News to me--the MS Society has case managers for people with MS?

[agate]

Has anyone heard of an MS Society chapter that provides a case manager for someone with MS? I have just heard of it but it was in an e-mail from the MS Society wanting a donation.

This is what it says:

My name is [xxx]. I’d like to share my story with you, so you can see how your support of the National MS Society changes lives.

When my MS progressed, I had to stop working. The bills started piling up. I didn’t have transportation or health insurance – so I couldn’t get care, or take medication.

Then I met Dayna, my National MS Society case manager – and my life changed. She got us an accessible van donated by another family, found community resources to address our past-due bills, and set me up with Medicaid and a neurologist.

I’m now back on a disease-modifying therapy. Home health aides help around the house. Dayna is even working on dental care and a service dog for me!

There are many people just like me in your community, who live with the challenges of MS. We rely on the Society – and YOU.

That’s why I’m asking you to make a gift to the Society’s Community Drive today. Please give now to help them reach their goal of raising $1.2 million

Help ensure that people with MS in Oregon and across the country have the support and resources they need to live their best lives.

Please donate today. I can tell you that when communities like yours come together, it makes an amazing difference for people with MS!

Thank you,

I'm really glad that this person got some practical help from the MS Society. But I wasn't aware that it ever assisted to such an extent.

[stillstANNding]

I never heard of it either, Agate.

ANN

[agate]

I've sent an e-mail asking about it. I'll report back if I get a reply.

It sounds like an excellent idea, I think.

[nuthatch]

Must be a well kept secret . . . never heard of it either!

[Virginia]

Such a well kept secret that it's actually hidden from those of us who have MS. When I was involved in a live group there were several people who badly needed help and called the local chapter, but did not receive any help.

[agate]

I've known of several instances like that too, Virginia.

[Cat Dancer]

There are a few "societies" out there that sound like the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS)....but I don't think the real NMSS has "case managers'...

[agate]

Post deleted. Please see later post.

[agate]

It seems to be legitimate. I went to the National MS Society Website and soon found more about this person, including a link to the source of the help she received, apparently--something called the Edward M. Dowd Personal Advocate Program:

Only registered and activated users can see links., Click Here To Register...

More about it here--it was written up in Momentum magazine (Winter 2016-2017), an issue I may not have received because I don't remember it:

Only registered and activated users can see links., Click Here To Register...

Video about this woman:

Only registered and activated users can see links., Click Here To Register...

[agate]

A reply came from an MS Navigator at the National MS Society, and this program exists. Here is what she wrote:

The Edward M. Dowd Personal Advocate Program is a program we have available for Case Management. It aims to increase independent living capabilities and quality of life for people affected by MS whose health and safety are compromised by limited knowledge, understanding, and/or ability to access programs and benefits.

[Lazarus]

Agate,
I read the article from momentum magazine about the 6 MS symptoms that are considered unusual to have with MS. The hearing loss and the hand tremors have been with me for years. It was interesting to read the article even if just to validate what happens to us.

[agate]

Thanks for mentioning that article, Linda. I'll post a thread with a link to it in case others may have missed it.

Hearing loss and tremors here as well.