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.

Creative Thinking & Well-Being

By Stacie Prada

Being creative is generally accepted as a desirable trait, and the science supports it helps our well-being. When we look at our health physically, it’s often using objective measurements, lab test results, and diagnostic imaging.  They provide numerical measurements and data to compare ourselves to a healthy range for most people.

To capture emotional well-being, we use more subjective measurements that consider mood, worry, stress, happiness, and level of confidence we feel about managing our health. 

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When Creativity Finds a New Way

By Samuel Fitch

I wouldn’t consider myself a very creative person. But when I think back to my childhood, I remember being endlessly creative. I would make things out of cardboard, draw pictures for hours, and feel completely alive in that process. Back then, I truly believed I had a knack for art.

As I grew older, though, that creative spark seemed to fade. Life, responsibilities, and practicality took its place. Yet, I’ve realized creativity doesn’t disappear; it just changes form. For me, that form became journaling.

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Spotlight Your Talents in MSAA’s 2026-2027 Art Showcase

It’s that time of year again! Every year, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) hosts a digital Art Showcase, displaying the beautiful artwork and heartfelt stories of individuals with MS. Over the years, we have received many wonderful submissions from people from all over the country. We are once again hosting the Art Showcase and invite you to participate!

Beginning now until January 9, 2026, MSAA will accept visual art submissions for the 2026-2027 Art Showcase. Participants are encouraged to submit up to three pieces of artwork including but not limited to: paintings, drawings, digital artwork, and photography. Please note that all artwork must be photographed or digitally captured.

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Making the Most of Life After an MS Diagnosis

By Dr. Eva Jackson

Reflections on Life After Diagnosis

Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of hearing MS Warriors share their personal experiences following their diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Their stories offer a unique perspective on how disease has influenced their lives.

For some individuals, the initial impact of MS was minimal, allowing them to maintain their routines and activities without significant disruption. However, for others—particularly those diagnosed during more advanced stages, the effects were much more profound and immediate, altering their daily lives in meaningful ways.

Despite these varying experiences, there is a shared understanding among all of us: the importance of making the most out of life while we can. This common outlook serves as a powerful reminder to cherish each moment and embrace opportunities for fulfillment, regardless of the challenges we face.

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Amanda Chavez – MSAA’s October 2025 Artist of the Month

MSAA features the work of many talented artists affected by multiple sclerosis as part of our annual MSAA Art Showcase. Each month we share these artists’ inspiring stories and beautiful artwork with you as our Artist of the Month. This month, we celebrate Amanda Chavez as October’s Artist of the Month.  Amanda is from Anthem, AZ.

Gato Luna

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Refresh, Rewind, Release

By Monica Proctor Wilson

Self-care is not selfish.

Self-care is self-love.

It took me many years to not only understand that self-care was not selfish, but self-care was self-love and to also accept this. Of course, I had to learn the hard way. For years, I was the person burning the candle at both ends… and in the middle. I made sure everyone else was taken care of, I checked all the boxes, and I filled in all the roles. My personal theme song was “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan, which I played on repeat in my head. Say amen if you relate.

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Forms of Focus

By Stacie Prada

Life is full of distractions, disruptions, deadlines, and despair. Yet we go on. Sometimes we’re strong and excited, and other times we struggle. The measure of success isn’t an imaginary idea of being perfect.  Whether we lead, push, pull, or fall short, it’s success to keep showing up and trying. 

The ability to focus helps with test-taking, achievement, and success, yet what to focus on and when to focus are up to us in each moment. 

What does it mean to focus? Often, it’s paying attention, limiting distractions, and concentrating. Do I have to push so hard all the time? Maybe not. 

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Reset and Focus

By Samuel Fitch

When we think of the word reset, we often picture restarting a computer or a phone. Most problems on a device can be fixed with a simple restart. But when it comes to us—our physical, human selves—we don’t have that option. We can’t just shut down and start over.

What we can do, however, is reset.

Sometimes that means taking a few moments to clear your mind, breathe with intention, and refocus on the task at hand.

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Karen Pagen Cruz – MSAA’s September 2025 Artist of the Month

MSAA features the work of many talented artists affected by multiple sclerosis as part of our annual MSAA Art Showcase. Each month we share these artists’ inspiring stories and beautiful artwork with you as our Artist of the Month. This month, we celebrate Karen Pagen Cruz as September’s Artist of the Month. Karen is from Manchester, NH.

Grounded Roots

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