A third of adults live with chronic physical conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), but in most cases these conditions aren’t obvious to others — and many people downplay their impact to avoid making those around them uncomfortable. That’s according to a new report from Convatec, a medical…
advocacy
As a law student in the Czech Republic, Jana Hlavacova specialized in international law and international relations, but a multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis led her to shift her professional focus. Applying her legal expertise to her work at the Czechia Ministry of Health, she now helps shape healthcare policy…
When Jill Blackburn’s daughter, Sierra, was diagnosed with pediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) at the age of 15, Blackburn had trouble finding sufficient support and resources. She eventually joined a relevant Facebook group, which she evolved into a nonprofit organization, the Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis Alliance. She now serves as…
Denise Schnieders is a wife, mom, teacher, volleyball coach, and passionate advocate living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Since her diagnosis, she’s become a powerful voice in the MS community, raising awareness, advocating for better healthcare policy, and pushing for more research funding. Through her platform, MSdopaminedressed, Schnieders shares…
A&W Canada’s annual Burgers to Beat MS Day is returning for its 17th year to raise funds for MS Canada and its efforts to improve the lives of people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS). As part of the fundraiser, A&W will donate CA$2 (about $1.45) to MS…
I am not particularly hairy, but even having sparse and fine body hair pulled out by an adhesive is an unpleasant experience. During trauma training in a U.S. Army Special Forces medic course, we had to take turns pretending to be one another’s casualties, which involved a lot of tape…
Half of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in the U.K. who work have compromised their health by staying in jobs that didn’t fully support their MS needs, and nearly a third are in roles below their skill levels. That’s according to “No compromises: supporting people with MS to thrive…
MS Canada is inviting people across the country to support the multiple sclerosis (MS) community and help raise funds for research and support programs by joining a 2025 MS Walk this Sunday, May 25. More than 50 in-person walks are planned in locations across all provinces in Canada,…
May marks Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in Canada, and people across the country can take part in advocacy and fundraising activities to support the multiple sclerosis (MS) community. MS Canada‘s nationwide campaign urges people to participate in MS walks, parlay a hobby or passion into a fundraiser, share…
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) will host its 11th annual Improving Lives Benefit on May 14 to bring together members of the multiple sclerosis (MS) community, celebrate achievements, and raise support for the organization’s free programs and services. The fundraising event will take place at…
Aranzazu Calzado, known to friends as Zazu, has lived in Houston, Texas, since 1996 after moving from Spain. She was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis in 2021 and faces the challenge with resilience, relying on God, family, and friends as her support network. She finds joy in helping…
MS Canada is calling on everyone across Canada to tune up their bikes and join one of the many MS Bike rides this coming summer to help raise funds for research, advocacy, and support programs on behalf of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). With distances ranging from…
Denise Schneiders embraces her role as an MS advocate. (Photos courtesy of Denise Schneiders) Day 28 of 31 This is Denise Schneiders’ story: My life changed on March 12, 2024, with three words: “You have MS.” As an athlete, wife, mother, teacher, coach, and business owner, I had always…
Hollie Amadio meets with Stefanie Barone, a staffer for U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-MD, to advocate for the Safe Step Act. (Photos courtesy of Hollie Amadio) Day 27 of 31 This is Hollie Amadio’s story: “Hollie, you’re having a stroke from eating all those chocolate eggs!” my dad…
Dimika V. Cavalier is shown in a photo she uses for advocacy work. (Photos courtesy of Dimika V. Cavalier) Day 26 of 31 This is Dimika V. Cavalier’s story: My journey with multiple sclerosis (MS) began in my early 30s. I was having episodes of vertigo that would…
Karly Isaacson’s mother, Donna Ball, laces up Karly’s dress for her wedding last summer. (Photos courtesy of Karly Isaacson) Day 24 of 31 This is Karly Isaacson’s story: When I think of empowerment and multiple sclerosis (MS), I think of my mom. I had my first MS…
Kevin Byrne grew up in Bronx, New York. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, he was struck by multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1999 while commanding an Army Air Cavalry Troop overseas. Now medically retired, he lives with his daughter, Rogue, in Portland, Oregon. Kevin works…
Jenn Powell wears her MS ambassador shirt with pride. (Photos courtesy of Jenn Powell) Day 20 of 31 This is Jenn Powell’s story: Hosting The Multiple Sclerosis Podcast has been eye-opening, exposing me to the diverse and inspiring voices within the multiple sclerosis (MS) community. Every guest I…
The law firm Kalfus & Nachman will host a special event to raise funds for multiple sclerosis (MS) research, patient care, advocacy, and increasing disease awareness. The fundraising will be held Friday, March 28, at 1:00 p.m., in the back parking lot of Kalfus & Nachman’s building, 870…
Anne Rosales is a mother, grandmother, and community volunteer, as well as a certified Aging in Place specialist. She was diagnosed with MS in her mid-50s. (Photos courtesy of Anne Rosales) Day 6 of 31 This is Anne Rosales’ story: My handicap parking placard arrived a few months ago.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) patient Lynda Whitton has been granted MS Australia’s 2024 John Studdy Award in recognition of her advocacy, leadership, and fundraising efforts for MS and other neurological diseases in her hometown of Bunbury and across Australia. The nonprofit’s top award is given each year to people…
I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis at 17 years old, during my senior year of high school. At that time, the diagnosis was the least of my worries because my top priorities were senior year activities and college preparation. The truth, however, was that I didn’t comprehend what…
For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to help others in any way I could. As early as middle school, I tried to identify a plausible and realistic career where I could fulfill this desire, and eventually landed on therapy as a possible career path. I wanted to…
Helius Medical Technologies is opposing new decisions from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that stipulate how much of the cost of its PoNS device — a neurostimulator designed to improve mobility in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) — will be covered by these…
The MS Society of Canada is hosting its annual MS Read-a-Thon, a fundraiser where children are encouraged to read for a month to support people with multiple sclerosis (MS) in their community. Funds raised will help boost the organization’s support programs for patients and research into a…
For students, it’s back-to-school season with the recent start of the fall semester. I was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis at a young age, so I’ve carried this disease with me throughout my high school, undergraduate, and graduate education. I often struggled to juggle my healthcare and course…
Just before my last deployment, I remember sitting in a classroom with other Army Special Forces medics, listening to the representative from a supplier of chest injury dressings. It was common practice for suppliers to send someone to talk about or demonstrate their product as part of the contract.
Three innovative projects aimed at addressing unmet needs in multiple sclerosis (MS) and fostering new perspectives on the disease have received incubator grants from the nonprofit MS Australia. Totaling AU$74,813 (or about $48,700), the grants will support one-year projects that focus on MS social needs, disease biomarkers, and…
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) said it named Tim Coetzee, PhD, president and chief executive officer. Coetzee had been chief advocacy, services, and science officer for the organization, which provides funding and advocacy programs and services and works toward creating a world without multiple sclerosis (MS). Coetzee…
I almost didn’t write this column. It might be a sensitive topic, but I’m not afraid of offending anyone. Even if I do, it’s not intentional. It’s not that I don’t understand the subject, either. I think I do, but I’ve been having a lot of trouble putting it into…