National Multiple Sclerosis Society New York

We will cure MS while empowering people affected by MS to live their best lives.

When Sylvia Lawry's brother, Bernard, began experiencing visual and balance problems in 1945, she placed a classified advertisement in The New York Times. At the time, MS was neglected and poorly understood. Sylvia realized the need for an organized effort to encourage and finance research into the cause, treatment, and cure of multiple sclerosis. On March 11, 1946, Ms. Lawry, a young woman without a scientific background, gathered 20 of the nation's most prominent scientists and medical experts and founded what would become the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Now, the Society brings the MS movement together—and turns our power and passion into real results. What began over 75 years ago as one woman's vision and commitment is now a nationwide organization leading the global charge to create a world free of MS.

• The National MS Society is the world’s leading private funder of MS research, investing more than $1 billion since 1946.
• Every effective MS treatment available today, including the first therapies for primary progressive and pediatric MS, were paved by the Society.
• Over 1,000 researchers who have been behind nearly every major breakthrough and treatment in MS have advanced their careers through the Society.
• 8.7 million people have joined the MS movement and receive life-changing information and support and the opportunity to raise their voice through their connection to the Society.

No one should face MS alone. The National MS Society is here so that no one has to.

The Pacific South Coast Chapter of the National MS Society serves as a critical resource for the nearly 10,000 individuals diagnosed with MS - and their families - living in Orange County and surrounding areas. The Pacific South Coast chapter provides services through the MS Navigator and Pathways to Wellness programs, and via the Orange County Community Council, a group of passionate volunteers dedicated to connecting people to the resources and community of the National MS Society.

Our chapter also facilitates 18 local self-help groups, and provides connections to local healthcare providers via our Partners in MS Care program. We provide additional resources including caregiver support, peer connections, and direct financial assistance to individuals for items such as mobility devices and accessible ramps. We are committed to providing resources and support to everyone affected by MS, especially Veterans and those in underserved communities.

On a national scale, the National MS Society achieved the following impacts last year:

• 62.6% of people with MS in the United States are connected to the National MS Society
• The MS Navigator Program served a total of 46,799 individuals
• 299,212 people have connected with the Society for the first time
• The Society’s MS clinical fellowship program trained 29 neurologists or physiatrists to increase access to high-quality MS care. An estimated 4,000 people with MS will benefit from this specialized MS care.
• 41,182 MS activists sent over 36,000 communications to legislator offices and held over 320 meetings with elected officials resulting in the passage of over 35 pieces of legislation

Your support will provide services to help people affected by MS live their best lives and fund research initiatives to stop MS in its tracks, restore what has been lost and end MS forever. Your gift will help fund the following needs:

• Expand our reach and meet people where they are – offering information, support and connections (all free of charge) through channels they choose that considers diverse backgrounds, preferences and behaviors.
• Become a welcoming place for all people affected by MS and represent their unique needs and experiences to ensure access to high-quality healthcare and culturally relevant support.
• Provide veterans affected by MS with the relevant information, support and connections they need to live well, while advocating on their behalf, expanding their access to high-quality healthcare and securing vital MS research funding.
• Address workforce barriers and attract the best and brightest to focus their energy and intellect on MS.
• Expand and deepen engagement with MS healthcare providers, pinpoint and address disparities, advocate for legislative solutions, and empower people to be strong self-advocates.

The Pacific South Coast Chapter of the National MS Society serves all of Orange County, where an estimated 9,968 people living with MS, and their families, reside. Additionally, it serves individuals affected by MS in the San Diego and Imperial Counties and the state of Hawaii.