Louisiana | 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:

March 21 - Walk MS: New Orleans
April 11 - Walk MS: Shreveport
April 18 - Walk MS: Baton Rouge    

REGISTER NOW FOR STATE ACTION DAY
Raising your voice can have the same impact as raising dollars to end MS - come learn how! Make an impact this year by joining MS Activists at the state capitol in Baton Rouge on April 22, 2015. State Action Day (formerly known as the Public Policy Conference) is an exciting opportunity for you to learn more about MS advocacy. Legislators want and need to hear about the challenges of living with MS. We'll show you how to share your story and connect with them. No experience is needed! Learn more and register today.   

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. Visit volunteerMS.org and follow three easy steps to get connected to our volunteer engagement team.

HELP FILL A NEED IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Self-Help groups are an important part of making a connection after an MS diagnosis. We are currently looking for volunteers to step up and fill this role. If you're interested in learning about Self-Help Group Leadership opportunities in your area, please contact Amy Woolsey. 

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.MSLouisiana.org  |   800-344-4867, option 1