Hello friends --Hi friends! Hope your week has been a good one! Mine has. My daughters were both busy with Homecoming activities at their high school - one as Ms. Sophomore and one as President of the InterAct Club (a service club, part of Rotary). And my oldest sent in all of her college applications. WHEW! That's exciting - and sad, but that's why they made wine. Cheers!Let's get to it! Here's your Friday Night 6-Pack:

1. The latest FUMS Podcast Show episode just dropped this morning. This one is all about clarifying the application process for SSDI - Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for MS'ers. It's a really important episode. I came away with a much better understanding of a very complicated process. I think it will help a lot of people. PLEASE share it with anyone you think could benefit from it: Social Security Disability Benefits & MS

2. Did you see that another celebrity has joined our club: Selma Blair announced this week that she was diagnosed with MS in August. I would never wish MS on anyone - even my worst enemy. BUT - celebrities often bring awareness and fundraising abilities that we mere mortals cannot touch. Let's hope she uses her platform in a way that will help us all! Read more here: Selma Blair Has MS

3. I have long believed that our answers are to be found in stem cell research. Here is an article about the latest findings in stem cell transplantation - where someone's stem cells are removed, sprinkled with fairy dust as I understand it (I was an English major for God sake), their immune system destroyed, then the fairy-dusted stem cells are reintroduced to grow in a new immune system - with GREAT RESULTS!!  Very interesting stuff - and, as of now, VERY expensive, generally not covered by insurance and not approved by the FDA. But maybe . . . Here's the article: Stem Cell Transplant

4. My mom always told me to be careful who I hung out with. Turns out - she was right!!  Researchers say the social network of someone with MS can have an impact on their health. Read more right here: Choose Your Friends Wisely

5. Life expectancy and MS. I think it was one of the first things I asked about when I was diagnosed. How about you?? Here's some info on that very subject: Life Expectancy & MS

6. I LOVE the term "energy vortext" when referring to that horrible fatigue that comes as a companion to MS!!  And this is a great article about just that: MS & The Energy Vortex   If you have other ideas of topics you'd like me to cover or people you'd like me to interview for the podcast - maybe even YOU - drop me an email and let me know at [email protected] or meet me over in the FUMS Facebook community and let's chat! 

Warmly -- Kathy

Sometimes it helps the stress, just to say "F-U-M-S"