In the United States alone, 61 million adults have a disability, which is equivalent to 26% of the adult population. These disabilities are wide-ranging and diverse, from mobility-related to vision or hearing impairments. Some are genetic or congenital, some are acquired later in life, and some have uncertain causes.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one such disease, presently thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental conditions. Somehow, the immune system is triggered to attack the central nervous system, made up of the brain and spinal cord; this, in turn, can disrupt signals to and from the brain.
As a result, MS can cause a range of unpredictable signs and symptoms, including physical, mental, and even psychiatric. Most common are changes in sensation or numbness, muscle spasms or weakness, mobility problems, chronic pain, difficulty concentrating, speech difficulties, visual problems, depression, and more. Some may only have mild symptoms while others experience more severe symptoms that impact mobility.
MS does not yet have a cure, but treatments can help people reach remission or relief from symptoms. Despite one million people in the United States having MS, many others are not aware of the far-reaching and complex effects of this disease.
Each March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, meant to provide support for people with MS to educate others about the disease and its effects and to make efforts towards a future without the disease.
Supporting those with MS comes in many forms, from challenging isolating social stigmas and building supportive, inclusive communities, to promoting healthy living and self-care for those with MS and connecting them with resources they need. Another important goal is advocating for better service and accessibility for care and research.
There are many ways to get involved for this Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month.
Local organizations and chapters often hold athletic challenges, such as Walk MS, Bike MS, and others. You can look up some local events to explore the possibilities. If there isn’t one nearby, you can always organize one yourself or, if you are not athletic, you can host virtual streaming events of gaming, online karaoke, crafting, and more. There are also many virtual opportunities to learn more and get involved; the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America is just one organization that has virtual educational offerings.
Besides fundraising, you can also volunteer your time with different organizations to raise awareness, either in person or virtually. Advocate for change in your local or state community by learning more about current advocacy issues (such as access to health care, caregiving support, and MS research funding) and reaching out to public officials.
If you do not have multiple sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month is a good time to learn more about it, listen to people with MS, and amplify their voices. Listen to stories of people with MS − you can find a few from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or through the hashtag #ThisIsMS on social media.
When people with multiple sclerosis share their stories, it is an opportunity for the family and friends of people with MS to gain a better understanding of the disease and its effects on daily life. Because people experience different symptoms, it’s a chance to comprehend how complicated and varied MS can be. By learning more about it and by sharing knowledge, we can better make progress in researching and understanding the disease.
In addition to Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month here in the United States, May 30th is the annual World MS Day, a day to “celebrate global solidarity and hope for the future.” If you cannot get involved this May, World MS Day is another great opportunity.
Whether it’s joining fundraising events, giving financially, or connecting with others, there are many ways for you to get involved with Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month today and make a difference.
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