July 2006 Meeting Newsletter
In spite of the heat, we had many people at the Saturday meeting. We see it as a lot of pretty remarkable individuals coming together for a common cause and it seems that each meeting offers all of us something, whether it be camaraderie, information or just a chair and a snack! Whatever the reason, it was good to see so many of you.
We began the meeting with a brief Tysabri update from Patricia based on information given from Dr. Szanto on Thursday. As most of us know, Tysabri has been approved for re-introduction into the market. Physicians have to go through extensive training to meet the criteria involved in administering Tysabri as well as identifying eligibility, based on strict guidelines. Dr. Szanto went to the Bay Area for training and enrollment and said that she was the only doctor there from this area which says that she will be the only neurologist enabled to administer Tysabri in this area. Dr. Szanto has a very busy practice and unfortunately, for that reason, has to turn down most new patients which leaves a void in our treatment options. This is just food for thought because she feels that training, etc will take a couple of more months meaning that the first infusions probably won’t begin until September.
Patients will also be required to follow strict guidelines and paperwork requirements.
Next, Barbara Melon shared her testimonial with us regarding her very positive results with Zango a mangosteen supplement. 3 ounces a day and on the fourth day she experienced more energy than she had in years. An ongoing neck pain has literally disappeared, balance has improved significantly and her tremors are gone. The energy has continued and she is extremely ecstatic. She brought samples for everyone to try and literature and tapes. She sells it and can be reached at 241-5918. Each $30 bottle lasts a couple of weeks so a few of us got some and will report back.
Robyn Embree makes and sells cooling neck bands in a variety of fabrics. They are a useful & stylish way to help beat the heat. She brought some with her for $7 and also sells them at the Crafter’s Mall which is located on Athens Ave. across from Orchard Supply Hardware. They’re great! You can also contact Robyn at
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Our featured guest was Amanda Montague, Western Regional Director for the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America or MSAA. The MSAA’s mission is to enrich the quality of life for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis. Their list of programs is truly impressive and we urge everyone to check out their website and see what they offer. They offer amazing programs and services free of charge to people with MS as well as assistive equipment, home modifications such as wheelchair ramps and grab bars and things such as easy grip can openers and cooling vests. The list is huge so please check it out and you will see that there really is a place to turn to for some of your individual needs. MSAA is definitely a compassionate, informative, helpful organization with our best interests in mind. They even have an MRI Diagnostic Fund to help people pay for MRI’s that are not covered by insurance!
MSAA can be contacted to answer questions or point you to the answers for many of our MS related issues as well as help with their many programs. They can be called toll free at (800) 532-7667 or visit their website at http://www.msaa.com. We have many of their pamphlets available to anyone who wants them and we will also bring them to the next meeting. Thank you Amanda for this enlightening program.
We now have a fairly successful support group as well as resources to help for many programs. Anyone interested in chairing and implementing a program such as horseback riding, yoga, craft fairs, transportation and the list goes on as far as your imagination, please contact us and we’ll do what we can to help get things going!
Our apologies to those of you who thought the room was too warm. We will turn the AC down earlier in the future. Our next meeting will be Saturday, August 5th from 10-noon at Redding Christian Fellowship Church.
See you then, in the meantime stay cool,
Patricia & Beth