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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20261020T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20261020T193000
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SUMMARY:Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
LOCATION:802 Shoney Dr SW Ste A\, Huntsville\, AL\, 35801
URL:https://therapy-a.com/event/rocket-city-ms-support-meetup/
DESCRIPTION:Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
We are a group of people touched by Multiple Sclerosis - people living with MS, their family, friends and caregivers - who get together to share our experiences, exchange ideas, and support one another. We meet on the third Tuesday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 at Therapy Achievements. We typically have a speaker on a topic that is relevant to some aspect of living with multiple sclerosis along with fun, food and friendship.
You're Not Alone
One of the greatest benefits of a support group is realizing that you are not alone. Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can be both comforting and empowering. For many people, simply knowing that others have faced similar challenges can bring a sense of relief and hope.
Support groups also provide a safe place to share experiences, learn from others, and develop new ways to navigate everyday challenges. Members can encourage one another, offer practical ideas, and share strategies that have helped them cope with similar situations.
Most importantly, a support group reminds you that you don’t have to face the journey alone. Sometimes, the understanding and encouragement of someone who truly “gets it” can make all the difference.
Knowledge Is Truly Empowering - Join Us!
Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools for living well with multiple sclerosis. Understanding MS, learning how to manage symptoms, and knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident and in control. Being informed can also help you make meaningful decisions about your care, stay engaged with your treatment plan, maximize therapeutic outcomes, and improve your overall quality of life.
You don’t have to navigate the challenges of MS alone. Join us today to connect with others, share experiences, learn from one another, and discover resources and strategies to help you live your best life with MS.

Upcoming Rocket City MS Support Events:

Oct 20, 2026 MS Education Event
Topic: Treatment Options for MS - Enjoy a delicious dinner and learn more about treating Relapsing MS (RMS) and Primary Progressive MS (PPMS) from an MS expert.  Discover why OCREVUS or OCREVUS ZUNOVO may be the right treatment choice you. This meeting is at Amerigo Italian Restaurant and requires register to attend.  Register at OCREVUS MS Events: In-Person & Online Options from Genentech

Past Rocket City MS Support Events:

 Sept 15, 2026 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
Topic: Spasticity Management – up to 70% of people with MS experience spasticity at some point. And can destroy our quality of life - don't let it! Learn 7 tips to beat spasticity from MS expert Dr. Aaron Boster. 
Aug 18, 2026 Rocket Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
Topics: 

Infusion Options and MS - learn which MS Disease Modifying Drugs are administered through infusion and what infusion options are available
Driving with MS - Side effects from MS can impact safety for driving.  Join us to learn about Risk Reduction Strategies and Adaptive Driving Equipment to keep you driving safely longer.

July 14, 2026 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
PoNS® - Learn how groundbreaking technology acts on neuropathways from the tongue to the brain to induce lasting changes.
June 2026 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
Do you ever feel overwhelmed with trying to keep track of all your to-dos, where you put things, and keeping up with the demands of work and family? Join us for "Tips for Organizing: How to break bad habits and achieve your goals".
May 2026 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
May is Speech Therapy month and what better time than to talk about how MS impacts communication! Join us as we learn tips for Navigating Social and Family Communication With MS.
April 2026 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
Join us to hear Cristin Welle, PhD, professor of neurosurgery and physiology at University of Colorado School of Medicine explain how vagus nerve stimulation may promote remyelination and functional recovery in multiple sclerosis.
March 2026 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
Dr. Valerie Verge (PhD), a professor in the University of Saskatchewan's Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology and director of the Cameco MS Neuroscience Research Centre shares her quest to reverse MS neuron damage to improve patient quality of life using adaptive stress — Acute Intermittent Hypoxia (AIH) - to enhance nervous system repair.
February 2026 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
Saving and Investing with MS: We’ll hear practical tips from an Ask an MS Expert interview with Paula Cole, Head of Pension Risk Transfer at Nationwide, who also lives with MS. Paula will share strategies for balancing income and expenses, planning for unexpected events, and navigating caregiver burden. We’ll then open the conversation to discuss the financial challenges our group members face and share strategies that have worked in real life.
January 2026 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
For most people, MS is an unexpected diagnosis, oftentimes hitting them out of the blue.  And for many, the fear of relapse can leave a cloud of anxiety hanging over their head.  In 2018 former NFL quarterback Alex Smith was hit by a tackle that snapped his leg and almost took his life.  Join us to listen to the story of how he found a way to overcome fear, self-doubt and anxiety and envision the future again
December 2025 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
 Foot drop is something that affects many people with MS. Join us this month to hear Dr. Eric Beck talk about Stepping Forward: Understanding and Managing Foot Drop.  His information will be teamed with a Cionic Neural Sleeve demonstration  The Cionic Neural leg sleeve uses AI-powered electrical stimulation to help muscles move more naturally for walking. Want to see if it helps you?
November 2025 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
Join us for a special Thanksgiving gathering to celebrate the season with friends and fellow support group members! We’ll provide a variety of holiday finger foods, and members are welcome—but not required—to bring treats to share.  This is a relaxed, festive opportunity to connect, share stories, and enjoy some holiday cheer in a supportive environment. Come celebrate, socialize, and take a moment to appreciate the community around you.
October 2025 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
MS & Stress - Finding Balance Again:  Dealing with the changes that come with MS can be physically and emotionally challenging. Added stress can make the journey even harder, affecting your mood, sleep, and overall well-being. Join us as we outlitne strategies to help you manage stress, share experiences, learn practical coping strategies, and connect with others who understand the challenges you face. 
September 2025 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
We will attend the Hudson Alpha presentation "DNA and Disease Risk" for our September meeting.Location: The Jackson Center, 6001 Moquin Drive Northwest, Huntsville, ALTime: 6:00 pmRegistration: HudsonAlpha U Nights: Understanding DNA and Disease Risk - Campaign
Join us for an engaging, hands-on evening that makes complex genetics easy to understand—and exciting to explore.
Your DNA is like a recipe book for your body—and within its pages are countless changes that can influence your health. For many common conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s, risk isn’t determined by a single DNA change, but by a combination of many genetic factors, each contributing a small part to the bigger picture.
By combining all these factors together, you could gain a clearer picture of how your risk of developing a particular disease stacks up. That’s where polygenic risk scores come in. By combining information from across the genome, these scores can help estimate genetic risk for certain diseases—opening the door to more personalized, proactive approaches to health and medicine.
August 2025 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
60-80% of people with MS have heat sensitivity - a condition that can exacerbate MS symptoms.  Join us to find out more about this phenomenon and learn strategies to Beat the Heat!
July 2025 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
Cognitive impairment is a common but often overlooked symptom of multiple sclerosis.  It can affect memory, attention, information processing, and problem-solving abilities—impacting daily life even when physical symptoms are well managed. In this video presentation, Dr. Boster discusses 14 Cognitive Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms that confuse your friends and family!
Want to learn more?  Join us for information and connect with other people who have Multiple Sclerosis.
June 2025 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
June's meeting is cancelled due to a funeral.  
May 2025 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
Cognitive impairment is a common but often overlooked symptom of multiple sclerosis.  It can affect memory, attention, information processing, and problem-solving abilities—impacting daily life even when physical symptoms are well managed. In this presentation, Dr. Boster discusses 14 Cognitive Multiple Sclerosis Symptoms that confuse your friends and family!  Want to learn more?  Join us for information and connect with other people who have Multiple Sclerosis.
April 2025 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
 
April is Occupational Therapy Awareness Month.  Occupational Therapists help people with Activities of Daily Living - the things you need to do every day like get dressed, cook meals, shop, drive a car and go to work.  In other words, the "occupations of life".  This month we will share insights on how to tap into neuroplasticity with occupational therapy and use assistive technology to improve independence with activities of daily living.
Want to become more independent?  Join us for information and connect with other people who have Multiple Sclerosis. 
March 2025 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
When you have something "Big" coming up, sometimes you worry about the "fallout" that happens the day after.  Knowing that you will have increased fatigue or pain can make you have second thoughts about participating.   
Join us to talk about strategies for how to participate in Walk MS or other "Big" events.  We'll talk about how to keep your cool, pace yourself, or when to just say no.  Hope to see you there!
February 2025 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
What do you want to accomplish in 2025?  SMART goals are a tool to help you make traction and keep you accountable.  Lacy Nauk, occupational therapy assistant Therapy Achievements will share what SMART goals are, why they work, how to set them, and how to overcome challenges in keeping them. 
Let’s make 2025 a year to remember!  Join us to learn about SMART goals!!
January 2025 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
Due to extreme cold, our Jan 21, 2025 MeetUp is re-scheduled to Feb 18, 2025
December 2024 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
The holiday season is here, and we’d love to celebrate together! Join us for our annual Holiday Party, where we’ll share laughter, connection, and delicious food.

Enjoy a festive meal and great company.
Guests are welcome! Please RSVP with the number of attendees.
Optional: Bring a small gift (under $10) for a fun holiday exchange. 

Let’s make this a joyful celebration to remember. We can’t wait to see you there!
November 2024 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
We have a special pop-up event planned for November - Stretch Lab!  Come learn about the benefits of stretching and see what a stretch lab experience feels like.
Want to move better?  Join us for information and connect with other people who have multiple sclerosis.
October 2024 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
October is Physical Therapy Awareness Month, and we want to recognize the value of P.T.  Physical Therapists help people re-gain movement and strength that has been lost.  They help reduce pain, improve balance, and prevent falls.  They assess and treat gait disorders to make sure you can walk and access your community.  
Our guest speaker for this month is Sheri Betts.  Sheri works in outpatient rehab and will share insights on how MS changes your ability to walk and move.  She will explain how physical therapy can help.  
 Want to move better?  Join us for information and connect with other people who have multiple sclerosis.
September 2024 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
Living with MS can be stressful and it's easy to feel overwhelmed.  And feeling overwhelmed can lead to anxiety or depression.  Just like music calmed King Saul over 300 years ago, you too can use music to help you stay centered and calm.   
Our guest speaker for this month is Abby Whitlock. Abby is a music therapist at UAB who helps people use music, rhythms and sounds to regulate mood and emotion and live with more joy.  She will share insights on how to use music to reduce your stress and accomplish what is important.
 Want to live a better life using music?  Join us for information and connect with other people who have multiple sclerosis.
August 2024 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
Do you feel overwhelmed by too many commitments?  Or resentful about how much others expect of you?  Or guilty about asking others for help?  If so, you won't want to miss our August Rocket City MS Support MeetUp!
Our guest speaker for this month is Kate Bartley. Kate is a physical therapist and Life & Health Empowerment Coach.  She helps people surrender burdens & embrace boundaries so they can focus on doing the things they love from a place of joy, energy & ease.  She will share insights on how to set and accept boundaries to reduce your stress and accomplish what is important.
Want to learn how to set better boundaries?  Join us for information and connect with other people who have multiple sclerosis
July 2024 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
Spasticity affects between 40-80% of people with multiple sclerosis at some point. It can range from a minor annoyance to having a significant impact on daily life and quality of life
 Our guest speaker for this month is Dr. Eric Beck.  He will share insights on how to manage spasticity to improve your pain and better control your movement.  
Want to get a grip on spasticity?  Join us for information and connect with other people who have multiple sclerosis.
June 2024 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
Join us for Game Night!  We'll have popcorn and snacks and a chance to share.   Share your favorite game or learn a new one.  Share what's going on in your life and learn what's happening with others.  Share strategies for how to deal with the curves life throws you.
 Want to get connected and have some fun?  Join us for Game Night!
May 2024 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
May is Speech Therapy Awareness Month.  Speech Therapists help people with speech and language problems.  They assess and treat communication, cognition and swallowing - the components you need to express your thoughts and understand what other people are saying to you.  
 Our guest speaker for this month is Tina Friesen, SLP, CCC.  Tina works in outpatient rehab and will share insights on how brain injury and stroke change your ability to think and communicate.  She will explain how speech therapy can help.  
Want to communicate better?  Join us for information and connect with other people who have multiple sclerosis
April 2024 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
April is Occupational Therapy Awareness Month.  Occupational Therapists help people with Activities of Daily Living - the things you need to do every day like get dressed, cook meals, shop, drive a car and go to work.. 
Our guest speaker for this month is Ryan Coody, OTR/L.  Ryan works in outpatient rehab and will share insights on how to tap into neuroplasticity and use assistive technology to improve independence with activities of daily living,
Want to become more independent?  Join us for information and connect with other people who have brain injury and stroke.
March 2024 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
March is Social Worker Awareness Month and most people who have experienced brain injury or stroke, at some point in their recovery, have worked with social workers.  Social workers help people assess their needs and situations, then develop plans and support networks to work toward their goals. 
Our guest speaker for this month is Alison Drost, LMSW.  Alison has extensive experience in the healthcare and eldercare fields and will share insights on how to build a support network.  Want to build your support network?  Join us for information and connect with other people who have brain injury and stroke.
February 2024 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
Are you curious about adaptive sports?  David Kyle is the director of the Ability Sports Network and Assistant Professor of the Kinesiology Clinical program at at The University of Alabama in Huntsville.  He will be sharing about various adaptive sports opportunities that are available in the Huntsville area. Healthcare providers are invited to join us to find out about what's happening and where the fun is!
January 2024 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
We are cancelling the January meeting due to weather.  We will re-schedule Dr. David Barnhardt to present Stress and Coping with Your Diagnosis.  He will share strategies for managing stress and anxiety that come with living with MS.  
June 2023 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
MS Community:  Finding My Purpose.  Having a sense of belonging to a community of people living with MS can be a powerful tool for maintaining self confidence.  We will join the MS Counsel to plan for advocate for the MS Community in North Alabama.
May 2023 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
Our May meeting will be a little different.  We will join Dr. Laganke at the Bristol Myers educational event.
When: Tue May 16, 2023 from 6:15 - 8:00 pm
Where:  Jim N Nick's BBQ. 4935 University Dr, Huntsville, 35816.  
You must register for this event:  Call 1-844-409-363 or Email  BMSpatientevent.com, Seating is limited to 50 so register today!
April 2023 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
Our topic this month will be Living With MS:  Strategies for Exercise.  Tracy Flemming Tracy will share information about the MENTOR 8 week wellness program. Also, we will hear from Dr. Aaron Bolster about the importance of exercise for people with MS.  Finally, we will plan for the MS Walk on Apr 29.  You won't want to miss!
January 2020 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
Join us for facts, friendship and food! This month Chris Pamperin with Vial Care Inc. will share about Home Infusion options while we snack on Chili & Chips. Come warm up with us!
October 2019 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
Join us for Facts, Friendship and Food! Dr. Samuel Hunter will speak to us about management of Multiple Sclerosis. Dr. Hunter is board-certified in neurology and neuroimaging, with a Multiple sclerosis specialist certification. He has helped people with management of Multiple Sclerosis for over 20 years. Dr. Hunter is a fabulous speaker and you won't want to miss!

July 2018 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
Join us for facts, food and friendship! Dr. Chris Laganke will speak about risk factors for developing MS and you will hear from someone living with MS about their experiences. Food and beverages will be catered. Register at www.abovems.com or call 1-866-955-9999.  You won't want to miss!
May 2016 Rocket City MS Support MeetUp
May 17, 2016 from 6:00 - 7:30 pm 
Importance of Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Adherence
by Dr. Chris Laganke, 1 CEU available 
Therapy Achievements at Cleaview Cancer Institute, 3601 CCI Dr, Huntsville, AL 35805.
The Huntsville MS Awareness Group had the privilege of having Dr. Chris Laganke discuss the importance of Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Adherence & Long Term Management of MS at their May meeting.
Dr. Laganke shared that adhering to your treatment is the best possible strategy for managing your multiple sclerosis (MS) -- and continuing the disease-modifying medication your doctor has recommended for you is an important part of that plan. Because taking a disease-modifying medication over a long period of time can be challenging, it's important to understand the role of disease-modifying therapy in the overall MS treatment plan, and to be aware of the obstacles that can most often interfere with adherence to that plan.
Why is early treatment so important? MS experts recommend that anyone who has been diagnosed with a relapsing form of MS should consider beginning treatment as soon as possible. Some people who have been diagnosed with a clinically-isolated syndrome (CIS -- a first episode of neurologic damage) may benefit from medications as well. The possible benefits of these medications include:

Reduction in numbers of new lesions as shown on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Reduction in the number of exacerbations (also called relapses, attacks, flare-ups)
Reduction in progression of disability
Probable reduction in future disease activity and improvement in quality of life

Starting treatment early in the disease is particularly important because:

Research indicates that permanent damage may be occurring in the central nervous system (CNS) even before a person is experiencing any symptoms.
All of the available medications are more effective during the early (inflammatory) phase of MS than in the later (more progressive) phase of the disease.  

Why are some people reluctant to start treatment?

Absence of symptoms -- A person whose symptoms have disappeared may not see any reason to start treatment. However, the research shows that the disease can be causing significant, irreversible damage in the CNS even if you aren't experiencing any symptoms at this time.
Fear of needles -- Many people hate needles. However, the manufacturers of these medications offer support programs to help you learn how to self-inject comfortably, and effective tools are available to help with self-injection anxiety.
Expense -- All of these medications are expensive and insurance coverage varies considerably from one insurance plan to another. However, each of the manufacturers offers a financial assistance program to help ensure that anyone whose physician has prescribed the medication can access it.
Fear of side effects -- Each of these medications has side effects, and some people -- particularly those whose MS symptoms are mild or in remission -- may hesitate to take a medication that may make them feel worse rather than better. However, your physician or nurse and the support program offered by the manufacturer of your medication can give your tips and strategies to reduce the side effects and make them more manageable. Most side effects diminish over time.

Why do some people stop taking their medication? The disease-modifying medications are designed for long-term use -- and it is recommended that people continue their medication unless the side effects are too severe, the medication is clearly not working or a better treatment becomes available. However, many people stop their medication after a period of weeks or months -- and here are some reasons why:

 "I'm not feeling any better." It's important to remember that the disease-modifying medications are designed to reduce the underlying disease activity. They don't treat symptoms, cure the disease, or make people feel better -- in fact, you may not be able to feel them working at all. But your disease-modifying medication is an important investment in your future because it's working "behind the scenes" to help slow disease.


"The side effects make me feel worse than the disease." Some people have more problems with side effects than others. Whatever side effects you are experiencing are best managed in collaboration with your healthcare team and the drug manufacturer's support program. People who experience intolerable side effects that don't improve over time should talk with their doctor about other medication options.
"I have taken my medication but I had an exacerbation anyway." None of these medications are able to cure MS or completely stop its progression. Most people will continue to experience an occasional exacerbation even while taking their medication faithfully. If your doctor determines that you are having too many relapses or developing more than the expected number of new lesions -- he or she will offer other treatment options.
"Maybe something else would work better for me." Since it takes a few months for a medication to begin working in your system, switching frequently from one drug to another leaves you unprotected for long periods of time. Your best strategy is to give the medication you are taking sufficient time for you and your doctor to be able to evaluate its effectiveness for you.
"My insurance stopped covering the medication I was taking." The pharmaceutical manufacturers and the National MS Society are available to help you sort out insurance issues. If your insurance company no longer covers the medication you are taking, call for assistance as soon as possible in order to avoid interruption in your treatment. If no solution can be found to the problem, your physician may recommend a different medication that is covered by your insurance.
"I can no longer afford the co-payments for my medication." Insurance companies can raise or lower co-payments without notice. This is another situation in which the manufacturer or the Society may be able to assist you. Do not stop your medication without checking to see if either of these resources can help you. If you have questions or concerns about any of these issues, be sure to contact the MS Society at 1-800-344-4867, or the manufacturer of the medication you are taking.

 

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