In this issue:

1. From the Editor - exacerbation of symptoms
2. We Don’t Want to Lose You And Finding You Has Become Very Expensive
3. Transverse Myelitis: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment (text version not available)
4. Neuromyelitis Optica: Current Concepts (text version not available)
5. Spasticity in Transverse Myelitis
6. The Right Stuff: Braces, Wheelchairs, and Environmental Modifications
7. The use of erythropoietin in the treatment of acute transverse myelitis
8. Advocating for Appropriate Educational Services for Students in the United States
9. Webliography: Information Sources on the Internet
10. Johns Hopkins Project RESTORE
11. The Transverse Myelitis Association Serves on the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation Paralysis Task Force
12. Chitra Krishnan to Serve on The Transverse Myelitis Association Medical Advisory Board

In Their Own Words
13. Recurrent TM and Devic’s Disease - Bonnie Brickhouse
14. My Journey - Isobel (Bel) Forster
15. Devic’s Disease - Jaime Liles
16. Recurrent Transverse Myelitis - Yolande Major
17. Granny - Theresa Ollivierra Guzman Reece The Surprise Disease - Giselle M. Pierre-Nicholls
18. Recurrent Transverse Myelitis - Marcille Pollack
19. Devic’s Disease - Margherita Wang


20. Rare Neuroimmunologic Disorders Symposium - The Johns Hopkins Project Restore and The Transverse Myelitis Association - August 19 – 22, 2004 Baltimore, Maryland
21. Ordering Symposium DVDs
22. Welcome Address: Sandy Siegel
23. Keynote Address: Paula Lazzeri
24. Children’s Art Dedication
25. Chitra Krishnan Awarded The Transverse Myelitis Association 2004 Distinguished Service Award
26. The Transverse Myelitis Association Named Recipient of Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation Quality of Life Grant
27. Share the Caring As We Celebrate National Family Caregivers Month
28. Important Information About The Transverse Myelitis Association Membership Directory
29. The TMA Children’s Camp

Support Groups
30. The Americans with Disabilities Act: A General Discussion
31. Optic Neuritis Support Group of the TMA
32. TM Support Group of Ireland
33. TM Support Group of Egypt and the Middle East
34. TM Support Group New Zealand
35. TM Support Group in Scotland
36. TM Support Group of Alaska
37. Welcome to the Connecticut TM Support Group!
38. TM Support Group of Maryland / Washington DC
39. Joyce Booth - TM Support Group of Mississippi
40. TM Support Group of New York
41. TM Support Group of Virginia

Fundraising and Awareness
42. Reading for Rachel
43. Kevin’s Cause Fundraiser to Benefit TM Research
44. TMA Cookbook
45. The Independent Riders of Ohio Poker Run for the TMA
46. Sell on eBay and Support The Transverse Myelitis Association!
47. Donations to The Transverse Myelitis Association using Paypal
48. The Most Successful Method for Raising Money for Research
49. The Transverse Myelitis Association 2003 Statement of Financial Activities

The Transverse Myelitis Association is proud to be a source of information about Transverse Myelitis and the other neuroimmunologic disorders. Our comments are based on professional advice, published experience and expert opinion, but do not represent therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. For specific information and advice, consult a qualified physician. The Transverse Myelitis Association does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear in this publication solely because they are considered valuable information. The Transverse Myelitis Association assumes no liability whatsoever for the contents or use of any product or service mentioned.

The TMA does not endorse any of the medications, treatments or products reported in this newsletter. This information is intended only to keep you informed. We strongly advise that you check any drugs or treatments mentioned with your physician.

© The Transverse Myelitis Association Newsletter is published by The Transverse Myelitis Association, Seattle, Washington. Copyright 2004 by The Transverse Myelitis Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means without permission in writing from the publisher. We ask that other publications contact us for permission to reprint any article from The Transverse Myelitis Association Newsletters.