Did you realize an estimated 400,000 Americans have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis? A majority of these diagnosis are made between the ages of 20 and 50, with about 2/3 of this number being women. A co-worker, neighbor or even a family member could be affected by this disease without anyone realizing it.

Multiple Sclerosis, commonly known as M.S., is a chronic, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system which entails the optic nerve, spinal cord and brain. A definite diagnosis can take months if not years to make. Unfortunately, the prediction of the disease’s progress, severity and symptoms can’t be known. The advancements in treatments and research have given those affected by the disease some hope. M.S. may be a dreaded disease, but it is NOT fatal.

Multiple Sclerosis can have symptoms including tingling or numbness, slurred speech, and blurred or double vision. Muscle weakness, poor coordination or balance, muscle tightness or paralysis which could be temporary or permanent are other symptoms some people could experience. Studies have shown that 2 out of 3 people with M.S. remain able to walk over their lifetime, but many will need some kind of assistive device such as a cane or walker. A major concern for most M.S. patients is that of fatigue. Symptoms may vary in degree of difficulty to the person, whether the disease chooses to be mild, moderate, or severe.

As of today, there are 6 federally approved medications that treat multiple sclerosis. Of these, 4 are self-injected and have been shown to be effective in modifying the natural course of relapsing M.S. Unfortunately, these drugs are long-term medications. The other 2 medications are administered by IV infusion. There is the choice of 6 approved medications; however, none of them hold the answer to having a cure for M.S.

Over 300 research grants and fellowships are funded each year by the National M.S. Society. Last year the Western-Southern Troy M.S. Walk raised a little over $50,000. We’re asking for help to surpass this goal and reach closer to ending the devastating effects of M.S. Multiple Sclerosis may be a disease with no means of prevention, no known cause, and no cure, but…together we can fight to make M.S. stand for Mystery Solved!!

Information, local referrals, publications, and programs are available from the 50-state network of chapters through the National M.S. Society nationalmssociety.org