Oklahoma | March 2015

MS AWARENESS WEEK is NEXT WEEK: March 2-8! Each year, people across the country who want to do something about multiple sclerosis unite during MS Awareness Week to share their stories, create awareness about the disease and change the world for everyone affected by MS. Taking action can be as simple as increasing awareness by sharing the power of your connection through social media, volunteering at a Society event or program to help others, or inspiring your network to do something about MS now by participating in a Walk MS or Bike MS event. Big or small, every action matters and every connection counts. What will you do for MS Awareness Week?

News and Notes

LIVE WEBCAST: FINDING ANSWERS FOR PROGRESSIVE MS
Join a panel of experts for a live nationwide webcast. Topics include updates on Progressive MS research; advances in progressive MS treatment, symptom management and rehabilitation; and progress made by the Progressive MS Alliance. Register now for the call on March 4 at 1 pm CST.

CAN DO MS MONTHLY WEBINAR: STAYING VERTICAL - REDUCE RISKS FOR FALLS
 Living with MS can increase your chances of falling and becoming injured. This webinar will help you eliminate fall hazards in your home and make it easier to get around safely. Register now for the call on March 10 at 7 pm CST.

MS & EMPLOYMENT - SUPPORTS TO HELP YOU FIND EMPLOYMENT
Employment resources vary depending on the level of impact your MS has upon your ability to work. Samantha Mankin, Rehabilitation Supervisor with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Russell Bowe of the Speer Adult Workforce Center, and Amira Fahmy of Getting Hired Inc. will discuss how to use their resources to find employment opportunities appropriate to your needs. Register now for the call on March 12 at 7 pm CST.

MANAGING MS BLADDER AND BOWEL SYMPTOMS
Learn strategies for managing bowel and bladder symptoms in MS with Pat Kennedy, RN, CNP, MSCN, Can Do Multiple Sclerosis and Dr. Marlene Murphy Setzko of the Mandell MS Center. Register now for the call on March 17 at 6 pm CST or March 19 at 9 pm CST.

MS & EMPLOYMENT - THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO FLEXIBLE AND HOME-BASED JOBS
What are the latest trends in the work-from-home and flexible job market? Brie Reynolds from Flexjobs.com, will walk participants through the trends, top career fields and most common jobs available, who's hiring, and how to find these flexible opportunities. Learn how to avoid common job scams and tips for successful job applications. Register now for the call on March 26 at 7 pm CST.

RETHINK TAX SEASON
There's a connection between your taxes and ending MS. While doing your 2014 income taxes, you can check the box on your state tax return form to make a charitable contribution to the National MS Society. Ask your tax preparer about this option.  

MS ENTREPRENEURS Q&A SESSION
Do you see an unmet need facing people living with MS and have an idea on how to bridge the gap? The MS Entrepreneurs grant program, presented by Kanaly Trust, seeks to fund creative projects dedicated to improving the lives of people living with MS. Join us for a Q & A session on March 19 at noon or 5 pm (CST) to ask questions about your potential project, the grant process and the April 15 spring application deadline. Visit MSentrepreneurs.org to learn more.

CONNECT AT WALK MS THIS SPRING
 Walk MS is an opportunity to come together with those who love and support you, and connect with others in the MS community - people like you who understand what life with MS is like. You'll feel empowered by the movement of people who share a singular vision: a world free of MS. Sign up today for a Spring Walk near you:

April 18 - Walk MS: NW Oklahoma (Garber), Walk MS: SW Oklahoma (Lawton)
May 2 - Walk MS: Tulsa
May 16 - Walk MS: Central Oklahoma (Mustang)    

OKLAHOMA CITY ON THE MOVE
Join us for the 2nd Annual Oklahoma City On the Move Luncheon on Tuesday, May 5, featuring author, performer and MS Ambassador Kristie Salerno Kent. Since being diagnosed with MS in 1999, Kristie has spent the last several years performing across the U.S. in the hopes of inspiring others living with MS to follow their own passions. Connect with the MS community, enjoy a fabulous lunch, and help us change the world for people affected by MS. Purchase your table or tickets today.   

STRIKE OUT MS DATE CHANGE
Due to the inclimate winter weather forecast, Strike Out MS has been moved from this Saturday to April 4. Please save the date and plan to join us in Broken Arrow, OK for a fun family event of baseball and MS awareness! Learn more online. 

CONNECT THROUGH VOLUNTEERING
You are more than just a number when you volunteer with the National MS Society. We want to match you to the perfect opportunity that meets your needs and abilities so that together we can do more. Go to volunteerMS.org and follow three easy steps to get connected to our volunteer engagement team.   

If you or someone you know has been affected by MS, you are not alone. Contact the National MS Society to speak to an MS Navigator for resources on living with MS, upcoming programs, counseling and more. We provide services for anyone wanting to learn more about MS and the daily challenges of living with MS, including individuals, care partners, friends and family members.

www.MSOklahoma.org  |   800-344-4867, option 1