News Bulletin - 042000

If you've already participated in the MS WALK on Sunday, April 9, or are getting ready to lace up your shoes for the WALK on Sunday, May 7, it's vital that you know how funds raised through these events help in the fight against the disease.

Finding a cure for multiple sclerosis is a top priority for the National MS Society. Only a few years ago, there were no treatments that could alter the course of MS. Now, there are three drugs-Avonex, Betaseron and Copaxone-that can reduce attacks and slow progression of disability for some people with multiple sclerosis. In its new consensus statement, the Society recommends that therapy with one of these agents begin as soon as possible following the definite diagnosis of MS and the determination of a relapsing remitting course of the disease.

In addition to supporting the research on these new agents, the National MS Society works to end the devastating effects of MS, in part by funding more MS research than any other voluntary health agency in the world. Since it's founding in 1946, the Society has invested more than $284 million in scientific studies. In 2000 alone, the Society will invest $25 million to support more than 300 MS researchers working in the United States and abroad.

Some 76 % of Society expenses are allocated to research, services programs that help people with MS and their families, and to public and professional education. Sixty cents of every dollar stays in the community in which it was raised.

In local communities throughout the Delaware Valley, the Society helps families deal with the strain of chronic illness in so many ways. . The organization helps people with MS get and keep jobs, provides accurate and up-to-date information about MS, provides free counseling, runs self help groups, advocates for people with disabilities, refers people to medical professionals with expertise in the disease and encourages personal empowerment in every way.

For more information about the programs, services or research supported by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, please call us at 1-800-548-4611. Or, help us do even more and make steps to the nearest MS WALK on Sunday, May 7, 2000. Register online at www.walk4ms.org.

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