MS Focus Activities SFebruary 15, 2017 – Atlanta Cannabinoids and Their Use in MS Ben Thrower, M.D., medical director of the Andrew C. Carlos MS Institute at the Shepherd Center, Atlanta, delivered a presentation on medicinal cannabis to a packed house. After explaining the evidence for medical cannabis as a treatment for spasticity and pain, Dr. Thrower also carefully outlined the potential downsides. “When we think about cannabinoids as symptomatic management, I think it’s important to think about how these products might affect your activities of daily living. We have to think about the potential side effects in addition to the potential good.” Dr. Thrower’s presentation is available at http://msfocus.us/ThrowerMM Sponsored by Teva Pharmaceuticals, Acorda Therapeutics, Sanofi Genzyme, and Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. March 2, 2017 – Cleveland and March 29, 2017 – Dallas MS: Change the Focus Wendy Booker, Founder of the Climb On! Foundation spoke about her multiple sclerosis journey and how her diagnosis propelled her to complete six of theworld’s seven summits. Bookertalked about finding the strength to focus on something that makes you forget that you have MS, something that makes you happy. Wendy explained that setting goals for yourself helps take your mind off of your disease; something like walking from the bedroom to the living room with a walker is a major accomplishment for some and should be celebrated. The audience was enamored with Wendy’s journey. Attendees left feeling motivated. “Every time I attend one of Wendy’s presentations, I leave inspired to do something great. She didn’t allow her struggles with multiple sclerosis to stop her from finding her new focus,” shared one attendee. Sponsored by Biogen, EMD Serono, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Genentech, and Sanofi Genzyme. [TAKEAWAYS 56 msfocusmagazine.org