Please note, we will begin a new 8-week "Free From Falls" program on October 3rd. To learn more, please call Elise Herlihy, RN at 310-267-4077 or email (eherlihy@mednet.ucla.edu) or view the flyer.
The Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement Center at UCLA is a collaborative program offered by the UCLA Department of Neurology and the Southern California & Nevada Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The philosophy of the MS Achievement Center is that people with MS can be empowered to take control of their health and well-being with the help of educational and experiential programs. To this end, the center's programming is designed to provide wellness interventions that complement participants' medical management of their disease.
Read more about the center's work in Momentum, the magazine of the National MS Society and also the UCLA Health Vitals Signs quarterly publication for the community.
View this video to learn about Marilyn Hilton and the Hilton Family's Legacy of Generosity.
Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been living with MS for some time, we offer a program to help you achieve your wellness goals. Please see the following description of each program and the month(s) each program is held.
On this page:
The REACH to Achieve program is designed for people who have been living with MS for some period of time, are facing one or more life challenges related to their MS symptoms, including mobility, ability to cope, memory changes and deconditioning, and who are ready to take control and make personal changes.
In a setting of shared support, REACH to Achieve provides tools and strategies for you to improve and/or maintain your functional independence. REACH focuses on four main areas:
Members attend the program one day a week on an ongoing basis. Our program is offered on a sliding fee scale and is accessible to everyone. To take the first step toward optimizing your health and wellness, please complete the application below:
Application for REACH Program (PDF)
To contact Center staff with additional questions, please call (310) 267-4071 or email Elise Herlihy, RN at eherlihy@mednet.ucla.edu.
For those newly diagnosed with MS, the Living Well with MS program offers an integrative approach to wellness and MS that introduces participants to information, strategies and tools they can use to develop a lifestyle program that optimizes their well-being. Over the course of the 12-week program, participants will:
Living Well with MS blends interactive, online learning and activities with exercise, educational and emotional wellness sessions that are held at the Center on Saturdays in order to accommodate busy work and school schedules. The program is facilitated by Center health professionals, and delivers different program topics with targeted educational and experiential sessions such as managing stress, understanding fatigue, complementary and alternative therapies, taking control of your personal health and strategies for sustained success. Participants develop fitness practices to enhance strength, flexibility and cardiovascular endurance by engaging in a variety of educational and experiential physical health sessions, ranging from exercise to managing stress to yoga. Living Well with MS participants receive a comprehensive notebook of educational materials and handouts on a variety of exercise topics, MS education, nutrition and emotional wellness.
Download and complete your program application (PDF) and take the first step toward optimizing your health and wellness.
To contact Center staff with additional questions, please call (310) 267-4071 or email Elise Herlihy, RN at: eherlihy@mednet.ucla.edu.
Beyond Diagnosis (January)
Beyond Diagnosis is a half-day program for those diagnosed with MS within the last two years. Join MS professionals from the Center and the National MS Society in an open conversation about MS and how wellness practices can help you live your best life with MS.
Please call (310) 267-0471 or email us to inquire about our next Beyond Diagnosis program.
CogniFitness (February)
CogniFitness is an interactive four-week program held on Saturday mornings for individuals with MS who are experiencing mild cognitive problems. It is led by speech pathologists and provides strategies for dealing with common memory and cognitive challenges that can accompany MS including attention, memory, organization, problem solving and critical thinking skills.
Please email us to inquire about our next CogniFitness program.
Exercise and MS - An Integrated Approach to Fitness (June - August)
Exercise and MS is a 12 week program specially designed for those who can easily walk a minimum of 25 feet with or without a cane or walker. Learn how exercise improves overall wellness and also helps manage MS symptoms.
Please call (310) 267-4071 or email us to inquire about our next Exercise and MS program.
Free From Falls (October - November)
Free From Falls is an eight-week fall prevention program designed specifically for people with MS who are able to walk easily or without a cane, but may be at risk for falling. It is held on 8 consecutive Saturdays to accommodate busy work and school schedules.
In just eight weeks, you will
In a fun, supportive group atmosphere, expert instructors in rehabilitation, health and wellness will help you develop a personal plan to maximize your safety and well-being.
Please call (310) 267-4071 or email us to inquire about our next Free From Falls program.
Staff and volunteers
MS Achievement Center Board
Mailing address:
Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement Center at UCLA
1000 Veteran Avenue, Suite 11-62
Box 714722
Los Angeles, CA 90095-7147
Contact information:
Phone: 310-267-4071
Fax: 310-267-4075
Email eherlihy@mednet.ucla.edu
Do you have a passion for wellness and special skills to share?
Please email Stacy Nonoguchi to inquire about our volunteer opportunities.
Our center is fully supported by donations and nominal program fees.
Email us to find out how you can contribute to our efforts.
Donate Today Giving: Your gift to the Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement Center makes a difference.
