In addition to the official start of summer, we have so much to celebrate this month: continued access to critical care for all Americans, an exciting new discovery in research, 25 years of Walk MS and more! Keep up with all the exciting Society news by visiting MSnorthwest.org.
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Scientists discover immune system network in brain
Scientists from the University of Virginia have uncovered evidence of a previously unrecognized network of vessels that facilitate immune system activity in the brain. This potentially groundbreaking discovery will lead to further research to understand how and whether lymphatic vessels play a role in multiple sclerosis, and whether their existence presents new opportunities for stopping immune attacks involved in MS.
Tax credits for all eligible Americans
On June 25, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that the Affordable Care Act authorized federal tax credits for eligible Americans living not only in states with their own exchanges, but also in the 34 states with federal marketplaces.
25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
July 26, 2015, marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act—a groundbreaking law that helped pave the way for much of today’s accessible landscape: curb cuts, ramps, automatic doors, braille on ATM machines, beeping sounds on city street crosswalks, accessible bathrooms in airports and more.
66 local students receive scholarships
The Society's scholarship program helps highly qualified students who live with MS or have a parent with MS achieve their dreams of going to college. This year, the Chapter Scholarship Committee reviewed 90 applications from students across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, and Washington and awarded 66 scholarships for the 2015/2016 school year. Meet a few of those scholars and read about how former scholars remain involved in the Society.
Celebrating 25 years of Walk MS
2015 also marked the 25th anniversary of Walk MS in the Northwest and it was another successful year of connecting people and communities in the MS movement. More than 12,000 participants raised $1.93 million to bring us closer to a world free of multiple sclerosis. And, as you can see in the photos, a good time was had by all! Thank you!
Bike MS season kicked off at the end of May in Girdwood, Alaska, where more than 104 cyclists raised $103,000. And, for the first time in years, the sun came out and joined us, too. Congratulations to everyone who conquered the route—especially the record number of cyclists who attempted 100 miles.
