MS FIRST CONNECTION PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE
NEWLY DIAGNOSED
A Link to Knowledge and Support
A multiple sclerosis diagnosis can be a confusing and frightening time for individuals and their families. Often people become overloaded with questions and don’t know what to ask, how to sort through the myriad of services and information available, or how to utilize them effectively.
Information
Through a one-on-one connection with an individually assigned MS First Connection Coordinator, newly diagnosed members will not only have their questions answered, but will be connected to useful chapter and community resources, services, programs and referrals to help them cope with the impact of their recent diagnosis.
Personalized Support
Some people want to learn as much as possible the moment they are diagnosed. Others need more time to absorb what is happening and need to know they have access to information when they are ready for it. The MS First Connection Coordinator is available to provide personalized support to both types of learners. Information, services, support and program recommendations will be tailored to a person’s individual needs and readiness to participate.
Someone to Listen
Having someone to speak with can make a big difference in coping with feelings about MS. If a newly diagnosed member just needs someone to talk to - one time or many times - the MS First Connection Coordinator is available to listen to their concerns. The MS Navigator can also connect them to a number of support groups, peer support volunteers or, for more in-depth needs, an individual therapist.
Just a Call Away
Remember, adjusting to an MS diagnosis is never easy. Managing concerns about life with MS is something a newly diagnosed person does not have to handle alone…support is just a phone call away.
To reach a New York City - Southern New York Chapter MS First Connection Coordinator, call 212-453-3230.
Below are other programs for the newly diagnosed provided by the chapter:
Moving Forward - an educational program for people newly diagnosed with MS
Monday, December 7, 2009
5:45 - 8 p.m.
The National MS Society, New York City – Southern NY Chapter
White Plains office
2 Gannett Drive
White Plains, NY 10604
Registration is free and includes a light dinner.
Receiving an MS diagnosis is a life-altering event. The support
and information you and your family are provided from the
point of diagnosis is crucial in enhancing your ability to adapt,
cope and make informed decisions about your health care.
This program is specifically designed for people
diagnosed with MS within the last two years to provide an
overview of MS and, through a panel of experts, answer the
many questions and concerns that typically
accompany an MS diagnosis. It will enable you to
connect with people who are also recently diagnosed and
introduce you to the professionals affiliated with the New York
City – Southern New York Chapter of the National MS Society who are committed to
helping people living with MS address challenges and move
their lives forward.
Presentations:
Overview of MS: Treatments and New Research
Rene Elkin, MD, White Plains Medical Center MS Center at Rye Brook
Nursing Perspective and Management of MS
Rachael Stacom, RN, ANP-C
Adapting to Life with MS
Susan Morer, LCSW, C-ASWCM , Columbia University MS Clinical Care Center
Living Well With MS
Karen Schlotter, member living with MS
Familly and friends are welcome to attend.
Please call 1-800-344-4867, option 1(option 3 for Spanish) or e-mail cfrankel@msnyc.org to register.
RSVP by December 1, 2009
Stay tuned for more information on the June 2010 program, which will be posted as soon as it is available. Click here for more information on the hundreds of chapter programs, services and events taking place throughout the year!
Knowledge is Power
The Knowledge Is Power program is a free, at-home educational series, available online or thru the mail, for people newly diagnosed with MS and their families. KIP is written by Dr. Rosalind Kalb, a highly regarded author and psychologist, who knows about MS and the effect it can have on your life and the lives of people who care about you. KIP provides up-to-date facts about many aspects of MS.