Help move us closer to a world free of multiple sclerosis

Every hour someone is diagnosed with MS, a chronic disease of the central nervous system for which there is no cure. Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and stops people from moving. Many have trouble imagining what their lives would be without the ability to move, but I know the effects of MS; I am a person living with MS. MS Awareness Week takes place March 8-14. I encourage people to join the movement to end MS and help people with MS move their lives forward. It’s easy to get involved. It only takes a few minutes to make a difference in the lives of the millions of people worldwide who live with this disease. Since MS became a part of our daily lives seven years ago, my family and I have been blessed with the support and help of our families and so many wonderful friends — we thank and love you all. We have also become very involved with the New Jersey Metro Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS)...the entire staff has helped us cope with both the knowns and unknowns of this unpredictable disease. They have been a tireless, unrelenting partner in our fight back against MS; a valuable resource for our physical, emotional, mental and financial needs. Our lives with MS would have taken a very different, much darker, path without our network of friends and the NMSS. Some simple things you can do: Visit national www.MSsociety.org to learn more about MS. Tell 10 people that MS Awareness Week is March 8-14 and ask them to tell 10 people they know. Sponsor a walker or cyclist in a Walk MS or Bike MS event, or participate yourself! Contact your state and federal legislators and ask them to support MS initiatives that are before them now. Progress on MS can’t wait. Move It during MS Awareness Week and move us closer to a world free of MS. Tammy Quasius Byram Township