The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is celebrating 50 years of work and dedication to improving the lives of people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). Some changes are underway and initiatives being launched to commemorate this milestone.
MSAA, a nonprofit organization founded in 1970, aims to provide services and support to people with MS, as well as their loved ones and care partners.
A new logo was unveiled to commemorate the anniversary. According to a MSAA press release, this “warm and welcoming icon” is “designed to appear as an abstract of people gathering,” with the intent of conveying ideas of communication, connection, support, and hope. A special version of the logo, specific to the 50th anniversary was also created.
The organization also redesigned its website homepage to allow more streamline access to important information. A special 50th anniversary page was created, which includes “word clouds” about what the MSAA does, and about coping with MS.
MSAA is also launching a social media campaign, with plans “to post 50 photos of the MS community in 50 weeks.” In addition, social media users are encouraged to share a photo on their account, along with a caption explaining why they chose to support the MS community. Social media users can tag the MSAA, using the hashtag: #MSAA50.
Finally, the group is planning a 50th anniversary Improving Lives Benefit event, which will be held on Saturday, April 4, in Jersey City, New Jersey. The evening will include a cocktail reception and dinner, as well as a performance by the classic rock group The Hit Men. There will also be a presentation reflecting on the history of the MSAA.
Tickets to the benefit can be purchased here. All funds raised will support MSAA’s free services and programs for the MS community.
Over the years, MSAA has developed several initiatives to support the MS community. These include a MS-focused magazine, The Motivator; a program to help people with MS making treatment decisions, called S.E.A.R.C.H.; a mobile phone application, My MS Manager, to help track disease activity and manage clinical information; educational programs across the country; and the online support forum, My MSAA Community.
