Who we are - National Multiple Sclerosis Society...We are an affi liate of the National Multiple...
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VISION A world free of MS. MISSION People affected by MS can live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever. ABOUT US The National MS Society helps each person affected by MS address the challenges of living with MS by raising funds for cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing programs and services that empower people with MS and their families to move their lives forward. If you or someone you know has MS Early and ongoing treatment with an FDA- approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. Learn about your options by talking to your healthcare professional and contacting the National MS Society at nationalMSsociety.org or 1-800-344-4867. The National MS Society, Greater Northwest Chapter is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. PHONE 1-800-344-4867, option 1 EMAIL MS[email protected] WEB MSnorthwest.org CHAPTER HEADQUARTERS 192 Nickerson St., Ste. 100 Seattle, WA 98109 PHONE 206-284-4236 ALASKA OFFICE 3831 Piper St., Ste. S410 Anchorage, AK 99508 PHONE 907-563-1115 INLAND NORTHWEST OFFICE 25 W. Nora Ave., Ste. 100 Spokane, WA 99205 PHONE 509-482-2022 MONTANA OFFICE 2047 Broadwater, Ste. 2 Billings, MT 59102 PHONE 406-252-9500 Who we are 15,500 People with MS 110,500 People affected by MS GREATER NORTHWEST CHAPTER Together we are stronger “I have been able to connect with others through various workshops and support groups that remind me I am not alone in this fight!” – Reina, above left, diagnosed in 2002 Who we serve Get answers, get involved, get connected with the services and programs we provide so you can live your best possible life. The Greater Northwest Chapter of the National MS Society serves over 15,500 people living with MS and more than 110,500 others including family, friends, caregivers and health care professionals in Alaska, Northern Idaho, Montana and Washington. We are an affiliate of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, founded in 1946. AK WA MT ID Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are leading to better understanding and moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 2.3 million people worldwide. “Without the National MS Society, I would have never known how far I could go or how much my life could improve after my diagnosis. I cannot express how thankful I am.” – Brian, above right, diagnosed in 2012 About MS
Transcript of Who we are - National Multiple Sclerosis Society...We are an affi liate of the National Multiple...
VISION A world free of MS.
MISSION People affected by MS can live their best lives as we stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever.
ABOUT US The National MS Society helps each person affected by MS address the challenges of living with MS by raising funds for cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing programs and services that empower people with MS and their families to move their lives forward.
If you or someone you know has MSEarly and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. Learn about your options by talking to your healthcare professional and contacting the National MS Society at nationalMSsociety.org or 1-800-344-4867.
The National MS Society, Greater Northwest Chapter is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
PHONE 1-800-344-4867, option 1EMAIL [email protected] WEB MSnorthwest.org
CHAPTER HEADQUARTERS192 Nickerson St., Ste. 100Seattle, WA 98109PHONE 206-284-4236
ALASKA OFFICE3831 Piper St., Ste. S410Anchorage, AK 99508PHONE 907-563-1115
INLAND NORTHWEST OFFICE25 W. Nora Ave., Ste. 100Spokane, WA 99205PHONE 509-482-2022
MONTANA OFFICE2047 Broadwater, Ste. 2Billings, MT 59102PHONE 406-252-9500
Who we are
15,500People with MS
110,500People affected by MS
GREATER NORTHWEST CHAPTER
Togetherwe are stronger
“I have been able to connect with others through various workshops and support groups that remind me I am not alone in this fi ght!”
– Reina, above left, diagnosed in 2002
Who we serve Get answers, get involved, get connected with the services and programs we provide so you can live your best possible life.
The Greater Northwest Chapter of the National MS Society serves over 15,500 people living with MS and more than 110,500 others including family, friends, caregivers and health care professionals in Alaska, Northern Idaho, Montana and Washington. We are an affi liate of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, founded in 1946.
AK
WA
MT
ID
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the fl ow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body.
Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specifi c symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are leading to better understanding and moving us closer to a world free of MS.
Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 2.3 million people worldwide.
“Without the National MS Society,I would have never known how far I could go or how much my life could improve after my diagnosis.
I cannot express how thankful I am.”
– Brian, above right, diagnosed in 2012
About MS
Get AnswersWhether you have just been diagnosed or are experiencing new challenges
in your disease, you have questions. Fortunately, we have answers, and thanks
to generous donations, our programs and services are free. Connect today.
Timeline of Progress in MS Research
INFORMATION AND EDUCATION There is a sea of information out there and it can be overwhelming to sort through it all to fi nd what you need. Our online, telephone and in-person education opportunities can get you started. Or, call an MS Navigator®—your personal guide for up-to-date local and national resources, information and referrals. Whether it’s fi nding a home care service, locating a clinic, or deciphering health insurance, no question is too large or small.
ACCESS THE CARE YOU NEED Quality MS care, physical activity, a healthy diet and lowering your stress contribute signifi cantly to feeling better. The Society has materials, online videos and a directory of MS-trained fi tness professionals available to help you achieve a healthier you. MS Navigators can also help connect you with quality MS specialty care including doctors, counselors, social workers, physical therapists and more.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES Living with MS can be expensive and may create a broad range of fi nancial challenges. Let us help you get the guidance, resources and leverage you need to keep going and prepare for the future.
Dreaming of college? Our scholarships provide access to higher education for those affected by MS.
CONNECT WITH OTHERS The unpredictable nature of MS can put a strain on every aspect of your life, from your marriage to the workplace. Join a support group, get in touch with a professional counselor or meet others online at MSconnection.org to help make your way through the ups and downs. Resources for carepartners and children are available too.
in your disease, you have questions. Fortunately, we have answers, and thanks
Timeline
MSnorthwest.org1-800-344-4867,option 1
lowering your stress contribute signifi cantly to
carepartners and children are available too.
1946 National MS Society USA Launched
1969 Society co-funds research of steroid ACTH, which becomes the fi rst drug shown to speed recovery from MS relapses
1974 Society convinces U.S. Congress to appoint commission on MS; resulting report increases federal funding for MS research
1981 First MRI pictures of a brain affected by MS, revolutionizing MS diagnosis
1992 Society supports fi rst comprehensive search for genes that make people susceptible to MS, initiating targeted research program in MS genetics
Get InvolvedThe MS movement is powerful. It’s made up of people just like you who are
making a profound difference—together and individually. Share your best
ideas, inspire people with your commitment, raise awareness, tell your story
and pass on what you’ve learned. Join the Movement®.
Get ConnectedCALL 1-800-344-4867, option 1
CHAPTER WEBSITE Turn to MSnorthwest.org for the latest in programs and services, events, advocacy, volunteer opportunities and more.
E-NEWS Sign up for regular eNews updates with the latest in MS news, research, programs and community events. Subscribe and choose your preferences at nationalMSsociety.org/signup.
FACEBOOK Join our community of online friends for breaking news, videos, exclusive contests and more at facebook.com/MSnorthwest.org.
MSCONNECTION.ORG Join others affected by MS to support one another and explore the issues that shape your world at MSconnection.org.
MS ACTIVIST NETWORK Sign up to receive emails and take action on issues that matter to you at nationalMSsociety.org/MSactivist.
STORYBANK Each person touched by MS has a unique story. By sharing these stories, we raise awareness, give a face to our advocacy efforts and provide hope to people living with the disease. Share your story online at nationalMSsociety.org/storybank.
1993 First disease-modifying therapy for relapsing MS approved
2005 “McDonald Criteria” for diagnosing MS updated by Society Task Force, speeding time to diagnosis for many
2007 With support from the Society, International MS Genetics Consortium confi rms two genes linked to MS risk; many more uncovered since
2010 First oral disease-modifying therapy approved for relapsing MS
To read the complete timeline, learn more about research leads on the horizon or become a Research Champion, visitnationalMSsociety.org/research.
JOIN OR START AN EVENT Our signature fundraising events—Walk MS, Bike MS, Dinner of Champions and On the Move Luncheon—along with your Do It Yourself fundraising events make it possible for the Society to fund groundbreaking research and provide comprehensive programs and services for people living with MS. They are also opportunities for those in the movement to celebrate our successes and bolster each other to keep moving towards a world free of MS.
ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE Your voice helps shape the policies that benefi t people living with MS. Share your story with your elected offi cials to help them understand how MS affects you and the people around you, or join an activism committee in your state. Whether you have just a minute or more time to spare, you can facilitate change for the better.
VOLUNTEER We need your passion and skill and have volunteer opportunities for every interest and ability. Lend a hand with our events, identify resources to ensure high-quality referrals, use your professional skills to help with specifi c challenges related to housing, fi nancial planning, insurance and employment, virtually take-on special projects via the web or provide administrative support for your local Society offi ce.
DONATE Your fi nancial contributions, gifts of goods and services, and introductions to potential corporate sponsors change lives and fund cutting-edge research.
MSnorthwest.org and click Donate
Get Connectedprovide comprehensive programs and services
potential corporate sponsors change lives and fund cutting-edge research.
MS
1-800-344-4867, option 1MSnorthwest.org
advocacy efforts and provide hope to people living with the disease.
1-800-344-4867, option 1MS
2012 Progressive MS Alliance launched to speed research and development of therapies
The National MS Society is a driving force of MS research to stop disease progression, restore lost function and end MS forever, with more than $900 million invested in MS research to date.
1965 Society-convened panel of experts develops precise criteria for diagnosing MS
2014 Society holds conference to identify wellness opportunities in MS research and programs
2015 Society completes the NOW Research Campaign and delivers on the bold commitment to raise $250 million in 5 years; results in more MS research and life-changing progress than at any other time in the Society’s history
2008 MS activists secure $5 million for MS research through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program; funding has continued each year
