44 msfocusmagazine.org • March 14, Monterey, Calif. Jong-Mi Lee, NP, MSCN, highlighted the benefits of “Resiliant Hope.”While sharing recent research news, she emphasized the need to focus on what you can do to manage your MS now, as well as keeping hope alive for a better future for those with MS. After the session, she took the time to answer questions from attendees one-on-one. • March 19, Hollywood, Fla. Dr. Adnan M. Subei, medical director, Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center Program Director with the Memorial Neuroscience Institute, said “MS is just like wires, there are a couple of wires inside that become exposed. Over time, medication decreases thewires in the nervous system from becoming exposed and treatment slows down the wires from wearing down in the nervous system.” • March 22, Tigard, Ore. Leah Gaedeke, MSN,APRN-BC, FNP, MS nurse practitionerat Providence Multiple Sclerosis Center, Portland, lectured on the benefits of nutrition, proper exercise, sleep, and stress management. She shared a story of one of her patients who was a runner prior to being diagnosed with MS. Over the years she had lost some use of her legs. With the help of antigravity therapy, the patient was eventually able to regain her mobility and now runs a few days a week. Leah encouraged everyone to get exercising, no matter what level of mobility they have and find what works for them. • March 28, Brooklyn, New York Dr. Miriam Franco, MSW, Psy.D., MSCS, is a professor of sociology at Immaculata University and a clinical psychologist. She said, "The thing about dealing with anxiety is staying in the present. With anxiety, you either worry about the future or dwell on the past." The reason zebras don't get ulcers is because once the situation is no longer stressful then the zebra's stress levels return to normal. People have to be taught how to relax. • March 29, Chicago Cherie Binns, RN, BS, MSCN, shared herinsight and encouragement to a large group in Oak Lawn, Ill. She demonstrated howbeautyis created fromwithinbysharingapieceofartworkdeartoherheartwiththegroup. The quote on the piece says “Like this old wood, my life shows stain of creeping flawswithin the grain.Yet, the creatorlooks and sees a thousand possibilities and brings forth beauty from disease. Like this old wood, beneath love’s hand I am transformed in ways not planned.” MS Focus Activities