
Central Coast
Years with MS 1.5
I enjoy being at home but I would like to correspond
with PwMS. Hobbies are gardening, crosswords and
computers.
Coded Reference 437 Female
Age 61
Lives in
Sydney
Years with MS 14
I’m married, 2 children and 3 grandchildren. I have very
weak arms and legs, can walk around the house, but
need wheelchair or my scooter outside. My dog likes
“walking” with me and the scooter. On good days I love
playing the piano and reading. I have lost all sense of
smell and taste – has someone out there got the same
problem? have been on Betaferon, but gave up, and am
now on Copaxone. I would love to talk to other PwMS.
Coded Reference 438 Female
Age 53
Lives in
Orange
Years with MS 30
I have been on Betaferon since 1966, am a part time
user of a wheelchair, walking stick, walker and any
furniture I can grab hold of. Interests are cooking,
outdoor life, reading. sewing, spending time with my 4
grandsons and trying to keep my husband/carer’s bum
from touching a cushion.
I like being a “Coded Reference”
If you wish to email any of the PwMS listed please send
an email to garrya@msnsw.org.au quoting the coded
reference number only. I will then send you their email
address so that you can contact them directly.
We do not list email addresses in MagScene to prevent
them falling into the wrong
hands e.g. crackpots, email
marketers etc.
Good Olympic watching.
✁
MINI INTERNET SURVEY
First Name ……………………………………
Surname
Postcode
……………………………………
……………………………………
Why aren’t you on the Internet? You may choose
more than one of the reasons below.
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Don’t have a computer
Can’t afford it even if I wanted one
Have a computer but can’t afford a modem
or the Internet cost
Need help with setting up the computer to
access the Internet
Don’t have any interest in learning this at this
stage - even if I get lonely
Please cut out and send to:
Garry Anderson
MS Society
PO Box 1246
CHATSWOOD NSW 2057
Thank You
Email without the Internet
Elsewhere in this MagScene I talk about the problem of
finding an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that is not an
STD call away. This can be the case if your town is not
a large one and no ISP has a Point of Presence (POP).
One of the major benefits of the Internet is email and
it is not widely known that you don’t have to be “on
the Internet” to use email.
Telstra has a system which enables any of their clients
to receive and send emails through the telephone.
All you need is a computer that matches or exceeds
the following specs.
Widows 95, 486 processor, CD Rom Drive, 16Mb
RAM, VGA monitor, mouse, keyboard, 9.6Kbps
modem, 30 Mb spare hard disk space and a
phone line with Telstra as your provider.
Further information can be obtained by calling Telstra
on 13 21 25.
Garry Anderson
MAGSCENE – INTERCOMMUNICATION FOR PEOPLE WITH MS – NEW SOUTH WALES 11

From the desk of
MS Busibody
During the Sydney 2000
Olympics, we’ll be watching
our champions on telly at
civilised hours, unlike back in
the dark ages, with all night
Atlanta’96 TV viewing ending with champagne and
porridge breakfast parties. With the extra bonus of
daylight saving we can veg out in front of the telly with
midday snack foods. Dedicated watchers can enjoy even
more events and replays after dark. I’m not keen on
pizzas or take-away, I prefer my own kitchen.
In the last MagScene issue, Kerry Eagan requested
readers to share their recipe ideas. I have a list of fast
food easy to prepare meals for one. A microwave oven
is a must, as are oven-to-table eating bowls. My standard
stock of fast-food ingredients include: Frozen chopped
onion, frozen pre-cooked rice, frozen grated cheese,
frozen peas, frozen diced bacon, jar of tomato/basil
pasta sauce, jar of crushed garlic, parmesan cheese,
sesame oil, jar of pesto, small cans of spicy tuna, a tub of
sour cream [lasts about two weeks]. pasta spirals or
shells, two minute noodles and for a change, try some
cous cous. Fresh vegies include; red skin potatoes, fresh
mushrooms, red capsicum, celery, shallots, zucchini
and broccoli.
POTATO PIZZA SUPREME
1. Wash and prick a med/large red skin potato,
microwave on high for four minutes. 2. With a dash of
sesame oil, microwave for two minutes a spoonful each
of diced bacon, chopped shallots, mushroom, celery, red
capsicum and frozen peas. 3. Cut potato in half and sit it
in a pasta plate, spread with crushed garlic, sour cream.
Pile with hot vegies and a spoonful of pasta sauce mix.
4. Top with grated cheese and microwave for one
minute on high. Try mixing the same ingredients with a
bowl of pasta (without the potato). Use more pasta
sauce and top with parmesan cheese.
TUNA AND NOODLES
Packet of two minute noodles, small can Thai flavoured
tuna, chopped shallot or onion, celery, zucchini, broccoli,
red capsicum, 1.Microwave vegies with a splash of
sesame oil for two minutes, [covered] in a large
Chinese serving bowl. 2.Cover noodles with boiling
water, two minutes then drain. 3.Combine tuna with
hot vegies then mix in drained noodles. Serve with chilli
and garlic sauce.
I have several more fast food recipes for one, available
on request.
Happy Olympic TV viewing.
Mr Wisdom’s Brain Gain
Due to an extra ordinary deadline revision for
MagScene, I have not been able to include the entrants
and results for the last Challenge word
FACIOSCAPULOHUMERAL.
I will have Noddy design a special certificate for those
entrants who missed out this issue.
Madam Editor and I extend our apologies to all
disappointed entrants and readers, but the printer will
not be working over the Olympics and the copy had to
be submitted early.
Challenge Word
Your challenge word for this issue is
PHENOSULFONPHTHALEIN
This word and all it’s vowels should keep you and your
kidneys functioning through the Olympics, the
Paralympics , and also keep me counting till Christmas.
The usual rules apply:
1. Your listed words must be made up of four or
more letters.
2. Use only letters from the Challenge Word
3. No letter may be used more often than it appears in
the Challenge Word.
4. No plurals, place names, or proper nouns will be
accepted.
5. And remember, it’s a bigger challenge if you don’t use
a dictionary.
Mr Wisdom
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MAGSCENE – INTERCOMMUNICATION FOR PEOPLE WITH MS – NEW SOUTH WALES

Hunter Region News
Social event of the season at the Hunter Region will
be a Garden Party on Saturday 11 th November
1:00pm at the Botanic Gardens. Donna Burrett and
her committee of four have rallied the support of the
Raymond Terrace Lions Club and the Hunter Region
Botanic Gardens. Donna anticipates a guest list of at
least three hundred.
A variety of entertainment and attractions happening
during the afternoon include; an Art Show, a Fashion
Parade by ‘Simply Elegant’ of Morpeth, Wine and
Cheese Tasting [Drayton’s Wines], A display of craft by
Singleton Quilters. Afternoon tea by the Lions Ladies
of Raymond Terrace, Special mood music by a very
lively and versatile group called The Old Fashioned Jazz
Quartet, A Caricature Artist. Guests are required to
wear happy face, party mood, party dress and hat
[to suit your gender].
Radio broadcasters, Luke and Summer from 2HD will
be there to carry the fun and flair right through the
afternoon. Motto Farm, Pacific Highway near Raymond
Terrace. Tickets: Donna Burrett Phone 4988 6022
MS Western Area Social and
Support Group
All MagScene readers are invited to come and listen
and laugh at Larry Fanning’s speech at the Country
Comfort RSL Resort at Rooty Hill on Saturday 9 th
September at 7:00pm Larry will be competing against
five other Toastmasters in the ‘Area 4 Humorous
Speech and Table Topic Contest’. They are finalists
from Kings Langley, Blacktown, Rooty Hill and Quakers
Hill Toastmasters Clubs. On August 15 th , Larry qualified
to represent his club by winning the Most Humorous
Speech Contest.
For booking details, ring Frida Barry 9622 9522
Mob. 0414 710 597 Email: freedabee@yahoo.com.au
And yes, before you even laugh, it will cost you $25 for
dinner. That’s not funny.
Larry at PwMS is currently a member of ‘Able
Spirited C.A.D.R.E. Toastmasters. It caters for
disabled as well as able-bodied persons. C.A.D.R.E
stands for; Community Awareness Disabled
Recreation Education.
Illawarra Fundraising
The combined efforts of the PwMS and the Illawarra
Branch produced one of the Branch’s best fund raising
days ever on Tuesday July 25th.
It was the first time that the ladies of the Port Kembla
Golf Club had selected the Illawarra Branch of the MS
Society to benefit from the club’s Charity Day (held
every two years).
Lorraine Nielsen (Branch Vice President) and Jill
Gouvas (Secretary of Branch and PwMS) shouldered
most the organising and were aided by Lorraine Mahe
(Branch Treasurer & PwMS President), Nev Malone
(Branch President), and Mary McClory (PwMS
member) on the day.
The stall set up by the branch held a range of craft
goods (courtesy of the PwMS craft group) and home
baked cakes (by Lorraine Mahe, Jill Gouvas).
There was also a raffle, with prizes donated by the
golf club itself.
The cakes were sold out before the end of golf play,
and a presentation of trophies followed the game.
The branch was presented with a cheque to the value
of the green fees from the day, which boosted their
income to in excess of $2,000.
A good days work!
Thank you everybody who helped us in any way.
Neville Malone
Stadium Australia
Wheelchair ticket holders of events at Stadium
Australia can expect to be pleased with the set-up.
After my report [in July/Aug MagScene] of a successful
day trying out Sydney transport for wheelchair access,
I decided to do a dry run on ‘The Olympic Venue’.
I travelled by train from Wyong to watch some hot
shots compete in the athletic finals. From where I was
sitting, even without the big screens, Melinda, Nova
and Matt were recognisable on the track. The
allocated positions and accessibility for wheelchair
spectators is impressive. The staff, both transport and
the stadium are very courteous and have all the right
answers. If you are fortunate to have Olympic tickets,
write and tell MagScene about it.
Readers are invited to email contributions to Page 13 News
to the Editor of MagScene at: pwms@msnsw.org.au
or via snail-mail to:
Editor of MagScene,
PO Box 1246 Chatswood 2057,
in ample time for the next issue.
MAGSCENE – INTERCOMMUNICATION FOR PEOPLE WITH MS – NEW SOUTH WALES
13

Programs for People Newly
Diagnosed & Families
FOR YOUR DIARIES:
Contact Alex Hope on TEL: 9646 0600 for more details.
Newly diagnosed information evening Kogarah,
Wednesday 11 October (please note change of date).
Newly diagnosed information telephone
conference, Tuesday 24 October (country areas).
Newly diagnosed information evening
Chatswood, Monday 6 November.
Newly diagnosed information evening Lidcombe,
Wednesday 29 November.
Investing in Your Financial Future
Chatswood, Wednesday 15 November
(please note change of date).
Working Through Employment Issues
Lidcombe, Monday 4 December.
Steps to Physical Well Being
Ryde, Saturday 11 November.
A 3-hour workshop addressing the role of exercise,
energy banking, diet and medical care in the everyday
management of MS.
Would you like to contribute to our newly
diagnosed information and support activities?
Guest speakers needed for the information sessions
and telephone conferences. Input into resource
development always appreciated. If interested, please
contact Alex Hope on TEL: 9646 0600.
Celebrating Carers Week
22 – 28 October.
Families, partners, friends, neighbours and carers all play
an invaluable role in supporting people with MS. The
theme of Carers Week this year is "Listen to Carers",
acknowledging the wonderful stories that carers have
to share. If you would like more information on
events during Carers Week, please contact your local
outreach worker or the Carers Resource Centre on
1800 242 636.
Life is a Cabaret
Help celebrate Carers Week at St Mary’s Senior Citizens
on Monday 23rd Oct. 2000 between 9.30am-2.00pm.
The program covers morning tea, entertainment such
as Rookwood Rockers, Belly Dancing, Lucky door prizes,
local school Choir and much more. RSVP Margaret
Collins on 9832 4599 by 6th Oct
GARRY STARR
Within hours of it happening, Jooly’s Joint U.K. told the
world of Garry’s torch carrying achievements. Garry
Starr took up the Olympic torch in his home town of
Cowra for people with MS around the world on
Thursday 17th August.
Garry said that he had fulfilled
his ambition despite having to
use an electric scooter to make
the distance. He felt that he
carried the torch for his family,
friends and all the disabled
people in the world, especially
those with MS.
Garry said "I don’t recall ever
being as thrilled and proud as I
am about this honour and I
sincerely hope my story will be
an inspiration to other disabled people. Your dream can
come true so have a go and look outside the square
you live in ".
Local Internet
Service Provider
Recently I was contacted by Robyn Adams (Outreach
Worker for Hunter Region) to see If I knew of an
Internet Service Provider (ISP) for Musswellbrook that
did not involve STD charges. Robyn needed this for a
client in this town who had just been given a computer
that she could use to access the Internet. Robyn had
already organised for someone to give some training in
the use of computers but was not sure about Internet
access in Musswellbrook.
It did not take long to determine who sold computers
in Musswellbrook which happened to be the local
Retravision store. A quick call to Retravision told me
that Hunterlink was an ISP that had a local "point of
presence" (POP). Using the Internet to visit Hunterlink
(www.hunterlink.net.au) I found that for $11 per month
one could get 10 hours of Internet time which would
be enough to start receiving email and "surfing the net".
A telephone call to Hunterlink told me that they did
not always require a credit card for payment and that
cash or cheque was also acceptable.
Had I remembered about the following web site
www.cynosure.com.au/isp I would not have had to
make so many calls. This web site provides the name
of all ISP’s in Australia and what towns they cover.
Garry Anderson
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MAGSCENE – INTERCOMMUNICATION FOR PEOPLE WITH MS – NEW SOUTH WALES

COUNTRY REGION SUPPORT GROUPS
There are 35 Support Groups and 43 contacts throughout country NSW.
We provide the contact list for your information. (Updated as at 23 August 2000). The objectives of these groups are
as follows:-
• To support each other through sharing of common experiences, problems and solutions.
• To reduce alienation and increase members’ sense of personal power.
• To be a local contact for people with multiple sclerosis and provide a means of entry into the MS Society.
• To help enhance awareness of multiple sclerosis in the local community.
For further information about meeting places and times, please contact the name and number in your area from the list:
AREA CONTACT PHONE AREA CONTACT PHONE
Albury Dot Buttery 6041 1831 Batemans Bay Kevin Reeves 4472 3310
Bathurst Helen Holmes 6332 1753 Bega Dianne Moxey 6493 8231
Broken Hill ✦ Christopher Perry 08 8087 5005 Judith Reid 6494 1790
Central Coast Nth Kevin Bazeley 4390 3132 Central Coast Sth Jan Lamb 4368 1617
Katie Booth 4389 1320 Coffs Harbour ✦ Marilyn Nethery 6654 4032
Dubbo ✦ Alison Tosh 6885 3710 Sue Keevers 6652 1606
Goulburn Rhonda Eggleston 4821 4450 Grafton Elaine Selkirk 6643 2378
Griffith Diane O’Connell 6954 6749 Illawarra North Subs Jill Gouvas 4268 1360
Illawarra South Subs Kathy McNair 4261 7980 Kempsey Max Wheatley 6562 7019
Lismore ✦ Judy Barnier 6621 3350 Lithgow Leanne May 6352 3783
Marion Sanders 6621 6153 Barbara Dean 6352-3071
MacLean Garry Johns 6645 4286 Maitland Ruth Richards 4933 4950
Mudgee ✦ Jane Bray 6372 2468 Newcastle/ Jan Brine 4957 4854
Orange Pam Richards 6365 8317 Lake Macquarie Dorothy McLellan 4959 2954
Parkes Shirley Domaracki 6862 1043 Robyn Adams
Port Macquarie ✦ Vicki Whitfield 6582 5767 Port Stephens Alice De Carle 4982 7991
Queanbeyan Lizanne Emery 6298 9233 S.W. Shoalhaven Judy McLean 4446 0250
Singleton Robyn Stuart 6571 1536 Beth Sanson 4421 2310
Eileen Auld 6573 1691 Tamworth Annette Solomon 6762 7551
Tumut Helma Riddell 6946 2055 Tuncurry Allan Shaw 6555 8491
Tweed Heads Greg Vickery 07 5523 3484 Wagga Wagga Sue Gabriel 6925 4245
Julia Dale 07 6676 6158 Wauchope ✦ Carol Charlton 6585 3501
✦ identifies Contact Person only, currently no group meeting.
Country Services Manager – Edith Morisset - 9287 2929
METROPOLITAN SYDNEY SUPPORT GROUPS
There are many Support Groups within the suburbs of Sydney. Rather than list all of them, any person interested
is advised to contact the nearest MS Society Regional Manager as indicated hereunder.
They will then be able to give you the nearest Support Group for your area.
Northern Region (Chatswood) Shelagh Bott 02 9411 4522
Southern Region (Kogarah) Carolyn Ball 02 9588 6100
Western Region (Lidcombe) Robyn Faine 02 9646 0600
MAGSCENE – INTERCOMMUNICATION FOR PEOPLE WITH MS – NEW SOUTH WALES
15

ehind the
The spirit of the Olympics has infiltrated
through the issues in more ways than one
more on that later. First let me introduce you
to our new desktop publisher Doris Blairs,
a retired school principal who answered our
call for a volunteer to prepare copy for the
Production House. Doris is a keyboard wiz
who not only corrects my grammar but
contributes ideas to enable Garry to concentrate
on ‘Let’s Talk’. (Garry typed the copy for the
last two MagScene issues himself).
Have you filled out your blue sexuality
survey? Have you posted it off in the prepaid
envelope? Thank you. If you have not yet sent
yours, there is still time to do so, please.
We will publish the findings in the coming issue.
Thanks to my AMP agent I am going to the
closing ceremony of the Paralympics on 29 th
October. This exciting news came from Todd
Cameron, PwMS, who nominated me to attend
with him as AMP’s guest – what elation!
We will report on this once-in-a-lifetime event
in the next issue.
Both our Production House and Printer
are closing down for the duration of the
Olympics which posed a problem for us.
How could we get Sept/Oct MagScene to you
in time to still prepare a December issue?
We rely on your contributions to your magazine
and the time factor would be too short.
So with some extra hours, lots of persuasion
and support from the Mail House you got
your MagScene.
Show your support; send us your news, be it a
‘My Story’, an article of interest for ‘Page 13’,
a comment for ‘Letters to the editor’ or a
response to ‘Let’s Talk’.
Deadline for December issue is
3rd NOVEMBER
MagScene
ISSN 1323-4005
Within hours of finishing this I fly off to
Adelaide and the Barossa Valley. Each year
The Presidents of the Councils of PwMS in
each State meet to discuss, face to face,
various topics of interest to PwMS and the
MS Societies. The three-day conference is
quite packed with some enjoyable,
memorable social interaction amongst the
intensive formal meetings.
For those readers who are interested in
medical aspects of MS the role of the lift out
supplement is to provide you, your family and
carer with easy to understand information.
The articles in the GP Focus on MS
supplement on current drug therapy available
for people with MS, are all taken from
authoritative sources. It is important to be
aware that there is a great deal of information
available about MS that is derived from VERY
questionable sources many of which may have
underlying commercial motivation.
This especially applies to the Internet, where
the source of information can be ’masked’
and anyone can pretend to be an expert
while providing quasi-medical opinion.
If you are interested in some of these
resources the best solution is to contact
the MS information line on 1800 042 138
or email the web site address to
info@msnsw.org.au and we can discuss the
content of the information with you and if
necessary assess the details of the material
against current medical opinion.
Zanna Barron Editor
P.S Our Front Cover blue is called
“Olympic Blue”
MS INFORMATION LINE Freecall 1800 042 138
Mon–Fri 9.00am to 4.30pm
Print Post Approved PP224987/00051
Publisher: MS Society of NSW
ACN 000 320 632
Printed by: JAMAR
For People with MS NSW
P O Box 1246
CHATSWOOD 2057
Phone: (02) 9411 4522
Editor: Zanna Barron
Email: zbarron@msnsw.org.au
Technical / Editorial Consultant:
Garry Anderson
Email: garrya@msnsw.org.au
Design: Holy Cow! Design & Advertising
Email: moo@holycow.com.au
Proofreader: Wal Simmonds
16
MAGSCENE – INTERCOMMUNICATION FOR PEOPLE WITH MS – NEW SOUTH WALES