Blue Ridge Chapter Weekly E-list Update
December 12, 2008
Contents:
Programs:
1. Join the Blue Ridge Chapter at Afternoon Ballroom
2. Save the Date: MS Action Day
3. Advocacy Teleconferences
Other News:
4. Young MS Researchers Shine at First-Ever Tykeson Fellows Conference on MS
5. Announcing a Year of Research Successes
1. Join the Blue Ridge Chapter at Afternoon Ballroom
You are invited to join a ballroom dancing class specifically designed for people with Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. This class will be crafted to meet your unique needs. Join the fun each Thursday at 2 pm at Terry Dean’s Ballroom Dance Studio, located at
If you have questions about the class, call the studio at (434) 977-3327. Bring your special partner or come alone; dance partners are provided. Each class is $10 per person. The Blue Ridge Chapter will share in the cost of these classes through our Wellness Scholarship program. The scholarships are not need based and everyone with MS is welcome to apply. Call 1(800) 344-4867 or email vab@nmss.org for more information about our Wellness Scholarships for this or other exercise or recreation programs.
2. Save the Date: MS Action Day
On January 25-26, 2009, Blue Ridge Chapter volunteers and staff will travel to
3. Advocacy Teleconferences
Want to learn more about the Blue Ridge Chapter advocacy efforts in 2009? Participate from the comfort of your own home in one or both of these free, one hour teleconferences:
2009 Virginia MS Legislative Platform
Monday, January 12, 2009 at 7pm
Learn about key MS issues that you can advocate for this year, including the need for affordable accessible housing and a prescription assistance plan for people with MS in
Advocacy Teleconference: Tips for Visiting & Communicating with State Legislators
Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 7pm
Legislators need to hear from their constituents, but with so many competing voices, how can we be sure that MS issues receive attention? Learn tips on how to communicate effectively with your legislator.
Please call 1-800 344 4687 or email vab@nmss.org at least three days prior to each teleconference to register.
Other News:
4. Young MS Researchers Shine at First-Ever Tykeson Fellows Conference on MS
The first-ever Tykeson Fellows Conference on MS was indeed a meeting of the minds -- young scientists beginning their careers in MS research, established investigators sharing their expertise, and because it was held in conjunction with the National MS Society’s 2008 National Conference the hopes and purpose brought to the table by people with MS.
The fellows conference was convened by the Society and launched by a generous contribution from Mr. Donald Tykeson, active volunteer and Honorary Life Director of the Society’s National Board of Directors, and supported by other donations. “History shows that scientific breakthroughs often come from new thinking, fresh ideas, and young people,” said Mr. Tykeson, welcoming the fellows at an opening reception. “With that in mind, what could be better than encouraging young scientists ready to embark on careers in biomedical research to focus on the final path of finding the way to stop MS cold.”
The conference was designed to promote the sharing of research information among the NMSS fellows and faculty awardees, develop a sense of community among our investigators, stimulate new research ideas, and strengthen the commitment to MS research. Participants included not only young people who hold current research and clinical fellowships from the National MS Society, but also research fellows of the Canadian MS Society and 10 pre-doctoral students focusing on MS.
Read a complete wrap-up of the conference on our Web site.
5. Announcing a Year of Research Successes
Please visit the following link to read more about progress made in MS research during 2008.
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/news/news-detail/index.aspx?nid=540
Click here to view the very latest research news on the National MS Society website.
The Blue Ridge Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is proud to be a source of information about multiple sclerosis. Our comments are based on professional advice, published information, and expert opinion, but do not represent therapeutic recommendation or prescription. For specific information and advice, consult your qualified physician.
The Blue Ridge Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society does not endorse products, services, or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The chapter assumes no liability whatsoever for the contents or use of any product or service mentioned.