Aug 04, 2009
From the President's Desk
A Time to Focus Forward
Carrie H. Nolan, President
Dear Friends:
This year, as the Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society marks 50 years of serving the MS community in our state, it is a time to reflect on the great strides that have been made in our efforts to realize a world free of MS.
Thanks to our unwavering commitment to research, there are now eight, FDA-approved therapies to stem the progression of MS, where none previously existed. People now have access to a broad and continually expanding network of programs, care management, services and resources, so those living with MS need not take on their challenges alone and can appropriately plan for their futures.
Support can take many forms, and thanks to combining innovation with technology, the MS Technology Collaborative has created a new way for people living with MS to exercise their brain power. MyBrainGames, a suite of fun, interactive games, is now available to help with cognition challenges faced by many with MS.
While it is important to recognize past achievements, it is critical that we now focus forward to ensure that the momentum does not stall. The National MS Society is currently funding more than 440 research projects worldwide, and earlier this year approved 59 additional research projects based on merit and relevance — but funding must be found. For the first time, there is not enough funds to support all the approved research.
Locally, the Chapter has experienced a 300 percent increase in requests for financial support this year. To ensure resources remain available to meet current needs, as well as support the vital work ahead, we remain committed to fostering partnerships, collaborating with other agencies, continuing advocacy efforts and engaging the community on all levels.
Recently the National MS Society updated our mission statement, which now reads, “We mobilize people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS.” We ask that you take this to heart — remain involved, become an advocate, take every opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of MS, and continue your generosity.
Know that we need you now more than ever.
By working together we will continue to drive the momentum that will assure more advances and a bright future — a future free of MS.