November 3, 2007 Newsletter
Questions, questions…
It is always nice when we get together for our round table meetings where we can air thoughts or questions and as usual we had no shortage of them.
The biggest current issue seems to be the pending retirement of Dr. Evye Szanto. Dr. Szanto has served many of us with such quality neurological care that we have come to depend on for years now. Although we understand her need to move on, most people are essentially stunned and left with an odd feeling of abandonment. We discussed at great length our options and actually came up with no real solid conclusion. It seems obvious that we will need to reach out to Chico, UCSF or Davis to retain quality care so we are adjusting our thoughts that direction. We had good testimonies for all of these and even discussed the possibility of carpooling to travel the distance required. Crystal was extremely pleased with UCSF because the doctors work as a team to evaluate each person after doing very thorough examinations. David is pleased with Dr. Forner in Chico & Robyn is very happy with her recent care at UC Davis. We will compile a list of options and get it sent out to everyone. Please, if anyone has any input let us know. We are all aware of what a critical decision this is to our well being.
After our great seminar last month with Dr. Rintell & Lynn Stazzone we have corresponded with them regarding a future presentation. The seminar they are presenting next is called “Getting Along & Getting it On. Relationships & Sexuality in MS”. When polled, those present on the 3rd decided that yes, it would be an interesting topic so we will put that one on sometime in the future. Their light hearted, no nonsense, humorous approach is guaranteed to make it a success.
Becky gave us information to contact Linda Rose from the local Rose Society who is interested in speaking to us and Robyn has a lead on a tax preparer to speak to us about our taxes & MS related write offs so stay tuned….we have good things on the horizon.
As for our meeting December 1st we have decided HOPE4MS will sponsor a Christmas Brunch/Party. We will have food and a “White Elephant” gift exchange. This is a fun thing where everyone brings a gift valued under $10 either bought or from your home and puts it in a pile. Gifts are distributed and then can be requested up to three times by someone else so the exchanging can get pretty lively and fun. Naturally, gag gifts are a real hit. We will have more details soon.
It was a good time to mention the resources available from three of our strongest affiliates. MSF, the MS Foundation, NMSS, the National MS Society, and MSAA the MS Association of America are really worth checking into. Just click on any of their icons on the home page here to see all of the things they offer to the MS community. Their purpose is to support us all so don’t overlook the value of what they have to offer whether it be supplies, information or support there is much available.
An interesting website is Freecycle.com where you sign on to offer or request free items. It is a great way to pass things on as well as get things you may need for free! Interestingly, this is a national site, however by entering your zip code you enter the one functioning in your community. Redding has an active one you may want to check out!
We are looking for someone computer savvy who may be able to help us create an online store to use as an outlet for some of the great artistic crafts being created by so many here. We have the talent but with limited mobility could really use a means to get stuff out there. Let us know if you can help.
Stay posted for future events and be well everyone.
Patricia, Beth & Robyn