b'Multiple Sclerosis FoundationEmpowerSource is a free newsletter. To subscribe, visit www.msfocus.org/publications,call 888-MSFOCUS (673-6287), or email supportgroups@msfocus.orgThe purpose of EmpowerSource is to promote collaboration between MS Focus, our MS advocates,affiliated support groups, and the MS community at large, in order to bridge gaps and to providepractical advice for individuals and groups. Dear Friends, I was recently promoted to Support Groups Program Coordinator, taking the place ofKathryn Bradbury. While I may be a new face to Support Groups, I have been with the MultipleSclerosis Foundation since 2015, specically in the Assistive Technology department. In thatposition, I was building relationships with clients to help them receive services. I am condentthat with the help of the Support Group specialists, Ashton and Veronica, we will continue toprovide an excellent level of service to the support groups in our network. I am part of the team that travels to MS Focus Educational Programs throughout the UnitedStates. I have met many of the clients I worked with while in the Assistive Technologydepartment. They were grateful for the help they received and oftentimes I was asked whatthey could do to give back. Even before I became part of the Support Groups team, my rstthought and suggestion to them was that they should consider starting a new support groupin their area. Sometimes the suggestion was met with a comment on how support groups arejust pity parties, with everyone sitting around complaining about how MS is aecting them.As you will see from the article Support Group Myths starting on page 4 of this issue, this isdenitely not the case. If you are not a Support Group member, I urge you to join, or possiblystart, a support group. It may be exactly what you need.Sincerely,Marcia Marty HarrisSupport Groups Program CoordinatorAshton VeronicaMS Focus does not advocate or endorse any specific treatments, healing modalities, or practitioners. The materialpresented in this publication is for informational purposes only. For specific advice, consult your healthcare provider.'