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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

More Than 40 Campers With Multiple Sclerosis Break For Fun In The Sun In Hebron
By Melissa A. Saranitzky, Communications Coordinator

HEBRON, Conn. - The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Connecticut Chapter, in conjunction with the Central New England Chapter, hosted MS Vacation Week beginning Sunday, June 17, and extending through Friday, June 22. More than 40 campers attended the annual weeklong camp at Easter Seals Camp Hemlocks in Hebron, Conn.

Lenny and Elizabeth "Liz" Beman of Bloomfield, Conn., are longtime attendees of MS Vacation Week.

"I met Lenny in a rowboat at MS Vacation Week in 1996," and Beman an MS Vacation Week participant for almost 20 years. "We were married shortly after, and we've come every year since."

More than 6,000 people in Connecticut, like the Bemans, live with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic, oftentimes disabling disease of the central nervous system. Individuals may experience stiffness, imbalance, fatigue, speech difficulties, vision impairment and event complete paralysis. Many of those attending MS Vacation Week, such as Lenny Beman, require the use of a wheelchair or scooter for mobility.

Camp Hemlocks is located on 166 acres of forest and features a 22-acre lake for boating and fishing. Specially designed for accessibility, the facility provides a unique environment allowing for optimal opportunity and independence. Activities include arts and crafts, outdoor and water activities, exercise programs and a talent show.

The week's activities also included haircuts, styles and manicures provided free of charge to campers, courtesy of Brio Academy of Cosmetology in East Hartford, Conn. The services of 16 massage therapists from the Salter School of Massage in Massachusetts were also donated. Connecticut Rehab in Newington, Conn., also donated technician services for a wheelchair repair clinic held at the camp.

Campers also enjoyed a visit for Soul Friends Pet Therapy from Wallingford, Conn., and a costume dance party was held with the music provided by Boppers DJs from Orange, Conn.

"Everything about MS Vacation Week is just great," said Beman, as she smiled. "It's the one place where having MS is okay. If I'm forgetful, we just laugh and chalk it up to my MS. The staff and other campers are friendly and understand what we're all going through."

For more information about MS Vacation Week or the many programs and services offered to individuals affected by MS in Connecticut, call 800.FIGHT.MS or e-mail programs@ctfightsms.org.

6/25/07

NOTE TO MEDIA:

For More Information
Contact Melissa Saranitzky
Communications Coordinator
Phone: 860.714.2300, ext. 239
E-mail: msaranitzky@ctfightsms.org

 

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