With 2.5 million people around the world – around 1 million of them Americans – diagnosed with MS, we think that having the entire month of March dedicated to MS Awareness is something to celebrate.

Now is the ideal time to learn more about this chronic neurological disease with no cure and find out what’s happening in March.

MS Awareness Week

Did you ever wonder why the MS ribbons are orange with a butterfly? Well, orange is the official color for MS awareness and the butterfly represents the shape commonly seen on an MRI brain scan of a person with MS. 

Every March 13-19 is MS Awareness Week, and this year the National MS Society will be sharing stories of those living with MS, and highlighting their experiences to “help people to better understand life with MS and become inspired to do whatever it takes to change the world for people living with MS.”

The current theme is #MSConnections, and people are sharing on social media their stories of connecting with themselves, their communities, and their healthcare teams.

MS Awareness Month

March was declared MS Awareness Month in 2015 by former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. He encouraged public officials and residents to organize and take part in events to raise awareness of those who have MS.

The MS Association of America has set the theme of “shaping the MS experience” for 2022. They’ll be presenting some online educational programs during March including webinars and podcasts, all available in a digital format with easy access from the comfort of home.

The events will all be geared towards raising awareness among the general public, lawmakers, public authorities, health professionals, and industry representatives.  Our  top picks are:

“The science behind MS” on March 17, and “Understanding progression in MS” on March 28. Don’t stress if you miss them because they’ll be recorded. 

Podcasts will include “Choosing the right MS therapy” and “3M’s of MS: Mangia, Microbiome, and Molecules.”

Don’t miss the Art Showcase 2022, celebrating the artwork of artists who suffer from MS.

5 things to focus on this March

With so much happening for MS Awareness Month and MS Awareness Week, here are the 5 key things to focus on in March.

1. Raise awareness

The month of March is all about raising awareness of what it’s like to live with MS, the varying symptoms that accompany the disease, the physical and emotional challenges, and the financial strain that people with MS face.  

2. Support research

Scientists know that for MS sufferers, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath that covers the nerve fibers in the brain, optic nerve, and spinal cord, disturbing the electrical impulses that pass between the brain and the body. However, what starts this immune reaction is still unknown, and scientists have yet to discover a cure. When we understand this, we see how essential research is in this field.   

3. Raise funds

Fundraising is a great way to ensure that people with MS get the care that they need. You can find out more about Bike MS, Walk MS, Finish MS, or Challenge Walk MS on the MS Society website. 

4. Challenge myths

March is an excellent time to educate ourselves about MS, separating fact from fiction. Why not take part in some of the events happening, educate others, and advocate for those suffering from MS?

5. Offer support

A perfect way to mark MS Awareness month is to offer emotional or practical support to someone with MS. This kindness could be driving them to a medical appointment, dropping off groceries, or chatting about their various symptoms.

Thank you for your involvement

Sometimes when just one person helps another, it can have a snowball effect. When 

Kelly-Ann and her husband Jim set out to raise awareness and funds for Kelly-Ann’s sister Christine they were humbled by those in their community that wanted to join them in their quest.

That’s how MS Happens was born. If you’d like to reach out, we’d love to connect with you.  

You can learn more on our Facebook page or send us an email [email protected]