Friends,   

Wow!  What a week.  It feels good to write to you again.  I realize it’s only been a week but it seems like a lot longer.  I hope you’re still exercising and staying healthy as we go through this COVID-19 pandemic.  I don’t think I’ve ever done so much studying and communicating in such a short period of time.  I’ve had a lot of moving parts but all is going well.  At least my MS is behaving.  I believe living with MS for so long and having strong faith has prepared me well for this pandemic.  I’m thankful! 

My heart goes out to all the people and families of the people that have been affected by COVID-19.  Whether actually having it, being exposed to it, being affected by businesses being shut down, losing your job, etc.  These are tough times and we really need to take it seriously and do our part of practicing social distancing and all other recommendations.  Let’s keep everyone affected in our prayers and pray we all get through this as safely as we can.

Let’s be thankful for all the doctors, nurses and everyone in the health care that are putting themselves at risk every day and every night as they serve those with the Coronavirus.  These are amazing, selfless, courageous people!  Let’s also give thanks to all the people in the world that are working diligently to develop testing equipment and ways to treat this Coronavirus.  Let’s also give thanks for all the people that are working diligently to produce protective gear, respirators, and any other medical equipment to help us get through this pandemic. 

We may be inconvenienced in many ways but others have it much worse.  Let’s be thankful we have each other.  I know I’m thankful for you! 

Do you want some good news?  We’re all set up and will be having our first virtual prayer group tomorrow @ 11:30am.  This will be a time we get together either via phone or computer (your choice) and share, talk, listen, give thanks, and pray in however God leads us.  It’s a way for all of us to get together virtually and be there for each other and with each other.  I hope you’ll join us!

Here’s link to our Zoom Meeting that Ashley provided for us.  Thanks Ashley!  Just click or call @ 11:30am and you’ll be connected.  I hope to “see” you there!  😊

Ashley Schneider is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: MS-Just Keep Moving Prayer Group

Time: Mar 25, 2020 11:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/112625041

Meeting ID: 112 625 041

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Larry shared this picture and asked me to put it in the e-mail today.  He thought maybe we could include it in our conversations tomorrow.

We will not be getting back together at the gym yet.  We’re going to get through this COVID-19 pandemic before we do.  I love you too much to put you at risk.  I’m looking forward to riding bike with you soon though.  That’ll be an active way to practice social distancing.  We just need a little warmer weather at 7:00am.

Danelle from our Wisconsin Chapter of the National MS Society asked me to include some information that the National MS Society is providing about the COVID-19 pandemic and people with MS.  Thanks, Danelle for sharing this!  Here’s Danelle’s message:

Good Morning Dan –

I hope you and your family are staying well.  I wanted to ask if you would include the information below to your email group. 

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has kicked-off a new program called Ask an Expert.  Ask an MS Expert is a webinar series featuring presentations from experts in Multiple Sclerosis care and offering a question and answer session for those living with MS. Episode 1 addressed common questions about the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on those living with multiple sclerosis and what precautions might need to be taken.  You can find the first episode via this link.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTi9wyt1SAA&t=208s.  

Here are some additional resources you may be interested in:

  • The Society’s coronavirus resource page for the latest updates including: disease-modifying treatment guidelines and special considerations for people living with MS, what to do if you have symptoms and tips to protect yourself and those around you.
  • Listen to Jon Strum’s Real Talk MS podcast to learn about coronavirus and MS and what people affected by MS should know.

CALL FOR ASSISTANCE

The Society will be conducting a virtual focus group before the end of April and I am looking for individuals who live with MS, and were diagnosed prior to 1993 to participate.  The purpose is to gain perspective on their experience and ensure that the MS Society is what they need us to be in the future.

Please contact me if you were diagnosed prior to 1993, and would be willing to participate.  Danelle O’Neill,Danelle.oneill@nmss.org

The focus group session should take about two hours.  Once I have 6 – 8 people signed up I will coordinate a date and time.  It would be helpful (but not mandatory) if participants had the technology to support being in the meeting via a computer and could be on camera. 

Thanks for your consideration!

Best,

Danelle O’Neill, President

National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Wisconsin

1120 James Drive, Ste A | Hartland, WI 53029

262.369.4413 | internal ext. 48413 | danelle.oneill@nmss.org

wisMS.org

Learn more about COVID-19 at the National MS Society’s Website

 Do your part to #StoptheSpread – Let’s all #Flattenthecurve

I really miss all of you!

I hope you’re doing your part to keep moving and stay healthy during these unprecedented times we’re going through.  I’m hoping and praying that none of us get this virus and have to deal with it.

Let’s stay calm, focused, healthy, flexible, have faith and learn as much as we can about the challenges of each day and make good choices.  Hopefully we’ll be back at the gym together soon.

I love and miss you all!

Dan