MS can take a terrible toll on the family, emotionally and financially. The economic impact is substantial. Direct and indirect costs of MS, including lost wages, (even for those with insurance coverage) are estimated at more than $69,000 annually, with a total lifetime cost per family of $3 million. These challenges make funding a college education that much harder.

According to one of our scholarship recipients in speaking of how MS has impacted their life they stated, “In every way possible.” She said that due to the changes in her family’s life everyone has had to make major adjustments to the life they once knew. She mentions that “Even though the negatives outweigh the positives in this situation, we try our best on a regular basis to modify our outlook on things, and appreciate the positive things we are blessed to have in our lives.” The greatest impact mentioned by the applicants was the financial toll on their family income. This led them to take on part-time jobs in addition to their education and extra-curricular activities to supplement the family income.

Program Continues To Grow Across The Country
The Society established its scholarship program six years ago, and the program continues to grow both in terms of support and scholarships awarded. In 2008, 518 awards totaling $1,140,750 were presented to people with MS or their children entering an accredited post-secondary educational program. Applications are evaluated based on financial need, academic record, leadership and volunteer activities, a statement of educational and career goals and letters of recommendation. Applicants are also asked to provide a personal statement describing the impact MS has had on their life. Most scholarships cover one year and are non-renewable. Scholarships are awarded to students across the country and range from $1,000 to $3,000.

“For the Turnbull, Stein and Markovetz families and the hundreds of thousands diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) across the country, there are very few known sources of scholarship assistance specially targeted for these families,” said Carrie Nolan, Colorado Chapter President. “MS shouldn’t stand in the way of an education, and we are hopeful this program will give families some relief.”

The National MS Society Scholarship Program is administered by Scholarship America. Scholarship applications for 2010 will be available on the National MS Society website beginning October 15, 2009. The 2010 application process will close on January 15, 2010. For more information about the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, call 1-800-344-4867 or visit www.nationalMSsociety.org. To receive an application, call 1-800-537-4180, ext. 471 or visit the Society website.

About the Colorado Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society
The Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society was founded in 1959 and provides comprehensive programs and advocacy statewide to assist and empower more than 72,000 Coloradans affected by MS annually. The Colorado Chapter is also a driving force of research for the prevention, treatment and cure of MS and contributes funds to support 440 National MS Society research projects worldwide – eight of which are located in Colorado. The Chapter has offices in Denver, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs and Grand Junction serving the Colorado community.

About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and stops people from moving. Every hour in the United States, someone is newly diagnosed with MS, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with more than twice as many women as men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S. and 2.5 million worldwide.

Early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. Learn about your options by talking to your health care professional and contacting the National MS Society at www.nationalMSsociety.org or 1-800-FIGHT-MS (344-4867).