Multiple Sclerosis Society Inc. Office Details Wgtn Ph (04) 388-8127 PO Box 15024 Kapiti Ph (04) 298-8887 Wellington 6243 Wairarapa Ph (06) 372-3414 Fax: (04) 976-1232 Email [email protected] Website www.mswellington.org.nz

Spring 2011 EDITION

From the Editor Contents elcome to the spring edition of the From the Editor 1 Wellington MS Society newsletter. Spring W and summer can’t come soon enough for Meet Your Committee 2 me. Winter has really thrown everything at us poor old Fieldworkers Report 3 city folk this year. Snow to low parts of the Wellington Support Groups 4 region and heavy snow fell in my suburb Karori, it was as if we were up Mt Ruapehu. Bring on summer I say! News and Events 5 Wellington MS Charity Ball 6 A lot has been going on since our last newsletter and I have covered most within the newsletter for all to Have a Go at Gratitude 7 read. Two items I would like to draw your attention Breath Fix For Energy 8 to, the first being the article on page nine by Bill Pitt MS Poem 8 regarding funding. This year we deferred our annual collection because it would have clashed with the Recipe 8 Memorial Day for the victims of the Wellington MS Society Funding 9 earthquake disaster. We were intending to have this General Notices 10 later in the year but the logistics involved has meant that the committee has reluctantly had to cancel this Letter to the Editor 10 for 2011. Research Information 11 The second article I'd like to highlight is on the MS MS Wellington Charity Ball Photos 12 Wellington Charity Ball which was held at the James Cook Hotel on the 23rd of July. It was a great night with lots of dancing and good times. It was also great to see so many members, friends, family and Wellington MS Society Inc. supporters there. Check out some of the photos! As always there is plenty more to read so best I let President: Alan Woodside Vice President: Andy Woodside you get on with it. Secretary: Carrie Philliskirk Until next time, happy reading. Treasurer: Steven Molotsky

Regards Committee Maxine Harland Christine O'Sullivan Liz Wilkinson William (Bill) Pitt Hamish Hamish Bockett-Smith email: [email protected]

Thanks To Our Supporters

+ Jack Jeffs Charitable Trust, Brendan Foot Motors Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Wellington Multiple Sclerosis Society. The Wellington Multiple Sclerosis Society accepts no responsibility for accuracy of information contained within this newsletter. meet your  Committee:

Continuing on with our 'meet your committee' section, this time around we are profiling Alan Woodside our new president.

Alan Woodside Committee Member

Q: How long have you been involved with Wellington MS Society? A: I'm in my first 6 months.

Q: What is your connection with Multiple Sclerosis? Q: If you can think of one thing you have done with the society which you are A: Our son, Andy (also known as the Vice Presi proud of what would it be? dent of the Wellington Society), was diagnosed while in on his OE. A: Used the fine art of delegation to see a sub-group of the Committee arrange and run a stupendously successful Ball - the Q: How did you become involved with the first of many. Wellington MS Society? A: Through Andy and his adventurous journey Q: What's next for Alan, where to through the medical and alternative from here? therapies worlds. My wife - and Andy's mum A: Funny you should ask...... I have just - Anne, has been active as well, especially in stopped 'permanent' work (like many coordinating the annual fundraising. these days, not by choice) and will enjoy doing the part time work I really like as Q: When you're not busy with Wgtn MS work, well as have more time for the work of what else do you like to do? the Committee. A: Can't do better than quote from my CV - 'talking and listening (I'm Irish), football (no longer playing...), walking and whanau - we have four mokopuna.

DID You Know? Membership subscription fees and dontations can now made via our website with a credit card. Simply go to our web site www.mswellington.org.nz and click on the 'Support Us' button. There you can renew your existing membership or make a donation, or both, anytime of the day.

Got Email? Why not get our newsletters delivered straight to your email inbox? Not only will you be saving us printing and postage costs but you will get each edition faster. Just send us your email address to [email protected] and we will add you to our email distribution list. Thanks!

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Page 2 Wellington MS Society Inc. Spring 2011 Newsletter from wellington’s f Fieldworkers: By Charlotte Hathaway

A note from your Fieldworkers…

Hello and happy Spring time! come along next year. Find something fancy to wear from the back of your cupboard, collect a group of By the time you are reading friends and head out for a special night on the town!! this the spring flowers will be in full blossom, Sue’s Coming up in November we have the Wellington MS lambs will be frolicking in Retreat: 4th – 6th November. This year the Moose the Wairarapa paddocks Group MS Society Retreat will be held at Riverslea in and the evidence of snow will be a Otaki. Christine O’Sullivan (new committee member) distant memory ! and myself will be coordinating the retreat. It will be a chance to unwind, relax, restore and renew. The diet I think it is fair to say that in parts it has been a very will be within the Jelineck regime and the programme cold winter. The mild patches have been out weighed will be a simple retreat programme of yoga, relaxation, by the more cold ones and the snow in Wellington mediation, sharing, and lots of fun and laughter. Details (which I personally missed) was reported to be both will be out soon but please make a note in your diary magical and beautiful. Many of my clients said that and give yourself the time to retreat and recharge. on the day it was falling they didn’t actually feel the cold because of the endorphins, but then reality of the Thank you to The Wellington MS Committee who southerly chill soon set in once the ice and sleet blew obtained a grant from the Pelorus Trust and very kindly around in the wind. I hope you have all recovered. bought me a new car a few months ago for which I am very grateful. Both Sue and I spend a lot of time on There have been lots of flu like ailments to accompany the road so it is pretty cool to have new wheels. the changeable weather conditions throughout the winter months and many of you have had challenges The Committee works hard to support both Sue and I with your health. I hope there is now improvement and (as your regions Fieldworkers). We both value the time you are finding the support and care that you need. and support that they voluntarily put in on top of their own jobs / personal lives and MS (or loved one with We are all facing the challenges of higher electricity ms). We also are grateful to the larger MS community bills, petrol costs, food increases etc. These are for the donations and membership that you pay to help not easy hurdles to manage. Please remember support the committee. It has been a lot more difficult that the Peoples Centre is there to help you. They for the committee this year both because of economic have voluntary dentists, budget advisors, WINZ times, the Canterbury quakes and especially because advocates, hairdressers and many other services this year when we were unable to hold our street available. They are there to help anyone on a benefit. collection. You can call them on 385 8596 or visit their website wellingtonpeoplescentre.org.nz Contact numbers for your fieldworkers: We have several new members to the area, welcome to you all. We hope that you are happy with your Sue Johnston: move to our region. The Wellington MS Ball in July (as Hutt Valley: 388-8127 Wairarapa: 06 372-6414 Hamish mentioned) was a great success. People who hadn’t danced for many years got onto the dance floor Charlotte Hathaway: and had a wonderful time (sure a day in bed followed) Wellington: 388-8127 but several pwms are still talking about how much fun Kapiti: 04 298-8887 they had that night. I would really encourage you to

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Wellington MS Society Inc. Spring 2011 Newsletter Page 3 from wellington’s f Fieldworkers: continued

Christmas will be upon us before we know it and both Sue and I will be zooming around organizing Christmas Upper Hutt Group: Cossie Club, Logan St, Upper Hutt. lunches. Time: 10.30am – 12pm Before I go, some simple tips for looking after yourself: Day: First Wednesday of every Month (except January) Take the opportunity to get out into the sunshine when ever you can. Kapiti Group: Paraparaumu Field Centre, Ngahina St, Paraparaumu. Take recovery times throughout the day Time: 12pm – 1.15pm even when you are feeling good so that you Day: Second Monday of every month (except are encouraging restoration to help assist with January). fatigue levels. Wairarapa Groups: Do one thing at a time….let go of trying to 2 – 3 times a year, where and when appropriate. multi task. Support Groups - Wellington Breathe as you are doing your daily routines. North Wellington Support Group: Breathe before and after transfers Devine Cafe, Summerset Aotea, Porirua Try and do some exercise everyday. Even if it Time: 12 noon – 1.15pm Day: Second Tuesday of the month (except January) is some gentle stretches as you are dressing.

Try and stretch before and after you transfer. Newtown Meditation Group: RNZFB supper room, 121 Adelaide Road, Newtown Let the back of your arms feel heavy and allow Time: 12noon - 1.30 pm the body to relax. Day: Every 2nd Thursday of the month (except January) Eat regularly so that you don’t let your blood sugars drop. Johnsonville Yoga Group: Johnsonville Community Centre Find your breath before you go to sleep and Time: 10 am every Thursday (except January) then again when you wake up in the morning Cost: $2

Smile often Eastern Suburbs Group: Chocolate Frog Cafe, Miramar. Look up, out the window, out at the world. Time: 11.30am onwards And finally…Be gentle and kind with yourself. Day: Last Wednesday of every month (except January and December) Go well MOOSE Group (evening group) Charlotte Time: 7pm Day: Every 2nd Tuesday. For further information, please email themoosegroup@ gmail.com

Carer Support Group Support Groups - Hutt Valley & Kapiti There is also a group for carers of people with MS in Lower Hutt Group: Wellington city. – Details provided to interested people! Red Cross Rooms, 31 Pretoria St, Lower Hutt. Time: 10am – 11.15am We hope to see you at your local group this year. If you Day: 4th Thursday of every Month (excluding have been thinking about coming then give us a call January and December) and come along.

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Page 4 Wellington MS Society Inc. Spring 2011 Newsletter wellington Z News & Events:

NEWS: 2011 AGM - Changing of the Guard NEWS: New Vehicle for Society

Unfortunately at our last AGM in March Maxine Harland The Society was recently delighted to take possession of decided to step down as president of the Wellington MS So- a new car for our field worker Charlotte Hathaway. This ciety. Maxine has worked tirelessly over the last three years acquisition was achieved with the great help and support as our president and we greatly appreciate all that she has of the Pelorus Trust and Brendan Foot Motors. The Pelorus done for the society and its members. Although no longer Trust funded the bulk of the purchase with a substantial the president, Maxine will continue to be on the committee grant. Brendan Foot going forward, thanks Max! Motors, through its representative Brenden Alan Woodside was nominate and elected as the new presi- Mort, provided the dent of the society. Alan, his wife Anne and son Andy have vehicle at a generous been involved with the society and committee over the years discount. We thank in various capacities. Alan’s background and connection to them both for their Multiple Sclerosis is and will be a great asset to the society support and generosity. and the committee is very delighted he has offered to take on the role of president. The vehicle is a 1.6 litre hatchback KIA Rio and is a hatchback which will help with Christine O’Sullivan has also joined the committee since loading things in and out of the boot. It is an automatic which the AGM. Christine has been an active advocate for PwMS will assist in the various terrains Charlotte needs to drive and around the Wellington region with her efforts in such events generate less engine wear. It has a high safety rating which like the Women’s Triathlon Series and also attending Moose the Committee considered to be essential. It also has a five group events. Thanks Christine! year warranty which is better than most car manufacturers provide. The Current Committee: All round an excellent outcome. Thanks to the Pelorus Trust President: Alan Woodside and Brendan Foot motors and well earned by Charlotte. Vice President: Andy Woodside Secretary: Carrie Philliskirk Treasurer: Steven Molotsky Committee: Hamish Bockett-Smith Maxine Harland Liz Wilkinson NEWS: BNZ Johnsonville Branch Raffel William Pitt Christine O’Sullivan BNZ Johnsonville Branch Manager Lisa White (left) and Sam Ingils banking advisor (right) standing in front of the painting which Sam painted. Thank You: Jenny Johnston Sam donated the Every year Jenny Johnston from ANZ painting to the MS Society at the collects in conjunction with our street time of the scheduled MS Street Day which was cancelled. appeal around ANZ staff. This year they had two fundraisers, a movie evening at The painting was raffled to customers and in total they the lighthouse in Petone and a Mufti day at work and raised raised $180 for the painting which was donated to the a total of $1065.00 for the Wellington MS Society. Wellington MS Society.

Thank you Jenny and the ANZ staff for your generous Many thanks Sam, Lisa and BNZ support. Johnsonville!

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Wellington MS Society Inc. Spring 2011 Newsletter Page 5 Congratulations Johnny!

The idea for the ball came from our Vice President Andy Woodside, the elegant gentleman who greeted people on their arrival. A similar but more informal event was held a couple of years ago at Ngaio and organised by Rachel Pentecost who was a committee member at the time. Andy built on this and with the help of a small sub committee comprising Hamish Bockett Smith, Liz Wilkinson and myself put the event together. Given that the first three named of these Wellington MS Charity Ball 2011 people have MS themselves by William (Bill) Pitt and had to deal It was Saturday 23 July. Most of Wellington shivered. The with the issues southerly was providing its usual challenge and most wise associated with people stayed at home in front of the fire and television. One this I am sure hardy group was at the Stadium in the forlorn hope that you will agree the outcome was a credit to Wellington would manage to beat in the NPC. them.

There was however one very bright spot in the centre of We intend holding these events on an annual/biannual basis. Wellington at the James Cook Hotel where we were holding The feedback we have received on the event has been well our first formal charity ball in support of MS. The red carpet considered, constructive and will be valuable in our future was out, a glamorous Mother and her delightfully elegant son planning. More space will be needed to accommodate more personally greeted all those arriving and a cameraman was tables and seating. Food presentation will also need to be on site to capture the moment. One of the conference rooms looked at. We did have gluten free and vegetarian options had been transformed in to a ball room, with an ancillary but their availability was uncertain and delivery where it did lounge for those who needed a brief time out, the lighting happen was erratic. Event was seductively low and our band “Blackbird” were in promotion will also outstanding form. We were ready to swing. need to start earlier. All of these matters One of the outstanding and others will be features of the evening taken into account was the glamour. Almost but none of them without exception detracted from the everyone turned out night itself. in their very best ball attire. Ball gowns glittered, There are excellent pictures of the event that have been shimmered and displayed posted on our website. Also the the occupants at their very cameraman Mike Taylor from Our Event best and it is fair to say Images also has pictures that can be that the men scrubbed accessed and purchased through up very well. It has been www.oureventimages.co.nz Please a long time since I have remember he supported us so if you attended a formal affair can return the favour it will be much and it was well worth it. appreciated.

To help the evening flow and to provide some support Overall the Committee of MS Wellington we were very fortunate to have the services of Justin Rae was delighted with the night and of More FM and Sally Ann Moffit a well-known fashion believes it augurs well for the future. consultant as MC’s. They got people up and dancing and Thanks to everyone who took part. judged the best dressed female, male and couple of the night. This was a close contest I can assure you. They gave their services free of charge and we were delighted and lucky to have them.

The evening went well. Dancing was spirited and in some cases inspired. It was also good to see that some people still dance like me, that is you basically shuffle your feet wiggle your bum and try to limit upper body movement and at all times try to look “cool”. 6 More photos on page 12

Page 6 Wellington MS Society Inc. Spring 2011 Newsletter Congratulations Johnny!

wellbeing g Information:

2. Take a few moments each day – it is recommended in the evening as it gives you a chance to reflect upon the Have a go day. at gratitude… 3. Gratitude journals tend to be most effective when you write about three items at the end of each day. This is simple life regular enough and simple enough to be do-able, and changing writing at the end of the day tends to bring the best stuff benefits. 4. Always begin each point with ….I am grateful for..... Just keep writing, either pin point or continue – there are no rules all you are trying to do is create a new When we practice gratitude, something powerful happens. We find a softer resource of inner energy. Instead of moving habit of the way you are thinking and also of journaling from being happy, then depressed, then happy again, we (Journaling can be useful to support yourself when you become grateful. Many people who practice daily gratitude are not feeling as good as you would like). report that their life has improved. They are more balanced, 5. Remember that you may want to read over your journal are easier to please and they generally feel a sense of entries in the future. This can be a great pick-me-up calmness and peace. when you're feeling stressed or depressed. It is easier for many people to take the ‘glass is half empty’ 6. Experiment with the types of things you write about. If approach to day to day living. This tendency to see the you find yourself always mentioning the obvious things negatives instead of looking at the positives is ingrained ("I'm grateful for my children") every day, challenge in most of us - especially when we are challenged by yourself to notice the subtle things ("Today I sat down something like MS. The media world around us is and focused on my breath for a couple of minutes and it constantly feeding us a deliberate diet of negativity, so it is gave me so much more energy for the afternoon). no wonder that most people fight with depression at stages in their lives. Focus on what you do have rather than what 7. Remember that all gratitude doesn't need to be saved you don’t have… for the journal. Tell the people in your life how much you appreciate them. From people in your family to When we practice gratitude, we take away the focus (and strangers you encounter in your day, everyone likes therefore the power) from the negative and focus on the to know that they're appreciated. And their positive positives instead. Keeping a healthy perspective will help us reactions can help put you in a more uplifted sprit to look at solutions rather than problems and give us more emotional balance. yourself.

When we practice gratitude on a regular basis we allow our ENJOY heart center to open up. The heart center is what connects Z us with other people, giving us the power to love and being loved.

We will also learn how to stay humble while enjoying what life has to offer every single day.

Developing an attitude of gratitude toward the people, things and events in your life is a life-affirming and effective way to strengthen your emotional resilience and reduce stress, among other things. You can begin by making a gratitude journal making gratitude an easy way to focus on the positive in your life.

Here's How: 1. Decide on a Journal – find a suitable book, or create an online journal.

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Wellington MS Society Inc. Spring 2011 Newsletter Page 7 wellbeing g Information: continued

Multiple Sclerosis (MS): A poem about this Neurological Condition.

MS comes in many forms and the symptoms vary. Symptoms which the person with MS may find quite scary. One day they’ll feel really well and things they try they manage. But the next their body won’t co operate; disparage. Breath Fix for Energy Symptoms: they may feel fatigued, have weakness and It is actually possible to breathe in energy. Try this for a pain couple for minutes: Or struggle to speak and have ‘fogginess’ of brain. May have pins and needles, or numbness, or both Close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply, imagining that you are breathing in vitality from the air. Their balance may be poor, like they’re onboard a boat.

As you breathe in, feel that your whole body is becoming MS affects families, communities and friends more and more relaxed. Let’s hope a cure comes so MS will end.

Imagine it is a centre of light radiating outwards in all Please forward this email to all that you know directions, as though you are taking energy, transforming it To increase ‘awareness of MS’ as it goes!!!! into light and radiating it out again. Many thankS.

RECIPE: Italian Chickpea Soup 1 Dssert spoonful Olive Oil 2 Coves garlic finely chopped 1 Can chopped tomatoes (250g) 1 Can butter beans (rinsed) 1 Can chickpeas (rinsed) 1 Sprig of rosemary 2 Litres stock (using chicken or vegetarian stock powder or cubes) 150g Dried small pasta shapes

Method Heat oil over medium heat Add the garlic and fry until it colours (do not burn) Add tin of tomatoes and cook for 10 mins to blend flavours Add stock, tin of butter beans and rosemary leaves and bring to boil, cook 5 mins Remove from heat and carefully blend with whizz stick, in blender or pass through a sieve Return to pan and bring to boil Add dried pasta and cook as per packet instructions or until al dente Finally add tin of chickpeas and heat through Sprinkle with finely chopped rosemary and serve with crusty bread 8

Page 8 Wellington MS Society Inc. Spring 2011 Newsletter general  Notices:

Wellington MS Society: Funding by William (Bill) Pitt our reason for being. I was surprised to learn about the A simple question. Do you know what MS Wellington does piecemeal nature of some of our funding. There is no one for its membership, how it does this and how it is funded. I agency to whom we can look for the funding we need. We thought I did. are able to apply for funding from various government and private agencies and these all take place at various times of I have been a caregiver since 1992 when my partner first the year. This tends to make cash flow planning difficult. To contracted MS. We made contact with the Society and at supplement this funding we also have our annual collection an early stage took out a life membership. So, I have read day and membership subscriptions. These can be quite the regular newsletters/magazines and general information crucial to our needs. sent by both the National Office and the Wellington branch of the Society and as a consequence believed I knew what This year we deferred our annual collection because it would the Society was about, the services available and how these have clashed with the Memorial Day for the victims of the were provided. Funding was often mentioned but did not Christchurch earthquake disaster. We were intending to seem to be an issue. Little did I realise some have this later in the year but the logistics of the constraints within which your society involved has meant that the committee operates. has reluctantly had to cancel this. We will now have to rely on our usual collection in Earlier this year I was given the opportunity to March 2012. This has had an impact on our join the committee of MS Wellington. Initially funding capabilities. It is also difficult to rely I was cautious having spent a huge amount on our membership subscriptions. of my working career in various, and what often seemed endless, board, group and/or Membership of the society attracts a modest committee meetings but this quickly changed annual subscription with some members when I met the committee members and got taking out life membership. The annual a better understanding of the scope of their subscription is voluntary and means that activities. It has been a steep learning curve. we are reliant on the good will of members to meet this obligation. Many members The extensive informal network within the happily meet this obligation but some seem membership of MS Wellington nurtured and to have difficulty. The best way for you to sustained by our amazing field workers has help the Society in its work is to pay your been a revelation as has the effort that goes subscription or make a donation in lieu of into supporting this. One of the things different about the a subscription and to encourage others who may need our Wellington Region set up is that it does not maintain an services to join the Society. office or employ any office staff, this is all done by the committee. This is very important because it means that We have a great organisation which I am delighted to be there almost no office overhead costs and all funding can be part of. I wish you all the best. directed straight to member support. Regards, My colleagues on the committee, in my view, are very William (Bill) Pitt special people. They either have MS themselves or are long Committee Member, Wellington MS Society. term care givers for someone with MS, either a partner or a family member. Because of this they are very empathetic to the needs, expectations and concerns of people with MS. Their commitment is sincere and they are always looking for ways to support and help the membership. A annual membership What I had not realised was the continual effort in the search subscription invoice has been for funding to support and sustain our activities. The most included with this newsletter. vital activity being the work of the field workers. They are We thank you in advance at the forefront of the Society's efforts and are in essence for your payment. 9

Wellington MS Society Inc. Spring 2011 Newsletter Page 9 general  Notices: continued

Event: Moose Group Retreat This is a great opportunity to support a fantastic cause 4th - 6th November 2011 and also to purchase some of the best wine New Zealand has to offer. Tickets are $95 per person or a table of 10 for Living with Heart $850. This includes pre dinner drinks of the 2011 Villa Maria Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, wine for your table from the Villa Riverslea Retreat Centre Maria Estate Cellar Selection, food and a DJ to round out the – Otaki Gorge night.

A weekend of Yoga, meditation, To order tickets go www.msnz.org.nz, email [email protected]. relaxation and self healing. Spend nz or call 04-4994677. a weekend with yourself supporting healing and healthy living.

The retreat will focus on breathing with heart, self healing, Letter to the Editor: soft body relaxation and restoration practices. Dear Hamish A simple structure will allow time to relax and unwind in the beautiful environment and an opportunity to receive a As a former Field Officer (1982 – 1996) and a Life Member massage or reflexology treatment. of the Wellington MS Society, I always look forward to your Newsletter and news of old friends. I have very fond For further details call 388-8127 or email memories of so many people with MS and their families and [email protected] it was one of the most difficult things I had ever done when I resigned. Rather like leaving home and moving overseas!

In your last newsletter I was sad not to see any mention of Event: Multiple Sclerosis Art In Kapiti Frank Hunt who died last year. As you’ll know, Frank was 15th April - 5th May 2012 on the Committee and was President for many years and it would have been good to see an acknowledgement of him Roderick & Gillian Deane Art Space @ The in the Newsletter. He was Paraparaumu Library. such a gentleman and was MSAIK well-respected by people Art by everyone affected by MS. Paintings, Poems, both within the MS Society Photography, Sculptures, Whittles, etc. and in the wider Wellington society. He was the sole and For further details email [email protected] loving caregiver of his wife, Mary, for many years and supported the initiatives that were presented to him in as Frank Hunt & Dorothy Gaunt Event: MS Charity Wine Auction practical a way as possible – such as setting-up (and then 19th November 2011 assisting at) the physio classes at Laura Fergusson.

The New Zealand wine industry has very generously donated Although I moved to Auckland (I know, I know, another 104 lots of premium NZ wine to the Multiple Sclerosis JAFA) Frank kept in touch so I had some idea of things that Society of NZ. This wine will be auctioned on Saturday, 19th were happening in Wellington. I am grateful to Sue Johnston November, 2011 at The Amora Hotel starting at 6.30 for pre for phoning me to tell me about Frank’s passing – otherwise dinner drinks. I may not have known for some time. I understand that it is not always appropriate to note people’s passing, but Frank’s is Joelle Thomson, Drinksbiz Magazine Editor, is your host and one that deserves acknowledgement. MC for the night, providing informed insights into the wine industry and your potential purchases. To view the catalogue Another is that of Hamish Thomson who was President of the and see the fabulous wines on offer go to www.msnz.org.nz. National Society in the mid-nineties. Hamish’s connection with the Wellington Society was through his wife, Gwenda, If you can’t attend on the night you can still lodge Silent who was a Field Officer at the same time as I was. They Bids prior to the auction. To lodge a Silent Bid email alan. did not have any immediate family with MS but Hamish [email protected] advocated strongly for the MS cause. When MRI scanners

continued on next page 10

Page 10 Wellington MS Society Inc. Spring 2011 Newsletter research  Information: continued from previous page

were in their infancy in NZ and Wellington people had to go enormous step towards understanding the cause of MS. to either Sydney or Auckland Most importantly, for people with MS, these genes also for one, Hamish tried very strengthen the case for immunologic treatments currently in hard to raise interest in clinical trials and point to new therapeutic approaches." having one in Wellington. MS Research Australia (MSRA) largely enabled the Gwenda and Hamish moved Antipodean contribution to this discovery by funding and to Havelock North, but I still facilitating Australian genetic research into MS from 2007. hear from Gwenda and we reminisce fondly about our "This publication represents the most recent culmination of days with the Wellington MS a very successful international research program that we Society. Gwenda Thomson & Dorothy Gaunt are extremely proud to have been part of," said Mr Jeremy Wright, Executive Director of MSRA, "and we’re very grateful If you think it’s OK, I would like to be remembered via your to the many Australians with MS who contributed DNA newsletter to all those whom I used to know. If anyone is samples." interested, for the past 10 years I have been Manager of For this latest discovery, ANZgene scientists pooled DNA the Pakuranga-Eastern Manukau Citizens Advice Bureau samples and data together with a total of 23 research groups (imagine saying that every time you answer the phone!) one in 15 countries to conduct a powerful comparison of the of Auckland’s busiest. And I have reached the exalted state entire genomes of 9,772 people with MS and 17,376 people of grand motherhood four times over. without MS. I send my love and best wishes to you all. I would be The study confirmed 28 genetic variations that had been delighted to hear from anyone who felt so inclined – my previously identified and added another 29 variations to email address is [email protected] the list. The variations confirmed by the study included two which were discovered in 2009 by the ANZgene Yours sincerely collaboration. One of these was a vitamin D metabolism Dorothy Gaunt gene and the international study has now identified a second vitamin D gene, providing insight into a link between genetic Research: Study identifies 57 genes linked and environmental risk factors. with MS The genetic ‘signature’ in people with MS is the same 10 August 2011 regardless of the gender of the person, the severity of the disease or the type of MS (relapsing-remitting or Australian and New Zealand researchers have played a major primaryprogressive). However, the study suggests that a role in an international collaboration that has brought to 57 person’s overall genetic susceptibility may contribute to the the number of known genes which can determine a person’s age at which their disease becomes apparent. risk of developing MS. The challenge now is to uncover the mechanism by which The research, published in the prestigious international the genes contribute to development of MS and to use this journal Nature in August 2011, shows that the immune information for the design of new and better treatments. The system is fundamental to developing MS. genetic testing and statistical analyses for the Nature paper were funded by the Wellcome Trust in the UK and the study Almost all these genes implicated in MS are involved in was led from Cambridge and Oxford Universities. regulating the immune system. So the research is compelling Source: Multiple Sclerosis Research Australia evidence that the crucial disease mechanism for MS primarily involves a disturbance in the immune system," said A/Prof David Booth from the Westmead Millennium DISCLAIMER Institute in Sydney who represented the ANZgene team in Do not simply rely on the information in these pages to imply any diagnosis or course of treatment for any particular individual. the International MS Genetics Consortium (IMSGC) Strategy You should not rely on this information in place of a visit, call, Group consultation or the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Content neither indicates nor reflects the His colleague Prof Graeme Stewart, a Clinical Immunologist views of the Wellington MS Society. Any research, study, clinical at the Westmead Millennium Institute, was one of five trial, event, news or other item included in this publication is not governance members of the IMSGC (with colleagues from intended to imply endorsement or approval of it by the Society. Cambridge, Harvard, Yale and UCSF) and a member of the Although we have made a conscientious effort to provide high quality information, the Wellington MS Society disclaims any 11 person Project Direction Committee for the Nature study. implied guarantee about the accuracy, completeness, timeliness Prof Stewart said, "Discovering so many new leads is an or relevance of any information. 11

Wellington MS Society Inc. Spring 2011 Newsletter Page 11 research  Information:

Research: Research Identifies How Vitamin D MS Wellington Charity Ball Photos Combats MS 17 August 2011

While for years scientists have noted an association between levels of vitamin D in a person's body and the person's ability to resist or minimize the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS), the mechanism involved has not been established. However new research by Sylvia Christakos, Ph.D., of UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School (principal investigator) Sneha Joshi (first author, a UMDNJ Ph.D. student), and colleagues (including co-investigator Lawrence Steinman, MD, of Stanford University) appears to have uncovered that process. The study, published in the journal Molecular and Cellular Biology, finds that vitamin D directly terminates the production of a disease-causing protein. During MS ("EAE" in mice), a damaging protein called interleukin-17 (IL-17) is produced by immune cells in the brain. The investigators, a collaborative team of scientists from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and Stanford University, find that after vitamin D binds to its receptor, the receptor parks itself on the gene that encodes IL-17. By doing so, the receptor occupies a site normally reserved for a protein called NFAT, which is required to turn the gene on. The gene stays off and IL-17 levels plummet. At the same time, the vitamin D receptor turns on another gene, whose product generates suppressive T cells that combat the destructive action of their IL-17-producing counterparts. According to the researchers, the mechanism they identify suggests what might be a new path toward pharmaceutical treatment of MS, as well as therapies for other autoimmune diseases that might include rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, eczema and psoriasis. Source: University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ)

Charity Ball Thank Yous To:

MC's: Justin Rae and Sally Ann Moffit Photographer: Mike Taylor from Our Event Images Graphics Design: Rachel Robinson

Ball photos can be purchased from: www.oureventimages.co.nz/galleries/MS_Ball/

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Page 12 Wellington MS Society Inc. Spring 2011 Newsletter

Wellington Tax Invoice No: GST Reg. 13-497-575

28 September, 2011

To all Members and Supporters

RE: ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION TO THE WELLINGTON MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY TO DECEMBER 2011

We need to fundraise between $110,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year to keep our Society running. 2011 Memberships are due now for payment.

Annual Membership to the Society and its services $23.00 or Life Membership and its services $115.00

The above membership amounts include GST and this notice becomes a tax invoice on payment of the membership subscription. A receipt will be sent for any donations made amounts $20 or more to be able to claim a rebate from IRD.

Payment can be made via:

Internet Banking: If you prefer to make this payment by Internet banking, our bank details are listed below. PLEASE PUT YOUR NAME as a reference. If paying by internet banking, please email your contact details to [email protected] with your payment reference so we can look out for it.

OUR BANKING DETAILS: Bank: BNZ Account Name: WELLINGTON MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY Account Number: 02-0560-0205899-00

Credit Card Payments: Please go to www.mswellington.org.nz/membership and select the ‘buy now’ button to renew a membership.

Cheque Payments: If you are posting your cheque for renewing your membership and making a donation, please complete the following:

Details required: NAME: ADDRESS: TELEPHONE NUMBER: EMAIL ADDRESS:

If you have any queries please email us at [email protected] or phone 388-8127.

Many thanks for your support.

Wellington Multiple Sclerosis Society Inc.

PO Box 15024, Wellington 6243. Telephone (04) 388 8127 Facsimile (04) 476 1232 Email [email protected] Website www.mswellington.org.nz