Raising Awareness for Multiple Sclerosis During MS Awareness Month
March is designated as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to spread information, share inspirational stories, and bring awareness to this unpredictable disease. MS impacts nearly 1 million people in the United States and 2.8 million worldwide. While great strides have been made in understanding MS, there is still no cure.
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple sclerosis is a disease that impacts the central nervous system. It causes communication issues between the brain and body which leads to a wide variety of symptoms. These may include vision problems, muscle weakness, difficulty with coordination and balance, sensations such as numbness and tingling, and cognitive dysfunction.
The disease onset typically occurs between 20 to 50 years old and affects women more frequently than men. The symptoms and progression of MS are unique to each individual. For some people, MS may mean facing disability while others may have mild symptoms for decades.
Types of Multiple Sclerosis
There are a few different types of MS that provide insight into how the disease may progress:
- Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) Defined by acute symptom flare ups followed by periods of remission with no new symptoms.
- Secondary progressive MS (SPMS) Initially starts as RRMS but transitions into steadily worsening symptoms over time.
- Primary progressive MS (PPMS) Characterized by steadily declining neurologic function from the very beginning with no remissions.
No matter what type of MS or stage a person is experiencing, raising awareness through open and honest dialogue is key to finding better treatments in the future.
Inspirational MS Awareness Quotes
Hearing stories and quotes from others living with MS is an impactful way to bring awareness while providing comfort to those recently diagnosed. Here are some inspirational quotes for MS Awareness Month:
"I have MS but MS does not have me."
"Every day may not be good, but there is good in every day."
"Stay strong and positive. Better days are coming."
"This too shall pass. My flare ups don't own me."
"I am not my disease. My spirit is unaffected."
Seeing that others maintain hope and persevere despite MS can make a big difference while raising awareness.
Multiple Sclerosis Facts and Statistics
Here are some key facts and statistics about MS that are worthwhile to share for MS Awareness Month:
- Most people are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 but MS can occur at any age.
- MS is 2-3 times more common in women than men.
- There may be nearly 1 million people with MS in the United States and 2.8 million worldwide.
- There is no known cause or cure yet, but advanced research and treatment options are giving hope.
- Living with MS costs approximately $70,000 per person annually.
- MS can cause issues with walking, balance, cognition, vision problems and profound fatigue.
- No two people have exactly same symptoms since MS impacts each differently.
Spreading these stats and facts through social media posts and conversations makes the realities of MS more well known.
Advocacy for Multiple Sclerosis
Getting active and involved in advocacy for MS is a tangible way to raise awareness. With no cure yet available, funding research and advancing healthcare policies that benefit those with MS should be top priorities.
You can advocate by:
- Writing letters or signing petitions for healthcare causes related to MS.
- Contacting government officials about funding MS research.
- Speaking out about issues facing those with MS on social media.
- Supporting advocacy groups through financial donations or volunteering.
Loud, passionate voices from people directly impacted by MS as well as loved ones play a key role in transforming healthcare and research. Do not underestimate the power of advocacy.
MS Awareness Events and Activities
In-person and virtual events bring people together to fundraise, honor loved ones with MS or connect with others. They make visible the need for understanding and support.
Popular MS Awareness Month events include:
- MS Walks to raise funds for cutting edge research and local programming.
- Workplace fundraising drives and "going orange" days.
- Webinars providing disease education and inspiration.
- Documentary screenings telling personal stories about living with MS.
- Awareness rallies and community events to engage local politicians and organizations.
Check upcoming events listings for MS Awareness Month activities happening nationally or in your local area.
The Impact of MS Awareness
Why go through the effort of actively raising awareness during MS Awareness Month each year? Because understanding the disease builds the compassion and resources needed to unlock new discoveries.
Increased awareness leads to:
- Expanded research funding from both government and nonprofit sources.
- Recruiting more neurologists into MS specialization leading to better patient care.
- Reducing stigma allowing patients better access to accommodations.
- Developing new drugs and treatments to improve quality of life.
Every small action taken to share facts, uplifting stories and inspirational quotes brings the MS movement one step closure to a cure.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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