Welcome to MS Update/Metro Denver, a new electronic publication of the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter of the National MS Society. MS Update, which will be issued quarterly, is designed to keep you in the know about issues and activities happening in Metro Denver.

We hope you find it valuable!

Annual Enrollment: Medicare Part D

Medicare prescription plans change each year, so eligible individuals must pick a Medicare Part D plan before December 7, 2011. It is important that you compare your current plan with others so you can ensure you are getting the best coverage at the best price.

Call a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor at 1-888-696-7213 for free assistance in understanding your options, make informed choices and hopefully save money. Do it today. 

Two Denver Support Groups Help “Young” People Stay Active

The Young Professionals and The Social groups provide a forum for interaction, dialog, support and social opportunities in the Denver area.

“The Young Professionals” group helps people in their 20s and 30s live and work with MS. The open-ended group meets monthly to discuss the effects of MS on everyday life.  Connect with others, lend support and advice and speak freely with people in similar situations.

Upcoming Meetings:
November 29, 2011 and December, 27, 2011 (Last Tuesday of each month)
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Panera Bread
640 S. Colorado Blvd., Glendale 80224

For information, contact Liz Mellem at 720-261-1125

“The Social” is a group of young or young-at-heart people (regardless of age), living with or affected by MS. The group organizes social events to educate, discuss and connect with others in similar situations, but most importantly, to have fun!

The Social believes that life goes on after diagnosis and that positive attitudes are an integral part to the success of therapy.

For information on upcoming gatherings, email thesocialdenver@gmail.com or visit Meet-up

2011 Was a Great Year for MS Fundraising Events!

Because of your commitment, dedication and participation, the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter of the National MS Society exceeded our event goals by raising over $5.6 million in 2011.

Our 23 Chapter-wide events—including 15 Walks, two Bikes, five Hikes and our new Mud Run—engaged more than 18,000 participants, volunteers, and supporters which made 2011 an exceptional year!

The recap of all of our events is detailed below—click on each link to see specific event fundraising results. Thanks to all of the participants and supporters for your passion, support and assistance in working to fund—and find—a cure for MS!

Bike MS Colorado and Wyoming
Walk MS Colorado and Wyoming
Hike MS Colorado

Men’s Support Group

Facilitator Mike Rooney leads the Denver Men’s Support Group, helping participants understand how to better live with MS while having a place to discuss personal and group issues.

Upcoming Meetings:
December 12, 2011 and January 9, 2012 (the second Monday of the month)
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Bethany Lutheran Church
4500 E. Hampden Ave.
Englewood, 80113

Mike, a Licensed Professional Counselor, has a personal connection to MS, having ridden in Bike MS for eight years in support of his wife who has been diagnosed with MS.

For information, email LeeAnn.Bellum@nmss.org or call 303-698-5407

What people say about the group:

”I was apprehensive about going to a “group”…but (was) relieved that it wasn’t a “stitch and bitch” session. It has been…a useful resource for current information, for speaking candidly about men’s issues and for realizing how varied MS symptoms are from person to person.” Steve B.

“It is a place to discuss, with the help of a professional facilitator, how MS has changed our traditional roles as worker, husband, father and friend and how we can develop strategies and techniques for coping with the day to day impact of the disease. We don’t have all the answers…but there’s also comfort in knowing you’re not alone.”  Mike S.

Workplace Giving: Making a Difference for MS

Supporting MS through payroll deductions at your job is an easy way to help people affected by MS.

Many companies offer the opportunity for employees to make donations from each pay period or as a one-time gift. For example, a $10 deduction from 26 pay periods becomes a $260 yearly donation for MS.

It’s quick, easy and efficient, so if your company participates in a workplace giving campaign, look for the Colorado-Wyoming Chapter of the National MS Society as follows:

• Combined Federal Campaign (CFC): Our code is 75847
• Colorado Combined Campaign (CCC): Our code is 0920
• Denver Employees Combined Campaign (DECC): Our code is 2520

It’s never been easier to support the Chapter! Sign up with your employer today.