At the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Swedish, we know that care for people with MS goes beyond medical treatment. MS touches every part of a patient’s life. That’s why we offer programs and classes for patients and families that help maintain physical fitness, provide emotional support and build community.
Effective Thursday, March 12, all in-person classes and support groups have been suspended at each of our hospital campuses until COVID-19 no longer poses a threat or until further notice.
Calendar of Events
Being physically active is a key to staying positive, engaged and connected to your community. At the MS Center, we help patients do that with our Adventure Program.
The program is open to all people with MS in the greater Seattle area, as well their caregivers, family and friends. Our goal is to offer fun and challenging experiences for people of all abilities and interests.
This program is run by Simon Gale, OTR/L, the center’s occupational therapist and adventure guide.
Past adventures have included:
- Cycling
- Horseback riding
- Indoor rock climbing
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Fine arts classes
- Excursions to local businesses
We are always looking for new potential adventures. For questions or suggestions, call us or send an email to Simon Gale.
The MS Center at Swedish strives to help patients maximize their quality of life not only through treatment, but through activities that build community and engage patients socially, creatively and physically. We sponsor a number of seasonal MS events to bring people together to accomplish those goals – and to have fun.
Art Show
The MS Center at Swedish has held an annual art show since 2009, presenting creative works by those affected by MS in the Pacific Northwest. Artists of all ages and abilities are welcome.
The purpose of this event is to:
- Enhance quality of life through art
- Raise community awareness about multiple sclerosis
- Provide an opportunity for individuals touched by MS to express themselves
- Offer a venue for artists to display their work, meet others in the community and sell their art if desired
- Encourage individuals to thrive apart from their disease. The show is NOT a fundraiser but merely an opportunity to raise awareness about the disease and enable individuals to display their work before a larger audience.
In 2019, the art show was presented at the A/NT Gallery at Seattle Center. See the 2019 MS Art Show Artist Catalog.
Summer BBQ
The annual Summer BBQ features traditional American BBQ fare, live music and education. All MS community members, family and friends are welcome to attend this fully catered event at the MS Center.
Seasonal Celebration and Gift Wrapping
In preparation for winter and the holidays, the MS Center invites community members to socialize, eat sweets, sip hot cocoa and participate in seasonal craft-making. Guests are encouraged to bring their holiday presents for complimentary wrapping. All materials are provided by the MS Center.
Walk and Bike MS
As one of the largest and most successful fundraising teams in Washington, the Swedish MS Walk and Bike Team proudly participates in the National MS Society Walk and Bike MS each year to raise awareness and funds for an MS cure.
MS Center gym
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Free to Swedish MS patients, 18 and older, who have previously seen a physical therapist at the center for a gym orientation.
- Patients will have to complete a Patient Agreement form.
- Caregivers and family members are welcome to accompany patients, but are not be permitted to exercise.
- Bring a towel, water bottle and change of clothes.
- Download our flyer
Hours:
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Mondays, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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Fridays, 12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
The gym features a comprehensive suite of equipment, including some specialized for people living with MS:
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Upright and leg ergometer bikes, elliptical trainer and treadmill
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Upper-body ergometers (UBE)
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Rickshaw (seated triceps press)
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Circuit weight training and free weights
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Nu Step® recumbent elliptical
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Motomed® (lower- and upper-body bike)
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Functional Electric Stimulation (FES) Bike
Gentle Yoga & Wellness Skills
A gentle introductory class appropriate for all mobility levels and those new to yoga. Transitioning to the floor is optional; wheelchairs are welcome. Classes are free and offered to all individuals living with MS. Caregivers, family members and non-Swedish patients with MS also are welcome.
- Instructor: Sharon Lightfoot-Pound
- Date/Time: Tuesdays, 1-2:15 p.m. & 2:30 – 3:45 p.m.
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Free | RSVP by email recommended
Pilates
A gentle introductory class appropriate for all mobility levels and those new to Pilates. Transitioning to the floor is optional; wheelchairs are welcome. Classes are free and offered to all individuals living with MS. Caregivers, family members and non-Swedish patients with MS also are welcome.
- Instructors: Anna Leslie and Nicole Pieratt
- Date/Time: Fridays, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
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Free | RSVP by email recommended
Adult Coloring Group
Adult coloring books are the latest trend. Come find out why! You can increase relaxation, mindfulness, creativity and fine motor and visual skills while reducing stress and anxiety in this activity group. All supplies are provided.
- Free
- Date/Time: First Wednesday of every month, 1-2:30 p.m.
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Location: MS Center at Swedish (Jefferson Tower, Level A)
- To RSVP: Call 206-991-2099 or send an email
LGBTQ MS Connection
This MS support group is for people in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning community. Partners and care providers are also welcome. In this safe environment, you can openly discuss concerns, frustrations and the impact of MS on your life or on that of a loved one.
- Free
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Date/Time: Second and fourth Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
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Location: Swedish Education and Conference Center (James Tower, 1st Floor)
- To RSVP: Call Kim Breen at 425-333-4543, or send an email
Music Therapy
A blend of music and song with lighthearted activities combined with movement and relaxation exercises to promote stress reduction and self-expression. All mobility levels welcome; no music background required.
- Free
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Date/Time: Wednesdays
- Instructor: Betsy Hartman, MT-BC
- Group Sessions: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Private Sessions: 9:00-10:30 a.m. by appointment
- To RSVP: send an email
Get Back Your Music Sessions
Piano, guitar and drum sessions for practicing musicians, former practicing musicians and learning musicians who have lost the ability to play due to their neurological condition. Sessions are provided by a musician who has overcome the challenges of MS through his own music therapy.
- Free
- Instructor: Phil See
- Date/Time: Thursdays by appointment
- To RSVP: send an email
Play Reading Group
Have you ever wanted to act in a play? Are you a theater person who does not act anymore? Join us for this fun, light-hearted group and get into character. No acting confidence or experience required.
- Free
- Date/Time: Second Friday of every month, 1-2 p.m.
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Location: MS Center at Swedish (Jefferson Tower, Level A)
- To RSVP: Call 206-991-2099 or send an email
Care Partner Support Group
Partners and caregivers of people with MS are invited to this group. Co-sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
- Free
- Date/Time: Third Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
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Location: Mother Joseph Room (1st floor next to cafeteria, Swedish Cherry Hill)
- To RSVP: Call John Daughters at 206-937-9604 or send an email
Book & Movie Club
Join us for once-a-month book club meetings at the MS Center. Read the book, read a couple of chapters, listen on tape or just show up to listen and connect with others in the MS Community.
- Free
- Date/Time: Third Wednesday of every month, 1-2:30 p.m.
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Location: MS Center at Swedish (Jefferson Tower, Level A)
- To RSVP: Call 206-991-2099 or send an email
MS Club Cherry Hill: A Support and Self-Help Group
Join us for monthly talks by regional experts on topics of interest to people with MS. These talks are held in a discussion group format. Co-sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
- Free
- Date/Time: Third Friday of every month, 1-3 p.m.
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Location: MS Center at Swedish (Jefferson Tower, Level A)
- To RSVP: send an email
Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) Support Group
People with NMO and their family members or caregivers are invited to this group to discuss topics of interest to the NMO community.
- Free
- Date/Time: Biannual meetings
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Location: MS Center at Swedish (Jefferson Tower, A Level)
- To RSVP: send an email
The MS Center holds a variety of educational events to help people with MS and their families and caregivers make sense of this complicated and sometimes unpredictable disease. These talks, seminars and social events are a great opportunity to connect with others in the MS community and learn about the latest research and treatments.
Roadshow Seminars
Each year, experts from the MS Center and the National MS Society bring free traveling seminars to communities throughout Washington to share the most up-to-date information about MS diagnosis, treatment, research, rehabilitation and exercise. You do not need to be a patient of Swedish to attend a roadshow. Family, friends and caregivers are welcome.
Speakers, Talks and Presentations
Our MS specialists, including neurologists and neuro-ophthalmologists, give multiple talks each month about MS diagnosis, treatment and research. Presentations are held at various locations throughout the greater Seattle and Eastside areas.
The MS Center periodically presents nationally recognized speakers and celebrities from the MS community.
- Country music star Clay Walker toured the center and wrote a song with our Music Therapy patients.
- Trevis Gleason, world-renowned chef and author, launched his new book, “Chef Interrupted,” at the MS Center.
- Pop star David Osmond performed for patients and toured the center.
- Singer, actress and author Kristie Salerno Kent shared her inspirational story and sang for patients.
To learn more about special events and upcoming talks, please contact Erin Carper at 206-991-2099.