By Dr. Eva Jackson
The Power of Advocacy
Sherry Lee Mueller once wrote that advocacy is the art of building relationships. In our MS community, advocacy empowers change, strengthens our community, and gives a voice to those who may have been previously voiceless. Those in the MS community consider March their month. The month where we can increase awareness of multiple sclerosis, who it affects, the stigmas linked to the disease, and our search for a cure.
Advocacy takes many forms, ranging from individual efforts to raise awareness to organized campaigns and support groups that strive to influence policy and advance research. At its heart, advocacy is about connecting people with resources, connecting stories to audiences, and connecting needs to solutions. For the MS community, advocacy often means speaking up, not just for oneself, but for others who may not yet have found their voice.
Influence of Public Figures
In the past few years, many famous people have been bringing awareness to the disease and revealing that they have been struggling with the illness for years. People like Montel Williams, Christina Applegate, Selma Blair, Tamia, Walter Williams from the O’Jays, and others have begun speaking up about MS and bringing awareness to the autoimmune disease that is now known to affect many regardless of race and nationality.
These celebrities play an important role in advocacy, as their public platforms allow them to reach wider audiences and inspire others to join the conversation. Their openness about living with MS helps to break down barriers, challenge misconceptions, and encourage acceptance and understanding. By sharing their journeys, they encourage others in the community to step forward, share their own stories, and become advocates. Advocacy efforts are strengthened when the community stands together, amplifying messages of hope, resilience, and determination.
Empowering Through Awareness
Advocacy also tackles the stigma surrounding MS. Education is a powerful tool to dispel myths and foster empathy. Advocates work tirelessly to ensure that accurate information about MS is available, whether through informational sessions, written materials, or online resources. This helps to educate the public, reduce fear and misunderstanding, and support those living with MS as they navigate their own challenges. By creating spaces where people feel safe to share their experiences, advocacy fosters inclusivity and community empowerment.
Advocacy is about hope. It is the driving force behind the search for better treatments and ultimately, a cure. As research advances, the MS community’s advocacy reminds us that progress is possible and that together, we can build a brighter future for everyone affected by MS.
In conclusion, advocacy in the MS community is a powerful tool for change. It raises awareness, challenges stigma, influences policy, and provides support to individuals and families. Through the art of building relationships, advocates create a united front that fights for recognition, resources, and respect. In March, let us all remember the importance of advocacy and the difference it can make in the lives of those living with MS.
Hello. My name is Dr. Eva Jackson, and I am currently a guest blogger for MSAA. I completed a Doctorate in Management, Organizational Development and Change at Colorado Technical University in Denver, Colorado. My academic background also includes a Master of Science in Leadership and a Bachelor of Art in Social Services from Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi. I have previously co-owned an event planning, catering, and decorating business called NikLiz Designs with my husband of 31 years Tim Jackson. After being diagnosed with MS, my career path changed, but I continue to provide management consulting services. In addition, I participate in crafting activities and volunteer as a Peer Connections Leader and an MS activist for the National MS Society.
