Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. The symptoms may include blurred or double vision, numbness or tingling of the limbs, poor coordination, tremors, extreme fatigue and problems with memory and concentration. Symptoms and side effects of MS may be permanent or they may come and go. Diagnosis usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 50, although individuals as young as 2 and as old as 75 have been diagnosed. Multiple sclerosis is not considered a fatal disease as a vast majority of people with MS live a normal life span. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are giving hope to those affected by the disease. Approximately 400,000 Americans have MS, and every week about 200 people are diagnosed. Worldwide, MS affects about 2.5 million people. Of that 2.5 million people who have MS worldwide, twice as many women have multiple sclerosis than men. In Georgia, there are 8,500 people living with MS across our 159 counties. The National MS Society recommends that people living with MS work with their physicians/neurologists to begin and maintain an appropriate course of drug therapy to manage their symptoms and lessen the severity of relapses, or exacerbations. For more information about MS, go to www.nationalmssociety.org.
The mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is working to accomplish this mission through a nationwide network of chapters that serve more than a million people annually. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a driving force of MS research, relentlessly pursuing prevention, treatment and cure. We seek and engage the world’s brightest minds to guide and conduct research efforts. The MS Society funds more MS research than any voluntary organization in the world. In addition, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is the only national voluntary MS organization that meets the standards of all major agencies that rate the fiscal responsibility of non-profit groups. We address the challenges of each person whose life is affected by MS. We provide timely, customized response to personal and family needs, including direct assistance for certain goods and services when community resources fall short. We offer information, education and services to address the wide range of challenges facing those living with MS. We mobilize the talents and resources of the millions of people who want to do something about MS, NOW. We are committed and equipped to identify, recruit, engage and manage the talents of the volunteers and staff and we will celebrate their accomplishments. We are activists. We give voice to people with MS. We relentlessly advocate for federal, state and local government programs essential to people with MS. We will raise a total of $1.25 billion by the end of 2010 to be used in the fight against multiple sclerosis.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is proud to be a source of information about MS. Please call us at 678-672-1000 or 1-800-FIGHT-MS for information and referral on any MS-related issue. Our comments are based on professional advice, published experience and expert opinion, but we do not represent individual therapeutic recommendation or prescription. For specific information and advice, please consult your personal physician/neurologist.
For more information about our client programs, professional education, services provided and events by the Georgia Chapter or the National MS Society, visit our Web site at www.nationalmssociety.org/gaa, or call 678-672-1000 or 1-800-FIGHT-MS.
