2001-03-04
feeling kinda
you can help make a difference in someone's life today.
i'm going to be doing the MS Walk 2001 on April 1 to raise funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. the NMSS uses their funds to help further research towards the cause and cure for multiple sclersosis, as well as providing programs to help improve quality of life for those living with MS. if you'd like to sponsor me, drop me a line; you can even sponsor me online - i'd be happy to give you the details. your support means the world to me, and to thousands of people living with MS.
if you're not familiar with MS, here are a few facts.
* MS is an unpredictable degenerative neurological disease. it is typically diagnosed in young adults between 20 and 40. the diagnostic process can be arduous, as there is no positive test for MS; doctors can only eliminate other possibilities.
* the progress, severity and symptoms vary widely. symptoms may be as mild as tingling and fatigue, as severe as blindness and paralysis, and can include mood swings.
* MS does not affect just one person. the entire family will feel the effects of this disease. while the physical effects are variable, i can tell you that the emotional impact is significant in every case.
* MS does not appear to be directly inherited, although there may be a genetic susceptibility. MS also appears to have a preference for women, particularly in northern latitudes. but it doesn't play favorites. MS is one of the most common neurological diseases around the world.
* there is currently no known cause or cure for MS. it is currently thought that MS may be some combination of an infectious and an autoimmune disease.
* there have been three new treatments developed for MS in the past few years. Avonex, Betaseron and Copaxone all help to manage the effects of relapsing/remitting MS and provide a nearly normal life expectancy. these and other advances in research give us hope that we will be able to find a cure.
* the National MS Society not only helps fund research; they also offer local programs such as counseling, peer support groups, limited financial aid, help with home modifications, legal referral services, and annual barrier free vacations for people with MS.
* nearly 11,000 people in central New England alone are diagnosed with MS. chances are that you know someone trying to deal with this disease. i know at least 3 people who are.
* interested in more details? you can read more here or here.
please consider helping - it will make a difference in someone's life.
thank you.
