The National Multiple Sclerosis Society is a collective of passionate individuals who want to do something about MS NOW – to move together toward a world free from multiple sclerosis. We fund more MS research, provide more services to people with MS, offer more professional education, and further more advocacy efforts than any other MS organization in the world.

• We are a driving force of MS research, relentlessly pursuing prevention, treatment and cure.
• We address the challenges of each person whose life is affected by MS.
• We mobilize the talents and resources of the millions of people who want to do something about MS.
• We are activists.
• We will raise a total of $1.25 billion by the end of 2010.

WHERE DOLLARS GO

The money you raise will support the following:



RESEARCH

Thanks to our generous contributors, the Society invested over $42 million dollars in 2006 to fund over 350 new and ongoing MS research projects as part of its international effort to move research forward to cure, treat and better understand MS. Significant advances have been made in both clinical and laboratory studies in MS. In addition, more than 130 clinical trials are under way around the world, and still other experimental drugs are in the pipeline. Society-funded research has been at the core of provocative findings and projects such as:

• Six MS-related drugs including Avonex, Betaseron, Copaxone, Novantrone, Rebif and Tysabri
• Establishment of six Pediatric MS Centers of Excellence, which are simultaneously gathering critical data to help understand the course MS takes from the very beginning of the disease when symptoms first appear
• An international workshop to identify major obstacles to the growth of MS rehabilitation research and recommended specific strategies to move MS rehabilitation research forward

The support of a group of leading MS researchers poised to conduct studies to improve care and enhance therapy options for people with MS.

GEORGIA CHAPTER

The Georgia Chapter helps the thousands of Georgians impacted by MS continue to move their lives forward. We provide comprehensive support services and educational programs, and raise funds locally to support the Society’s research initiatives. A volunteer Board of Trustees governs the chapter, establishes policies for its operation, leads fundraising efforts, and oversees service and volunteer activities. The chapter has over 15 full- and part-time staff and works with thousands of volunteers throughout the year.

We are people who want to do something about MS NOW

Information and Referral:

We provide timely, customized responses to personal and family needs and offer information, education and services to address the wide range of issues facing those living with MS. Pamphlets and brochures on a variety of topics related to MS are available.

Newly Diagnosed Support:

Clients are encouraged to participate in Knowledge Is Power, a unique education-by-mail program, as well as in newly diagnosed support groups and in-person education programs. Newly diagnosed packets are available, which provide accurate and supportive information about living with MS.

Lending Library:

The Chapter maintains a complete and up-to-date library of books, journals, DVD’s, and videotapes on a wide range of topics related to MS. Materials are mailed upon request and include a return postage-paid envelope. All materials are approved by the National MS Society and/or the Clinical Advisory Committee.

Newsletter and Magazine:

All registered members receive our quarterly newsletter, MS Connection, which covers MS research as well as chapter programs and events. Members also receive Inside MS, an award winning bi-monthly lifestyle magazine for people with MS and their families.

Education and Awareness:

The chapter offers a wide range of educational programs for people with MS, families and friends, health care professionals, and the general public. Programs include in-person seminars, statewide teleconferences, Internet programs, and interactive workshops.

Internet Education Series:

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society Web site offers educational programs, “Learn Online,” research updates, local resources, news desk, advocacy events, book reviews and more. For more information visit www.nationalmssociety.org.

Health Professional In-service Training:

In-service educational programs are offered to providers of home health care and long-term care who are involved with the care of individuals with MS.

Research:

An aggressive series of research programs continues to forge ahead into the cause, cure, and prevention of MS. The National MS Society sponsors hundreds of research projects nationwide. To learn more about research that is taking place in Georgia, please contact the Georgia Chapter at 678-672-1000 or visit our Web site, www.nationalmssociety.org/gaa.

Self-Help Groups:

Groups led by a trained peer leader are held on an ongoing basis throughout Georgia. The over 30 groups meet primarily for educational and social purposes, allowing members to share feelings and find support with others in similar situations.  For Self Help Group information please contact Tammy Earnest, 678-672-1000 or Tammy.Earnest@nmssga.org.

Peer Support:

Trained volunteers with MS and caregivers are available via the telephone to provide peer support to those with a desire to talk with someone who truly knows what it’s like to have the disease.
         
Financial Assistance:

Financial assistance is available to help pay for the purchase or repair of durable medical equipment, home modification, and automobile modification. Emergency assistance is available to help cover the costs of rent and utilities for qualifying clients.

Financial Assistance for Respite Care:

The purpose of this program is to provide assistance to caregivers who are rendering care to a family member with multiple sclerosis. This program is referred to as the “Break for Caregivers” program. Assistance is limited. 

Recreation and Fitness Programs:

The chapter sponsors aquatics and yoga programs with instructors who have participated in MS Aquatic Instructor training and MS yoga training. Financial assistance is available to individuals with MS to help defray the costs of participation. 

Advocacy:

We are activists, relentlessly advocating for federal, state, and local government programs essential to people with MS. Locally, our Government Relations Committee guides efforts to advocate for members on issues such as accessibility, health care coverage, transportation and housing. At the state level, we are part of a statewide coalition action network responsible for legislative and executive branch advocacy activity. At the federal level, we partnered with the Society’s Washington advocacy office. Chapter volunteers are active in Action Alert, a national program that provides updates on current legislation that affects people with disabilities. Members involved in advocacy are encouraged to write or call their representatives with requests for support. For more information about advocacy, contact Kyle Pinion, 678-672-1000 or Kyle.Pinion@nmssga.org.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Our most valuable resources are the individuals and organizations who volunteer their time and energy to fight against MS. Many people with and without MS are involved as volunteers. The chapter has hundreds of volunteer opportunities for people to offer their time, talent and energy. Whether assisting with event logistics, earning college credit with a college internship at the chapter, or providing vital office support to the chapter staff, there is always a place for those who want to do something about MS now. If you’re interested in being a volunteer, please contact Amanda Karnik, 678-672-1000 or Amanda.Karnik@nmssga.org.

Fundraising:

The chapter takes pride in maximizing opportunities for all of our members to engage in fundraising. Through hard work, dedication and generosity of many, our fundraising events raised over $1.2 million in 2007. Our supporters help us continue to provide vital programs and services in our community, as well as pursue prevention, treatment and a cure for MS.

For more information on any of the above programs, please call 678-672-1000 or 800-FIGHT.MS or visit www.nationalmssociety.org/gaa.