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

Monica Derbes GibsonMSAA strives to be a leading resource for the entire MS community by improving lives today through vital services and support. 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! Continue reading

Share Button

It’s a… Family Tradition

By Lauren Kovacs

Aside from eating lots, being merry, and not worrying about the summer heat, we try and keep some traditions. Napping with a cozy blanket, of course, is a given. As my boys have grown, some Christmas traditions have changed. Some changed for the better, others I miss, and some result in teenage whining.

For a family photo, I have had the boys make Continue reading

Share Button

Changing Family Traditions for the Better

By Stacie Prada

I love family traditions. They’re unique to each family, and they bond us to each other. Sometimes it isn’t until we’re older that we realize there are other ways to celebrate. It’s also not until we talk to each other that we realize traditions we love may not be universally liked.

Throughout my youth, Santa always included an orange in the toe of my Christmas stocking. As an adult, I feel like Continue reading

Share Button

The Stillness of Christmas

By Alene Brennan

In the midst of the holidays, with all of the shopping, decorating and parties, there is a moment when all is well. A moment when the chaos quiets and I am reminded of the true meaning of the Christmas holiday. It’s a moment that I’ve treasured since childhood and now living with MS, I treasure it even more.

It arrives Continue reading

Share Button

Being Slow Isn’t a Bad Thing

Eliminate MS Stress - Being Slow Isn't a Bad ThingBy Penelope Conway

Is it time for bed yet? That was my first thought as I woke up this morning. I glanced at the clock and it was proudly displaying 6:30 AM. That’s way too far away from the sun going down and me climbing back into bed. I yawned, tried to stretch and yawned some more but only seconds passed. Now the clock says it’s 6:31 AM. At least it’s one minute closer. Maybe I can just lie here for another 720 minutes. Continue reading

Share Button

You Are Stressing Me Out!

By Lauren Kovacs

I admit that I am not always great at this. My approach to stress changes like the wind.  Each issue or event is assigned its own thing. I often stress about stress. 2am is often my stress time.

I am a classic introvert. I am allergic to people, parties, or any gathering. Avoidance is often my plan, sadly. Kind of weird for a Continue reading

Share Button

After the Stress: The Arc of Relief Takes Time

By Stacie Prada

In wellness circles, we focus a lot on trying to reduce, offset, and avoid stress. It sometimes seems like feeling anxious or overwhelmed is perceived as a deficiency in our ability to handle life. I’ve come to believe that certain life chapters and physical conditions are inherently stressful and completely outside the limits of what any well-adjusted, positive and active person can live through without physical consequence.

I once heard that Continue reading

Share Button

Top 3 Ways to Manage Holiday Stress

By Alene Brennan

Tis the season to be merry and bright… unless you’re living with multiple sclerosis and wanting to just crawl under the covers at the idea of the holiday commotion.

It seems like all the symptoms of MS can be amplified during the holiday season. Why? Because as much as it is a wonderful time of year, it inevitably increases stress.

For some people, it’s “good” stress – the additional social events with Continue reading

Share Button

MS and the Flu Shot

MS and the FluIt’s that time of year again when the leaves start falling off the trees in earnest, the weather turns cooler, and the sniffles start to spread around offices and schools. Welcome to cold and flu season. When it comes to preventing the common cold or the flu, there are different strategies Continue reading

Share Button

Election Day and Voting with a Disability

Election season is upon us and there are many important races all across the country awaiting the decision of the people. If you feel unsure about voting, or how to get to the polls, check out these five things to keep in mind before you cast your ballot.

Make sure you are registered to vote.

Depending on the state you live in, there may be a specific deadline that you must register before. If you have already missed Continue reading

Share Button