About MSAA

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is a national nonprofit organization and leading resource for the entire MS community, improving lives today through vital services and support. MSAA provides free programs and services, such as: a Helpline with trained specialists; award-winning publications, including, The Motivator; MSAA’s nationally recognized website, featuring educational videos, webinars, and research updates; a mobile phone app, My MS Manager™; safety and mobility equipment products; cooling accessories for heat-sensitive individuals; MRI funding; My MSAA Community, a peer-to-peer online support forum; MS Conversations blog; a clinical trial search tool; podcasts; and more. For additional information, please visit www.mymsaa.org or call (800) 532-7667.

Meet the Board

Posted on May 1, 2019 by MSAA

MSAA strives to be a leading resource for the MS community by improving lives today through vital services and support – and we could not accomplish this without the help of our volunteer board members. MSAA’s Board of Directors is comprised of accomplished professionals from across the country who volunteer their time to further MSAA’s mission. With our ongoing series, Meet the Board, we hope to introduce you to our wonderful volunteer board members!

This month, MSAA is proud to highlight our newest board member Alexandra von Plato. Continue reading →

Chaos Cannot Win

Posted on April 24, 2019 by MSAA

By Scott Cremeans

Staying organized in life is very important. It is beneficial to keep all of your doodads and doohickeys diligently divided so that you can reach them in an instant. The smart choice is to keep your selection of widgets neatly stacked for your convenience. It is essential to keep your entire calendar of events prominently posted for your perfunctory perusal.

As a person with multiple sclerosis, Continue reading →

Become a Creature of Habit

Posted on April 22, 2019 by MSAA

By Doug Ankerman

April’s theme of “Staying Organized” draws a collective “yeah right, when pigs fly” from most.

Adding your multiple sclerosis to the mix makes it even more overwhelming.

So, I say let’s break it down into something smaller. Something attainable. And simply become a “creature of habit.”

By that I mean make it a habit of putting your stuff in the same place every day.

Here on the counter is where Continue reading →

Getting Organized and Staying Organized: It’s a Lifesaver When Living with a Chronic Illness

Posted on April 17, 2019 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

I love being organized. I love containers and labels. I love having my finances organized and being able to find paperwork when needed. It brings me a sense of peace to plan things, be prepared and know what to expect. When everything has a place and is put away, it brings me joy. Living with a chronic illness like multiple sclerosis can be the exact opposite of that. It’s unpredictable, it disrupts plans, it can be invisible, and often it doesn’t have a logical reason behind the symptoms it brings. It can be manageable, but it’s not curable. Unlike my belongings, it can’t be fixed and controlled.

I know not everyone Continue reading →

To be organized or not to be?

Posted on April 10, 2019 by MSAA

By Lauren Kovacs

This is the question.

I used to be super organized. Years ago an older MSer told me that I will learn to conserve energy in my own way. She was right. Being organized can cause energy conservation.

With three sons and a husband, organizing consists of piles. They usually have no idea where something is. When they ask me I say Continue reading →

National Volunteer Week 2019

Posted on April 8, 2019 by MSAA

Happy National Volunteer Week 2019, which this year is being recognized April 7-13! Established more than 40 years ago, Continue reading →

Staying Organized with Medicine

Posted on April 5, 2019 by MSAA

By Alene Brennan

Medicine, vitamins and supplements are crucial components to Continue reading →

Surrounding Yourself

Posted on March 27, 2019 by MSAA

By Doug Ankerman

Okay, I hear you saying “you got this”… “no problem”… or the hackneyed, overused phrase “I have MS but it doesn’t have me.”

Yeah, I hear you tough guy/tough gal.

I hear you because I used to say the same. When I was diagnosed back in 1996, I thought MS didn’t know what it was messing with. I didn’t need any help. Didn’t need advice. Didn’t need to talk about it and burden someone else with my belly-aching. Continue reading →

Loved One in Denial?

Posted on March 25, 2019 by MSAA

By Jarely Meza

Some of us have been in the situation where a loved one has experienced a health problem, a sickness, addiction, or recent medical diagnosis and they are too stubborn or proud to admit this, let alone ask for help. As care partners we feel that it is our responsibility to push them to get help – to remind them about setting up an appointment, or to even try and convince them to go see someone about their situation.

Often someone who may be in denial will Continue reading →

The People Who Surround Me: Those I Keep and Seek

Posted on March 22, 2019 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

As I age, I’m getting more intentional about who I spend time with and how I shape interactions. We can’t always completely avoid people who drain us, but we can shift how we approach our interactions. We can’t always spend enough time with the people we love, but we can shape our relationships to maximize our joy and connection. A lot of our daily lives involve acquaintances who with a small amount of attention can become friends. Our friends and family won’t always have the skills or perspective to meet our needs, but we can find circles of friends who will fill the gaps.

People who drain me: If I can Continue reading →

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