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.

National Love Your Pet Day

Posted on February 5, 2018 by MSAA

Dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, fish – no matter the species, pets serve as great companions!

Some pets act as service animals, performing everyday tasks that may be difficult for people living with disabilities. Other animals serve as emotional support, lending an ear whenever you’re feeling down and just want someone to talk to. No matter how you feel your pet supports you, one thing remains clear – pets are always willing to give unconditional love no matter the circumstance.

February 20^th is recognized as National Love Your Pet Day, and MSAA would like to help you share your special relationship with your favorite animal!

Please share a picture of your pet with us by adding a comment on the blog or our social media pages. Additionally, feel free to tag us (@msassociation) in a separate post about your pet on your personal social media. We’ll collect all of your shared photos over the next few weeks, and then we’ll post a photo collage on our social media accounts on February 20^th in honor of National Love Your Pet Day.

We can’t wait to see your pet photos and hear more about your furry friends!

February 2018 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on February 2, 2018 by MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2017-18 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).

We have received many wonderful submissions from across the country and are delighted to share their work and their stories with you. Please visit our online gallery to view all of the new submissions.

Sharon Goodwin – Fort Worth, TX
Pink Blossoms

About the Artist:
“The first time I realized I had passion for art was when I made a pastel drawing of a horse at 11 years old. Since then I’ve dabbled in woodworking, painting, cake decorating, drawing, sculpture and crocheting.

Over the years though, I’ve gotten away from participating in my own creative activities due to working full time, being Mom to my 2 wonderful boys and trying to cope with confusing symptoms. After finally being diagnosed with MS in 2016, I realized my physical and cognitive abilities weren’t the same as they used to be. I started feeling a creative longing but didn’t have much motivation or know where to begin. A little inspiration from my husband this year reignited my passion once again.”
Read more

Prioritizing Needs = You

Posted on January 26, 2018 by MSAA

By Lauren Kovacs

You would think after 20 plus years of MS and three kids I would be good at prioritizing. I struggle with this monster to this day. It is not always easy to slay this dragon. It is relentless and seems to have many lives.

Mentally or on my phone, I try and note my path. I try and tackle one, maybe two, things a day. Try being the optimal word. I often plan the week out on Sunday evenings.

It can be hard, too, when prioritizing has a roadblock called “help”. Many of us rely on help from others. We end up waiting patiently, all while cooking in stress and anxiety.

I know beggars can’t be choosers. As if needing help for simple things is not hard enough, we must learn to function on someone else’s schedule and timeline. Their priorities never click with yours.

Make “you” the priority. For example, we go to 10am mass. It is kind of far and my sons are alter servers. I make sure they don’t smell and are presentable, and then they help me. Even with all older boys getting out the door is hard. Being a wrinkled mess, nuclear breath, and non-matching clothes don’t bother them apparently. Yet, my shoes are tied and I am always ready.

I get up at 6:30am and take my medication, eat, get dressed, do my eyeliner several times, hair only goes into ponytail or down and do any other leaving the house stuff. I save the things I can’t do for later. Some days I am completely ready on my own and others I am not.

Yes, it drives me insane, after 20 minutes I can’t tie my shoes. I may have irritated my ears trying to put earrings on, but at least my eyeliner is straight. Some days I can’t button my blouse or fix my collar.

Part of prioritizing is letting go. I only wear silver earrings without those little backs. They may not be super matchy-matchy to my outfit, but I have earrings on. If they were there from days before, no biggy.

Trying to go with the flow is torture for many of us. Most MS folks are planners. We usually have plan B, C or maybe even plan E. “E” is usually the “enough is enough” plan.

Is it essential to survival that I have different earring on? Am I at least modest in my dress to go to church? I hate dresses, but I make sure my pants look nice. Are my pants easy up and down? How easily can I get to the bathroom? The wheelchair does not fit in there, but the walker will. Are my bowels and bladder empty?

Priorities change like our MS does. Factor in everything. Is it a huge deal that you had to wear sneakers? Yes, the black boots would have looked much better. The dress pants would look good, but they have a button and zipper. Are my fingers working today? Will I be too tired?

Overthinking might, in some cases, be helpful. Choose the path with less stress. Ask yourself what you can do by yourself, if you built in extra time. If I just can’t button my shirt, I wear one without buttons or ask for help, if time permits.

Prioritizing can be exhausting. Even making phone calls is tough, when your speech is garbled. I worry someone will report me because I sound drunk. It gets worse as the day progresses.

I try and keep appointments for late morning. My day is prioritizing. Everything comes before my afternoon nap. Once I nap I wind down the day. My descent into more MS speeds up after lunch.

Making “you” important. It is a balance to do this on top of family needs. Don’t brush your wants and needs aside. I may want my hair pulled half back. Find a way to meet that want. I don’t mind having two hairstyles, but there are times I want something different.

Putting make up on is very hard. My eyeballs are used to being stabbed with mascara wands. Baby wipes are great for removing eyeliner that left a wiggly path. Don’t give up on you because MS is in that path.

Between You and I

Posted on January 24, 2018 by MSAA

By Doug Ankerman

Time we had a chat. A good ‘ol face to face.

You know we have a few things in common, right?

First, we both have multiple sclerosis. Me, since 1996. An MS diagnosis can be difficult to accept but over time you realize you can’t change the past so you must work to positively improve the future.

Which leads me to the second thing we have in common…muscles.

Did you know we have around 640 muscles in our bodies? That’s not 640 between us, you have 640 muscles and I have 640 muscles. (Although looking at me one might think I left a few hundred muscles in my other shirt!)

And those muscles…your muscles, my muscles, our muscles…want to move! They want to be stretched, strengthened, and energized.

Meanwhile, multiple sclerosis wants to painfully wretch, tighten, and shorten your muscles till they cry “Uncle.”

So we must have a plan to keep that from happening. We must prioritize our needs to keep our bodies strong, loose, and resilient.

We must make our health the number-one, numero-uno priority. We must give our body what it needs and craves. Give it movement. As much as you can. Reach. Reach further. Now to the other side. Twist. Turn. Then do it again. Get up. Walk if you can. Extend your arms. Move your legs. Wiggle your feet. Do it standing or sitting – it doesn’t matter how because anything counts. Every little movement helps. It doesn’t have to be intense. And you don’t need a gym membership. You just need to keep moving those muscles. All 640 of them. The more your muscles move – the better they move.

MS is a bugger that doesn’t give up. So neither must you.

Make time for you and your muscles. Two minute here, ten minutes there. Move during the commercials while watching television (You never like them anyway!).

Make it your first priority. You will feel better. Feel positive. Muscles will loosen and let the energy flow throughout the body.

Remember, movement means mobility.

I’m so glad we had a chance to talk. Now we know what we need to do. So go ahead. Get started. Get going and move!

*Doug writes about MS and other nonsense with a humorous twist at myoddsock.com.

MSAA’s Mission with the Mouse

Posted on January 22, 2018 by MSAA

By Gina Ross Murdoch, MSAA President & CEO

Recently, MSAA embarked on a new initiative of endurance events including the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, Tough Mudder Race Series, and the Disney World® Marathon Weekend presented by Cigna®. This was an opportunity for us to engage people across the country in our mission to support the entire MS community. Wanting to jump in and be part of this important effort, I signed up for my third half marathon at Disney World.

Team MSAA-Disney included fourteen runners participating in the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, Full Marathon and, for two overachievers, all four consecutively! I selected the half marathon which is 13.1 miles. Training for the 13.1 mile half marathon is a grueling process that takes dedication and stamina. However, living with the uncertainty and challenges of multiple sclerosis is much more difficult than training for any endurance event. As one of the participants, I sent out my fundraising emails and received some wonderful donations. I was proud to be a full member of Team MSAA.

As my inspiration, I reached out to board members, volunteers and friends across the country to add their name to my running singlet.

As you can see, I carried the names of so many people who struggle every day with multiple sclerosis.

Race weekend – let’s do this!

Ready to run, tutu and all!

We begin at a very, very cold start with 60,000 Disney runners including 13 Team MSAA members.

Rosa and Ramón in their Team MSAA shirts stopped by for a photo before we take off

The fireworks explode and we are on our way! Throughout the run, I see elite athletes running easily and I see others digging down deep to finish this challenge.

Here I am at the 3-mile mark with Nemo and Dory – still a long way to go!

I reach the 7 mile mark and I am tired. I grab a drink and look down at my singlet and see the names of so many who are tired every day and not just this one day. I think about their stories of their diagnosis, their journey, their challenges and they inspire me to continue on in their honor. As you can see in the photo below, those living with multiple sclerosis, those caring for a loved one living with multiple sclerosis, the entire medical community that has dedicated their lives to research and care, propelled me through the next 6.1 miles and I cross the finish line!!

Victory! I crossed the finish line inspired by all of the members of the MS community.

On Sunday, I am cheering for Team MSAA members Bekah, Rachael, and Michelle who are participating in the full marathon. Bekah and Rachel are completing the Dopey Challenge which consists of a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Full Marathon over the four days of the event. They run in honor of their father, Dan, who lives with multiple sclerosis.

Here’s a picture of Rachael and Bekah after they completed the Dopey Challenge on Sunday. What an incredible accomplishment!

I received texts along the way as they cross milestones of 5K, 10K, 20K, 23 miles, and come ever closer to that 26.2 mile marathon finish line. I received the final text that all three runners have now completed the run and are receiving their well-deserved medals. The amazing thing is that Bekah, Rachael, Michelle and the entire team were thankful to have the opportunity to participate in this event and support our mission. It is the members of the MSAA staff who are honored and humbled by their efforts over so many months to physically train, mentally prepare, and financially support our mission. I could not be prouder of my fellow Team MSAA members who participated in everything from the 5K to the Dopey Challenge. You are inspiring, amazing, and incredible people!!

I Need To Up My Game: Prioritizing Needs

Posted on January 17, 2018 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

When I feel great, there’s no need to change what I’m doing. Following new and improved advice may actually break the complex formula of nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle that keep me in good health. If I’m not feeling well, figuring out what I need and prioritizing it within the mix of all my other needs becomes an issue.

We subconsciously prioritize and adjust our behavior to meet our needs all the time. For me the demand to put effort into prioritizing needs comes when I don’t feel well. I’m stressed, something hurts, or some part of me isn’t working as well as usual. It could be one small thing that is snowballing into a big issue, or it could be a big issue that’s easy to identify yet overwhelming to fix.

This past year, my pain level increased to a level that was affecting sleep and causing debilitating discomfort. I researched possible causes and tried stretching, massage, supplements and rest. It helped a little but not much. I went to a massage therapist who worked the muscles, and it caused almost unbearable pain for days. Through my neurologist, I tried medication and was told I’d need to take it for a few weeks before the side effects would mellow out. I gave it a good try, but I could see it wasn’t going to be a good long-term solution for me right now. I obtained a referral for physical therapy, and there I had someone work with me to specifically design a fitness regimen that will address my nerve pain. She assessed my personal condition and through trial and error pinpointed the cause of the pain. She helped me devise a mix of exercises that will increase my strength, improve my balance, and hopefully reduce the nerve pain I’m living with.

Each step of the way, I had to make my health a priority while still doing everything else my life requires. While under her care, I dutifully did all the exercises she prescribed. It was tough doing it all, and it wasn’t something that I could sustain.

When I think about doing everything the physical therapist advised, I get overwhelmed. I want to do it all, but it’s too much right now. I anticipated this and specifically asked her what the minimum daily fitness activities would be so that I could start there. This took being honest with myself and with her. I had to be open to being judged negatively and accept I’m not going to be the model patient I’d love to be.

I already have a minimum fitness routine I do every day and have been doing for years. Seriously, I missed eight days two years ago and none last year. I thought I was doing great, but it wasn’t enough to protect me from having problems develop. So now I’m working on modifying my routine to deal with my changing body. I’m incorporating the minimum she gave me, and I have a long list of things to add when I’m ready.

I’m not doing everything she gave me, but I’ll get there. And I like having the guidance for what to do when I’m ready to up my game. She may or may not approve of my approach, but I’m the one who knows me and lives with the consequences.

It feels like slow change, but it’s not no change. I’m in it for the long haul and doing what I can as I can.

*Stacie Prada was diagnosed with RRMS in 2008 at the age of 38. Her blog, “Keep Doing What You’re Doing” is a compilation of inspiration, exploration, and practical tips for living with Multiple Sclerosis while living a full, productive, and healthy life with a positive perspective. It includes musings on things that help her adapt, cope and rejoice in this adventure on earth. Please visit her at http://stacieprada.blogspot.com/

Priority Number One: You

Posted on January 10, 2018 by MSAA

At the beginning of a new year, many people make resolutions for ways to make this calendar year better than the last one. Some of the most common resolutions made at the beginning of the year include: dieting, exercising more, learning to budget money better, spending more time with friends and family, and learning a new language. One resolution you might consider is learning to prioritize your own wants and needs, especially when it comes to living with MS.

It can feel selfish to focus on yourself and your own needs, but that doesn’t make it unimportant. We are able to give more of ourselves to the people and things we care about when we have first taken care of our own bodies and wellbeing.

Living with a chronic health condition like multiple sclerosis can force you to become better attuned to your body’s needs as the severity of your symptoms change. Each person knows their body better than anyone, and knows their limitations (whether we choose to acknowledge them or not). If you feel you need time and space to focus on a particular physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual need this year, make the time to do so. Family, friends, hobbies, work, social life – they are all important, but so is your overall health and wellbeing.

This year, challenge yourself to create a new habit – choose at least one activity a day that helps you focus on self-care (and let us know in the comments how you are doing it)!

For more information and strategies for overall wellness this year, check out MSAA’s Overall Wellness section on their website.

January 2018 Artist of the Month: Celebrating the Work of Artists Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on January 5, 2018 by MSAA

MSAA is very proud to present our 2017-18 Art Showcase – celebrating the work of artists affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).

Mary Winton – Colorado Springs, CO
New Skates

About the Artist:
“My life has always been absorbed with the creative arts. After receiving a degree in graphic design, I was fortunate to have had a long and fulfilling career in the art field.

Then I was diagnosed in 1995 with multiple sclerosis.

I was totally unaware of what kind of journey this disease was going to take me. This journey is one I’ve turned into a positive. It has shown me how strong and durable I can be.”
Read more

Meet the Board

Posted on January 3, 2018 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 new series, Meet the Board, we hope to introduce you to our wonderful volunteer board members!

MSAA is proud to highlight two volunteer board members this month – John McCorry and James Anderson, Esq.

John McCorry
Board Chair, Member of the Executive Committee and Communications and Marketing Committee

Professional Background: John McCorry of Princeton, New Jersey is Senior Executive Editor for the Americas at Bloomberg News, in charge of more than 40 bureaus and the top news from the region. Previously, Mr. McCorry had been in charge of global company and regional news operations since 2003. Prior to that, Mr. McCorry was Managing Editor for North American company news, a position he began in 1998. He joined Bloomberg as a reporter in 1992 covering municipal finance and the bond markets and helped Bloomberg News win a Deadline Club award for its coverage of the Orange County bankruptcy.

James M. (Jim) Anderson, Esq.
Immediate Past Chair, Executive Committee Member

Professional Background: Jim Anderson of Ridgeland, Mississippi is the Managing Member of Anderson Crawley & Burke, pllc, a Mississippi law firm headquartered in the Jackson, Mississippi area. An Honor graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and a cum laude graduate of the Mississippi College School of Law, Mr. Anderson is active in numerous professional organizations surrounding his private law practice where he focuses on workers’ compensation litigation, insurance/self-insurance regulation, and mediation. In 2012, he was named the Lawyer of the Year for Outstanding Lifetime Achievement in the Legal Community by the Mississippi College School of Law.

What inspired you to join MSAA’s Board of Directors?

McCorry: “My inspiration was a desire to give back. I’ve been profoundly lucky in life, and I wanted to help others. The fact that my wife, Rebecca Cox, was diagnosed with MS in 1999 of course was also a factor. Strangely enough, that wasn’t the event that landed me on the MSAA board eight years ago. That happened because my lifelong friend Bob Manley, then an MSAA board member and future chairman, asked if I would like to help because the board didn’t have anyone with media experience. I was honored to join, and have been blessed to be associated with this great organization ever since. I’ve gotten back at least what I’ve given into the effort – learning, understanding the disease and its effects, meeting some great people, and hopefully helping those affected by multiple sclerosis.”

Anderson: “In my search for an opportunity to serve the community-at-large in a meaningful way, I discovered MSAA through a friend who was then serving on the Board. After learning MSAA’s history, mission, and focus, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to participate on a Board that was making a difference in the lives of those who were impacted by multiple sclerosis. My impression has been proven valid. Learning the details of the implementation of MSAA’s mission, getting to know the MSAA staff members who do such an amazing job, and experiencing firsthand the impact the MSAA makes on the MS community has been a wonderful and life changing experience.”

What are your goals as an MSAA Board Member?

McCorry: “I’m goal-oriented in general, so I find that I match my goals to those of the organization. In that regard, I’ve tried to help define initiatives that could assist our clients – psychosocial workshops, better ways for the community to communicate, etc. I’ve worked on our goal to raise financing to fund all these programs that improve lives—today. More philosophically, I’ve tried to bring what I’ve learned in life and in my work as a journalist to the MSAA’s efforts. We have a compelling story to tell – how do we do so to reach the widest, most influential audience? What programs can we start that will not only make us a better organization to serve clients, but will contribute to the world at large? Wrestling with those sorts of questions hopefully helps all of us at MSAA and those who use the organization, and also makes for an interesting, fulfilling experience for me and all my colleagues at MSAA.”

Anderson: “My focus as a Board member continues to be on the evolution of the MSAA as the leader in providing services to those whose lives are impacted by multiple sclerosis. The Board’s governance role in achieving that status is the result of the combined efforts of the many talented people serving on the Board, working with the very talented MSAA staff, and collaborating with other interested organizations throughout the multiple sclerosis community. Expanding revenue streams to meet the needs of the MS community and improve the services offered by MSAA is a very worthwhile and rewarding challenge, but it remains the reason I continue to serve.”

Editor’s Note: MSAA is extremely proud and honored to enlist the support of John McCorry, Jim Anderson and all of our dedicated Board Members who volunteer their time, expertise, compassion, and leadership to help us achieve our mission of improving lives today for the entire MS community. We are very grateful for their service and look forward to their continued support as we strive to serve more people in more places than ever before. Thank you once again John and Jim!

A Community for the Season

Posted on December 27, 2017 by MSAA

We’re in the heart of the holiday season and while some individuals find themselves joyously celebrating, we also hear from clients who experience feelings of distress during this time of year. The holidays can elicit some very strong emotions and concerns for some, which makes it difficult because there’s an expectancy to be cheery and elated throughout the entire season even though it can be a time of challenge and pressure, too.

For those performing holiday tasks, making preparations, and attending gatherings, this can be a stressful and exhausting time and others may not always understand why. For those not celebrating, the holidays may represent a period to have to cope with and just push through. Perspectives and experiences can be very different during the holidays, and for those who may be having a difficult time, it’s important to know that you are not alone. You can find support, comfort, and understanding from others through My MSAA Community.

“This is a great place to touch base when you need a question answered, want to vent, or just need the company of somebody who understands.”
– Community Member

My MSAA Community is a free, online peer-to-peer forum for members to share their MS experiences. The community is a safe space that allows you to post a question and get answers from members of the forum, share your MS journey, connect with others, and contribute to ongoing conversations – all from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

If you haven’t done so already, please check out My MSAA Community today!

FOLLOW MSAA ON: