Experiences, empowerment are focus of MS Awareness Month 2025
In MS Community Spotlight series, people with MS share their experiences
A neurodegenerative disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) is estimated to affect more than 1.8 million people worldwide — across all ages, races, sexes, and geographical regions. During Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month this March, patients, caregivers, and other advocates are coming together to provide opportunities to connect, educate, inspire, empower, and support members of the MS community.
MS Awareness Week begins March 9. World MS Day will follow on May 30.
In MS, the conduction of electrical signals through nerve cells can become severely impaired due to the loss of myelin, a fatty sheath that insulates and protects nerve cells and helps transmit these nerve impulses more efficiently.
Depending on which regions in the brain and spinal cord are most affected, patients can experience a wide range of MS symptoms, and these typically get worse over time as more damage accumulates. Some common symptoms of MS are fatigue, tingling and numbness, difficulty with balance and walking, visual and bladder problems, and pain. It’s also common for people with MS to experience cognitive and emotional problems.
Though patients ultimately encounter similar challenges, the timing, severity, and duration of symptoms are unique to each individual, and symptoms may also vary throughout a person’s medical journey. Thus, both new and longtime patients may benefit from sharing their experiences and knowledge with others in the MS community.
Community Spotlight to show off community’s uniqueness, diversity
Throughout March, Multiple Sclerosis News Today is recognizing MS Awareness Month with a variety of stories that represent different perspectives on life with MS. The goal is to inspire and empower patients to take action and live their best possible life.
“During MS Awareness Month, we … celebrate that each unique community is bound by unique stories,” said Brad Dell, senior director of commercial programs at Bionews, the parent company of Multiple Sclerosis News Today.”We’re thrilled to show off the MS community’s diversity.”
Kicking off the month, Sanam Saeedi shared her story of feeling utterly defeated and unsure of her future after her MS diagnosis. Saeedi took control of her MS and her life and now hopes to empower others to do the same.
Similarly, Michael Lee Martinez, whose partner Feliciano has MS, shares how an experience at a Lady Gaga concert inspired him to learn as much as possible about MS so he could be prepared for future medical episodes.
Throughout March, these Community Spotlight stories will highlight some of the unique challenges of living with MS, as well as patient and caregiver experiences that inspire hope. People with MS — and their partners and family members — are sharing their stories, and hoping to launch discussions that help generate awareness among the MS community.
“There’s something sacred about finding a space where you are understood,” said Jenn Powell, brand and marketing manager at Bionews, who was diagnosed with MS in 2010. “When you see yourself in the words of others, you suddenly realize that this place is safe and you’ve come home.”
All members of the MS community are encouraged to follow the spotlight series, which will continue to share stories each day from those affected by the disease.
MSAA aims to provide education, support for those newly diagnosed
In recognition of MS Awareness Month, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, known as MSAA, is focusing on providing resources and advocacy strategies to people newly diagnosed with the disease. This year’s theme is “Empowered from the Start with MSAA.”
“We are pleased to once again recognize MS Awareness Month — a time to highlight so many vital programs for individuals with multiple sclerosis — while also spreading awareness to others across the country,” Gina Ross Murdoch, MSAA’s president and CEO, said in an email to Multiple Sclerosis News Today.
“We want to assure the MS community that many valuable resources are available to assist individuals through their journey with MS. Understanding the uncertainty that one can feel during an initial diagnosis, MSAA is highlighting vital resources, education, and support for the newly diagnosed MS community, although anyone impacted by MS may benefit from this information and support,” Murdoch added.
This month, MSAA is launching a podcast mini-series titled “If I Knew Then: Reflecting on an MS Diagnosis.” In the podcast, members of the MS community will share their personal stories and experiences with navigating their diagnoses.
We want to assure the MS community that many valuable resources are available to assist individuals through their journey with MS. Understanding the uncertainty that one can feel during an initial diagnosis, MSAA is highlighting vital resources, education, and support for the newly diagnosed MS community, although anyone impacted by MS may benefit from this information and support.
In Part 1 of the 3-part series, Barry Hendin, MD, MSAA’s chief medical officer, discusses the importance of overall well-being, as well as tips and strategies for communicating with a person’s healthcare team.
This month, MSAA is also hosting a webinar titled “Navigating Your MS Journey,” featuring neurologist Jakai Nolan McEwen. That webinar is slated for 8 p.m. ET on March 25. Its goals are to provide key strategies for understanding and managing MS symptoms, exploring treatment options, and seeking support for navigating life with MS.
MSAA will also provide resources and self-advocacy tips for newly diagnosed individuals in its MS Conversations blog. Weekly blog posts will also highlight the importance of building a support system as well as how to develop coping strategies.
Art show, in 16th year, now online for MS Awareness Month
In addition to those events, the nonprofit is presenting its Art Showcase, now in its 16th year. The showcase, which garnered submissions from across the U.S., seeks to share inspirational artwork and highlight the stories of individuals living with MS.
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of this year’s online MSAA Art Showcase, featuring extraordinary artwork, along with inspiring stories from the artists, all of whom are living with MS. We encourage the MS community to access MSAA’s many resources not only during MS Awareness Month, but throughout the year,” Murdoch said.
One 2025 featured artist is Anne Marsh, a former Army JAG officer from Santa Fe, New Mexico, who was diagnosed with MS in 2016. Marsh states on an Art Showcase webpage that turned to the craft to “explore … emotions and develop … creativity.”
“I especially like the Japanese Kintsugi traditional art of making things beautiful at the broken places. With MS, we have many broken places, yet we guard them and become stronger,” Marsh said.
The showcase features more than 85 artists with MS and their inspiring works of art. Each month throughout the year, a new artist will be selected as Artist of the Month and that individual’s work will be highlighted.
NMSS asks community to ‘tell MS exactly what they think of it’
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) also is offering events throughout awareness month, such as walks, virtual yoga, educational programs, fundraisers, and other special offerings. All events can be found on the nonprofit’s online calendar.
“Tackling the complex challenges of multiple sclerosis calls for a comprehensive approach. It takes one-to-one … support, advocacy for systemic change, and resources and information to help people with MS feel more in control and less alone,” the website states.
During MS Awareness Week, NMSS amplifies the voices of people living with MS. This year, the organization is asking everyone in the community at large to “tell MS exactly what they think of it.”
NMSS encourages participants to help ensure that more people understand what life with MS can be like and feel inspired to take action.
“Get involved and tell MS it ends with us!”the website states.
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