National MS Society

"After being diagnosed in 2003, I hid my diagnosis for seventeen years, from colleagues at work and in graduate school. I didn't want to be excluded from opportunities for advancement. In ruthlessly competitive environments, people will use anything to discredit you, so I had to keep my MS a secret for many years. For example, I'd throw up on airplanes due to the MS vertigo from my cerebellar lesions, and still pretend to be okay an hour after during business conferences, taking the most notes and paying the most attention to details as corporate project manager. In fact, because of my secret MS, I'd overcompensate on performance, taking on more work than my colleagues, and always working with a smile on my face, while my peers complained about the workload. Now that I am in my forties, I realize that even if MS puts me in a wheelchair, MS cannot take away my work ethic, my fighting spirit, and my positive attitude." Many with MS struggle with the decision to disclose their diagnosis like Mi did. When she was first diagnosed, she said that seeing organizations like the National MS Society helped her gain greater confidence in her self-worth. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. No two situations are the same, and it's necessary to carefully think about their decision to disclose their diagnosis at work and the reasons for telling certain people.

Decades ago, it could take 4-5 years to diagnose multiple sclerosis. Today it’s down to months. And soon, it'll become easier and faster. In 2001, the Society set the standard for how we diagnose MS by bringing together MS leaders from around the world to create the original diagnostic criteria for MS, the McDonald Criteria. Since then, the criteria have been updated several times - including last year. Read more from Society CEO Dr. Tim Coetzee about this new chapter of MS treatment: https://lnkd.in/gGzBsYP6

The Hispanic/Latinx MS Experience Summit is only 1 week away! Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect, learn and empower yourself or your loved one living with MS. Together, we’ll support one another as a community and gain the skills needed to make life with MS better. Register now for the Summit on October 10 at: https://lnkd.in/ghYsBiwa

You've got questions, our #AskAnMSExpert team's got answers! Tune in to the National MS Society's Facebook and YouTube pages every Thursday at 12 p.m. ET to join the conversation. This month we'll cover: ➡️ Open Enrollment: Understanding Medicare Part D ➡️ Periodo de inscripción: parte D de Medicare ➡️ Gut Health and MS ➡️ Off Label Medications and MS

The Hispanic/Latinx MS Experience Summit on October 10 offers the perfect space to delve deeper into the Hispanic/Latinx MS community’s unique experiences. With sessions in both English and Spanish, you’ll learn about the latest information from healthcare experts, gain the confidence to advocate for yourself, hear from others with similar experiences, and find community to help you manage life with MS. Learn more at: https://lnkd.in/ghYsBiwa

How do members of the National MS Society make an impact? Hear how the National MS Society has been able to use the gifts we receive to empower people like Anuska, Heidi, and Adriana. Join or renew now to help us continue to make these stories possible: https://lnkd.in/gSPPBgMe

At #ECTRIMS2024, over 9,000 researchers, specialists, and advocates came together for the world's largest MS research meeting. One highlight of this year's conference is the new diagnostic criteria for MS - a change that will help speed up MS diagnoses and help people get treatment faster. Listen to Society CEO Tim Coetzee talk more about it.

Learning about the phenotypes of MS will help us have a better understanding of what biologically drives MS in each person and allow for more personalized treatment. Listen to Society Executive Vice President of Research Bruce Bebo talk more on it here. #ECTRIMS2024

Today is the last day of ECTRIMS, the world’s largest MS research meeting. The breakthroughs we’re seeing wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for worldwide collaboration. Kevin Deane, MD, PhD, is one such researcher who has used research from other diseases to help find breakthroughs with MS research.

Happening TOMORROW: ECTRIMS Patient Community Day is almost here! Tune in for two interactive sessions exploring MS research and treatment, promising new therapies, and lifestyle changes that could impact you. Don’t miss it! Register now: : https://lnkd.in/eXfC9J8t