Awareness needed to drive toward world free of MS

Pic: multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com

Public awareness is of utmost importance in the fight against multiple sclerosis – in the main for two reasons that are, in my opinion, equally deserving of our attention. Greater understanding of the disease will, hopefully, have the twin effects of improving how people react to those of us living with it, and increase the amount of money that can be gathered for research.

With that in mind, the NMSS (National Multiple Sclerosis Society), of the US, has designated next week as its MS Awareness Week. It starts this Sunday, March 8, and continues until its last day, next Saturday, March 14.

Antonia and her squad at Walk MS 2019.

The Society says: “Multiple sclerosis and the MS movement, everyone working to change lives as we drive toward a world free of MS, become better known each year. But more must be done to spread the word.

“Every day, people living with MS do whatever it takes to move their lives forward despite the challenges. By sharing their stories, we help people better understand life with MS and become inspired to do whatever it takes to change the world for people living with MS.

“You can help ensure that more people understand what life with MS can be like and engage more people to do something about it, by following our media channels and sharing the stories of those living with MS, who move life forward every day and don’t let MS define them.”

You are who you are

One such person is Clarissa, who received her diagnosis in 2006. She says: “Multiple sclerosis may be a part of who you are, but it doesn’t define you as a person. You are who you are, and MS can’t take that away from you.”

A NMSS spokeswoman invites everyone to explore powerful stories of people with MS.

“Together we will do whatever it takes to change the world for people with MS,” she said.

There are a number of each of the main activities being held nationwide, too many to list here. Instead, I will give you links that will take you direct to the correct page you need.

These are:

• Bike MS
• Walk MS
• Challenge Walk MS
• MuckFest MS

Then there’s help for anyone who prefers to do their own thing, either singly or with a group of friends. The Society says: “Bring your fundraising vision to life and make an impact for those affected by MS with Do It Yourself Fundraising MS. We are here to support you every step of the way. Now, show the world your passion.”

And anyone choosing the DIY route, rest assured the NMSS has a fundraising toolkit just for you. It includes We Joined the Movement logos, online fundraising tools, badges, social media images, and a NMSS app which will help you prepare everything you need to fundraise to make an impact.

Sounds good, eh? Oh yes, you can use the toolkit any time – not just during MS Awareness Week.

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Spelling

Please note that being born in the UK, all my posts, are written using British English spelling.

For example:

Centre                             not center (except in names, Centers of Disease Control)                  Colour                              not color                                                                                                                      Diarrhoea                       not diarrhea                                                                                                  Haematology                not hematology                                                                                Haematopoietic          not hematopoietic

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50shadesofsun.com is the personal website of Ian Franks. He enjoyed a successful career as a journalist, from reporter to editor in the print media. He gained a Journalist of the Year award in his native UK. More recently, he was a freelance medical writer and editor for various health information sites. Ian received a diagnosis of MS in 2002 and now lives in the south of Spain. He uses a wheelchair and advocates on mobility and accessibility issues.

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Note: Health-related information available on 50shadesofsun website is for your general knowledge only. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. Ian is not a doctor, so cannot and does not give you medical advice. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues. Also, consult a doctor before starting a new diet or exercise programme. Any opinions expressed are purely his own unless otherwise stated.

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