With Valentine’s Day around the corner, these sweet treats will be sure to spread a little love. Great to share with friends, family or even just for you to enjoy. Add them to hot chocolate, coffee, or you can eat them simply on their own.
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Keith Messina – January 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 Keith Messina as January’s Artist of the Month. Keith is from Kearny, AZ.
“Inali Emotional Support”
Continue readingDon’t Miss MSAA’s Art Showcase Deadline!

Every year, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) highlights the artistic talents of the MS community in our digital Art Showcase. We have received many wonderful submissions from individuals with MS across the country and are delighted to invite the community to participate once again in MSAA’s 2025-2026 Art Showcase.
Now until January 10, 2025, individuals with MS are encouraged to submit up to three works of visual art along with their personal stories to be highlighted in MSAA’s 2025-2026 Art Showcase. We welcome various types of art including paintings, drawings, photography, and more. To participate, please visit MSAA’s Call for Submissions webpage, or email us at showcase@mymsaa.org.
Eligibility:
- To enter, you must have a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and provide a doctor’s verification of your diagnosis. Please note that if you are a returning artist for MSAA’s Art Showcase, you can disregard this step.
- Participants must be 18 years of age or older as of the date of entry and must be legal residents of the United States.
- All entrants must submit a signed Release Form. This can be completed online or printed and emailed to showcase@mymsaa.org.
Please be sure to read through all Art Showcase rules and release form requirements prior to submitting your work.
Eligible submissions will be featured on MSAA’s website beginning in March 2025 in recognition of MS Awareness Month. Throughout the year, 12 artists and their work will be highlighted as Artists of the Month. To view submissions from previous Art Showcases, please visit our online gallery.
MSAA’s 2024-2025 Art Showcase recently won a Silver Digital Health Award! To learn more about this accomplishment, please read MSAA’s Latest News article.
A Global Day of Giving: Today is Giving Tuesday!
Today, Tuesday, December 3rd, MSAA honors Giving Tuesday – a global initiative that promotes generosity and community engagement for nonprofits and charitable organizations. Days like today are critical for MSAA, as they promote support of our organization so that we may continue to provide free programs and services to the MS community.
During this busy time of year, members of the MS community need MSAA’s help more than ever – from assistive equipment for safety and mobility, to support and resources through MSAA’s Helpline specialists. In addition, MSAA’s educational programs, publications, webinars, videos, and podcasts provide a great deal of information on a wide range of topics, from symptoms and treatments, to physical and emotional wellness, and so much more. Our mission of Improving Lives Today is ongoing, and it is made possible due to the generosity of our donors.
Giving Tuesday is the perfect time to make a meaningful donation to MSAA. Your gift truly helps to support those affected by MS. If you would like to make a donation today, please visit mymsaa.org/donate. We greatly appreciate your support!
Team MSAA and runDisney Participant Highlight: Ashlei Brown
Four years ago, Ashlei Brown ran her first endurance event as part of Team MSAA. The view was about as good as it could get – EPCOT.
In July, Ashlei shared her struggles with a severe MS flare that she experienced in 2020.
“2020 I was in the biggest episode of my life, hardly able to walk. I was stressed about moving my family across state lines from Florida to Tennessee into unfamiliar territory with no extended family to lean on… in the middle of COVID. My MS is completely under control now, thanks to the amazing people at @VUMChealth.
I think it’s time to run again for @MSassociation”
We wanted to hear more about Ashlei’s journey with Team MSAA, and what inspired her to run again at Disney.
Continue readingHealthier and Better Dinner and Movie Staycation
I recently went out to town with my family to have dinner and see a movie in theaters. Although it was fun to have some good food and see a movie on the big screen with movie theater popcorn (and butter), I couldn’t help but think how easy it is to recreate a similar experience at home, and at a fraction of the cost and probably a bit healthier. Here are some tips to have dinner and a movie at your own home!
Continue readingRomanticizing A Slow Summer
Ah, summer. This time of year tends to have connotations that having exciting plans, going on adventures, and traveling, is essential. Now don’t get me wrong, experiencing the season to its fullest can be fantastic, however, having a memorable summer doesn’t mean that traveling to lavish places or splurging on expensive excursions is necessary. In fact, you don’t need much to create a noteworthy summer. Focusing on the small things of life can really bring about so much joy and peace.
Continue readingStaycation Tips and Tricks: Relax, Explore, and Enjoy Your Own Backyard
Staycations, or vacations spent at home or nearby, can be both enjoyable and cost-effective. While they are often perceived as lacking adventure or being boring, this is far from the truth. Staycations can offer unique experiences full of discovery and exploration. A well-planned staycation can be convenient, creative, and can save both stress and money.
Continue readingSurviving Summer
This summer has been incredibly hot across the nation. Possibly due to global warming. Heat waves have been unusually common this year. Staying active in summer can be a challenging task but there are ways you can beat the heat. With some of the tips below, these tips may ensure you are able to continue with your daily routines and exercise regimes.
Continue readingI can. I will. I Did.
Being active is hard. The thought of starting a fitness journey can be nerve-wracking, stressful, and tiring, amongst so many other things. As an individual with an auto immune disorder, staying consistent with a health and fitness regime can feel mentally and physically draining. Having the strength to start a workout and continue when your body constantly feels fatigued and weak is an obstacle like no other. But it is not impossible. As a matter of fact, the more I remain active, the stronger and more capable I feel of pushing my strength to its limits.
The thought of starting a fitness journey, especially in the heat of the summer months, may be daunting. Luckily, there are so many ways to be active while beating the heat – you just have to think creatively!
Here are some fun ideas that may assist you in remaining active this summer:
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