6th Annual Bayou Multiple Sclerosis Health Fair

I do not recall ever mentioning a health fair in this newsletter before. However, this one has a different twist: it is a gumbo of genealogy and genetic issues with a Multiple Sclerosis focus. This is especially important in Louisiana, with its Acadian population that has intermarried so many times over the centuries. The Metarie area has a Multiple Sclerosis rate that is much higher than the national average, all because of ancestry.

The Bayou Multiple Sclerosis Foundation will present the 6th Annual MS Health Fair on Saturday, March 19, 2005. The health fair will be held at the St. Martins Episcopal School, Solomon Theater, in Metarie, Louisiana. Registration starts at 9:00 AM, and the program runs from 9:45 AM until 2:30 PM. Gumbo, jambalaya, sandwiches, and drinks will be provided for all attendees. (I am getting hungry already!)

Speakers will include Michael Wilensky, M.D., giving the introduction; Jorge Oksenberg, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of California at San Francisco, speaking on "Genes, Heredity and the Reasons for MS;" Molly Kimball, LDN, RD, speaking on "MS and Nutrition;" Thelma Daigle, Cajun Historian and Otis Marks, II, an inspirational speaker, who will speak on "HOPE, A Beautiful Reality" (a talk about surviving multiple sclerosis).

The Half-Fast Knitters of New Orleans will offer a "hands on demonstration." Pharmaceutical companies and various vendors will offer exhibits of their goods and services.

This sounds like an excellent opportunity to combine genealogy, genetics, and family health in an effort to save or improve the lives of your family.

R.S.V.P. is strongly recommended: 1-800-596-7937.

Comments

[Carolyn Scott]

Will anyone (like Repeat Performance) be taping the presentations at this gathering?

[Kellie R]

Dick,
Just a comment on genetics and MS. MS is not inherited in the same way that diabetes and other diseases are inherited. However, there does appear to be a genetic predisposition and increased risk of anywhere from 2 to 5% that a child will develop MS given that they have a parent with MS. I post this only to clarify the more gentle genetic nature of this disease lest there be undue concern on the part of some of your readers, and I would encourage anyone with questions to visit www.nationalmultiplesclerosissociety.org for further clarification and information.

[Andre A]

I'm a "cajun" with MS and I live in Lafayette, Louisiana - approximately 2 hours west of Metairie, Louisiana. I understand there is some study either beginning or already underway looking at the relationship between MS and "Cajuns". I just wanted to point out that the New Orleans area is more of a Creole base rather than Cajun.

I'd have to say the Metairie/New Orleans area has more Spanish background than French.

The Acadians (my ancestors) who were exiled from Nova Scotia and who later became known as Cajuns settled more in the Lafayette area than in New Orleans.

Thank you and good luck with research!

[Steven M. L. Lewis]

I have just read with interest the information abou the genealogy and MS fair. As a genalogist with MS I found the article NOTEWORTHY AND EXCITING. At the moment, I will be unable to atten. As an earle post asked, is Repeat Performances taping the conference? thanks for sharing.

[Steven M. L. Lewis]

I have just read with interest the information abou the genealogy and MS fair. As a genalogist with MS I found the article NOTEWORTHY AND EXCITING. At the moment, I will be unable to atten. As an earle post asked, is Repeat Performances taping the conference? thanks for sharing.

[Shirley Wilson]

My daughter has just been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I am very much interested in the genetic factor. It is not known to be in our family (maternal or paternal)but as a Certified Genealogist, I want to pursue the genetic factor. Will there be another conference like this one? If so, I want to be there.

[Free]

I am writing a technical report on Multiple Sclerosis and need information on the impact that it made on someone diagnosed's life and their loved ones as well as what their plans are for their future. Any information is appreciated.