awareness

Over the past week, I’ve come across two short films that are designed to show what it’s like living with MS. But they have two very different approaches. Interested in MS research? Sign up…

Remington College initiated its partnership with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society  by raising more than $4,000 to support the society and its efforts to advance research into multiple sclerosis and care for patients. The money was raised at campus events that marked World MS Day in May. In addition to encouraging…

Growing up in a spiritual family, I can remember hearing the words “we are not going to claim it.” These were words of comfort, hope, and support when a catastrophic event was impending. The dictum was to pray, believe in what you pray for, and to “not claim” whatever…

Spring has sprung! As I look around, Mother Earth is in bloom. Trees are sprouting new leaves, plants are growing, and the grass is green once again. I love spring and all that it represents — hopes for new birth and rebirth. For those who are unaware, May is Mental…

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is inviting all mud-lovers to Saturday’s kickoff of MuckFest MS in Boston, Massachusetts, which raises money and awareness for multiple sclerosis (MS). The event includes a 5K “mud run” with “outrageous obstacles and a whole lot of mud” that definitely will make you sore “from…

Despite increasing prevalence, multiple sclerosis (MS) continues to fly under the radar with only 40 percent of Australians ranking MS as a community health priority, highlighting the need for greater awareness. Estimates show that 25,600 Australians live with MS — an increase of 4,400 over the past eight years.

Members of Parliament and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada are jointly celebrating May as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month. Both parties met in Ottawa April 30-May 2 to kick-off the MS awareness campaign #LifeWithMs. According to an international survey, it is estimated that one in every 340 Canadians…

When I tell people I have multiple sclerosis, I usually get one of three responses: • “Oh, no! I feel so bad for you!” (Pity) • “Is that the one with the telethon?” (Confusion) • “I know all about that disease! My sister-in-law’s cousin’s college roommate has…

We’re all familiar with the yearly observance of MS Awareness Week and MS Awareness Month to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis. Considering that so many rare diseases, such as Graves’ disease or Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, go largely unnoticed, the MS community is blessed with its fair…

We are approaching the conclusion of National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, but those of us with MS know that the responsibility to educate is unending. I was pondering what my topic would be this week. As awareness month exits, I want to proffer an encouraging message. This…

Understanding multiple sclerosis (MS) progression will be the focus of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America’s (MSAA) campaign for MS Awareness Month 2018. March has been recognized as MS Awareness Month since 2003. Across the U.S., MSAA events aim to raise public awareness about the disease, and increase involvement in…

I fell out of sight in February, thanks to a case of the flu. Influenza B and its lingering side effects took me out of action from almost everything except sleeping, but I’ll save those details for another story. As I come out of my flu-induced fog, I see…

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) has created a video to raise awareness about the hardships of disabilities that are real but not readily evident to passersby, and often complicate life for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and other disorders. The video, called “I Am Invisible No More,” features…

I love photographs and have them strewn about and framed throughout the house. From grandchildren and goldens, holidays and travels, each holds a cherished memory. I am happiest taking photos and have cultivated somewhat of a hobby doing so. As I have gotten older, I have (gratefully) discarded the…

Last week was Invisible Illness Awareness Week, which ran from Oct 14-20. Awareness weeks are designed to bring attention to certain conditions, issues and situations. They are directed at creating consciousness and disseminating information. Sadly, invisible illness is a subject that needs much more attention. Those of…

The Twin Cities MuckFest MS is set for Saturday at the Scott County Fair in Jordan, Minnesota. All money raised in the event will go to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to support its work in helping people living with multiple sclerosis and in advancing research toward better treatments and a cure. The MuckFest MS is a fun mud run that has raised millions for the Society, and requires no special training or equipment — the only things needed, organizers says, are sneakers, a sense of humor and a willingness to get a little mucky. Participants run on a designed 5K course that features super-sized obstacles and lots of mud. A first wave of runners in the Aug. 19 event will take to the course at 9 a.m., followed by successive groups every 20 minutes throughout the day. "We muck it because … We want to end MS," MuckFest MS proclaims on its webpage. "Even though the event is built for laughs from start to finish, we’re on a serious mission to advance cutting-edge research and support the life-changing work of the National MS Society." Runners are advised to wear closed-toe sneakers, and cleats of any kind are not permitted. An older of soiled choice of clothing is welcome, but should be clothes that won't restrict movement and will provide protection as runners move through the obstacles. Pants or shorts are acceptable. Many muckers, organizers say, choose to wear thin work or athletic gloves to better grip obstacles and ropes. All MuckFest MS events are held in wet muddy fields, so there is little flat terrain. They are not ADA-standard accessible, wheelchair runners will have to move through grass and dirt. The organizers, however, promise to do their best to make portions of the event accessible to people with disabilities. Participation is $105 on the day of event, plus processing fee, and those planning to register Saturday are asked to arrive by 10 a.m. Online registration is now closed. Spectators are welcome without charge. According to the MS Society, "the MuckFest MS runners and volunteers have raised over $27 million to support the life-changing work of the National MS Society" to date. "That means more cutting-edge research and continued support for people living with MS in your community." Multiple Sclerosis News Today plans to interview an event participant — Beth Kantor, a retired nurse from Plymouth, Minnesota, who has relapsing MS — after the event. Kantor is also volunteering at this year's MuckFest MS, helping others as they too take to the course. The first wave/start time is at 9:00 a.m Saturday, August 19, and then every 20 minutes throughout the day. More information, including a look at the obstacles, is available here. A blog by past Muckfesters, offering ideas and suggestions, is also available. MuckFest MS runs take place in a dozen U.S. cities each year. AbbVie is the national sponsor, and local sponsors for MuckFest MS 2017 include Acorda and Genentech. A national event sponsor is The Traveler Beer Co.

My multiple sclerosis (MS) brings fatigue, pain, and instability into my life, but surprisingly, it also makes me more aware of my life and surroundings. For me, that means being more aware in the present moment and focusing on the good in my life right now. Living in…

The Maccabees rock band will play an exclusive gig in London to raise funds for the United Kingdom’s MS Society, supporting the organization’s mission of trying to end multiple sclerosis. A key reason for the concert is the group’s passion about the disease. Band members Felix and Hugo White…

Virtual reality (VR) technology is most commonly associated with gaming and entertainment, but it’s expanding into a variety of clinical and healthcare applications. The Ontario-based biopharmaceutical firm EMD Serono, Canada, is now using VR as an informational and educational tool to provide a more profound understanding of what living with multiple sclerosis…

Today is World MS Day, and people around the world are sharing tips for living with multiple sclerosis (MS) by using the hashtag #LifewithMS on social media. The MS International Federation started World MS Day in 2009. Events and campaigns take place throughout May to encourage the global MS community to…

May 31 is World MS Day. In its honor, Teva Pharmaceuticals Europe has launched “Life Moments with MS” — a social media campaign to raise awareness about the challenges people with multiple sclerosis (MS) face every day. Teva’s campaign, which uses the hashtag #LifeMomentswithMS, also includes educational resources on what…

My walk in the park usually consists of watching every one of my steps, while conserving my energy so I can finish the trek. In the midst of my walk, I remain acutely aware of how weak my legs are, and hope they don’t give out on me. For…

Caleb Taylor, a second-year University of Kentucky Law School student, has chosen a challenging way to raise awareness and raise funds for multiple sclerosis, a disease that changed his family’s life forever when it struck his mother. Taylor will pedal across America as part of the Bike the US for…

As the challenge of living with multiple sclerosis (MS) often leaves patients feeling isolated and depressed, the biopharmaceutical firm EMD Serono has launched an online storytelling platform called My Story. The platform is designed to be an empowering and therapeutic support resource for patients and caregivers in their struggles with MS.

Swallowing difficulties and reduced cough are a major, yet commonly overlooked, issue in patients with multiple sclerosis and other brain conditions, according to Dr. Don Bolser, a University of Florida (UF) professor. Pharmaceutical companies haven’t recognized the importance of preventing bits of food and drink from getting into the lungs while…

Most of us have heard Rachel Platten’s Fight Song. It became an anthem for many people who struggle with illness and adversity. Fight Song has become one of my favorite odes. As a writer, I love to listen to the words of song lyrics. The music is…

This was an eventful week. I was not feeling well and ultimately ended up in the hospital for a couple of days. I had severe neck pain that radiated to my shoulder and arm. In addition, I woke up one morning with severe chest pains. I couldn’t determine whether…

This year’s annual Walk MS event will bring cumulative fundraising for multiple sclerosis (MS) and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) since 1988 to more than $1 billion, say organizers. “Walk MS is a joyous gathering with a wonderful ‘we’re in this together’ feeling,” NMSS President and CEO Cyndi Zagieboylo said…

A number of multiple sclerosis organizations have joined Biogen in the second year of the #MySupportHero initiative. The social media campaign is a way for people with multiple sclerosis (MS)  to thank those who give them the care,  encouragement, attention, and strength they need. The initiative runs through the end of March, which…

On a Monday in July, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) gave Kathy, who loves to hike in the woods, a cooling vest that reduces heat stress — a common issue for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). On a Wednesday in October, the nonprofit funded an MRI for Sarah,…