Multiple Sclerosis Association of America Putting Focus on Family for MS Awareness Month

In recognition of March as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is calling attention to the disease’s impact on families.

More specifically, the nonprofit organization is focusing its awareness campaign on the topics “Relationships and MS” and “Spotlighting Care Partner Needs,” according to a press release.

MSAA is encouraging participation in a variety of educational activities throughout this month.

These include a webinar on “Intimacy and Family Planning with MS,” held March 5, featuring marriage and family therapist Kimberly Castelo; and also a March 12 “Ask Me Anything” online segment with Castelo, which will focus on relationships and MS. The latter event, taking place at 6–7 p.m. EST, will be hosted on My MSAA Community, the organization’s peer-to-peer platform.

In addition, MSAA is offering a new podcast on the subject of MS and relationships, featuring Miriam Franco, a psychologist, social worker, certified guided imagery practitioner, and MS specialist. Those interested can sign up to be notified when the podcast is available.

On March 18, the organization is presenting a live webinar themed “The Partnership of Care.” The hourlong program starts at 8 p.m. EST, and features MS nurse practitioner Megan Weigel. Registration is available here.

The following week, on March 25, Lara Krawchuk, a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and wellness educator, will host a live “Ask Me Anything” event with an emphasis on care partner needs. The program will be hosted on My MSAA Community from 6–7 p.m. EST. Krawchuk will also discuss this issue on a podcast. Those interested can sign up here to be notified of its availability.

MSAA will also provide access to other information, resources, and programs during MS Awareness Month. A complete list of events is available here.

Also as part of awareness month, the organization put out a video titled “Changing Lives Monday to Sunday” that showcases the many ways it serves the MS community daily. The video can be shared on social media using the hashtag #ChangeALifeMSAA.

Additionally, the organization is featuring guest bloggers throughout the month on its MS Conversations blog.

MS Awareness Month was launched in 2003, with the goal of raising public awareness about the disease, and to involve more people in the MS community through, for example, education programs and raising funds for research.

According to a recent study from the National MS Society, nearly 1 million people in the U.S. have MS — nearly twice the previous widely reported number.