CHERRY HILL, N.J., March 1, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Join friends, family and the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) in raising awareness for multiple sclerosis (MS) during the month of March. MSAA will be hosting various events designed to expand knowledge, understanding, and support of individuals whose lives are affected by multiple sclerosis. Programs will focus on themes such as intimacy and MS, newly diagnosed issues and symptom management.
One of the featured programs will be a workshop for children whose parents have MS, offered in conjunction with Children's Hope for Understanding Multiple Sclerosis (CHUMS) and a local family counselor. This program will feature simulation activities for the children, which will put them "in the shoes" of someone who has MS. Also on March 7, 2006, MSAA's president and CEO Doug Franklin will be speaking at the Food and Drug Administration's public forum concerning Tysabri(r) (natalizumab), which was approved as a sixth drug treatment for MS last year, but was suspended due to adverse events. There will also be opportunities to volunteer in your community throughout the month of March. To view all of the events, volunteer opportunities, or ways to support MSAA visit www.msaa.com or contact MSAA at (800) 532-7667.
MSAA is entering its 36th year of service and continues to be steadfast in its mission to enrich the quality of life for individuals with multiple sclerosis. In support of its mission MSAA provides a wide array of programs and services bringing ongoing support and direct services to people with MS and their families throughout the country. MSAA also serves to promote greater understanding of multiple sclerosis and the diverse needs and challenges of people with MS.
MSAA provides assistance through programs such as a toll free Helpline (800-532-7667), which allows individuals an opportunity to speak directly with one of MSAA's experienced and trained consultants. Assistance is also available for those who need MRI's through MSAA's MRI Institute. In a partnership with the pharmaceutical companies Serono and Pfizer, MSAA created the MRI Institute to assist MS clients in acquiring cranial and cervical spine (C-Spine) MRI's that physicians can use to evaluate disease progression. The MSAA MRI Institute works with eligible individuals, their doctors, imaging centers, and insurers to assist in acquiring the necessary MRI.
The MSAA Equipment Distribution Program, offers clients an extensive inventory of products designed to improve their safety, dignity, mobility, and independence. MSAA provides these products at no charge and ships items directly to the client. Clients can choose from equipment such as grab bars and shower chairs, household items including canes and transfer boards, and daily living aids ranging from wide-grip utensils to leg lifts. A selection of walkers, manual and electric wheelchairs, and electric scooters are available as well. MSAA also has a cooling program for those individuals who are heat sensitive, which provides cooling apparel including vests, collars, bandanas, and wristbands.
MSAA's regional and field offices located throughout the country provide additional assistance locally and in several surrounding states to MSAA's clients. These regional offices sponsor classes, workshops, and therapeutic services, such as massage therapy, cooling clinics, craft classes, exercise, hippotherapy (horseback riding), aquatics, and self defense. The offices also host awareness events, support group meetings, and networking events.
For more information on MS Awareness Month, MSAA or any of the programs and services MSAA provides, please contact Amanda Bednar, public relations manager at (800) 532-7667,extension 122 or via email at abednar@msaa.com.
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America is a national nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people affected by multiple sclerosis. MSAA offers programs and services including a toll-free Helpline (800-532-7667); support groups; equipment ranging from grab bars to wheelchairs; home modifications; MRI funding and insurance advocacy; educational literature including a quarterly magazine, The Motivator; Lending Library; cooling program for heat-sensitive individuals; awareness events, and more.
The most common neurological disorder diagnosed in young adults, multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. This disorder damages or destroys the protective covering (known as myelin) surrounding the nerves, causing reduced communication between the brain and nerve pathways. Common symptoms include visual problems, overwhelming fatigue, difficulty with balance and coordination, and various levels of impaired mobility. MS is not contagious or fatal.
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America logo is available at: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1392